January 30, 2015

Kootenay News Advertiser Friday, January 30, 2015

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Friday, January 30, 2015 Kootenay News Advertiser

What to do with your lives when a couple becomes a family Having children is one of the most enriching experiences a human being can have. How­

ever, this means that a couple’s romantic life­ style must adapt and become a family­ori­

ented lifestyle.

Many psychologists believe that it takes an average of two years for

parents to adjust to this new reality. Other pri­ orities take over — feed­ ing the baby, learning to

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• $205.00/month tuition • St. Mary’s School received an exceptional evaluation report by the Ministry of Education in October 2014

Our students excel! We focus on doing the things that really matter, really well.

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communicate with him or her, rocking him to sleep, changing dia­ pers — and certain repercussions follow. All of a sudden there may be extreme fatigue, sexual frustration, and disagreements on how to raise the baby.

All this might be making you wonder if the transition to parenthood inevita­ bly leads to a crisis.

Fortunately, that is not the case. There are ways to get through this period smoothly.

• COMMuniCATe eFFeCTively.

Assessing the situation regularly with your partner allows you to express your feelings and needs. This is how

to keep frustrations from accumulating.

• SHAre TASkS equAlly. Both part­ ners have to get invol­ ved; the sharing of tasks has to be done in a balanced way. The partner who has less experience with chil­ dren must be given the chance to practice!

• Give yOurSelF BreAkS. new parents have a lot of difficulty in giving themselves a long break from the daily routine. That is why it is preferable to take lots of short breaks. A candlelit din­ ner every week is more likely to happen than a romantic weekend at a hotel. Take every opportunity to express

your love for your partner and talk about something other than the children.

• ACCepT THe Help OF FriendS Or FAMily. it is important to accept the help offered to you by family, neighbours, or friends. relinquish the idea that you can do everything by your­ self. Some community organizations can also help you. And don’t hesitate to consult a professional counsel­ lor or therapist if some emotional support is necessary.

• exerCiSe. physical activity is beneficial for the body and soul, espe­ cially for the release of stress.

Finding common ground even though a couple may share the same values, disagreements can arise when the time comes to make con­ crete decisions about their children. For example, opinions often differ when it comes to discipline. What can be done to reach an agree­ ment in this sort of situ­ ation? it is normal for each parent to have different attitudes and opinions about such things; after all, they were not raised together and they have different personalities. in order to come to an understanding, these dif­ ferences have to be seen as complementary rath­ er than conflicting; their differences can enrich their parenting as a team.

Here are the three C’s

of team parenting and avoiding dissension: 1­COMMuniCATe. This can’t be repeated often enough! Take the time to regularly dis­ cuss and review your family life and parent­ ing concerns. doing so generally leads to a consensus.

2­COMprOMiSe. Be generous in listening to your partner’s con­ cerns. See where they intersect with your own and make an effort to find a compromise that works for both of you.

3­Be COnSTruC­ Tive. if you have con­ cerns about the actions of your partner, bring it up in a constructive manner, with the aim of working towards peace and upholding fam­ ily values. if you lay

blame, it simply per­ petuates the conflict and prevents progress.

CHOOSe THe riGHT TiMe These discussions are most productive when they take place at the right time, in a peaceful atmosphere and when the children are absent or in bed.

Why? it is counter­ productive to display your disagreements in front of the children. it causes confusion (the children wonder what their real limits are) and guilt (the children end up believing they are the source of the conflict). Once a solu­ tion has been found, the children should be told as soon as pos­ sible.

Kootenay News Advertiser Friday, January 30, 2015

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Family literacy is fun. From January 24 – 31, families across British Columbia are encouraged to learn together and participate in literacy-related activities to benefit both children and adults.

F

amily Literacy Week is a means of reaching not only children, but their caregivers. Parents and caregivers who participate in family learning, directly and positively affect the language and literacy development of their children. Even 15 minutes a day can improve both a child and parent’s literacy skills dramatically.

During the week, hundreds of activities and events are being offered by literacy providers, schools, libraries and community centres across the province to promote literacy and learning. Activities range from book drives to children’s reading circles to family game nights. This feature section is your guide to Family Literacy in B.C.

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Friday, January 30, 2015 Kootenay News Advertiser

literacy feature

Family literacy benefits everyone

literacy organizations. But don’t expect everything to involve reading.

“Literacy is not just reading and writing,” says Brattston. “While they do make up the foundation of literacy, it is so much more. When you engage in simple, everyday activities you help your child learn.”

What activities will her family be doing during Family Literacy Week?

“During Family Literacy Week we will continue to play board games, sing silly songs, draw pictures for our grandparents, go outside for a nature walk and curl up with one of our favorite bedtime stories.”

Take the Decoda literacy quiz: “Literacy impacts all areas of our lives,” says Brattston. “Health, employarents and caregivers ment, economic status and life chances across British Columbia are all tied to literacy development.” are encouraged to find fun As a lifelong learner herself, ways of practicing literacy Brattston has a master’s degree in with their children during Family education and you will often hear her Literacy Week, January 24-31. talking about the importance of early “Literacy starts in the home so it literacy and how easy it is to get your is important that families take a few child involved. minutes each day to play together, “Engaging in family literacy activprepare food together, sing and enjoy ities is not expensive, it’s not time music, draw a picture, write a letter, consuming , but it is crucial to a or read their favorite story,” says Sheri child’s development…even spending Brattston, an early literacy expert 15 minutes a day reading together with Decoda Literacy Solutions. can improve a child’s literacy skills Literacy is important to everyone, dramatically.” but especially children. Research shows During Family Literacy Week, that when children are engaged early thousands of events will take place and often with literacy, they gener- across B.C. to celebrate family literacy ally go on to do better in school; pur- and give families the opportunity to sue post-secondary education; find learn together. There are events taking better employment; vote more often place in libraries, community centres, and give back to their communities. neighbourhood houses and of course

P

1. Family literacy involves a lot of time, effort and expenses.

2. Literacy is defined as reading and writing.

3. Parents are the biggest influence in their child’s learning.

4. Children do better in school when engaged early with literacy.

5. Learning only takes place in the classroom.

*For your answers visit decoda.ca/answers

A

Give the gift of words – make a donation to a literacy organization in your community.

Come visit your library today.

Fernie Heritage Library 492 3rd. Ave, Box 448, Fernie BC V0B 1M0 Phone: (250) 423-4458 Fax: (250) 423-7906 www.fernielibrary.bc.ca

• Books • Gifts • Greeting Cards • Maps • Puzzles • Coin & Stamp Accessories

33 - 10th Ave. S, Cranbrook, BC Across from City Hall

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ct as a reading role model for your children by reading in your spare time.

Remember, children learn by example.

Cranbrook District Teachers’ Association

A Union of Professionals

489-3717

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Sharing a meal together helps to build a healthy family unit in advance. Doing so might not be effort-free, but it is a challenge well

worth the trouble of taking up. It can improve family relationships,

foster self-esteem, and set everybody up for good health.

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in your home, does dinnertime mean sitting down together over a balanced meal? experts say it is a family habit with many advantages.

How many times a week does your entire family eat together? Not the five minutes it takes to polish off a bowl of cereal in the morning, but really sitting down together around the table. You are doing well if dinnertime in your home means everyone getting together most evenings over a tasty, home-cooked meal!

Unfortunately, such family meals are rapidly becoming the exception,

even if there is plenty of evidence that doing so is beneficial on many levels.

According to the experts, family meals are usually healthier and more balanced than those eaten in solitude or on the go. The chances are, a family menu includes more fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, while a solo “heat and eat” dinner is more likely to include the saturated fats and

salts commonly found in prepared, processed foods. In family homes where the television is switched off, the body mass index of children is lower.

Studies show that there is a correlation between children and teenagers eating meals 5x6.5 with the family and better academic results and a lower dropout rate.

Drug and alcohol usage and depression also seem to diminish among

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children who eat regularly with their families.

That makes sense; after all, taking the time to share a meal, discussing the events of the day, and strengthening family ties is a great and relatively simple way to create a climate of wellbeing and balance in a child’s life.

Perhaps the best way to manage to sit down all together for at least one meal a day is to plan the week’s menus

City of Cranbrook Regional District of East Kootenay

Alpine Toyota Columbia Basin Trust Fortis BC Fraternal Order of Eagles United Canadian Travelers (UCT)

Elizabeth Lake Lodge Fiorentino Bros.

Freightliner Paq’mi Nuq’yuk Early Years Services Sears Top Notch Concrete Spring Honda

Blue Lake Centre Boston Pizza Cranbrook Columbia Theatre Isaac Hockley Photography

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Friday, January 30, 2015 Kootenay News Advertiser

Make a Difference in the Lives of Adults with Developmental Disabilities!

Join the Kootenay Community Council The Kootenay Community Council helps to support community inclusion, citizenship and full participation of people with developmental disabilities.

The council includes leaders of all kinds: families, self advocates, friends, service providers, and other community partners.

Council members volunteer their time because they are passionate and dedicated to using their expertise and experience to create more inclusive communities, and break down the barriers associated with disability. Kayleigh, a Kootenay Community Council member for the past two and a half years says, “I love being on the council. I joined because I get to help people and support

the community”.

Community Councils are a real, local and direct venue for persons with developmental disabilities, their families and support persons to participate in and have a say in activities in their community.

“I joined the Council because I can see so many places where persons with diverse abilities can make real contributions to their community”, said Terry, Kootenay Community Council member. “The Council gives me a chance to hear directly from persons with diverse abilities what they want to do, how

they can contribute and what support they need to be valuable members of their communities”.

Community Councils work with Community Living BC to ensure their accountability to community, to inform them of local trends and innovation and to act in an advisory role at the local and regional levels. Community Living BC is the Crown Corporation that provides funding to support adults who are living with developmental disabilities in BC. To learn more about the Kootenay Community Council contact, Jennifer Terwoord, CLBC Integrated Manager at: 250 3658558. We look forward to hearing from you!

Taking control of your own finances

Photo submitted

Controlling your finances can help you say hello to your dreams and goodbye to your debts.

Would you be able to give an accurate answer if you were asked what your total monthly income and expenses were? If not, you would probably benefit from keeping closer tabs on your household finances. By staying on top of what’s coming in and what’s going out you can be better pre-

pared for a rainy day. It can also help you tuck money away for dream purchases and be more effective in reducing your debts. By creating a monthly budget, you can keep better track of where your money is going and then decide where you would like it to be going.

To draw up a list of

your income and your expenses you need a piece of paper, a pen, monthly bills going back a few payment cycles, and a bit of uninterrupted time.

Draw a line down the middle of the paper and list your sources of income on one side and your expenses on the other. Income is the

easiest section to complete: write down all the money you receive in a month, including any salary, tips, government allowances, and child support payments.

The expenses section can be a bit more difficult. First of all, note all your fixed expenses, meaning all those that recur every month: rent or mortgage, electricity, telephone, cable TV, house and car insurance, child support payments, and any regular school fees. Next, list the other expenses that vary from month to month, such as groceries, car repairs, gas, clothing, and dental care. Lastly, list all discretionary expenses — the non-essentials — such as restaurants, movies, alcohol, lottery tickets, and the like.

This exercise will allow you to see exactly where your money is going and where you will have to cut back in order to save for emergencies or for long-term dreams. If you think you need help with that, you could always consult a financial advisor. In no time at all, you will see that you and your family can keep a tighter rein on your money and actually control where it goes.

Family dining at its best

Frank’s Steak & Schnitzel Haus

250-489-3362

1617 Cranbrook St., Cranbrook

Comfortable, casual atmosphere with one of the largest selections of books in the Kootenays.

• Used books • New Magazines • Gaming Cards • Games • Puzzles • Comics • Newspapers

PAGES BOOK EMPORIUM

1011 Baker Street, Cranbrook Ph: 250-489-3262 Fax: 250-489-4758 Hours: Open Mon.-Thurs. & Sat. 9:00-5:30, Friday 9:00-7:00

Offering Cranbrook and Kimberley, resources during pregnancy and the first year after birth Bellies to Babies - Pregnancy & Family Resource Program 209 16th Ave. N., Cranbrook, BC V1C 5S8 Phone: (250) 489-5011 Fax: (250) 489-5905 Toll Free 1-855-589-5011 • email: bellies2babies.ccs@shaw.ca

Good Food Country!

Ukranian buffet (Tuesdays) Brunch buffet (Sundays)

1601 Cranbrook St. N., Cranbrook, BC 250-426-4111

Kootenay News Advertiser Friday, January 30, 2015

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Getting a pet for your family is a big responsibility–are you ready?

Photo submitted

Pets are a wonderful addition to any family, but before you get one make sure you know everything you are getting into.

Before you completely give up your heart to the cuddly little ball of fur in front of you, take a few minutes to think over the pet ownership question carefully. Having a cat, dog, hamster, or even a parrot or fish is a commitment that you will have to stick to every day, for years to come.

Is your family ready to take on all the respon-

sibilities that keeping a pet entails?

If your children are planning to be involved, discuss the sharing of pet-related chores ahead of time.

Be prepared to take on the commitment if others shirk theirs, otherwise the animal will suffer. It might not be reasonable to expect kids to follow through without encouragement

Come see us for a good selection of

or reminders, so don’t be surprised to find yourself asking who wants to take the dog for a walk or who is going to feed the cat or clean the aquarium.

While both children and pets are young, it will also be necessary to be vigilant about handling the animal: a loving cuddle can be a life-threatening squeeze for a kitten or

a hamster!

Despite the caveats, acquiring a pet has many advantages, as long as you choose the right animal. That means choosing one that all the family will like, one that suits your lifestyle and will have every chance of being happy in your home.

Every animal has different needs, needs that you will be responsible

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“Assisting families with Children in extraordinary Medical need.”

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Fact: Oral disease is the #1 health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats. February is Dental Health Month. We are offering a complimentary dental check-up. All dental procedures this month will receive 10% off and a bag of Royal Canin Dental pet food.

Pick up your passport applications and have your passport photos taken here!

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for meeting in order to ensure its well-being.

So, before making a decision, do some research and talk with family members about their expectations. Find out all you can about the animal you wish to adopt and the ways its presence will affect the daily routines of your family.

For children, the presence of a pet can be a source of real pleasure and a good way to learn to be gentle, patient, and respectful.

However, children’s safety should never be neglected: close parental supervision is necessary so that both child and animal can experience a positive relationship.

Call us today to book an appointment.

250-489-3451 (Cranbrook)

16 12th Ave. North Cranbrook, BC V1C 3V7 Phone: 250 420-1759 Toll Free: 1-866-564-2217 Fax: 250 426-0543 Email: ekoffice@friendsofchildren.ca www.friendsofchildren.ca

250-427-2733 (Kimberley)

We care for all animals

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Friday, January 30, 2015 Kootenay News Advertiser

Just when do you intervene when siblings are having a fight?

Keep teens reading by providing them with books, magazines and Internet sites about things that interest them – like music, movies, TV and computers.

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Arguments between brothers and sisters are inevitable. Children disagreeing over a toy or because one has more juice than the other is an everyday occurrence that can certainly leave parents feeling stressed.

The good news is that these types of arguments are harmless and normal. If the arguments get out of hand and deteriorate into physical confrontations, however, limits need to be set.

Whatever the source of the conflict may be, your children have to understand that injuring one another is out of bounds. It is imperative that every child feel safe in his or her own home.

When a quarrel degen-

erates into a fight, separate the children, put a stop to whatever was happening, and explain why you’re doing it.

When regular squabbles break out, try not to automatically interfere with a judgment: children can learn to settle their disagreements by themselves. It is especially important to not take sides if you don’t know how it all started. That doesn’t mean you should ignore the situation; rather, avoid becoming the referee every time. Teach them to express their feelings and help them name their needs, such as for fairness, safety, cooperation, creativity, or independence. Help them articulate what they are really fighting about, for example: “I’m angry because you don’t want to let me hold the remote. I want to have my fair turn”. Show them how to listen to each other, to negotiate,

Arguments are inevitable, but families can work through them. and to find satisfactory compromises together.

Remember that children learn by example,

and that they are watching and listening when you are having a disagreement with your

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spouse or another adult.

Try to practice what you preach!

Family living with a disabled child As the old African Proverb says

“IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD” The East Kootenay Child Care Resource and Referral (EKCCRR) program provides child care information, referrals, and support to East Kootenay Child Care Providers, Families, and Community Partners.

EKCCRR

Offers support to child care providers (19 years of age and up) throughout the E.K. by providing assistance and support to: Registered License-Not-Required & Pre-Licensed Family Child Care Providers Access to lower cost liability insurance Toy, Resource, & Equipment Lending Library Newsletter Professional development and networking opportunities A professional child care community Forms, resource materials, and tips on managing your business Computer internet access Consultations Referrals (upon completion of program standards) Laminating, photocopying & Crafty Creations Craft store If you are interested in becoming a RLNR, and help families and be eligible for enhanced child care subsidy rates, please call us.

For more information call: East Kootenay CCRR at 250-426-5677 or 1-800-661-2445 or ekccrr@shawlink.ca Drop by and visit us at: 20-B 12th Avenue, North (Kootenay Child Development Centre), Cranbrook, BC Your community’s best source of child care information and resources Funded by: Ministry of Children and Family Development Sponsored by: Community Connections Society of Southeast BC

Photo submitted

Children with disabilities need to be loved and accepted for their gifts and their challenges.

Discovering that one’s child has a disability or a serious illness can come as a terrible shock for parents. It means that all the dreams they had previously imagined for their family will no longer be valid. When a diagnosis comes in, the lives of all involved are forever changed in ways no one could have planned for.

On learning the diagnosis, and for years after, parents might experience deep sadness, denial, anger, and guilt as they try as hard as they can to adapt to the situation.

They might feel conflicting feelings toward their child, veering between helplessness and compassion and resentment. Daily life, filled with worries and challenges, can be so hard to bear that some couples are unable to rely on each other for support, and their relationship suffers or falls apart. And, if everything

wasn’t already complicated enough, the often embarrassed or intrusive looks of others reminds parents loud and clear that their child is different.

The great gift in all this is the discovery and acceptance of the fact that these children are complete human beings with strengths, interests, qualities, as well as faults. They have favourite games, they might love to laugh and be silly, and they can have their own unique talents and ways to touch the hearts of those around them. This is what family and friends must discover. Above and beyond the prognosis, these children must be allowed to spread their wings as wide as they are able to. Like any child, they want to blossom and surpass themselves, and they want to be loved and accepted for who they are, the way they are.

Kootenay News Advertiser Friday, January 30, 2015

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literacy feature

Family program helps son – and mom

BY MARGARET SUTHERLAND

Use it or lose it! Reading is like a muscle, if you don’t exercise it often, you will not maintain the same level of reading ability as you get older.

300 Manitou, Fernie, BC

L

eaving everything behind to start a new life can be scary, but that’s exactly what Lani did ten years ago. “If my Dad didn’t pass away I wouldn’t have come. I wanted to help my mom support my younger brother and sister.”

Lani got a job in a camp at the Mica Dam, near Revelstoke. “At first I didn’t talk to anyone. I was sad, I didn’t have any friends.” But over time, Lani made friends at the camp, where she eventually met her husband. In

Introduce a family board game night where everyone is encouraged to read instructions, spell words and keep score.

Ph: 346-3315 Fax: 346-3218 Scale: 346-3231

2009, the couple had a baby boy named Evan.

Lani got information about programs for families and when Evan was three months old, Lani and her mother-in-law took him to the Mother Goose program in Revelstoke.

“I thought it was fun. I didn’t know any of the baby songs but I met other moms.”

The Mother Goose program facilitator printed the songs for Lani and she studied them at home. “My husband said ‘it’s not a test’ but I wanted to get the words right!”

When Lani and her family moved to Castlegar she looked online to find programs she could attend with Evan. She found what she was looking for at Kootenay Family Place – a family literacy program offered by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) for English as a Second Language (ESL) families with young children.

Lani made friends at the ESL family program, lots of friends, and became an unofficial leader of the group, organizing parties, play dates and outings. “In Revelstoke I had a big group of Filipino friends. I was afraid I would be lonely in Castlegar. But, when you meet people who have all come from a different country, you connect.”

Lani noticed a difference in Evan too.

He enjoyed doing the crafts and listening to stories in circle. His social skills improved, and he became more independent.

“ESL Family Time is a wonderful program.

It is good for the parents and good for the kids.

It helped Evan be ready for school. I enjoy the speakers. We have had a dental-hygienist, public health nurse and a yoga teacher come to the program to talk to the parents.”

Now that Evan is going to school, Lani is attending ESL Family Time with her

Just reading to your child for 20 minutes a day adds up to more than 1,450 hours of learning, from infancy to the end of Grade 6.

Sparwood Public Library

Hours: Mon. closed, Tues. & Thurs 10am-8pm, Wed., Fri. & Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun., 12 noon-4pm 110 Pine, Sparwood, BC

250-425-2299

250-423-4694 “We’ve got your lumber”

Celebrate Family Day February 11 daughter Katelyn. She has also been able to attend other literacy programs designed to help adults improve their reading, writing and speaking skills in English.

“I like it in Canada. It is very family oriented.

In the Philippines families live close together.

In Canada families are close in other ways.”

For more information about literacy programs in your community visit cbal.org.

Follow a recipe together – it’s a fun way to practise reading, math and comprehension.

355 Ross St., Kimberley (250)427-4444

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Friday, January 30, 2015 Kootenay News Advertiser

literacy feature

What is STEAM? STEAM learning is an authentic, hands-on approach to learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. The acronym STEAM originated with the National Science Foundation; STEAM incorporates the arts.

Fun Activities for Babies and Toddlers

Fun Activities for Preschoolers (ages 3 to 5)

Fun Activities for ages 5 to 8

⚫ Gather household objects that make different noises, e.g. plastic containers with something inside, spoons, pot lids, and toys. Make lots of different sounds and rhythms. Use objects that make both hard and soft sounds. Talk about what you hear. ⚫ Make a treasure basket. Fill a basket with safe household items that have different colours, textures, weights, sizes, etc. For younger babies, a basket with soft fabric, a soft toy, a soft sponge, and soft towel is appropriate. ⚫ Young babies can hold, mouth, and drop blocks. And they can watch you stack and knock over blocks. As children develop, they can start to sort, stack and build with blocks. Make sure the blocks are designed for very young children.

⚫ Use a magnifying glass to explore your home and yard. How do things look different? Do you notice new details?

Draw what you see. ⚫ Play Tri-spy. In this version of I spy, choose a category of things to look for, e.g. something orange, something shiny, something funny. ⚫ Cook together. You can follow a recipe or get creative. Salad, pizza and cookies are all popular choices. Added bonus: children often want to eat what they have prepared. ⚫ What do you think will float? Collect and make some things you think will float, such as plastic bottle tops, corks, and waterproof toys; then try them out.

Don’t forget to add some things that won’t float.

⚫ Use things around the house to build something together. For example, you can design and create a scavenger hunt, a board game, a Lego structure, a domino run, an item of jewellery or clothing, a piece of music or a recipe. ⚫ Origami is a popular activity with some children. Start with simple paper folding, like the origami talking dog. There are lots of origami instructions available online or in books at the library. ⚫ Draw or write with invisible ink. Dip a cotton swab into lemon juice and write or draw on heavy paper or cardstock. Use heat (a hair dryer, light bulb or iron) to make the picture or words appear. Be careful; too much heat and the paper could catch fire. Try different liquids and compare the results.

Literacy and lifelong learning in the Columbia Basin and Boundary Region

Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) provides free literacy programs for children, families, youth, adults and seniors.

R yes!

I am supporting literacy and learning in the Columbia Basin and Boundary Region

Name ___________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ Phone # _________________ Email __________________________ I will give a gift of:  $25  $50  $100  $250  other: $____  My cheque, payable to CBAL, is enclosed

To learn more, contact a coordinator in your community: • Boundary

sdobie@cbal.org 250-442-2704

• Nelson

jexley@cbal.org 250-352-3218

• Castlegar

amurdoch@cbal.org 250-304-6862

• Revelstoke

tspannier@cbal.org 250-805-2305

• Cranbrook

khough@cbal.org 250-417-2896

• Salmo

lmacdonald@cbal.org 250-777-3230

• Creston

jhedstrom@cbal.org 250-435-0388

• Slocan Valley asalo@cbal.org

• Elk Valley

mmorton@cbal.org 250-946-6474

• Trail & Area

stavares@cbal.org 250-368-6770

• Golden

mde@cbal.org 250-439-9665

• Valemount

kthorn@cbal.org 250-566-8467

• Kaslo

bszuta@cbal.org 250-353-2289

• Windermere Valley

kandruschuk@cbal.org 250-688-2115

• Kimberley

kroberts@cbal.org 250-427-4468

• Nakusp

lbjarnason@cbal.org 250-265-3736

250-359-6887

Visit us at www.cbal.org or follow us on Facebook.

Please use my donation to support CBAL literacy initiatives in (check one or more):  Boundary  Castlegar

 Elk Valley  Golden

 Nakusp  Nelson

 Slocan Valley  Trail and area

 Cranbrook  Creston

 Kaslo  Kimberley

 Revelstoke  Salmo

 Valemount  Windermere Valley

Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) respects your privacy and never sells or rents donor names or personal information. The information collected here will be used to process your gift and issue a charitable tax receipt.

Did you know you can donate online?

Visit www.cbal.org and make your online donation today!

Please send this form and your donation to: CBAL, #2 - 1535 - 14th Street, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K4

Kootenay News Advertiser Friday, January 30, 2015

www.kootenayadvertiser.com Z11

COTR Alumni: Why we chose to attend College of the Rockies

“

Walk through the doors of the College, talk to one of the advisors and you’ll begin to improve your life,”

Candus Johnston, COTR alumna

for the Human Service Worker program. “Walk through the doors of the College, talk to one of the advisors and you’ll begin to improve your life,” she says. “If you have to attend school part time because of work or other obligations, just do it. I am working toward a career I will love and won’t be stuck in a job I hate because of the opportunities the ABE program PHOTO SUBMITTED

Candus Johnston enrolled in Adult Upgrading at COTR to help start a career.

There are many options available when choosing where to go for your post-secondary education. Sometimes it is tempting to go directly to university or to move away to anywhere that is not home.

Here are some reasons our alumni say staying close to home and attending College of the Rockies is a great idea.

Collette Robertson, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Dalhousie in Halifax, NS, started at the College.

“The location was the main reason I applied. I also liked that the class sizes were small; I saw that as a great asset when jumping back into academics after being out of school for two years. Once I attended the College, I realized what a deal I had really received. I had no idea just how great the instructors would be,” she says.

Candus Johnston, a single mother with a permanent disability, enrolled in Adult Upgrading to improve her high school English grade and to qualify

College of the Rockies

provided to me.”

A quality program is what attracted Katie Schneider to the College. “Although I was accepted into three universities after graduation, I chose the Tourism and Recreation Management program at COTR because of the attention to detail of the curriculum, the devotion of the instructors, the location, class sizes and the content of the

program,” she says. After completing the Tourism program at COTR, Katie transferred to Vancouver Island University where she completed a Bachelor degree in Tourism Management and accepted a one-year intern position in Kenya, Africa.

Hayley Pelton attended College of the Rockies because of the affordable tuition and ability to remain at home but ended up with much more. “I had no problem getting full transfer credit at the University of Lethbridge for the courses I studied at COTR. I also found that I had a much better experience of first and second year science courses than other students who completed

them at U of L, especially labs, because of the smaller class sizes and individual attention from instructors,” she says. Hayley completed her Bachelor of Science at U of L, returned to COTR to take the Birth Doula program and is now attending the Midwifery program at UBC. Quality education, small class sizes, personal attention, ability to easily transfer to a university - these are just some of the reasons our alumni are glad they chose to attend College of the Rockies. You can read more of our alumni stories at: cotr.ca/profiles

Family Law Does Matter

Open House

Wednesday, February 11 3 – 6 pm (drop-in)

n Cranbrook Main Campus

A great opportunity for high school students, parents/ guardians, adult learners and the community to learn what your College has to offer.

n Apply for FREE! $30 application fee waived for tonight only! n Fitness testing - Kinesiology students. n Blood pressure tests - Practical Nursing students. n Haul Truck simulator tour - 4:00 pm n Scholarship and Awards session - 4:30 pm n and more interactive displays!

$

ATTEND FOR IN A OW A CHANCE T

N 300 TUITIO AWARD

Light refreshments provided!

Separation and divorce are difficult and emotional matters to get through, particularly when children are involved.

Have a family man with over 27 years of experience in all facets of family law assist you with your family law matters.

• Custody •Access • Child & Spousal Support •Property Settlements • Division of Pensions • Separation Agreements • Cohabitation and Pre-Nuptial Agreements • Adoptions Call Ron Miles for an appointment today.

cotr.ca/open-house

For more information phone: 250-489-2751 ext. 3383 n toll-free: 1-877-489-2687 ext. 3383 n email: COTRinfo@cotr.bc.ca

M

& Z

A

Miles, Zimmer & Associates

(250)489-3350 • www.mza.ca

Z12 www.kootenayadvertiser.com

Friday, January 30, 2015 Kootenay News Advertiser

College of the Rockies

Small Places Support Big Dreams.

Start your education at home and realize your potential.

Academic & Vocational Programs Aboriginal

Aboriginal Education Support Worker Diploma Aboriginal Financial Management Certificate and Diploma

Adult Upgrading

Individual courses Grade 12 equivalency

Arts & Sciences: University Studies

s e Busines h t e t le p com it h Creston to now a partner w m o r f e is m nts.

Mike ca ion diploma and Accounta t d e a r r e t t is r a in Adm ams Ch Taylor Ad

Fine Arts Certificate Crime and Corrections Certificate Science Certificate Engineering Certificate Pre-Education Certificate Pre-Commerce Certificate Environmental Studies Certificate Arts and Science Diploma Associate Degree: Arts Associate Degree: Science Associate Degree: Environmental Sciences

Automotive Service Technician Automotive Service Technician Foundation and Apprenticeship

Business Administration

Business Administration Certificate Aboriginal Financial Management Certificate Accounting Diploma General Management Diploma Marketing Diploma Aboriginal Financial Management Diploma Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Practices Business Administration: Post Degree Certificate/ Diploma in Sustainable Business Practices

Health

Certified Dental Assistant Certificate Health Care Assistant Certificate Practical Nursing Diploma Practical Nursing Access Program Bachelor of Science in Nursing in partnership with UVIC

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician/ Truck and Transport Mechanic Heavy Duty Equipment Tech/Truck and Transport Mechanic Foundation Heavy Duty Equipment Tech Apprenticeship

Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)

Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Foundation and Apprenticeship

Information Technology

Computer Support Technician

Kinesiology

Exercise Science Certificate and Diploma Health and Human Performance Certificate and Diploma

Office Administration

Office Administration Certificate Administrative Assistant Specialty Certificate Bookkeeping Specialty Certificate Administrative Studies Certificate and Diploma

Child, Youth & Family Studies

Timber Framing

Early Childhood Education Certificate Early Childhood Education: Infant and Toddler Educator Diploma Early Childhood Education: Special Needs Diploma Education Assistant Certificate and Diploma Human Service Worker Certificate and Diploma Cook 1 (Institution Entry) Cook 1 (Apprentice Workplace Entry)

Electrician

Electrician Construction and Industrial Foundation Electrician Construction Apprenticeship Electrician Industrial Apprenticeship

Fire Services Training

Fire Training Certificate Fire Management Diploma

Learn more about Mike, Lori, Josh and other COTR alumni at cotr.ca/profiles

Hairstylist

Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Professional Cook Training

close as able to stay his w h os J ve ti na rs of Marysville plete all four yeat COT R. m co nd a e om h to ice training a Electrical Apprent

Global Studies Graduate Certificate

Carpentry

Carpentry Foundation and Apprenticeship

Lori grew up in Kim University Transfer -berley. She started with now a General InternScience at COTR and is al Medicine Specialist.

Global Studies

Visit us at o

ur

OPEN HOUSE

Wed. Feb . 11, 3:00 pm Cranb roo Main Cam k pus

Steamfitter/Pipefitter Foundation

Tourism and Recreation

Adventure Tourism Business Operations Certificate and Diploma Mountain Adventure Skills Training Certificate Tourism and Recreation Management Certificate and Diploma

Welding

Foundation Level B and A Apprenticeship Specialty Metals Endorsement

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Practices Bachelor of Science in Nursing in partnership with UVIC Bachelor of Education in partnership with UVIC (East Kootenay Teacher Education Program)