Vanderhoof Omineca Express, February 24, 2016

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Vanderhoof man jailed for manslaughter

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A Vanderhoof man is found guilty for his son’s shoot-ing death at Takla Landing.

At Prince George Law Courts on Jan. 27, Jacques Se-guin, 69, is sentenced to four years in jail and a lifetime prohibition from using fi rearms.

According to the written judgment, Seguin had a close and loving relationship with his then 36-year-old son Christopher, who suffered from Fragile X Syndrome, Bi-polar Disorder, Type 2 Diabetes, and possibly Asperger’s Syndrome.

Christopher had also struggled with illicit drugs, as well as sudden and irrational mood swings and violent behaviour at times.

On Aug. 16, 2013, Seguin and his son were on a 10-day family fi shing trip at the family’s vacation cabin.

They were barbecuing the fi sh they caught that day and drinking beer, relaxed and happy. Seeing bear scat nearby, Seguin had brought his loaded rifl e in case of bears.

Going to his cabin to retrieve spices and bringing along his rifl e, Seguin returned to see his son enraged, though he did not know why.

Seguin shot Christopher three times. He said that in the past, he had reacted the same way when he was once attacked by a grizzly bear, shooting without thought.

Judge Shannon Keyes states that though the gun shots were not accidental, as Seguin pointed and pulled the trigger, he did not intend to kill his son.

Keyes also accepted that Seguin was observed by all to be grief-stricken and bitterly remorseful ever since Christopher’s death, and that he loved his son, spending years supporting and caring for him despite his mental health programs and volatile temper.

Seguin states that as far as he is concerned, his life is over, as he sees his son’s face every day.

With no criminal history, Seguin is sentenced to a minimum security institution, with access to counselling for grief and loss.

“There is not much the court could do to him by way of sentence that would be more than the life sentence he has imposed upon himself,” Keyes states.


With skis, guns, or skates ready, fi ve Vanderhoof high performance athletes will be joining more than 1200 others from all over the province at the Pentic-ton 2016 BC Winter Games this week-end.

Linnea Moutray will be participating in biathlon events, while Connor Ebert, Nicole McBride, Alexis Seely, and Lo-gan Sewell will be competing in speed skating.

Taking place from Feb. 25 to 28, this year’s Winter Games features athletes with an average age of 14 competing in 17 different sports.

“Penticton is where the BC Games began in 1978, and we are so pleased to be back and benefi ting from the history of sport and event hosting in this com-munity,” said Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “The athletes, coaches, and offi cials coming to these BC Winter Games are taking their fi rst step towards future na-tional and international level competi-

tions and the expertise of the volunteers will make a mark on their journey.”

Over 50 per cent of Team BC ath-letes at the 2015 Canada Winter Games were BC Games alumni — 18 of which were part of Team Canada at the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games in-cluding Kelowna’s Kelsey Serwa in Ski Cross, Summerland’s Justin Kripps in Bobsleigh, and Josh Dueck of Vernon in Para Alpine.

See BC GAMES, page 10

SUBMITTED photo

In their team skin suit earlier this season, (from left) Logan Sewell, Connor Ebert, Nicole McBride, Alexis Seely, and Austin McKersie practises for speed skating at the Pentiction 2016 BC Winter Games this weekend.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016 Omineca ExpressA2 www.ominecaexpress.com

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Representatives from Nak’azdli Whut’en recently presented the District of Van-derhoof with a cheque for $50,000. The donation is the largest community donation re-ceived thus far towards the Van-derhoof Aquatic Centre. “We are so overjoyed that Nak’azdli has chosen to support this proj-ect,” says fundraising chair Zoe Dhillon. “The Centre will help expand recreational opportuni-

ties in our region—especially for our youth.” Nak’azdli Youth Council coordinator Desiree Whitely adds, “It will be great for our youth to have a pool so close where they can learn water safety and have fun.”

Nak’azdli Whut’en Council and administration are commit-ted to the health and well-being of its members. Naka’zdli’s com-prehensive community plan and the Band’s strategic plan both

identify community health as a priority. “Our youth are our fu-ture,” shares Nak’azdli Coun-cil Member Alec McKinnon. “Nak’azdli’s donation is an in-vestment in that future.”

Nicholette Prince, Nak’azdli’s Chief Operating Offi cer agrees, “We expect many families will take advantage of the pool being close enough to go to in the eve-nings and on weekends.” Prince continues, “We also imagine our

Nak’azdli Whut’en band council donates $50,000 towards Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre

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Zoe and Samara Dhillon (far left) from the Vanderhoof Pool Society was presented with a $50,000 donation from Nak’azdli Whut’en for the aquatic centre earlier this month.

Elders will benefi t from using hot tubs and participating in therapeutic aquatic fi tness activities. It will be a welcome and much needed addition to the facilities in the north and we want to support it both in our dona-tion and our commitment to using the pool often.”

Fundraising for the Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre began one and a half years ago. The total project goal is $12 million. Of that, $4 million will be collected from taxes and an ad-ditional $7.5 million will be raised by the District of Vanderhoof. The community fundraising goal is $500,000—Nak’azdli’s donation

brings the current community total to $450,000.

Construction of the Centre is planned adjacent to the Vanderhoof Arena. This location will take advan-tage of waste heat produced during the operation of that facility.

Nak’azdli Whut’en is a holistic community that believes in maintain-ing and enhancing traditional values by learning, living and teaching our culture and heritage. Nak’azdli is vi-brant and self-determined–a commu-nity made up of diverse individuals and businesses working together to promote education, health and eco-nomic progress.

CorrectionOn Feb. 17,

the Omineca Ex-press’ headline for its report on heavy equipment train-ing in Vanderhoof should be “College of New Caledonia heavy equipment operator program graduates.”

We apologize for any misunderstand-ing caused.

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www.ominecaexpress.com A3Omineca Express Wednesday, February 24, 2016

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NEWSthe

VICTORIA - With more people than ever to qualify for assistance with Medical Services Plan premiums next year, B.C. seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie joined Health Minister Terry Lake to remind seniors to check if they are eligible.

A recent survey by the seniors advocate showed just 39% of seniors knew about MSP premium assistance and 66% pay full premiums when the number should be fewer than 50%. The Province is also launching an information campaign to help raise awareness with seniors about premium as-sistance.

“For many of our loved ones - our parents and grandparents - MSP premium assistance can make a difference in their fi nancial picture by reducing the amount they pay each month,” said Lake. “Through work by the province’s seniors advocate, we now know many seniors who could be receiving assistance with premiums have not applied. We want to ensure everyone who could be benefi ting from this assistance does.”

Budget 2016 announced changes to MSP and premium assistance effective Jan. 1, 2017 which will help lower-income families, individuals and seniors with the cost of living. The Province is investing an additional $70 million annually to en-hance premium assistance. About 335,000 people

will see their premiums reduced, and an additional 45,000 people will no longer pay premiums at all in 2017.

“I welcome the opportunity to work with the government to increase awareness of the subsidy for MSP that is available for low income seniors,” said Mackenzie. “When you are struggling fi nan-cially every penny counts and this subsidy will be very meaningful.”

As a result of enhancing premium assistance in 2017, a single senior earning up to $45,000 may qualify for reduced premiums. A senior couple earning up to $51,000 may qualify for reduced premiums. This translates into a savings of up to $480 per year for a senior couple and $324 per year for a single senior.

“MSP premium assistance can make a big difference for any British Columbian who is in fi nancial need,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Darryl Plecas. “Prudent fi scal planning means we’re able to invest in priority programs like premium assistance for the families and indi-viduals in B.C. who need it most including older British Columbians on a fi xed income.”

A calculator is also available on the govern-ment website to help British Columbians estimate whether they could qualify for premium assistance

now and in 2017. This can be found at: https://ex-tranet.gov.bc.ca/forms/gov/health/msppa.html

MSP premium assistance is based on a house-hold’s net income, adjusted for age, family size and disability status. Currently, a single senior can qualify for assistance with net income of $33,000 a year or less.

For a single senior with income less than $25,000, the premium is waived.

In 2017, a single senior could qualify for pre-mium assistance with net income of up to $45,000 a year, and pay no premiums with net income less than $27,000. These thresholds are higher for single couples.

A one-time application must be fi lled out specifi cally for the premium assistance program. Retroactive assistance may be provided for up to the previous six years.

Once the MSP changes from Budget 2016 are implemented Jan. 1, 2017, nearly two million Brit-ish Columbians will pay no premiums.

The premium assistance program is just one support for lower income seniors. The recently released 11th edition of the BC Seniors’ Guide provides information on a variety of programs and supports to help seniors in communities through-out B.C.

Province: lower thresholds for MSP premium assistance, do you qualify?

Vanderhoof’s RCMP detachment lodged 74 fi les in the past week.

HEAD-ON CRASHAt 6:33 p.m. on Feb. 18, a serious head-on collision be-

tween an SUV and a pickup on Highway 16 near Noonla Road was reported to Vanderhoof’s police.

One of the vehicles crossed over to the opposite lane, by confusion or driver error, but neither speed nor alcohol is being considered as a factor, the police said.

Both drivers, from Vanderhoof and Williams Lake, suffered non-life threatening injuries — one was taken to Vanderhoof’s St. John Hospital for chest injuries and another to Prince George for leg injuries.

VANDERHOOF MAN FOUND BY STRIEGLER PITA deceased man from Vanderhoof was found and reported

by two witnesses near Striegler Pit area north of the district at noon on Feb. 18.

Vanderhoof’s RCMP is assisting BC Coroners Service with the investigation; the death is not considered suspicious.

SUMMER CABIN BREAK-AND-ENTER UPDATEPhysical evidence, including fi ngerprints, collected by the

RCMP’s forensics team at Cluculz Lake break-and-enter inci-dents yielded no match from their database.

Three cases of seasonal cabin break-and-enter have been reported so far this year in the area, with the most recent case reported on Feb. 5.

As investigations approach conclusion, police conversa-tions with owners on missing items continue.

DOWNTOWN LIQUOR STORE BREAK-INAt 1 a.m. on Feb. 8, Vanderhoof’s RCMP responded to a

commercial alarm alerted at the Reid Liquor Store on Burrard Ave.

Two males allegedly broke through storefront windows, grabbed several bottles, and fl ed the scene.

With the assistance of a witness, one suspect was located and is scheduled to appear in the Vanderhoof Courthouse in April.

- with fi les from Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Vanderhoof RCMP

Police Update:head-on crash

Downtown liquor store break-in

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Two males allegedly broke into the Reid Liquor Store on Burrard Avenue, took several bottles, and fl ed on Feb. 8 early morning.

A time for parents/caregivers to come together and support one another while sharing positive experi-ences around town and through a variety of activities bonding with their preschoolers.

Drop-in every Wednesday 10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m from Feb. 3 to March 23, with beverages and snacks.

Feb. 24Families in the KitchenCNC/Learning Centre

March 2Braids, Hair Care, Pic-tures & Dress Up!Arena Complex(downstairs)

March 9Banner CraftAutumn Services

March 16Hula Hooping & MusicArena Complex (upstairs)

March 23Music/ConcertHUB & Gym (Mouse Mountain School)

Fraser LakeTots Around Town

B.C. moose winter ticksurvey

VICTORIA - Mem-bers of the public are being asked to help document moose winter tick infestations by completing and submit-ting an online Moose Winter Tick Survey before April 30, 2016.

The survey will help B.C.’s wildlife health staff monitor the num-ber of moose affected with these ticks and the extent to which they affect moose around the province.

Winter tick infesta-tions are generally observed on moose from February through April. Anyone interest-ed in contributing to the surveillance program can obtain a copy of the survey online at http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/download/6AAE0D9D88A34A7EBD487DC4FED75E18 or by con-tacting Dustin Walsh at: [email protected] or 250 617-0725.

nal Training program at its Rainy River Project in Ontario, Bekhuys added.

Over 10 aborigi-nal workers have graduated so far from the two-month program involving hands-on and class-room training, con-tinuing onto work with production drills and ore haul trucks, he explained.

“We would look towards build-ing on that success for Blackwater, based on our experience at Rainy River,” he said. “The strategy is to train a lot of the people during the construction period, so when we go into production, they build up that experience and they can move into the longer term jobs during the op-erational period.”

He added, “It’s important for us to look longer term; long term careers, not just jobs.”

For Chief Stanley Thomas from

the Saik’uz First Nation, it’s a long-time coming project since a capac-ity agreement was signed between the company and the community six months ago.

“We’re happy about it; hopefully there will be a long term relation-ship and we’ll move on from there,” Thomas said, adding that past meet-ings with the company’s CEO Bob Gallagher were positive.

“Things are resolved, though it took awhile,” he said. “We’re glad we stuck to our guns.”


NEWSExpress

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Early preparation of its employees for long-term work is what New Gold looks to implement for its proposed mine near Vanderhoof, project director said.

Public comment period for New Gold’s Black-water mining project, located 110 km southwest of Vanderhoof, is drawing to a close on Feb. 19, while federal and provincial environmental review of the project continues this year.

As construction of the company’s open-pit mine in northwest Ontario continues, New Gold is learn-ing to prepare employees with training earlier for Blackwater’s silver and gold mine, which would also be open-pit and is slated to start construc-tion in 2018, said Blackwater Project director Tim Bekhuys.

“Because of our commitment to the indigenous people of the area, one of the things we kicked off just over a year ago is started working with the key First Nations in the area around Blackwater,” Bekhuys said.

The draft of a First Nations training and employ-ment strategy for the project, led by First Nations, was fi nalized earlier this month, and the company is currently working on its implementation, he added.

“One of the things we look at in that strategy is, it’s really important as a company that we don’t go away and develop a strategy,” Bekhuys said. “It has to be done with the local communities…our role would be to facilitate that at the end.”

The strategy involves matching existing skills and capabilities within the First Nations communi-ties to future jobs with the project, he explained.

“We want to start putting in place strategies and plans to make sure there weren’t any barriers to em-ployment,” Bekhuys said. “We have a good under-standing of what training programs, what partner-ships we would have to put in place, to get people prepared to work.”

New Gold is also looking to time training with the start of work.

“Nobody wants to be trained to work in a certain area without having a job at the end of it,” he said.

In addition to providing scholarships through various colleges in the region for related long-term careers, the company also trains much of its em-ployees in-house, such as its Surface Mine Aborigi-

MEETING SCHEDULE 2016

Meetings tentatively commence at 10:30 a.m. Please call (250) 692-3195/1-800-320-3339 for further information

PUBLIC IS WELCOME

“A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIESWITHIN OUR REGION”37, 3RD Avenue,

PO Box 820, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0

www.rdbn.bc.ca

PH: 250-692-3195 TF: 800-320-3339 FX: 250-692-3305

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February 25, 2016 .......RDBN Board Meeting/ SNRHD Meeting

March 10, 2016 ............RDBN Committee MeetingsMarch 24, 2016 ............RDBN Board Meeting/

SNRHD MeetingApril 14, 2016 ...............RDBN Committee Meetings

The RDBN Board of Directors will be discussing the draft 2016 to 2020 Financial Plan at its Committee

of the Whole Meeting on March 10, 2016. The Financial Plan will be on the agenda for adoption

at the March 24, 2016 Board Meeting.

nathancullen.com [email protected]

Federal Infrastructure Town Halls

Member of Parliament // Skeena - Bulkley Valley

What are your priorities for promised federal funds for community projects?

Please share your thoughts as local governments and I co-host conversations across the Northwest. Together we can plan wise investments.

Feb 28 - 7pm Burns Lake, Lakes Dist. Sec., Library

Feb 29 - 7pm Ft. St. James, Seniors Rec Centre

Mar 1 - 7pm Fraser Lk., Royal Canadian Legion

Mar 2 - 7pm Hazelton, Anglican Church Hall

Further events to be announced

Call 1-888-622-0212 for information

Training starts early: New Gold

SUBMITTED photo

For its proposed Blackwater mining project southwest of Vanderhoof, New Gold looks to learn from and build on suc-cess at its current mine construction in Ontario, where over 10 aboriginal employees have graduated so far from the company’s in-house Surface Miner Aboriginal Training Program, project director said.


NEWSExpress


“My wallpaper and I are fi ght-ing a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go,” says Irish author Oscar Wilde on his death bed, according to legend.

Though room decorations may not be a concern for some during their last days, people’s wishes for all aspects of the fi nal journey can be better respected if planning starts early, a Vander-hoof physician said.

This year, Vanderhoof’s doc-tors look to focus on advance care planning for the fi nal stage of life — starting with an in-teractive group presentation at the Omineca Medical Clinic on March 2.

“In so many times, [the con-versation] happened at crisis, ‘Now you’re really sick, what would you like, what’s important to you, what would you not like us to do,’” said Dr. Nicole Ebert. “That’s a really awful time to ask a family or patients what their wishes would be.”

The discussion is more than the traditional dialogue on medi-cal technicalities, such as “being hooked up to a machine or not,” Ebert explained.

“We’ve made the dying pro-cess medical,” she said. “As op-posed to what’s important to you, what are your values and goals, how do you see yourself at the end of life, how would you like the end of life to be.”

The switched focus would al-low doctors to choose appropri-ate medical procedures to match the identifi ed personal values, she added.

“As opposed to having [pa-tients] pick a medical procedure, which isn’t really fair, because unless you’ve seen it, you don’t know what it really is, or if it’s going to help,” Ebert said.

An earlier conversation will not only decrease stress, but also the confl ict that may arise between family members, she added.

“It’s amazing how much guilt there is,” Ebert said. “All of a sudden a family member has a stroke and can’t tell you what they want, and nobody knows.

“We’ve seen people liv-ing longer and we can do more things at the end of life, so now we’re trying to fi gure how can we help people through that stage of life…’cause it’s going to happen, the one sure thing.”

Currently, doctors intro-duce the discussion when their patients have many complex, chronic diseases — conditions that will likely shorten their life or affect how they die — but they look to expand the conversation to the population who don’t, Eb-ert explained.

“‘Cause you never know what’s going to happen…you see that too often, and you read about it all the time now,” she said. “Sixty is not too young to think about what’s important.”

Death, seemingly too far on the horizon for those feeling healthy, may be a diffi cult sub-ject for many people, but this is the time to make plans, Ebert said.

“It’s hard to have the con-versation with people in their 60s, when they are completely functional; they’re working and they’re like, ‘Why do I want to think about this,’” she said. “Be-cause you are well and you know what’s important, you have time to think about it.

“I have quite a few patients who said they don’t want to talk about it right now, or they’re just not sure.”

As many years can pass be-fore the recorded ideas for that fi nal stage are needed, plans can certainly change and be edited as time goes on, Ebert said.

“This is an evolving thing be-cause what you can see yourself as important for you in your 60s, may be very different from what you think in your 80s,” she said. “So the conversation keeps get-ting revisited.

“Your plans can change.”In addition to the last thresh-

old, the advance care plan may also include earlier implications such as housing, she said.

“‘Where do I want to live at that stage of my life — can I live in my home until the end — or do I need to think about, at some point, I may have to move i.e. there’s too many stairs in my house, if I have support around

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Magdalena Saito Holistic Health Practitioner

250-524-0333 -- www.HalcyonHolistic.comYoung Living Essential Oils Distributor & Re exologist

There are many great holistic therapies available in Vanderhoof. And holistic therapies offer great benefi ts!Let’s focus our article today on Yoga.Did you know there are various types of yoga? Some work on core strength, others focus on meditations, relaxation, endurance, strengthening muscles and even weight loss. Often yoga brings a mindfulness to ones breathing. Breathing well is vital to good health. Breathing can help you relax, and keeps you centered during those diffi cult postures. Generally Yoga is great to work on fl exibility which stretches and strengthens your muscles. For Strength yoga is very physical and can be hard to endure, but the rewards are priceless. Not into working hard? There are some more gradual and easier types of yoga, just don’t expect results to be as quick, though you may see some benefi ts to endurance. Strengthening yoga works on muscle tone.Yoga and Posture: work on your muscles, and your fl exibility better posture would follow, it should become easier to stand tall, keep your back straight, and sit not slouch.What about some other body benefi ts? How does lower blood pressure? Lower cholesterol? Better immune system?So how about checking out what Vanderhoof has to offer and try a night out!

Yoga and HealthMatching personal values with plans for fi nal stage

town, has everybody moved away,” Ebert added.

For Julie Ephrom, a registered nurse in Vanderhoof for 36 years, a living will — also known as an advanced directive — outlining her wishes for the fi nal stage in life was created in 1993.

In the 1990s, she was not only involved with sustaining life and dying through her work, but was also the coordinator of the Van-derhoof Palliative Care Society — now called Vanderhoof Hos-pice Society — where volun-teers were trained to accompany people during the end of life, Ephrom explained.

“In that role what I saw was that very often people haven’t had [that] conversation,” she said. “We started looking at what can we do for people to better com-municate their wishes before the event.”

Even if the wishes were dis-cussed, there was no written record.

“You can have a conversation with somebody, then six months later, an event happens, and ev-erybody’s like what did they say,” Ephrom said. “This gives them something to go by.”

For some of her family mem-bers who have passed away, liv-ing wills that were made months ahead to outline their wishes proved useful during the fi nal moment in the hospital, she re-called.

“It reassures the medical sys-tem, it reassures your family, or yourself only,” Ephrom said. “We go through life expecting we’re going to get a hamburger, we go to the movies with our friend.

“We don’t go through life ex-pecting you’ll get whacked at the intersection.”

She added, “It was important to me that I’m self-directed in life; why wouldn’t I be self-directed in death.”

The interactive group presen-tation on advance care planning will take place on March 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Interested participants are advised to con-tact the Omineca Medical Clinic to allow adequate space for the event.

This is part one of the Om-ineca Express’ article series on

advance care planning, with more to come in future editions.Vanderhoof’s doctors are focusing on advance care planning this year, with resources available on

display at the Omineca Medical Clinic and an interactive workshop on March 2.

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OPINIONExpress

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Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0

Helen Saul Case

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service

(OMNS, Feb 13, 2016) Some folks are pretty appalled that my husband and I had our children vaccinated. People write and tell me that vaccinations are dangerous. They warn me about the side effects of this vaccine and that one. They share alternative, natural ways to improve immunity. What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate. I am sorry that I did not explain my-self better the fi rst time. (http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v11n09.shtml)

Let’s fi x that.Vaccinations can be dangerousYou don’t have to tell me this. I already know. I watched my child suffer

a severe vaccine reaction before my very eyes. Seeing my 15 month old baby, screaming, trying to walk to me but not being able to because she was stumbling and falling over and uncoordinated, is a vision I will never be able to get out of my mind. It was horrifi c.

I also watched high dose, saturation level vitamin C return her to normal. I will never forget this either.

But why didn’t I just stop the shots right then and there?“Choosing” to vaccinateIn the article I wrote: “My husband and I chose to have our children vac-

cinated.” We did. We could have chosen not to.We could have said no to all shots by choosing a religious exemption

stating that shots are against our sincerely held religious beliefs. We chose not to make this our religion.

Philosophical, personal or conscientiously held belief exemptions to vaccinations are not lawful in New York State where our family lives. We could have chosen to move to a different state where philosophical exemp-tions are allowed. But we chose not to move.

We could have chosen to just fl at out refuse immunizations and go face to face against state government and school districts and child protective services. Ultimately, we chose to comply only with state mandated vaccina-tions, but just the ones required for school, and no more.

So yes, we chose to have our children vaccinated. Truly, though, we didn’t feel we had much choice. Nobody really does. “Choice” can be taken away in an instant.

Shots for every childPay attention: this is important. As states push stronger and more strin-

gent immunization laws onto their citizens, mandatory vaccination is quick-ly becoming the rule rather than the exception. You can argue about the dangers of vaccinations, but I will just agree with you. That doesn’t change the fact that children are still getting shots every day. Vaccine reactions and side effects are a real danger. Doctors agree. This is the cold hard reality.

I do not agree with all of the shots recommended for children. I do not agree with the timing of shots for children. I do not agree that toddlers and babies and infants should be given shots so early in their life, so many at a clip, and three, and four, and fi ve doses of the same ones over and over

Vaccinations, Vitamin C, and “Choice”again. I do not agree that pregnant mothers of developing babies should be given shots. And I do not condone the fact that no medical or governmental authority instructs parents how to protect against vaccination damage by giving mas-sive doses of vitamin C.

“A young child may receive 49 doses of 14 vaccines be-fore age 6, And 69 doses of 16 vaccines before age 18. It is also worrying when you examine the various ingredients that are present in these vaccines. What does make sense is the use of bowel tolerance amounts of oral vitamin C to counter the toxic effects of vaccines.” - Ken Walker, M.D

My opinion notwithstanding, every year more than 10 million vaccines are given to children less than a year of age (1). Only somewhere between one and ten percent of vac-cine reactions are ever reported (2). That one comes as no surprise to us. Our daughter’s pediatrician did not report her vaccine reaction. We did.

In most states, when it comes to vaccinations, you must become an extremist or you must comply. Parents in my state are not allowed to postpone shots for their children past state mandates without medical exemptions. We can only delay them and spread them out within these limita-tions. Saying yes to some shots and no to others is not per-mitted; the law does not allow families a “buffet” approach. As states look to tighten the screws on medical exemptions, eliminate philosophical and conscientious exemptions, and even try to (unconstitutionally) limit religious exemptions, it is becoming more likely than not: a needle is going into your child.

And we had all better be ready.“I feel strongly that vaccinations have to be considered

separately as applied to the individual and tracked for effec-tiveness. There will never be a good vaccine for every infec-tious disease. I would hope that many will heed the fact that high-dose C does wonders in reducing vaccine side effects.” - Ralph Campbell, M.D.

High dose vitamin C for everybodyHigh dose vitamin C safely prevents and treats vaccine

side effects (3). This has been evident in our experience. We watched high dose, saturation level vitamin C bring our daughter back to health after a vaccine reaction. We watched high dose, saturation level vitamin C prevent vaccination side effects. We give both of our children saturation levels of C before, during (yes, right at the doctor’s offi ce) and after immunizations. We don’t give the amount of vitamin C we think might work; we give enough to get the job done.

This is no small task. It takes determination like you have never had before to get your children to take very high amounts of vitamin C again and again, day after day. It also takes love, patience, understanding, praise, yummy “chas-

ers” after taking vitamin C powder in juice, and when all else fails: straight up bribery.

Keeping kids as healthy as possible takes a great deal of effort. And it is worth it. Even our doctor marvels that our children only visit the offi ce for wellness appointments and vaccinations.

I see it this way: when you are a parent and are breast-feeding or giving a bottle, you don’t just give up if your child doesn’t eat. You see to it that your baby gets the nutrition he or she needs. You do it until. That’s how we feel about vita-min C. It is that important.

No shots until my twentiesIn my article I say “We (my husband and I) believe some

immunizations to be worthwhile.” And I do. Two, in fact.In in my twenties, I received a single tetanus shot after I

stepped on a nail that went up through my foot while I was walking through an old barn. Horse dung naturally carries tetanus bacteria and can survive dormant in encased spores for decades (4). While the chance was probably quite slim that I would actually end up with tetanus, I thought it a “good idea” to get a tetanus shot under such circumstances. So did my doctor. I got the shot and took lots of vitamin C too.

I also received a single dose of an MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine years before I became pregnant. My doctor made a case for this one being a good idea if I wanted to have a family. Getting measles while pregnant can result in serious problems for a developing baby. We discussed if any other shots would also be worth the inherent risk. The answer was no. Again, I took vitamin C to bowel tolerance. I was spared any ill effects from the MMR inoculation.

So yes, this would mean I believe some shots are worth-while. I, myself, have had two. But there’s more to it than that. I did not have a single shot as a child. My parents chose to use vitamins and nutrition as the answers to (and more often for the prevention of) our health problems. Not surpris-ingly, we were really healthy kids. I was raised all the way into college with no shots, and no antibiotics either. They used vitamins instead because they are safe and they work. But this was a very tough road for my parents and for me to travel. That road is even more diffi cult to navigate now with so much more pressure to vaccinate and more vaccinations to be pressured for.

We all want healthy kidsWe must meet parents where they are. While we work

to mandate vaccine safety, demand informed consent, and advocate for real choice, when it comes to whether or not to vaccinate, let’s minimize any chance of vaccine damage now. Children are powerless. We aren’t. Whether we have a choice to vaccinate or not, let’s choose to give them vitamin C and lots of it.


NEWSExpress

Festival of the Performing Arts: adjudicator profi les

The 38th annual Festival of the Performing Arts will take place from March 7 to 15 at Nechako Valley Secondary’s Integris Community Theatre.

Monday March 7, Speech Arts

Friday March 11,Strings

Monday March 14 to Wednesday March 16

Piano

Monda March 14, 7:30 p.m.Interactive choral work-

shop for all by Dr. Stephen Smith

Tuesday March 15, 7:30 p.m. “Breaking Bach”, Piano

workshop about his Preludes and Fugues for all by Dr. Stephen Smith

Sunday March 20, 2:30 p.m. Spring Arts Gala Concert

More information can be found on www.musicfestival-web.com/nechako or Facebook page.

L i s t e n e r s , critics, and au-dience members know Stephen Smith as “a sensitive and dynamic per-former” with a “highly po-etic touch” and “superb musi-cianship which i l l u m i n a t e s everything he plays.” Simon Carrington (one of the founding members of the

Kings Singers) has called Smith “a magnifi cent pianist,” saying, “It’s a privilege to hear such beau-tiful playing!” And renowned pianist Jane Coop has called her former student “an extremely intelligent and perceptive musician who has great facility and strength in his technique. His performances are fascinating programmatically and intriguing musi-cally. He is dynamic and exciting on stage, with a compelling, persuasive temperament.”

Dr. Smith grew up in rural Nova Scotia, where he sang and played the piano from an early age. Af-ter initial studies in his home province in both piano and organ, he attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. While there he

participated in national and international competi-tions, and won numerous awards and distinctions. Since 1990, Stephen has lived in Vancouver, obtain-ing his doctoral degree in piano performance from the University of British Columbia, and contribut-ing to the musical life of the city as a performer, teacher, conductor, arranger and composer.

His wide-ranging musical experience extends from working with church and community choirs, through teaching piano and theory to students of all ages and at all levels, to giving solo and chamber music performances and working regularly with some of Vancouver’s fi nest professional ensembles, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Chamber Choir.

Smith is also a published composer who has been commissioned by the CBC, the National Youth Choir, and the BC Choral Federation, among many others, and whose choral music is frequently recorded and performed across North America and beyond. His work as both pianist and composer can be heard on dozens of CDs in commercial release, including a solo disc of classical piano miniatures entitled Kaleidoscope, available on iTunes.

As a teacher, his special interests include: the production of a seamless cantabile line; attaining brilliance, evenness, and clarity through fi nger strength and independence; and helping students to self-diagnose technical problems and solve them by applying appropriate practice techniques. Ana-lytical and historical specialties include the music of Bach, Brahms, and Schumann.

k

p

Simone Hug was born in December 1979 in a small town in East Germany. She started playing the violin just before she turned 8. At the age of 11 Simone was invited to attend the “Musikgym-nasium Schloss Belvedere”/” Franz Liszt” Music Conservatory in Weimar, where she spend the next 13 years of her life. During that time Sim-one followed the path of an orchestra and singer/songwriter career and enjoyed participating in numerous concerts & competitions in many dif-ferent places around the world.

Smithers became Simone’s new home in 2004, where she lives and works as a homeopath and a violin teacher.

Simone teaches intuitively according to each being’s unique way of learning and believes in music as a gift to share with the world in an un-competitive way.

Christina Rogers has been a speech arts and voice enthusiast for over 20 years. She holds an ARCT in speech arts from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto where she received the Florence Memorial Scholar-ship and gold medal for the highest mark in Canada. She has also completed exams with Trinity College, and spent several years teaching at the well-respected Speech Arts Studio in Edmonton AB and then later in Northern BC where she started the Stewart Speech Arts Festival and has been teaching around 40 students in Terrace, BC. While in her youth, Christina began studying with esteemed speech arts coach Shirley Kon-rad and multiple voice instructors, winning

numerous awards in-cluding the best overall speech award four dif-ferent times, the best overall voice award, the Telus Scholar-ship and fi rst place at the provincial level. Christina spent years training in dance, and because of her diverse theatre skills espe-cially enjoys coach-ing musical theatre solos. Christina fi nds

great joy in teaching, adjudicating, compos-ing, and writing. She currently works with groups and private stu-dents in Northern BC, with students placing at the provincial level and winning RCM gold medals. She has recently moved to Prince George where she now resides with her husband and three children.

Dr. Stephen Smith, Piano Adjudicator

Simone Hug, Strings Adjudicator

Christina Rodgers, ARCT, Speech Arts Adjudicator

The Festival of the Performing ArtsMarch 7-20

NVSS, VanderhoofPlease visit our website at www.musicfestivalweb.com/nechako for program details

We invite you to visit out facebook page and “like” it to keep up with the festival!

Senior girls basketball zone fi nals

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Nechako Valley Secondary’s Viqueens jumped for defence against Duchess Park Secondary on Feb. 20. See page 8.


NEWSExpress

Integris is accepting applications for the position of Commercial Account Manager (CAM). The CAM achieves commercial goals and results by building and maintaining close relationships with members, potential members, industry and community groups. This permanent, full-time position has the flexibility to be located out of either Prince George or Vanderhoof depending on the successful applicant’s place of residence.

We are looking for an individual with commercial lending experience and who LOVES being in the public and networking for business purposes. The successful candidate for this position will be an outgoing and energetic individual with strong communication skills and a high degree of self-initiative. Completion of an undergraduate degree in business (or a related discipline) or equivalent level of education is considered an asset.

COMMERCIAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Vanderhoof or Prince George | Full-Time

For more information and to apply for this position, please visit us at www.integriscu.ca/careers. Upload your resume/cover letter by locating the corresponding position under the current openings tab. The deadline to apply for this position is Friday, February 26th.

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Viqueens placing second in central zone

VIVIAN CHUI photos

Above: Defeating D. P. Todd and Kelly Road Secondary schools from Prince George, Nechako Valley Secondary’s senior girls basketball team lost to Duchess Park, ranked fi rst in B.C., by 56-74 at the Central Zone Championship on Feb. 20 in Vanderhoof.

Left: The Viqueens’ Jordan Andres, named Player of the Game at the fi nals game against Duchess Park, leaped for the shot after a breakaway on Feb. 20.

Vander-hoof hostPeewee Tier 4 Playoffs

A Vanderhoof Bears honed in for another goal against Burns Lake on Feb. 20 — with ending score of 17-0.The round robin tournament included teams from Fort St. James, Prince Ru-pert, Burns Lake, and Houston.


JOIN THE MOVEMENT AGAINSTBULLYING ON FEBRUARY 24

JOIN THE MOVEMENT AGAINST BULLYING ON FEBRUARY 24

Purchase a Pink Shirt at London Drugs or pinkshirtday.cato support anti-bullying programs in B.C.

PINKSHIRTDAY.CA #pinkshirtday@pinkshirtday

Recognizing cyberbullyingBefore social media became so prevalent, instances of bullying were somewhat easy to recognize. However, with a good majority of children now engaged in digital networking and social media, bul-lying may not end with the ringing of the school bell, and evidence of bullying may not be so readily apparent.According to Cyberbullying statis-tics from the i-SAFE foundation, more than half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber-bullying. More than 80 percent of teens use a mobile phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for repeated cyberbullying.Cyberbullying takes place through electronic technology and differs from traditional forms of bullying. Cyber-bullying can occur via text messaging, blogging, updates to social media sites and/or phone conversations. What makes cyber-bullying more diffi cult to detect and remedy than traditional bully-ing is that sometimes this type of bullying is veiled in secrecy.Those who engage in cyberbul-lying can create aliases and accounts under false names, allowing them to covertly engage in bullying behavior. As a result, tracking down bullies can be chal-lenging.Although cyberbullying is on the

rise, there are some things that parents and children can do to help put a stop to such unfortu-nate instances.* Parents who feel their child is not emotionally ready for the responsibility of a digital device can hold back on purchasing a smartphone or choose one with very limited features. Some schools set strict limits on phone usage at school, and children who go only from school to home and

vice versa may not have the need for an

“emergency phone”

that can open up

a window for trouble.

* Adolescents and teens should feel comfortable talking with their parents

without the fear of reprimand.

Otherwise, they may hide instances

of cyberbullying or not know how to broach sensitive topics like bullying. Parents can engage in conversation with their children often and stress that the doors of communication are always open.* Teens should be made aware that cyberbullying is a very real occurrence and is not just other kids “having fun” or “joking.” If behavior is repetitive and hurtful, it should be made public and ad-dressed.* Parents can monitor and limit

their children’s personal accounts. Some smartphone and tablet ap-plications can be mirrored on the main account, enabling parents to see incoming text or video mes-sages. * A laptop or desktop computer should be placed in a shared space so that usage can be monitored. Parents can restrict tablet or smartphone usage to public areas.* When online, children should be advised not to share personal information. Social media sites may be used by bullies to gather sensitive information about a per-son that can be used against them at a later time. Children should be urged to keep passwords secret and to never give information such as birthdays, phone numbers and addresses to people who aren’t close friends. Friend lists should be restricted to only those people stu-dents interact with frequently to minimize the chance for bullying or other inappropriate behavior.* Teens who have been bullied can keep evidence of the bullying and may benefi t from talking with a counselor. Cyberbullying is a growing con-cern for educators and parents and has far-reaching implications. Getting smart about this phenom-enon can help staunch new cases of online bullying.

Pink Shirt Day is Wednesday Feb 24th

Adults should remain diligent in monitoring what kids are doing online. Bullying can take place through digital devices, such as mobile phones.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT AGAINST BULLYING ON FEBRUARY 24

Purchase a Pink Shirt at London Drugs or pinkshirtday.cato support anti-bullying programs in B.C.

PINKSHIRTDAY.CA #pinkshirtday@pinkshirtday


BiathlonAt her fi fth year in biathlon, 14-year-old

Linnea Moutray will be competing at her fi rst BC Winter Games this weekend.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Moutray said. “[I’m] trying to get my shooting good…get my grip tighter, try and ski faster.”

Earlier this month, Moutray won silver medals in the Junior Girls Sprint and Pursuit events at the third BC Cup provincial biathlon tournament at Whistler Olympic Park.

In addition to regular biathlon practice ev-ery Thursday, she has been training every day since last fall — skating on the lakes with nor-dic blades and poles, skiing, shooting, and get-ting her rifl e sighted — including Christmas Day, she said.

During the summer, training involved more precision shooting, running, as well as roller skiing.

Enjoying cross-country skiing since she was little, she enjoys the opportunities that competing in biathlon offers.

“You get to travel around B.C. to meet new people, making new friends from different places,” Moutray said, adding that her favou-

rite competition venue is Whistler, where signage reminds athletes of its role in Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

Coaches Sonya Zurevinski and Gerd Erasmus noticed Moutray’s huge increase in training outside of practices this year.

“Once she realized she really likes it, she came to train more…it’s made a huge difference.” Erasmus said. “She re-ally improved in skiing and shooting this season.

“It really came together.”

SpeedskatingHeading down from Vanderhoof to compete in this year’s

BC Winter Games are Connor Ebert, Nicole McBride, Alexis Seely, and Logan Sewell.

Supported by coaches Nicole Ebert and Vince Sewell, as well as adult supervisor Jessica Seely, they are joined by Fort St. James’ Austin McKersie, who will be competing in a relay race as a team with the four younger members of the group.

For McBride, 14, Alexis, 13, McKersie, 13, and Logan, 14, it’s the fi rst BC Winter Games of their speed skating ca-reer. During the last month, the four athletes have been prac-ticing once a week together in preparation for relay.

“I’m a little nervous and super excited,” said Austin, who also skis in addition to speed skating.

Also excited, Alexis looks to do her best and have fun. “It’s a great chance to meet other athletes,” she said.

McBride aims to improve her personal best time, “try my hardest in everything and just have lots of fun,” she said.

Though speed skating is her main focus this year, Mc-Bride is also involved in biathlon and cross country skiing, winning silver in the individual race at the third BC Cup pro-vincial biathlon tournament at Whistler Olympic Park earlier this month.

Skating for the last eight years, Logan looks forward to see what the event will be like and to have fun, he said.

For Connor, 15, it’s his second time participating in the BC Winter Games that takes place every two years.

He has been skating for 13 years, “if you count crawling on the ice,” he said.

“I would really like to thank the community for the sup-port they’ve given for the rink, and the coaches who have put together the program and support beforehand in training,” Connor said.

The speed skating team is sponsored by 15 different local businesses between Vanderhoof and Fort St. James, including equipment, bags, and cut-proof skin suits.

For McKersie’s mother Laura, the event is an opportunity for the athletes to represent their communities.

“They become role models for younger kids,” she said. “When they are back, they’ll have stories for younger kids…who strive for that position.”

Vanderhoof represented in speed skating and biathlon in Pentiction 2016 BC Winter Games

BC GAMES, continued from front page

Above: (from left) Lo-gan Sewell, Alexis Seely, Austin McK-ersie, Nicole McBride, and Connor Ebert, practises at the Van-derhoof Arena on Feb. 19 for speed skating at the Pentiction 2016 BC Winter Games this weekend.

Taking place from Feb. 25 to 28, this year’s Winter Games features athletes with an aver-age age of 14 com-peting in 17 different sports.

VIVIAN CHUI photos

Left: Earlier this month, Moutray won silver medals in the Junior Girls Sprint and Pursuit events at the third BC Cup provincial biathlon tournament at Whistler Olympic Park.

SUBMITTED photo


COMMUNITYExpress

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Vanderhoof Post Offi ceVanderhoof Post Offi ceRiverside PlaceRiverside Place

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REAL ESTATE P. 4-5

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A division of

Put your leadership and management skills

to work serving democracy in British Columbia.

Elections BC is looking for local leaders t

o serve as Distri

ct

Electoral Officers and Deputy D

istrict Electoral Officers

throughout B.C. These roles plan for and manage the

administration of the 2017 Provincial General Election and

related projects.

District Electoral Officers a

nd Deputy Distri

ct Electoral Officers

represent the Chief Electoral Officer in their e

lectoral district and

play a critical role ensuring voters

and stakeholders experience an

impartial, fair, accessible and inclusive electoral process.

For more information, visit elections.bc.ca/jobs.

Apply now. Application deadline is January 31, 2016.

LOCAL LEADERS WITH

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

www.elections.bc.ca / 1- 8 0 0 - 6 6 1 - 8 6 8 3

The BC Games So-

ciety and Coast Capital

Savings have teamed up

once again to support the

pursuit of achievement

and leadership through

a bursary program. Ath-

letes (and youth coaches

and offi cials) taking part

in the Penticton 2016 BC

Winter Games can apply

to receive one of 16 bur-

saries in the amount of

$500. The program was

fi rst offered at the 2014

BC Summer Games with

over 250 applicants for

the bursary.

The bursary is in-

tended to recognize ath-

letes who have achieved

in sport and education

but, more importantly, go

above and beyond in their

communities through

leadership and volunteer

activities. Youth coaches

and offi cials (under 19

years of age) who are at-

tending the Games as part

of a development oppor-

tunity are also welcome

to apply.

“Coast Capital Sav-

ings is excited to spon-

sor these bursaries as

part of our commitment

to building richer futures

for youth in our com-

munities,” said Wendy

Lachance, Director of

Community Leadership

at Coast Capital Savings.

“The dedication these

young people show in

pursuing excellence as

athletes, students

and

community leaders is in-

spirational.”

Coast Capital Sav-

ings is a valued Corporate

Partner of the BC Games

Society and has made a

promise “To help build a

richer future for youth in

our communities.” Coast

Capital delivers on this

promise through initia-

tives that support health,

build self-reliance and

confi dence, and inspire

youth to become lead-

ers. Sport is an avenue

to achieve all of these and

the BC Games provides

young athletes, coaches,

and offi cials from across

the province with an im-

portant competitive op-

portunity and exceptional

experience to learn about

teamwork, goal setting,

friendship, and commu-

nity excellence.

“BC Games athletes

commit signifi cant time

and energy to their sport,”

said Kelly Mann, Presi-

dent and CEO of the BC

Games Society. “We

hope that this fi nancial

support of our young par-

Coast Capital Savings and the BC Games

Society launch youth Bursary Program

ticipants, who are leaders

both on and off the fi eld

of play, will help give

them an extra boost to

continue to make a differ-

ence to their sport and in

their communities.”

Athletes (and youth

coaches and offi cials)

who have qualifi ed for the

2016 BC Winter Games

can apply for the bursary

by completing the online

application form at www.

bcgames.org. A refer-

ence letter from a coach

or teacher must be includ-

ed. The deadline for ap-

plications is February 8,

2016 and winners will be

announced at the Closing

Ceremony of the Pent-

icton 2016 BC Winter

Games on February 28.

An Inter-Church Christmas Festival

held Saturday Dec. 19 in Riverside Park

brought families out to see and hear the

Christmas story. With live animals and

people dressed in costume this was a

great way to present the Christmas story

and nativity.

Christmas Festival

Reaching Every Door


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REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY P. 3-5

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Homeowner grant

threshold increases

VICTORIA - British Columbians who

own homes valued up to $1.2 million may

be eligible to receive a full home owner

grant this year, while a partial grant may be

available if the home is v

alued above this

threshold.

The home owner grant provides mod-

est property tax relief to those who need

it most. Last year, this program returned

nearly $800 million to B.C. residents. F

or

2016, more than 91% of homes are below

the threshold.

BC Assessment estimates the values of

all homes based on their market value on

July 1 each year. For homes valued below

the threshold, the basic grant can reduce

residential property taxes on an owner’s

principal residence by up to $570.

An additional grant up to $275 is avail-

able for homeowners who are aged 65 or

over, who qualify under the persons with

disabilities category, or who are eligible

to receive certain war-veteran allowances.

The northern and rural home owner benefi t

provides an additional $200 in property tax

relief to households outside the Greater

Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Capital Re-

gional Districts.

Low-income homeowners who would

have received the additional home owner

grant except for the high value of their

home can apply for a low-income grant

supplement.

Homeowners who face diffi culty keep-

ing up with rising property assessments in

B.C. may also be eligible to defer all or a

portion of their property taxes. The proper-

ty tax deferment program provides low-in-

terest loans that allow eligible homeowners

to defer payment of annual property taxes

until their home is s

old or becomes part of

an estate. This program is available to own-

ers who are 55 or older, su

rviving spouses

of any age, and persons with disabilities.

Families who are fi nancially supporting

children may also qualify.

Asset limit fo

r

disability assistance

increases

As of Dec. 1, 2015, people receiving dis-

ability assist

ance can now receive regular

gifts from family, frie

nds, and community

groups, their assistance from the govern-

ment being affected.

Allowing repeated gifts of cash within

the asset limit with no impact on eligibility

for assistance, the changes also include rais-

ing the asset limit fro

m $5,000 to $100,000,

and from $10,000 to $200,000 for families

where two people with the PWD designa-

tion receive disability assist

ance.

There is also more fl exibility

in spend-

ing money from trust funds, according to

the provincial government.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive

reaction to these major changes for people

with disabilities,” said Michelle Stilwell,

B.C.’s minister of Social Development and

Social Innovation. “B.C. now has the most

generous gifts and assets policies in Canada

- meaning fi nancial security, independence

and peace of mind for people receiving dis-

ability assist

ance and their families.”

Jane Dyson with Disability Alliance BC

said, “Some of our clients are struggling

to believe the new policy on gifts is tr

ue.

It means some folks will enjoy a happier

holiday season this year, and over the year

many more will benefi t fr

om this new fl ex-

ibility.”

B.C.: more support fo

r homeowners, people

with disabilities, and home support s

ervices

#UsedHelps

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REAL ESTATE P. 4-5

InsideCLASSIFIEDS P. 6, 7


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VANCOUVER -

The Province is work-

ing in partnership with

the BC Nurses’ Union

(BCNU) to create over

1,600 additional regu-

lar nursing positions to

the B.C. health system,

to improve care for pa-

tients and better support

nurses on the frontlines

of health care.

“Nurses are impor-

tant, highly-skilled

members of health

care teams throughout

British Columbia, and

today’s announcement

acknowledges their in-

tegral role in the health

system,” said Health

Minister Terry Lake.

“Over the past year,

we have been working

closely with nurses to

make health care im-

provements that ben-

efi t both patients and

staff. We are confi dent

this spirit of partner-

ship will continue as

we work together on a

new collective agree-

ment that meets the

goals of nurses, health

authorities and the

Province.”

The Ministry of

Health, along with

health authorities, the

Health Employers As-

sociation of BC (HE-

ABC) and BCNU have

jointly committed to

work togetherto create

1,643 regular nursing

positions by March 31,

2016.“To nurses

who

are trying to provide

safe patient care while

working short in ERs

and operating rooms

and nurses who cope

with overwhelming

workloads, this agree-

ment means that relief

is on the way,” said

Gayle Duteil, president

of the BCNU. “I urge

nurses who are working

casual and who want a

permanent position to

send an email today to:

[email protected].

BCNU is supporting the

hiring process by pro-

viding a fi rst point of

contact for all qualifi ed

nurses.”

Recruitment targets

Health authorities improve patient

care with creation of nursing positions

are as follows:

* Fraser Health: 400

* Interior Health: 300

* Island Health: 290

* Northern Health: 100

* Providence Health Care: 80

* Provincial Health Services

Authority: 238

* Vancouver Coastal: 235

“Fraser Health welcomes this

opportunity to work with the

BCNU in order to recruit new

nurses to the region,” said Fraser

Health president and chief execu-

tive offi cer Michael Marchbank.

“This will provide even greater

levels of care for patients.”

HEABC and BCNU will

contract with HealthMatch BC

to work in partnership with the

health authorities on a recruit-

ment campaign.

“Nurses are a key pillar of

BC’s health care system, de-

livering quality treatment to

thousands of patients every day

throughout the province,” said

HEABC president and chief

executive offi cer David Logan.

“This recruitment effort will con-

tribute immensely to maintain-

ing these high standards while

supporting our current efforts at

the bargaining table as we work

to reach a collective agreement

over the next couple of months

that serves the primary aim of

providing the best care possible

to British Columbians.”

In the last year, BCNU and

the Province have equally funded

$2 million for violence preven-

tion actions at sites that deal

with some of the province’s most

complex patients, as well as

specialty and community nurse

funding.

Last April, the Ministry

of

Health and HEABC reached an

agreement with BCNU and the

Nurses Bargaining Association to

improve patient care, with about

$5 million allocated towards spe-

cialty nurse training for positions

such as emergency room, operat-

ing room, obstetric and neonatal

nurses. As part of this agreement,

the ministry has also provided $1

million to assist Licensed Practi-

cal Nurses pursuing registered

nurse education and $2 million

to provide new mobile technol-

ogy to community nurses.

On Jan. 22, Vanderhoof will

celebrate its 90th birthday, and

the District of Vanderhoof is

hosting two major events to

mark the occasion! At the fi rst

event we’ll wish Happy Birth-

day to Vanderhoof at the arena,

and the following day we’ll cel-

ebrate at Riverside Park with

sleigh rides, live music, and

fi reworks.

Friday, Jan. 22 – Vander-

hoof Arena

Local school children will

be invited for skating at the

Vanderhoof Arena at 12:30pm;

cupcakes will be served and ev-

eryone will gather on the ice to

sing “Happy Birthday”. Seniors

are invited to join for tea, cof-

fee, and cake, and to enjoy the

historical photo series. Mem-

bers of the public are welcome

to join in the festivities, with a

free skate happening from 2pm

to 5pm.

Saturday, Jan. 23 – River-

side Park

Join us at Riverside Park for

food, music, and fi reworks! Be-

ginning at noon, the Nechako

Nordics Ski Club is hosting a

cross-country ski tournament

until 2pm. Then, gather around

a bonfi re for chili dogs, ban-

nock, and hot chocolate. Enjoy

horse-drawn sleigh rides and a

historical photo series of Van-

derhoof since its i

ncorporation.

Live music will begin at 3pm

with speeches at 5:30pm. The

afternoon will end with a bang

when the fi reworks kickoff at

6pm.

These events will k

ick off a

year-long birthday celebration

for Vanderhoof and surrounding

communities, as Fort St. James

celebrates its 210th birthday

and the Nechako Valley Exhibi-

tion celebrates its 50th.

Happy 90th birthday, Vanderhoof!

NVSS BOTTLE DEPOT HOURS

Open Mon, Tues, Friday 11am-5pm

Saturday 10am-5 p.m.

Integris in Vanderhoof is currently searching for an individual

to fill the position of Financial Planning Support. T

his position

focuses on assisting the Financial Planner in the Vanderhoof

branch and contributing as part of the dynamic Financial

Planning team across the organization. This Permanent, Full-

time position will work Monday to Friday from 9AM

-4:30PM

.

The Financial Planning Support provides a wide variety of

clerical support to the Financial Planner(s),

along with organizing

and maintaining client files. The successful applicant for this

position will have 1-2 years’ administrative experience, preferably

with some exposure to the investments or security industry.

Additionally, the selected candidate will have a working

knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

FINANCIAL PLANNING SUPPORT

Vanderhoof; Permanent, F

ull-Time

For more information and to apply for this position, please visit us

at www.integriscu.ca/careers. Upload your resume/cover letter by

locating the corresponding position under the current openings tab.

The deadline to apply for this position is Wednesday, January 27th.

Integris Credit Union is looking for an individual to join us as

a Member Service Representative (Teller) on a temporary

(1 year), part-ti

me basis in our Vanderhoof Branch. For

this position, we require the successful applicant to have

a fl exible schedule between Monday and Saturday and to

work no less than three (3) days a week.

The main focus of the position is to provide exceptional

service to our members, make quality referrals, and handle

member issues while maintaining a positive attitude.

Integris off ers a wage commensurate with experience,

a highly competitive benefi ts p

rogram, and a reputable

corporate culture.

To apply, please upload your resume/cover letter by visiting

www.integriscu.ca/careers and locating the corresponding

position under the current openings tab. The deadline for this

position is Wednesday, February 3rd , 2016.

MEMBER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Vanderhoof; Temporary (1 year), Part-Time

THE STUART NECHAKO ADVERTISER CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...

Tax season has started and that means British Columbians are try-ing to make sense of tax changes and how to handle their RRSPs. The Chartered Professional Ac-countants of British Columbia (CPABC) has put together fi ve im-portant RRSP tips for the 2015 tax year:

1. Who is Eligible to Contrib-ute to an RRSP?

Anyone with “earned income” in a prior year who is subject to Canadian taxation on that “earned income”, including non-residents, may contribute to an RRSP. You can make part or all of your RRSP contributions to a spousal RRSP under which you are the contributor and your spouse is the annuitant, and you as the contributor are en-titled to the tax deduction. For this purpose, a spouse refers to a legally married partner or a common-law partner of the opposite or same sex with whom you have cohabitated for the past 12 months.

To maximize your long-term tax savings, there should be an attempt to equalize the retirement income of both spouses. Therefore, RRSP contributions should go into the name of the spouse who will oth-erwise have the lower income in re-tirement. There are, of course, ex-ceptions to this general rule where, for example, both spouses are try-ing to accumulate funds for the Home Buyers’ Plan or the Lifelong Learning Plan.

2. Tax Savings from an RRSP

If you have an RRSP deduction limit as shown on your 2014 Notice of Assessment and you are a B.C. resident, the following are the in-come tax savings you could realize from making an RRSP contribu-tion:

If your taxable income is be-tween $11,327 and $44,701, a $1,000 RRSP contribution would reduce your 2015 taxes by up to $227.

If your taxable income is be-tween $44,702 and $89,401, a $1,000 RRSP contribution would reduce your 2015 taxes by about $227 to $343.

If your taxable income is be-tween $89,402 and $138,586, a $1,000 RRSP contribution would reduce your 2015 taxes by about $343 to $407.

If your taxable income is over $138,587, a $1,000 RRSP contribu-tion would reduce your 2015 taxes by about $437 to $458.

Remember, an RRSP is a tax deferral vehicle–you will be taxed on the funds when withdrawn. That said, you would rather pay $1 of income tax tomorrow than $1 of income tax today. Actual tax sav-ings will result if you are in a lower

Five RRSP Tips from CPABCtax bracket when you withdraw the funds, or if you can save income taxes by moving tax-able income to a lower income spouse through a spousal RRSP.

Look into the amount you can save with an RRSP contribution today.

3. Early Contribution to an RRSP

RRSPs can be tax-effective investment ve-hicles, especially if you are many years from retirement. If you do decide to take advantage of an RRSP, it is advisable to contribute at the beginning of the year to start the tax-free com-pounding of earnings within the RRSP earlier. Also consider monthly contributions to your RRSP throughout the year as opposed to a lump sum contribution at the end of the year or in the fi rst 60 days of the following year.

You can make an RRSP contribution in a year and not claim a tax deduction in that year if you think your marginal tax rate will be higher in a later year. You will still benefi t from the tax-deferred earnings. Provided your undeducted RRSP contributions do not exceed your RRSP deduction limit plus $2,000, your undeducted contribution can be carried forward indefi nitely, without penalty, for deduction in future years. This could be a substantial advan-tage if you claim the tax deduction in a year or years when you are in a higher tax bracket.

For your RRSP contribution to be deduct-ible for a particular tax year, the contribution must be made by the 60th day following the end of the year. For the 2015 tax year, the dead-line is February 29, 2016.

4. Is There a Good Time to Use the Money in an RRSP Prior to Retirement?

The primary objective of an RRSP is to save for retirement by permitting tax deductions for current period contributions, and tax-deferrals on investment earnings, with the goal of creat-ing a retirement nest egg. Ideally, tax deduc-tions occur during periods of higher income (higher income tax rates) and withdrawals occur during periods of lower income (lower income tax rates). With this in mind, it might sometimes make sense to withdraw funds from your RRSP prior to retirement.

It might make sense to withdraw funds from your RRSP or a spousal RRSP in the fi rst year you become self-employed and your net income is low as a result of start-up costs, or income is deferred as a result of tax planning. For example, if you are commencing a business in 2016, you could contribute $10,000 to your RRSP by February 29, 2016, deduct it on your 2015 tax return, and receive a tax refund. You could then withdraw the $10,000, net of with-holding taxes from your RRSP later in the year, include it in your 2016 income, and pay little or no tax as a result of having little or no other income in the year.

That said, since the purpose of an RRSP is to save for retirement, you should think very carefully about the future impact on your re-tirement wealth before withdrawing funds from your RRSP, especially since RRSP contribu-tion room is fi nite. (If you plan to re-contribute a previous withdrawal, outside of special pro-grams such as the Home Buyers’ Plan, such re-contributions would utilize future RRSP contribution room.) Also be careful about withdrawing from a spousal RRSP because the income could be attributed to the contribut-ing spouse if a spousal RRSP contribution had been made in the prior three years.

5. Withdrawals from an RRSP

Provided your RRSP is not in a non-redeem-able investment or a locked-in RRSP, you may withdraw any portion of your RRSP at any time. In most circumstances, you will pay tax on the amount withdrawn from an RRSP as it is considered income in the year you make the withdrawal. In addition, withdrawals do not af-fect your RRSP deduction limit; therefore, you will permanently lose that contribution room.

When you make your withdrawal, the fi nan-cial institution administering your RRSP will withhold 10 to 30 per cent for taxes. You will get a credit for the tax withheld when you com-plete your income tax return for the year. You might owe additional income tax at that time or be entitled to a tax refund of part or all of the tax withheld, depending on your marginal income tax rate and other income tax withheld for the year.

Funds withdrawn from an RRSP for the Home Buyer’s Plan or the Lifelong Learning Plan are not taxable income in the year with-drawn and are not subject to withholdings. They are, however, subject to repayment or in-come inclusion requirements over time. Speak to your Chartered Professional Accountant if you are thinking about a withdrawal from your RRSP.

Visit www.rrspandtaxtips.com for more tips from CPABC.

Disclaimer from CPABC: Tax rules relat-ing to these RRSP tips are complex. This is not intended as tax advice and you should not make tax decisions based solely on the information presented in these tips. You should seek the advice of a chartered professional accountant before implementing a tax plan or taking a tax fi ling position.


Vanderhoof celebrating 90 yearsFort St. James celebrating 210 years

Taken from the Omineca Express June 1986

Our Lady of Good Hope Church, on the shores of beautiful Stuart Lake is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the province and the oldest of any denomination still in use.

The church was founded in 1873 by Fa-ther Jean-Marie Le Jacq and Father George Blanchet (“the builder”) with the assistance of local Carrier Indians.

Father Blanchet on foot in deep snow searched the area for the kind of timber he wanted. He found some three miles across the lake from the Mission site. His only tools were an axe, a hammer and a ruler. He had no horses or wagon for hauling.

Here in the words of Louis Billy Prince is how he solved the problem of getting the timber across the frozen lake to the Mission site.

“Little Father get fi fty foot rope, and twenty Indian men and twenty women. He cut timber other side of lake. He tie rope on log. They pull it - men, women, all together - across the lake to church. Big logs. They pull two logs a day like this. Take long, long time to build church. But people happy. Make big noise. Sing. Shout. Pull logs, enough for church.”

Mrs. Margaret Seymour remembers it took weeks to complete the log dragging op-eration. The women of the tribe cooked the food for the work party. And although she and her sister were only little girls at the time, they helped Father Blanchet split shakes and make nails for the roof.

Our Lady of Good Hope has seen many celebrations throughout the year.

Behind the church is the small printing

Our Lady of Good Hope: the oldest Catholic church in B.C.

Nechako Chronicle 1954

Our Lady of Good Hope ChurchO r Lady of Good Hope Ch rch

shop where Father Morice printed books, prayer books and bibles for the Carrier people.

Taken from the Nechako Chronicle

March 26, 1964

The annual ban-quet of the Waterways Fish and Game Club on March 6 was again a gala evening. High-lighted by a three hun-dred plate of wild game supper. Meals served included moose, deer, caribou, beaver, goose, ducks, ptarmigan and grouse. Supplemented with salmon, pike, rainbow, lake trout, oysters and prawns, cooked, baked, roasted and stewed to a deli-cious state. Served with a host of vegetables prepared by the lady cooks we are so proud to praise in our town.

The Catholic Wom-en’s Club catered the wonderful meal which was served on rows of snow white tables in the Catholic auditorium. The tables were deco-rated with candles and fl owers. Pies, cakes, pickles and all sorts of goodies were every-where in evidence.

The dinner was pre-

ceded with a blessing by Father Shields. After all appetites were ap-peased and the aroma of steaming coffee was drifting on the air, sev-eral of the Fish and Game biologists and the Department of Conser-vation and Recreation personnel spoke briefl y on some very interest-ing topics. The tables were then cleared and moved to make room for dancing.

The auditorium had a new look for the evening, the 24 foot stage front was lined with mounted game trophy heads and ant-lers. Immediately un-der this display was a full length table cen-tered with a beauti-ful mountain goat rug upon which resided the “Balcombe” Annual Rainbow Derby Shield surrounded by the prize winners trophies.

A lucky member-ship draw of a Vital Creek jade earring and pendant set was cut and polished and donated by Mr. Wilf Christen, our local rockhound.

The annual rainbow derby prize were also handed to this year’s winners. First prize a 3.5 hp Scott outboard motor to Paul Felix of Tachie for a rainbow weighing 15 lbs 12 oz, second prize a Cole-man two burner camp stove to V. H. Hunter of Edmonton, Alberta with a rainbow 15lbs 1 oz. Both these fi sh were caught up the north arm of Stuart Lake. Mrs. Blanche Woodhead of Burnaby took third prize with a beautiful 14 lb rainbow from Trembleur Lake.

This banquet and dance was declared by many “the event of the year” and it truly was a well-arranged and man-aged evening of merri-ment. The ladies of the Catholic Women’s Club are to be highly praised for the lovely setting and the profi cient man-ner in which they han-dled such a large under-taking.

The Club’s banquet committee is to also be complimented for their efforts.

Fort St. James Waterways

1806Founded by Simon Fra-

ser and John Stuart for the Northwest Company.

1821Northwest Company ab-

sorbed by the Hudson’s Bay Company. George Simpson appointed a governor in the territory of Rupert’s Land by the Hudson’s Bay Company.

1828James Douglas, a young

clerk assigned to Fort St. James Post and given respon-sibility of procuring salmon for the post of Chief Trader Connolly. Carrier Indians threaten his life. Governor Sir George Simpson arrived at Fort St. James on Sept 17 on his fi rst visit.

185650 years after founding.

Donald Manson replaced by Peter Ogston an offi cer in charge of New Caledonia. No record of anniversary celebration.

1858Importance of Fort St.

James as administrative cen-tre ceases as New Caledonia and territory beyond its bor-ders named British Colum-bia by Queen Victoria. James Douglas, the young fi sher-man of 1828, then head of the Hudson’s Bay Company Western Department was ap-pointed fi rst Royal Governor. The name New Caledonia remained only with the Hud-son’s Bay Company and was continued many years there-after to designate this partic-ular trade area.

1862Gold prospectors pass

through the post on their way to the Peace River.

1871British Columbia joined

the Confederated Empire of British North America, with Joseph W. Trutch, fi rst Lieutenant-Governor and John Foster McCreight fi rst elected Premier.

1872Survey of Canadian Pacif-

ic Railway reaches the post.

1873Father Jean-Marie Le

Jacq came to Fort St. James in 1873 to establish Our Lady of Good Hope mission. He was superior of the mission which covered a territory of 122,000 square miles. Many times he would walk from Fort St. James to Babine a distance of 100 miles.

1906100 years after founding.

Centennial celebrated by four white men, comprising the entire white male popula-tion of Fort St. James with a dinner of whole roast beaver. George Ogston, Vanderhoof realtor and only surviving member of the dinner gath-ering, was an honor guest at the 150th Anniversary.

1925On July 25, 1925 a mem-

ber of the Vancouver Board

of Trade toured the area. He was very impressed by Douglas Lodge in Fort St. James.

1928Centennial celebration

held at Fort St. James by the Hudson’s Bay Company to commemorate the fi rst visit of Sir George Simpson on Sept 17, 1828.

1938Pinchi Mercury property

staked and mine opened by Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company. Stakers were Fort St. James resi-dents: L.R. Dickinson, Man-uel Rotticker, Dan Rotticker, George Nielson, Andy Aus-trom and Frank Cook.

1938Herbert Hoover, ex-presi-

dent of the United States vis-its Fort St. James.

1946Canada’s third largest

airline made its start at Fort

Important dates to remember in the history of Fort St. JamesSt. James. Organized and directed by Russell Baker, with residence and base at Fort St. James, the business grew from one aircraft and a staff of three in 1946 to 84 planes and 700 employees

10 years later.1952

B.C. Power Commission opens diesel generating plan on Nov 17 to provide Fort St. James with its fi rst power service.


VANDERHOOF’S VANDERHOOF’S FAITHFAITH

For more information or to joinVanderhoof’s Faith Church Directory

Call Pam at 250-567-9258

Church Directory

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship

The Church on the Corner“Giving you a Purpose to live for

and People to live with”Worship Service: 11:00 amSunday School: 9:45 am

Small Groups meeting together regularly:

We have a place for you to belong!For more information call

567-9198 263 Vanderview Drive

The Gospel Chapel

448 Connaught Street

For more information call567-3107

www.thegospelchapel.ca

Our MissionGlorifying God by helping all people move closer to

Jesus Christ one step at a time.

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

(Affi liated with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada)

For more information visit our website: www.vcfemc.com

1393 Highway 16 East250-567-4960

Join us Sundays @ 9:30 amEveryone Welcome!

Visit our website:nechakocommunitychurch.com

Nechako Christian Fellowship

WELCOMES YOU!11:00 am Worship Service

767 Loop RoadEmail: [email protected]

“...holding forth the Word of life...” Phil 2:16

Christ - CenteredBible - Based

Missions - MindedNon-Denominational

PICTURE THIS....Your activity could be featured in “Picture This.” Snap a photo at your groups’fundraiser. It could be anything from a car wash to cleaning up our streets. It could even includeschool activities. Basically people making a difference in our community. Send us your photoby e-mail ([email protected]) or drop it off at the Omineca Express (150 W. Columbia Street). Please provide a brief description accompanied with the photo.This week’s submission....

our website: www.pipain.com***

VANDERHOOF AIR CADETS... Meetings - Tues 6:30-9:30 at the Gospel Chapel For more information call: 250-640-0218 or 250-570-7496

***STUART NECHAKO MANOR...looking for volunteers. Help needed with outings, Serving meals, entertainment and visits for the residents. Please contact Marnie at 250 567 6290 for more information.

***VOLUNTEERS NEEDED....Would you like to become part of a team working together to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors? The Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery Group is looking for volunteers to join their team. Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery’s goal is to encourage stroke survivors to improve their lives through education, exercise, work groups, crafts, outings, etc. No special skills required; training and orientation are provided. Patience and caring understanding a necessity. Volunteers share responsibilities: assisting with activities, exercises, education, crafts, outings, fund raising. Time commitment: 3 hour meeting each Monday morning (excluding stat holidays), from September through mid-June.

Please contact Penny (250) 567-3966

[email protected]

***SENIORS CONNECTED... is looking for Seniors in need of Outreach & Transportation. We are also taking applications for Volunteers wanting to take part in the VSC Program. Vanderhoof Seniors Connected is a program dedicated to improving the quality of life for Seniors/Elders in our community through Companionship and Transportation Assistance. Phone 250-567-8587.For more information contact email at [email protected]

***CALLING ALL SENIORS... come and join us for carpet bowling, pool or snooker - Monday and Thursday afternoons at the Friendship Centre. We also have cards or bingo on Wednesday evenings. Music nights are also popular and these are the last Friday night of the month. Come and have some fun! Everybody welcome young or golden agers. Call Erling Clemmensen for more info: 250-567-9927.

***AL-ANON...Has your life been affected by someone elses drinking? The Al-Anon is for you! Meetings held on Mondays at 7pm in Community Room at Omineca Safe Home Society. For more information contact Gail at 567-4318.

***THE NORTHSIDE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE...meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Newcomers always welcome. For more information call Brenda, 250 567-9705.

***V’HOOF HOSPICE SOCIETY... Do you have a few hours a month to give? Are you sensitive to the special needs of those persons at the end stages of life? Want to be part of a great organization that makes a difference in our community, then we are looking for you. The V’hoof Hospice Society is a not-for profi t charity looking for new volunteer members. Our Society has a desire to help others. We are sensitive to the special needs of the dying patient and their families. We do not have personal agendas or “missions” to our Hospice work. Our main fundraising come in the form of donations to our Tree of Life. We are looking for new members to continue this great service. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/weekends) or [email protected]

***

THE FOOD BANK... is in serious need of food donations. Specifi cally the following is needed: “Chunky” soups and stews and canned milk.

***BADMINTON AT FLESS GYM... Every Thursday at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. come out and have some fun!

***ENDAKO HALL SOCIETY... meets every THIRD Wednesday of the month in the hall at 7:30pm.

***THE YELLOWHEAD DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION...is an organization for those interested in light and heavy horse driving. Monthly meetings every second Tuesday of the month. For more info contact: Jon 250-567-8484.

***NECHAKO QUILTERS GUILD... meets the third Tuesday of the month 9:30 am (Sept. - May) at Nechako View Seniors Common Room. Fran Sheeley 567-5254.

***THE FRASER QUILTERS GUILD... meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Fort Fraser Community Hall. Newcomers welcome.

***HOSPICE TREE OF LIFE... is to honour the living as well as to remember and honour those who have passed on. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/weekends) or [email protected]

***THE FRASER LAKE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP... meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 12 noon in Autumn Services. For further information call Judy at 250-699-7763.

***VANDERHOOF 899 AIR CADET SQUADRON...Cadets will meet every TUESDAY night – 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel. Anyone age 12 to 18 interested in the Cadet Program is welcome to attend. Any adult interested in assisting in anyway, please contact the offi cers at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel Tuesday night. For more information call: Capt. John Callaghan - 250-640-0218, Yvonne Melo - 250-690-7496 Evenings.

***AA MEETING... Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. United Church Hall. 567-8087 or 567-4588

***FRASER LAKE AA MEETINGS... Tues & Thurs 8:00 p.m. at St. Wilfred’s Church just across from the Village Hall.

***ST. JOHN HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SOCIETY... meets second Tuesday of the month (with the exception of July & August) at 7:00 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. For further info contact Edna 567-9759 - New members welcome.

***VANDERHOOF

LIBRARY HOURSTuesday 10:00am to 5:00pm

Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm & 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pmFriday 10:00 am to 6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm***

FRASER LAKE LIBRARY HOURS

Sunday & Monday ClosedTuesday 10am - 4pm

Wednesday & Thursday12pm - 8pm

Friday 10am - 4pmSaturday 10am - 2pm

***NVSS BOTTLE DEPOT HOURS

Open Mon, Tues, Friday 11am-5pm

Saturday 10am-5 p.m.

COMING EVENTS....Will appear, as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profi t organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for non-profi t organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to [email protected] or by fax (567-2070). Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our offi ce located at 155 W. Columbia. Decision of the publisher is fi nal.

***HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH... are holding their Prime Rib Dinner on Friday, Feb 26 at the Evelyn Hall from 5-8pm. Accompanied by roast potatoes, yorkshire puds and veggies. All are welcome!

***We are looking forward to the 38TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS!...Dates are March 7- 20, 2016 and will be held at Nechako Valley Secondary School. Monday March 7, Speech Arts. Friday March 11, Strings. Monday March 14- Thursday March 17, Piano. Please check the website at www.musicfestivalweb.com/nechako for program details

***DIVORCECARE... Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most diffi cult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone.DivorceCare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable DivorceCare resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. You can get additional information from www.divorcecare.org.DivorceCare Group - Thursdays at 7 pm, Feb-April. 780 Loop Road in Vanderhoof (White House across from Nechako Christian Fellowship). Open to anyone who is experiencing the pain of separation or divorce. You can join the group at any time.For more information and to register, call or text Bob Clark 250.570.9203, June Clark 250.570.9338 or Dave Robinson 778.344.2292

***THE VANDERHOOF CHESS CLUB... Exercise your brain! All ages, from beginner to master, feel free to join the Vanderhoof Chess Club every Monday through the school year (except Statutory holidays) 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the NVSS library. It’s FREE. Play chess with friends and meet new people. Use our boards or bring your own. Our goals are to have fun playing chess and to host an Annual Vanderhoof Chess Tournament. For details please contact Jeff Obayashi at [email protected] or Jeremy Hara at NVSS to sign up for the chess club and/or tournament.

***ADULT BADMINTON...Thursdays at 8:30 pm. Bring your own racket, and wear indoor runners. More info call 250-567-9908.

***MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE... advocating for better services in our communities, such as: housing, counseling, education and job opportunities. Meetings held on the second Thursday of each month via – video conferencing from the communities of; Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Granisle, Ft. St. James, Southside and Vanderhoof. 1:30 – 3:00. In Vanderhoof meetings are held in the boardroom at the hospital. Clients, family members and community partners are invited to attend. Your voice is IMPORTANT. For more info on the committee and it’s works contact: Heather @ 250-692-7500. Or your Mental Health Service Provider

***GIRL GUIDES...

Sparks meets 5-6pm Mondays @ United Church.

Brownies meets 6-7:30pmm Mondays @ United Church.

Girl Guides meets 6-7:30pm, Mondays at St. Josephs Gym.

Pathfi nders meets 6-7:30pm Mondays @ Lutheran Church.

For info on any of these please call Laura Freeman 250-567-6997.

***VANDERHOOF PAIN SELF-MANAGEMENT GROUP...Do you struggle with persistent pain? Do you feel like your pain is holding your life hostage? Find it diffi cult to talk about your pain? Join us for an evening of education and understanding at the Vanderhoof Peer-Led Pain Self-Management Group can help you find answers to your questions. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. at the Vanderhoof Public Library - Multipurpose Room, 230 Stewart St E, Vanderhoof. Sharing the struggles and the solutions with other people who truly understand, in a safe environment, will help you reduce isolation, grieve the losses and gain an understanding of persistent pain and how you can take back control of your life. For more information please check out

Nechako NotesNechako Notes

Winter quilter’s retreat held at the Nechako Senior Friendship Centre from Feb. 5 to 7. One of the participants demonstrated two-ply spinning with sheeps wool.

Dribbling for the basket:senior girls basketball zone fi nal

VIVIAN CHUI photo

A Viqueen sidestepped around Duchess Park Secondary’s de-fence at the central zone fi nals on Feb. 20


COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIAQuesnel Campus

PART TIME FACULTY POSITION(S)

The College of New Caledonia, Quesnel Campus has an opportunity for a part time instructor to teach in the Health Care Assistant Program September 2015 to May 2016.

Qual a ns: A university degree in nursing or related health sciences, minimum Registered

Nurse with active membership is required. Previous teaching experience would be an asset.

In e es e appl an s please su m esume S n a Sp e s a sp e ss n a

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oin us. e offer a supportive wor place, great bene ts,

and competitive salaries. And we have opportunities to grow,

both within our college, and within our communities.

CNC – A COMMUNITY FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING THAT CARES, SERVES, AND LEADS

oin us. e offer a supportive wor place, great bene ts, and competitive salaries. And we have opportunities to grow,




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PART TIME FACULTY POSITION(S)The College of New Caledonia, Quesnel Campus has an opportunity for a part time instructor to teach in the following course(s) in January 2015.Course(s)

ABST 101 – First Nations Studies IIQualifications

Master’s DegreePrevious teaching experience would be an asset

College of New CaledoniaB R I T I S H C O L U M B I A • C A N A D A • W W W . C N C . B C . C A

Quesnel Campus

PART TIME FACULTY POSITION(S)

The College of New Caledonia, Quesnel Campus has an opportunity for a part time instructor to teach in the Health Care Assistant Program September 2015 to May 2016.

Qual a ns: A university degree in nursing or related health sciences, minimum Registered

Nurse with active membership is required. Previous teaching experience would be an asset.


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PART TIME FACULTY POSITION(S)The College of New Caledonia, Quesnel Campus has an opportunity for a part time instructor to teach in the following course(s) in January 2015.Course(s)

ABST 101 – First Nations Studies IIQualifications

Master’s DegreePrevious teaching experience would be an asset

PROGRAM COORDINATOR – ABORIGINAL WORKPLACE READINESS – NADLEH WHUT’EN FIRST NATION # 15-198SN

This position will provide the overall coordination for the Aboriginal Workplace Readiness Program at the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation. Qualifications include: completed relevant post-secondary academic training in business, communication or office computer skills. One year relevant post-secondary education preferred; three years of comprehensive program coordination or administrative assistance experience.

SUPPORT & ADVOCACY SERVICE COORDINATOR – ABORIGINAL WORKPLACE READINESS – NADLEH WHUT’EN FIRST NATION # 15-199SN

This position will advocate for marginalized individuals with a goal of improving quality of life through increased support networks, as well as community acceptance and understanding. Qualifications include: Two years post-secondary education in a relevant area with two years of job related experience. Experience working with First Nations people and other cultures. Working knowledge of FASD related issues.

To find out more information about these and other opportunities, and for directions on how to apply, please check our website at: http://www.cnc.bc.ca/Human_Resources/employment.htm

Join us. We offer a supportive workplace, great benefits, and competitive salaries. And we have opportunities to grow, both within our college, and within our communities.


Vanderhoof CampusSTUDENT GROUNDSKEEPERS

School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes) requires student groundskeepers for summer employment from April 28, 2016, until September 2, 2016, (two in Burns Lake, two in Vanderhoof, one in Fraser Lake and one in Fort St. James). Hours of work will be eight (8) hours per day between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. as determined by the supervisor, Monday to Friday, at a rate of $15.10 per hour. Preferred Qualifications:• Enrolled in a post-secondary education program and returning in September• Previous experience relevant to the position would be an asset• Competent in the use and care of tools and equipment common to the position• Valid Class 5, BC Driver’s License, unrestricted is desirable• An exemplary driving record as demonstrated by a current driver’s abstract• The ability to perform physically demanding job duties• A current WHMIS certificate Please note: Incumbents who successfully complete this work assignment will be qualified to receive a $1,000 scholarship to a post secondary program of their choice. Please complete a general application form which is available on the website at: http://www.sd91.bc.ca/ or from the School District Administration Office in Vanderhoof or from any district school. Please indicate on the application form the location you are applying for and submit by 4:00 p.m., Wednesday March 2, 2016 to: Human ResourcesSchool District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes)P.O. Box 129Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0Phone: (250) 567-2284 Fax: (250) 567-4639Email: [email protected]

School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes) would like to thank all applicants in advance for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes)P.O. Box 129, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0Phone: (250) 567-2284 Fax: (250) 567-4639

MAKE YOUR POINT-

OF-SALE

Advertise your goods and services in the Classifieds and reach hundreds of potential buyers daily. Call today to place your ad and make a sale quickly.

250-567-9258

CANADA BENEFIT Group - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canada benefi t.ca/free-assessment

HAVE YOU been denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefi ts? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal. Call 1-877-793-3222,www.dcac.ca [email protected]

HIP OR knee replacement? Arthritic conditions or COPD? Restrictions in walking/dress-ing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For As-sistance: 1-844-453-5372.

NECHAKO RESERVOIR UPDATE

18 February 2016

Reservoir Elevation: 851.76 m (2794.49 ft.)SLS Discharge: 29.4 m3/s

Overall Snowpack: 72% of long term average

Note: This update will no longer appear in newspapers starting March 2016. If you rely on the newspaper notice and would like to continue to receive this update it will be available by email or on our webpage. Please contact me for details.

Visit websitewww.wateroffi ce.ec.gc.ca for up to date real-time fl ow information for the Nechako River.

Visit websitehttp://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/da-ta/asp/real-time/basin_upperfraser.htm for up to date snowpack information.

Contact Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-567-5105 for more information. A re-cording of this notice is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 250- 567-5812

Travel

TimeshareCANCEL YOUR timeshare. No risk program. Stop mort-gage and maintenance pay-ments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consul-tation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

Career Opportunities



SAVE 30% on our Heart of the Arctic adventure. Visit Inuit communities in Greenland and Nunavut aboard the com-fortable 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour. Call for details! 1-800-363-7566 or visit www.adventurecanada.com (tico#04001400)

Employment

Business Opportunities

NEW EXCITING mini VLT’S. Produce buckets of cash monthly. Attracts Customers like money magnets. Loca-tions provided. Ground fl oor opportunity. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com.

Education/Trade Schools

HEALTHCARE DOCUMEN-TATION Specialists are in huge demand. Employers want CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Train with Canada’s best-rated program. Enroll today. 1-800-466-1535, www.canscribe.com [email protected]

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit today: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career.

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

Services

Financial ServicesGET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

TAX FREE MONEYis available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mort-gage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime1-800-639-2274 or

604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Misc ServicesMisc Services

Help Wanted Help WantedHelp Wanted

Announcements Announcements Travel Employment Services Services

Information Information Travel Education/Trade Schools

Financial Services PlumbingFULL SERVICE Plumbingfrom Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you presentthis ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928.

To advertise in print:Call: 250-567-9258 Email: offi [email protected]

Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

Browse more at:

A division of

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

Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

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

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

COPYRIGHTCopyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of Used.ca. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

INDEX IN BRIEFFAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRAVEL

EMPLOYMENT

BUSINESS SERVICES

PETS & LIVESTOCK

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS

AUTOMOTIVE

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

LEGAL NOTICES

TRY A CLASSIFIED AD

Community Newspapers

We’re at the heart of

things™

BIG

Results

Small Ads Get

SNIFF OUT A NEW CAREER IN THE CLASSIFIEDS


VANDERHOOF AND AREABUSINESS DIRECTORY

EXCAVATING

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISINGADVERTISING ADVERTISING

Commercial and IndustrialPlumbing and HVAC

Heavy Water and Civil ConstructionWater Treatment and Filtration Systems

INSTALLATION & REPAIRS250-567-5888

EXCAVATINGPRAIRIEDALE EXCAVATING

Tandem dump truck, 4x4 Backhoe, gravel sales, general hauling, foundations,

water & sewer lines and snow removal.

All jobs BIG or small, give us a call!FRANK TEICHROEB

3393 Sinkutview Rd, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A2

567-2029

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE HERE GIVE US A CALL: 250-567-9258

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam BergerPublisher

150 W. Columbia StBox 1007, VanderhoofBC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258Fax: 250-567-2070

Email: [email protected]

vertiserReaching Every DoorADSTUART

NECHAKO

PLUMBING

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam BergerPublisher

150 W. Columbia StBox 1007, VanderhoofBC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258Fax: 250-567-2070

Email: [email protected]

Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972

Pam BergerPublisher

250-996-8482Advertising: [email protected]: [email protected]

Website: www.caledoniacourier.com

C I E0697864 BC Ltd.

Central Interior Excavating

For All of Your Excavating Needs Residential, Commercial, and Industrial

Lot clearing, waterlines, foundations, driveway construction, planning and installation of Septic Systems

Telephone: 250-567-3855Fax: 250-567-9695

Email: [email protected], Backhoes, Crawler Tractors, End Dump

PRIME TIME CATTLEBULL SALE

MARCH 7/15 - 1:00 pmMarch 5, 2016 @ 1:00pm

BC LIVESTOCK - Williams Lake BC- 35 Two Year Old Bulls

- 19 Yearlings Bulls - Consisting of 49 Black Angus, 2 Maintainer,

3 percentage Simmentals.For more information contact

Prime Time Cattle - Jason Kelly587.377.3450

Cutting Edge Cattle Co. - Wayne Pincott 250.395.6367

Catalog online at www.primetimecattle.com

Prime Time Cattle & Cutting Edge Cattle Co. Bull Sale

PROPOSED FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN AMENDMENT

Fraser Lake Sawmills will hold a public viewing of the proposed Amendment 11 to their Forest Stewardship Plan for the Vanderhoof and Fort St. James Forest Districts. This amendment is required to include the Chesla a Carrier Na on’s Forest License A93806 into the exis ng plan.

The proposed amendment is available for review and comment at the Lejac mill site east of Fraser Lake on Highway 16 from January 20, 2016. Persons may review the plan at this loca on during business hours. Wri en comments may be submi ed in person to the Lejac mill site or by mail to:

Fraser Lake SawmillsA en on: Jaret van der Giessen, R.P.F

P.O. Box 100Fraser Lake, BC V0J 1S0

Comments must be received in wri ng no later than 5:00 pm on March 20, 201 6. For further informa on, please contact Jaret van der Giessen, R.P.F. at 250-699-6235.

“A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIESWITHIN OUR REGION”37, 3RD Avenue,

PO Box 820, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0

www.rdbn.bc.ca

PH: 250-692-3195 TF: 800-320-3339 FX: 250-692-3305

E-MAIL:[email protected]

Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Parcel Tax Roll Review PanelThe Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako has established a Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel to receive any complaints about the preparation of the tax rolls used in the collection of parcel taxes. In this area, the Regional District uses parcel frontage taxes for both the Fort Fraser sewer and water systems.The parcel tax rolls for these services may be inspected from February 22, 2016 to March 4, 2016 at the offices of the Regional District (37 Third Ave., Burns Lake, B.C.) during regular office hours (8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday). In order for a complaint to be heard, it must be received in writing by 4:30 pm on March 4, 2016. If any complaints are received, the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel will sit at 1:00 pm on Thursday March 10, 2016 in the Board Room of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (37 Third Ave., Burns Lake, B.C.) to consider written complaints received by the deadline.Further information can be obtained by phoning Hans Berndorff, Financial Administrator of the Regional District (toll free at 1-800-320-3339) or by visiting the Regional District offices during regular office hours.

Merchandise for Sale

POLE BARNS, Shops, steel buildings metal clad or fabric clad. Complete supply and in-stallation. Call John at 403-998-7907; [email protected]

REFORESTATION NURSERY seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs and berries for shelter-belts or landscaping. Spruce and Pine from $.99/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guar-antee. 1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397. Make money and save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock, ready to ship. Free Info & DVD: 1-800-566-6899 ext: 400OT.www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT

STEEL BUILDING Sale. Real-ly big sale, extra winter dis-count on now!! 21x22 $5,190 25x24 $5,988 27x28 $7,498 30x32 $8,646 35x34 $11,844 42x54 $16,386. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422; www.pioneersteel.ca

Real Estate

Duplex/4 Plex420 west 3rd st. Bsmt suit. Avail Feb. 1st. $475./mth in-cludes utilities. F/S, Call Jay 250-563-6158 or 563-2202.

Rentals

Apt/Condo for RentOne bedroom, self suffi cient senior 65+. One person $650 per month. Two per-sons $750 per month. Under 65 $850 per month. Call Karmen 250-570-2561

Rentals

VictoriaManor

* Balconies* Landscaped View

* Cablevision Available

250-567-4048or 250-567-9080

Large2 Bdrmfrom

Large1 Bdrmfrom $712 - $742

$742 - $772

NO SMOKING - NO PETS

AuctionsAuctions

Rentals

ABOVE THE REST!

SilvermillApartments

Secure quiet apartments

VACANCY

250-567-4208

Townhouses3/bdrm townhouses: family- friendly complex, near schools & park. No smoking, no pets. $760/mth. 250-567-4430

Legal

Misc. for Sale Apt/Condo for Rent Apt/Condo for Rent Legal Notices Legal Notices

Legal Legal Notices Legal Notices

Find A New Home To Buy

Don’t cut yourself off fromthe world. Find out wherethe cables are before you dig.

CALL AT LEAST TWO FULL WORKING DAYS BEFORE YOU PLAN TO DIG.

1•800•474•6886in theclassifieds!

Find Your Dream Home


John Rustad, MLANechako Lakes

Box 421183 First Street, VanderhoofTel: 250-567-6820Fax: 250-567-6822

Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650Email: [email protected]

Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca

Featuring the spirit of the local peopleFeaturing the spirit of the local peopleCourageous

Batt lesHuman

Interest

AthletesPioneers

Achieving

Serving the communities

of...Endako, Fraser

Lake, Fort Fraser, Cluculz Lake, &

Vanderhoof

Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad


A Vanderhoof community group is looking to join the Canadian effort in providing Syrian refugee fami-lies with a home.

Earlier this month, Tyler Janzen, from the leader-ship team of Northside Church, presented to the dis-trict council the community group’s intention to spon-sor and welcome a Syrian family to Vanderhoof this year.

“We are a group of concerned individuals from dif-ferent backgrounds, united in the common cause of bringing a refugee family to Vanderhoof,” Janzen said. “We believe that this town is diverse and receptive enough to integrate someone different from ourselves.”

The group has been discussing refugee sponsorship since last October, researching and speaking with or-ganizations from small northern communities about their experiences in sponsorship refugee families, he explained.

“[We don’t want] to rush into a situation that could do more harm that good,” Janzen said. “We feel that this decision is an easy one as most of us come from immigrant or refugee pasts and should have compas-sion for those who now fi nd themselves in similar situ-ations.”

Partnering with the Mennonite Central Commit-tee, the group is now looking to fundraise $30,000 by March 20 to start the sponsorship process.

Arriving in two to four months, one family — com-prising of a couple with two to three children — will be sponsored at this moment, though the effort should not stop at one, Janzen said.

To select a family, the sponsorship group will consider the incoming individuals’ English language ability, their skills that may match with work in the Vanderhoof area, as well as their situation abroad, he explained.

“There’s persecution of Christians in the refugee camps and many aren’t even allowed in the refugee camps,” Jan-zen said. “If we have a family that that is happening to, that would be a priority.”

It’s an opportunity to share and help, he added.“We live in abundance and we want to help others in

need, and not trying to live in fear of what could happen,” Janzen said.

The last time Vanderhoof residents played host to refugee families may have been in 1979, when community groups

sponsored individuals from Vietnam who were displaced during the Vietnam War.

Five residents at the time, including Mike Bond as well as Ray and Yannick Abersek, sponsored the fi rst group — two girls, 17 and 18. Tran My Tran and Van Nguyen worked full-time at Bond Brothers’ Sawmills, and stayed with the Abersek and Bond families for two years.

“It was an eye-opening experience, where we can say how fortunate we are,” said Bond’s niece Linda. “They were extremely hardworking, dedicated people, and they just wanted a chance.”

Bond used to travel the world and wanted to help those in need, while Ray Abersek was once a refugee as well from Czech Republic, she explained.

While the family has since lost touch with Nguyen, they’ve maintained contact with Tran, Linda said.

Tran eventually sponsored the rest of her family to Can-ada, married fellow Vietnamese refugee Coe Mach in Van-derhoof, and is now operating an Asian specialty goods busi-ness in Vancouver.

“They are just looking for opportunities, just like the rest of us, in life,” she said.

Vanderhoof provides refuge, then and now

OMINECA EXPRESS fi le

Tran My Tran (left) and Van Nguyen (third from left) from Vietnam were sponsored in 1979 by fi ve Vanderhoof resi-dents, eventually working at Bond Brothers’ Sawmills and living with the Abersek and Bond families for two years.

Vanderhoof Omineca Express, February 24, 2016

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