Clearwater Times, December 10, 2015

LOCAL NEWS: COUNTERATTACK BEGINS ▼ A9

Times

Thursday, December 10, 2015 ▼ Volume 51 No. 50 ▼ www.clearwatertimes.com ▼ $1.35 Includes GST

THE

NORTH THOMPSON

A NEW POPE?:

2014

CCNA BLUE RIBBON

Smoke signals new heating.

See A3 inside.

First Place Best All Round Newspaper & Best Editorial Page Second Place Best Front Page All of Canada <1,250 circulation 2014 First Place General Excellence B.C. and Yukon <2,000 circulation 2014

Meeting Saint Nick

Legend Christensen tells Santa Claus what she wants for Christmas during Christmas Tree Light-Up at the Infocentre on Sunday evening, Dec. 6. Close to 100 people turned out for carol singing, tree decorating, cookie-making and other activities. For more photos, see page A11 inside and next week's Christmas stories issue.

Photo by Keith McNeill

Rebels in first place Clearwater Peewee Rebel #10 Devin Green takes the puck away from a 100 Mile House player during one of two games at the Sportsplex on Saturday.

The Rebels won both of their games against the 100 Mile 1 team (100 Mile has two teams in the league). Score for the first game was 20-3 and for the second was 16-2. The local team is first in its league and unbeaten in league play so far this season. A few weeks ago, the Rebels took second place in a tournament in Lumby. Next Saturday the team travels to 100 Mile to play the 100 Mile 1 team, then will have a few weeks off. The Rebels have 10 games still left in the season to play in the new year.

Photo by Keith McNeill

Highway 5 Little Fort, BC 250-677-4441

Food bank gets help Mayor John Harwood (l) presents a $1,000 cheque from District of Clearwater council and staff to Harry James of Clearwater and District Food Bank.

The donation was just one of several made during a community concert held at Dutch Lake Community Centre on Saturday evening, Dec. 5. For more about the concert, see next week’s issue.

Photo by Keith McNeill

Highway 5 Clearwater, BC 250-674-3148

Located on Highway 5

A2 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

Blue River gets new fire truck

Read us on facebook @ www.clearwatertimes

Youngsters (l-r) Asia Lachapelle, Nixon Lachapelle and Ruthy Macdonald check out Blue River's new fire truck recently. The 2016 Freightliner can pump 1,050 gallons per minute. It arrived in late November. The residents of the community faced being unable to get affordable fire insurance because the fire departments two previous pumpers were too old to be certified, and so they agreed to borrow money to buy the new vehicle.

Photo by Willow MacDonald

My Health is Take care of you for us

After many years together, we’re still going strong.

We’re well because we take care of each other’s health.”

–Dr. Evan Adams, Chief Medical Officer, First Nations Health Authority

Confidential HIV testing is available; ask your doctor and if you’re offered the test, say yes.

To arrange a test call a nurse at:

1-866-778-7736 Find out more about HIV at:

Jeremy Fontaine October 1988 - December 2007

Missing You No words I write could ever say, How sad and empty I feel each today.

The Angels came for you Much sooner than I planned, I’ll brave the bitter grief that comes And I’ll try my best to understand.

Dear Son in Heaven I sit and ponder how very much I’d like to talk with you each day, There are so many things That we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you care for me And how much I care for you, And each time that I think of you I know you’ll miss me too.

An angel came and took you by the hand, and said Your place was ready in Heaven, far above…

And you had to leave behind, all those you dearly loved You had so much to live for; you had so much to do…

It still seems impossible that God has taken you.

And though your life on earth is past, in Heaven it starts anew You’ll live for all eternity, just as God has promised you.

And though you’ve walked through Heaven’s Gate We are never far apart For every time I think of you, You’re right here, deep with-in my heart.

MOMMA LOVES YOU JEREMY INFINITY & BEYOND XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Right now I’m in a different place and though we seem apart I’m closer than I ever was ... I’m there inside your heart I’m with you when you greet each day and while the sun shines bright I’m there to share the sunsets, too ... I’m with you every night I’m with you when the times are good to share a laugh or two, and if a tear should start to fall ... I’ll still be there for you And when that day arrives that we no longer are apart, I’ll smile and hold you close to me ... Forever in my heart LOVE ALWAYS & FOREVER MOM, DAD, JEAN-MARC AND ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS XOXOXOXO

Jeremy, why did you have to go away, Why wasn’t it right for you to stay.

I LOVE YOU DEARLY. In my heart you will always be, I know that you are watching over me.

Our spirit’s hand in hand.

What I’m suffering seems so unfair but one thing is for certain my love for you will always be there.

Jeremy, my son you always will forever be The most important part of my memories, from the day we were torn apart All I have now is you in my heart.

A space in my head, empty and black A thousand words won’t bring you back.

I miss you now, my heart is sore, As time goes by I miss you more, Your loving smile, your gentle face, No one can fill your vacant place.

Now you’re up in Heaven With the Angels up above they will take my place for now and they’ll give you all their love.

So go and rest in peace now My Young Man so dear for all my LOVE & MEMORIES I will hold forever near.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

United Way starts fundraising campaign for Syrian refugees Kamloops This Week United Way of the ThompsonNicola-Cariboo has launched a community fundraising campaign to help Syrian refugees settle in the region.

Money raised through United for Refugees will support Refugees and Friends Together with 12 months of support, including housing, food and connections to supports such as health care and employment services.

It will also support Kamloops Immigrant Services, which will be

offering services to the families.

“One of our national focus areas is Strong Communities and we are committed to helping ensure our communities are prepared and able to welcome Syrian refugees and they have adequate supports required to adapt and thrive in Canada,” said Danalee Baker, executive director of the local United Way. United Way will be matching donations to United for Refugees up to $10,000. Donations are now being accepted online at unitedwaytnc.ca/refugees.

DeBruijn to step down as SD73 superintendent Kamloops This Week The KamloopsThompson school district (School District 73) is looking for a new superintendent.

Karl deBruijn announced during the board of education meeting on Monday,

Nov. 23 that he will be retiring effective July 1, 2016.

DeBruijn took the job at the end of July 2014 when his predecessor, Terry Sullivan, retired.

At the time, deBruijn said then he was taking the job for the short term.

DeBruin had been an assistant superintendent with School District 73 for 11 years and has worked with the district for 39 years, starting as an elementary-school teacher, later becoming a principal and eventually taking on various administrative roles.

10 Days in December

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Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015

www.clearwatertimes.com A3

Biomass heater saves on propane bills Fink Machine of Enderby was the project's main contractor.

Local contractors involved included NEST Timberhomes, which constructed the building housing the unit.

The provincial government's WoodWaste2 Rural Heat project provided money to help pay for a preliminary review of biomass heating systems for Clearwater in 2013.

A request for proposal went out in 2014 and the contract to design, build and install the system at DLCC was awarded to Fink Machine Incorporated.

Financial assistance came from Wells Gray Community Forest, federal Gas Tax and Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition.

Total cost of the project was about $270,000.

Estimated payback time is five to eight years.

Keith McNeill “That heat feels beautiful.”

That was how Mayor John Harwood described the output produced by District of Clearwater's new biomass heater at Dutch Lake Community Centre An official opening for the heater was held Tuesday, Dec. 1.

The project was another example of how developing partnerships is moving the community forward, said Harwood.

Partners that contributed included Wells Gray Community Forest, which gave the municipality a $100,000 interest-free loan, and Canfor-Vavenby, which is donating the chips needed to feed the heater at no cost.

“What a contribution to the taxpayers. That's community partnership,” Harwood said of Canfor's donation.

The new biomass heater at Dutch Lake Community Centre produces only a whiff of smoke.

(L-r) Ted Richardson from Wells Gray Community Forest, CanforVavenby division manager Steve Planeta, Mayor John Harwood and Stephen Bearss of Fink Machine in Enderby cut the ribbon to officially open the new biomass heater at Dutch Lake Community Centre on Dec. 1.

Photos by Keith McNeill

Compassionate PET CARE Close to home

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School district head says teachers need to work through problems and learn new system Dale Bass – Kamloops This Week Kamloops-Thompson school district superintendent Karl deBruijn is frustrated with the union representing the region’s teachers.

While he can’t stop the Kamloops-Thompson Teachers’ Association (KTTA) from sending a letter to parents — the union won an arbitration ruling giving it freedom of speech to do so — deBruijn is unhappy with the contents, with the KTTA complaining about the new reporting system teachers must use.

The provincial government brought in the new system, My Education B.C., to replace a discontinued software program teachers use to do report cards.

The KTTA has complained to the district the new system is hard to use, cumbersome and a challenge to learn.

“You know, every day, our teachers go into classrooms

and teach their students new things,” deBruijn said. “And it can be hard for some of them, but we tell our students to just work through it and we help them learn it. We have five full-time people working to help teachers learn this program.

“Little Jimmy says math is hard and we tell him yes, it is, but you need to work through it and yes, we’ll help you learn it.”

DeBruijn added that, much like in the class setting, the district is offering after-school help sessions for teachers, noting “they are poorly attended.”

The letter the KTTA wants to send to parents states the new system has “numerous glitches and faults that have not been resolved to date. ...

We have worked hard to complete reports on this program, but want you to know that the inadequacies of the program have limited us in our ability to communicate with you to the degree that we would like.”

DeBruijn said secondary teachers learned the new program last year and were able to send out the mandatory three report cards during the school year.

He acknowledged there have been some issues with the program and said the provider has addressed them.

The district has also pushed back the deadline to issue a first report card from the end of November to before Christmas.

DeBruijn also noted administration has had to adjust to new systems affecting all of its business, from human resources to accounting.

“It was hard work. We had people in on weekends working on it and I never heard the kind of complaining I’m hearing from the KTTA,” deBruijn said.

“Change is hard, but we’re teachers. We should be leading the way. We should be modelling and leading the way and not carrying on like that.”

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Opinion

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

Published by Black Press Ltd. 74 Young Road, Unit 14 Brookfield Mall Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N2

“ No matter how bad things are, they can always be worse. So what if my stroke left me with a speech impediment? Moses had one, and he did all right.” - Kirk Douglas, actor guest editorial by Mike Robinson

The world's first climate change refugees are coming from Syria Of the 19.5 million refugees in the world today, only about 100,000 can be resettled each year

Stranded traveller appreciates help Editor, The Times:

No one likes to have their vehicle break down on the highway, but recently when I had that unfortunate experience, my situation was wonderfully enhanced by the good people of Clearwater.

This went from the lady at the Strawberry Moose Snackery, who told me where the parts stores were and provided

me with hot coffee, to the folks at Aspen Auto Parts and Fleetwood Auto, who each delivered alternators to me until I had the right one, and the people at TNT Transmission and Automotive, who charged up my battery for free while I worked on my truck.

I applaud your community and in particular these people who generously went out of their way

to help me get back on the road.

Even the snow plow operator that was clearing the parking lot, stopped to offer help.

Thanks to all of you; it's you that makes the community what it is.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Ben Wilkowski Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

Business licensing would not help anyone Editor, The Times:

The arguments for requiring business licenses in Clearwater are so weak as to be laughable. And once they're in the cost will only keep creeping up to support the infrastructure it propagates. Any additional costs are always downloaded on to the public.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce is quoted as saying (“Clearwater business licensing draws debate,” Nov. 26 issue) that busi-

ness licensing would help protect the established businesses. Protect them from what? Competition!

He was quoted to say, "You're never going to stop the truck vendors but at least you'd have a handle on them."

What's so evil about truck vendors? They must be certified by the province. They hire staff. They pay taxes. They provide a service - or the public wouldn't support them!

What kind of "handle"

would a business license provide?

Tipi Treats provided Canadian and international tourists with an opportunity to experience real indigenous food. Cuisine doesn't get any more Canadian than 'Salmon on a Bannock'! As many tourists said, " You can get ice cream anywhere in the world but not bannock!"

David Billy Sager Manager of Tipi Treats Clearwater, B.C.

BC Press Council

The Times 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 BC Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to BC Press Council, ,PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9 For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

Times THE

NORTH THOMPSON

www.clearwatertimes.com Established September 23, 1964 Member, BC Press Council

VANCOUVER/Troy Media/ - Canada has an opportunity to once again be known as a nation of small towns with big hearts greeting the world's first "environmental refugees".

Get ready Canada for a reinvigoration of the Nanaimos, Medicine Hats, North Battlefords, Selkirks, Thunder Bays, Rimouskis, Monctons, Dartmouths, Summersides, and Ganders as choice destinations for displaced persons fleeing chaos around the world.

Clearly, large segments of the global population are on the move, and some of them are being displaced by climate change.

A sea of displaced walkers and boaters arc north-westward to Europe from northern Africa, Syria and Iraq. The U.S. leadership debates leading up to the primaries discuss the tens of thousands of Mexican nationals who are seeking an American haven. And a stream of youth from Central America are hitch-hiking up through Mexico to the Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California borders.

There are 19.5 million refugees in the world today, according to Citizenship and Immigration. Their homelands are characterized as "war-torn countries," and many are said to have experienced "unthinkable horrors." The government website's underlying premise is that political conflicts create refugee movements.

Only about 100,000 can be resettled each year, and Canada has recently been taking about 10,000 of those. As of Sept.

15, Canada has resettled 22,405 Iraqi refugees since 2009. We have resettled 2,563 Syrian refugees as of Oct. 5, but now we are committing to resettle a further 25,000 by early 2016. This is a noble goal.

As Canadians, we should be proud of our values of compassion and fairness that underlie our actions of both refugee protection and resettlement assistance.

We should also be aware that the causes of refugee status are changing.

No less a humanitarian than Prince Charles (Reuters: Nov. 23) is signalling that we should consider that the Syrian civil war is caused by climate change: to wit, a six-year drought that has dislocated farming families and forced them into cities like Aleppo, Damascus and ultimately Amman and Beirut.

Here, they found little work suited to their traditional skills; young men fell prey to sectarian brain washing.

Their younger brothers and sisters have had nearly five years of no (or inferior) schooling. Under these conditions, caring parents will act in their children's best interests.

In Charles' analysis, "We never deal with the underlying root cause which regrettably is what we're doing to our natural environment. I mean the difficulties in 2008 with the financial crash - that was a banking crisis. But we're now facing a real possibility of nature's bank going bust."

The current cohort of Syrian and Iraqi refugees may be the first group of environmental refugees to move to more hospitable climes in large numbers. If indeed they are, the Canadian refugee system will inevitably have to be amended to deal with "environmentally torn countries," whose inhospitable climates have set the stage for mass urban migration from rural villages and farms.

To such populations, Canada is a kind of Promised Land. Underpopulated, potentially benefitting agriculturally from the early stages of global warming, and predisposed to middle-power diplomacy and decency, Canada is the kind of country people everywhere would like to raise their children.

Consider the choices a young Syrian family faces today in a Beiruti refugee camp, perhaps a repurposed concrete parking garage in the city's core. To stay is to accept an uncertain fate at best, cooking dinners on an open fire and hoping for charity or marginal employment in the city's street-side markets.

Educational opportunities for children will be severely limited. To decide to move is to embrace hope of redemption in another system - in another world. To such parents, Canada is the dream destination.

Facing this uncertain world, Canada needs seriously to plan for a growing tide of refugees. Expensive real estate and a high cost of living will bar some traditional recipient cities like Vancouver and Toronto from playing a key role.

It is time for the smaller, less costly regional centres to move to the fore.

– Troy Media Columnist Mike Robinson has been CEO of three Canadian NGOs: the Arctic Institute of North America, the Glenbow Museum, and the Bill Reid Gallery.

74 young Road, Unit 14 Brookfield Mall, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2 Phone: 250-674-3343 Fax: 250-674-3410 Email: newsroom@clearwatertimes.com www.clearwatertimes.com

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Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015

www.clearwatertimes.com A5

New Alberta refinery would help Canada Editor, The Times:

“Alberta's nearest refinery cost levelling out at $8.5 billion” – an item way in the back of a Vancouver newspaper.

This project has been in the pipes for at least 10 years. However my friend in Cumberland, who keeps track of everything oil, pointed out that information on this proposed super refinery was very hard to come by.

A couple of years back there was a concerted effort to promote the idea that no more refining should be done in Canada.

No, all of Alberta's tar should be pushed down the Northern Gateway – Keystone Kops XL or any other pipeline, to be refined elsewhere – in the deep South of the U.S. of A or in China.

Certain organizations, such as the FraserMacdonald-Laurier 'think tanks,' pushed this idea right to the limit. On the pages of the Financial Post some columnists made a case that all of Canada's resources – logs, minerals, bitumen – should be shipped raw – no refining, sawing or whatever.

In the words of John Michael Greer in "Decline and Fall," Canadians should participate

in the 'looting' or their own resources.

As everyone knows, there has been great anguish in the oil patch. Our great ally Saudi Arabia, in its campaign to destroy the fracking industry, has drastically lowered the price of oil.

However (and you don't hear much about this), the one sector that is making money, due to the low price of raw oil, is the refining sector. It is going 'great guns,' to use an old expression.

So there is an obvious reason why Alberta's newest refinery, despite its $8.5 billion price tag, is going ahead.

Sure puts the lie to what those Calgary petro-thugs and that useless bunch at the CPPA (Canadian Petroleum Producers Association) wanted to do.

Also it's more in line with what the Rachel Notley NDP government has expressed – although one has to ask why did Notley show disappointment at Barack Obama’s turndown of that Keystone Kops' nonsense.

That decision of Obama's Democrats was one of the best things that's ever happened to Canada.

Legion says thanks Mayor John Harwood (l) accepts a certificate of appreciation for District of Clearwater town council from Clearwater-Vavenby Legion #259 representative Calvin Lutz during a dinner held recently at the Legion Hall. Also given out were certificates to Harwood himself, Charlotte Cederholm, Loyd Bishop, Dr. Bob Mackenzie, Dave Tomlinson, Ray Stegar and Keith McNeill Photo submitted

Dennis Peacock Clearwater, B.C.

Canada Revenue Agency excels at playing role of Grinch Editor, The Times:

I am 70 years old and have paid income tax all my life.

It seems all us senior citizens are getting our annual Christmas present from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and it comes with a red ribbon on it.

It turns out it is not a Christmas present, but actually a reassessment of my income taxes that are dealt with by April 30 of the calender year.

My reassessment this year, which I just received while I was in the hospital getting surgery,

states I owe $612.

At my age, it turns out, I miss things once in a while.

The missed T3 investment form amount owed was $212.

They penalize me for getting into my senior years and I need a lesson.

Upon phoning the CRA, they say they have legislation in place to back up the penalty payment on overdue income tax.

I am neither wealthy nor poor, but unhappy at the moment because of the power the CRA has to penalize me

unfairly, without my knowledge, while interest accrues from April 30 through to November.

This is discrimination or a penalty for growing old. At my age, it is easy to miss things.

We don’t have a great income in the senior years and this unfair legislation gives the CRA way too much power to be nasty and uncaring.

They want their money.

A much fairer system would reassess me, then send

B.C.’s latest education ‘boondoggle’ Editor, The Times:

The latest boondoggle from the provincial government is a nearly $100-million student information system called My Education B.C. While the Ministry of Education is claiming that this system is what is needed in B.C. schools, teachers would suggest otherwise.

Communication with parents on student success is an important aspect of the work teachers do. However, teachers are being told to use the new student information system despite the numerous glitches and faults that have not been resolved to date.

Teachers are being limited in their ability to complete interim or

formal reports because other more effective reporting systems are not available to them or they are not being permitted to use them.

Because teachers are spending countless hours and evenings, and weekends struggling with this inadequate reporting system, less time is available to prepare for lessons and to support students in the classroom.

Further the B.C. Liberal government has committed no extra funding to support teachers in using this program and the reporting format elementary teachers are being forced to use creates an unreasonable workload.

Teachers want to be able to report effectively

to parents, but are being limited.

They are being forced to use a substandard reporting system.

Until the problems with this new software program are resolved the provincial government and local school

district should permit teachers to use the most effective means to communicate and report to parents.

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David Komljenovic, president Kamloops-Thompson Teachers’ Association

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the reassessment to me, with the amount missed on the form — along with the form that was missed — and have a due date on it.

The penalty should start after the amount due date.

Ron Telford Kamloops, B.C.

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50

YEARS AGO:

The manager of the Kamloops Royal Bank brought his family and several friends up to Raft Mountain for skiing. Local resident Tony Rudlang was promoting the mountain as a possible ski resort. Snow was about 30 inches at the site of the proposed lodge and three feet on the slopes. A lot of interest was generated on the mountain with the demonstration of a Canadian-made "SkiDoo." Trustees and officials from Birch Island School District joined

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

others from Lillooet, Ashcroft, Merritt, Kamloops and Barriere to discuss amalgamation.

A new portable telephone exchange went into service in Vavenby, replacing the local dial operation.

45

YEARS AGO:

Wells Gray Hospital Society chairman John Harwood and vicechairman George Smith were to meet with B.C. Hospital Insurance Service officials in Victoria. Construction of the new hospital in

20

BACK IN TIME Clearwater was to start early the next year.

A well-known and respected resident of the Clearwater and Sunshine Valley areas, Ira Dewitt passed away at the age of 94. Born in Napanee, Ont., he had come to the area in 1932. Clearwater United Church had held services in his home

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Happy Holidays

before a building was erected.

River and Vavenby elementary schools.

40

30

YEARS AGO:

Problems created in the Flats area of Clearwater by provincial flood control regulations wouldn't be changed by amendments made by the TNRD to its own zoning.

Regional district planner Herb Virdi said the government did not allow any appeals.

Residents of Avola approved street lighting by a 29 - 4 margin.

No candidate offered his or her services to replace Tom Hanna as Area B (Blue RiverAvola) TNRD director.

After the deadline had passed, Herb George, operator of the Avola 66 station, offered to take the position.

Socred Raft Mair was challenging NDP incumbent Gerry Anderson in a provincial election to be held later that week.

Mair's campaign manager was Bud Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Smith of Birch Island.

35

YEARS AGO:

Clearwater Secondary School students Suzie Russell, Bev Simpson, Sandi McLellan and John Raschke presented a play, "Mirror Woman," at Dutch Lake, Raft

YEARS AGO:

M.P. Nelson Riis announced that the federal government was to donate $10,000 towards the Clearwater Midgets' hockey trip to Finland, Sweden and Russia. Thirtythree people, including players, coaches and parents, were to make the trip. Total cost was estimated at $45,000.

The team was to leave on Dec. 22.

25

YEARS AGO: MLA Bud Smith, Clearwater forest district manager Mel Monteith, Wells Gray Park zone supervisor Earl Sinclair and other representatives of federal, provincial and local governments were panelists at a public meeting held to discuss Clearwater's future. "Residents of Clearwater should not have to sell their homes for nothing and leave," said John Harwood, chair of the meeting.

Clearwater's Royal Bank branch celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Jean Nelson, 1990 Clearwater Citizen of the Year, was the first official user of the Royal Bank's new

YEARS AGO:

A 29-year-old Clearwater resident was taken into custody and charged following a fatal shooting at his residence. A 24-yearold man had been found dead in the front yard of the first man's residence by police.

Acquaintances said the two men had a history of confrontational situations.

Clearwater Rotary was to host the first annual Christmas Carol Sing and Tree Light Up. "Every other little town seems to have one, so we figured we should have one, too," explained Rotarian Gord Heisterman.

15

YEARS AGO:

Clearwater Chamber of Commerce's executive received a vote of confidence when all members were returned without opposition.

President was again Ray Negrin, vice president was Steve Pelton, secretary was Cheryl Thomas and treasurer was Gwen Anderson.

School District 73 would have to break the rules against running a deficit to avoid severe disruption of the education system, said school trustee Bert Walker.

Increases in fuel, wages and benefits had given unanticipated expenses.

A small mining company, Cassidy Gold, announced it had found ore that was nearly 1/4 pure zinc northeast of

Avola. Company president Jim Gillis formerly lived in Blue River.

10

5

Our offices will be closed December 25 & January 1

HOLIDAY BOOKING DEADLINES

Chu Chua Dec. 13

Christmas Craft Fair, Chu Chua Community Hall, 10am-1pm. $10/table. Info: Eunice 250-6725356. Bingo starts at 2pm

Clearwater

Dec. 13 – Clearwater Elks Christmas Bazaar, Elks

Hall, 9am-3pm. $10/table. Info: Phyllis 250-6743535

Dec 11-13 and Dec 18-20 - Winter Market at the Wells Gray Info Centre. Fri. 2-8pm Sat. 104pm Sun. 10-3pm Info: 250-676-9511

December 18 at 10am for December 24 issue December 23 at 10am for December 31 issue

this ad is sponsored by

YEARS AGO:

Solicitor General Rich Coleman turned down a request from Mayor John Harwood to re-open Bear Creek Correctional Center.

Instead the government was looking at building a new 360-cell prison somewhere in the Okanagan. The local minimum-security facility had closed in 2002.

Members of Wells Gray Search and Rescue took to the ice in the North Thomson River near Vavenby as they participated in a coldwater rescue course put on by Rescue Canada.

"With Dutch Lake in the center of town, we thought it was important...." said team leader Gord Dubois.

Calendar 1 HOLIDAY HOURS

YEARS AGO:

Parents advisory committees in schools from Clearwater to Blue River were the biggest beneficiaries of the Canfor/ Canfor Truckers fund.

A total of $6,000 was going from the fund to local PACs. The Canfor Truckers Fund donated $30,000 to worthwhile causes throughout the valley.

A B.C. Supreme Court judge approved the sale of Interact Forest Products to a numbered company. The ownership of the numbered company appeared to be associated with Matco Capital Ltd. of Calgary, one of Interact's creditors, with $1.5 million listed as a debt against the fingerjoint company.

YEAR AGO:

Judge Chris Cleaveley administered the oaths of office to swear in Clearwater’s fourth town council. Originally from Roundtop, the provincial court judge had sworn in all the town councils since incorporation in 2007.

Santa Claus visited Blackpool Hall for a Breakfast With Santa event sponsored by Aboriginal Success by 6. The jolly old elf also attended Rotary’s annual Christmas Tree Light-up at the Infocenter.

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015

www.clearwatertimes.com A7

Christmas tree cutting permits now available * Make sure you have found the tree you will use before cutting to avoid wasting forest resources. Some permits specify only one tree can be cut. * Choose a tree that can be cut near the base and is easy to transport. Wasted tree remains left in the forest form a summer fire hazard. * Clean up and remove all debris associated with your activity.

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

VICTORIA – British Columbians interested in cutting their own Christmas tree should obtain their permit online or contact their local district or FrontCounter BC office.

Local district offices can provide details about specific cutting requirements and approved harvest areas. Free use permits are provided for personal use only – selling a tree cut under a DINNER IS ON ME I will buy you a $100 Christmas tree permit or cutting in an unauthormeal when you buy a car from me! ized area is illegal.

No permits are available in the Chilliwack and South Island districts due to population density and tree demand.

Big city selection with small The ministry's Christmas Tree website at: town pricing www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/xmastrees.htm provides links to online Christmas tree permits, DEARBORN FORD Jody Gyger FrontCounter BC and district office contact CELL 250-571-9609 information, and the B.C. Christmas Tree Tel 250-372-7101 2555 East Trans Canada Hwy - Kamloops Council's website containing a list of tree farms and "U-Cuts" around the province.

HOME TOWN girl with HOME TOWN service When cutting a Christmas tree, keep the following tips in mind: * Leave home prepared. Bring ropes, gloves, tools, tire chains, a first aid kit, a mobile phone and warm clothing. * Drive carefully. Be , education, prepared for logging trucks: www.bcforesttraining and certification safe.org/files/tk_pdfs/ leads to more and gde_resrd.pdf

Work

Quilters show their creations

It’s a fact

Nicole Hebert holds a pillow and quilt she created while behind her is a wall hanging by Debbie Brooks. The items were part of a display of works put on by local quilters in the gallery at Dutch Lake Community Centre recently.

Photo by Keith McNeill

McLeod begins session as member of Opposition Kamloops This Week KamloopsThompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod began poring over the mandate letter from the Liberal government’s minister of Indigenous and Aboriginal Affairs as the first session of Parliament officially began recently.

McLeod is the Conservative government’s new Opposition critic for the portfolio.

She will scrutinize the department headed

by Minister Carolyn Bennett.

“The mandate letter is public,” McLeod said.

“I’m reviewing her mandate letter.

Next week, the full reports for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be released . . . We’re looking at her mandate and waiting to see where she takes the portfolio.”

The new Liberal government’s throne speech is set for Friday and follows the election Thursday of Liberal Geoff Regan as speaker of the

House of Commons.

Regan, 56, who represents the riding of Halifax West, was first elected in 1993, defeated in 1997 and reelected in 2000.

He has served as MP ever since.

In the speaker elec-

tion, Regan defeated fellow Liberal MPs Denis Paradis and Yasmin Ratansi and Conservative MP Bruce Stanton.

Regan is the son of former Nova Scotia premier and federal cabinet minister Gerald

C

apsule

C

omments

Regan. His wife Kelly is a member of the provincial legislature.

Conservative MP Andrew Scheer, who held the post since 2011, opted not to run again, choosing instead to serve as Opposition House leader.

with MICHELLE LEINS

The first kidney transplant was performed in 1954. It was a real milestone in medicine.

Today it is a very common procedure which saves the lives of many and gives them back a regular life. The only problem is that there are not enough people signing up to be an organ donor so the demand always outpaces the supply. If you aren’t already an organ donor, consider signing up today.

Oh the ingenuity of medical researchers.... In England they have developed a capsule which contains a spongey material. The patient swallows the capsule which has a string attached. The capsule dissolves and releases an expanding sponge which is then pulled back up the esophagus and it takes cell samples on the way up. It might provide an earlier diagnosis for esophageal cancer.

If you have ever had shingles, it’s no fun. If you have shingles, you cannot give them to another person. But the virus causing shingles, varicella zoster, can be spread to another person who has never had chickenpox and actually give that person chickenpox. Just a reminder, a person is not infectious before the shingle blisters occur or after the blisters have crusted over.

Chickenpox was just part of growing up in the 20th Century. It caused a lot of misery for children and parents alike. Today we have a chickenpox vaccine and we also have a vaccine for shingles.

For information about vaccines for your child or you, talk to our pharmacists. We’d be happy to tell you what is available and how they work.

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The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

A8 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

Avola author gets interview with Jim Harrison on Radio NL book relates the sequence of events during 1978 when she and her husband, Kevin, first “10 Days in December” lived in their 14'x14' log cabin. author Eleanor Deckert Layered throughout the chapis stretching her horizons. ters are the back story of her Through a recent radio interchildhood, how they met and view with Jim Harrison on came to Avola and built the Radio NL she hopes to direct cabin and also the anxiety of the listeners' attention to the this City Girl as she begins unique characteristics of her to live on the edge of the newly published book. The Canadian wilderness.

“I've already been to Christmas Craft Fairs and also left copies of “10 Days in December” Remember to clean your with stores in chimney and prevent fires Valemount, Message from Blue River, Blackpool Fire Department Avola,

Times Staff

PROTECT YOUR

HOME

“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. www.NTfuneral.com

73 Taren Drive, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2

250-674-3030-1999 or 1-877-674-3030

MaryAnn Shewchuk (Funeral Director/Embalmer) Manager, Barriere

Drake Smith, MSW (Funeral Director/Owner) Manager, Kamloops

Birch Island, Barriere and Kamloops. In Clearwater there are three non-profit societies supplying books: Forest House (for the Food Bank), the Hospital Gift Corner, and the Aboriginal Centre.”

Clearwater Library and the bookmobile have copies to loan out and the Main Branch Library in Kamloops will host a book launch event on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7pm.

Deckert's latest project is reading aloud to produce an audio book. Her Facebook page “10 Days in December” keeps fans up-to-date.

The interview with Jim Harrison aired Thursday, Dec. 3. If you missed the interview, you can catch it by going to the web page radionl.com then click on “Audio Vault.”

Avola resident Eleanor Deckert (l) talks about her new book, “10 Days in December”, with Jim Harrison of Radio NL in Kamloops recently. The interview aired Thursday, Dec. 3. If you missed it, you can catch it by going to the radionl.com webpage, then clicking on “Audio Vault.”

Photo by Radio NL staff

Elks chip in for Food Bank

Harry James (l) and Hailey Jones (r) of Clearwater and District Food Bank accept a $500 cheque from Adrienne and Garth Campbell of Clearwater Elks #499 recently.

Photo submitted

Your Community.

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Arrested for altercation in Avola

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On Nov. 25, at approximately 5:30 p.m. Clearwater RCMP were called to the Avola Gas Station as a male and female were causing a disturbance.

The male had kicked the glass door,

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smashing the glass.

The two then proceeded toward Clearwater in a black coloured Mazda car.

Police located the suspect vehicle on Highway 5 near Birch Island and attempted to pull the vehicle over. However, the driver would not stop and fled from police.

The vehicle eventu-

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ally came to a dead end on a side road.

The male jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the bush. The female got out of the vehicle and complied with police directions.

A member followed the male’s foot tracks in the snow until he was located. The male was arrested for mischief, failing to stop for police and flight from police.

The female was subsequently arrested as she had an endorsed warrant

from the Victoria Police Department.

The female was released from police custody short afterwards once the warrant was dealt with.

During the investigation, the male provided a false name to police. When the members confirmed his actual identity, they found that the male had multiple court imposed conditions (he was to remain inside his house during evening hours, and he was not allowed to leave the Province of Alberta or possess a cellphone).

The male was in breach of the listed court conditions and also will face multiple new charges in Clearwater.

As well, the male was intoxicated and received a three-day driving prohibition.

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015

www.clearwatertimes.com A9

CounterAttack road checks get underway Submitted

Starting Friday, Dec. 4, CounterAttack roadchecks are being set up by police across the province to keep impaired drivers off our roads throughout December.

While attitudes toward drinking and driving have changed considerably over the years, 86 lives are still lost every year in B.C., representing more than a quarter of all car crash fatalities.

On average, 29 people are killed in crashes involving impaired driving in the Southern Interior every year.

That's why the B.C. government, police and ICBC are urging drivers to plan ahead and make smart decisions to get home safely this holiday season.

"We've made significant progress but too many people are still losing their lives due to impaired driving," said Minister of Justice, Suzanne Anton. "CounterAttack remains a key part of our provincial enforcement strategy and further reducing crashes involving alcohol and drugs makes

our roads safer for British Columbians."

ICBC is helping to prevent impaired driving this December with an education campaign, funding for CounterAttack roadchecks and promotion of designated drivers with businesses, sports facilities and community groups.

It's also the 20th year that ICBC has supported Operation Red Nose, a volunteer service in 25 B.C. communities that provides safe rides to drivers who have been drinking or feel too tired to drive during the holidays. This service is available now until December 19 on Friday and Saturday nights and on New Year's Eve. Get more stats and facts from ICBC's infographic and learn more about the CounterAttack campaign on icbc.com.

Melanie Williams gets stopped by Cpl. Mark Labossiere of Clearwater RCMP highway patrol as CounterAttack road checks get underway on Friday, Dec. 4.

Photo by Keith McNeill

Unique artworks for sale in Vavenby Robyn Rexin Vavenby artists Hilda Reimer and Doris Scarff held Christmas open houses in their homes the week before last.

Reimer sold her own handcrafted glass work, such as glass lit blocks and votive candle holders, and her photographic work.

She had made some of her pictures into calendars. Her pictures were beautiful and, as she said, just caught at the right time. She does try to carry her camera around with her all of the time.

Although located a short distance out of town, it was easy to find one's way to Reimer's home for those who had not been there before, as she had put up signs with lights that came on automatically.

Scarff sold decorations and table ornaments, jams, jars with soup ingredients, paintings on different kinds of objects such as wood and skates, and more.

There were six other women working at her open house, selling their products as well.

Eleanor Deckert of Avola had her book 10 Days in December for sale.

Lou Capostinsky

was selling cinnamon buns, which went quickly. Anne Lane and Barb Ferguson had their paintings for sale and Shirley De Vooght had tickets for Serenity upcoming events, gift certificates, and CDs. Suzanne Guernier sold her bead jewellery and hair pieces plus gift certificates and origami pockets to put the tickets in.

Margot Evans had her binder of graphic designs to choose from for pictures, business cards, flyers, brochures, etc.

There was lots of beautiful and inspirational items to choose from for gifts for those hard to get people or to add to one's own decorations.

There was tea, coffee, baked goods, and snacks at both open houses, making for a very friendly atmosphere. Both places were beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Voices United Community Choir

(sponsored by Trinity Shared Ministry) presents the cantata

Love Came Down at Christmas Dec. 12 at 4pm at the Clearwater Community Baptist Church Admission by donation All money collected will go to the Hopsice Society

Support your local businesses Shop Local

Joey Atkinson Time will ease the hurt The sadness of the present days is locked and set in time, and moving to the future is a slow and painful climb.

But all the feelings that are now so vivid and so real can’t hold their fresh intensity as time begins to heal.

No wound so deep will ever go entirely away yet every hurt becomes a little less from day to day.

Nothing can erase the painful

imprints on your mind but there are softer memories that time will let you find.

Though your heart won’t let the sadness simply slide away the echoes will diminish even though the memories stay ALWAYS YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED JOEY LOVE ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS XOXO

Above: Hilda Reimer shows some of the items she had for sale during a recent Christmas open house at her home.

Photos by Robyn Rexin Left: Doris Scarff holds one of her paintings, just one of numerous items by her and other Vavenby artists that were for sale during a Christmas open house Blackpool held recently at her home.

Fire Department is hosting

Kids Day with Santa

Sunday, Dec. 13 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

at Blackpool Fire Hall

1588 Old North Thompson Highway

Come sit on Santa’s knee Hot dogs, juice, treat bags

ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the finance of a 2015 Cruze LS 1SA, Trax, Silverado 2500HD/3500HD WT 2WD with gas engines. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer trade may be required. * No purchase necessary. Open to Canadian residents with a valid driver’s license who have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Contest closes January 4, 2016. Credit Awards up to $10,000 include applicable taxes and must be applied to the purchase or lease of a new 2015 or 2016 MY Chevrolet vehicle delivered on or before January 4, 2016. 30 Vehicle Awards available to be won, each consisting of winner’s choice of a vehicle with an MSRP of $35,000 CAD or less. The customer is responsible for any other taxes, license, insurance, registration, or other fees. Vehicle Awards are not transferable and no cash substitutes are permitted. Not all awards have the same odds of winning. For full rules and program details visit your GM dealer or gm.ca. Correct answer to mathematical skill-testing question required. See your GM dealer or gm.ca for full contest rules and program details. Vehicle shown 2015 Colorado Crew Cab 2WD Z71 model [$33,195 MSRP] CDN, including freight and a/c tax. ^ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles delivered between December 4th, 2015 and January 4th, 2016. 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 84 months on all new or demonstrator 2015 Spark, Sonic, Cruze LS 1SA, Malibu (except LS), Volt, Impala, Camaro, Trax, Equinox LS AWD, Traverse, Colorado 2WD, Silverado 1500 Double Cab 2WD WT / Crew Cab 2WD WT and Silverado HD’s WT 2WD with gas engine. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $40,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $476.19 for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $40,000. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight and air tax ($100, if applicable) included. Licence, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and dealer fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademar ks of Royal Bank of Canada. ‡ $2,000/$2,500 is a combined credit consisting of $1,000 Connect & Win Bonus (tax inclusive) and $1,000/$1,500 manufacturer to dealer finance cash (tax exclusive) for a 2015 Cruze/Trax which is available for finance offers only and cannot be combined with special lease rates and cash purchase. † $4,000/$4,000/$11,000 is a combined credit consisting of $1,000 Connect & Win Bonus (tax inclusive) and a $3,000/$3,000/$10,000 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive) for a 2015 Cruze/Trax/Silverado Heavy Duty Double Cab with gas engine (except WT 2WD), which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $3,000/$3,000/$10,000 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. ** The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2015 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 40,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ^^ Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

A10 www.clearwatertimes.com

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Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015

www.clearwatertimes.com A11

Book-signing for Wells Gray Park guidebook Times Staff Roland Neave, author of "Exploring Wells Gray Park", will have a book-signing for the sixth edition of his book at Buy-Low Foods on Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 12 noon. The book includes much new information.

Roland Neave

Soren Arduini shows his break-dancing skills during a recital by the new Clearwater Dance program in the Pit at Clearwater Secondary School on Thursday evening, Dec. 3. A total of about 70 youngsters took part and showed remarkable progress, considering the program started in late September. All photos by Keith McNeill

Dancers show skills Left: Instructor Courtney Johnson (l) and her assistant, Ali Heaman make graceful movements.

Johnson came here from Burnaby in June while Heaman is a student at Clearwater Secondary School.

Look for more about the recital in next week's issue.

Evan Colborne gets helping hands from dad Brett Colborne as she puts a star on top of a tree being decorated by Girl Guides during the annual Christmas Tree Light-Up at the Wells Gray Infocentre on Sunday evening. Look for more about the event in next week's issue.

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1.855.603.1189 | marriot.com/ykafi 1475 Hugh Allan Dr. Kamloops, BC V1S 1J3

New Years Eve Bullarama

An annual fundraiser for the North Thompson Agriplex & The Farm Kids Scholarship Fund December 31, 2015 at the North Thompson Agriplex, Barriere, B.C. Bullarama & New Year’s Party (19+): $50 • Bullarama only: $30 • 12 & under (Bullarama only): Free Doors open at 6pm • Bullarama 7pm •New Year’s Eve Dance to follow Tickets available at: The Star/Journal, Barriere Country Feeds, or the Horse Barn (Kamloops) For online tickets go to: http://www.eventbrite.ca and type in: New Years Eve Bullriding

A12 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

Sports Skate show amazes

Hailey Griffin shows beautiful form as she takes part in Raft Mountain Skating Club's Christmas Exhibition on Friday evening, Dec. 4. For more about the show, see next week's issue.

Right: Members of the Star skaters group form a line as they perform to "Jingle Bell Rock" during Raft Mountain Skate Club's annual Christmas Exhibition on Friday evening, Dec. 4 in the Sportsplex.

Photos by Keith McNeill

NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX Hockey Lives Here!

call 250.674.3768

Adult Hockey

Mens Drop In Hockey Fridays @ 7:45pm Oldtimers Hockey will be Sundays @ 7pm & Wednesdays @ 8:35pm

Ladies Drop In Hockey Sunday @ 5:45pm

Family Skating

Friday @ 4:45PM & Sunday @ 4:15PM

Sponsored by Greffards Saw Shop and Greenscapes Arts and Crafts

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

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Wells Gray Curling Club

Find us on the web at www.ntcommunitiesfoundation.com or on Facebook

WITH OUR ENERGETIC, FUN, PROFESSIONAL COACHES

Santa Claus Skate

December 22 •

Make a tax-deductible donation in support of your community. Funds raised by the Foundation assist charitable organizations that improve health, contribute to culture, enhance community services and support families... all right here in the North Thompson.

Game Schedule SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 9:00 – 10:00

Novice

10:10 – 11:00

Prenovice

SUNDAY DECEMBER 13 11:00 – 12:15

Novice vs. Chase

1:15 – 2:30

Novice vs. Chase

Clearwater Minor Hockey

Become part of a winning team. Join Minor Hockey and learn to play Canada’s Game. Open to Boys & Girls. www.cdmha.info/

Register @ 250 674 2594 or nissa1537@gmail.com

For more information about the Sportsplex or any programs call 250 674 2143

RAFT MOUNTAIN SKATING CLUB REGISTRATION December 15 - AG Foods - Barriere from 2:30pm - 4:30pm December 16 - Sportsplex from 4pm - 6pm Early bird rates are in effect until January 10th

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

Lessons begin the week of January 4

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015

www.clearwatertimes.com A13

Vavenby hosts dinner and craft fair Robyn Rexin The Dec. 5/6 weekend was busy at the Vavenby Hall.

On the Saturday evening there was a Christmas community potluck dinner. The room filled quickly. It had been set up for 66 diners but more chairs were added and then another table. There was a warm and cheerful atmosphere in the hall and the wonderful decorations added to the Christmas spirit.

The banquet was large, varied, and delicious. Doris Scarff cooked a turkey, which was quickly eaten.

There were many desserts to choose from. No one needed to go home hungry.

Who knew that Santa Claus could play an instrument? There was a band called the Silver Tones and Santa was a member! The band played throughout the evening and added to the Christmas feeling.

At one point the children were asked to go in front of the Silver Tones and sing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with them. The children also enjoyed dancing to some of the music.

Near the end of the evening Katherine Chrystall asked the band to play her favourite Christmas carol, Oh Holy Night, so that she could sing it solo for the audience. She has a beautiful voice.

Another (?) Santa Claus showed up to talk to the children and find out what they wanted for Christmas.

After sitting on his knee and letting him know of their deepest desires they

A division of

were given goodie bags. He stayed until near the end of the evening.

Barb Pennell organized the event with help from eight volunteers: Doris Scarff, Noelle McCorriston, Margot Evans, Fay Jones, Cheryl Hall, Val Bellows, Lorne Yoerger and Joan Harrison.

On the Sunday afternoon there was a Christmas craft fair, also organized by Pennell. There were 12 vendors at the event.

It was well attended off and on throughout the day Volunteers who helped put on a potluck dinner at Vavenby Communiand many items were sold. ty Hall recently pose for a photograph. Pictured are (l-r) Val Bellows, People could choose Fay Jones, Lorne Yoerger, organizer Barb Pennell, Joan Harrison, from baked and canned goods, jewellery, quilting, tie Doris Scarff, Noelle McCorriston, and Margot Evans. Cheryl and Doug Hall had to leave early.

Photo by Robyn Rexin dye shirts, infinity scarves, gift baskets, glass art, Avon products, wreaths, natural www.clearwatertimes.com products such as soaps, lotions, etc., Company 31 gifts, and more.

Your places There was Non-denominational congregation in fellowship with of worship a concession the broader Christian community in the area. looked after Meeting at: 11 Lodge Drive Clearwater by volunteers Wayne Richardson (Pastor) Seventh-Day Trina Ansell and Darren Adventist Sunday Stewart. Hot Worship Service Church dogs, hamburgPastor John Masigan 10 am Saturday Service - 10am ers, goodie bags, On the Web: www.clchch.com Clearwater Christian Church pop, water, hot For information Ph. 250-674-3468 chocolate, tea, 250.674.7073 or 250.674.2912 and coffee were available.

VAVENBY

Read us on facebook @ www.clearwatertimes

People United Christmas Eve Service

Come join us in a candle light service celebrating the birth of Jesus in togetherness.

Thursday Dec 24 • 3:00pm & 6:00pm At the Clearwater Community Baptist Church Building.

“A free will offering will be taken for the refugee family moving to Clearwater” Sponsoring Churches - Clearwater Community Baptist Church - New Life Assembly - Living Streams Fellowship - Clearwater Christian Church

Clearwater Christian Church

Christmas in the Village Vavenby Christian Church will hold its Christmas in the Village on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m.

Everyone will be welcome.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

3083 Capostinsky Rd. • Service 11 a.m.

Sunday Morning Celebration Services Ian Moilliet Pastor 250-676-9574 Non Denominational

St James Catholic Church

Sunday Service Mass 11am - 12pm

324 Clearwater Village Road 1-250-372-2581

TRINITY SHARED MINISTRY

Anglican, Lutheran & United Meeting at St. James Catholic Church

Worship Sunday 9am

Rev. Brian Krushel

Office: 250-672-5653 • ntunitedpc@gmail.com www.norththompsonpc.ca

Church Directory Clearwater Living Streams Christian Fellowship Meeting at New Life Assembly every Sunday 4:00pm

Contact Dave Meehan 250-674-3217 email: livingstreams@hotmail.com Clearwater Community Church open to everyone - all denominations

CLEARWATER NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY Dan Daase - Pastor Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am

(Kids church during service) Wednesdays Am Ladies Bible Study

Phone: 250-674-2345

308 W Old N Thompson Hwy

CLEARWATER COMMUNITY BAPTIST 24E Old North Thompson Hwy

Worship Service 10:30

Pastor Doug Spinney 250.674.3624 www.ccbaptist.ca

A14 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

Business & Service Directory Accountant ACCOUNTANT

STONE & COMPANY

Chartered Professional Accountants Jason O’Driscoll, CPA, CA - Bob Lawrie, CPA, CGA

Rison Realty • 32 E Old N. Thompson Hwy. Feb. 1st to Apr. 30th - Every Thursday May 1st to Jan. 31st - By Appointment Hours: 9:30 am to Noon, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Phone: 250-674-2532 • Kamloops: 250-554-2533 • Fax: 250-554-2536 Providing Assurance and Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services

BOTTLE DEPOT DEPOT BOTTLE

Bag Lady Enterprises

Depot

Recycle Today to Save Tomorrow!

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

Chain SHARPENING Sharpening CHAIN Professional

Appliance Repair APPLIANCE REPAIRS

North River

APPLIANCE REPAIR Four Star Service

Quality Service

REFRIGERATION - SALES - HOT TUB PARTS APPLIANCE PARTS - FURNACE PARTS

DOUG

250.674.0079

649 Kennedy Road • www.wellsgrayservicecenter.ca

Building Supplies

Carpentry CARPENTRY

Your number one stop for all your garden, building and farm supplies

Hazel’s Housing QUALITY WORK

PRO-FORM Feeds • Paint Supplies • Plumbing & Electrical • Hardware • Plywoods • Lumber • Fencing Materials • Vinyl Sidings • Roofings • Specialty Items • Treated Timber • Farm Gates • Interior & Exterior Doors Complete Farm & Garden Centre • Customer Service at its Best Winter Hours • 8:30am - 5:00pm • Monday to Saturday

250-674-3386

- 213 W. Old N. Thompson Hwy.

• NEW CONSTRUCTION • RENOVATIONS • ROOFING

Hazel Dowds

CLEARWATER, B.C.

250-674-4083

Journeyman Carpenter

Construction

Construction

Ground or Hand File

Construction & Renovations from Foundations to Roof

Construction and Home Renovation

CHAIN SHARPENING

prises

r vel Ente e L e h t n O

30 Years of Experience

Guaranteed Sharp NO Burnt Teeth Specializing in Ripping Chains

MARSHALL MCRAE

Electric Contractors

Garbage Collection GARBAGE COLLECTION Residential & Commercial Garbage Collection.

Residential includes Blue Bag Recycling Containers available for construction sites, yard clean-up, industrial sites etc.

Heating & A/C

BJC HVAC Ltd.

PROUDLY SERVING THE NORTH THOMPSON

250-319-2306

www.bjchvacltd.com brad.cameron128@gmail.com McLure, BC

Plumbing & Drains NORTH THOMPSON

NTPD

PLUMBING AND DRAINS Got Leaks? Plugged Drain? New Installs

Wells & Pumps ≈ Yearly Maintenance ≈ Frozen pipes

We are right around the corner

Fully Insured • 100% Guaranteed • 250-674-8151

Steve Noble

250-674-1182

JAGER GARBAGE

Licenced & Bonded Reg. NO: 99142

Rob Kerslake

Red Seal Carpenter marshallmcrae55@gmail.com

Stu Cahoon • Cell 250.674.1783 Home 250.677.4299 Leave message for appointment

We Service, Maintain and Install Residential | Commercial | Institutional Heavy Equipment, Heating, A/C, Refrigeration, Heat Pump, Geothermal, Boilers, Rooftop Units, Oil & Propane Furnaces & Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Automotive Repair

Phone Jager Garbage 250-674-3798 Serving from Vavenby to Blackpool area

Heating HEATING& &A/C A/C

AAdvertise D VERTISING

Hardware

For All Your Advertising Needs Call

THE TIMES Al Kirkwood

674-3343

Business & Service Directory

SERVICING THE NORTH THOMPSON

Your local provider for home comfort Rebates on equipment now in effect

Certified Partner

Inspection & Cleaning of all Makes & Models of Central A/Cs, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Boilers, Hot Water Tanks, HRVs, Etc.

250.672.0251 Authorized Dealer

Motor Licence Office

MOTOR LICENCE OFFICE ICBC Agent District of Clearwater

Phone: 250-674-2257 • Fax: 250-674-2173 Box 157, 209 Dutch Lake Road, Clearwater, V0E 1N0 Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Open through the Noon hour

Taxi Service TAXI SERVICE

WELLS GRAY

TAXI

AVAILABLE 24 HOURS • 7 DAYS A WEEK

250-674-2214 • 250-674-1542

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015

www.clearwatertimes.com A15

Business & Service Directory Business & Service Directory

H

Auto Repair & Towing

indle CLEARWATER TOWING LTD. Motors

Automotive Repair • Used Auto Parts • Mobile Repairs Designated Vehicle Inspection • C.V.I. Inspections Commercial Truck & EQ Repair Fully Licensed Technicians

••NOW DOING COMMERCIAL TRUCK REPAIR••

24 Hour Service Free Scrap Car Removal 516 Swanson Road Used Auto Parts

NELS HINDLE

OFFICE: 250-674-3123 or CELL: 250-674-1427

Contracting • HEAVY DUTY TOWING • CERTIFIED TRAFFIC CONTROL • WRECKMASTER CERTIFIED • EXCAVATION & SKIDD STEER SERVICE • BOB CAT SERVICES • FIRE SUPPRESSION • PUMP TRUCK • READY MIX CONCRETE

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

• PLUMBING • PORTABLE TOILET RENTALS • SEPTIC INSTALLATIONS • SEPTIC PUMPING • WATER COMPACTION • WELL INSTALLATION • DUST CONTROL • WATER HAULING • REGISTERED ON-SITE WASTEWATER PRACTITIONER

Offering Heavy Duty mechanical and Inspections Mon. - Fri. • 8am – 5pm info@alltorq.net • 851 Yellowhead Hwy S.

She Is Looking for Home Improvement Help.

Will She Find Your Business?

A division of

#UsedHelps

Advertise your business for as low as $16/week Call for more information or come in to the Times #14-74 Young Road

250-674-3343

A16 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

Be extremely cautious when approaching highway maintenance vehicles

Check Before you go! www.DriveBC.ca Check Before you go! www.DriveBC.ca such as snow plows and salt or sand trucks. Maintain a safe following distance. These vehicles throw up snow and spray making it difficult to see.

ROAD MAINTENANCE (THOMPSON) INC. inc.

Road Maintenance (thoMpson)

1655 1655 Lucky Strike Place | |Kamloops, V1S1W5 1W5| |Phone: Phone: 250-374-6690 Toll 1-800-661-2025 Free: 1-800-661-2025 Lucky Strike Place Kamloops,BC BC | V1S 250-374-6690 | Toll|Free:

Thought of the week It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. All that matters is where

Business Fundamentals Certificate January 18 – May 6, 2016

Careers

Are you looking for training in the Clearwater area?

The Business Fundamentals Certificate prepares students for employment in a variety of office positions such as receptionist, bookkeeper, website administrator or personal assistant.

Provides the basic office skills needed to secure some entry-level office administration positions and is ideal for those students who can only spend a short time in school

Admission Requirements

• BC Grade 11 (Grade 12 preferred) or mature student • Minimum keyboarding speed of 25 net words/minute • Satisfactory achievement on the Accuplacer Test or completion of ENGL 0600 with a B or better or English 12 with a minimum of 67% (within the last 5 yrs)

Please call Sylvia Arduini @ 250-674-3530 ext. 107 or email to sarduini@tru.ca for further information Funding assistance may be available through the Employment Program of BC. Please contact Clearwater WorkBC @ 250.674-2928 for more information.

you are going.

– Brian Tracy

Wells Gray Country UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec. 12: Voices United Community Choir presents tration, 4-6 pm, @ NT Sportsplex.

“Love Came Down at Christmas.” Clearwater Com- Dec. 31: Bullarama and/or Dance, NT Agriplex, Barmunity Baptist Church, admission by donation, riere. Doors open 6 pm, www.fallfair-rodeo.com starts 4 pm.

Dec. 13: Kids day with Santa, Blackpool Fire Hall, 11 am – 2 pm Dec. 13: Craft Sale, 9 am – 3 pm, Elks Hall Dec. 11: Welcome to Winter Dance, Blue River Upper Legion Hall Dec. 16: Raft Mtn Skating Club Winter Session regis-

ONGOING EVENTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • Indoor Market: Every Saturday May – Oct, 9 am – 12 noon, Elks Hall.

• Tuesday Morning Coffee (TMC): Meets 10am – 11:30 @ Clearwater Community Baptist Church. All women and children welcome.

(9:30-10 am Bible Study). Info 250-674-3624 • Women in Business Luncheon: Last Wed. of the mth at Wells Gray Inn, 12–2 pm. Preregister at 250-674-2700 • Crafts & Conversations with Cheryl. Tuesdays 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the North Thompson Aboriginal Sharing Center. Phone 250674-3703 for more info.

• Clearwater Farmers’ Market May – Oct. Saturdays 9am– Noon. For more info please call Anne at 250-674-3444.

• M&M (Mrs. & Ms.) Social. Last Sun of the mth Wells Gray Inn. 1pm: 250-587-6503 • Blackpool Community Hall Coffee House; Local musicians – 2nd Fri. of the mth. 6:30pm. Concession, $3 or 2 for $5.

• Clearwater Elks Bingo - 2nd & 4th Wed. Elks Hall 5pm, Info call Phyllis 250-674-3535 • Cribbage Wed. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 12:30 pm.

• Fun Darts Fri. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 6 pm.

• Upstream Community and Heritage Society open house Tuesdays: 9am-9pm @ Avola School House, various activities. Info ph Fay 250-678-5302.

• Voices United Community Choir- every Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 at the Catholic Church of St. James.

• Thompson Valley Quilters. Meet 2nd Wed. and 3rd Mon. of the mth at NTAC in the DLCC, 9 am - 4 pm. Info Linda 250-674-3437 or Dorothy 250-676-9270 • Vavenby Needle Arts Group. Meet every Tues. 11am - 4pm at Vavenby Community Center. Info Dorothy 250-676-9270 CHILDREN & FAMILIES • Racoon StrongStart - Raft River Elem school days Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 8:45-11:45am • Racoon StrongStart - Vavenby Elm school days Wed 8:50-11:50am • Clearwater Breastfeeding Group: 3rd Wed. of every month 7:30pm @ YCS • Mother Goose - Monday mornings, reg. Kerry 250-674-3530 HEALTH & HEALING • Hospice Grief Support: 2nd Thur of every mth, NT Funeral Home 1-3 pm, info 250-674-2400

• Shambhala Meditation Group: meets every Tuesday at Forest House 6:30-8:00 pm. Info: 250-674-3233.

• Connections Healing Rooms - Wed. 1-3pm (except stat. holidays).

86 Young Rd. No charge. Sponsored by Living Streams Christian Church. www.healingrooms.com.

• Healthy Choices – Tues 9am Clearwater Christian Church bsmnt (behind Fields). $2/wk drop-in free. Kim 250-674-0224 • Clearwater & District Hospice 3rd Mon. Sept-Jun 10am Legion 778-208-0137.

RECREATION • Drop-in soccer: May-Sept. Tuesdays & Thursday at 7pm at CSS field.

Everyone welcome!

• Bowling: Mon. 10–12pm & 1-3pm; Thurs., 1-3pm. Seniors Centre at Evergreen Acres. 250-674-3675 • Clearwater Sno-Drifters: 1st Thurs every mth. 250-676-9414 • CNT Rod & Gun Club: 3rd Tues. of the mth. Blackpool Hall 7pm Nov., Jan., & Mar. AGM in May • Volleyball: Winter, dates TBA, at Clearwater Secondary School Gym, $2 drop in. Info: 250-674-1878.

• Youth Group: ages 12-18, Fri. 7-10 pm Dutch Lake Community Center, arts & crafts, gymnastics, games & special events, info 250674-2600 • Yoga Tree – Call or email Annie 250-674-2468 annie.pomme@ hotmail.com • Core Strength Fitness. Tuesdays. 10-11am 250-674-0001 • Badminton: Mon & Wed, Oct – Mar, CSS gym, 7:30-9:30 pm, $3 drop-in fee, info 250-674-2518 • Drop in Basketball: Winter, dates TBA, $2 drop in at Clearwater Secondary School Gym. Info: 250-674-1878 • Slo-Pitch: Clearwater mixed Slo-Pitch league May – July. Contact Carmen Archibald 778-208-1773, 250-674-2632 • Drop in Soccer: June -Sept, tues and Thurs, 6:30-8:00 PM, CSS field, $2 drop in, grade 8 to adult SENIORS • BUNCO: 3rd Tue of every mth, Dutch Lake Seniors Drop-in Centre, 1:30 – 3 pm, info 250-674-2400 • Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society 3rd Sun Social Meet at the Wells Gray Hotel at 12:30pm for lunch or dessert, & chat • Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society Book Club Last Thursday of the mth 2pm at the library. All seniors welcome.

• WGCSS Writers Circle: Meets 1st & 3rd Thur. @ Library

TO ADD YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT OR ORGANIZATION CALL THE TIMES AT 250-674-3343

this ad is sponsored by

Bayley’s Bistro

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015

www.clearwatertimes.com A17

To advertise in print:

Browse more at:

Call: 250-674-3343 Email: classifieds@clearwatertimes.com Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

A division of

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Announcements

Announcements

Services

Merchandise for Sale

Christmas Corner

Information

Moving & Storage

Misc. Wanted

Local Christmas Trees 4’ - 16’ • starting at $17.00 @ Rooted By The River Nursery • 250-674-7111 Fri - Sat - Mon Supporting the Food Bank

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP

Located across the railway tracks in Vavenby, B.C.

Information

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

Great deals - low prices

REAL ESTATE RENTALS

Travel

AUTOMOTIVE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

Timeshare

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AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement.

Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

Used.ca reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates 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.

APPLYING FOR Canada Pension Plan disability benefits?

Increase your chance of success. Call the Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic. Call 1-877793-3222 www.dcac.ca or email: info@dcac.ca CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment Clearwater Alcoholics Anonymous Sunshine Group meets every Tuesday, 8 pm, Elks Hall 72 Taren Dr. Open to Everyone For info contact Wendy 250-587-0026 Do you need help with reading, writing or math?

FREE confidential adult tutoring available.

• Clearwater Literacy 250-674-3530 • Barriere Literacy 250-672-9773 HOSPITAL AUXILIARY GIFT CORNER Located just inside the hospital main doors Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beautiful gift items for all occasions Safe Home Response Providing a safe place to escape for women and their children.

Volunteers always needed.

Clearwater 250-674-2135, Barriere 250-672-6444, or North Thompson Valley 1-855-674-2135

Travel SAVE 30% on our Greenland and Wild Labrador Voyage until December 18, 2015 - See Labrador as it was meant to be seen - By Sea - Aboard the comfortable Ocean Endeavour. No extra charge for singles! Quote Community Newspapers! Call tollfree: 1-800363-7566 or visit us online: www.adventurecanada.com (TICO # 04001400).

Employment Business Opportunities GET FREE vending machines can earn $100,000 + per year.

All cash-locations provided.

Protected Territories. Interest free financing. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629 website www.tcvend.com HIP OR knee replacement?

Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 refund. Apply today for assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

Career Opportunities HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Contact us now to start your training day. www.canscribe.com.

1-800-466-1535 or email to: info@canscribe.com

Education/Trade Schools

COPYRIGHT

START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765.

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of Used.ca.

Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

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

Medical/Dental

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Before your time runs out.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Services

Photography / Video PHOTOS

by Keith McNeill

Digital and film photographs.

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

• Indoor Storage Units • Office space with equipment storage available. Hwy access for convenience & exposure 250-674-0145 info@oncallservices.ca 851 Yellowhead Hwy 5

Plumbing FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928.

Become a GREEN SHOPPER!

Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins, Estates Jewelry+ Chad: 1-778-281-0030 Local.

Real Estate Apt/Condos for Sale Clearwater: 1 bdrm Income Apartment w/long term tenant.

Ground floor. Asking $57,000.

Call 250-292-8418

For Sale By Owner For Sale or Rent: 225 Murtle Cres, 3 bdrm, 3.5 bath, dbl heated garage, rent for $1,150/mo + util.

For Sale: 208 Dutch Lk. Rd, 3 bdrm, 1/2 duplex, 2 full bath, $125,000.00. Offers.

Call 250-674-3668

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent Clearwater: 1 bdrm apt in Triplex, own entrance, close to shopping, $500/mo. Avail now.

Call Julie 250-674-0188

Commercial/ Industrial

www.pitch-in.ca Merchandise for Sale

Commercial space avail for rent in the Interior Whitewater Bldg. starting Jan. 1/2016.

Spacious, bright, clean, like new. Close to amenities. 675 sqft, $500/mo. 73 Old North Thompson Hwy, Clearwater.

Ph 250-674-3727

Appliances

Duplex / 4 Plex

For sale: Washer in good working order. $150.00 obo.

Call 250-587-6151

Clearwater: Lg 3-bdrm suite in triplex. Has deck, close to town. $800.00/mo.

Ph Julie 250-674-0188

Estate Sales 1200 sq. ft. house. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, .79 acre w/fruit trees, garden area, 600 sq ft shop, & 300 sq ft woodshed. Located on Peavine Rd. $120,000. obo. Ph 1-250-318-7235

Misc. for Sale

Mobile Homes & Pads Vavenby: 2 bdrm covered mobile w/addition on priv lot.

W/D, F/S. Ref req. $675/mo + DD. Pets neg. Avail Dec. 1 Call 250-676-9210

Homes for Rent

ROMANCE Your Christmas Local BC Adult Retailer Shop Online Now & Receive 25% OFF! www.shagg.ca

Clearwater: 2-bdrm townhouse. Close to shopping, f/s, w/d, dw. Avail Jan. 1, $900/mo + DD. Call Julie 250-674-0188

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.

CLWTR-2BED House, DD and Ref Reqd. No Smoking. $1120/m inc Utilities.Avail Dec 1. 778 220 5884 or 250 851 3858.

Lake side cabin near Barriere $625/mth heat incld. NS, NP, lrg. balcony, boating, swimming, fishing at your door step.

778-773-2465 or 778-9284084

STEEL BUILDING sale.

“Really big sale-year end clear out!” 21x22 $5,190 25x24 $5,988 27x28 $7,498 30x32 $8,646 35x34 $11,844 42x54 $16,386. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-6685422 www.pioneersteel.ca

Clearwater: Room for rent in Weyerhaeuser sub. Wi-Fi, Sat TV. Nice clean place. NS, NP. $500/mo, incl laundry and util.

Call 250-674-1768

Food Products

Food Products

Rooms for Rent

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Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

Obituary Sharing space with IN LOVING MEMORY our wild neighbours Frances Teresa Hanna

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Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

Nee Russill

Frances Teresa Hanna Nee Russill regretfully passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 28, 2015.

Frances, a wife like no other, a mother like no other and a retired nurse like no other.

Predeceased by her parents Frank and Ida Russill, sister Judith, brother-in-law Horst Holwein, sister-in-law Rose, brother-in-law Glen Hanna.

Left to mourn, husband, Keith and beloved son Bruce and Bruce’s very special companion Lisa Dyer.

Donations in Frances' memory may be made toward: Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, 640 Park Drive, Clearwater B.C., V0E 1N1. Flowers gratefully declined.

The Memorial Service for Frances will take place on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Kamloops Funeral Home Chapel, 285 Fortune Drive.

Condolences may be emailed to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

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FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY

In the Rockies, May 2013, with Aussie company We were about to leave Emerald Lake, clouds parting enough to see surrounding mountains reflected in its clear water, and were remarking on the brightening green as sunshine increased.

As we looked back towards the small bridge we had just crossed, a chipmunk darted across the rough surface of the road and disappeared into the brush beside the creek which drains the lake. For Aussies, these small critters are reason enough for comments and “admiration”.

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Trekking Tales

By Kay Knox

but was unwilling to cross amongst all the feet. By then, it had worked its way along to the edge of the bridge.

Here, it too disappeared, but only temporarily, emerging from beneath the woodwork and onto the rocks that were part of the foundation, before being swallowed up by the spring flora and fauna. I use the word “swallowed” on purpose; a squeak and a squawk seconds later told us that the chipmunk had not been successful in eluding its pursuer. The weasel had captured its lunch.

Now in Newfoundland, September, 2013 Bestest buddy Joan and I had been directed to Brighton from Triton for a spectacular, late afternoon hike and were driving back to our digs.

Rounding a corner, we were stopped by a major collection of vehicles and spectators on section of dark highway. “Oh no!” we said. “An accident….”

I wound down the window as a gal began to walk past. “What has happened?” we asked fearfully.

“Oh,” she responded brightly. “We were watching two bull moose fighting. They were here for the longest time – but they just left.” What a sight that must have been, and we “just” missed it.

A big bird puzzle – Much closer to home

As I drove towards Sunshine Valley across Clearwater River on the one-lane bridge recently, I noted a bald eagle perched aloft on a leafless birch.

“Hey, there’s more!” I grinned to myself upon seeing another just below it and three others in trees nearby. I slowed right down.

These non-smiling birds have been a favourite ever since I came to the North American continent in 1963. Inching forwards, hoping not to send them skyward, I suddenly observed that they were far from being alone.

Down on the snowy ground close to where the river rafters’ bus awaits its passengers, was a conspiracy of ravens. They were feasting on a partial carcass discarded there, no doubt by human hands.

“How come you ravens are at the table filling your beaks while your much larger ‘feathered friends’ with more ferocious beaks just watch?”

I questioned from within my vehicle.

Everyone was far too busy to reply, so I still don’t know the answer to that reasonable question.

As I drove on, the road curving up as short steep hill, I noticed two more eagles. One was an adult, but the other was smaller, its feathers variegated dark and not so dark.

The juvenile was yet to grow and display the typical white tail tips and white head which gave the bald eagle its name.

They took time out to watch my progress, but didn’t supply an answer to the puzzle either.

On the other hand, I would have been rather shocked if they’d squawked out in unison: “We’ve already eaten. That lot just gets the leftovers!”

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 10, 2015

www.clearwatertimes.com A19

Is Avola's concrete pad a heritage site to be preserved?

Eleanor Deckert What is worth preserving? Who is responsible?

The North Thompson Valley has such a young and fragile history. Who will protect it?

How soon will a permanent, formal museum be founded? So much data is available now which is fading every year.

Fire destroyed the Blue River Hotel and train station ... but Janie’s Store remains.

The old steel Bailey bridge spanning the Clearwater River was disassembled ... but the old wooden Mad River bridge remains.

The McMurphy and Candle Creek log school houses were relocated ... but the Avola log school house remains.

Industrial sites such as the roundhouse in Blue River, the sawmill in Avola, the ferry crossing in Vavenby, and all of the section houses along the railway have been taken down ... but cement foundations remain.

Log cabins, barns, stores, post offices stand empty and abandoned until they crumble and decay ... a few champions remain.

The Anglican Church in Birch Island is now privately owned and the Evangelical Free Church in Blue River is now a B&B ... but Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church in Blue River remains.

Grave sites on private land may have permanent or wooden markings ... some are lost in time ... some names and dates remain.

Photographs, stories, newspaper clippings, maps, letters, artifacts, collections, family possessions

A nondescript concrete pad in Avola is the site of a diesel generator that formerly provided electricity to the community. It is located next to a playground that the Area B (Thompson Headwaters) services committee plans to replace next year. The services committee will discuss what to do with the pad during its Dec. 15 meeting.

Photo by Eleanor Deckert

... all of these and also larger fixtures are physical reminders of the families, activities, technology, economy, hopes and limitations of the people who lived in the past where we stand today.

Human error can be destructive, too. Will a new owner allow a previous owner time to remove personal items? Will a death bring such stress within the extended family that items are discarded?

In a small attempt to bring awareness of historic topics, I have written approximately 40 Valley Voices columns.

Recording interviews with men and women over 80 years old, sifting through the Kamloops archives, making notes from the “North River” and “North Thompson Reflections” as well as leafing through local information in the Clearwater Library have yielded fascinating details.

There is so much more.

I need to step away from this column for awhile, but have high hopes that

other writers will contact the Times or Star Journal and give this project a try.

It’s good practice; perhaps you will gain enough confidence to write a book!

I leave the reader with one more story.

Decision-making on the best use Residents in Avola are trying to research, remember and understand this question, “Is a slab of cement an historic object?”And the owners of the playground where the cement slab is located are considering, “Shall it be removed or resurfaced?”

There was a time before hydro-electricity.

In fact, up until around 1968 electric generators supplied many small towns in this area, including Avola.

Since the early 1950s the store had its own generator. The Emil Anderson Construction machine shop had its own setup of generators to keep equipment repaired while the highway was being built.

Bunkhouses and a 21-site mobile home park also had power supplied this way.

Jim McCoy looked after several big generators that the sawmill kept running.

One centrally located generator supplied the company houses in Avola.

Wiring ran along the outside of the wall.

Bob Dhillon remembers, as a child, the thumping of the three-cylinder engine making it hard to fall asleep. Lights were off early as the generator was shut off at 10 p.m. every night.

The generator sat on a cement pad in the middle of town. Dave Jensen was 19 years old when he had the job of re-fueling. He used a hand-pump to take fuel out of train cars and into a tank on the back of his pick up truck, and then pump it again into the generator’s fuel tank.

Lights saved lives Yet, this ordinary looking block of concrete has another meaning. Kevin Deckert recalls an episode

of ‘Front Page Challenge’ featuring an interview with a pilot and navigator who were flying through the mountains.

As darkness approached, they realized they needed to regain their bearings. The lights on the compass, altimeter and fuel gauge failed and the navigator reached around the pilot, flicking his lighter again and again to illuminate the instrument panel.

And then, they saw the lights of the town of Avola. Reoriented, they continued on, arriving safely at their destination.

The men summed it up: “We didn’t realize at the time that the generator in Avola was routinely turned off at 10 p.m. Our flight above the town was at about 9:30 p.m. Without that light, we would have been wandering and lost

with a very different ending to our story.”

The cement pad is within the playground presently owned and managed

by Area B’s Thompson Headwaters services committee. Decisions will soon be made to improve the playground.

A delegation was to speak at the Dec. 15 meeting in Avola, requesting that the cement pad be repaired, left in place and incorporated into the playground’s plan.

Bob Jensen, the only person who has lived nearby and in Avola for his whole life, said, “It’s more than a nostalgic ‘I remember.’ It’s a reminder that until recently everyone did things ‘the old way.’ And it is significant that this generator played a part in a dramatic aviation story of B.C.”

An arrow on an aerial photo shows the location of a concrete pad in Avola. Photo submitted

KAMLOOPS OFFICE 979 Victoria St. Kamloops, BC V2C 2C1

Phone: 250-851-4991

Toll free: 1-877-619-3332 Fax: 250-851-4994

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Thursday, December 10, 2015 Clearwater Times

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