Barriere Star Journal, December 25, 2014

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Volume 40, Issue 52

www.starjournal.net

$1.35 Includes GST

PM0040030872

2014 CCNA

Hunters protest shift favouring non-residents ..... page 7

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Jill Hayward

Tour the Christmas lights at night

Take the family for a drive when its dark outside to see all the colourful Christmas displays around town. Don’t forget the subdivisions and side roads where you’ll find brilliant gems like this one just east of Barriere Town Road across from the Employment office.

Yellowhead’s environmental assessment app accepted for review

Frost covered river bank

..... page 6

Mental health for children and youth

Area resident Ellen Monteith sent in this interesting photo of the frost that descended overnight Dec. 16. The photo was taken along the Barriere River.

Get the help you need

..... page 9

Submitted photo: Ellen Monteith

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S E R V I N G T H E N O RT H T H O M P S O N VA L L E Y F R O M H E F F L E Y C R E E K TO B L U E R I V E R

New Years Eve Bullarama A WESTERN FUNDRAISER FOR THE FARM KIDS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

7Doors open at 6pm • Bullarama 7pm •New Year’s Eve Dance to follow NT Agriplex, Barriere

Tickets available at: www.farmkidsfund.ca , the Star/Journal (Barriere) or the Horse Barn (Kamloops).

Bullarama and New Year’s Party (19+): $50 Bullarama only: $30 • 12 & under (bullarama only): Free NEWS·TALK·SPORTS

A2 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal

Site C dam construction to start next summer on the Peace River

By Tom Fletcher Black Press

The B.C. government has given the go-ahead for BC Hydro to start construction on a third dam on the Peace River, with a delay of six months to try to work out settlements with area aboriginal communities and landowners whose properties will be flooded or cut off.

Energy Minister Bill Bennett said Tuesday a review of construction costs

upheld the $7.9 billion estimate for the Site C dam that was developed in 2010, but the overall price tag has risen.

Delaying the project six months from its original start date adds inflation and interest costs, and calculating the effect of the provincial sales tax replacing the HST brings the total to $8.34 billion.

The province is establishing a “project reserve” of $440 million to bring the total estimated cost

to $8.77 billion. The project reserve is in case of unforeseen events such as a rise interest rates during the eight-year construction period.

BC Hydro CEO Jessica McDonald said the six-month delay provides time to work out compensation agreements with Treaty 8 First Nations who have declined settlement offers. The federalprovincial environmental review panel gave the go-ahead for the project in

CHECK US OUT

www.barrierefire.com Notice of Holiday Hours of Operation The Thompson-Nicola Regional District offices located in Kamloops and Clearwater will be closed from 1:00 p.m. on December 24, 2014 through to January 1, 2014 inclusive, re-opening on January 2, 2015.

The TNRD would also like to advise of the following holiday closures: All TNRD Libraries will be closed on December 25th, 26th and January 1st. Please visit www.tnrdlib.ca to see the hours of operation for your local library branch and the Bookmobile.

The Agate Bay, Little Fort, Louis Creek, Heffley Creek and McLure solid waste facilities will be closed on December 25th & 26th and on January 1st. Please visit the TNRD website at www.tnrd.ca for scheduled hours of operation for these facilities.

In the event of an emergency at a TNRD utility system (Black Pines, Evergreen or Maple Mission) during the office closure, please call (250) 318-7515.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season.

Board of Directors

May, but noted its unavoidable impacts on aboriginal hunting, fishing and trapping rights that are assured by the 1899 treaty.

A group of Peace valley landowners has already started legal action against the project, having refused offers from BC Hydro to buy their land. Aboriginal groups in Alberta, downstream of the project, have also started court action against it.

NDP leader John Horgan called the decision “a $9 billion gamble” and repeated his call for a review by the B.C. Utilities Commission to see if the additional power is going to be needed by the time the dam is operating in 2025.

The BCUC will determine BC Hydro rates in the years ahead, and how much they will go up to pay for the most expensive public construction project in B.C. history. The government plans to mitigate BC Hydro rate impact by reducing the dividend the government takes from the power company’s operations each year.

Bennett said a review of alternative clean energy sources, including wind, solar and geothermal power, showed they can’t compete on price because they are intermittent sources that would require backup power.

Tom Fletcher/Black Press

Energy Minister Bill Bennett, BC Hydro CEO Jessica McDonald and Premier Christy Clark announce decision to proceed with the Site C dam on the Peace River at the B.C. legislature Tuesday.

BC Hydro

Latest design for the Site C dam near Fort St. John, the third dam on the Peace River, would create a reservoir 83 km long and about twice the width of the existing river.

NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE Theoffice Districtwill office be CLOSED 2pm Dec24 24thth,, 2014 2014 until The District bewill CLOSED fromfrom 2pm ononDec until nd nd2 , 2015 at 8:30am. resuming regular office hours on Jan resuming regular office hours on Jan 2 , 2015 at 8:30am.

One exception the opening of the office Dec31 31stst,, 2014 2014 for One exception will be will thebe opening of the office ononDec forthe the purpose of accepting BILL PAYMENTS ONLY from 8:30am to 3:30pm. purpose of accepting BILL PAYMENTS ONLY from 8:30am to 3:30pm. th, 2015 Want informed? to be more informed? next Council Meeting is Jan. 7pm––held held at Want to be more The nextThe Council Meeting is Jan. 5th, 52015 at at7pm at “the “theRidge” Ridge”

Submitted photo:

On the Federal campaign trail Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo NDP candidate Bill Sundhu continues his pre-election campaign with stops in the North Thompson communities of Clearwater and Barriere. Sundhu is pictured last Sunday in Barriere at an informal NDP get together in the home of Mel and Thelma Schmidt discussing a number of topics with area resident Josie Wilson.

North Thompson Star/Journal December 25, 2014

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NDP blasts lottery corporation spending

By Tom Fletcher Black Press A financial review of B.C. Lottery Corp. put a sunny face on an organization that continues to waste money and have significant gaps in control of illegal activities, NDP gambling critic David Eby says.

Among the findings of the review were that BCLC costs have been rising faster than revenues from casinos and lotteries, four departing executives received 18 months severance pay regardless of their length of service, and a test of retailers found that 40 per cent of them sold lottery tickets to minors.

Finance Minister Mike de Jong released the report Wednesday in Kamloops, with BCLC board chair Bud Smith describing an overhaul of the corporation’s human resources department after a staff buyout program that was designed to save $6.6 million, but ended up costing $25 million.

The corporation offered early retirement and severance packages to employees aged 50 and older, expecting to eliminate 68 positions. The offer was accepted by 142 employees, and de Jong admitted that BCLC will have to hire more staff to fill some of the unexpected vacancies.

The program was “not a particularly shining example” of management, he said.

Eby also noted that since BCLC stopped paying for a dedicated RCMP group to investigate money laundering, suspicious cash transactions in B.C. casinos have doubled, “and to my knowledge there has not been a single charge at a B.C. casino related to money laundering.”

De Jong said the increase in reports to Ottawa of large cash transactions are in part due to a better system for detecting them.

“There are some big rollers out there who travel from Macao to Vegas to Vancouver, who are used to transacting their gaming in cash,” de Jong said.

Eby also highlighted an “employee recognition” program that paid out $217,000 last year in cash, gift cards and merchandise, and a catered corporate box at the Rogers Centre in Vancouver.

“This is money that is taken from hospitals, schools and public programs to pay for BCLC executives to go to Canucks games,” he said.

The audit also showed that BCLC’s venture into online poker and gambling, PlayNow. com, is bringing in only three per cent of the corporation’s revenues after five years of operation.

TRU tackles carbon footprint

By Dale Bass Kamloops This Week Thompson Rivers University has taken a hard look at its carbon footprint — and has plans to reduce it in coming years.

The university has reduced its building-energy consumption by 12 per cent since 2009 — at an estimated savings of $225,000 each year — but wants to see a greater reduction.

As part of its 85-page strategic sustainability plan released this week, TRU has set a goal of cutting its greenhouse-gas emissions by 25 per cent by 2016 and by 33 per cent by 2022.

It also wants to see a change in the way students, faculty and staff get to the campus.

In 2010, 45 per cent arrived as the single occupant in a vehicle, 25 per cent walked or biked, 17 per cent used a carpooling option and 13 per cent used transit.

The plan sets new goals to be in place by 2019, with a reduction in single-occupant vehicle travel to 30 per cent, an increase in transit to 30 per cent, 15 per cent coming through a carpool and 25 per cent walking or biking.

The report estimates the annual waste per- full-time-equivalent student to be 210 kilograms, generating a total waste of 1,640 tonnes. That area is also to be addressed in coming years.

That will include initiatives to minimize waste; divert materials

from landfills or an incinerator through recycling, composting, reusing, donating or reselling; create zero-waste stations at ceremonies and events; replace paper hand towels in washrooms with electric hand dryers; and create a collection program that will expand composting to the Campus Activity Centre.

The report also discusses creating on-campus gardens, shifting to locally sourced foods and produce and creating environ-

mentally friendly policies wherever possible.

Jim Gudjonson, the university’s director of environment and sustainability, said the plan was created with outcomes that are “achievable, measurable and time-bound.

“The plan is progressive and, what’s most important, is that we have campus-wide buy-in on this,” he said.

“It’s a ground-up and topdown plan and it has full support, which means we will have the support of faculty, staff and students.”

In announcing the new plan, Gudjonson’s department noted the movement toward increased sustainability has been triggered, in part, by changing student attitudes.

It pointed to a Princeton Review study that shows 61 pert cent of prospective students said an environmental commitment is one of the factors they will consider when choosing a post-secondary school.

Don’t forget we have moved are new address is

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Barriere, BC Give us a call if you need directions!!

250-672-5611

Vancouver Metro

NDP gambling critic David Eby

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Baby!

Babies of 2014

In our January 8th edition, the Star/Journal will celebrate babIeS born In 2014

Don’t miss the chance to share your excitement by announcing the arrival of a new member of the family!

Submit the following information along with a clear photo

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• name • Phone • baby’s First name • baby’s Middle name • baby’s Last name • Date of birth • Parents First & Last names Deadline for your entry is Dec. 31st, 2014 • phone 250 672-5611 or drop in at 10-4353 Conner road

Bring on the Babies!

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OPINION Editorial;

The North Thompson STAR/JOURNAL

Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal Unit 10 - 4353 Connor Road, Box 1020, Barriere, B.C., V0E 1E0 250-672-5611

by Tom Fletcher

Climate talks end 2014 in disarray VICTORIA – In case you missed the outcome of the latest United Nations climate change conference in Lima, Peru, it was another costly, embarrassing failure.

This one is likely to be remembered mostly for a staggeringly stupid stunt by Greenpeace employees, who were threatened with prosecution for defacing the Nazca Lines, a world heritage site in the Peruvian desert.

These vast 1,500-year-old petroglyphs, visible from space, are among the great mysteries of archaeology. “Time for a change!” blared huge yellow letters dragged across the sacred site by paid protesters trampling the delicate terrain. I’ll say it’s time for a change, starting with scratching Greenpeace off your Christmas card list.

Earlier there was the spectacle of Canada’s national media, reflexively denouncing Ottawa’s supposed inaction on greenhouse gases after U.S. President Barack Obama unveiled a surprise climate agreement with China in advance of Peru.

“Over to you, Mr. Prime Minister,” chirped CBC anchor Wendy Mesley, joining other TV networks in falsely portraying the U.S. deal as a breakthrough.

This non-binding gesture soon produced many cartoons, one of which shows Obama stripped to his underwear in a poker game with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is surrounded by a pile of chips and an American flag.

The U.S.-China announcement served as a preview of Peru, where developing countries would again refuse any substantive restrictions on their fuel use. China graciously agreed to continue ramping up its world-leading greenhouse gas emissions until 2030, while lame-duck Obama pretended he could commit the U.S. to further reductions.

Between them, the U.S. and China account for about half of global humancaused carbon emissions. Due mostly to the surge from China and India, Canada’s share has fallen from two per cent to 1.5, which should help put all those “tar sands” protests into perspective.

Days later, Environment Canada released its latest national emission statistics, an event ignored by most media.

“Between 2005 and 2012, total Canadian GHG emissions decreased by 5.1 per cent, while the economy grew by 10.6 per cent over the same period,” the report states.

B.C. Environment Minister Mary Polak joined the throngs who jetted to Lima.

There she met officials from California and other U.S. states to re-announce their modest efforts to put a price on carbon emissions. TV anchors and other wide-eyed innocents might have been left with the mistaken impression that the huge U.S. petroleum industry is cutting back, when in fact it has grown enormously thanks to shale oil and gas production.

And California continues to produce, by its own state government measure, the most carbon-intensive heavy crude in North America.

Overshadowing all of this is the drop in the world price of oil, mainly the result of Saudi Arabia flooding the market in an effort to push competitors out of business.

In the latest sign of the U.S. public’s lack of interest in reducing emissions, sales of larger vehicles immediately spiked up as gasoline prices fell.

I’m still receiving criticism for a recent column in which I declared myself an “agnostic” on human-caused global warming. Agnostic means searcher, and my search has continued for real signs of climate change and its potential causes.

Our glaciers are receding, no question, but the current trend started around the 1850s, when a sport utility vehicle had one horsepower in leather harness and B.C. was about to be declared a British colony.

But amid the noise, there is serious evidence being put forward that our province is undergoing a climate shift with major consequences. And there are calls for action.

I’ll discuss that next week.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @tomfletcherbc Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca

Climate change and moral superiority To the editor; Re: Global warming stalled politically too (B.C. Views, Nov. 13).

I’m glad to hear there are a few skeptics out there. I often feel as if I’m trapped behind enemy lines here on Vancouver Island.

I guess the reason is that skeptics who have some scientific knowledge tend to be hesitant about making absolute statements about future climate trends and their economic effects, while the warmists respond with passionate certainty backed up with an air of moral superiority.

I get blank stares when I point out that we are standing on a glacial outwash fan that was under two kilometres of ice when our First Nation ancestors were chasing reindeer in Europe.

Now THAT was global warming.

Wonder how we caused that.

Dick Robertson Comox, B.C. The STAR/JOURNAL welcomes all letters to the editor. We do, however, reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters over matters of libel, legality, taste, brevity, style or clarity. While all letters must be signed upon submission, writers may elect to withhold their names from publication in special circumstances. Drop your letter off at the Star/ Journal Office, fax it to 672-9900, mail it to Box 1020, Barriere, VOE 1EO, or email to news@starjournal.net.

The North Thompson Star/Journal is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, P.O. Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C., V9G 1A9. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

CMCA AUDITED

Al Kirkwood Publisher

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Jill Hayward Editor

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Carrier delivery $49.00 plus GST Postal delivery $55.00 plus GST The North Thompson Star/Journal is published each Thursday by Cariboo Press (1969) Ltd. in Barriere, B.C. We welcome readers’ articles, photographs, comments and letters. All contents are copyright and any reproduction is strictly prohibited by the rightsholder.

North Thompson Star/Journal December 25, 2014

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Guest Shot:

Delving into price disparity

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Jill Hayward

Volunteers bringing Christmas to many

(l-r) Lorraine Thorn, Rita Cornish, Laura Campbell and Antoon Houben take a quick break for a photo while filling Christmas Hampers at the Barriere Food Bank on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Hampers went out the next day.

Wake up and make our roads safer!

To the editor; Open letter to Transportation Minister Todd Stone: I am copying this letter to a number of people because I want something done. Are you the person to make changes?

It is time that people stop dying on our roads.

I am sick and tired of everyone blaming speed for the deaths that are occurring on our highways in the winter. I am not saying none of the accidents are caused by speed, but I am saying most of the accidents are caused by lack of maintenance on our roads.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, I drove from Agassiz to the B.C./Alberta border in Jasper.

Some of the roads were bare and dry, but a great amount of the roads were under solid ice after one week of sunny, cold weather.

In a 200-kilometre stretch of road, I saw seven vehicles in the ditch. About a foot of snow fell exactly one week prior to my going on this job.

After the snow stopped, the sun came out and was still out when I did my trip.

Anyone with half a brain would realize that: • Leaving two inches of snow on the road means traffic will pack it down and turn it to ice, which is still there weeks later. As long as the ice is there, you have to keep socking the sand to it.

• When you are shovelling your own driveway, you don’t leave two inches of snow. You try your best to remove as much snow as possible or it would turn to ice, causing you to fall and risk breaking your neck.

• If you put your blade right down on your snowplough and clear the snow off the road, then lay some sand (nothing else is necessary when your temperatures are that cold), vehicles will chew up the last remnants of snow via the interaction between tires and sand.

• Some of your highways crews are using their men and equipment to do other jobs.

I really don’t have a problem with that, as everyone has to make a dollar. Besides, that can help pay for replacement blades. What I do have a problem with is seeing highway crews cleaning private driveways when the highways have not first been attended to.

• Choosing to allow people to die rather than putting the blade all the way down should be a crime.

Hopefully, that has given you a picture of what the roads are like.

People are dying. Children are going to bed without their parents thanks to poor road maintenance.

Don’t think I am being dramatic. This is happening. Going onto the highways in B.C. is like going to war. You don’t know if you will return.

The sad part is that it doesn’t have to be this way.

We pay huge road taxes in this province. We are entitled to drive on safe roads.

Yes, we have to slow down.

Yes, we have to drive to the conditions.

We recently had freezing rain in our area, therefore, we expect the roads to be bad and we drive accordingly.

I am not a scientist, nor do I profess to being a genius but, if there has been no snow in a solid week, a person should expect the roads to be in tiptop shape.

You are the minister of transportation. You accepted that post. I am writing to you, expecting you to fix the problem.

A couple of other things I think worth mentioning: • I wrote you an email last winter and did not receive a response. The highways are even worse this year.

• A truck driver made a very good point the other day. He said when he loses a few hours due to bad roads or incidents occurring that prevent him from doing his job in a timely manner, this costs the company money.

Therefore the economy slows down. Think about it. He was right.

I could go on and on, but I am going to just say, in closing, that I am angry.

I am extremely sad for those who have lost friends and family.

Most of all, I am disgusted to think our government is so darned lethargic about the whole issue.

Wake up, Mr. Stone.

If you would be so kind to just hit “reply” on your email so I know you have taken the time to read this letter all the way through, I would certainly appreciate it.

If you don’t hit reply, how can I know if you are a concerned politician?

Heather Green Logan Lake, B.C.

Holidays Hours

We will be closed dec. 31 and Jan. 1

Bag Lady Enterprises

Depot

4365 Borthwick Ave. Barriere - BC

Are there legitimate reasons the price of so many identical items varies greatly between Canada and the United States?

If a laptop computer in Canada costs $200 more than its identical counterpart in the U.S., can retailers offer an explanation that will make sense to consumers?

More importantly, can retailers convince the federal government there is logic behind price disparities? They had better be able to as the Conservative government has taken steps to find out if the price gap equates to gouging.

This week, Industry Minister James Moore announced details of legislation that will give the Commissioner of Competition the power to convince companies to lower the price on items sold in Canada.

Many reasons have been cited for the often significant difference in the prices — taxes, the exchange rate and the wages paid in each country.

However, as the Conservatives noted in their 2014 budget, independent studies verified Canadians were paying between 10 and 25 per cent more than Americans for most products in 2011.

That fact remained after higher Canadian sales taxes and exchange-rate adjustments were calculated.

A few years ago, when the Canadian dollar reached par with the U.S. greenback (and even rose higher in value), booksellers announced a change in pricing.

Books that were historically much more expensive in Canada had their prices changed to match the cover price on the titles sold south of the border.

If the Conservative government finds that Canadians are paying more for a product that is cheaper in the U.S. simply because companies can get away with it, perhaps electronics and other goods will see similar price-tag changes.

It would be one more reason to continue to shop local — from coast to coast to coast. ~ Kamloops This Week

Happy New Year

New Years Eve Party December 31 • 8pm DJ Music • Snacks • Drink Specials Barriere Legion Branch 242

Regular Hours: 10AM - 4PM Daily Closed Sundays

681 Shaver Road, Barriere, BC

250-672-5913

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Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal

Yellowhead’s environmental assessment application accepted for review The Times Yellowhead Mining Inc. announced on Thursday that it has been advised by the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO) that its application for an environmental assessment certificate for its Harper Creek Project has been accepted for review.

This is a step forward for the mining company. In May, 2013, BC EAO advised Yellowhead that the application it had submitted at that time did not satisfy the application information requriements.

The environmental authority did not accept the environmental application for review. Yellowhad has been working on a new application since then.

“The acceptance for review by the BC EAO of the environmental assess-

ment application for the Harper Creek project marks the next milestone in the development of Harper Creek” noted Frank D. Wheatley, CEO of Yellowhead.

“We look forward to working with the BC EAO and the Working Group during the review of the EA application.”

With the acceptance of the EA Application for review by the BC EAO, the 180-day review period will commence once Yellowhead has responded to a number of screening comments from the BC EAO and the Working Group.

Yellowhead currently anticipates that it will be able to respond to the screening comments and provide appropriate updates to the EA application by the end of December 2014, which would result in the 180 day re-

view period being initiated by the BC EAO in early January 2015.

About the Harper Creek Project Harper Creek is a proposed 70,000 tonnes-per-day open pit copper mine with a 28 year mine life, that would be located about 10 km southwest of Vavenby.

Harper Creek would have a four year development period, with the initial two years focused on environmental and construction permitting, and the second two years dedicated to construction.

When developed, Harper Creek would provide up to 660 jobs during construction and up to 450 permanent jobs during operations.

For more information on Yellowhead and the Harper Creek Project, visit Yellowhead’s website at www.yellowheadmining.com.

t’s Sign U e L ! y p! e H

Dog Obedience Classes

Learn to teach your dog basic good manners and acceptable behaviour in all situations.

Staring Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Fall Fair Hall in Barriere Six week courses for Basic and Novice Obedience for dogs age 6 months and older. Cost $100

Call Jill Hayward 250-319-8023

Yellowhead Mining Graphic

A satellite map from Yellowhead Mining shows the location of its proposed Harper Creek open pit copper mine southwest of Vavenby.

Harper acclaimed as school-board chairwoman; Wade elected vice-chair

By Cam Fortems Kamloops This Week Denise Harper will serve her sixth year leading the Kamloops-Thompson board of education after the Chase-area trustee was acclaimed on Monday, Dec. 8, by the new board.

School trustees were sworn in by B.C. Supreme Court Master Robert McDiarmid in a brief ceremony before selecting their chairperson for the coming year.

Two new trustees, Joe Small from Kamloops and Shelley Sim from Clearwater, join the board following November’s civic election.

The only election for positions at the inaugural meeting was for vice-chair, won by Meghan Wade over Joan Cowden.

Wade said Harper, who represents Chase

Ev er y Thur s day w e br ing y ou t h e N EWS and t he V IEWS f r om th e L ow er N or t h Thom ps on Valle y.

The S TA R /JO U R N A L K eeping v alley r es ident s inf or m e d !

and its surrounding rural area, ran unopposed due to the confidence of the rest of trustees.

“We do have trust in her and appreciate the job she’s done to date,” Wade said.

As chairwoman, Harper is the face and spokeswoman for the board of education.

Harper said highlights she looks forward to in the coming year include opening of the new trades and technology school at NorKam secondary in February. That program will allow 32 students to simultaneously earn public-school and university credits in mechanical or construction trades.

She also said the board is helping to develop programs for at least one week of the new two-week spring break in 2015. Those programs may include math, literacy and sports camps.

“Students can pick a subject and get intensive training,” she said.

Wade said her No. 1 goal is to repair the relationship with teachers following the divisive strike through the spring and into the fall of this school year.

“We have to take the time and energy to come back together after what we experienced,” she said, adding the board must “rebuild, heal and move forward” with teachers in the district.

North Thompson Star/Journal December 25, 2014

www.starjournal.net A7

Hunters protest shift favouring non-residents

By Tom Fletcher Black Press As B.C. hunters packed rooms to protest regulations giving guide-outfitters and their outof-province clients a larger share of big-game permits, the provincial government argues that the shift is being exaggerated.

The latest increase in the share of guide permits to hunt moose, grizzly bear and other restricted animals in limited-entry hunting areas of B.C. totals 618 “hunting opportunities” across the province per year, says a statement from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. Based on the success rate of hunts for different species, “this model represents a transfer of approximately 186 animals from residents to guides.”

The B.C. Wildlife Federation’s estimate that the wild game allocation policy could result in 5,000 fewer hunting permits for resident hunters under limited entry hunting rules is “not accurate,” the ministry says.

Forests Minister Steve Thomson said in an interview he made the decision on the latest allocation after a long consultation where the BCWF and the Guide Outfitters Association of B.C. couldn’t agree. The decision was to provide certainty for guide businesses, but also took away guides’ rights to pool regional game allotments and hunt in vacant guiding territories.

“There are arguments over the number, depending on which base you use, and I expect those arguments will continue,” Thomson said. “At the end of the day we all want the same thing, which is healthy wildlife populations.”

BCWF hosted hunter meetings in Kelowna and Langley this week, and spokesman Jesse Zeman said hunters were lined up out the door in Langley. He said the latest changes are part of a longer-term shift going back more than a decade that has seen a loss of harvest share for resident hunters.

B.C. hunters are concerned that the share reserved for guide-outfitters is now higher than anywhere else in North America. Under the latest policy, that share is 20 per cent for elk, 20 or 25 per cent for moose depending on the restricted region, 35 per cent for mountain goat, and 40 per cent for grizzly bears.

Open season areas for moose and other animals remain in the southern Interior and northeast, where anyone can buy a license and tag to hunt. Abundant species such as mule deer, whitetail deer and black bear have no hunting quotas in any part of B.C. Zeman said for prized species such as Roosevelt elk on Vancouver Island, winning a resident tag in the lottery is rare enough to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As hunter numbers rebound, they increasingly face the choice to aim for another species, drive long distances to an unrestricted region, or hire a guide.

The latest changes include returning Kootenay bighorn sheep to a general open season for guided hunting. The restriction that only full-curl rams can be hunted remains in place.

Thomson said the population will be closely watched, and harvest limits returned if necessary. Zeman said the BCWF is concerned that this iconic Rocky Mountain trophy could once again be over-hunted.

The popularity of hunting in B.C. continues to increase, from about 81,000 licences issued in 2003 to more than 100,000 last year, which means more resident hunters are losers in regional hunting lotteries.

BCWF compiled statistics for moose, the most popular big-game target. Moose populations have declined in some areas while both applications from resident hunters and the share reserved for guides has risen.

In 2005 there were 56,000 applications for moose, with only one out of five successful. By 2013, there were nearly 67,000 would-be resident moose hunters, 54,000 of whom were refused a moose tag.

Have you dropped a loonie in the Barriere Food Bank Can? Your support is always needed.

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Bob Hayward

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Double the door prizes

Everyone For

Star/Journal editor, Jill Hayward, doubled her good luck during Barriere’s Late Night Shopping event. Hayward won a door prize from Barriere TimbrMart and also one from Armour Mountain Office Supplies and Gallery. Hayward says if this luck would transfer to lottery tickets she’d be set.

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Moose are the most sought-after species for hunters in B.C., with harvest restricted by a lottery in most regions. Hunting is increasing in popularity after a long period of decline.

Alan D. Wilson/Wikimedia Commons

Harvest restrictions for guided hunting have been removed for bighorn sheep in the Kootenay region, after a decline caused by over-hunting.

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apsule

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omments

with MICHELLE LEINS

We often hear stories about the good and bad effects about consuming coffee. One idea that hasn’t been scientifically proven but looks retrospectively at large groups of people worldwide. There is a link between drinking coffee and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. It doesn’t seem to matter if the coffee is decaf or not but it is recommended that the coffee be drunk with little or no sugar and milk.

E-cigarettes are not legal in Canada but in countries where they are, there has been a significant increase in the number of youth who have never smoked start to use this new device. This group was almost twice as likely to start smoking regular cigarettes than those who never used e-cigarettes. That’s a concern to health professionals because nicotine is an addictive drug and can have adverse effects on the adolescent brain.

There has been much in the media lately about vitamins and whether they are worth the money. One supplement that is worth it is the one to help minimize age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD can lead to blindness, but good scientific studies have shown that formulas containing zinc, lutein and other products can help prevent this serious eye problem. Our pharmacists can clarify which is the best combination.

There are thousands of different vitamin formulations on the market in North America.

How can you tell which is right for you? That’s our job as your pharmacist and we’ll be happy to help you with accurate information to take some of the guesswork out of this very popular subject.

PHARMASAVE Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-5

BROOKFIELD CENTRE

CLEARWATER, 250-674-3122

A8 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal

Oh, the woodchopper’s bawl

By Arthur Black Black Press I come to sing the praises of a simple, even brutish habit of mine.

As a pastime it is physically exhausting, mind-numbingly repetitive, potentially limb-threatening and eco-ethically tainted if not downright impure.

It is chopping wood.

There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says: chop your own wood and it will warm you twice.

I once repeated that to an old Finlander I knew in Thunder Bay. He smiled and shook his head.

“Seven times” he said. “It heats you seven times.”

Once, he said, when you trekked out into the bush to find a likely tree; twice when you chopped it down. Three times when you trimmed the branches and bucked it up into rounds. Four times when you hauled it back to the house. Five times when you unloaded it in your yard. Six times when you split and stacked it. Seven times when you lugged an armful into the house, put it in the stove and lit the fire.

“Seven times” old Charlie Pelto nodded and winked at me. “Good deal.”

There are some simple truths you learn while chopping wood. Soft wood splits less cleanly than

hard. Dull axes are dangerous. Don’t try to chop through a knot. Wear eye protection. Dry wood splits better than green.

Except...

Where I live there is a beautiful deciduous tree called the arbutus (madrona to Yanks).

When it’s dry it burns like a dream — hot and bright, with almost no ash residue. You don’t want to try and burn it when it’s green but that’s when you want to split it.

Green arbutus is a woodchopper’s wet dream. It flies apart at the bite of an axe — when it’s green. Swinging your axe at a piece of arbutus that’s dried out is like trying to chop a cement block

LIFE WITH PETS

crossed with a rubber traffic pylon.

Eco-purists look askance at the practice of burning wood for warmth — and by extension, at the act of chopping wood to do it.

They have a point. Wood smoke undeniably pollutes the air and falling ash besmirches the landscape.

So sue me. I am in love with the smell of wood smoke and I can think of few more cheery, life-affirming sights than a curlicue of grey smoke undulating up from a house chimney against a backdrop of Canadian winter sky.

I haven’t even mentioned that ultimate woodchopper’s

Cariboo Country Mobile Veterinary Services

Health Insurance for Pets As Canadians, we are fortunate in that our health care system, for all of its shortcomings, does provide tremendous peace of mind. If you or a family member are involved in a serious car accident or are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, you are not likely doing to have to lose your home or declare bankruptcy to pay your medical bills. Your monthly MSP bill likely does not exceed the cost of your mortgage.

Insurance is one of those odd things that we are not happy to pay but are happy not to use.

Not too many years ago, health insurance for pets was considered a luxury. Horse owners, by contrast, have been insuring their animals for decades. It makes sense to pay an annual premium when the cost of emergency surgery for a colic or injury can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars. In many of these cases, the only alternative is euthanasia or permanent loss of function of a valuable performance horse.

With remarkable advances in modern veterinary medicines, our ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions in pets has increased at an astonishing rate. Not too long ago, many pets diagnosed with cancer or other serious conditions were euthanized because there essentially few treatment options available to cure the disease or even to comfortably extend the life of the pet. The same situation existed for congenital conditions (abnormalities that are present at birth, such as heart defects), or serious injuries or infections. Veterinarians and pet owners now have a wide array of treatment options for pets that can save lives and relieve previously untreatable conditions.

Our pets can be diagnosed by board-certified veterinary specialists with access to much of the same technological and medical advances used by physicians. But these innovations come at a cost. It is heartbreaking for pet owners who must decide between meeting household expenses and pursuing treatment for their pet. In many cases, the

Compassionate PET CARE Close to home

CARIBOO COUNTRY MOBILE VETERINARY SERVICES Pam Barker, DVM Michelle Collett, RAHT

info@cariboomobilevet.com www.CaribooMobileVet.com facebook.com/cariboomobilevet

250-644-PETS (7387)

Michelle and Pam

www.cariboomobilevet.com choice is based on economics, not whether or not treatment would be effective.

Several companies offer veterinary health insurance for pets. Costs vary widely and depend on which services are covered. For the majority of pet owners, routine care is something they plan for and prepare in their budget. It is those sudden, unforeseeable accidents or illnesses that can be financially and emotionally devastating. Dogs get hit by cars, cats are attacked by other animals or a beloved pet can develop cancer with few, if any, warning signs. This is where pet insurance can provides invaluable peace of mind.

The amount of coverage you select for your pet depends on many factors, but may be simpler than you think. If something happened to your pet today, what amount could you afford for care? Could you borrow emergency funds from a friend or a relative? Do you have a credit on a card that you save for emergencies? This amount can then be figured as your deductible for your pet’s insurance policy. With a larger deductible, your monthly or annual payments become much less. Premiums are also lower for pets that are spayed or neutered. (Insurance companies know that unaltered pets have a much higher likelihood of being in fights or being hit by a vehicle.) Pets that have current vaccinations and routine veterinary care also tend to have lower premiums, as their health issues are usually diagnosed earlier when treatment is more likely to be effective, and often less expensive because the pet is not in crisis.

Most pet insurance companies have informative websites and many will allow you to compare rates and coverage and figure the costs of deductibles versus monthly payments. In a tight economy, insurance for your pet may seem like an extravagance, but that is the very situation where you may need it most.

payoff — the rosy, drowsy-making glow of a roaring, well-laid fire. That’s a pleasure you’ll have difficulty extracting from your electric baseboard heater — or your solar panel, come to that.

A good fire is close to good sex. A fellow by the name of Charles Dudley Warner once said “To

poke a wood fire is more solid enjoyment than almost anything in the world.”

Mister Warner was right — but first you have to get the wood into the fireplace.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a cord of green arbutus in my front yard that’s crying for attention. As the Inuit

YCS holds open house

say: “Yesterday is ashes, tomorrow is wood. Only today does the fire burn brightly.”

But only after you chop the wood.

– Arthur Black lives on Saltspring Island. His column appears Tuesday in the Parksville Qualicum Beach News. E-mail: arblack43@shaw.ca.

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Jill Hayward

Yellowhead Community Services in Barriere held their annual open house on Dec. 11 at the Ridge. Dozens of adults and children attended, where they socialized and sampled seasonal treats provided in abundance.

North Thompson Star/Journal December 25, 2014

www.starjournal.net A9

Mental health for children and youth - how to get the help you need The first column, in a series of 10, on mental health for children and teenagers by Dr. David Smith For children and teenagers in B.C., coping well with the demands of school work, busy schedules and social relationships in today’s chaotic world reflects resilient mental health.

But some B.C. children and youth are unable to cope well with the daily stresses of their lives and the results can be debilitating or tragic.

An estimated 13 per cent of youth in B.C. each year experience a mental health issue —that means up to 83,700 children under the age of 19 in B.C. may be suffering. Studies show that receiving appropriate help at the right time may enable a child or youth to return to good health or prevent the escalation of symptoms, warding off larger crises or more chronic illnesses, and even at times saving young lives.

But unfortunately, the majority of youth experiencing a mental health issue, or their families, do not seek help. Why is this? There are likely a number of key factors: youth and family may lack understanding about mental health issues or may be unable to recognise the symptoms of a mental health problem; they may not know how to access the right services, who to see, or how to navigate B.C.’s mental health system; they may be worried about possible stigma, or labelling, and hoping it is simply a “phase” that will pass.

As an adolescent and adult psychiatrist working for the last 11 years in Interior Health (IH), I appreciate how frightening and worrying it can be for youth and

Dr. David Smith families when a mental health issue arises.

But I also know that the right help can make all the difference and that good recovery is possible even with some of the most serious of mental health concerns. And “help” does not always mean treatment with medication. In fact, many mental health problems in children and youth can be very successfully treated with other techniques, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which, in essence, teaches skills to address the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that underlie a mental health problem.

Working with a group of mental health colleagues in the Interior and on Vancouver Island— including families with lived experience, mental health clinicians from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, health authority professionals, school counsellors, family

doctors, pediatricians and others — we have come up with a series of short columns to run in this paper to help youth and families recognize and understand some common mental health concerns. Over the next few months, in 10 articles, we will talk about issues like anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and family support. We will help you recognize the symptoms and know when and how to seek help. We will talk about successful skills, actions and treatments. These columns, as well as running in your local paper, can also be found at www.shared carebc.ca so you can access them online or share with friends and family.

Numerous high quality websites are producing up to date information about a wide variety of mental health concerns and in each column, we will link you to online resources in B.C. for more information on each condition. A few excellent provincial sites to check out now include: openmindbc. ca; mindcheck.ca, forcesociety.ca, and keltymentalhealth.ca.

Next column, we will talk about anxiety.

Dr. David Smith is an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and the medical direc-

“When you need us, we’re close by” When a death occurs, we are here to help you, every step of the way. 24 hours a day, every day. If you have made pre-arrangements elsewhere and would like to discuss having your local funeral home take care of you, please feel free to call.

NORTH THOMPSON FUNERAL SERVICES 4638 Barriere Town Rd, Box 859 Barriere, BC, V0E 1E0

Call Drake, MaryAnn or Jennifer at 250-672-1999 or 1-877-674-3030 Drake Smith, MSW MaryAnn Shewchuk day or night. (Funeral Director/Manager) (Funeral Director/Owner)

tor of the Okanagan Psychiatric services for Interior Health.

This series of columns on common child and youth mental health issues is a project of the Child and Youth Mental Health and Substances Use Collaborative. The Collaborative involves multiple individuals, organizations and ministries all working together to increase the number of children, youth, and their families receiving timely access to mental health services and support in the Interior Health and Vancouver Island regions. The Collaborative is jointly funded by Doctors of BC and the government of B.C.

Have you dropped a loonie in the Barriere Food Bank Can?

The illustration accompanying these columns was drawn by Hayden Blair Kozeletski, a much-loved daughter, friend and young artist from Campbell River, B.C., who died by suicide in 2010 at the age of 16 years. The BC Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative thanks the Kozeletski family for enabling Hayden’s artwork to be shared to help raise awareness about youth mental health needs and services in British Columbia.

w w w. s t a r j o u r n a l. n e t

Thank You

The Barriere Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone for shopping local and to all our volunteers, sponsors and participants in our 3rd Annual Passport to Holiday Shopping, your continued support keeps this event ongoing and being such a great success!

Your support is always needed.

Thank You.

• LEGION NEWS • IN-HOUSE RAFFLES Dec. 11/14

1st Draw: Danny Miller, Denise Howe,

Serious Issues require Serious Lawyers

• ICBC Claims • Family Law • Real Estate 1-888-374-3161 Jim McCreight is on location in the Royal LePage Real Estate office every Wednesday. www.mjblaw.com

Happy New Year

Eileen Miers, Linn Buker

2nd Draw: G. Blackstock, Vern Cornish, Crystal Chenier, Joe Prevolsk

3rd Draw: Emil Gammel, Patsy Martin, Cathy Teele, Frank Wiseman

4th Draw: Linda Enzmann, Butch Brown, Linda Altenhofen, Linn Buker

Bonus: Ruth Christley Winner of $91.50 was Darlene Hagen

DARtS - Dec. 11 - 8 players 1st - BJ Lyons & Maureen Wiseman 2nd - Frank Wiseman, Dorothy Carby 3rd - Emil Gammel Danielle Kashino High Scores - Men - BJ Lyons w/129 Ladies - Dorothy Carby w/87 • High Finish - Men - Bruce Lyons w/44 Ladies - Maureen Wiseman w/14

CRIB - Dec. 11 - 8 players 1st - Nina Clearwaters • 2nd - Crystal Chenier 3rd - Orm Strom Skunk - Carol STrom

New Years Eve Party December 31 • 8pm DJ Music • Snacks • Drink Specials Barriere Legion Branch 242

681 Shaver Road, Barriere, BC

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A10 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal

Additional terrain open at Sun Peaks and snowing North Thompson Star/Journal Some of the finest early season skiing in B.C. was even better last Friday, with 14 cm of fresh snow blanketing the mountain and village at Sun Peaks and even more snow reported falling in the alpine.

Over another 10 cm was forecast to fall that night and throughout the weekend, making for excellent skiing and riding conditions on all three mountains.

Sun Peaks has maintained very good snow conditions throughout the season thus far, particularly in the alpine which as of Friday had a 99 cm base.

Additional ski runs opened Friday, including East Bushwacker, Sting, Grand Return

and Upper Intimidator. More terrain was being prepared to open Saturday with cool temperatures and more snow in the forecast.

Sun Peaks representatives say they plan for almost 100 per cent of terrain to be open by Sunday.

“Looking more long term towards the holidays we are expecting another 20 to 30 cm of new snow by Christmas,” says Jamie Tattersfield, head of mountain operations for Sun Peaks Resort Corporation. “This means the entire mountain will be open and covered in that light, dry powder we are so well known for.”

Sun Peaks’ Nordic network is 100 per cent open with fantastic grooming and conditions on all cross country trails.

Sun Peaks

Skiing fresh powder at Sun Peaks early Friday.

Community serves up Xmas lunch at high school North Thompson Star/Journal The annual Barriere Secondary School Christmas Lunch was as usual, cooked and served up by volunteer community members for the student body.

The event brings together the high school’s teens and members of area businesses, government, groups and organizations who volunteer to cook serve and cleanup this annual seasonal event at the school.

Of course while the meal preparations are taking place the wonderful smells wafting through the school hallways have everyone working up a great appetite by lunchtime.

This year saw great participation from the community, and the school sends everyone who participated a sincere and hearty Merry Christmas and thank you.

CHLW 93.1 The Bear Radio Station’s Steve Shannon donned his chefs outfit and got right to work cooking up vegetables.

STAR/JOURNAL photos: Elli Kohnert

(Left) Two ladies put the butter on dozens of fresh buns.

District of Barriere Councillors Al Fortin on dish duty (left), and Mike Fennel (right) working with the mashed potatoes were also helping out.

(Right) Lions member Frank Gordon and District of Barriere Councillor Pat Paula on pie duty.

(Left) District of Barriere Mayor Virginia Smith slicing pies with the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Lions Club(r) working in the background.

North Thompson Star/Journal December 25, 2014

www.starjournal.net A11

SPORTS Action filled high school basketball with BSS

Barriere Secondary basketball team members, Tristan Holt #7, and Nick McInnes going for the shot during a game last Thursday.

2015 DRY GRAD

(Left) Barriere’s Tyler Schilling #12 going for the lay up in a fast action game.

Do you have a sports story or event picture?

If you do we’d love to hear from you.

Call 250-672-5611 or email: news@star/journal.net

Photos by: Cindy Kohnert

Are you missing the news in your

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to know when local events are

municipal hall?

Are you looking for a plumber, electrician, or other service?

Get connected.

Call the Star/Journal today and order your subscription.

250-672-5611

CHANGES COMING IN 2015.

SMALL TRANSFER STATIONS

community; want

happening at

There is an account at the Bag Lady Bottle Depot for the class.

So if you would like to donate your bottles to the Grade 12 Class or to a certain Grad Student you can drop them off at 4365 Borthwick this ad is sponsored by from 10am-4pm Monday - Saturday

As of Tuesday, January 13, 2015 tipping fees are changing at all TNRD transfer stations and Eco-Depots.

ECO-DEPOTS

“?”

taking place, what’s

The Grade 12’s are starting fundraising for their 2015 GRADUATION

Household garbage rates will stay the same at $1/ bag or $10/pick-up truck.

In partnership with

SAVE ANYWHERE. In partnership with In partnership with

SAVE SAVE ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. In partnership with

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature.

With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature.

Introducing the New Mobile Feature.

With exclusive offers for theSave.ca brands you loveCash-Back & $5 cash-out minimums With exclusive offersnever for thegobrands youwithout love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll shopping your smart phone again!

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. through PayPal, you’ll neverBack go shopping without yourSteps smart phone again!

Get Cash in 3 Easy With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Cash Back inReceipt 3 Easy Steps 1. Browse &Get Shop 2. Upload 3. Get Cash Back!

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Browse the mobile app Take a photo of your Once you reach just $5, 1. Browse & Shop 2.

Upload Receipt Get Cashyou Back! for your favourite brand’s andin submit it 3.the money save will Get Cash receipt Back 3 Easy Steps mobile app 2.Take a photo ofapp your Once youCash reach just $5,your 1.Browse Browse & Shop Upload Receipt 3.

Get Back! offers, andthe purchase through the be transferred into for your favourite brand’s receipt and submit it the money you save them at any store PayPal wallet Browse the mobile app Take a photo of your Once you reach justwill $5, offers, and through the app 1. Browse &purchase Shop Upload Receipt for your favourite brand’s 2. receipt and submit it

them at any store offers, purchase Browse theand mobile app at anybrand’s store for yourthem favourite offers, and purchase them at any store

through the of app Take a photo your receipt and submit it through the app

be into your 3.transferred Get Cash the money you saveBack! will PayPal wallet beOnce transferred into your you reach just $5, the PayPal moneywallet you save will be transferred into your PayPal wallet

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

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DLC rates will increase from $20/ pick-up truck to $30/pick-up truck.

See complete volume based tipping fee schedule at tnrd.ca.

PLEASE SORT RECYCLABLE/DIVERTIBLE MATERIALS TO REDUCE YOUR TIPPING FEE.

(WITH WEIGH SCALE)

If bringing in bags of household garbage you will be charged $1/bag up to 4 bags. More than 4 bags or 50 kilograms will be calculated at $80/tonne Wood waste, asphalt shingles and concrete/asphalt are $100/tonne with a $5 minimum for loads under 50 kg.

Loads of DLC that are not separated out will be charged $160/tonne with a minimum charge of $8 for loads under 50 kg

For more information visit our website or talk to your local site attendant a partnership between

KAMLOOPS.CA TNRD.CA

A12 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal

MP says Valemount to receive $68,000 for Mountain Bike Park North Thompson Star/Journal Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo has announced funding today through the National Recreational Trail Program in Valemount, B.C. “Families, residents and visitors will soon benefit from upgrades to the Valemount Mountain Bike Park and Valemount Recreation Trail Rehabilitation,” said McLeod.

Canada has a vast network of recreational trails which allow Canadians to experience the outdoors and appreciate this country’s natural beauty.

Thanks to a partnership between the Government of Canada and the National Trails Coalition, $10 million has been made available between 2014 and 2016 to help expand and rehabilitate Canada’s snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle and non-motorized trail system.

The Valemount

Mountain Bike Park received $68,000 for trail and bridge construction, while Valemount’s Recreation Trail Rehabilitation will receive $20,250 in trail upgrades and brushing.

“The NTC was founded in the belief that trail users and volunteer trail builders/managers can achieve much more working collaboratively and supporting each other’s goals. Thanks to the support of the Federal Government, trail users have once again been able to apply for project grant money. These additional funds of $10 million from the federal government will ensure the revitalization of recreational trails across our country and provide individuals and families with the opportunity to enjoy quality outdoor infrastructure and continue to live active and healthy lives,” said JoAnne Farquhar, President of the National Trails Coalition Board of Directors

“Our Government is pleased to support these projects as part of our efforts to expand and improve recreational and multipurpose trails across the country. By investing in trail infrastructure, our Government is encouraging job creation, linking communities and increasing recreational opportunities for Canadians. Through this commitment, we are continuing to support economic growth from coast to coast to coast while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live,” concluded McLeod.

This funding will help build and renew multi-purpose trails for walking, running, crosscountry skiing, biking, all-terrain vehicle use and snowmobiling.

Between 150 and 200 projects are expected to be supported across Canada. The National Trails Coalition is responsible for selecting and approving projects.

SPORTS

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Elli Kohnert

Plan your exercise program now Are you already wondering how to start losing those extra pounds you seem to be gaining as the holiday season keeps offering up so many tasty meals and treats? The Barriere Curling Club has the answer – gentle indoor exercise for all ages in a friendly environment close to home. If you would like more information on how to join up please call Susan or Brian Bondar at 250-672-5334.

NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Clearwater & District Minor Hockey • Become part of a winning team. Join Minor Hockey and learn to play Canada’s Game. Open to Boys and Girls. www.cdmha.info/ Register @ 250 674 2594 or nissa1537@gmail.com Raft Mountain Skating Club • Register @ www.raftmountain.com Adult Hockey • Mens Drop In Hockey Fridays, 8pm $10/each Oldtimers Hockey • Wednesdays 8:15pm • Sundays, 7pm • $10/each Wells Gray Curling Club • League play Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 7pm.

Register for the second half 250-674-3768 for info

FAMILY SKATING • Sunday Dec. 28 4pm Sponsored by Clearwater Black Hawks PARENTS, PRESCHOOL SKATING • Wednesdays at 10am HOME SCHOOL SKATING • Wednesdays at 1:30pm

Staff at the Sportsplex wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season The Sportsplex will be closed Dec. 24-28 and Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPORTSPLEX OR ANY PROGRAMS CALL 250 674 2143

Do you have a sports story or event picture?

If you do we’d love to hear from you.

Call 250-672-5611 or email: news@star/journal.net

LEARN TO SKATE WITH OUR ENERGETIC, FUN, PROFESSIONAL COACHES

Join local coaches Teresa Heisterman for Junior & Senior Star Skate and Chelsea Hindle for Preschool & Canskate

RAFT MOUNTAIN SKATING CLUB REGISTRATION January 3 - Barriere at AG Foods from 3pm - 5pm January 4 - NT Sportsplex from 3pm - 5pm

Or register/info www.raftmountain.com Funding is available upon request for those eligible.

Lessons begin the week of January 5, 2015

North Thompson Thursday,25, December Clearwater TimesStar/Journal Thursday, December 2014 25, 2014

www.starjournal.net A9 A13 www.clearwatertimes.com

My first Christmas in Canada – Hettie Buck Eleanor Deckert “I was 15 years old when I had my first Christmas in Canada,” Hettie Buck begins her recollection of Christmas in Clearwater in 1971.

How did a girl who grew up in the Californian desert come to experience that first special Christmas?

It is possible to trace Hettie’s story back over 125 years.

William Grant (who was present when the CPR’s “Last Spike” was driven at Craigellachie and was the first to grow and market strawberries near Victoria, B.C.) married Bella Eddie in 1888. He decided to relocate after root weevil destroyed his crop. He read about the success of Fred Steggs’ strawberries in Clearwater. Over time he cleared six parcels of land in the Clearwater area: Glen Eddie, Mountain Terrace, Raft River, Stewart Grant, Upper Clearwater Ranch, and Dutch Lake.

William and Bella’s daughter, Isabella Gertrude Grant, married Otto Miller and after their sons, William, Robert and Ronald were born, they joined William and Isabella in Clearwater in 1922.

The land that is now Dutch Lake Resort was their ranch.

Robert Miller’s dad sold the Dutch Lake land to Dorothy Bell and Grace McGraw in 1945.

In 1946, Grace

Hettie Haynes (later Hettie Buck) takes a break from toboganning and snowshoeing while on a hill overlooking Brookfield Mall in Clearwater. After growing up in California, this was one of her first snowy winters. Photos submitted

invited her two nieces, Mary Agnes Scott and Henrietta May Scott to help on the ranch.

Robert (Bob) Miller came a-courting, canoeing across the lake. He and Henrietta (Hettie) were married in June, 1948.

Ranch life and growing strawberries were supplemented by hunting and trapping, logging, being a park ranger and collecting animal, bird, insect and plant specimens for the University of Ontario. Anne and Peter were Bob and Hettie Miller’s children – home-schooled and learning skills passed on from their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

Hettie Buck picks up the sequence: “My family was my mom (Mary) and my dad (Ross Haynes), sister (Grace) and brother (Scott). Mom was a Canadian. She brought us all up to Clearwater to visit her sister, Henrietta

(Hettie) Grace McGraw almost every summer. We romped all over the hills, forests, ponds and gardens with Anne and Peter and called them “cousins” and their parents, “Uncle Bob” and “Aunt Hettie.” When our property in California was sold, Mom asked us where we wanted to move? We agreed: Clearwater!”

They arrived after a three day drive.

“We felt like we had been transported to Paradise on Earth when we moved to Canada for good,” Hettie Buck said. “We had visited many summers, but never in our lives had we experienced winter! We loved it. The kids who lived here rolled their eyes at me, thinking I exaggerated how ‘wonderful’ and ‘beautiful’ everything was ... the snow, the cold, the sledding and skating ... all normal activities for them, all new for me.”

“My cousins, Anne and Pete, created a rink on the pond. We went skating at night by the glow of lanterns, resting on bales of straw in the moonlight. The wind came up and turned our cheeks bright red!”

The excitement is still in Hettie’s voice after over 40 years!

“Aunt Het had a collection of old

Uncle Bob Miller checks out a trap set into a square notch cut into a cedar tree. An accomplished outdoorsman, he married Hettie Haynes’ mother’s sister, Hettie Scott (Miller).

skates in all sizes for whoever came. We would come tromping in, freezing cold, to enjoy hot chocolate and go out again.”

“People came from all around for a Christmas tree ... and one other extra-special treat: Uncle Bob was famous for making deluxe caramel. It’s a secret recipe, but we do know that he lovingly stirred it in a huge, heavy pot on the wood stove for eight – 11 hours. When he tested it ‘just right,’ he poured the candy out onto cookie sheets lined with waxed brown butcher paper.

“For Christmas, the best present each kid would get was a two-inch slab of that caramel. We would slowly nibble the soft sugary sweetness trying to save it as long as we could savouring, unwrapping and rewrapping. Someone might hide their piece so that who ever finished theirs first would come looking, begging for a bite.”

Hettie Buck recalled that there was always something delicious cooking or baking in the wood stove at any time of year.

“I remember that it was mostly Uncle Bob who did the baking. He had recipes and learned skills from his mother and grandmother. Bear lard was best for pie dough. Shortbread dough was patted into a pie pan, baked and cut into wedges. Appleup-side-down cake had a special warm caramel sauce drizzled overtop.”

Aunt Hettie Miller uses a canoe to bring in a buck after killing it herself. Her mother’s sister was a great influence on the young Hettie Haynes after the young teen moved from California to Clearwater.

Christmas Day dinner was a feast with so many foods from the garden.

“Our eyes were always bigger than our stomachs!” Hettie Buck remembers.

“Aunt Het made such good gravy and stuffing for turkey dinner.

Uncle Bob baked squash in the oven, scoring it and loading on the butter and brown sugar. We even had home made cranberry sauce.”

“After dinner, we kids would all lay around talking, reading, singing or listening to the adults tell stories and share family history. The adults sat at the long table that Uncle Bob made years ago.

A wide range of topics of conversation included: selective logging, flowers, grafting trees, bird watching, turtle migration, trapping, hunting, mechanics, seed preservation,

Proud supporter of the

North Thompson Star/Journal Monday, June 18, 2012

gardening, farming, history, conservation, wine making, climate change, and so much more!”

Hettie Buck recalled that at her Aunt Het and Uncle Bob’s place she had a continuous education.

“It’s at this time of year that I miss Uncle Bob and Aunt Hettie and all the relatives, friends and neighbours who came for a tree, tea, or skating.”

After the move to Clearwater, Hettie’s family operated Haynes’ General Store for many years. The store was located near the bottom of Stegg’s Hill on the Flats in Clearwater. Hettie married Barry Buck, the oldest son of well known local residents Ed and Eva Buck, and they had four children: Joshua, Justice, Jeremy and Jadessa (and there are now seven grandchildren).

In 1998 Hettie Buck graduated from Kwantlen in Richmond in journalism and public relations. Starting in 2005 she was marketing coordinator for Blue River Tourism for several years, and then manager for Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce for a year, starting in 2012.

At present she is in charge of business development and sales with a Kamloops-based Internet company.

She is also the administrator of various Facebook pages, including Rich History of the North Thompson and Beyond.

www.starjournal.net A11

Terry Lake, MLA MLA Kevin Krueger,

Kamloops-- North Thompson Kamloops North Thompson

618B Tranquille Rd.

“Here to help you.”

Kamloops BC, V2B 3H6

Phone 250-554-5413 • Fax 250-554-5417

9 - 111 Oriole Road, Kamloops, BC V2C 4N6 Toll Free: 1-888-299-0805 From Darfield to Kamloops Call 314-6031

email: terry.lake.mla@leg.bc.ca • www.terrylakemla.bc.ca Nature plays a large part in Art by Ecki

By Elli Kohnert North Thompson Star/Journal

Canada, and eventu- carve on it!” ist on selling his work ally came to live in He notes that near- through craft fairs.

Cloverdale, B.C. It is ly all the materials he The couple say they

A14 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal

Service Centre REAL ESTATE

ACCOUNTANT

BOOKKEEPING Kathy Campbell Broker - Owner

INTEGRITY REALTY A name that speaks for itself

Our services include: - Financial statement preparation - Corporate and personal tax planning and compliance

Previously Carol Patton CGA

- Succession and estate planning - Bookkeeping and payroll services

4642 Barriere Town Road | Call 250-672-9921

BOOKKEEPING, TAX, ART GALLERY & OFFICE SUPPLIES

#2 - 4353 Conner Road, Barriere, BC V0E 1E0

Phone 250-672-1070 Toll Free 877-672-6611

Lana Laskovic, owner/operator

#1-4353 Conner Rd, Barriere, BC V0E 1E0 P. 250-672-9994 • E. ambats@live.ca

www.barriereproperties.com kathy@barriereproperties.com

BOTTLE DEPOT

www.ambats.ca

CONSTRUCTION

COMPUTER REPAIR

Bag Lady Enterprises

Depot

Recycle Today to Save Tomorrow!

4365 Borthwick Ave. Barriere - BC WINTER HOURS 10am - 4pm Mon. - Sat. Closed Sunday

Construction & Renovations from Foundations to Roof

Computer repair, service, virus removal, laptop repair and computer support at affordable rates

Rob Kerslake Steve Noble

Media Esteem - Barriere - 250-672-5142

Contracting CONTRACTING

ll at On Caall... t we do i

On all Services

Tuesday – Saturday 8am – 5pm

Skid Steer & Backhoe | Covered RV & Boat Storage | Mini Storage Units | Septic Service & Planning | Concrete | Construction

info@alltorq.net | 851 Yellowhead Hwy S.

250.674.0145 | info@oncallservices.ca | 851 Yellowhead Hwy S. Clearwater, BC V0E 1N1

All-In-One-Electric

• Electrical Contracting • Appliance Repairs (Certified Appliance Technician)

• Furnace Servicing • A/C Servicing

Septic - Installation - Service - Pumping Demolition - Excavation - Backhoe Service Trucking - Crane Truck - Water - Dump Gravel - Sand - Top Soil - Snow Removal Paul 250.819.3205

HEATING

ELECTRICAL

CONTRACTORS

• 25 Years Experience • Locally owned & operated

Bonded B Electrical Contractor Reg #50325

Jack

250.299.9510

Bonded C Gas Fitter Reg #00043438

John Koroll 250-672-1073 • cell 250-319-4002 email: jolis@axion.net

Pellets?

Pinnacle Fir Pellets ...................... $260 Armstrong SPF Pellets ................. $225

All Our Pellets are from the Armstrong Plant!

“Also Sell Lennox Pellet Stoves”

B&B Alternative Heating 578-8733

Barriere Country Feeds More Than A Feed Store!

CleanBurn Fir Pinnacle Fir & SPF Premium Pellets on Sale!

Delivery Available Pellet Stove Sales-Parts-Service

Desert Hills Realty (2010) Ltd.

Maureen Chester

Sales Representative Serving Barriere, North & South Thompson

250-672-5256

www.countryfeeds.ca

250-377-5165 or 250-377-3030 fx 250-377-3099 maureen.chester@centurey21.ca

www.maureenchester.com

FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

EVERYTHING FROM BUILDING LOTS, RESIDENTIAL, ACREAGES, WATERFRONT, RANCHES AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES OFFERED FOR SALE

DEBRA FENNELL 250-318-0366 debbiedfennell@msn.com

karina_scott@telus.net

250-

ROOFING

P rogressive

PRS

R oofing S olutions

• Emergency Repairs • Expert Leak Tracking • Journey Level Servicemen • Service & Maintenance

• Shingles & Torch-on Roofing • Fully Insured • Licensed • 20 Years Experience Geoff Pullen cell 250-299-9005 home 250-672-0051 gpullen@telus.net

Please call for Estimate & Service

NEW

REAL ESTATE KARINA SCOTT 250-318-7398

319-7564

250-

REAL ESTATE

HEATING

Westwin Realty (Barriere) INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

2A-4480 Barriere Town Rd. • 250-672-5300 • Fax: 250-672-5306

www.royallepagewestwinbarriere.com

Taxes In

Your Ad Could Be Here...

North Thompson Star/Journal December 25, 2014

www.starjournal.net A15

Photographing CP Rail’s Holiday Train Making Pictures with

John E n ma n This past week I viewed a photograph that was not much more than a dark, featureless, long block with a string of brightly colored electric lights on its surface. The person that made that photograph commented that she was disappointed with what she called her night photography challenge.

I suppose the photographer didn’t know there wasn’t much that could be done with a subject that has no light on it. She might have thought a high ISO would work, and like many others new to the medium of photography, didn’t understand that surfaces that don’t generate light, must have light reflecting off the surface it if we are to see or photograph it.

I thought about that frustrated photographer as I set up my tripod alongside my wife, Linda, and our

friend, Nancy.

We were preparing to photograph the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train that would be rolling along the railroad tracks that followed the wide South Thompson River a short distance from our home in Pritchard, B.C. We had read on the Internet about the train traveling through Chase and Kamloops on Dec. 16 and had estimated the time it would come through Pritchard, which is located between the two locations.

We positioned ourselves on the beach on the other side of the river so we could photograph the train passing on the opposite side and we could have a wide shot of the engine and all the brightly lit, Christmas box cars.

We arrived an hour in advance while there was still plenty of light and made test shots of

a passing freight train.

The schedule put the train in our location just at sunset and we would have plenty of light to define the train from its surroundings even with the declining light.

We set our cameras at ISO3200. That allowed my wife to set her camera at 1/250th second with her f4 lens, and with my f2.8 lens I could use1/400th second. Even at that we were both under exposing our images, however, in my experience, a stop or two under exposure when making exposures in the last light of the day usually works pretty well.

I prefer shooting just at sundown when there is still that cool, blue light illuminating the sky. It is easy to select out and brighten up the subject without affecting other elements in the landscape, whether making the final image in a traditional film darkroom, or using a program like PhotoShop.

I wrote that we were using tripods. Tripods are the best way to keep one’s camera still, but with our tests on the freight train that we photographed in

John Enman Photo

John Enman says he prefers shooting just at sundown when there is still a cool, blue light illuminating the sky for outdoor photos in low light. advance of the Holiday Train we found that quickly releasing the camera from the tripod, hand holding and panning worked best.

I prefer to preplan so we had gone down to the river a week early and selected our observation site. In addition, on the day of the train we arrived an hour early, and that gave us time to test, to move about and experiment with our location a bit, so that when

Nature’s decorations

the train rolled by we were ready.

There was a strong, cold wind blowing down river directly at us. But we parked our car at the edge of the riverbank just above us with a good view to see the approaching train.

After we had set up our tripods and camera, we sat in the car bundled up in blankets and drinking hot chocolate until the moment arrived.

Suddenly exclaim-

ing, “There it is!” we ran laughing and excited down the riverbank for three exciting, adrenaline filled minutes of photography.

My favorite times for scenics, and for the Holiday Train that was my center of interest for this scenic, is the hour just after sunrise and the hour just before sunset. I am sure one can find great light any time of the day and night, but these two hours are the

most predictable when it comes to workable light.

These are my thoughts for this week.

Contact me at www. enmanscamera.com or emcam@telus.net. Stop

by Enman’s Camera at 423 Tranquille Road in Kamloops.

I sell an interesting selection of used photographic equipment.

And if you want an experienced photographer please call me at 250371-3069.

BROWSE FLYERS FROM YOUR FAVOURITE RETAILERS IN THIS WEEKS FLYER PACKS

A hoar frost the morning of Dec. 16 decorated the valley, including this wire mesh fencing at a property in Louis Creek.

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Jill Hayward

Nature’s Fare

Canadian Tire

Coopers

London Drugs

Superstore

Save on Foods

Michael’s

Jysk

She Is Looking For Home Improvement Help.

Will She Find Your Business?

Advertise your business for as low as $16/week Call for more information or come in to the Star/Journal 10-4353 Conner Road.

250-672-5611

A16 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal

FromMyKitchen

By Dee Cheesy Spinach Stuffing

10 oz frozen spinach 4 cups herb stuffing mix 1-1/3 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup chopped red onion 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 cup chopped celery liberal dashes salt & pepper 1 tbsp butter 2/3 -3/4 cup shredded mozzarella 2 tbsps shredded Parmesan Defrost spinach. Rinse & set aside. In a large pan, heat butter over mediumhigh heat. Add onions & cook until starting to soften, about 2 mins. Add in garlic & celery & cook until fragrant, about 3 more mins. Add in broth & bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low & stir in stuffing mix.

Cook until stuffing mix is softened & the broth has been absorbed. Remove

from heat & stir in spinach & mozzarella until mixture is fully combined. Garnish with shredded Parmesan & enjoy!

Mini Sausage Wreaths

mini sausages refrigerated crescent dough rolls red bell pepper diced rosemary 1/3 cup butter 1/2 cup BBQ sauce 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the package of crescent dough rolls. Drain the liquid off of the mini sausages. Unroll the dough & separate at perforations creating 4 rectangles. Press together the remaining perforation in each rectangle. With a knife or pizza cutter,

cut each rectangle lengthwise into 8 strips making a total of 32. Wrap 1 strip of dough around each sausage. Lay out the wrapped sausages with their sides touching on an ungreased cookie sheet in a circle forming a wreath. Bake for 1115 mins or until golden brown. Melt 1/3 cup of butter & brush the butter on top of the wrapped sausages. Sprinkle the rosemary on top. Cut a red bell pepper into a bow shape for garnish. Combine the BBQ sauce & cranberry sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until heated through. Serve with wreath for dipping.

BARRIERE FIRST RESPONDERS

BARRIERE FIRE DEPARTMENT

FromMyKitchen

By Dee

Celebrating 36 years

Practices every Thursday at the Barriere Fire Hall Come out and join the team!!

December A p r i l 2 3 25 - 2- 931, , 22014 012 This weekissome This week all people close you about give andto take, need a little Capricorn.

Do space. for Honor their others, and theyrequests will and show do for you. them A special some respect, Caprievent calls for some corn.

Your relationextra-special gifts.

March 21– December 22– ships will weather April 19 January 19 the time apart.

Aries, youAries, feel and Speak up, amazing this the problem willweek. be Your can solved.enthusiasm A little miracle be quitemakes contagious, at home for an and manyweekend. friends interesting may Travelcome planscalling come in the hopes that your together.

June 22– good vibes rub off.

July 22

Cancer, your presA business relationship ence alone is an enough blossoms with to impress people addition.

A larger-thanthis week. Focus life personality dropsall ofbyyour energy on with an offer you positive things, and can’t refuse.

Oh boy, you willCancer. accomplish oh boy, September 23– quite a bit before October 22 the week is over.

Aquarius, Some habitsthings are hard are bound to move to break, Aquarius. quickly you Look to aonce mentor to put plan mohelpaand youinwill tion.

GetA all of your succeed. fitness ducks a row to goal is in easily achieved make smooth with a anew piece of transition. equipment. You may have to do some homework.

You Cast may aside have all doubt, difficulty Taurus. Thesolving offer is a difficult problem genuine and will bring atyouwork week, manythis rewards.

A Taurus.

Take a metest of faith begins— thodical be strong.approach, Money woes and ease.the solution will come to you before July 23– you know it.

August 22

Leo, a good Oops,now Leo. is You fall time your behindtoonassess a project, health goals and raising some make a few eyebrows.

Notplans to for theYou newwillyear. worry. get It’s backwithin on trackreason sooner to change or than youyour think,diet thanks start a new exercise to an innovation. regimen.

Scorpio, The tiniestthis of week ischanges a greatmake time to a vast complete projects improvement in a that have been onis project.

A rejection your platein for quite a blessing disguise. some time.forAll you Be grateful what really do is you’re need given, to Scorpio.

October 23– set your mind on November 21 them.

Things may not Feeling blessed have going these been days, Gemini? your Gemini, Pay itway, forward.

A but there isatstill compromise homeno reason for disapraises everyone’s pointment. spirits and funYou ensues will find a way all weekend long! to bounce back from these setbacks in a few days.

Incredible efficiency Spend less, save more this weekdefinitely has you and you’ll zipping get more,through Virgo. More your to-do list, in your bottom line Virgo.

Enjoy and more peacesome of relaxation time once mind. Flowers provide you have completed a great pick-me-up. all your projects.

Sagittarius, you News from afar gets may feel rushed the creative juices by external pressures, flowing, and you but it’s really to accomplish moreupthan you setinyour you to have some own time, pace.

If youA keep a Sagittarius. game of calm things wits athead, the office fallchallenging. in place and November 22– will proves December 21 you can complete your tasks.

January 20– February 18

this ad is sponsored by

Bayley’s Bistro

in the Brookfield Shopping Centre in Clearwater Eat in or Take out Fried Chicken

February 19– March 20

You can probably The odds may be have funagainst in any stacked you, situation week, Pisces, but this that doesn’t Pisces.

Your mean you won’tyouthcome ful will out exuberance on top with a little keep you Abusy and ingenuity. weekend laughing. endeavor requires a leap of faith.

April 20– May 20

May 21– June 21

COMMUNITY EVENTS & SERVICES

250-674-2674 Dec. 31 - New Years Eve Bullarama Agriplex tickets available at the Star/Journal Dec. 31 - New Years Eve Party, Barriere Legion. DJ music, drink specials, no cover.

Jan. 5 - School back in session Jan. 9 & 10 - BSS Sr. Boys Cougar Classic Jan. 16 & 17 - BSS Jr.. Girls Cougar Classic Jan. 17 - Barriere Farmer’s Market 10am-1pm Legion Basement Jan. 31 - Barriere Farmer’s Market 10am-1pm Legion Basement.

Feb. 8 - Barriere Family Fun Day at the Ridge Feb. 14 - Barriere Farmer’s Market 10am-1pm Legion Basement.

Feb. 28 - Barriere Farmer’s Market 10am-1pm Legion Basement.

Feb. 19 - Crimestoppers General Meeting at the Ridge 1pm Army Cadets - 2941 RCACC Cadet Corp. - ages 12-18.

New Recruits Welcome. Hethar McIntosh 250-5870027.

Adult Day Program: Mon. & Wed. 9-2. Lunch, crafts & music at the Seniors Ctr. Sherry Jardine 672-5121

August 23– September 22

Work andsmiles familyon Lady Luck issues are on you, Libra, andyour there mind, Libra.

Find is nothing beyond your ways balance reach.to A treasured work andresurfaces, family as heirloom best as you bringing backpossibly many can. be hard fond Don’t memories. on yourself if you cannot manage everything.

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY

After School Program: Mon.-Fri. 3-6pm @ Ridge (NTVIC room). For info call 250-672-0033.

Baha’i Night: Fri., 7:30pm, @ Marge Mitchell’s 672-5615.

Barriere & District Heritage Society: 3rd Wed. of mth, 1pm at NTVIC in winter, at Museum in summer.

Barriere Youth Group - Fridays ages 12-18 at the Ridge 7-10pm. Enjoy activities, sports and more.

Riding Club: Apr-Oct: 3rd Thurs. 7pm at NTVIC. www. barrieredistrictridingclub.com. Darcey 250-318-9975.

Cancer Support: 672-9263, 672-0017 or 672-1890 Choir: Thurs. @ Christian Life Assembly, Annesty Rd. Youth 7-18 3:30pm; Adults 19+ 6:30pm. Leah 250-9578440.

Crib: Barriere Legion 242, every Thurs. 7pm, Sept. to May. Darts: Barriere Legion 242, Thurs. 7pm, Sept. to May. Curling Club: Oct.-Mar. Curling, league & bonspiels.

Drop In Art. Fridays 11:30am-2:30pm at NTVIC end of Sep to Mar (except holidays). Nominal fee.

Barriere A-A: Every Tues. 7:30pm at the Pentecostal Church 818 Amnesty Rd. 250-672-9643 or 250-6729934 Barriere Elementary PAC: 1st Wed. of mth, 6:30pm, call 672-9916.

Barriere Drop In Art. Fridays 11:30am-2:30pm at NTVIC from end of Sept to March (except holidays). Nominal fee. All welcome.

Barriere Fire Dept.: Firehall, Thurs., 7pm Barriere Food Bank: Every Wed. 672-0029 Barriere Fibre Arts: Every Tues, 6:30pm at the Ridge.

Barriere Genealogy: once a mth at the Library, except Jul/Aug. For dates/times call 250-672-9330.

Barriere Hospice: Loans out handicap equip. 250-6729391.

Photography Club. Shelley Lampreau 250-672-5728.

Community Quilters: Every Thurs. 2pm at the Barriere Food Bank. Judy 250-672-5275 or Fran 250-672-2012.

Barriere Search & Rescue: 2nd Tues. of mth, 7pm.

Training on 4th Tues. of mth, 7pm.

BSS PAC & Booster Club: 1st Tues., 5:30pm. 250-6729943.

Survivors of Brain Injuries: John 250-372-1799.

Bethany Baptist Church Prayer: Every Tues., 7pm.

Carpet Bowling: Mon, Wed & Fri., 9:30am-12 @ Little Fort Hall.

Community Kitchen: Call Dede 554-3134.

Community Soup Day: Christian Life Assembly on

Annesty Rd. 3rd Mon., 11:30 am.

Crib: Mon. & Fri. 1-4pm @ Little Fort Hall.

Family & Caregivers Group: 1st Mon. of the mth, 10am @ Ridge, kitchen. Info call 778-220-5930.

Gambler’s Anonymous: 250-374-9165 or 250-3749866.

Heffley Creek Acoustic Coffee House: 3rd Fri. every mth 7pm. Call 578-0056.

Literacy Tutoring: Learn to read FREE. Jill 250-319-8023.

Little Fort Recreation: 1st Thurs. each mth 7pm LNT Catholic Women’s League: 2nd Sat. each mth, 9am at St. George’s. Call 250-672-9330 for info.

McLure Rec.: 1st Wed. each mth at 7:30pm McLure Firehall. Except Jul & Aug. 250-578-7565 for info.

McLure Fire Dept.: 2nd & 4th Tues., 7pm, Firehall Men’s Floor Hockey: Tues., 8-10pm at Barriere Sec. NT Fish & Game: 4th Mon. each mth 7pm NTVIC. 6721070 NT Valley Hospice: 3rd Tues, 11am, Little Fort Hall.

672-5660.

Quilting: 1st Tues, 10am @ Little Fort Hall.

Safe Home: Get away from domestic abuse, call 250674-2135 (Clw) or 250-682-6444 (Barriere).

North Thompson Star Journal Thursday, December 25, 2014

www.starjournal.net A17

Your community. Your classifieds.

250.672.5611 fax 250.672.9900 email office@starjournal.net Services

Employment

Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9am -5pm 359 Borthwick Ave. Box 1020, Barriere BC V0E 1Eo

Ph: 250.672.5611 • Fax: 250.672.9900

CLASSIFIED RATES AND DEADLINES Buy a Classified in the Star/Journal and your ad goes into The Times FREE Regular Rate: 8.50 + GST Maximum 15 words .20c per word extra Special Rates: 3 Weeks; $22.15 + GST

Happy Occasions: Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, etc.

1 column by 3 inch - $18.49 + GST Deadlines: Word Ads: Mondays 12pm

Display Ads: Mondays 12pm

It is the policy of The Star/Journal and The Times to receive pre-payment on all classified advertisements.

Ads may be submitted by phone if charged to a VISA, MC or an existing account.

CHECK YOUR AD! Notice of error must be given in time for correction before the second insertion of any advertisement. The paper will not be responsible for omissions or for more than one incorrect insertion, or for damages or costs beyond the cost of the space actually occupied by the error.

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

Readers; in ads where ‘male’ is referred to, please read also as ‘female’ and where ‘female’ is used, read also ‘male’.

NOTE: When ordering items out of province, the purchaser is responsible to pay provincial sales tax. Do not send money in response to an advertisement without confirming the credentials of that business, and be aware that some telephone numbers will be charged for by the minute Free Ads: Lost, Found, Student Work Wanted Free ads maximum 15 words will run 2 consecutive weeks.

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking SEEKING class 1 drivers for super b flat deck work. Canada wide and US hauls. We offer modern equipment, e logs, steady year round work, and family security through extended benefits and a matched contribution pension apply on line at sutco.ca fax resume and abstract to 250-357-2009 or call 1-888-3572612 ext. 230

Trades, Technical SKILLED trades! Experienced welders and completions team members needed in Grande Prairie, AB. Welders, B-Pressure Welders, Painters with Steel experience. Fly in - Fly out with 1 week at home a month. Accommodation provided.

Alberta wages without the high rent!

Send resume to: hr@wester nmanufactur ing.ca www.westernmanufacturing.ca

Services

Home Care Access Respite Care & shift coverage whenever you need it. Certified quality home support. 778-220-7003

by Keith McNeill

Digital and film photographs.

Phone 250-674-3252 or email:keith.mcneill65@gmail.com

Announcements

Travel

Coming Events

Timeshare

Raft Mountain Skating Registration

CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

NO Risk Program. STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248.

Barriere - Saturday, Jan 3 3-5 p.m. at AG Foods Clearwater - Sunday Jan. 4 3-5 p.m. at NT Sportsplex or www.raftmountain.com

Information Barriere A-A Meetings Every Tuesday at 7:30pm Pentecostal Church 818 Amnesty Road 250-672-9643 250-672-9934

Travel RV LOT Rentals $8.95 a day.

362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertainment. Reserve by 11/01/2014.

Visit: www.hemetrvresort.com.

Call: 1-800-926-5593

Employment Business Opportunities

Safe Home Response Providing a safe place to escape for women and their children.

Volunteers always needed.

Call 250-674-2135.

THE DISABILITY Tax Credit. $1,500 yearly tax credit.$15,000 lump sum refund (on avg). covers: Hip/knee replacements, arthritic joints, COPD. For help applying 1844-453-5372.

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP

Career Opportunities

Located across the railway tracks in Vavenby, B.C. Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Great deals - low prices

Personals Clearwater: AA Meetings Every Wednesday, #11 Lodge Drive, side door.

Call 250-587-0026 anytime MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada!

Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program.

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Help Wanted

Duplex / 4 Plex

Homes for Rent

Suites, Lower

Barriere: 3 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath, duplex, large fenced backyard, 1 car garage. $895 + util. DD. Pets neg., N/P, N/S Avail Dec. 15. 250-672-0041.

Clearwater: 3bdrm, Peavine Rd, new renos, lg deck, 1500 sq ft. $850/mo; 3 bdrm house, 220 Dutch Lake Rd, $795/mo, recent renos. Call Chum 250674-3668.

Birch Island: 2-bdrm suite, $550/mo. Avail now. Incl sat tv, util & laundry. Wood heat.

Ph. 250-674-1768

Merchandise for Sale

Barriere: large 1 bdrm apartment in quiet neighbourhood.750sqft. $615/mo. Pets negotiable. Call 250-682-2231

Firearms FIREARMS: ALL types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation.

Licensed dealer 1-866-9600045. www.dollars4guns.com.

Furniture For Sale Brown chenille three cushioned sofa. $50 or best offer. As is where is. Call Leslie at 250-672-5706 to view.

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

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

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

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent Clearwater: Small 2 bdrm apt, own entrance, close to town. $600/mo + util. Avail Jan. 1, 2015. Call Julie 250-674-0188

Help Wanted Contract Delivery Driver

• Pick up in Vernon and deliver to Barriere Once a week on Wednesday • Time sensitive • Must have reliable vehicle, insurance and capability to haul 2 tonnes of weight.

Please submit resume to the

North Thompson Star/Journal 10-4353 Conner Road Barriere, BC or email al@starjournal.net

Barriere Employment Services YOUR GATEWAY TO LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION DRIVER - Hy’s N. Transportation BC0453 MECHANIC – Act 1 Services BC0455 TRAIL MAINTENANCE PERSON – Lower North Thompson - BC0473 MECHANIC – Hillside Motors – BC0474

Rentals

Home Improvements

Photography / Video PHOTOS

Rentals

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. Call 1-800-573-2928.

Financial Services ARE YOU $10K Or More In Debt? DebtGo can help reduce a significant portion of your debt load. Call now & see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783.

Rentals

SUPPORT WORKER – Yellowhead Community Services B0476 GENERAL LABORER –Woodco – BC0493 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER – Hy’s North Transportation BC0505

Mike Wiegele - http://www.wiegele.com/employment.htm Sun Peaks - http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/corporate/work-and-play/opportunities FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ABOVE JOBS PLEASE GO TO

www.barriere-employment.ca

Skill Development: If you have been on Employment Insurance in the past 3 years (5 years maternity) & are currently unemployed, you may be eligible for re-training dollars. Book an appointment to see one of our counselors for information.

Free computer & Internet access • Free resume help • Free info on many services The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia In Partnership with Barriere & District Chamber of Commerce and Yellowhead Community Services

629 Barriere Town Rd. V0E 1E0 • 250-672-0036 • Fax: 250-672-2159 E-mail: info@barriere-employment.ca • Website: www.barriere-employment.ca

Homes for Rent Clearwater: 3 bdrm, 2 bath, home on Bain Rd. Wood pellet & elec heat, 10 acre lot. $1250/mo + util. Mature adult.

NS Ph. 403-816-7979

Vavenby: Nice clean 3bdrm house w/bsmt, carport, & storage sheds on half acre w/river view. F/S, W/D, $900/mo, $450/dd. Call 250-674-0002

Very attractive 2-bdrm manuf home, f/s, washer, dryer, central air, office area, carport. $750/mo. Now avail. Thompson Crossing Blackpool, Clearwater. Ph. 250-587-6151

Transportation

Vehicle Wanted Volkswagen van/bus with split front window. Any info pls call Kevin 403-690-7646 or email vdublove@hotmail.ca

Trucks & Vans 2010 Dodge Caravan SE, 3.3 litre, V-6, 115,272 km, $9750.00 Ph. 250-674-2010

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Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star Journal

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Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal

Forget mistakes, focus on innate divinity; do not be afraid

Legacies That Last Foreve r

.

The writer Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote: “Take your minds out and dance on them.

“They’re all taped up”.

What’s he saying?

To me, he’s asking us to open up our closed minds and to play.

To get over our small single-minded self with its oh-so-proper ways of thinking, with its always correct opinions, with its obsession with doing everything right and, instead, to truly live.

To live from a place where risk, failure, not knowing, not having complete control are just fine — thank you very much.

To move beyond the rules and regulations we’ve come to believe make up our life and to realize there is more than one way to think, one way to be, one way to pray, one way to love, one way to know God. By virtue of being

Find us on the web ntcommunitiesfoundation.com

or on Facebook

CHURCH DIRECTORY

CHURCH OF ST. PAUL

4464 Barriere Town Road

Worship Sunday 11:00 A worshipping community of Anglicans, United & Lutherans

All Are Welcome

the Rev. Brian Krushel

Office: 250 672-5653 www.norththompsonpc.ca CHRISTIAN LIFE ASSEMBLY 4818 Annesty Rd. (Across from High School) 9:30am Adult Sunday School 10:30am Sunday Service and Children’s Sunday School Pastor: Lance Naylor 672-0111 www.clabarriere.org

THE OPEN DOOR FELLOWSHIP 11:00 am Sundays at the Ridge Bible Study on Tuesdays at 1pm PASTOR TODD ENGLISH Join us for refreshments after the Service.

Phone 250-672-1864 anytime.

Affiliated with North American Baptist Association.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus - and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

This Crossword Sponsored by

WELLS GRAY HOME HARDWARE 86 STATION RD., CLEARWATER

674-3717

Seventh-day Adventists

Meet in the Church of Saint Paul on Saturday Mornings Bible Study - 9:30am Worship Service - 11am Fellowship Meal - 12:30pm Everyone Welcome 318-0545

a human being, we have been invited into a larger mind — a participant in a larger being.

According to Jewish and Christian scripture, we are made in the image and likeness of God. We are so much bigger than we imagine ourselves to be.

It’s not that we don’t mess up, falter and sin — because we manifestly do.

But, that is such small potatoes.

Rather than grasping at our mistakes and supposed failings, what would happen if we focused instead on our innate divinity, our holiness/wholeness?

What if, every time we stumbled and fell, we picked ourselves right back up again and looked in the mirror of our own sacredness?

What if we claimed our God-given freedom and became all that we could become?

Can you imagine living from a place of

Pause For Thought

Brian Puida Mitchell

complete acceptance, of no judgement, of both yourself and of others?

That is what Jesus/ Yeshua asked of those who chose to follow his teachings.

And how, you might ask yourself, can you measure up to that undertaking?

Well, the short answer is that you can’t.

You, working from that place of your small mind, your small self, cannot.

However, working in relationship and connection with your source, with your ultimate reality, with your God, you can.

But, you cannot experience that bond

with your small mind, your small self.

It is only when you have begun the process of completely surrendering to this Other (this “Other” that is none other than your own and everyone’s deepest Self) that you can begin to access that place of freedom, acceptance and peace.

And, how can you learn to surrender, to let go of your little obsessions?

There are, of course, many ways we can move beyond our small minds.

The self-help books, blogs and papers are full of answers.

But, as I’ve mentioned in previous columns, all of the traditional religions say clearly that intentional silence (meditation/ contemplation) is a prerequisite.

Once you get a taste of the joy and strength that comes with the trusting, releasing and letting be that comes with having a practice

in place, you will never want to stop.

Moving beyond our reactive, auto-pilot behaviours is within our capability.

In fact, it’s why each of us has been put here.

As Jesus/Yeshua says: “Do not be afraid”.

Just jump in. The water’s fine.

In fact, you might even learn to walk on it.

(By the way, the Hebrew word for what Christians have translated as “sin” actually means “to miss the mark”— as in an archer aiming at a target.

It’s root is in not being fully present and taking the time to aim with intention.

It has to do with being conscious or unconscious. Being unconscious is death. Being conscious brings life.

Brian Puida Mitchell facilitates an interdenominational contemplative group. He is a graduate of the Pacific Jubilee Program in Spiritual Direction. bmitchell@tru.ca

Don’t let a lending scam spoil the holiday season Financial Institutions Commission British Columbia’s regulator of mortgage brokers is warning consumers to watch out for scams targeted at people looking for easy access to mortgage funds.

The Office of the Registrar of Mortgage Brokers at the Financial Institutions Commission (FICOM) recently identified companies promoting their services through classified advertising that are not registered to do business in this province.

Companies will often offer easy credit and use a toll-free number rather than provide a local contact or office. They may ask for fees up front and can use high pressure tactics to encourage clients to advance the money.

In one case, a B.C. woman was convinced to pay over $2,000 in “mortgage insurance” to a company advertising loans through a toll-free number. After a request for another fee, she went to a registered mortgage broker who advised her not to provide any further payments.

“Fees can run in the thousands of dollars and usually cannot be recovered,” says Carolyn Rogers, registrar of mortgage brokers.

“We advise people seeking mortgage funding to work with a registered mortgage broker and to use our website to determine if a lender is registered to operate in B.C.”

The Office of the Registrar has posted a Consumer Alert warning that two companies have offered loans and are not registered to provide mortgage broker services in British Columbia.

Details can be found at: http://www.fic.gov. bc.ca/ FICOM’s website contains a searchable list of entities and individuals who are registered to conduct mortgage broker activity in British Columbia: http://www.fic.gov. bc.ca/web_listings/MBSBListing.aspx.

Consumers and industry are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar with information about unregistered mortgage broker activity.

For more information: Office of the Registrar of Mortgage Brokers 604 660-3395 1 866 206-3030 (toll-free) Email: mortgagebrokers@ficombc.ca

North Thompson Star/Journal December 25, 2014

www.starjournal.net A19

Ebook Review: Author encourages homeowners to verify their 2014 Property Assessment Notices BC Homeowners should start receiving the 2014 property assessment notices the first week of January 2015.

This leaves approximately three weeks to verify the assessment and, if the homeowner feels it is incorrect, to start the assessment appeal process. Yet less than 2% of approximately 1.9 million property assessment notices issued by the BC Assessment Authority are challenged. The authors of a new ebook believe that residents must verify and appeal their assessment as the most effective way to reduce their share of property taxes.

“There is a belief that the assessment notice is always correct”, said Peter Morris coauthor of the ebook How to Successfully Appeal Your BC Property Assessment And Reduce your Property Tax Bill; “however, the methodology used by the BC Assessment Authority only provides a computed range of values. It is then left to the homeowner to actually verify that the information is correct. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t know that the onus is on them to make sure their assessed value is correct”. Morris believes that homeowners should start the process now since the period between receiving the notice and the deadline for launching an appeal is so short.

British Columbia publisher Attainment Press recently released the new 61 page e-book written by Peter Morris and Tim Down. This informative book shows homeowners how to verify their property assessment and prepare an appeal, if needed.

Morris and Down, the book’s co-authors, both have impressive real estate credentials to undertake the subject of verifying and appealing residential property assessments.

Mr. Morris has more than 30 years of real estate experience and has successfully appealed his own assessments on a number of different properties. Tim Down, AACI, P. App, CAE, RI is a professional appraiser and licensed real estate agent with over 26 years of experience as an appraiser, assessor, property tax agent, consultant and realtor. He worked as a senior assessment supervisor at the BC Assessment Authority for 11 years. The two use their combined knowledge to show homeowners what they need to do, and how to do it.

“Most of the assessment appeals are related to commercial property,” said Morris, “our book deals with residential property such as houses, townhomes and condominiums. It is a step by step guide in seven short chapters that reviews the assessment process, explains how to verify an assessment, and how to prepare and present a compelling appeal, if warranted.” Down explained that commercial assessment appeals are far more complicated and technical so it is best to engage a professional for all commercial appeals. However, most homeowners can conduct their own appeal if they understand the process, what is needed for a successful appeal and how to craft your case to the review panel.

According to both Down and Morris, there are several unfounded reasons so few homeowners attempt to appeal their assessments.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that the process is difficult,” Morris stated. Both authors believe that once the homeowner understands the principles and structure of the annual property assessment valuation process they are well equipped to handle an appeal.

They have dedicated almost half their e-book to explaining the assessment process in BC. Down states that another misconception is an increasing assessed value is a good thing for the house value on resale and that appealing the assessment actually hurts the homeowners’ net worth. Morris gives three reasons why this shouldn’t be a concern for over 95% of homeowners. The first is that the value of the property is set as of July 1 (October 31 in the case of newly built and

substantially remodeled properties) but the assessment notice is provided 6 months later.

That time lag means the value of the property at sale will be different than the assessed value established six months, or more, previously.

The second is the homeowner may be concerned that a lower assessed value may hurt the refinancing of their mortgage, if it will renew soon. The authors both say the lender will obtain a current appraisal and will not rely on the assessed value alone because of the time lag between the assessment date and the notice, The third reason why homeowners shouldn’t be concerned about appealing their assessment is because most people live in their homes for many years and are not actually anticipating selling their property.

Morris and Down see long term benefits of successfully appealing your residential assessment, such as the potential property tax savings that may amount to hundreds of dollars annually.

Although residents have yet to receive the current assessment notices, homeowners can immediately start gathering the information they will need for verification process and a potential appeal. This book outlines the information that is currently available and how to obtain it. “In fact, it is important to start early because the window to appeal is fairly short,” said Morris. He notes that homeowners must file their notice to appeal before Jan. 31.

The book is only available as an electronic download from the Attainment Press website at www.attainmentpress.com.

The cost is $39.99.

Christmas party for local day program

STAR/JOURNAL photos: Elli Kohnert

The annual Christmas party for the Barriere’s Seniors Day Program provided a good time for all on Dec. 15.

Staff wore reindeer antlers, their was live music, sweet snacks, and Santa paid a visit. This drop in service is run by Barriere Home Support on Mondays and Wednesdays, providing a place where folks can stop in for crafts, games, music and socialization.

STAR/JOURNAL photos: Elli Kohnert

Every Thursday we bring you the NEWS and the VIEWS from the Lower North Thompson Valley.

The STAR/JOURNAL Keeping valley residents informed!

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Thursday, December 25, 2014 North Thompson Star/Journal

Christmas time in our community!

STAR/JOURNAL photos: Jill Hayward & Elli Kohnert

Station House Restaurant Christmas Tree.

(Right) Santa’s little elf, Echo Cameron and her mom Jamie at the Barriere Late Night Farmer’s Market .

A youngster in Barriere AG Foods looks a long way up to see Santa.

Cathy Campbell purchasing a beverage at the Elementary School concession at the Barriere Tree Lite Up from Tammy Bunting.

Santa stopped in at Chu Chua last week, courtesy of Karl Rainer.

Waiting to meet Santa at carol sing.

Amazing what a cherry tree can look like at Christmas.

The front window display at Timeless Treasures Antique Store brings some old world charm to the Barriere Late Night Shopping event.