December 16, 2015

2015

s ’ n o s Sea Greetings

Page 2 Season’s Greetings December 2015

On the Cover

Top right: Elizabeth Gregg and her kitten, Abby, visit Santa at Pet Photos with Santa.

Bottom right: The artwork of Katie Croswell, a 150 Mile elementary student.

Bottom left: Mary Telfer with one of her many unique Christmas gifts, a barbed wire wreath for sale at the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin’s Cowboy Christmas Craft Fair.

A Touch of Class

Index Spirit of Christmas The literary talents of our readers are on display in the annual Season’s Greetings Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest.

Season’s Greetings Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest........Pages 3-14

‘tis the Season The Christmas season comes alive through the eyes of students in Mrs. Cook’s and Mrs. Davis’s classes at 150 Mile Elementary School.

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From a Cowboy Christmas in Williams Lake to a generous hockey donation made by Anahim Lake’s Carey Price, our ‘tis the Season section is filled with stories about Christmas cheer.

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cutlineSchool...................Pages 15-30 A Touch of Class: 150 Mile Elementary

Porter helps spread Christmas cheer..........................................Page 34 Salvation Army hosts Christmas dinner.......................................Page 34 City councillor enjoys spirit of giving............................................Page 35 Ancient recipes bring Christmas to life.................................Pages 36-37 Tribune Christmas colouring contest...........................................Page 38 Cowboy Christmas brings country to the city...............................Page 39 Early Christmas gift from Price keeps on giving..........................Page 43

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f o t i r i Sp ristmas Ch Welcome to our Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest section where we feature the literary talents of writers of all ages.

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 3

Writing Contest

Page 4 Season’s Greetings December 2015

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Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest

Christmas Spirit: the tale of a trapper and his horse Angela Justus Angela Justus is the Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest winner for ages 15 and older.

The front room Christmas tree twinkled brightly, grams, gramps and 10-yearold Ben just having finished with its decorating.

Hot chocolate mugs in hand, all were now relaxing around the large stone fireplace enjoying its log crackling, dancing multihued flames.

The hour was late, the grandfather clock had just tellingly bonged the eleventh hour of the evening, but gramps was in one of his story telling moods.

Settled comfortably gramps began: “The locals believe this story to be true.”

Many years ago in the mid-1800s an old hermit trapper lived on the mountain just

north of this valley.

A large cave was his home.

Other than an occasional encounter with other humans, Spirit, his large grey stallion was his only companion.

Where he went the horse was sure to follow.

Such was the horse’s devotion to the old man that no fenced corral was needed to hold him in.

Together they bedded down in the cave at night, Spirit always within touching distance of his human friend.

One evening when out setting a fish trap in a creek the trapper had been challenged by a very large, angry grizzly bear.

I suppose the bear, too, had been trying to scrounge up a meal and was now showing displeasure at this human intrusion into his

territory.

Spirit, grazing nearby had become aware of the danger.

Like a bolt of lightning he had come to the rescue.

The battle was on.

His gnashing teeth drew blood.

His hooves kicked out furiously, landing with bone crushing strength upon the huge bear’s body.

A final blow to the bear’s head had sent him flying backwards.

Defeated, the bear had run off, no longer interested in facing this determined and powerful foe.

But alas, Spirit had not come out of this battle unscathed.

The bear too had fought viciously hard, having inflicted upon Spirit many deep, tearing, mortal gashes with his long razor-like claws and fanged teeth.

Mortally wounded Spirit had plodded his

The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin would like to thank the following businesses and individuals who generously supported the 11th Annual Cowboy Christmas Concert and the Annual Christmas Tea and Bake Sale.

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painful way back to the cave.

He lay down upon some straw and drew his last painful breath, head cradled upon the old trapper’s knee.

The old trapper grieved hard.

Tears coursing down his cheeks, silently he had prayerfully wished his old friend an easy crossing into the spirit world.

Stuffing his few belongings into a canvas bag, down the mountain he’d descended, telling all he met along the way of Spirit’s heroic bravery and death.

Shortly thereafter stories started surfacing around the valley.

A phantom grey stallion was said to be coming down from the mountain to assist people in need.

A snow-blinded hunter had been led off the mountain to safety.

A small child, having fallen into a swollen river, was rescued by a large grey stallion.

The stallion had swum out into the raging water, enticed the child to grab his life-saving tail, pulling him to safety.

Always, the stallion departed as quickly and silently as he had arrived, galloping off into a grey mist, leav-

Gaeil Farrar photo Angela Justus, 74, won first place in the Season’s Greetings Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest this year with her story Christmas Spirit. She has always loved writing and has written poetry from an early age but this is her first full-length story. She brought books home from the library when she was in Grade 1 for her grandmother to read to her. In Grade 2 she brought books home from the library and read them to her grandmother. In Grade 3 she started writing “little pieces of poetry.” She says it has only been in the last two years that she has had time to expand into story writing. Getting a computer a couple of years ago has also been inspiring her to write more. When she saw the contest name she thought Spirit was a great name for a horse so she wove her Christmas story around a horse named Spirit. ing no sound upon the air and no prints upon the ground.

The locals called him

world, helping others in their times of need.

See Spirit Page 5

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the Phantom Spirit, believing him to be the old trapper’s stallion back from the spirit

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Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest

My Christmas Story Jessica Kelly Jessica Kelly is the Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest winner for ages 6 to 9.

This year for Christmas I am going to donate some of my old stuffies to Children’s Hospital.

I almost missed my

first Christmas because I was born with a cleft palate, but anyway, I feel bad for all the kids who are in Children’s Hospital for Christmas.

The next nice thing I am going to do for Christmas is shovel, my cousin’s driveway.

She has a baby so

she can’t go out and shovel.

Everyone probably thinks that the true meaning of Christmas is getting presents, but it is the birth of Jesus.

I hope everyone has the best Christmas ever.

Merry Christmas.

Gaeil Farrar photo Jessica Kelly is the winner in the Tribune’s Spirit Christmas Writing Contest, in the ages six to nine category.

She is eight years old and in Grade 4 at Marie Sharpe Elementary School. While her story is short and simple it embodies the spirit of sharing and caring that is the hallmark of the Christmas season.

Jessica is pictured here with her book prize. Behind her are some of the words that her teacher, Mrs. Tracy Walton, has put up on the spelling wall, for the students to learn and use in their story writing projects.

Spirit brings family together for Christmas From Page 4 For the locals the mountain then became known as Spirit’s Mountain.

Gramp’s tale finished, all went up to bed, eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s arrival of Ben’s parents.

Morning soon made its wind-howling, snow-drifting appearance.

A blizzard was in the making.

All was blanketed under huge mounds of fresh knee-high snow.

Ben voiced his fastgrowing concern to gram and gramps.

Would his parents be able to travel in such nasty conditions?

Would they arrive today as planned?

Tomorrow, after all was Christmas day.

Grams put her comforting arms around Ben’s small shoulders, trying hard to reassure him, but the worry in her eyes gave her away.

Gramps said nothing, knowing full well that their sparsely populated country road would

be the last to see a road crew and snow plow.

All day the snow fell, piling higher and higher.

Trying hard to boost up everyone’s flagging spirits grams insisted they all go ahead with their Christmas preparations.

Gifts were wrapped, and wafting enticingly from the kitchen, were smells of fresh baked gingerbread and short bread cookies.

A very crestfallen trio went to bed that night.

Ben tossed and turned in worry.

Finally weariness took him away into exhausted sleep.

A few hours later intuition brought him back to a wakeful awareness.

The need to go out to the barn was overwhelming.

Quietly Ben made his way to the outside, clad only in his nightclothes and boots.

Patiently awaiting his arrival was Spirit the phantom stallion.

Ben climbed upon his back and towww.cariboord.bc.ca

gether they galloped off into the night, racing up Spirit’s mountain, travelling back into Ben’s Christmases of past.

In a dream-like vision he saw them all, from his first to the last.

Heartwar mingly reassuring was the last, today’s as yet to be Christmas.

There they all were in gram’s and

gramp’s front room.

Grams, gramps, mom, dad and Ben himself, all busy, smilingly, unwrapping gifts and drinking eggnog.

Ben’s vision having come to an end, Spirit retraced their earlier flight, galloping them back into the now of time.

Mind and heart finally at peace, quietly Ben made his

way into the house and bed. With Spirit’s help he knew his parents would be here for Christmas.

Early Christmas morning sounds of jingling bells and shouted greetings drew them all to the outside.

A team of nine sleigh-pulling, sled

dogs carrying Ben’s parents had just arrived.

A small boy’s wishes had been answered.

When questioned Ben’s father had replied: “Last night a large grey stallion came to me in a dream.

Tossing his head he

had beckoned me to get on his back, then he carried me to the musher’s home.

“This morning I retraced my last night’s dream path, arriving at the musher’s door. He kindly agreed to bringing us here.”

Spirit had rescued their Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our Families to Yours Our Williams Lake office will be closed from Friday, December 25th to Friday, January 1st.

We will re-open on Monday, January 4th. @leg.bc.ca 250-392-3351 or 1-800-665-1636

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Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest

Mary’s First Christmas Kayla Edinger Kayla Edinger is the Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest winner for ages 10 to 14.

It had been two days since Mary had gotten off the boat from Niger.

She’s been walking around looking for food.

While she’s walking, she keeps seeing warm houses with beautiful, decorated trees.

Then all of a sudden she felt something cold

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Gaeil Farrar photo Kayla Edinger is the first place winner in the Season’s Greetings Spirit of Writing Contest for the age 10 to 14 category. She is a student in Mrs. Nikki Delay’s Grade 6/7 class at Maranatha Christian School. Many of the students in her class wrote stories for the contest, some of which received honourable mention. Kayla is pictured here with the books she won in the contest.

touch her nose.

She looked up.

The sky was filled with it.

It was snowing! For the first time Mary had seen snow!

The next morning Mary awoke with a start.

She found herself to be shivering, then she realized it had been snowing all night and there was at least a foot of snow!

But it was still really cold so Mary got up and started walking

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around.

She stopped in front of a bread store and a man with a moustache came out with some bread for her.

“Oh thank you!” said Mary, then ran off.

“Merry Christmas!” replied the man.

As Mary was walking away she saw a girl turn a corner.

“Slow down you’re too fast!” called a voice behind her.

“No Katy, you’re just gonna have to walk faster!” said the other girl.

“Layla! Slow down,” called a voice from be-

hind Katy.

This time it was a boy pushing a stroller.

“Stop yelling Coby!

You’re gonna wake the twins!” called Layla.

“Please stop talking like that, Layla,” said Katy softly.

“Be quiet!” said Layla.

“Layla! Stop! You are acting rude and being rude! Its Christmas!

Do you think Jesus would want you acting this way?” said Coby.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry,” Layla said.

“I forgive you,” said Katy.

“Ok, now let’s get go-

ing home … Hey look!” said Coby, pointing at Mary, “Look, she looks cold and scared!”

“Hi!” said Katy, running to give her hugs.

“You can come to our house for Christmas!”

“Katy, we don’t even know her!” yelled Layla.

“Layla! It’s Christmas, let her come!” said Coby, “Come with us!”

“Is that ok?” Mary asked.

“Yah!” said Katy.

“This way,” said Coby as he started walking.

When they got to the house Mary was amazed.

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They walked into the house and Mary saw the most beautiful tree ever.

“Coby, who is this!?” asked his mother once they were inside.

“My goodness Karlie! Calm down.

“It’s Christmas!

Let’er stay!” said the father, Richard.

“Richard, we don’t even know her!” said Karlie.

“Oh please let me stay! Please! I’ve never seen such beauty!,” said Mary.

“C’mon Ma!” pleaded all the kids.

“Well Richard?”

said Karlie turning to Richard.

“The kids wan’er!” said Richard.

“Ok then. You can stay!” said Karlie.

“Oh thank you!” replied Mary.

In the end Mary learned the real meaning of Christmas.

“What did you learn Mary?” I asked.

“I learned that Jesus is the reason for the season!” Mary said “It’s about celebrating his birth and what he’s done for us.”

That’s right!

The end.

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 7

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Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest

A Christmas Unforgotten Barb Henson Honourable mention in the Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest for the age 15 and up category was won by Barb Henson.

I grew up on a farm 14 miles from Victoria in a small community called Metchosin.

Christmas was a time of great excitement.

We could hardly wait for the Sear’s Christmas Wish Book to arrive.

My sisters, brothers and I would spend countless hours circling and checking off items from the toy section we were hoping to get.

It was a tradition that my aunties, uncles and cousins on my dad’s side of the family, who lived in the city would come to the country for Christmas dinner.

Poor mom!

We tried our best to help her prepare the turkey dinner, polish cutlery and silverware, dust and clean up the Christmas present wrappers and make ourselves presentable.

I remember one Christmas mom had made a beautiful fruit cake and decorated it with a covering of almond paste and colourful candy poinsettias which was intended to be the centrepiece on the dinner table.

My dad, when she wasn’t looking, thought it looked too good to resist and took a big piece out of it.

Obviously, my mother was devastated because it was not mendable and she had to think of something else to replace it.

Mom did a beautiful job of decorating the fireplace mantles with pine boughs, pine cones and candles.

Once everyone arrived the old farmhouse was in an orderly fashion and no one would have guessed what kind of chaos took place.

We managed to serve the adults in the dining room at the huge old, five-leaf oak table and

the kids at a smaller table at the side.

A good time was had by all after filling our bellies with turkey and all the trimmings that go with it and singing carols around the fireplace with my auntie Evelyn playing the piano.

When I ask myself which Christmas stands out the most when I was a young child, the one I’m about to tell is this …

When I was around seven or eight years old my oldest brother, Ray, and my sister, Joan, were already on their own and had jobs in town.

There was my next oldest brother, Dick, and my younger brother, Kenny, at home.

My little sister, Jeannie, was yet to be born.

It was just before Christmas and mom was busy writing letters and sewing special gifts to send to faraway relatives.

The weather was typically rainy and windy and the old farmhouse was hard to keep warm.

Mom was always stoking the fires and going to the wood pile for more wood.

We had fireplaces in the dining room, living room and the upstairs bedrooms.

My brothers and I were complaining that we didn’t feel well, that our throats were sore and we were really hot.

She checked our temperature and it was very high. She called the doctor and he came out right away (that’s when they used to make house calls).

He said we had scarlet fever.

He gave us a shot of penicillin in the butt and it hurt.

He quarantined us for 10 days.

I will always remember the big sign on our back door warning people not to come in.

I felt that I was in jail and had done something wrong.

I loved being outdoors even at that young age.

Dad was the only one who was permitted to leave so that he

Photo submitted Gladys Clapham (centre) reads stories to her children during the Christmas of 1949 when the family was quarantined in their home, suffering with scarlet fever. Circling Gladys from the left are story writer Barb (Clapham) Henson, and her siblings Joan, Ray, Dick and Ken. could go to work.

He was a logger and had his own sawmill.

Mom and dad rigged up a hospital room in the dining room with three cots.

Mom slept with us and dad kept the fireplaces going all night.

A couple of days after the doctor’s visit dad came in with the most beautiful fir Christmas tree and placed it in the bay window in the living room.

It smelled so wonderful and made me want

The Cariboo Dental Clinic wishes everyone a magical holiday filled with special moments, love and laughter.

to be outside.

The only thing separating the dining room and the living room were the fireplaces, so I could see it from my makeshift cot.

Even though we were not feeling very well mom let us help deco-

rate the tree with her cherished ornaments and, of course, lots of tinsel.

They would leave the Christmas lights on until we went to sleep.

I would half shut my eyes so that the lights would blur into one

beautiful mass on the tree.

Our neighbour across the road, who we called auntie Ann, was unable to have children and treated us as her own.

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Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest

Remembering the Light Cat Fink Honourable mention in the Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest for the age 15 and up category was won by Cat Fink.

It’s late December, mid-afternoon and the sky is already dark, snow still coming down.

It started before dawn.

I’ve been thinking about emotion and memory.

What is memory anyway?

It’s nothing solid.

Like all in life, it changes.

I can tell that my memories move like a story told over and over.

The essential points stay the same, but the details shift.

Am I remembering more clearly when this happens, or am I filling in gaps, making things whole, putting clothes on the bones of what I recall?

I am remembering the Christmas Eve I was in Grade 5.

My sister and I were given night lights in the shape of genie lamps.

All other gifts were abandoned as we carried our lamps around the house, Aladdins in nightgowns and slippers.

I remember the two of us, whispering and giggling in the dark

cave of the hallway outside our bedrooms.

We had turned off the hallway light, and all was now mysterious and spooky as we moved around, genie lamps in hand, their blue plastic light covers casting shadows

we couldn’t recognize.

This I remember clearly.

What I don’t recall with any certainty is whether my lamp was the pink and black one and Carrie’s the aqua blue and grey one, or the other way around.

When I picture us in the December dark, I can see either lamp in my hand.

I remember them both.

I don’t know what happened to my genie lamp.

I do know I loved it, played with it, kept it on the floor by my bed.

I suppose I eventually outgrew it, and it was lost deep in the big cardboard toy box Carrie and I shared.

Or perhaps, when I tired of it, it was given away to a younger cousin or to a daughter of one of my parents’ friends.

What does not shift in this memory of

light in the dark, is the feeling of fun and play, laughter and enjoyment, friendship and love with my sister.

I feel all of this now as I write.

You can’t see me, but I am all smiles like a Cheshire cat.

Here in this memory is joy and light and love.

When I am afraid and in the dark, all I need to do is remember Carrie and me in that dark hallway, playing with the light of our genie lamps, giggling and whispering.

If I trust myself enough to allow this memory to fill me,

body, mind, heart, and spirit.

I can see my way here, now, and walk myself out of fear and the dark, back into light.

My mom-in-law, who does not know this story, found a genie lamp in a garage sale. She bought it and gave it to me.

It sits here on my work table, a treasure among treasures.

It is exactly like the one in my memory.

Aqua blue and grey, like my sister’s lamp, or mine—that part does not matter.

To my eyes, it is the colour of light and play and laughter and love.

off my wet clothes, rubbed me down with a warm towel to get my circulation back and made me sit by the wood stove to warm up.

It was all well worth the freedom!

Soon, it was forgotten and we carried on playing with our new toys.

After having a pleasant Christmas dinner we kids gathered

around mom in the living room by the fire and she read us a book called: The Little Red Train That Could (this was before we had TV).

By the time the Christmas holiday was over we got the OK from the doctor to be released and could take down the ugly quarantine sign on the door.

Freedom at last!

Finally free to enjoy the snow From Page A7 She made us a unique Christmas branch tree with all kinds of decorated cookies attached

to the branches with red and green ribbons and left it at the door.

The night before Christmas my older brother and I were so

full of excitement and anticipation that we laid awake unable to sleep.

We crept out of bed to see if it was snowing.

Low and behold, there were huge, fluffy snowflakes swirling around and falling to the ground.

It was an unusually

The old Clapham family home in Metchosin

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quiet Christmas morning.

But there was something comforting about being cozy with just my mom, dad, brothers and sister.

There was no hustle and bustle to prepare a large banquet meal for aunts, uncles and cousins.

I remember how excited I was to get a Barbara Ann Scott doll under the tree.

The snow remained for the day, and not being quite as ill as my brothers, I pulled on my boots and coat while mom was out at the barn milking the cow and feeding the chickens.

I crept outdoors to play in the snow.

Mom caught me and scolded me about what a silly thing I did, pulled

Happy Christmas traditions Ava Boyd Grade 4, honourable mention in the Spirit of Writing Contest Category ages 6 to 9 was won by Ava Boyd.

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On Christmas day I like to go outside and catch a snowflake on my tongue.

Or maybe build a snowman.

Perhaps I could make a snow angel.

Maybe I could have a snowball fight with my friends, watch the snow fall out the window, or I could race a sled until evening comes.

For dinner I like to eat turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, French fries and gravy.

For a treat I like to eat cookies, ice cream, cupcakes, and snow.

After dinner I like to take my telescope and gaze at the amazing Christmas lights in the wonderful dark sky.

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 9

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Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest Spirit of Christmas honourable mention ages 10 to14 The Gettin’ Tree Ryan Albisser Grade 6/7 Today is the day in my house that we all anticipate — tree getting day!

We go onto the power line and get trees.

We always pack a toboggan with us because we always sled down the hills on the power line.

But all of that is off topic. So today we leave at 10 o’clock to get our trees.

We are finally on the power line so now we start walking.

We spotted a tree we liked, so we went to get it.

All of the sudden a cougar jumped out of the tree.

I pulled my rifle out of my backpack and shot it between the eyes!

We went and cut the tree down and I carried the cougar out while my dad dragged the tree out and my mom, brother, and dog just walked along beside us.

We strapped everything onto the sled, except the tree, which we rolled down the hill.

We started moving and we were off!

There was only one rock on the hill and we were heading straight for it.

We hit it just right and landed in the back of the truck.

We loaded the tree and cougar and left.

When we got home

we put the tree up right away and went outside to skin the cougar, when all of a sudden we heard a crash.

It was the tree falling over, but it was fine.

We put the tree back up and skinned the cougar.

Dec. 24 could not come soon enough.

That night we had fondue with the cougar I had killed.

Our cousins were at the house and we had lots of fun.

The next morning we were up at 5 a.m.

We ate cinnamon rolls and opened presents.

Later that day we soaked the tree in gasoline and lit’er up.

This was the best Christmas ever!!!

Gaeil Farrar photo Most of the students in Mrs. Nikki Delay’s Grade 6/7 class at Maranatha Christian School participated in writing stories for the Season’s Greetings Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest ages 10 to 14 category. While there were many very creative stories deserving of honourable mention, we were not able to publish them all on these pages. The participants include Frankie Rowley (back row left), Faith Johnny, Vivien Meryick, Evelyn Greig, Anna Best, Gabrielle Garcia, Hannah Ragan; Preston Walsh (middle row left), Ryan Albisser, Rogan Lindemark, Nicole Bailey, Carmen Dyck, Lucas Daugherty, Koen Vogt (front row left), Keesha McKee, Kayla Edinger, Shante Adams and Ryker Johnny.

An Injured Christmas Vivien Meryick Grade 6/7 “Ugh … Fine!” Sara said bitterly to her mother, then slammed the car door shut.

Her mother rolled down the window, “Bye! I love you,” her mother said.

Sara continued to walk to class.

Sara got to her classroom, late again.

She shook the snow off her jacket in the back room, then qui-

etly sat down.

Sara hears her teacher’s phone ring.

It stops when she picks it up.

“Hello … OK… She’ll be right there.”

Mrs. Sepan looks around, “Sara can you please go to the office?”

Sara gets butterflies, it makes her sort of nauseous.

She replies, “OK.” She sees her principal.

He looks guilty, un-

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pleasant. As she sat down, he gave her a strange look. He was obviously trying to comfort her.

“Look Sara this is going to be hard for me to tell you …

“Your mother has been in a terrible accident. She’d like you to go see her in the hos-

pital.”

Sara’s mother had suffered a brain injury.

She couldn’t move or talk very well.

This would soon change Sara’s entire life, when her father started going back to work so that they had money and when Sara

couldn’t go to school as often.

But for now it was alright.

Soon it was Christmas.

Money was tight so Sara didn’t expect anything huge.

Her father had gotten her an iPhone to talk to him when we

needed help.

Her mother handed her a letter.

Sara smiled even though she felt kind of disappointed and unthankful.

She opened it.

Inside was a folded note.

She began to unfold it.

The note read: “I am sorry.”

Sara looked up at her mother crying.

She gave her a hug and said, “Love you too.”

And at that moment, Sara realized that family was the most important part of Christmas.

From Our Families to Yours We wish the Very Best of the Season and a Happy, Healthy Prosperous New Year Williams Lake & District Credit Union

www.wldcu.com

139 N Third Avenue • 250-392-4135

Page 10 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest

ONE OF THE REAL JOYS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAY THANK YOU AND WISH YOU THE VERY BEST IN THE NEW YEAR.

Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest honourable mentions ages 6 to 9 Christmas Mail Queisha Johnson Grade 4

DC15260_Holiday_Ad_WilliamsLake_Final.pdf

965C North Mackenzie Avenue • 250-398-2202

1

My grandma and grandpa live in a house in the woods near mountains and hills.

Their house is far, far away.

I don’t get to PM visit very 2015-11-24 4:07 often and I miss them

A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

AND THE VERY BEST FOR 2016.

664 OLIVER ST., WILLIAMS LAKE 250.398.5343

F O R D

very much.

This year I want to do something special for my grandparents, so I will write them a letter....

Dear Grandma and Grandpa.

How are you?

What is grandpa doing?

Are you going to bake cookies this Christmas?

My favourite cookies are chocolate chip.

This year I want to visit and stay with you Christmas Eve so we can open presents together.

What do you want for Christmas?

For Christmas I would love for grandma to make me a pair of mukluks with a butterfly beaded on the front.

But most of all I want to spend time with you because I miss you and I love you.

Love, Queisha.

The end.

Gaeil Farrar photo

Jessica Kelly, (centre front) a Grade 4 student in Mrs. Tracy Walton’s class at Marie Sharpe Elementary, who won the Season’s Greetings Spirit Christmas of Writing Contest for the age 6 to 9 year old category, is surrounded by fellow students Queisha Johnson (left), Ava Boyd, Hannah Bilow, and Presley Stump who won honourable mention for their stories.

Holiday helper Hannah Bilow Grade 4 On Christmas Eve I was talking to my dad when my mom asked if I wanted to play Mario Kart 8.

I said yes! I remember my mom beats me all the time. When we did all four races, we unlocked our last character named Iggy. Then

there was a knock on the door.

I asked my mom if I could play outside, but she said, no, it is too late.

I walked to the door and opened it up and saw my grandma from Abbotsford. I was so excited I let her in and showed her my nice house.

She put her stuff in my room and said, “I’m

sleeping in our room!”

She stayed for a week and each day I did something nice.

The first day I unpacked her things. The second day I made breakfast for her. The third day I let her sleep in. The fourth day I let her help me build my Legos.

The last day I helped her pack up her things.

Our Warmest Wishes for a Safe & Joyous Holiday Season to You and Your Family.

800 Broadway Ave. N Williams Lake, BC

250-392-4455 www.lakecityford.ca

www.wltribune.com

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 11

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Page 12 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest Honourable Mentions Category ages 10 to 14

Nicole Bailey Grade 6/7

Christmas Day Frankie Rowley Grade 6/7 It was the day before Christmas in the year of 1943.

Sally and Bruce got up early because they were

told their dad was coming home. They hadn’t seen their dad in one year because he only came home on holidays. They went and sat by the door waiting.

They, at least, sat there

Merry Christmas To All & To All A Happy New Year

250-392-1576

Traditional & Modern Masonry Construction Stone Walls Patios • Paths • Steps Custom Fireplaces • Chimneys Tiling • Plastering • Stucco Bricklaying

Andrew Cuthell & Joanna Krynen

for several hours.

It was about 7 p.m.

It was getting close to their bedtime.

Then the phone rang.

It was their dad.

He said, “I’m stuck at the airbase. I’m not coming home until tomorrow.”

Sally was the only one of the two children who knew what dad was doing and where he was.

She knew he was at war, yet Bruce was only five so he didn’t know anything about where his dad was or what he was doing.

Sally and Bruce’s mom said, “Go to bed OK. It’s 9 o’clock.”

They went to bed and dreamed about nothing other than dad.

The next morning, as well as Christmas day, the kids just hurried to the door and sat. All they could think about was their dad.

They didn’t care about presents.

They just waited for

The True Meaning of Christmas

the best man on Earth who would take them to church on Sundays.

They loved their dad more than anyone other than mom.

Their mom said, “Come sit.”

They were to gather in thoughts of the time he told Sally what the war was and what he was doing.

All of a sudden the door opened and a man with dark brown hair and blue eyes said, “Merry Christmas,” with a big huge hug.

And they opened presents and ate dinner and all of a sudden, he gave Sally a card and he said, “Open it.”

She opened it with her mom. Inside it said, “Merry Christmas and I’m not leaving again.”

Sally started to cry.

Her dad, the best man ever, was not leaving or going anywhere anymore and that was the best present ever!

The end.

“Mom, how many days ‘til Nonday?” asked Elanor as she opened a gift again.

“Another couple months. Sorry honey,” her mom said.

Elanor sighed.

After all the gifts were opened Elanor went to her room and flopped on the bed she got for the ninth Christmas last month.

Elanor lives in Christmasland, where every day is Christmas.

Only one day of the year isn’t — called Nonday.

It is the only day of the year that kids don’t go to school, so Elanor loves it.

There is also a huge Nonday celebration she loves. The next day she gets summer clothes for Nonday, a new sled, mittens, and some books.

Then, catastrophe strikes! A notice goes out on the Shingdangers (an electronic de-

vice) that the Nonday party is cancelled!

Soooooooo!!!!!

Elanor runs screaming to her mom, but finding no comfort there, flees to her room, falls on the bed, and cries. Hard.

She mopes around for days, then her mom tells her to snap out of it.

“Come on, sweetie.

It’s just a big party that got cancelled. What do you say we go for a swim? Or climb a tree, or go for a walk?

“No.” “Elanor Noella-Jean Redborg! Snap out of it! It’s just a party!” her voice softened. “Would you like to hear the story of the first Christmas?”

“Sure.”

“Long ago (3,462 years to be exact) an angel of the lord appeared

to a virgin named Mary.

The angel told her she would have a baby and name him Jesus.

“This baby would be the son of God. Mary ran to her fiancée and told him the good news.

Joseph rejoiced. The king of their country sent out a decree that all men and their families return to the men’s town of birth.

“When they reached Bethlehem, all the inns were full. Mary and Joseph had to stay in a stable with cows and donkeys and such.

“Mary gave birth in the stable, wrapped Jesus in cloths, and lay him in a manger. And that’s the first Christmas.”

“Cool story, mom. I guess I can enjoy Nonday without a party.”

Elanor went to bed, and as she fell asleep, murmured to herself, “It’s all about the love.

And imagine playing outside without mittens.”

And she was asleep.

The end!!

We would like to wish our Clients, Past, Present and Future ...

Happy Holidays and all the Best in 2016

Cariboo Realty

250-392-5959 • www.suttoncariboorealty.com • 232B Third Avenue N.

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 13

www.wltribune.com

Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest Spirit of Christmas honourable mention ages 6 to 9 The Christmas morning snowball fight Addyson Cullum Grade 4 One Christmas morning there were two sisters and a little brother.

They woke up and looked out the window and were so surprised because it was the first snowfall of the year.

They jumped out of their beds and ran out!

They asked their dad if they could go sledding down their really big hill.

He said: “Just wait until after breakfast.”

Half an hour later … the kids snuck outside to go sledding.

A few minutes later their dad called them

for breakfast, but they did not come.

He called them again, but they did not come!

He went to look for them in the playroom, but they were not there.

He was getting worried so he looked all through the house, but they were nowhere to be found.

He called outside.

They were out there but could not hear him because they were hav-

ing so much fun!

Dad searched for them high and low.

He heard some laughing, he went closer and closer and he leaned over a bush and they hit him with snowballs!

Then dad joined the snowball fight.

It went on for hours and hours until mom woke up and saw them having a snowball fight.

She thought that

The year Christmas was almost over

they’d be hungry so she made them a special Christmas breakfast with pancakes, whipped cream and maple syrup.

They all came in and had breakfast together and it was soooo good!

That day they all learned that the Spirit of Christmas was about giving and spending time together instead of opening presents.

Ashtynn Cullum Grade 2 Once upon a time there were three children. They were very disappointed when they woke up one December day because the lake was not frozen yet, and Christmas was right around the corner!

To make things even worse, an owl came and dropped off a note from Santa that said, “Dear children, I am so sorry, but I can’t make it this Christmas because I am so sick, I can’t move.

“Love Santa.”

The kids said: “Oh no,” what are we going to do?

So that Christmas, nobody got any presents.

Mom and dad thought Christmas would be over, but even though Santa didn’t come, it was not that bad because they went sledding and spent time with their family and friends, and it was the best Christmas ever.

But Mrs. Claus was keeping an eye on stuff, and she and Santa decided that Mrs. Claus

was going to do Christmas.

She was very excited to hand out presents, but she was also nervous, so she decided to do it in the warmer summer weather because it was easier to drive the sleigh.

In the end, the kids all got their presents and lived happily ever after.

The End!

I help him on Halo 1, 2, 3, 4. Halo Reach.

He helps me shovel the driveway.

He helps with the sidewalk.

I help him make his

juice.

Sometimes my little brother helps me build my big snowball.

Sometimes I make a snow fort for my little brother.

The Spirit of Christmas Presley Stump Grade 4 Sometimes I help my mom with groceries and food.

I help my brother with the Xbox 360 by

unhooking the Xbox and hooking the Xbox up.

My mom helps me on the computers.

I help put wood in the truck.

I stock the wood in the shed.

My brother helps with the dishes.

Sometimes I help my baby cousin.

I help my mom shov-

el the driveway.

I help shovel the sidewalk.

Sometimes I help my little brother with his shoes.

I help him outside.

I help him with something hard.

I help him with sports like soccer. He helps me on Minecraft. He helps me build a city.

Merry Christmas from the

Bill Carruthers

Shirley-Pat Chamberlain

Kate Dalrymple

Andrea Elzinga

Tom Foley

Nancy Gale

Joy Hennig

Rennie Johnston

Lori Macala

Ron Malmas

Ingolf Sandberg

Connie Sauter

John Stace-Smith

Carol Ann Taphorn

Scott Tucker

Angela Williams

Daybreak

Rotary Family to Yours!

Page 14 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest Spirit of Christmas Writing Contest honourable mention ages 10 to14

The Lost Presents Faith Johnny Grade 6/7 One winter day, two kids were so excited because they knew Santa Claus was coming to town.

Because they knew Santa was coming to town they had to make him a letter of course.

Those two children’s names were Skyler and Avia.

It was Christmas Eve so they had to go to bed.

That night, Skyler and Avia started to hear noises, but they thought it was nothing, so they went back to bed.

The next morning Skyler and Avia woke up and ran down the

stairs.

When they got downstairs, they noticed all of their presents were gone?

Avia sadly said, “Did Santa miss our house?”

“No. I think somebody stole all our presents,” Skyler replied.

“But why would someone do this on Christmas?”

Avia said, “I don’t know, but we need to stay calm,” said Skyler.

The whole family was so depressed.

Later that day Skyler’s and Avia’s mom had their little brother Joey. He was born on Christmas!

And guess what else

happened?

Santa came and brought them all their presents.

Avia and Skyler were so happy because they met Santa and they have proof that Santa

is real!

One year later.

“Merry Christmas,” Skyler, happily said.

“Hey do you remember last year? Oh, and it is also Joey’s birthday,” Avia reminded Skyler.

“OK! This year we

watch every single present!” Skyler replied.

The family gathered around the Christmas tree to open their presents.

“I absolutely love Christmas,” Avia said.

“Hey kids,” their mom and dad said, “Christmas is not all about presents.

“We have to remember that it is God’s birthday too.”

“We know. That’s why we made this,” the kids proudly said.

“Awe that’s so sweet,” their mom said.

“Goo, goo, ga, ga, God?” Joey said.

“Awe that is so cute!”

Avia said.

Avia’s and Skyler’s

mom made a big Christmas dinner.

Avia loved it. Especially the egg nog and pies.

Oh yeah. They decided not to think about last year’s Christmas because their presents got stolen.

Til this day, Avia and Skyler remember that they met Santa, and Christmas is also God’s birthday.

Christmas from a turkey’s point of view Carmen Dyck Grade 6/7 Hi! I’m Gobette the turkey.

I live in Fort St. John, B.C., Canada.

It’s the year 2004 and I’m getting tired of this old turkey house, especially with the Dinkie family.

Every year Mr. Dinkie comes and kills one of the turkeys.

I know it’s almost my turn!

The suspense is KILLING me!

Anyways, speaking of the Dinkie family.

Mrs. Dinkie has a really round belly.

And you know what’s weird?

The rest of the family gets really excited when she seems to be having a lot of pain.

Mr. Dinkie says that “it” is coming.

I wonder what “it” is?

They’re building this thing called a

“gingerbread house.”

Everybody is sitting around the fireplace, talking and laughing.

I can’t figure out what they’re talking about.

Although I could make out one thing Mr. Dinkie said.

It scares me.

He said: “It’s almost time to kill that turkey.”

“Which turkey, Pa?,” one of the Dinkie kids had asked.

Mr. Dinkie was yelling, ‘She’s going into labour!’ in a very anxious voice.”

After a few days Mrs. Dinkie came back, and with a baby!

So exciting!

Oh … Mr. Dinkie’s coming out, and it looks like he’s carrying an axe!

Anyways, goodbye for now.

I’ve got to go and hide!

The End.

“That big, old, feathery one,” he had replied.

Yikes!

I know it’s me!

I’m the biggest, oldest, and featheriest turkey they have!

It’s been a few days, and the whole family is soooo ... excited.

All the kids are saying: “I can’t wait for tomorrow!”

Oh! In the morning, Mr. and Mrs. Dinkie left for what they call a “hospital.”

Merry Christmas from the staff at

1115 North Mackenzie Ave. WL

250-392-7515

Serving Williams Lake & area for over 36 years. www.allcraftkitchens.com • info@allcraftkitchens.com

910A S. Mackenzie Ave. • 250-392-4039

f o h c u o T ass l C

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 15

www.wltribune.com

Mrs. Kristy Davis Grade 3/4 Class

Mrs. Catherine Cook Grade 1/2 Class

Page 16 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

Alexis Bailey My Christmas story This Christmas we are going to dress Chley as a reindeer.

He is going to pull

our sleds.

Rudolph the red nose reindeer had a very shiny nose and if you ever saw him you would say it glows.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say, Rudolph with your nose so bright won’t you guide my sleigh to-

My Christmas story night.

The reindeer loved him and they shouted out with glee.

We had a Christmas with Kali and

Lemum and we made gingerbread houses and our favourite tradition

was unwrapping presents.

Alyssa Bailey

Alexis Bailey

171 Oliver Street 250-392-4422 crosinarealty.com

Alyssa Bailey Anita Crosina Cell: 250-392-0126

Karen Gertzen Henry Van Soest Cell: 250-305-4120

Res: 250-392-2670

Janette Rennie Linda Jorgensen

Thank you to all our valuable clients, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Cell: 250-267-4371

Leon Barnett 250-982-2704

250-296-4248

Vera Robson

Cell: 250-267-7507

Wishing you and your family a happy and safe holiday season. ~ Melanie & Miranda

250-296-4161 www.cariboofirstaid.com Email: cariboofirstaid@live.ca

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 17

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

My favourite Christmas memory My favourite Christmas memory is that I can open presents and my family is sitting on the couch.

Presents are cool.

Caden Kooger

Caden Kooger My Christmas At Christmas I like spending time with my family.

I like opening presents.

It makes me excited.

Caitlin Tugnum

The Station House Gallery, Williams Lake’s public art gallery since 1981, would like to thank our Partners, Sponsors, Members and Supporters of 2015 and those who have supported us in years past.

Caitlin Tugnum

Partners of the Gallery Anonymous Donor 97.5 The Goat Kornak & Hamm’s Pharmacy Just Because Boutique Oliver & Company Pinnacle Renewable Energy Group Dr. Skye Raffard Williams Lake Tribune Zone 4 Hairstyling & Tanning Doug & Marie Mervyn Cool Clear Water Thyme for Tea / Yellow Umbrella Westline Harvesting

Acknowledgements of Support: City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District through the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society The Community Arts Council of Williams Lake The Government of Canada Student Grant The Province of British Columbia

The Station House and Gift Shop

Gallery

In the Historic Train Station at the foot of Oliver Street Phone: 250-392-6113 Fax: 250-392-6184

Wishing Everyone a Joyous Holiday Season and a Very Big Thank You to our many Hard Working Volunteers

www.wltribune.com

Page 18 Season’s Greetings December 2015

A Touch of Class

Darby Butterfield My Christmas story I love Christmas because we get to spend time with my family.

We always go to grandma’s.

Darby Butterfield

My Christmas story I opened presents and I got a zoomer.

I love it.

I love Christmas.

I love it.

I love it.

Cooper Bergen

Merry Christmas from

• Alarms & Installation Locally Owned & Operated

Sean Kelly Owner

250-392-3737 150 Mile House

www.edwardssecurity.ca

Cooper Bergen

Malissa Kelly Owner

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.

Isaiah 9:6

During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible.

And in the spirit, we say, simply but sincerely.

Thank You and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year From Barry & Carol and Staff

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR J-J COMPUTER SERVICES 250.392.7629 Email: gilles_mailhiot@hotmail.com

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 19

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class My Christmas memory When we wake up and our parents are up already it is funny.

And after we eat breakfast we can open presents. Last Christmas I got a new radio and I can listen to anything!

Kristin Fischer

Kristin Fischer

My Christmas story On Christmas I spend time with my family.

We wake up in the morning and we go to the Christmas concert.

We have lots of

fun.

We dress up for the concert.

Eva Johnson

A Christmas memory My favourite Christmas memory is that I get to spend time with my family and open my presents and my stocking.

Keira Elden

Eva Johnson

Above all, we wish you good health...

Back row, left to right: Bernadine, Georgina, Crystal, Stacey, Mikin, Alix, Carina Front row, left to right: Rowena, Cathie, Mary-Jo, Manola, Michelle Missing: Sheila, Taylor, Haley

Central Builders Home Hardware 250-392-4232

250A S. 6th Ave. (Just off Mackenzie)

Please accept our sincere and warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Kornak & Hamm’s Pharmacy

Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 5:30pm • Sat. 9:30am - 1:30pm Family Owned, Family Operated

366 Yorston Street • 250-398-8177

Page 20 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

Kyle Kielpinski My Christmas story Dad cut the tree down.

The tree is in my

house.

My family put four Christmas balls and one star on the tree top.

Christmas memory I was the baby so I got the smallest

stocking and my Dad gets the biggest.

Kyle Kielpinski My Christmas memory I had a great time at

my aunt’s.

We had Christmas

there. a

great village

Jayden Moxon

Jayden Moxon

At Christmas, all roads lead home.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Seasons Greetings to One and All!

Windsor Plywood

1100 South Lakeside Drive • 250-398-7411 • Toll Free 1-877-878-2516

910 E. Mackenzie Ave. S. • 250-398-7118 www.windsorplywood.com • 1-800-661-6887

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 21

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

Lorne Moe I love Christmas I am happy when I

open up presents.

My grandma and my family are on the couch.

I smell coffee and see stockings and my Christmas tree.

I love Christmas.

Lorne Moe

Nolan Wonnacott Cats need Christmas too My favourite Christmas memory is that my cat got a blanket.

The blanket was green and blue.

The stockings were hung on the TV.

Seasons Greetings to all of our valued customers

Julie

Jackie

Nolan Wonnacott

Claudia Angela

248 Borland Street

Merv

Shana

250-392-7463

www.backwoodsandsurvival.com 250-392-7022 • 1-888-691-3444 • 79D 3rd Ave N

Page 22 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

Sara Neufeld My Christmas story Every year I have my cousins over.

My favourite is presents.

I do it in the morning.

I have a rainbow star.

I have a blanket under my tree.

Christmas time I like my presents.

Samantha Hutton

Sara Neufeld

Samantha Hutton

Wishing you

s y a d i l o H y Happ best and all the in 2016

 From all the stant and manageme e, of Canadian Tir we would like to ll thank you for a your support in 2015.

250-392-3303

1050 S. LAKESIDE DRIVE

www.wltribune.com

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 23

A Touch of Class

My Christmas I like to hang my stocking over the fire place.

I love to decorate the tree.

I like presents.

My favourite present was a Barbie.

Savannah Griffin-Smith

Zoe Kugelstadt My Christmas memory I opened my presents when everyone was awake.

Zoe Kugelstadt

Savannah Griffin-Smith

Happy Holidays Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and very prosperous New Year

M

Mike, Tami and Linda

IKE AUSTI

N

Warmest Greetings & Best Wishes for the Holiday Season from your TRU Team Classes begin January 4, 2016

FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD

#180C - 3rd Avenue North, Williams Lake • 250-398-2222 • 1-800-398-5811

tru.ca/williamslake

250-392-8000

Page 24 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

My favourite Christmas My favourite Christmas was when I got new hockey gear and a stick.

I still have and use my new gear. I also got a new hockey bag. One time I got a skateboard.

I really like getting hockey gear.

Darian Louie

Ali Calabrese Why Christmas is special to me Last year I got towed behind a snowmobile.

I also drove it at my grandma’s house to

snowmobile.

We go snowmobiling on the lake. My cousin comes to my grandma’s house and cooks us Christmas dinner.

We wake up in the

morning and the first thing we do is open presents.

In my family we take turns opening presents.

Darian Louie

Ali Calabrese

Devin McGregor

Hope your home is full of love, laughter and warm Christmas cheer this holiday season!

My favourite Christmas

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings

My favourite Christmas was when my brother and I ran as fast as we could into my parents’ room and woke them up.

We opened presents.

I got a dino.

Devin McGregor

Serving you since 1985

Computers • Printers • Networking • Copiers • POS

250-392-3735 183 Oliver Street

#3 - 11 Second Avenue South 250-392-4498 • 800-667-0041 sales@sandtronic.ca

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 25

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

The best part about Christmas What I like about Christmas.

I like going sledding and I like opening presents.

My favourite place to go slide is the for-

est. There is a big hill to go down and go fast.

Garry Abbott

Joelle Thurow My Christmas tradition Every Christmas my mom, brother, and I,

get out the Christmas tree when my dad is not home so we can surprise him.

So, we decorate the

tree. When my dad gets home my brother and I hide behind the tree and when dad comes in we turn on the Christmas

tree lights.

So, these are my Christmas traditions.

Joelle Thurow

Gary Abbott

MAY Magic

Christmas THE

OF

Warmest Christmas wishes to our valued clients and friends

BE WITH YOU IN EVERY SEASON Now Serving Breakfast All Day. Everyday!

Walmart Plaza • 250-398-7821 1196 S.Broadway • 250-398-7800

250-392-2971

Beside Tim Hortons on Highway 97 South

www.wltribune.com

Page 26 Season’s Greetings December 2015

A Touch of Class

My Christmas tradition After Christmas we get to go GTing and it’s funny when people crash.

I go tubing at the 108 Hills with my family.

I get little gifts in my stocking.

I got a Baja truck last Christmas.

Josef Aschwanden

Kaleb Sytsma

Rolling out a Special Wish that your Christmas is full of fun and joy

From OUR Hardworking Team to Yours

SALES SERVICE PA R T S 250-392-7101 1-800-665-4344 1560 S. Broadway

My favourite Christmas Merry Christmas to me! My favourite

Christmas was when I got a very big, awesome Lego set and it was a lot of pieces.

Wishing you all a Safe & Happy Holiday Season

250-392-3242 • 1268 S. Broadway Ave.

And the next day I wanted a puppy and 3,000 kittens.

Kaleb Sytsma

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 27

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class Why Christmas is special Why Christmas is special to me is because it is fun to stay up all night to see Saint Nick.

I have tried to stay up all night to see Saint Nick but have never made the whole night.

But, I will try again this Christmas and I might make it.

But, if I don’t make it I will put up a video camera in the Christmas tree.

And, I have a feeling that Santa might be real.

Katelyn French

Katelyn French

Katie Croswell Why Christmas is special Christmas is very special for me because that is the day Jesus was born and I am a Christian so that is really special for me.

Christmas is also special for me because my cousins usu-

ally come over and we don’t get to see them that often because they live far away and it is nice to see them for Christmas.

Christmas is also special for me because we usually get lots of snow and go sledding and make jumps and snow forts and have

snowball fights.

And, we have lots of fun with our family and friends!

When I wake up I like to draw little pictures on the windows when there is frost on them and that is really fun.

Christmas is one of my favourite times of

Merry Christmas Guess we shouldʻve from our gotten a tree! family to yours!

CANADA’S LARGEST FLOORING CHAIN!

250-392-7106

98 N Second Avenue www.endoftheroll.com

N ob

eats... ody B

Hi Amy

the year!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! Katie Croswell

One of the real joys of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to say

T hankYou and to wish you the very best for the New Year

y Cottage Hairstylin r t n u g Co 250 Barnard Street 250-398-STYL • 250-398-7895

Page 28 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

My favourite Christmas My favourite Christmas was when I was six years old and we took the tractor and the hay wagon and we

put a nose and antlers on the tractor so it would look like Rudolph.

Then we put square bales on the edges and we had a Christmas tree and we went

from my driveway to Desautel Road.

The people that were there were Frank, Karin, Gwen, Ragin, Kijlt, Pete, Sharl, Ellie, Trace, Zadie and me, my dad, my mom

and my brother.

Then I went home and went sledding, then went to bed.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS. Erik Krause

My favourite Christmas My favourite Christmas was Christmas of 2014.

There was not much snow.

But, on Christmas Eve that year, when we

Erik Krause

though there was not much snow.

My birthday is Dec. 23, which means it is the day right before Christmas Eve! I get presents three days in a row!

Geordie Wonnacott

Geordie Wonnacott

Merry Christmas from the staff at Blacky’s Truck & Car Wash Gift Certificates Make Great Stocking Stuffers

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were opening our presents it started to snow.

Snow for Christmas Eve! That was what my mom said, but I hoped the snow would not melt.

We had a good Christmas, even

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Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 29

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A Touch of Class

My Christmas Why Christmas is so special to me is because I get to see my family.

Each year my family gets together to celebrate Christmas.

Christmas to me is happy and fun because last year I got a new desk bunk bed.

Christmas is the best day ever. My brother got a giant fish tank so he can give his fish a better home.

I hope everyone has a good Christmas.

Kenzie Gentles

Kenzie Gentles

Lane Wiggins Why Christmas is special

Launa Bartley My favourite Christmas My favourite Christmas was last year and we went snowmobiling.

And, we hitched up the GTs on to the snowmobile and we got to ride the GTs, and it was so much fun!

My dog Binoo chased us on the GTs. He tried to pull off my glove.

And, it was the best

Christmas ever!

The end.

Launa Bartley

Why is Christmas special to me?

Because I make jumps and hit them with my sled with my friends like Brody, Pietro and Nate.

Then, we come inside and have a hot chocolate.

We just wanted to say

Merry Christmas!

With thanks for your patronage this last year,

John Cameron & staff In lieu of Christmas Cards Cameron & Co will be making our donation to the food bank.

250-392-6999 • #5 - 65 1st Ave. S.

After that we take them home and we come back.

We get my brother and go over to grandma’s house, then open the presents that we got her, and the ones she got us.

That’s the end of my Christmas.

Happy Holidays from all of us!

250-392-2363

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The best place to meat in town!

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our clients!

Wishing you a happy holiday season with much happiness, health and prosperity for the coming year.

299C N 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake, B.C. V2G 1Z7 TEL: 250-398-8330 Email: invest06@shaw.ca

Page 30 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

Lucas Hjelden Why Christmas is special to me

I get to spend time with my family and we all open

presents together and we all go sledding.

It is so much fun.

Lucas Hjelden

My Christmas memories My favourite present last year was a Nintendo 3DS. This year for Christ-

mas I think I am going to get a PS4.

In Grade 3 I made a big gingerbread house.

With my family we go and cut down a

Christmas tree with a chainsaw.

I also make green and red cookies with my mom.

Maddox Agnello

Warm Holiday Greetings!

Maddox Agnello

Your Patronage has kept us Rolling All Year Long!

May your travels be safe and your visits memorable, have a Happy Holiday from Jason & the staff

It may be cold outside, but it’s warm in here.

Our hearts are bursting with gratitude for your patronage and best wishes for a prosperous New Year.

The staff at

Warmest wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year.

www.chemorv.ca Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm Saturday 8am-4pm

CLOSED DEC. 21 THROUGH JAN. 3 3057 Highway 97, 150 Mile House

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Open until 9pm Every Friday Night!

247 Oliver Street • 250-392-2665

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 31

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

Will Stratton

Why Christmas is fun for me Christmas is fun because I get to have a Christmas dinner and I get a lot of presents.

My cousins and I have a snowball fight.

We have a snowball maker we use for our snowball fights.

Will Stratton

Matteo Calabrese My favourite part about Christmas Why I like Christmas I like Christmas because I see my cousins and I get to go skating and snowmobiling and get presents.

We go GTing and skating and sledding.

Matteo Calabrese

Season’s Greetings to all our valued customers and friends

Here to help you get home safely.

from all of us at...

132 S Mackenzie Ave.

250-392-4151

Philip Teichroeb Apprentice

Ron Malmas

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With the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts, we would like to offer our best wishes for peace, hope and joy to you and your family.

ccfunerals.ca 250-392-3336 • 1-877-992-3336 • 180 Comer Street

Page 32 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

A Touch of Class

Spirit of Christmas alive at 150 Mile school Angie Mindus Season’s Greetings Participating in Christmas traditions and activities which promote the spirit of giving makes 150 Mile Elementary School a festive place to be during the holiday season.

“There are many wonderful things going on in the school,” said school librarian Maria Lepetich. “It’s a great place to be.”

The hub of everything Christmas is in the school’s library, where the tradition of setting up a large Christmas village in the theme of a story or event greets students in the month of December.

“It started when teacher Ruth Mazurkiewicz donated 30 pieces from her Christmas village collection to the school nine years ago,” Lepetich said, explaining Mazurkiewicz helped

then librarian Pam Hedley-Smith set up the display for a few years before HedleySmith retired herself, passing the tradition on to Lepetich.

“They left a legacy,” Lepetich said of the retired teachers. “It’s a tradition that just keeps getting passed down.”

This year Lepetich chose The Nutcracker as the theme for the village and employed the help of her some25 Grade 5 and 6 student volunteers for set up.

“They loved setting it up. They had a lot of energy and ideas,” she said of the student helpers, adding it’s exciting to see how the children react to the display when they see it for the first time.

“It gets us all into the Christmas spirit and makes the stories come alive,” she said of reading The Nutcracker to students in

front of the display.

“I notice when I am reading it that they are very engaged in the story because the language is so rich and full of details and the students can look at the display –— it takes you to far away places that your imagination will go.”

Down the hall from the library, Grade 3/4 teacher Jen Wintjes also incorporated the Christmas theme of giving into her teaching by encouraging the school’s student council to take on Operation Christmas Child, where school families were encouraged to fill shoe boxes with gifts for less fortunate children.

“Participating in something like this helps them think of others,” said Wintjes.

This year students filled 40 shoe boxes and plan to grow their generosity even bigger next year.

Angie Mindus photos

150 Mile Elementary School librarian Maria Lepetich with the school’s display of The Nutcracker, which has been set up for the holiday season.

A scene from The Nutcracker display in the library at 150 Mile Elementary School. Many pieces of the Christmas village were donated many years ago by retired teacher Ruth Mazurkiewicz.

Happy Holidays

from our families to yours

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!

We would all like to express our thanks and appreciation to all our past and present customers along with all family and friends.

Dana, Fred, Wayne, Patty & the rest of the staff

1205 Prosperity Way, Williams Lake

152 Soda Creek Road www.blocksrus.ca 250-392-3646

e h t t‘ is son a e S

www.wltribune.com

From Christmas traditions to Christmas giving our ‘tis the Season section features a splash of holiday cheer for the festive season.

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 33

Page 34 Season’s Greetings December 2015

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‘tis the Season

Porter helps spread Christmas cheer during holidays Monica Lamb-Yorski Season’s Greetings When the Tribune put out a query in November asking if there was anyone in Williams Lake who

goes under the radar as a Christmas elf, Cassidy Porter’s name was suggested.

Porter, 30, was born and raised in Williams Lake and for years has tried to

help others anonymously at this time of year.

“I love Christmas and like to make other people happy and give them gifts,” she said. “I have worked

Wishing our Customers SAFE AND FUN-FILLED SEASON! A

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We want to wish everyone all good things in this festive season.

Thank yo so very much for your support and loyalty.

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with children in elementary schools and youth with another organization. It always amazes me how many children need even little things like mittens, hats and winter gear.”

Last year Porter posted on Facebook asking if anyone knew of any families in need and she ended up fundraising to help two different families.

Once she has a suggestion or two she finds out the ages of the family members, the sizes for clothing and what they like.

“My friend’s husband is a member of the Lions Club and last year the Lions put together a food hamper,” Porter said, adding she has a big family that likes to contribute.

The SPCA is also one of her favourite targets at Christmas time and each year she collects dog and cat toys, wet dog food, cat food, new or gently used blankets and towels, leashes, collars and cash.

And instead of Christmas presents for herself, she asks her family to sponsor a dog kennel at the SPCA for a year.

While Porter likes giving at Christmas she is a reluctant receiver of gifts, she admitted.

“Yes my family insists on giving me

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo Cassidy Porter loves Christmas because it’s a chance to help those in need — both humans and creatures. presents. I’m always spoiled.”

Porter and her mom, Karen Moberg, also enjoy handing toys out for the Salvation Army and participating in the Operation Christmas Shoebox program each year.

For people who are wondering how to get started helping

others, Porter said it’s all about putting yourself in another person’s shoes who might be less fortunate.

“They might not have anything.”

When Christmas Eve arrives Porter will spend the night at her mom’s in Pine Valley and everyone

will open one present before bed.

The first present she remembered receiving was an Oopsie Daisy doll that crawled and cried for her to pick it up.

“I’m an only child but I have a large amount of cousins, aunts and uncles,” Porter said.

Salvation Army hosts Christmas dinner For those who are alone, or find themselves in need this year, the Salvation Army hosts a traditional dinner on Christmas day.

Volunteers arrive at roughly 9 a.m. to prepare a lovely dinner including turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the fixings. As well as dinner, guests will also be treated to entertainment provided by volunteers who drop in throughout the day.

“A lot of people end

up coming to this,” said Salvation Army Cpt. Ben Lippers. “Sometimes we have as many volunteers as people.”

Lippers said last year roughly 185 meals were prepared.

“Don’t be home alone,” he said. “This is the time of year you can’t overemphasize it enough because that’s when depression sets in. Whether you’re a senior or down on your luck. Just come on down.”

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 35

www.wltribune.com

‘tis the Season

New councillor enjoys spirit of giving Angie Mindus Season’s Greetings Some people might shy away from spending the day in a small exam room filled with excited dogs, nervous cats, shy kids, a string of popping studio lights but for seasoned photographer Craig Smith it’s just another day at the office.

“I enjoy the people and I just love the animals,” Smith said of why he volunteers his time every year for the SPCA fundraiser, Pet Photos with Santa.

“I have a few organizations that I like to support and those are the SPCA and Shriners – dogs and kids.”

Smith moved to Williams Lake in 1989 with the intention of only staying a short while.

“I came here for three years and never left.

It’s like the mafia here.

They just keep sucking

you back in,” he joked.

During his two and half decades of living in the lakecity, Smith has honed his musical skills playing in local bands and has explored his theatrical side as a member of the Williams Lake Studio Theatre where he has been involved in many productions.

Smith said his first foray into theatre was a small part in Grease, and later, a part in Oliver where he acted with a dog.

“It was a gradual progression,” Smith said of becoming a thespian.

Besides his hobbies, Smith has also grown into an established businessman in Williams Lake, owning and operating seven businesses with his wife Christa including AboutFace Photography, TellTale Signs, Frame by Frame, Suit Up Men’s Wear, The Stew magazine, Safety Works (a

limousine service) and the Academy of Learning in which the couple are a partner in. This year they were awarded the Business of the Year Award during the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

In recent years Smith has also allowed his passion to steer him into politics, and has put his musical and theatrical interests on the back burner for now.

“When I became a city councillor I had to put a few extra curricular activities on hold,” Smith said. “It’s really weird for me to think of myself as a politician. But I do feel like I am able to affect some change.”

When he’s not working, spending time with family or volunteering, Smith also finds the energy to serve as the president of the local Shriner’s Club.

The club specializes in fundraising for Shri-

Angie Mindus photo Williams Lake City Councillor and businessman Craig Smith takes a moment out of photographing the annual Pet Photos with Santa event to have his own picture taken with St. Nick.

Smith has been volunteering his time for the SPCA fundraiser for the past seven years. ner’s hospital which of- rather than focusing on never been a person cause I love what I do,” fer the latest in medical just being good during working seven days a said Smith the holidays, but he still week waiting for two.

“But I do like the holicare for children.

I could work every day season and I like to Smith said he pre- enjoys the season.

“I’m always in the day, 365 days a year, it see families getting tofers to live his life to the fullest year-round, Christmas spirit. I have wouldn’t bother me be- gether.”

r ea Y ew N y p p a H d an s a m st ri h Merry C s! from our homes to your

W

e hope that your home is filled with the warmth of family and friends this holiday season.

Thank you to the community for your business over the past year.

2-85 S. 3rd Ave, Williams Lake • www.williamslakerealty.com • 250-392-2253

Page 36 Season’s Greetings December 2015

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‘tis the Season

Ancient recipes bring Christmas to life Monica Lamb-Yorski Season’s Greetings Baking for Christmas is something Annette Fischer looks forward to every year.

“Once my work is done in the garden it’s always nice to have this project,” Fischer said as she kneaded bread dough on her kitchen counter in preparation for the Medieval Market.

She started baking cookies for the market on Oct. 20 and had a

schedule for every single day outlining what needed to be completed.

Last year she ran out of cookies by the first day of the Medieval Market, so her mother Verena Piel decided she would come from their home town of Lenzburg, Switzerland to give her a hand.

Annette credited Verena for nurturing her baking gene.

“As a teenager I’d come home at 2 a.m. and mom would be in

the kitchen baking for Christmas,” Annette said. “I learned how to bake en masse from mom.”

Verena often baked to send packages to relatives who did not bake.

Laughing Annette said she vowed she’d never bake so much like her mom, but when she became a home economics teacher and taught baking to adults in an agriculture program she was hooked and the adult students forced her to learn more and more.

“I ended up going to a bakery in my village to get more education,” she said. “I was a gardener by trade but was starting all over again.”

Her family moved to 150 Mile House in 2013 when her husband Kurt was hired by Pioneer Log Homes.

Their two children — Paul, 8, and Kristin, 6 — go to 150 Mile House Elemen-

Monica Lamb-Yorski photos Annette Fischer prepares breads for sale at the Medieval Market, building on the success she experienced selling breads at the Farmer’s Market in the summer. tary School.

“I started baking bread in Canada be-

cause I missed European bread,” Annette said, noting one of

the differences is the bread’s more dense texture.

Best wishes for d n a s a m t is r h C y r r e M a ! n o s a e S y a d li o H y p p a aH About a dozen different cookies are in Annette Fischer’s repertoire of traditional sweets from Switzerland, many of the recipes date back to Medieval times.

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As another year draws to a close and we are all busy with the hustle and bustle of the season, we would like to remind everyone that it isn’t important what’s under the tree, but who surrounds the tree. Remember the moment as it will never happen again.

Stan

Licensed Technician Owner

Have a LOVING, JOYFUL Seasons CHRISTMAS and a SAFE, Greetings HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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(250) 392-3522

This summer she started her own little company called From Scratch and sold bread at the Farmer’s Market.

She did very well and in the summer also did a dessert buffet for a wedding in Horsefly.

As she worked at the counter rolling out dough, Verena said one loaf weighs a kilogram and the starter is made three days ahead of time so it has time to ferment.

“It has more nourishment and gives you energy,” she added, noting in Switzerland bread is served at every meal.

There are a dozen different cookies in Annette’s repertoire that she knows from her childhood.

“Mom gave me this, my grandma’s recipe book,” Annette said opening the pages filled with impeccable handwriting.

Many of the recipes are ancient and stem back to Medieval times.

See RECIPES Page 37

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 37

www.wltribune.com

‘tis the Season

Recipes steeped in family tradition

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo Annette Fischer and her mother Verena Piel stop for a tea break during a busy baking afternoon.

Continued From Page 36 One of those is the Chrabeli, a white cookie with anise seed. It is shaped with little legs or claws to make it look nice, making it easier for people who couldn’t afford cookie cutters.

Another one with jam inside is called Spitzbueb, which translates into “bad boys” in a humorous sense.

“It means they cannot keep away from eating them,” Annette explained.

Instantaneously the two women broke into a song set to the tune of Jingle Bells that names all the different traditional Christmas cookies.

Pulling out an older and newer version of a text book, Annette said one of those traditional recipes is included in it.

All students in Grade 7 are issued the books at school when they learn cooking.

When asked if she has a favourite recipe, Annette said all of them.

Ingredients for the cookies include lots of butter and nuts.

“Back home we can buy grated nuts but here I have to grate the nuts so that’s when my husband has a job. He hand

mills them all for me,” Annette smiled, adding he always tells her to make sure there are some cookies for the family as well.

To make the glutenfree versions she replaces the flour with corn starch.

As they paused for a cup of tea and a break, Annette said she never thought she’d be baking as much as she does because she always thought her mom was crazy.

“But here I am,” she smiled. “We cannot deny our roots.”

Sipping the tea, Verena said like the bread, some of the cookies require more chewing than one might be used to.

“If it’s long after Christmas then you can always dip them in your tea,” she added.

When Paul and Kristin arrived home from school they dusted off the snow from their boots and greeted their mom warmly.

As I grabbed my things to leave, Annette and Paul came outside to show how they’ve transformed what was originally a corral into a huge garden.

Climbing under the fence Paul introduced the four Highland cattle he helps

look after.

Inside their cold storage shed she knelt down and lifted up a slab of wood to reveal a steel bucket filled with sand.

Digging in she pulled out a carrot and said it’s a Medieval way of storing carrots.

Annette said their family has settled into the Cariboo happily.

They ski and enjoy all the area has to offer.

When they were coming to Canada their story was featured on a Swiss National TV show that follows people who are emigrating to other countries.

A friend of Annette’s who immi-

Photo submitted Kurt and Annette Fischer and their children Kristin, 6, and Paul, 8, arrived from Switzerland two years ago and are enjoying life in Canada. grated to Rosswood near Terrace, B.C. suggested to the producers that they showcase the Fischers.

“It was quite the thing because it was very difficult for them to get Canadian Visas,” Verena said.

One segment of the show depicted Paul missing his school bus stop and ending up in Williams Lake.

Verena was receiving calls from friends in Switzerland worried for him.

In July they obtained permanent residency, which has been a relief.

“We really love it here,” Annette said.

“It’s beautiful.”

TRADITIONAL SWISS CHOCOLATE BALLS Beat until very light in color: • Two eggs • 150 grams of white sugar Mix in: • 120 grams chocolate grated very fine • 250 grams of almonds, grated • Five tablespoons of sifted flour Let the dough cool for one hour.

Roll into a rope and then cut and make walnut-sized balls.

Roll the balls in powdered sugar, set on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Let the cookies dry overnight.

Bake the next day at 250 C for three to five minutes.

It is very short and very high, but the cookies have to crack open slightly.

CONCRETE & GRAVEL since 1977

Helping to build the foundation of our Community.

Over 35 Years of Service

Come see us for upgrading or graduation.

www.grow.sd27.bc.ca 320 N. 2nd Ave. 250-398-5800

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Page 38 Season’s Greetings December 2015

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Drop off your completed colouring to the Tribune 188 North 1st Ave. for a chance to have your submission displayed in the newspaper.

Please include name, age and phone number.

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 39

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‘tis the Season Cowboy Christmas brings country to the city The annual Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin’s Cowboy Christmas Craft Fair and evening Cowboy Christmas Concert has become a

cherished tradition in the lakecity.

During the day people gather at the Gibraltar Room (Nov. 21 this year) to check out the

Western-themed arts and crafts, visit over a Western-style lunch and listen to cowboy tunes.

This year there were so many people eager

Gaeil Farrar photos Lynn Dent-Wilson (right) makes beautiful Western-style Christmas wreaths and other items and uses the money to help pay the travel expenses for her barrel-racing grandchildren Madisen Jasper (left) and Paige Buller who help with her projects.

Becky Telfer creates wreaths and other useful items from used horseshoes.

to share their musical talents that open mic bookings ran the whole day.

The Cowboy Christmas Concert this year

featured all local entertainers.

The Gibraltar room was filled almost to capacity to hear the stories of cowboy poet

Host Stampede Queen Cheyleigh Sand and singer/songwriter Bernadette Ducharme get a kick out of Cowboy Poet Frank Gleeson when he does a little jig during the Cowboy Christmas concert finale.

Roy and Susan Barter dance to the Tennessee Waltz played by Cal Wilson and Sue Goglin at the open mic.

Open mic host Rossetta Paxton picks some tunes with musical artist Wilf Wright, who had Western-themed paintings in the Cowboy Christmas Craft Fair.

Dinah Lulua will have a few more dollars to spend on Christmas presents this year after winning the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin’s Cowboy Christmas Concert 50/50 draw. She attended the concert with her family. Pictured are James Lulua (standing left), Dinah, Dinah’s sister Maryann Solomon. Dinah and Maryann’s mother, Mabel Soloman, is pictured in front with her granddaughter Sasha Solomon.

Frank Gleeson and the musical stylings of Cindy Lightfoot and LeRae Haynes of The Perfect Match, Iris Witte, and Bernadette Ducharme.

Nyomi Colton, 2, has a bird’s-eye view of the Cowboy Christmas Craft Fair from her dad Michael’s shoulders.

Stanley Stump picks his guitar and sings a cowboy tune at the open mic.

Page 40 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

from the Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations of the Cariboo Chilcotin.

Merry Christmas and Thank You

Williams Lake Lions Club Wish to Thank the Community and Citizens of Williams Lake & Area for their Support during the Past Year.

and

Thank You for your Support throughout the Year.

Cariboo Memorial Hospital Auxiliary

Merry Christmas and a prayer of blessings.

From The Salvation Army Williams Lake Church and Community Family Services.

The Williams Lake Lioness Club wishes to Thank the Businesses and Citizens of Williams Lake and Area for their Support during the Year.

May the Spirit of Christmas Ring in Your Heart and Echo Throughout the New Year!

Williams Lake Association for Community Living

to all our Drivers, Volunteers, Clients and Donors.

Wishing you a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season Canadian Mental Health Association Cariboo Chilcotin Mental health for all

May your holiday season be filled with special

WILLIAMS LAKE MEALS ON WHEELS

Thank you Williams Lake... for your Yourcontinued generosity support newand continuesfor to our surprise amaze us! project ... a digital We have raised the funds mammography unit to purchase a Portable YourSound generosity is for Ultra Machine greatly the appreciated.

ER.

From the Cariboo Foundation Hospital Trust Committee

May the the New May New Year Year bring bring Peaceand and Prosperity Harmony Peace to us youALL! all. to Thank you to all our members for supporting us this past year.

moments.

Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin

Merry Christmas

Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers & fans.

May your holidays shine brightly with love and happiness.

Merry Christmas & Thank You for your support.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Happy Holidays from the Staff and Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake & District

May the magic of the season Cast a charm of Joy... on your life.

Merry Christmas from the Staff & Board of Women’s Contact Society

MERRY CHRISTMAS To One And All

Join us April 15-17, 2016 for our Rodeo www.wlindoorrodeo.com

May the Spirit of Christmas Warm your Hearts this Holiday Season.

The Elks & Royal Purple of Williams Lake

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 41

www.wltribune.com

To all our volunteers, we gratefully say

“Thank You” and Happy Holidays.

The holiday season marks a special time to think about those who have supported us throughout the year.

Please accept our best wishes for a

Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year to All the Veterans and Legion Members

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 385 Barnard Street • 250-392-7311 (office) • 250-392-4255 (lounge)

Would like to thank the following businesses in Williams Lake for their generous donations FBB Chartered Accountants Sacred Heart Church St. Andrew’s United Church Walmart Canadian Women’s Foundations Canadian Postal Workers Provincial Employees Assoc.

Warehouse One Save on Foods B.C. Hydro Power Pioneers Lioness Club of W.L. Seventh Day Adventist Church Princess Pine Chapter Eastern Star Springhouse W.L. Ladies

We would also like to thank the countless others who have made many generous donations of food, clothing, and furniture throughout the year.

Season’s Greetings and Thank You to all our Volunteers....

Thanks to all of the individuals, students and businesses who have donated, and volunteered their time and services at Christmas and throughout the year. Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas Season and New Year.

Join us for the 90th Annual Williams Lake Stampede

June 30 - July 2, 2016

Page 42 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

Churches of Williams Lake

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Luke 2:8 Cariboo Bethel Church 833 Western Avenue • 250-398-6731

“This is how He showed his LOVE for us...”

Christmas Eve

Service • 6:30 pm

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

“Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!”

At Sugar Cane December 24th - 9:00 pm

Christmas Day Dinner 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Everyone Welcome Candlelight Service 6:30pm Christmas Eve Soup Kitchen is Closed on Dec 24th, Open Dec 28th Soup Kitchen and Food Bank Closed on Jan 1st - Re-opens Jan 4th.

Drop-In Open Dec 24th until Noon and Re-opens Jan 4th at 9:00 am.

Thrift Store is Closed on Dec 24th - 27th, Open on Dec 28th, Closed on Jan 1st, Re-opens on Jan 4th.

Christmas Eve

December 24th - 6:00 pm December 25th - 8:30 am

10:00 am

272 Borland Street

United Church

Christmas Masses

New Years’ Eve - 5:00 pm New Year’s Day - 9:30 am

Sunday AM Service

St. Andrews

250-398-6806 450 Pigeon Avenue

1100 - 11th Avenue North 250-392-2843

1000 Huckvale Place

(just off Midnight)

250-398-6745

Candle Light Service Dec 24 ~ 7 pm Regular Sunday Worship time ~ 10 am

St. Peter’s Anglican Church

549 Carson Drive • 250-392-4246

Everyone Welcome!

Christmas Eve Worship

at 7:00 pm & 11:00 pm Candlelight Service with Carols and Holy Communion celebrating the birth of Christ The Rev. Dr. Keith Dobyns presiding

Service: December 24th Lead Pastor: John Nicholson 6:30 pm

Christmas Day Service 10:00 am - Book of Common Prayer Regular Sunday Worship ~ 10:00 am

Season’s Greetings December 2015 Page 43

www.wltribune.com

‘tis the Season

Early Christmas gift from Price keeps on giving Greg Sabatino Season’s Greetings

Come

munities. Be proud of your heritage and don’t be discouraged from the improbable.”

He’s also the national ambassador for the Breakfast Club of Canada, an organization that provides hot breakfasts to schools throughout the country.

His old school, Anahim Lake Elementary Junior Secondary, runs a BCC program, along with another operating out of Marie Sharpe Elementary School.

Since the goaltending equipment arrived, in a league typically short on netminders, players are now lining up to try their hand at the position, said WLMHA office administrator Pam Povelofskie.

Bruce Baptiste, an adult justice co-ordinator with the Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society, was meanwhile tasked with selecting five worthy recipients, all strong role models, from

and

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo Henry Heser, 9, leads fellow novice hockey players onto the ice during an intermission exhibition during a Junior ‘B’ game in Williams Lake. Heser is suited up in goaltending gear donated to the Williams Lake Minor Hockey Association by Montreal Canadiens netminder and Anahim Lake’s Carey Price. the Tsilhqot’in Nation, to receive the donation.

“They were really ex-

cited,” Baptiste said. “I think it’s totally awesome of Carey to give

Celebrate

back to the community like that and to kids that need the gear. I’m pretty

the

impressed.

“One day I’ll thank him for this.”

9 0 th

June 30th - July 3rd 2016 www.williamslakestampede.com

WILLIAMS LAKE STAMPEDE STAMPEDE

WILLIAMS LAKE STAMPEDE STAMPEDE

Christmas came early for young hockey players in the Cariboo Chilcotin this year when a massive shipment of hockey gear arrived in Williams Lake courtesy of Montreal Canadiens netminder and Anahim Lake’s Carey Price.

Price and CCM — his equipment provider — sent thousands of dollars worth of goaltending equipment to the Williams Lake Minor Hockey Association and hockey sticks and gear to the Williams Lake KidSport chapter, the Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake and District, Williams Lake Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Tsilhqot’in Nation, the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council and the Carrier-Chilcotin Tribal Council.

He later credited his dad, Jerry Price, for setting up the arrange-

ments for the donation, which arrived in October.

Price, who played his minor hockey career in Williams Lake, has always been proud of his First Nations heritage.

When he was announced as the winner of last year’s NHL Hart Trophy — awarded to the league’s most valuable player — Price had an inspirational message for First Nations youth during his acceptance speech.

“I’d like to take a moment to encourage First Nations youth,” he said.

“A lot of people would say it’s very improbable that I would make it to this point in my life and I’ve made it here because I wasn’t discouraged.

“I’ve worked hard to get here, took advantage of every opportunity that I had and I’d really like to encourage First Nations youth to be leaders in their com-

For ticket sales and information call 250-392-6585 or Worldwide Toll Free 1-800-71-RODEO (1-800-717-6336)

Page 44 Season’s Greetings December 2015

www.wltribune.com

& Diane Buchanan

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