Prince George Citizen November 10, 2022

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ON THE TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF THE LHEIDLI T’ENNEH

THURSDAY, November 10, 2022

Residents deliver supplies to Ukraine

Local business owner Cameron Stolz and his wife Terresa helped deliver much-needed medical supplies to a hospital in Ukraine this fall.

Cameron’s friend of 35 years, Dave Bryenton, who lives in Edmonton, has been taking donations and supplies over to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country this spring

Bryenton’s mother and grandmother are Ukrainian and when the war broke out he immediately reached out to his family in Ukraine to ask what he could do to help and shortly after began gathering donations

He made his first trip to Ukraine back in March and was able to take the supplies, mostly medical and tactical gear, through checked baggage on the airlines

“The more people that go the more luggage we can take over,” explained Terresa “We actually fly it over in giant hockey bags.”

Not only are the bags packed full but Bryenton also needs to be able to physically maneuver them around, so he

asked Cameron and Terresa to accompany him on another trip in late September to help.

“Landing we make sure it clears customs okay, and from there, wrangle it, transport it, and deliver it to the hospital,” explained Cameron.

On Sept 26, they flew to Edmonton to meet Bryenton, who had 21 bags of supplies to take over, valued at about $200,000 of mostly donated medical supplies including prescriptions, bandages, sutures, anaesthetics, and antibiotics

Their final destination was a hospital in Lviv, Ukraine, which is a major city about an hour away from the Polish border.

The plan was to fly into Krakow, Poland and then drive across the border into Ukraine, however, when they

arrived they discovered the airline had lost all 21 bags

The group then had to wait for a day and a half until the luggage showed up before they could make the journey into Ukraine

“We had one of Dave’s connections from Ukraine come out and meet us with a cargo van and we had a driver who knows the routine of getting over the border,” said Cameron.

He said crossing into Ukraine they immediately noticed the military presence everywhere He noticed most of the buildings in the city that had ornate windows were boarded up and all of the windows on the ground floors were sandbagged.

See ‘THEY WERE SO GRATEFUL’, page 3

City opens arms to refugees

Prince George for Ukraine has helped 117 Ukrainian refugees resettle in Prince George, and supported another seven resettling in other northern B C communities, with more on the way.

The volunteer group formed in March to serve to coordinate local efforts to provide humanitarian aid to people in Ukraine and those fleeing the Russian invasion of the country The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that more than 7 75 million Ukrainians have fled since Russia invaded in February.

“When the war started, there was a lot of groups asking ‘What can we do to help?’” Prince George for Ukraine volunteer Charles Scott said. “When something like this happens, you have 153 people trying to help all at once.”

St George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Share Home Refugee Sponsorship Committee, Mennonite Central Committee, Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS), Prince George Community Foundation, Yalenka Ukrainian Dancers, all levels of local government, Prince George Chamber of Commerce and others came together to help, Scott said.

See ‘WE’RE ALL VOLUNTEERS’, page 3

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
SUBMITTED PHOTO Cameron and Terresa Stolz pose with interns from the hospital in Lviv, Ukraine.

‘They were so grateful’

Continued from page 1

“The next morning, we delivered our medical supplies to the Lviv hospital,” said Cameron, adding the hospital has about a 1,000-bed capacity and was overflowing when they arrived.

After they made their official presentation of the bags, they were taken on a tour of the hospital, where officials explained to them what was most needed.

“The nurse that was with us from Alberta was shocked at how little stuff was there compared to an Alberta

hospital and the amount of supplies you would have on hand. She was aghast at how little material they had for medical supplies,” said Cameron.

“We realized why they were so grateful for some hockey bags full of supplies,” added Terresa Cameron said now that they’ve done this once in support for Bryenton, the goal is to do the same thing from Prince George They plan to reach out to the community to gather donations and return to Lviv sometime in early January

Continued from page 1

“We’re all volunteers,” Scott said “It’s very telling that groups helping Ukrainians in the Fraser Valley and in Calgary are sending people to Prince George, when they don’t have the capacity Vancouver and Calgary are both referring (refugees) to us ”

The group provides information to Ukrainians, either still in Ukraine or who have fled to neighbouring countries, about coming to Prince George and help connect them with host families, information, English language training, jobs and other resources when they arrive

“We place Ukrainians with host families, when we can,” Scott said “Just to give them a landing space to get their feet under them ”

During the first few months, there are often a lot of questions, ranging from where to buy groceries to how to apply for a Canadian drivers licence and get certified to work in Canada, Scott said. Prince George for Ukraine works with refugees and host families to provide those answers, he added

Typically after about three months, the families are looking to get their own place, and Prince George for Ukraine and especially the Mennonite Central Committee can help there too

“The Mennonite Central Committee has a large number of (housing) units in Prince George,” Scott said “When they are ready, we help move them into their

own place.”

The Mennonite Central Committee owns more than 1,000 housing units in the city and has provided them to Ukrainian refugee families at very reasonable rents, he said

IMSS is providing English as a Second Language training, and the majority of the approximately 70 adult refugees have found employment with local companies, Scott said. Many companies have agreed to take on people whose language skills aren’t “business ready” yet, he added, but whose skills will add value to the company in the short and longer term

“There are six or seven whose English is zero,” Scott said “They are not employable yet, but they will be.”

Donating to the Red Cross Ukrainian relief efforts is one of the best ways to help people still in Ukraine, Scott said

The UNHRC also accepts donations to support its refugee relief efforts

There are also plenty of ways to help refugee families once they get to Prince George, Scott said.

“They can look at a scenario where they become a host family,” he said.

Donations of clean children’s clothing, especially winter clothing, furniture and household furnishings are appreciated to help get families started, he said And financial donations can always help

For more information on how to help, go online to Prince George for Ukraine’s website or phone Scott at 250-960-0246

Northern B.C. shut out of daycare funding

The B.C. government has announced funding for 1,370 new $10 per day daycare spaces at 18 locations across B.C. but Prince George isn’t included.

The $10 per day rate came into effect Nov 1 for the existing daycare providers

The furthest north was in Williams Lake, where the Williams Lake and District Daycare Society received funding for 32 $10 per day spaces (16 for infants and toddlers and 16 for preschool age children)

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have our centre become a $10-a-day centre,” Williams Lake and District Group Daycare administrator Linda Bond said “It’s been so amazing letting our families know about being chosen for this program - they’ve almost universally gone from confusion, to disbelief, to relief and finally to excited planning! This will alleviate so much stress for many of our families and allow them to provide so many more opportunities for their children now, as well as in the future.”

For Williams Lake resident Danelle Fuller, a mother of two children at the daycare centre, the savings will be “life changing for our family.”

The average cost in B C for full-time childcare is $1,000 per month, according the B C Ministry of Education and Child

Care, resulting in an average $800 per month savings per child.

Currently there are 15 $10 per day daycare centres with a combined 530 spaces in the Northern Health region, including two in Prince George operated by the YMCA of Northern B C

With only two $10 per day daycare centres, Prince George has fewer than many other comparable-size cities in B.C.

With the announcement, Kelowna and North Vancouver will each have nine, Naniamo will have five and Langley will

have three, according to the B C government website. Kamloops has two, the same as Prince George, Delta only one and Saanich none, although neighbouring Victoria has eight The City of Prince George uses those eight communities when making comparisons for wages, tax levels and city council remuneration.

Daycares offering licensed child care to children five and younger were eligible to apply to take part in the $10 per day programs The cut off for applications was Aug 18

Additional consideration was given to daycares in communities that do not currently have a $10 per day site and communities with a low number of $10 daycare spaces relative to the population density, the statement issued by the ministry said

The provincial government is expected to announce funding for more $10 per day daycare centres over the coming months, and more $10 per day daycare centres in the north may be announced later. The province is looking to increase the number of $10 per day spaces from 6,500 in April to 12,500

Last week’s announcements bring the number of $10 per day spaces in B C to nearly 8,200

The program is a partnership between the provincial and federal government, which contributed $3.2 billion for child care in B C over five years

In addition to the new $10 per day spaces, the provincial government, with federal financial support, will help approximately 69,000 B C families who are not part of the $10 per day program. Starting on Dec 1, child care fee reductions of up to $550 per per child month will come into effect These savings are in addition to the $350 per month per child that families have been saving through the province’s Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative since 2018

Students seeking help with reading, writing and arithmetic will be able to turn to the Prince George Public Library.

PGPL said it is resuming its Homework Help tutoring program and launching a new Study Hall program

Homework Help pairs experienced university students with small groups of students in grades 3-12 to build skills in math and English

and can be booked on a first come, first served basis.

To register, call youth community engagement librarian Christopher Knapp at 250-563-9251 ext 105

The free, one-hour sessions will be held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, at the Bob Harkins branch downtown

Study Hall works as a compliment to Homework Help and will be offered as a drop-in program at the Bob Harkins branch, downtown on Saturdays, from 10:30 a m to 4:30 p m Financial support from the City of Prince George and Integris Credit Union has made the tutoring programs possible

YMCA Park House Care and Early Learning Centre in Prince George

A WorkSafeBC investigator has “strongly” recommended University Hospital of Northern B.C. prevent a repeat of an episode in which a patient with a “high risk for violence” escaped a seclusion room in the psychiatric ward during a planned power outage.

According to a report, the incident took place Oct 20 when the patient had been placed in a “closed and electronically locked” seclusion room prior to the outage It had been scheduled for 2 p m but was delayed by 2 1/2 hours and when it did occur, the doors unlocked

The patient left the room and made their way to the nurses station and was “agitated and threatened staff and other

clients with violence and also demanded their belongings and discharge from the hospital,” the investigator wrote in a copy of the report provided to the Citizen

An attempt to remove the patient from the workplace was then hindered because the central elevator had stopped working The staff service elevator remained operational but the worker involved in trying to remove the patient did not know this, the inspector said.

As well, a worker had to use their personal cellphone to contact the RCMP because the ward’s landlines were not working RCMP were called three times but did not respond, saying they did not have any officers available, a UHNBC worker told the investigator.

The incident at UHNBC occurred at about the same time RCMP were dealing

with a man who allegedly forced a woman into his car at a downtown motel She suffered serious injuries when the car subsequently crashed on Boundary Road just west of Prince George Airport.

UHNBC security escorted the patient out via the stairs without RCMP’s help. What happened with the patient after that is not stated in the report.

Staff were then told to prepare a seclusion room for another patient and to use handcuffs to keep the patient under control because the rooms were still not locking Noting the patient could “still freely move using their legs for ambulation or other functions,” the investigator had “difficulty understanding” how handcuffs would keep staff safe from harm.

Since the Oct 20 incident at UHNBC, the doors have been added to a circuit

powered by the emergency generator and a battery back-up system with a higher capacity and alarms built in to alert staff if the power runs low has been ordered, the investigator was told.

Concern was also raised over how well staff could deal with a “code white” situation when staff feels unsafe due to aggressive behaviour. If a “code white” reaches level three status, an “advanced team response” of trained workers is to respond to a call for help in a “formal organized manner ”

On Oct 25, Health Minister Adrian Dix said the provincial government is in the process of hiring 320 “protection service officers” and 14 “violence prevention leads” to deal with such situations at 26 hospitals and mental health facilities across the province.

Prince George left off passport service additions

Despite pressure from opposition members in Parliament to try to convince the federal government of the need to bring passport application processing to Prince George, the northern half of British Columbia remains without that service.

Starting in July, the federal government began adding 10-day service for passports that is now available at 13 Service Canada offices, including three in Alberta - Fort McMurray, Lethbridge and Red Deer; four in Ontario - Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury, Kingston and Barrie; two in Quebec - Rimouski and Trois-Rivères, as well as Moncton, N.B., Charlottetown, P E I , and Whitehorse, Yukon

Canadians who visit those Service

Canada offices now have the option to apply for their passports at any one of those locations and the passport will be available in 10 business days, either through mail or in-person pick-up

In an Oct. 11 news release to announce the addition of passport services at the Barrie location, Employment and Social Development Canada stated: “The expansion of pick-up sites aids in our objective of providing passport services within 50 kilometres of Canadians’ homes. This new site will allow many Canadians who need to pick up passports to do so closer to their homes ”

The Service Canada office in Kelowna, 679 kilometres away, is the closest city to Prince George to offer passport services

The other B.C. offices are in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey and Victoria

Taylor Bachrach, the NDP MP for

Skeena-Bulkley Valley, raised the issue at a Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako meeting last month and has written to Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould to express his concerns.

Prince George-Cariboo MP Todd Doherty has had numerous meetings with Gould, Maninder Sidhu, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and government officials to explain why Prince George, with its remote location and the role it plays as the service hub for northern B C residents, still lacks passport processing services

“This is deeply disappointing,” said Doherty “We have worked across the aisle to educate the current minister and their officials why Prince George should have a passport office. My discussions

with the minister will continue I’m still hoping that we can get something done.” A ministry spokesperson told the Citizen that Prince George is being considered as one of the cities that will soon have 10-day passport service. He said there’s no guarantee it will happen but it is on the list of potential future sites that will added in the next batch in the coming weeks. The source said passport printing will eventually come to some, but not all of those new 10-day locations, as Immigration Canada upgrades its system and determines where those upgrades are needed

Under most circumstances, northern British Columbians applying at their local Service Canada office can expect to receive a passport in 20 business days, not including the time it takes to receive it by mail.

School bus issues ongoing

School District No. 57 is still facing challenges with school bus service, and last week saw two routes to the communities of Bear Lake and Salmon Valley cancelled

A nationwide school bus driver shortage was blamed for cancelled routes on the first day of school in September

Since then, SD57’s contractor, First Student Inc , made route combinations to respond to the sudden reduction in their driver complement and said it was actively recruiting new drivers.

Now more than two months into the school year, students and families are still facing a number of cancelled routes

“I can tell you that we are disappointed in the level of service that our contractor has been giving to the community,” said assistant superintendent Lee Karpenko

“We’re looking over the contract because we’re unhappy with the service as of right now They’re certainly trying, and they’re certainly responsive We just want to make sure that we’re doing everything in our power to serve the community, especially the longer run of Bear Lake and Salmon Valley.”

First Student took over the school bussing contract this year from Diversified Transportation, which had been the SD57

busing contractor for the past 15 years

The Ohio-based company operates a fleet of 50,000 buses in North America and is responsible for about 3,500 students on 63 operating routes in Prince George, Mackenzie, McBride and Valemount

Karpenko said he hoped the cancelled routes will be resolved as First Student is working through its collective agreements to get a driver on those routes

“We thought it would be resolved and it hasn’t so we’re in daily communication with First Student to rectify these problems because it is a faraway community by bus service.”

Karpenko noted that the district is also looking at other solutions.

“In the case that this happens again, we’ve got a backup plan, but one of the problems that we have is that it’s a contracted-out service so we don’t have our own buses, and we don’t have our own staff,” he explained

When asked for comment, the company issued a short statement via email

“We understand the stress that the nationwide school bus driver shortage is putting on parents and students with the changing and cancellation of routes We are working to identify route efficiencies to pick up as many students as possible and continue actively recruiting, hiring, and training new drivers ”

Yu, new city council sworn in

Mayor Simon Yu made history on Monday night.

Yu became the first non-white mayor of Prince George and the first first-generation Asian-Canadian immigrant to be a mayor in B.C. Yu was born in Hong Kong, and came to Canada as a student

“Yes, history is being made here tonight,” Yu said, during his inaugural speech “Nearly 50 years ago, I arrived in Prince George carrying two suitcases I have always believed I owe this city everything ”

Yu and city councillors Tim Bennett, Garth Frizzell, Trudy Klassen, Ron Polillo, Cori Ramsay, Kyle Sampson, Susan Scott and Brian Skakun took their oaths of

office on Monday.

Yu vowed the new council will work collaboratively to tackle the issues facing the city, and also to continue to work closely with Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan and the rest of the First Nation’s council towards achieving truth and reconciliation

The community has spoken clearly that it wants city council to conduct its business in a transparent, accountable and accessible way, he said

“My goal is simple: get things done I will accept nothing less,” Yu said “We will not let you down ”

Everyone sitting around the council table, elected and unelected, care about this community, Coun. Brian Skakun said.

“It’s an honour to serve,” Skakun said “I am looking forward to this next term.”

While there are some new faces around the table, “we’re all as a new council working together,” Coun. Kyle Sampson said “At the end of the day, we’re all here for Prince George.”

Coun Garth Frizzell said this council will have some challenges ahead that will test them, as well as may routine decisions to make.

“(But) we will have an opportunity to work on great things,” Frizzell said. “This is a city with a bright future ”

Coun Cori Ramsay thanked all those who took part by coming out to vote, as well as the city staff who work every day to make the city a better place

Coun Susan Scott urged residents to continue connecting with members of council

“Keep talking to us and tell us what

matters to you,” she said.

Coun Tim Bennett said he is “incredibly humbled” to be given a chance to serve Prince George in a new capacity

“It’s a responsibility I take incredibly seriously,” he said “We heard loud and clear from the community that they want us to get to work right away ”

Coun. Ron Polillo said he knows they’ve been entrusted with “an incredibly challenging and important job” and he vowed to do that job in a respectful, accountable and accessible way

Coun Trudy Klassen said as the “newest” new city councillor, there will be much to learn

“We have here an opportunity to restore pride… in our city,” Klassen said. “I really feel the best days for Prince George are yet to come.”

SUPER BINGO

SATURDAY, NOV. 26TH, 2022 Saturday Evening Bingo at 6:00pm

The Canadian Armed Forces have 10,000 unfilled positions Veterans suffering from physical and mental health problems swept under the carpet Canada not keeping its commitments to NATO for military spending. Aging and crumbling military infrastructure Lack of respect for veterans and the significance of Remembrance Day

Canada could major strides towards taking care of all of these problems by restoring mandatory military service Peaceful countries around the world that Canada loves comparing itself to – Norway, Sweden, South Korea, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy – all have some form of conscription.

In some countries, it’s just males Length and types

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

HONOUR THOSE WHO SACRIFICED ALL

The poppy that we display on our clothing is a symbol of hope, freedom, sacrifice, survival and remembrance to name just a few.

This is a moment for us to reflect and remember those who fought for and gave their lives to protect not only us but those who needed it no matter what part of the world they were in

For the older generations it is in remembrance of those who gave their lives in the Boer War, the First and Second World Wars, Korea and peacekeeping roles around the world

Sadly, those wars and peacekeeping missions have been relegated to history and many younger generations don’t understand or even know the significance of those wars and actions.

To them, they are now mostly stories from history.

For those younger generations for them the Bosnian War, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and modern peacekeeping and humanitarian missions are their reflection of remembrance

With that being said, we should never forget the Canadian men and women who went and fought and paid the ultimate price for our safety and freedom regardless of the conflict they were involved in.

of service vary. A large percentage are dismissed after basic training for lack of available positions

This is more than just a “freedom ain’t free” argument. All adult Canadians would feel a deeper connection to each other, to enlisted men and women and to the idea of a “true north, strong and free” if they had each put on a uniform for a minimum three or six months of duty

Education opportunities could entice more young people to sign up for longer terms Four years of service while earning a Red Seal trades ticket for free sounds like a great deal, especially if it involves travel Four years of officer training while earning a free undergraduate university degree is an investment in creating the country’s next generation of business, political and community leaders What private sector employer in their right mind

NOTWITHSTANDING CLAUSE ABUSED

The government of Ontario has recently come under fire for threatening to use the notwithstanding clause in their ordering of education workers back on the job (or face a fine)

This law has obviously come under fire from critics, as instead of coming to the table in good faith, Premier Doug Ford has decided to railroad this decision, a move that is counteractive to the good will between citizens in a democracy and delegitimizes the negotiations process between labour unions and government

However, my opinion on the strike is inconsequential to the main point of this article

It started when I read Prime Minister Justin Trudeau state; “ I really hope that all politicians call out the overuse of the notwithstanding clause to suspend peoples’ rights and freedoms.”

I believe however, that we can pin the blame squarely of the current Liberal government, and their cowardice in refusing to take on the discriminatory Bill 21 in

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada

Nous reconnaissons l’appli financier du gouvernement du Canada.

wouldn’t hire a 22-year-old with that kind of résumé?

For political reasons, mandatory military service may not be that far off. Canada holds the largest freshwater reserves in the world As climate change clears more ice from the Northwest Passage for longer periods each year, the transportation lanes and the vast offshore energy reserves will be quite tempting to Russia, Canada’s neighbour on the other side of the North Pole Sitting back and waiting for the United States to stand up for Canada’s sovereignty without some benefit to them is naïve and dangerous at best

If we’re all truly grateful for the willingness of our fellow Canadians past and present to put on a uniform, then we should also be willing to let our name stand for service.

letters@pgcitizen.ca

Let us be clear - Bill 21 is a racist, vindictive, and bigoted law.

Premier Francois Legault invoked the notwithstanding clause in this case as well

It disallows anybody wearing a hijab, turban, or any other religious item from being hired as a provincial employee

It goes against those basic Canadian tenants to which our country stands for, freedom of religion, expression, and an openness for everyone regardless of whom they pray to.

What was the response from Ottawa?

The Prime Minister is quoted as; “I think that it’s important, in the first stages of the work that’s being done right now, to not give the excuse of a fight between Ottawa and Quebec.”

The prime minister whined on TV about how he didn’t like the law, then did nothing about it

In fact, most federal leaders are so scared about the power of the Quebec voter that none will bring out the knives, to rid our people of this pestilential law.

What this also does is set a national precedent.

Other premiers will begin to say to themselves: “if Quebec can get away with something as egregious as Bill 21 why can’t we do similar?”

The precedent has been set, the Prairie provinces are now moving in that

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direction (regarding natural resources), and clearly Ontario is okay using the law regarding labour disputes. If the prime minister wants to condemn the actions of the Ontario government, he should first understand that he opened this can of worms

Sam McLaren Prince George

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November 11th is a day for us to honour those who sacrificed all for us Lest we forget. Dean Soiland Prince George
Quebec.

Let us remember the sacrifices made for us

I’ve been told that parents should never outlive their children.

Like many parents of teenagers, I have been there in that moment. The moment where your child has disappeared, and you have no idea where they are

Where you are driving around aimlessly, wondering and hoping

At some point I began to despair that the worst had happened – that she was gone. I have never felt so lost.

Fortunately, my search was successful I found her safe.

The experience was but a moment in time for me.

Here in Prince George, for the parents of Darren Fitzpatrick and Greg Matters, the tragedy was real

Something they now live with every day

Their sons fought for the freedoms that our flag represents and understood the danger they faced in doing so

It was the same for those who fought

STOLZ SENSE

CAMERON STOLZ

before them in the Great War 108 year ago

Or 25 years later when men from our community left their families to travel across the ocean to defend another country’s freedom

They fought on, despite friends being injured or killed

They fought to ensure that the citizens of those countries had their freedominstead of bowing down to a dictator

We live a life today that most take for granted

We live as we choose, with the right to elect our leaders, to worship as we wish, with equality, while being able to choose who we want to be and who we want to love.

However, as time goes on, we don’t think as often of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice, or those who came home forever changed by what they saw and survived

The values and freedoms they fought for have become less appreciated

Today another war is being fought. Yet another dictator is trying to force his neighbour to bow down.

The difference this time is that we are not being asked to send our men and women over to fight in protecting their freedom.

Instead, we are being asked to help support the grandmothers, mothers, and children

They are fleeing to safety as their cities are being bombed and they are left without electricity or water

Some of those who have fled have chosen to come to our community

If you can help support them, please visit pgforukraine ca

Their sons have remained in Ukraine

where many are fighting for their country’s freedom.

All the while, their grandmothers and mothers live with uncertainty, thinking of their sons back at home

Each day they are wondering if they will receive the same call that the parents of Darren Fitzpatrick and Greg Matters received

For me, I pray for the day when parents no longer have to wonder if they will receive “that” phone call.

With permission from Jim, Colleen, and Lorraine.

“We Will Remember Them” World War I (1914 – 1918) Population of Canada: 8 million Persons who served: 650,000 Injured: 172,000 Killed: 66,000 World War II (1939-1945) Population of Canada: 11 million Persons who served: 1,159,000 Injured: 55,000 Killed: 44,090

Korea Killed: 516 Vietnam Killed: 134

Bosnia Killed: 23, Afghanistan Killed: 158

UN Peacekeeping Missions Killed: 130

Cameron Stolz is a Prince George writer

Canada finally recognizes its genocidal crime

On Oct 27, a motion was unanimously passed in Canadian Parliament recognizing what happened in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools as genocide according to Article II of the United Nations Genocide Convention

It should be noted that this is a culmination of events that have occurred over many decades

In the aftermath of the Second World War, Raphael Lemkin, the law scholar who coined the term genocide after studying the Armenian Genocide and witnessing what happened to his own Jewish family in the Holocaust, boldly approached the United Nations. He proposed a much broader definition of the term and was opposed by countries of

LESSONS IN LEARNING

very diverse stripes. For example, Josef Stalin’s Soviet Union was adamant that political groups not be mentioned as potential targets of genocide Canada was also a somewhat reluctant signatory

Article II states the following:

In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:

(a) Killing members of the group;

(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;

(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;

(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;

(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group

While it does not take much effort to recognize how several of the above-stated “acts committed” apply to the Canadian context, the key word in Article II is “intent”

The intent becomes quite clear when studying Canadian government documents from the late 19th and early 20th centuries In 1910, for example, Duncan Campbell Scott, the Deputy

COVID, convoy are still with us

COVID has killed 46,389 Canadians from a total of 4,336,860 cases Currently, there are 59,575 reported active cases in Canada. If you look at the resolved cases – killed and recovered – the disease is lethal 1.08% of the time New cases are popping up daily

Indeed, CBC recently reported an average 385 people are still dying every week However, it is typically the most vulnerable – the elderly, people with underlying conditions, people who are immune compromised – who succumb.

The reported number of active cases and the number dying from COVID are probably a lower estimate Many people testing positive now do not report the results and deaths resulting from COVID

are not being attributed to the disease Rather someone will die of complications which is given as the cause of death

Epidemiological studies, by a wide range of professionals around the world, estimate the number of deaths from COVID to be at least three times those reported. So, it is important that everyone gets vaccinated. It is important that we take precautions And it is important to

understand that the disease is still with us.

The past few weeks have seen the Public Order Emergency Commission investigating the circumstances around the “freedom convoy’s” occupation of Ottawa for almost three weeks in February Whether or not the government should have invoked the emergency measures act is still to be decided

But watching some of the protesters proclaim the occupation of Ottawa was a “peaceful affair” with “broad public support” is beyond bizarre Anyone who watched the nightly newscasts or lived through the affair knows it was anything but a party. Angry individuals shouting to oust the Liberal Government, blowing

Superintendent of the Department of Indian Affairs infamously stated, “…this Department is geared toward the final solution of our Indian Problem.” This predates Nazi use of the term “final solution” by several decades.

Canadians owe a great deal to our Indigenous leaders for drawing consciousness to the issue of genocide in our country It is important, however, that we do not claim righteousness for simply admitting that this crime was committed here Until life expectancy rates, graduation rates, and many other social indicators are comparable for Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, until the wounds of genocide are healed, we cannot be satisfied

Gerry Chidiac is a Prince George writer

horns, and offering to shoot the prime minister can’t really be considered peaceful

However, what I find interesting is the underlying rationale provided by the participants. They were tired of mandates. They were doing it for the country They were defending our freedoms

They wanted the government to know it can’t tell them what to do or that they should get vaccinated

Maybe so But if the government hadn’t taken the actions it did, how many more Canadians would be dead? Given a choice between losing a loved one and wearing a mask, well, there is no contest

Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC

New street names recognize Goodsir park

Jim Good has never climbed to the top of the Mount Goodsir, the mountain in the southeast corner of the province that is part of his family legacy.

That’s a 3,567-metre (11,703-foot) climb over some dicey terrain

Good feels much more at home taking to the visitors from all over the world who come to visit the living museum he’s built on his homestead north of Prince George, known as Goodsir Nature Park His roots in the community run as deep as those that he has planted himself on his Old Summit Lake Road property, a diverse collection of plants he’s gathered in his travels all over Canada.

Good’s commitment to preserving botanical treasures and making those plants thrive for all to see has not gone unnoticed and on Wednesday afternoon his friend, property developer John Brink, invited Good and his wife Reine to the Nechako Terrace subdivision Brink Properties is building in the northwest part of the city’s bowl area They had no idea why they were there until Brink handed them the street signs that will soon be the names of addresses for hundreds of Prince George residents

The streets will be called Goodsir Place and Goodsir Crescent and for Good and

Natural Factors St Johns Wort

his wife it was a totally unexpected tribute Knowing his grandfather’s name will be preserved as part of a Prince George neighbourhood was a proud moment for the 72-year-old Good and his wife.

“This is unbelievable,” said Good “I had no idea. Scott (McWalter) called me a week or so back and I said I don’t want to know what it is, and if anybody knows, don’t tell me I wanted it to be total on-the-spot surprise. It means more to me to get it on the spot instead of having hints what it might be ahead of time ”

“This is such a privilege,” added Reine

Brink said he wanted to honour Good for all he’s done to preserve nature and inform visitors about the trees, plants and flowers he’s collected over decades to feature them in one of the city’s most beautiful parks

“He has worked so hard to put Goodsir Nature Park together and when I got to know him five or six years ago, doing it all on his own, I thought, this is something that we have to work with him on,” said Brink “When we went down and took a look at what he was doing, I just couldn’t believe it, it was absolutely amazing He

deserves the recognition and it will be there for the longterm as his mark on the city

“I want to let as many people as possible know to go and visit him at Goodsir Nature Park, it’s a treasure for the future.”

Goodsir Nature Park opened in 1989, two years after Good bought the land, located about 20 minutes from the city on the west side of Highway 97, just north of the Salmon River bridge

“I was named after my grandfather and it was a promise I made to my dad many years ago, when I was about 14 years old, and I had an idea about buying some land someday and turning it into a park,” Good said “I said to my dad, I’m going to name it Goodsir, after Mt Goodsir in Yoho National Park.

“Like some of the trees I’ve planted, some of those trees can last hundreds of years, way beyond all of us, it’s my goal to preserve it as I’ve created it for future generations to come ”

The park is home to 2,000 different plant species and 200 kinds of trees , accessed by three kilometres of trails.

“I homesteaded there on that land 35 years ago… and it was tough, I singlehandedly homesteaded there,“ said Good. “We have hundreds of botanical displays, native trees of Canada, every province and territory is somewhere in the park in live format ”

Natural Factors Ashwagandha

TELUS Health and the BC SPCA have partnered to provide greater access to virtual veterinarian care for people adopting pets from the SPCA.

People who adopt cats and dogs from seven B.C. SPCA locations, including the North Cariboo Community Animal Centre in Prince George, will get a discount on their first virtual veterinarian consultation using the new TELUS Health MyPet service In addition to the North Cariboo SPCA in Prince George, the discount will be offered to people adopting pets from SPCA locations in Quesnel, Prince Rupert,

Salmon Arm, Penticton, Port Alberni and Burnaby.

In addition, TELUS is offering discounted rates for virtual consultations for dogs and cats in SPCA care

Staff at the North Cariboo SPCA were able to use the MyPet app to help them take care of Wasabi, a mother cat who was surrendered by her owner to the SPCA along with her two kittens Up until Nov 26, TELUS will donate $2 to the BC SPCA – up to a maximum of $20,000 – each time the TELUS Health MyPet app is downloaded

Property developer John Brink, right, presents street signs to Jim Good, centre, the curator of Goodsir Nature Park, and his wife Reine.

Sentencing staked out for getaway driver

Crown and defence counsels presented a B.C. Supreme Court Justice with arguments for sentences ranging from 3 1/2 to six years during a hearing for a man behind the steering wheel during an attempt to escape police following a bout of drive-by gunplay.

Eric Vern West, 41, did not pull either of the triggers that left a home in the 200 block of Bellos Street with damage from shotgun pellets but knew what he was getting into when he drove the two co-accused to the scene during the late morning of Oct 8, 2020, Crown prosecution argued in making a case for a sentence at the higher end

At the time, there had been a “rash of shootings that police understood to be between two warring factions in the community,” the court was told Thomas Joshua Toman, a well-known figure in the city’s drug trade, lived in the home and it had been the target of three such incidents over the span of two weeks, the last of which involved West as well as Kenneth Ricardo Munroe and Bradley Andre Ouelette

Wielding a prohibited shotgun, Munroe fired one shot while seated in the front passenger side while Ouelette, seated in the rear, fired two rounds with a non-restricted shotgun, according to an agreed statement of facts read into the court record Neighbours, who had been on high alert following the two previous incidents, quickly contacted RCMP upon hearing the gunfire

By the time the trio had reached Fifth Avenue and Ospika Boulevard, an RCMP member spotted their car. West initially continued east on Fifth at a normal rate of speed but the three appeared nervous as they looked back at the officer’s cruiser

When the constable pulled a U-turn with an intention to stop the car, West accelerated and when the cruiser’s lights and siren were activated, he sped up some more and wove the car in and out of traffic as he raced along Fifth Avenue

He then turned onto Central Street, nearly sideswiping several vehicles, then headed south and through a red light at 10th Avenue where he turned east

The officer became lost in the traffic and another RCMP officer took over the pursuit which continued along 10th until West crashed into the front yard of a 2300-block McBride Crescent home

The three got out of the car and Ouelette fired off a round at the RCMP cruiser then dropped the shotgun and ran.

Ouelette was eventually tackled and arrested, Munroe was found hiding in some nearby bushes and West was found underneath the deck of a nearby home.

Ouelette was later sentenced to eight years in prison while Munroe was sentenced to 5 1/2 years, both less credit for time served prior to sentencing. West did not fire any of the shots but Crown argued he deserves six years because he had been subject to a lifetime firearms prohibition as part of a sentence for a previous conviction

B C Supreme Court Justice Ron Tindale will issue a decision on sentencing at a later date

Fortis claim dismissed

have been sufficient.”

A Civil Resolution Tribunal member has dismissed a claim brought by FortisBC Energy Inc. against a Prince George-based contractor for the cost of repairing a ruptured natural gas line.

FortisBC had been seeking $2,154.64 from Enviro-Ex Contract Ltd , arguing the defendant had failed to expose the line in a sufficient number of places by hand-digging before using excavation machinery. Enviro-Ex countered that it hand dug at three separate spots that exposed the line before it deployed machinery and the drawings Fortis supplied incorrectly showed the line as being straight when in fact it was dog-legged or bent

In a decision issued on October 27, CRT vice chair Shelley Lopez endorsed Enviro-Ex’s position, noting in part that while Fortis says hand-digging at three spots is not enough, the company “does not indicate how many locations would

“Given I find the map or drawing incorrectly showed the pipe in a straight line, I find it unproven that three locations was insufficient to reasonably permit Enviro to proceed with machinery There is no expert evidence, or any evidence, to the contrary,” Lopez said

The line was ruptured on July 19, 2021.

Enviro-Ex had obtained a BC 1 Call ticket on March 25, 2021 with a scheduled workstart date of March 31, 2021 Although the rupture occurred 19 days later, Enviro-Ex argued that the ticket authorized work on a multi-month project and that excavation work began within the 10-day period stipulated in the regulation governing the ticket

“Fortis initially argued that because the damage occurred on July 19, 2021, Enviro no longer had a valid ticket However, Fortis did not pursue this argument in its reply submission despite quoting Enviro’s submission on the point. I find Enviro had a valid BC 1 Call ticket,” Lopez said

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

Duo capture hockey scholarship

Jessa Brewer is following a path carved in ice by her Northern Capitals teammate Rachel Loewen.

Both girls have NCAA Division 1 college hockey games in their near future, playing at Niagara University in Lewiston, N.Y.

Brewer, a 17-year-old from Prince

George, has committed to a scholarship to play next season with the Niagara Purple Eagles.

The Northern Capitals made the announcement a month after Loewen had agreed to terms of a

similar arrangement to join the Eagles for the 2023-24 season

Brewer has three goals and two assists in 14 games this season, coming off an eight-goal, eight-assist campaign in

the 2021-22 season

Loewen, the Northern Capitals captain, is in her final season playing defence for the U-18 triple-A Capitals.

The 17-year-old from Williams Lake has two goals and three points in 14 games. She tallied three goals and 10 points in 29 games last season.

UNBC’s Henman, Simonson take top awards

After a scintillating, record-setting season for UNBC Timberwolves striker, Michael Henman is the Canada West Conference male soccer player of the year.

Henman, 24, was virtually unstoppable this season when he got himself into scoring position and his 19 goals tied the all-time conference single-season record for an individual He also recorded five game-winning goals, fifth-most in league history and collected four hat tricks

Henman captured the Canada West scoring crown with 21 points, annihilating the T-wolves records for points and goals in a season.

“It was a really fun year, lots of things happened and I’m really proud of this team. Everyone enjoyed the season and hopefully we put Prince George on the map a little more,” Henman said.

The Canadian Premier League will conduct its player draft sometime in January and Henman hopes to see his name on that list

He’s always wanted to play pro soccer and that could open up the door The psychology major has one year of U SPORTS eligibility left and plans to come back to finish his university soccer career with the T-wolves After a 19-goal season Henman knows he’s got a tough act to follow

“I’m not going to come back here next year and try to top that, I’ll just keep doing what I love to do, and with the enjoyment that comes with it hopefully just get into another rhythm and see where it goes,” he said Henman is the first UNBC athlete to win a Canada West player of the year award.

“I’m just so proud of Michael, he has overcome so many obstacles in his soccer journey and his personal journey and for him to come to UNBC and be honoured

with player of the year for Canada West is so fitting, and knowing he’s got one year left just makes it that much more special,” said UNBC athletics and recreation director Loralyn Murdoch

Henman’s coach, Steve Simonson, got the UNBC Timberwolves into the Canada West playoffs for the second time in the team’s 11-year history in the league and has won the Canada West coach of the year award.

He recruited a team that caught fire in the second half

of the season and went on an eight-game undefeated streak, reeling off six wins and two ties over that span on the way to a team-best 8-3-5 record

“I think it’s a great thing for our school and they all kind of go hand-in-hand,” said Simonson “A coach doesn’t get any recognition or honours if his team doesn’t perform They’ve done a great job and Michael’s obviously a big part of the finished product and it’s kind of fun to go through it together ”

Ringette tournament a tribute to volunteer

just kind of fell into it and there’s a good reason she keeps doing it

The fastest game on ice is being showcased during the 30th Joy Hoffman Memorial Ringette Championship from Nov 11 to 13 at the Kin Centres

There are 60 games to be played by 406 players on 28 teams who are coming from all over the province It’s grown this year, with 160 players on nine teams playing at the rep team level and 246 players on 19 club teams

The tournament director has been organizing this event for quite a few years and because her strength lies in event coordinating Jennifer Erickson said she

“I think it’s important for the ringette players in the north to get a tournament in their area,” Erickson explained.

“Being from the North and having to travel a crazy amount, we go to Vancouver, we go to Kelowna, we go to Vernon, we got to Terrace and the kids are always so tired from travelling I would like them to have the chance to sleep in their own beds and get up fresh and come to the rink to play ”

Erickson is also personally connected to Joy Hoffman’s daughter, Maxine Hoffman-Baarts, who ran a day care years ago and Erickson had her two older

daughters in that daycare and then as Erickson’s other daughter played ringette, the connection came full circle, she said.

The whole event is to celebrate a key volunteer that had been an integral part of ringette in Prince George

“Family was very important to mom, the community and bringing everyone together was important,” Hoffman-Baarts said “And I think one of the biggest things for my mom when it comes to ringette was finding something for pre-teens and teens to do – focusing on females – and that kind of got her going because I am one of four kids and the only one to play ringette was Marina, the youngest, and mom got a lot of enjoyment out of it The

practices were very early in the morning and my mom would take Marina and a bunch of other little girls who couldn’t get rides to the rink and off they would go to practice and come home before anyone else was even out of bed and she loved it ” Joy Hoffman had a motto and that was ‘I wouldn’t do anything unless I could do my very best,’ Hoffman-Baarts added “And that says a lot right there Mom was always just willing to help out over and above We always had a house full of kids from the neighbourhood – everyone came over to our house because mom would bake for everyone and she loved that – the more the merrier ”

Michael Henman, left, of the UNBC Timberwolves men’s soccer team, has been named Canada West Player of the Year while Steve Simonson took the Canada West Coach of the Year honour
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
JESSA BREWER
RACHEL LOEWEN

Legion volunteer pays tribute to her dad

At this time of year she wears two poppies at once, one on her blouse and one on her coat, because Sanna Denicola doesn’t want anyone who sees her – whether she’s inside or outside – to miss the fact that she is honouring all veterans with the symbol of gratitude.

Sanna has been volunteering for the Prince George Legion for the last dozen or so years doing whatever needs to be done because it’s the right thing to do, she said

Sanna’s father was Armand James Denicola, a decorated Second World War hero who earned many medals of honour and was awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honour from France for his part in the liberation of that honour

“I feel very blessed that I had a dad –and I know this sounds terrible – who went through the war because the good thing that came out of that was the awareness of what that meant to him as a person and how that shaped his life and how that, in turn, shaped our lives,” Sanna said of her family

“What better description of volunteerism is volunteering to possibly give your life for a cause, which is what he did –what all of them did. So here’s a man who is willing to give up his life for his country, the least I can do is give up some hours to honour what he did and I’m just trying to do what I can to keep the Legion alive in Prince George ”

The Legion has been struggling financially for the last six years in particular and it started even before the organization moved from its old location on Seventh Avenue to its smaller location at #101 1116 Sixth Ave , Sanna said

“We continue to struggle because the regulars at the Legion are all getting older – as we all are – and it became very difficult to keep the place open,” Sanna said “And for the last five years there’s only been one paid staff and that’s the chef, so everybody who is at the office, everybody who helps to run events, bookings for weddings, behind the bar, whatever it is, we are all volunteers and like every organization, it’s the same basic crowd, and we always need more And the reason why I volunteer is because of my dad.”

Sanna explained that her dad was at

Juno beach, one of five beaches of the allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landing on June 6, 1944 during the Second World War.

“My dad never really told us a lot about the war – he didn’t really like to talk about it - and it was only when he decided to write the story of his life and he wrote it all out by hand and he asked me to type it into a book and it was only at that point that I read and learned that he was even at Juno Beach and I must have been in my 30s before I even knew that about him,” Sanna said. “I was quite astounded.”

Within Legion #43 walls there is the Juno Lounge and on one of the corner posts is the image of Denicola

“I think that is an incredible honour,” Sanna said.

There was a part in the book, Sanna recalled, that said that on his 21st birthday, her dad was fighting for his life in hand-to-hand combat.

“And after all that he turned out to be this amazing person – how many people go through trauma in their life and are horrible because of it and he was not that way – never talked about it, never wanted to be recognized for it but as a veteran always participated in the Remembrance Day ceremonies and we got taught that those were important I remember attending as a small child and I have raised my children the same way from when I had to

bring them along in baby carriers and to this day they still attend.”

Before Sanna started to volunteer at the Legion, she spent many years volunteering for the poppy campaign, selling poppies and dedicating as much time as she could to that

“When I had my tray of poppies I would place my pictures of my dad on it,” Sanna said.

“And people would say ‘oh, is that your grandpa?’ and I would proudly say ‘nope, that’s my dad,’ and that’s why I do what I do. He’s definitely my inspiration.”

For more information about the Legion, membership, its restaurant hours and events visit legion43pg ca

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Sanna Denicola volunteers at the Legion tirelessly in honour of her veteran dad Armand James Denicola. Sanna is seen here with the photos of her father she used to display on her poppy campaign tray to fundraise in support of the Legion

Local artist creates Remembrance Day work

She’s retired and she doesn’t knit or crochet and that’s all it took for a local artist to turn to fore-edge book art to discover a pastime where she can explore her creativity in a unique way.

Pat Klassen said she believes this type of artwork is relatively new in this part of the world because whenever she tries to explain it to people, nobody knows what she’s talking about

It starts with Klassen hunting through all the thrift stores in Prince George for hardcover books that have about 300 pages, have a good spine, and are 21 or 23 cm in height. She likes to upcycle used books, she explained

After finding the ideal book, the process gets technical

Klassen has software to get a spreadsheet where she can stretch an image over 15 pages.

“It makes the image really skewed to the point it’s unrecognizable,” Klassen said.

Then she takes her trusty rotary cutter and starts the process of cutting those 15 pages into 150 strips in total Then after some massive folding, she starts to affix with tape the strips to the edges of the pages

About six hours later, she’s magically got the image on the book’s edge

Her Remembrance Day-themed piece is an image of a soldier with Lest We Forget underneath. It’s an image that is timely, classic and familiar and designated as public domain

Klassen will be donating the artwork to the Legion in time for Remembrance Day in honour of all our local members of the military - past, present and future

“This type of artwork is not something a lot of people would do,” Klassen said “But I have got something about books and paper and cutting and it just slipped into my life I have made more art than I could ever sell People just haven’t seen it and I’m not one to put myself out there ”

So she would be happy to donate them to a charitable cause for a silent auction or something like, she added.

“I just love doing it,” Klassen said, trying to explain her passion for the art.

“I have my own little corner in my house, my husband made me a special stand, it’s very therapeutic and it’s just what I do ”

For more information email Klassen at klassen22@gmail com or visit her web page at etsy com/shop/pageartdesign.

Prince George artist Pat Klassen creates book-edge art, like this classic image, right.

Former resident part of NATO mission

Editor’s note: This story is an update on a Canadian Armed Forces submitted story we ran on Nov 11, 2021 about Sgt Kelly Press

Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania – As part of Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deploys an Air Task Force (ATF) to Constanta, Romania with approximately 175 CAF personnel and up to six CF-188 Hornet fighter jets to enhance air policing, with two additional CF-188 Hornets to participate in NATO’s training exercises.

The Romanian air base is less than 200 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, and roughly 500 km across the Black Sea from Russian-occupied Crimea

The current task force deployed in August and will remain in Romania until Dec 2 The task force’s mission is to augment the air policing capabilities of the Romanian Air Force It’s the seventh time Canadian Armed Forces jets and personnel have taken part in Operation REASSURANCE in Romania.

In 2021, former Prince George resident Sgt. Kelly Press, along with fellow personnel from 409 Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake deployed to Romanian for three-anda-half months

A graduate of Prince George Secondary School, and daughter of a member of the Royal Navy, Press always wanted to join the Canadian Armed Forces

In 2008, she did just that, signing up as an Aircraft Structures Technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

After completing Basic Military Qualification Training – more familiarly known as boot camp – at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden, Ont., then-Private Press remained at CFB Borden for the tenmonth ACS Tech course.

This multi-faceted trade has three main parts.

The core part is metal work, fabricating and refinishing aircraft.

In recent years, the trade has acquired Life Saving Systems, which entails maintaining equipment critical to keeping aircrew safe, such as ejection seats, parachutes and survival kits

The third part is Aviation Life Support Equipment, which consists of maintaining equipment that is worn by aircrew, such as helmets, oxygen masks and life preservers

As an ACS Tech in the CAF, Press has had many unique opportunities

Two that stand out in her mind are the time she was selected to stand guard on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for a month in 2012

Press says it was both a great experience, and a great honour

The second is her month in Japan as part of Operation DRIFTNET

The operation’s aim is to aide in efforts to protect wild fish stocks worldwide from the threat of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Press found the work very rewarding, and being able to experience the culture of Japan was a life-long dream

Travel is something Sgt. Press enjoys, and as a CAF member, she has been fortunate to travel all over the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii

She has deployed to Curacao as part of Operation CARRIBE and to Kuwait as part of Operation IMPACT.

Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance and deterrence measures, demon-strating Canada’s ability and willingness to react rapidly to international crises and to

work side by side with its NATO allies to reinforce NATO’s collective security.

This is the seventh time that Canada has deployed an ATF to Romania as part of NATO’s enhanced Air Po-licing mission, which has augmented and supported Baltic and Eastern European countries’ own forces on a continual basis since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014

Under NATO command and control, the ATF conducts surveillance of Romanian and allied airspace, trains with their NATO counterparts, and if required, intercepts, identifies and/or escorts aircraft that enter the Romanian Air Defence Identification Zone

“Ever since Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014, Canada has been steadfast in demonstrating our commitment to NATO’s collective defence across Europe,” Defence Minister Anita Anand said in a state-ment regarding the deployment. “Air surveillance and policing is a critical part of maintaining a nation’s security in the face of aggressive nations that continuously seek to test the defences of their neighbours, something Canada has its own experience with in the Arctic. Our mission in Romania allows us to contrib-ute to NATO’s collective defence, and allows us to deliver capabilities that are a tangible symbol of Cana-da’s resolve to NATO’s collective defence ”

SGT. KELLY PRESS

Reserves recruit sees age as an asset

After years of helping people plan their financial futures at the Bank of Montreal, Peter Winters thought there was something missing in his life.

So, at age 47, he joined the army reserves Sure it would be tough keeping up with all those 20-somethings to make it through basic training but his greatest fear about joining the Rocky Mountain Rangers B Company was what his wife Shauna would think of his plan As it turned out, she backed him wholeheartedly.

Winters got the idea of enlisting in the army after he met two corporals at the bank He thought he was too old but they suggested he wasn’t and he followed through as the Rangers’ oldest recruit pursuing his basic military qualification

Winters has always liked outdoor activities and camping and for four years has been a Scout Canada leader, serving as the organization’s Prince George group commissioner. The father of three boys, aged seven, nine and 12, camping trips with the Scouts meant quality time with his boys His military training with B Company has given him a whole new skillset of survival techniques that he can now pass on to the kids.

This year, he took his military involvement one step further. As a private in a 40-strong Prince George infantry unit, Winters enrolled in officer training in January which took up three of every four weekends for four months. Then from May-August he was deployed full-time to Edmonton and Wainwright for three months of intense training which put him through tasks he thought he would never be able to accomplish One of the most difficult was dealing with sleep deprivation while simulating combat situations For two weeks in July, he was living in a field under a tarp, exposed to the elements

“You’re working on a 24-hour clock and you have three eight-hour tasks you have to do inside a 24-hour period and when you’re standing on patrol most often you’re not sleeping - it’s one of those things where it’s (testing) being able to function while not sleeping a lot,” he said.

“There was a point where I looked at my watch and I figured I’d averaged 45 minutes of sleep for the last two weeks Most of that was standing up, on guard duty ”

Like all B Company members, Winters has frontline infantry training and was taught to use the light C9 machine gun, as well as the C7 assault rifle, and was also trained in the use of grenades

“I’ve never been the type that says I want to run around with a rifle, I’ve been the one that says I want to serve and be part of something bigger - you want to help and that’s really what we do here,”

he said

“I’m not going to lie, the grenade training was a heckuva lot of fun It’s that

childhood thing. It’s a lot of second-tier fun in the sense that, at the time, you’re miserable. But you look back on it now and I’ve gotten closer to the people on my courses than I have with friends I’ve known for 10 years because there’s a shared experience and shared level of suffering ”

During his basic training, while carrying a heavy pack during a long ruck march, one of Winters’ knees buckled as he climbed a hill Right away, two of his fellow privates were on either side of him lifting up his pack so he could get back on his feet

“You build bonds with these people that is beyond anything I’ve ever seen,” said Winters. “It’s hard to understand that outside the army because having that experience is somewhat rare. You build a community by doing this and it’s a very tight-knit community.”

At age 48, he was oldest of his group to successfully make it through his officer training

Now, as a logistics officer, it’s his job to help run the company, making sure the paperwork is done so bullets arrive in the right places and water and food are in place for the troops He’s no adrenaline junkie and doesn’t see himself ever as a frontline soldier engaged in a combat If it ever comes to that, he knows his role will be to make sure those soldiers have what they need.

Winters grew up in White Rock and came to Prince George in 1995 to study psychology at UNBC He completed all of his military training during the pandemic and was masked up all the time

He said one of his favourite memories of the past 15 years was the day he received his two LT bars which designate him as a second lieutenant and a commissioned officer.

Winters has spent a good chunk of the past year away from home and credits his wife for her efforts to hold the family together in his absence He had no time off to go home during those three months of officer training and that left just about everything on Shauna’s shoulders

“Being away from my family was the toughest component,” Winters said.

“My wife has essentially been single-parenting since January and I’ve got to tell you, she’s worth two of me At the time we were doing this my wife was moving her mother-in-law in and moving houses, so I came back to a brand-new house. She had a lot going on and there wasn’t a heckuva lot I could do from my end. At one point I was on a range in Wainwright having to discuss what was going on with a lawyer and there was machine-gun fire going on behind me, which scared the crap out of the lawyer ”

Being part of an army reserve sometimes means getting the call to assist in domestic operations and several Rocky Mountain Rangers served during the wildfires of recent years and to helped deal with the flooding that devastated parts of the province a year ago B Company members have been sent to Europe to help train Ukrainian troops

“We have people here who are currently deployed - we’re as international as we choose to be,” said Winters. “Obviously we’re not currently at war, but

we’re certainly in a training and support position ”

Now nearly two years into his military commitment, Winters still works full-time at the bank and says his employer is entirely supportive of his pursuit of an army career, agreeing to give him time off whenever he has to answer the call of duty, whether that’s on a domestic mission or overseas

“I have a day job and I work for a bank and it doesn’t check all the boxes anymore,” he said “Honestly, I feel the need to serve our community and I feel the need to serve Canada

“The idea of deploying at one point, it is attractive If you’re not going to do it it’s like training for a marathon and not going I admit, when I started, it was like, I’m not deploying, I’m not going to leave my family, I can’t do any of that Now that I’m here and see what we can do. There’s a lot we can do in Canada that’s good and a lot of very beneficial things abroad as well ”

Winters has attended the Remembrance Day ceremony for several years with the Scouts and plans to be in uniform part for the parade with the Rocky Mountain Rangers this Friday

“I’ve always felt a profound sense of gratitude and now that I sit on the side of that you always wonder what you can do to be worthy of that gratitude,” he said “I’m wearing the same uniform, or at least comparable to it, and you’ve got to find a way to make sure you’re worthy of that. In recent conflicts we’ve lost people and I think it’s incumbent upon us to make sure they’re honoured by what we do ”

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
At 48, Prince George financial planner Peter Winters has become an officer with the Rocky Mountain Rangers B Company army reserve, less than two years after he enlisted

Local man looks back on 20 years of service

Ted Norton was just about to begin his military police training in Ontario and was getting his truck inspected in an auto shop when the waiting room TV suddenly switched to coverage of planes hitting the World Trade Center.

Having just begun his 20-year military career, the United States was under attack and like the rest of the world Norton could not believe it was happening “It kind of got real that day. I remember thinking, we’re going to go war, because who’s our biggest ally – the U.S.” said Norton “If the U S goes, we’re going to have some type of coalition force going over “I’d just signed and I was finishing my military training Maybe there was a bit of fear of the unknown, not knowing where I was going to end up in this ”

Born and raised in Prince George, the College Heights Secondary School graduate studied criminology at the College of New Caledonia

He’d been turned down for the military right out high school for failing a hearing test but when he learned of the military police program he reapplied and at age 22 was accepted.

He joined the MP program Aug 9, one month prior to the terrorist attacks in the U S

Posted to Cold Lake, Alta., Norton let his master corporal know early on he wanted to go overseas on a tour but was told that wouldn’t likely happen his first year, not until he’d completed further training

But just six months into his posting he was sent to United Arab Emirates for seven months to support the war in Afghanistan

He provided security and policing at an air force base used to move troops and supplies, often dealing with soldiers traumatized by what they had experienced in combat situations

“We had a lot of people coming back from Afghanistan for their rest and relaxation period and they would come back sometimes pretty messed up,” said Norton.

“You would just try to talk them down and I’d tell them, ‘Hey man, I can’t relate. What you’ve been through has been (bad) and I just need something from you You’ve had quite a few to drink, I just need you to go back to your barracks.’

“One thing that stuck in my mind was we were the stop from Afghanistan, so if there was a hit and any time there was a death, we’d see the casket with the flag over it The whole camp would be on parade and you’d see the whole crew with the different pallbearers bringing them back onto the ramp and going home to Canada. Sometimes there were four of five bodies at a time It’s just sad ”

Norton knows how lucky he was to have never seen combat duty

He found out from one of his good friends, years after he’d met him, that he

had survived with minor injuries after driving a truck that hit an improvised explosive device killing two military police members on board

“I don’t have that same experience of some of these guys who sent time in Afghanistan, that’s a completely different tour,” he said “Some of these guys spent seven months of eating rations and living in a tent and sleeping very little We were in ATCO trailers and had a full mess tent, our tour was very different

“One guy was complaining about the ice cream and another guy (who had served in Afghanistan) grabbed him and threw him up against the bus Rightfully so, not knowing his audience and complaining about his big issue of the day This other guy’s issue was he’d just saw all his buddies injured ”

In 2006, Norton returned to the Middle East on short notice for a 40-day deployment supporting the troops in Afghanistan and earned his general service medal

That was before he met his wife and he was game for anything

“The tour part was a like a high, I really enjoyed it and had a good time,” Norton said. “The first five years, probably because you’re transitioning, they tell you to jump and you ask how high.”

From 2002-12 he served postings in Comox, Nanoose Bay and Esquimalt, then was sent to Borden, Ont , to

begin a five-year term as an instructor at the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy

In 2019, he completed his final overseas tour, joining the United Nations mission to Uganda flying in much-needed supplies to troops based in Republic of the Congo

Often the landing strips were not in secure locations and that led to a few tense moments for Norton and the rest of the security force.

“It was quick drops and the airstrips are not what we’re used to here,” he said. “Some weren’t even fenced and it would be all bush and you would see all these access points of potential threat Sometimes they had equipment and sometimes they didn’t and there would be like 75 people coming to the aircraft to start grabbing stuff That was a lot of people to watch.”

Norton and his wife Rosanna have four children and the family was forced to relocate a couple times as he was reposted

They also had deal with him being away for three months every year, including sixweek stints during the summer months, and that was especially hard on the kids

He has a 13-year-old son, Malachi, and three daughters, Addison, 10; Kayla, seven; and five-year-old Mackenzie.

He knew, after he turned down the opportunity to go on an extended tour to train Ukrainian soldiers in eastern

Europe, his time in the military was coming to an end

“That’s the only time I’ve said no, and you feel kind of embarrassed because your whole career you’re just, go, go, go,” he said “It was right during COVID and I was coming back from Africa and they were ready to send me out the door again. My wife was home with four kids and it was building up on her, so I just said it’s not a good time.

“When I was young, if they sent me on a tour every six months I would have been happy But once you get a family and you’re settled - if my kids were older I would have been more than happy to go, but I’m happy where I am right now.”

After 20 years, in June 2021, it was time for a career change to a job that would keep him rooted at home

Norton now works for the city as bylaw services supervisor, a position that became available after he started working in the cell block at the Prince George RCMP detachment

Because of what happened that fateful day in 2001, Sept 11 was always a day of sadness for Norton and his wife but that changed five years ago just after they moved back to B.C. when their youngest daughter Mackenzie was born that day

“That was a nice bookend for our family, our last kid, and she completed it and added great enjoyment to a day that brought much pain,” he said

The Norton family poses for a group shot while on a beach near Comox just before Ted ended his 20-year military career in 2021 From left are Malachi, Mackenzie, Ted, Kayla, Rosanna and Addison

Local screening for Dove movie next week

Bones of Crows, a Canadian film that saw its world premiere in September at this year’s prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, will be screened on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 in Prince George as part of a Northern B.C. tour this month.

Prince George’s Grace Dove, currently seen on the ABC-TV weekly drama Alaska Daily, stars in Bones of Crows, portraying Aline Spears, a Cree residential school survivor who went on to become a code talker for the Canadian Air Force during the Second World War.

Bones of Crows will be shown on Nov 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the House of Ancestors (Uda Dune Baiyoh) and at College Heights Secondary School on Nov. 18 at 9 a m

Actors Michelle Thrush , Alyssa Wapanatâhk and writer/producer/director Metis award winner Marie Clements, as well as associate producer Leena Minifie

from the Kitimat area, are part of the tour

The other dates for the Bones of Crows tour are:

Nov.14th @ the Lester Center - Prince

Rupert 7 p m

Nov.15th @ the R.E.M Lee Theatre

-Terrace 7 p m

Nov.16th @ the Hazelton Secondary School - Hazelton - 1 p m

Nov.16th @ the Gitanmaax Tri-Town Theatre - Hazelton 7 pm

Nov.17th @ the House of AncestorsPrince George – 7:30 p m

Nov.18th @ College Heights SecondaryPrince George - 9 a m

Nov.20th @ the Skidegate Hall - Haida Gwaii- 7 p m

Nov.21st @ the Old Masset Community Hall - Haida Gwaii -7 p m

Bones of Crows will be released in theatres in spring 2023, ahead of the five-part Bones of Crows mini-series that will be broadcast by the CBC in fall 2023

Miracle Theatre play to benefit refugees

Miracle Theatre’s seventh annual fundraising play will help support Ukrainian refugees resettling in Prince George.

Director Ted Price and producer Anne Laughlin’s production of the romantic comedy Dancing Lessons, by Mark St. Germain, is expected to debut on March 30. All proceeds from the show will be used to establish the Prince George Refugee and Hope Fund, to be administrated by the Prince George Community Founda-tion.

“We want to support the exceptional work of the Prince George Share Hope Refugee Sponsorship Commit-tee supporting Ukrainian refugees,” Laughlin said “(And) we have a very high opinion of the Prince George Community Foundation They are the gold standard when it comes to charitable organizations ” Swiss physician and research Peter Jüni, former head of the Director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advi-sory Table, described Canada as “one of the lifeboats of the world,” Price said

“Share Hope is one of the planks in that great big lifeboat,” Price said.

Share Hope committee chairperson Eva Gillis said the volunteer group has helped

support 124 Ukrainian refugees come to Prince George, and knows of 77 more incoming

“Prince George is known for having a big heart,” Gillis said “All the money to helping Ukrainian people It’s really needed ”

As long as the need remains, the fund will benefit the work of Prince George’s Share Hope committee, Laughlin said,

which is a key part of the Prince George for Ukraine group helping to support Ukrainians re-settling in the city When the need passes, the fund will be used to support any group helping provide refuge to people fleeing violence or disaster Miracle Theatre’s productions have raised a total of $485,478 so far for a number of Prince George chari-ties

Even before the official announcement,

this year’s production has already raised $10,000, Price said, sin-gling out Canadian Tire Prince George owner Selen Alpay for his generosity

In addition, two unnamed sponsors have agreed to match all donations of $250 or more, up to $6,000, he added. Dancing Lessons is about two lonely neighbours, who couldn’t be more different, Price said

Ever is a brilliant, but reclusive, geo-scientist He asks his neighbour Senga, a Broadway dancer, to teach him how to dance ahead of an awards banquet and dance in his honour, Price said. He doesn’t know that she’s been in a car accident that has left her questioning if she’ll ever dance again

Although they get off to a rough start, a friendship and eventually romance blossoms between the two, he said, with plenty of laughs along the way

Dancing Lessons will run from March 30 to April 19 at the Knox Performance Space, formerly the Knox United Church Shows will run at 7:30 p m , six nights a week from Tuesday to Sunday, along with 2 p.m. matinees on weekends. Regular ticket sales will begin in January at Books and Company.

FARAH NOSH PHOTO
Grace Dove, who grew up in Prince George, stars in the historical drama Bones of Crows
FARAH NOSH PHOTO
Director Ted Price and producer Anne Laughlin’s Miracle Theatre production of Dancing Lessons, will help support Ukrainian refugees coming to Prince George

INDIGENOUS HEALTH ENGAGEMENT SURVEY

Northern health’s indigenous health department is launching a new survey open to all indigenous people who access northern health services

The survey is designed to gain valuable and important insights into the experiences of Indigenous people in the North. Ultimately, the hope is that the survey results will help us learn how we can engage with you better, in order to improve our work and the quality of care that Indigenous people in the North receive The survey results will help to guide how we approach this work going forward.

Why is it important to participate in this survey?

Northern Health’s work needs to be grounded in community We acknowledge the intergenerational harms of colonialism, that racism in health care exists, and that more must be done to address persisting health inequities. To do this right, we need you walking with us – guiding, shaping, and solidifying the work ahead. As part of this journey, we humbly ask for your participation in this survey

This survey is for all Indigenous people who access Northern Health services. Your responses will help us better understand how we can ensure more meaningful participation of Indigenous people in NH’s work. Northern Health is committed to this process. Having heard from community, we understand that we need to:

• Ensure meaningful participation of Indigenous people to improve Northern Health services

• Ensure our workforce is more representative of Indigenous people in Northern BC

• Support all of Northern Health learning through Indigenous cultural safety education

• Increase accessibility to culturally safe and identity-affirming health care services

• Improve Indigenous self-identification processes

• Address the inequities in our health care system, including who owns the rights to any data collected from or about Indigenous people by Northern Health

Is the survey confidential?

North Health applies reasonable safeguards to ensure the information collected through this survey remains confidential All survey related data will be stored in a password protected and encrypted format, managed by Northern Health. Only the Northern Health Evaluation Team will have access to this data.

If you have any questions or if you need support to fill out the survey, please reach out to: Indigenous.Health@northernhealth.ca

The survey is open until November 30, 2022. Take the survey today: indigenoushealthnh.ca/news/indigenous-healthengagement-survey

PRINCE GEORGE FLU CLINICS

Who: 12 years and under Must have caregiver to accompany

When: Nov 8 (1 pm to 7 pm), Nov 9 (9 am to 12 pm), Nov 15 (4:30 pm to 7:30pm), Nov 17 (4:30 pm to 7:30pm)

Where: Northern Interior Health Unit, 1444 Edmonton Street

Detail: By appointment only, register and book through the Get Vaccinated system getvaccinated.gov.bc ca or by calling 1-833-838-2323 (toll free)

Flu shots are also available at local pharmacies. Register and book through the Get Vaccinated system.

Some primary care provider’s offices have flu shots as well - please contact them directly to book.

COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS ARE RUNNING THIS FALL IN PRINCE GEORGE

Who: Ages 5-11 year olds

When: 7 days per week (10 am to 3:40 pm)

Where: Prince George Immunization Centre, 175-1600 15th Ave

Details: By appointment only, limited availability In the Parkwood Mall beside the movie theatre, free parking on site

Who: Ages 12+

When: 7 days per week (10 am to 3:40 pm)

Where: Prince George Immunization Centre, 175-1600 15th Ave

Details: By appointment only, limited availability In the Parkwood Mall in the corner to the right of the movie theatre, free parking on site

Registration is needed before booking an appointment.

Pharmacy: For those 12 + a local pharmacy can provide your vaccine. Register and book through the province’s Get Vaccinated system.

For more clinic details, including all future clinic dates, see: northernhealth.ca/health-topics/covid-19-immunization-clinics

HOROSCOPES & PUZZLES

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

You may find it challenging to get in touch with people who don’t call you back right away However, your phone will start ringing off the hook when they finally contact you.

TAURUS

You’ll suddenly be very popular You’ll also have a lot to talk about with others. Your social life will be booming, both in-person and on social media. Your partner will be generous with you.

GEMINI

You’ll spend part of your week shopping. You’ll be inspired to redecorate your home. For example, you may be inspired to put up your Christmas decorations early

CANCER

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 13 TO NOVEMBER 19 2022

LIBRA

You’ll feel highly imaginative but also a little lazy You’ll be working on a great masterpiece or contemplating one all week.

LEO

You may not always feel comfortable in a crowd. Fortunately, you’ll come across inspiring people who will give you the motivation you need to take on a new challenge. New friendships are in store.

VIRGO

You’ll spontaneously decide to take a trip You’ll work with clients from different cultures that will bring you abundance.

SCORPIO

You’ll find yourself having to do everything yourself at work and home. Some people will notice your dedication and ensure you’re re warded for your efforts.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll procrastinate a lot this week. Fortunately, your loved ones will help you keep your priorities straight while managing to make you laugh.

Change is on the horizon. If you go with the flow, your anxieties will melt away A sentimental project will come to fruition faster than you thought possible.

CAPRICORN

You’ll have to crunch the numbers during a negotiation to relieve tensions. You must

find balance in all aspects of your life to find peace.

AQUARIUS

Your love life will be full of romance. A colleague may make an awkward declaration of love that won’t be reciprocated.

PISCES

You must take the time to rest and recover after being sick. You’ll spend a few days at home and bring in some work over the weekend to catch up. The moon will ignite your imagination, inspiration and intuition.

PUZZLE NO.

Obituaries

July 14, 1930 ~ Sept 23, 2022

It is with Great sadness that the family announce the passing of Patrick Merridith Scully, Resident of Aleza Lake B.C. on Friday September 23, 2022, in Prince George B.C.

A celebration of Pats life will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday November 19, 2022 at the Blackburn Community Center, 2451 Blackburn Rd S, Prince George B.C.

It is with great sadness the family of Jim Lees of Summerland, BC, shares the news of his passing at the Penticton Regional Hospital. A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather, Jim passed away peacefully with his family at his side. He leaves behind his loving wife Ann, sons Mark (Trudy Kohlen) and Bob (Charlene Dettling), and their families. Survived by Ann’s children, Heather Mash (Bart), Pam Melnychuk (Murray), Alan Huppe, and their families. Jim was predeceased by Viola, mother of Mark and Bob, August 2004. Jim will be remembered for his knowledge of ‘everything’ and his gentlemanly personality. His guiding presence will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be left at providencefuneralhomes.com. (250)494-7752

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

(1932 - 2022)

Iris passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 2nd at the Rotary Hospice House in Prince George, BC.

Iris was born and raised in Scotland and following her graduation from university moved to Canada with her husband, Hamish McIntyre.

She lived a long and full life. Her many accomplishments include an Honors Masters degree in Education from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, a Doctorate also in Education from Arizona State University and various additional studies in specialty areas of education and assessment.

For much of her career she taught school in Burnaby, BC. She worked for the Ministry of Education in Curriculum Development and Assessment. In 1981 she moved to Prince George and was the Coordinator of Curriculum Supervision at School District 57. She retired from that position in 1989 to start her own very successful consulting business - IFM Research and Evaluation.

Her list of professional offices held, memberships in business and professional associations, community service positions and honours and awards is long. It covers a wide array of interest areas including: education, English, business, and civic activities.

She is survived by her only son, Peter McIntyre of Vancouver, BC and many long-term friends located in several countries.

In accordance with her wishes there will be no memorial ceremony.

Obituaries

It is with deep sorrow the Barber family regretfully announces the death of our beloved mother Frances Barber. Mom passed away peacefully at the Rotary Hospice House on the morning of October 24, 2022. Our Mom was more than a mother, she was a dear sister, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, auntie, cousin, and friend. She leaves behind to mourn, her 5 children, Gerry (Wendy) Favelle, Debbie Anglehart, Darlene (Tom) Dunne, Tom (Nelly) Barber, Albert (Jane) Barber. Sister Phyllis (Larry) Anderson, Numerous Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, great great grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Our Family would like to thank the staff at Hospice House for their kind and compassionate care of our Mother. We welcome and encourage everyone to share stories and memories of Frances (Frankie), at her Memorial/Celebration of Life that will be held at the Hart Pioneers Centre 6986 Hart Highway, on Saturday November 19th, from 11:00 to 3:00.

Patrick Merridith Scully
James Evan Lees
Frances Barber
Iris Fowler McIntyre

July 15, 1948 - Oct 30, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we grieve the loss of Neil Allyn Taylor, Prince George, British Columbia, at age 74. Neil was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 15, 1948. He is survived by his loving spouse of 44 years, Susan Taylor (Swinton), son Corey (Karin), daughter Trista (Gurp Sidhu), and grandson Lucas; as well as brothers Derek (Leona), Daryl, and Kevin Taylor, sisters Valerie Hadath, Corinne Hrynkow, Nancy (Edward) Komyshyn, Susan (Jerry) Vigon, sisterin-law Alison Bowers, brother-in-law Richard Swinton, mother-in-law Lois Swinton, and numerous nieces and nephews. Neil was predeceased by his mother and father Edith (Harrison) and Archibald Taylor, his sister Kathleen, father-in-law Bruce Swinton, sister-inlaw Leona Taylor, and brothers-in-law Bob Hadath and Ted Bowers.

Neil grew up in Transcona and Brandon, Manitoba, and joined the RCMP in February 1969. He held numerous postings throughout BC. Neil loved his career and strived to provide service to his communities to the best of his ability. He retired as a Staff Sergeant in April 2004. Upon retirement, Neil took up a different kind of service, as a professional coach driver in Prince George for Diversified Transportation’s contract with Northern Health, ensuring people in remote communities had access to the medical care they required. Although this did take him away from home more than he would have liked, he found meaning in helping those in greater need.

Throughout his life, Neil enjoyed camping and fishing, especially trips with his wife, children, and siblings. Maui was a special place for Neil and Susan, and they often convinced other family members and close friends like Chris and Jackie Berkey to join them.

Neil deeply loved his family. With close relatives spread out over western Canada, any chance to get together was always cherished. A favourite destination was Rocky Lake, MB, which always brought back fond childhood memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Dennis Richard Jackson

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Dennis Richard Jackson on November 1, 2022, at 81 years of age.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Judy Jackson; son, Jason Fanshaw (Carrie); grandsons, Caden and Hunter; granddaughters, Taya (Ryan), Kayla, Alysa and great grandson, Wilder.

Dennis is also survived by brother, Harvey Jackson (Stella); sister, Sharon Senneker (Henry); sister-in-laws, Doreen Jackson, Betty Jackson; and brother, Doug Jackson; brother-in-law, Ron Janakka; Kim Hopkins and Cassidy; Marie Fanshaw and many special nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Helen Jackson; brothers, Gordon Jackson, Don Jackson, and Bill Jackson; sisters, Arlene Baldrey and Audrey Sudaket and mother-in-law, Pauline Lamont.

Dennis had a very long and successful career. Initially, as a Heavy Equipment Salesman in the Forest Industry. And instead of retiring, he became a Recreation Vehicle Salesman at NR Motors and more recently at SMP RV. Dennis always prided himself on his relationships with his customers.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 130pm to 330pm, at the Coast Prince George. This is a Celebration of Life for Dennis’ Family and Friends.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Dennis’ name to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation or Prince George Community Foundation.

Sinclair Mills for many years.

Robert Howard Nelson

December 3, 1942 to November 1, 2022

With profound sadness, the family of Bob Nelson announces his passing on November 1 after a courageous battle with cancer. He leaves to mourn his wife, Lois of 55 years; his children David (Jodi), Dennis (Sonja), Jennifer and 4 grandsons: Justin, Jared, Oscar and Sullivan. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Mavis as well as his only sibling, Margaret.

Bob led a unique life, which reflected in his many interests. He taught physics at CNC for over 30 years and had met former students who are themselves retiring. In 1974 he was one of the founders of the Caledonia Ramblers and so enjoyed exploring our wonderful wilderness. In the 70’s he compiled a list of hikes that initially formed a still popular trail guide of the region. He also started the Prince George Astronomical Society, built two observatories and studied the skies with his backyard telescope as well as a remote telescope in Arizona. After retirement, his love of travel with Lois took them to many countries throughout five continents. He particularly loved Maui and enjoyed 400+ scuba dives over the years.

A big thank you to our caring family doctors, the home care nurses and staff at our wonderful Cancer Clinic. We will be forever in your debt.

A service will be held at St. Michael and all Angels church at 5th and Victoria on Friday, November 11 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

May the Sunshine of Comfort Dispel the Clouds of despair

Jun 27, 1933 - Oct 28, 2022

Erwin is no more.

A good friend passed away and we are very sad. Erwin was born in East-Prussia, then Germany, now Russia. Erwin and his family, during World War II, had to leave everything behind and flee to Schleswig Holstein, Germany, where they were living with relatives and where Erwin grew up. At only 17 years old, he took a ship to Canada (as “Smutje”, the Cook Helper), to join other relatives who had moved to Canada previously to start a new life.

Erwin was a very successful caterer and business owner in Vancouver for years and Erwin also was the very much beloved Innkeeper of the Hideaway Inn in

After a heart attack he realized he needed to slow down. He saw an ad in the paper which said: “Town For Sale”. Sinclair Mills, BC, on the North Banks of the Upper Fraser River. He bought it and the rest is history. Erwin was our Postmaster in Sinclair Mills for decades. Erwin was our Regional Director (Vice Chair of the Board) for decades. Area F / Upper Fraser.

He is well remembered and appreciated as a friend, wonderful person and a politician who always fought for the best solutions for his Regional District Area F. Us, living out in the “bush” owe him a lot.

Erwin loved to entertain, to discuss current politics, to travel the world (oh boy, did he have the “Travel Bug”!!), and was sad when his declining health prevented him from continuing his worldwide travels. He also loved Classical Music and went to the Symphony frequently.

He was even already planning his 90th birthday party.

We are all very sad. A big crowd of friends that have known and loved Erwin for decades, are including:Wayne and Lynn Mueller, Katherine Sinclair, Shirley Gratton, Laura Sandberg, Toni Wise, Elke Hierl-Steinbauer & Frank Steinbauer.

Many more long-time friends mourn Erwin’s departure to the next world. Erwin is also survived by six nephews and nieces in Germany No service upon request. There will be a Celebration of Erwin’s Life and spreading his ashes, as he wished, on his 90th Birthday, June 27, 2023.

*** Mark the date ***

There will be Cheesecake! Erwin’s favorite cake.

More information to follow

Erwin Kurt Stoll

1958-2022

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Frank Victor Skerlak on Nov.3, 2022. Frank leaves behind his loving wife Debbie, parents Frank and Jolanka Skerlak, daughter Renatta (Mike), son Frank (Jessica), his grandchildren Frankie, Jackson, Gracen, Carson, mother-in law Cora (Garry), along with numerous relatives in Europe. Predeceased by his father inlaw Walter Howe.

Frank was born May 19, 1958 to Frank and Jolanka Skerlak, who had just immigrated to Canada from Slovenia. As an only child he was the pride and joy to his parents, who did their best to raise a son, while learning a new language in a new country. Frank grew to have a passion for hockey. Many years were spent on ice rinks either playing junior hockey or coaching, while creating long lasting friendships and memories. In 1987 he met and married his wife Debbie who shared 35 years together. Together they had 2 children Renatta and Frankie. Through the years Frank was a dedicated father who put value into precious family time. Whether it was making a backyard rink, taking our annual 2 week holiday to radium hot springs or Sunday dinners, he instilled the importance of togetherness. As the family grew, so did his heart, filling with love for this grandchildren Frankie, Jackson, Gracen, and Carson. Frank’s next passion was his work. He served many years at Canfor Netherlands, and the last 20+ years at Dollar Saver lumber. His dedication and work ethic was admirable. He was grateful to the many relationships that he created through the years working in the lumber industry and was anticipating retirement this December. Frank’s love for family, work, hockey and trucks will never be forgotten along with his smile, and jolly laugh that could fill a room.

You will be missed beyond belief, rest in peace and you’ll be forever in our hearts.

Viewing will be held to Nov. 14th at 7pm at Assman’s Funeral Chapel. Funeral service November 15th at 11 am at Assman’s Funeral Chapel followed by Graveside burial and refreshments.

Maxine Shaw

December 19, 1927November 5, 2022

Our beloved Mother Maxine passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Maxine was predeceased by her husband Blake Shaw. She is survived by her son Gary (Carolyn), daughters Susan, Marilyn (Barry) Linda (Jim), grandchildren Melanie and Travis and greatgrandchildren Hudson, Shya, Yarah and Maverick. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society.

Forever missed, Forever loved

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be ever at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

And the rain fall softly on your fields

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the hollow of his hand

May the angels with the heart shaped wings carry you softly in the winds

So when a breeze brushes by us

You may touch our hearts again

Rita Olga Burri (Bosshardt)

October 6, 1938November 5, 2022

Rita passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 5, surrounded by family.

She was predeceased by her parents Karl and Hermine Bosshardt-Landolt; her cherished husband Anton “Tony”; cousins Kathy Lorette, and George Landolt; sisters-in law Johanna “Hanny” Burri, Cecile Dettwiler, Leona Burri, Monika Burri, and Martha Danini-Burri; brothersin-law Albert Burri, Rudy Burri, Heiri Burri, Alois Burri, and Werner Dettwiler.

She is survived by her daughter Jane (Philippe Py) and son Daniel (Claudette); grandchildren Simone and Isabel Py (Ty Dauvin); Adam (Morgan) and Heidi (Stephen Fancy); great-grandchildren Eleanor and Florence Burri, Avery and Clara Fancy; her cousins Claire Burri, Jack Landolt, Peter Landolt, and Ron Lorette. As well as her Goddaughter Judi Mould, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A prayer service for Rita will be held on Monday, November 14th @ 7:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 15th @ 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Celebrate A Life Lived

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes

FUNERAL CHAPEL

Happy 85Birthday

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Established Franchise Photography Business

Serving Northern B.C for over 35 years

Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work Lots of opportunity to expand the business. Transition support available to the right buyer

Serious Enquiries Only

Office 250-596-9199

Cell 250-981-1472

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Established Franchise Tax Preparation BusinessMackenzieservicing and McLeod Lake area for over 30 years.

Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000 Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.

Transition support available for the right buyer.

Serious Inquires Only

Office (250)997-9003

Home (250)997-5538 Cell (250)990-0152

Youth Centre Society will hold it’s Annual General Meeting on Friday November 18th, 2022 from 6-8pm. Interested in investing in Prince George’s youth? Community members of all ages are welcome to attend For more info call 250-561-1467 E-mail: connaughtyouth@gmail.com

Effective January 1st, 2023

term parking rates at the Prince George Airport will be increasing:

(from $14/day) $75/week (from $70/week)

Antique Superb Dutch drop front Secretary, 140 years old, in excellent condition, $6500. 250-964-3794

Prince George

AVON COLLECTIBLES, Valued $3600, asking $1500. 250-6171934

Art & Collectibles

A LOT Of 45 & LPs. All kinds $5$40 each, 778-675-4716

BUYING ALL SILVER! WANTED 9999 BULLION, BARS, COINS, ROUNDS, ALL SILVER COINS, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, FRANKLIN MINT SETS, OLD STERLING SILVER, COIN COLLECTIONS +++ ALSO BUYING GOLD!!! TODD 25O 864 3521

COLLECTOR PURCHASING COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS! BUYING OLD COINS, ROLLS OF COINS, BANK BAGS OF COINS, RARE COINS, COLLECTOR COINS, OLYMPIC COINS, OLD PAPER MONEY, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, US MINT, COLLECTIONS +. WANTED CANADA, USA & WORLD COLLECTIONS! Todd’s Coins 1-250-8643521

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $1100. or bucked to length $1300 per load delivered 250614-6667

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $900. or bucked to length $1050 per load delivered 250614-6667

Mills/Equipment

1998 KENWORTH with mixer trailer, white. $120,000. 617-3373

SAWMILL, 48” head rig, hand set, completely rebuilt, $8000 obo plus parts. 250-441-3242

Sheds/Outbuildings

NEW 30’ x 50’ All Steel Commercial shop, never assembled, c/w complete set of drawings and engineer cert. Has straight outside walls, 1 12’ x 14’ service door opening, 1 3’ man door opening, inside clearance 16’, roof has 3/ 12 pitch that is 20’ high at peak. Outside wall cladding painted tan. $30, 000 Call Bob 250-983-3372

Wanted

BUYING OLD JEWELRY, COINS, OLD MONEY, COIN COLLECTIONS, 9999 BARS & COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, COIN SETS, WORLD $$$ COLLECTIONS ++ TODD 25O 864 3521

How to write a classified ad that works.

Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.

WANTED SASQUATCH SKULL - Also purchasing SILVER & GOLD coins, bars, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, 999+ BULLION, maple leafs, bulk silver, pre-1969 coins. Coin collector BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS, old $ & Royal Canadian Mint coins. TODD 250-864-3521. Collectibles & Classic Cars QUICK PAY For

Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.

• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.

• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.

• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.

• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.

• Limit abbreviations Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.

• Limit abbreviations Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.

• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.

• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.

• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.

• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.

25. Approval

26. Those who fight an establishment (abbr.)

27. __ student, learns healing

ACROSS DOWN

1. Sewing needles

Functionary

Induces vomiting

The finger farthest from the thumb

Not moving

Sports official

28. Indian groomer of horses

29. Line where two pieces meet

30. One might be brief

31. Type of sword

33. Knife for fruits or vegetables

34. Stinkhorns

38. Stroke

39. Industrial process for producing ammonia

40. Sir __ Newton

43. Wild goat

44. Muslim ruler

45. Scottish ancestor

49. Hat

50. Horse mackerel

51. Alcoholic accompaniment

53. Tech department

54. Manifesting approval

56. Upper bract of grass

58. Of I 59. Large wading bird

60. Military prisons

63. Famed American cartoonist 64. Rise 65. Greek God of war and courage

To advertise, call 250-562-6666 or email cls@pgcitizen.ca

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

What to do if you have a frozen pipe

Ifoneofyourpipesfreezes,youmustactquickly to prevent it from bursting and potentially causing significant damage to your property. Here’s what you should do.

LOCATETHE SOURCE

Before you can solve your pipe problem, you need to find the source of it Start by looking at the pipes closest to your exterior walls They’re the most susceptible to freezing. Additionally, pipes located inside closets with little warm air circulating are at risk Look for a pipe that’s cold to the touch, has frost forming on it or is bulging slightly; these are all signs of freezing.

WARMTHE PIPE

There are several ways to defrost a pipe, but the hairdryer method is the safest Turn on your faucet and slowly apply heat along the frozen pipe to achieve a gradual, gentle thaw. Instead of a hairdryer, you can also use a heat lamp or space heater However, be

sure not to apply heat directly to the pipe If this approach fails to work, don’t resort to using a propane torch In addition to being a fire hazard, the intense heat may cause your pipe to burst

Alternatively, if you want to get the job done safely and quickly, contact a local plumber.

Winter home updates: do’s and don’ts

Everything has its right time and place, including home renovations If you want to update your home this winter, here’s a look at some recommended do’s and don’ts

DO

Regardless of the weather, you can take care of these interior jobs:

• Paint the walls inside your home

• Renovate a whole room such as a kitchen, bathroom or living room

• Upgrade your electrical system

• Update your plumbing system

• Install new flooring

• Add insulation to interior walls and the foundation DON’T

The following jobs shouldn’t be completed in winter because the outdoor temperature and seasonal storms could create complications. It’s best to avoid:

• Yard improvements • Roof renovations • Siding repairs

• Exterior paint jobs • Garage replacements • Addition installations

Do you have a renovation project in mind? To develop your plan, work out the right timingandgetthejobdoneright,meetwitha contractor in your area

Finding Homes for Families

How to care for bathroom plants

If your bathroom has a lot of natural light, it can be fun to give it a touch of green with plants suited to a

Here are some tips to ensure they thrive.

Since bathrooms are humid, you need to consider air circulation as you decide on plant placement If the room isn’t well ventilated, some species may add to the humidity and cause mould and mildew to grow. Opt for plants that dehumidify the air such as ivy or orchids Tillandsia is also a lovely choice Commonly known as air plants, these beauties don’t require soil and can be displayed as a hanging arrangement or in a glass jar

EVALUATE YOUR AVAILABLE SPACE

If your bathroom is relatively large, you have a lot of freedom to choose your plants and can mix things up with a variety of species and sizes

If your space is limited, however, you should choose small plants that can be suspended or placed on a windowsill. Consider buying a spider plant, dwarf fig tree or pothos

The secret to keeping a plant healthy is to provide it with the correct doses of sunlight, water and warmth When you visit your local garden centre, be sure to determine the needs of the species you like before deciding to bring it home

3 tips to make your home office Zoom ready

As more and more people work from home, video conferencing is increasingly being used to replace in-person meetings Like it or not, virtual get-togethers allow your colleagues to peek inside your home. Here are three tips to make sure your home office is ready for meetings

1. Find your light. Lighting is one of the most important factors to consider when setting up for a Zoom meeting Try to position yourself so that you’re facing a soft, natural source of light. Always avoid backlighting as it’ll shadow your face and obscure your features It’s also not very flattering

2. Choose your backdrop. Avoid using virtual backgrounds. Instead, designate a simple but elegant accent wall as your backdrop Apply colour psychology to select paint that boosts your mood and productivity. For example, shades of blue are calming and promote good communication while shades of green are

peaceful and easy on the eyes.

3. Get rid of clutter. Keep your space tidy and free of clutter, but not empty or bare Create the right balance by adding a few tasteful items like a plant and some artwork Just don’t overdo it, as you don’t want your space to be distracting. Don’t forget to test your camera angle so that you capture the best view of your space and yourself

4 simple upgrades for a healthier home

Your home may be full of hidden chemicals, allergens, mould, bacteria and viruses Luckily, there are things you can do to eradicate these harmful pathogens Here are four simple upgrades for a healthier home:

1. INSTALL A CENTRALVACUUM

A built-in central vacuum is more powerful and effective than a portable vacuum. This appliance captures and removes dust mites and allergens, resulting in better air quality and fewer allergy symptoms

3. CHOOSE ANTIMICROBIAL SURFACES

Stainless steel and copper surfaces are naturally antimicrobial. Consider adding these materials to your kitchen sink, countertops and cabinet hardware If you don’t like the look of stainless steel, opt for engineered surfaces like quartz, which are less susceptible to pathogens than stone and other porous materials

4. CHANGEYOUR FLOORING

2. ADDTOUCHLESS FAUCETS

Swap your standard kitchen and bathroom faucets for motion or voice-activated models They’re easy toinstallandcanhelpstopthespread of germs.

Choose low-VOC (volatile organic compound) vinyl flooring or non-toxic laminate flooring for your bedroom, kitchen and bathroom floors. VOCs are toxic chemicals that are released from various industrial products

These chemicals can irritate your respiratory tract, damage your nervous system and may cause cancer in humans and animals

These conversions can go a long way to making you, your family and your home healthier. For help with these upgrades, contact the appropriate professional for the job

Geometric design: how to use shapes in your home decor

Geometry, or the science of shapes, can be found everywhere in nature, from the hexagonal shape of honeycombs to the spirals inside pine cones Consequently, it’s not surprising that geometry has been used throughout history to design attractive and interesting spaces Here’s how to use common shapes in your home decor

SQUARES AND RECTANGLES

These are the most common geometric shapes in design. Most houses, buildings, rooms and windows are either square or rectangular These angular shapes provide a sense of security, stability and reliability Squares work well in office spaces and can be used in any room when balanced with other shapes

TRIANGLES

Triangles have strong, masculine energy, and they represent motion and direction. They can create visual movement in the direction of their point. When pointing sideways, like the classic fast-forward and rewind symbols, they can represent either progression or backtracking. When pointing up, triangles create powerful, positive and stable vibes

CIRCLES AND OVALS

Circles and ovals are symbolic of unity and eternity. They can create a sense of happiness, serenity and warmth. These shapes have soft, feminine en-

ergy. Given this, they tend to work well in bedrooms and bathrooms but can be used to add harmony to any space

You can incorporate geometrical shapes using picture frames, artwork, wallpaper, tiles, rugs, fabrics and hardware. Look for these and other items at your local stores.

*NEW* JAMMIES & JINGLES

DIAMOND

DRAW

CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP

RBC GIFT SHOP

Come Celebrate With Us!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Public Opening | 9am-9pm MEDIchair North BC Seniors Brunch | 10am-noon Scotiabank Seniors Tea | 1:30-3:30pm

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Public Opening | 9am-11pm Jammies & Jingles | 6-11pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

*NEW* KOPAR FAMILY DAY EVERYONE WELCOME TO EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS

PUBLIC VIEWING

HOURS:

Nov. 30 | 9am - 9pm

Dec. 1 | 9am - 5pm

Dec. 2 | 9am - 11pm

Dec. 3 | 9am - 5pm

Dec. 4 | 11:30am - 6pm

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

Public Opening | 9am-5pm Yellowhead Rotary

Business Lunch | 11:30am-1:30pm Canadian Tire Fashion Show | 6-11pm McDonalds Breakfast* | 7-11am *at participating restaurants in Prince George and Vanderhoof

Public Opening | 9am-5pm Northland Gala Fundraising Auction | 6:00pm-late

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

Northland Dodge Santa Breakfast | 8:30-10:30am

Public Opening | 11:30am-6pm Kopar Family Day | 11:30am-5pm Silent Auction closes | 5:30pm Canadian Tire Fireworks | 6:00pm Civic Light Up | tba

DRAW AND SO MUCH MORE!

SCAN ME TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Fund a Need

CARDIAC CARE

Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation’s goal is to bring the very best in care closer to home to support our friends, families, and communities. Through the support of our generous donors, much has been achieved in the North. Currently, the gap in care for Northern BC remains cardiac, which has been highlighted as a priority for the North. In fact, Northern Health is the only health authority in the province that does not have its own interventional cardiology serv Northern residence are having to travel significant distances, and incur significant costs, to acc cardiac care.

With this in mind, the 2022 Festival of Trees funding efforts will go towards equipping a Card Care Unit at UHNBC that will have a direct impact throughout the North. This includes funding vital pieces of cardiac equipment such as ECG Machines, Defibrillators, Vascular Dopplers, and Cardiac Ultrasound Units to name just a few This is a large undertaking that, once completed, will eventually see Northern residence receiving the cardiac care they require here, in Prince George, eliminating the travel and ensuring our friends, families, and communities have the very best in care vi ce

ce. This means that ss higher levels of

SHIRLEY GRATTON
SENGER

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