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Thursday, December 25, 2014 ▼ Volume 50 No. 52 ▼ www.clearwatertimes.com ▼ $1.35 Includes GST

LOCAL NEWS: MORE CHRISTMAS STORIES ▼ A13, 15, 18, & 19 T

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ETimes First PlaceGeneral Excellence

B.C. and Yukon<2,000 circulation

2014

2014CCNABLUE

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First PlaceBest All Round Newspaper &

Best Editorial PageSecond Place

Best Front PageAll of Canada

<1,250 circulation2014

VICE-CHAIR AGAIN:TNRD board re-elects Willow MacDonald. See A3 inside.

Keith McNeill

It was a full agenda when Clearwater's new town council met for the first time on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Possibly the most important item discussed, although not the most exciting, was a building permit bylaw.

The new bylaw regulates the construction, alteration, repair, moving or demolition of build-ings and structures.

Chief administrative officer Leslie Groulx noted that there has been no increase in building permit fees for 18 years. The new rates will begin on Jan. 1.

Council also gave three readings to a bylaw to regulate its own meetings. The primary purpose of the bylaw was to legitimate changing town council meeting times from 7 p.m. to 2 p.m., and

the committee of the whole meetings from 5 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Town council meetings and committee of the whole meetings will continue to be held the first and third Tuesdays of the month (except in sum-mer).

The bylaw also confirmed the change of meeting place from the former District office building on the Flats to the new council chamber in Dutch Lake Community Center.

New council has a busy � rst meeting

Members of Clearwater's new town council pose for a photograph during a council meeting held Tues-day, Dec. 16. Pictured are (back, l-r) Dennis Gref-fard, Merlin Blackwell, Barry Banford, Ken Kjenstad, (front, l-r) Shelley Sim, Mayor John Harwood, and Gord Heisterman. Photo by Keith McNeill

Raft River students excelKindergarten students (l-r) Brody Wynn, Garrett Krasnuik, Blake Irvine and Cole Du-laba belt out a song as they take part in the Christmas concert at Raft River Elemen-tary School. The annual event took place on Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the school's gymnasium. For more photos, see page A10 inside.

Photo by Keith McNeill

A2 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

Submitted

Thompson-Nicola Film Commission (TNFC), in part-nership with the Kamloops

Independent Short Short Film Festival, will offer an annual Short Film Development Bursary starting in 2015.

The Short Film

Development Bursary will be worth $300 and, depending upon the quality of the applications, there may be opportunities for a second-place

bursary of $200. The winner will be announced at the Kamloops Film Festival, which is held annually in March at the Kamloops

Paramount Theatre.“We felt the idea

of an annual bursary will help new and established film-making enthusiasts to jump-start their

projects and improve creative options,” said Steven Rice, TNFC chairman and TNRD director for Electoral Area “I” (Blue Sky Country).

Applicants for the Short Film Development Bursary must submit a short written description of their film, which must be less than five minutes, and how the money will be used. They may also include other materi-als, such as pictures or documents or songs, to help convey the concept.

Applicants must be residents of Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and the sub-ject matter must be about a person, place, attraction, event, or tell a story relevant to the Thompson-Nicola region.

All applications for the 2015 bursary must be submitted to the TNFC by Monday, Feb. 16, either by mail to 465 Victoria St., Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2A9; or dropped off at the 4th Floor above the Kamloops Library; or emailed to tnfc@tnrd.ca; or faxed to 250.372.5048.

Dale Bass – Kamloops This Week

If there’s one word to describe the school district’s distance-learning model completion rates, it’s unsatisfactory.

Kamloops-Thompson school dis-trict Supt. Karl deBruijn told trustees last week the rate is 25 per cent in the distance-learning programming offered through its @KOOL school, compared to 86 per cent in the traditional school model.

DeBruijn’s report flows from a focus group of principals, along with Dean Coder, the school district’s dean of inter-national programs, that has looked at the data, studied similar programs in the province and started work on a hybrid model locally.

Among the recommendations taken to trustees were embedding distance-learn-ing teachers in secondary schools and cre-ating a space to support online learning.

The @KOOL graduation program provides courses to students in grades 10 to 12. During the 2012-2013 school year, there were 220 full-time equivalent students in the program — although data shows most students are taking a few subjects to complete their course of stud-ies for graduation.

Most study through the @KOOL school in the former Pineridge elemen-

tary building in Sahali. For the Planning 10 compulsory course, teachers are embedded in schools. For adult distance-learning, the program operates out of Northills Shopping Centre in North Kamloops.

Trustees were told similar programs in Richmond and North Vancouver have better completion rates.

In each, teachers are embedded in sec-ondary schools and distance learning is only part of their teaching requirements. Teachers in the two districts said one of the reasons they have higher completion rates is because they have personal con-tact with their students.

Other recommendations from the study include moving the junior-second-ary @KOOL component to the Twin Rivers Education Centre on the North Shore to provide more access to behav-ioural supports, relocate the elementary component into elementary schools, keep the Northills site for adult learners, restructure courses to emphasize personal contact between teachers and students when possible and ensure all students in distance learning’s graduation program meet with a school counsellor to develop a plan to meet the requirements for a Dogwood certificate.

The report shows revenue generated through distance learning is $2.6 million.

Top academic gradA proud-looking Sarah Dohms holds the Governor General's award she received during an awards assembly held at Clearwater Secondary School on Dec. 12. The award is for getting the highest academic marks in the 2014 graduating class. Also announced at the assembly was the 2013 Governor General's award winner, Katie Bieber. Unfortunately, she was not present to accept it. Photo by Keith McNeill

Film Commission offers short film bursary

SD73 study says personal contact would be @KOOL

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Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A3

Keith McNeill

District of Clearwater's road cross-section bylaw has gotten a favor-able review by Plan H, a program sup-ported by BC Healthy Communities Society and Healthy Families BC.

A recent article on the program's website highlighted the bylaw recently adopted by the District.

The article describes Clearwater as a rural community of about 2,400 people that was confronted by a major obstacle: a main highway running through the middle of it that divided the community into three distinct areas.

Key partners in the road network-ing plan put together with the help of Opus International included

no just the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure plus developers with property along Highway 5, but also Interior Health and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A road network rationalization study involved five steps: classification of the existing road net-works, development of future road net-work options, choos-ing one of three pre-ferred road network options, reviewing the preferred road network plan with property owners, and a mobile public open house.

The mobile public open house involved five stations in the community that participants walked, biked or drove to.

The article quotes District of Clearwater

chief administrative office Leslie Groulx as saying, “What I thought was really awesome about the process was that the people who didn’t come out to par-ticipate in the mobile tour came out of their homes at the mobile station [just] to find out what was going on and [started] ask-ing 'Hey, what is this all about?'"

After the road rationalization study was complete, the next step was to develop and implement a road cross-section bylaw.

A guideline was developed to show how a roadway might include several dif-ferent transportation modes, such as walk-ing or biking, as well as driving.

Town council adopted the bylaw in December, 2013.

Key outcomes and impacts include the District of Clearwater being presented with UBCM’s com-munity excellence

award in the category of partnerships last September.

The District has created a trails task force to investigate

connectivity and rec-reation trails in the community.

Also, BuyLow Foods has embraced and implemented

the specification for a multi-use pathway and road standard as part of its new shop-ping mall develop-ment.

A map shows Clearwater's village centre plus other zones.Submitted graphic

Health program gives road bylaw favourable review

New councillor gets sworn inDistrict of Clearwater chief administrative officer Leslie Groulx (l) gives the oath of office to newly-elected town council member Den-nis Greffard during a coun-cil meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 16. Greffard missed a swearing in ceremony held Dec. 2 because of a prior business committment. Photo by Keith McNeill

TNRD board re-elects MacDonald as vice-chairTimes Staff

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District board of directors has re-elect-ed Electoral Area “B” (Thompson Headwaters) director Willow MacDonald as vice-chair.

The election took place during the board’s inaugural meeting on Dec. 11 in Kamloops.

MacDonald has served as vice-chair since 2013.

“I’m excited the board has put its faith in me to continue to represent them as vice-chair,” said MacDonald.

The board also elected

Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta as its new chair.

Ranta replaces outgoing chair Bill Humphreys, who was elected to that posi-tion in 2013. Humphreys was formerly the mayor of Barriere.

“I want to thank the

board for their vote of con-fidence, and am looking for-ward to supporting them on upcoming regional projects and priorities,” said Ranta. “I

also want to thank director Humphreys for his years of service and hard work as out-going chair.”

Willow MacDonald

“

”

I’m excited the board has put its faith in me to continue to represent them as vice-chair.

Willow MacDonald

A2 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

Submitted

Thompson-Nicola Film Commission (TNFC), in part-nership with the Kamloops

Independent Short Short Film Festival, will offer an annual Short Film Development Bursary starting in 2015.

The Short Film

Development Bursary will be worth $300 and, depending upon the quality of the applications, there may be opportunities for a second-place

bursary of $200. The winner will be announced at the Kamloops Film Festival, which is held annually in March at the Kamloops

Paramount Theatre.“We felt the idea

of an annual bursary will help new and established film-making enthusiasts to jump-start their

projects and improve creative options,” said Steven Rice, TNFC chairman and TNRD director for Electoral Area “I” (Blue Sky Country).

Applicants for the Short Film Development Bursary must submit a short written description of their film, which must be less than five minutes, and how the money will be used. They may also include other materi-als, such as pictures or documents or songs, to help convey the concept.

Applicants must be residents of Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and the sub-ject matter must be about a person, place, attraction, event, or tell a story relevant to the Thompson-Nicola region.

All applications for the 2015 bursary must be submitted to the TNFC by Monday, Feb. 16, either by mail to 465 Victoria St., Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2A9; or dropped off at the 4th Floor above the Kamloops Library; or emailed to tnfc@tnrd.ca; or faxed to 250.372.5048.

Dale Bass – Kamloops This Week

If there’s one word to describe the school district’s distance-learning model completion rates, it’s unsatisfactory.

Kamloops-Thompson school dis-trict Supt. Karl deBruijn told trustees last week the rate is 25 per cent in the distance-learning programming offered through its @KOOL school, compared to 86 per cent in the traditional school model.

DeBruijn’s report flows from a focus group of principals, along with Dean Coder, the school district’s dean of inter-national programs, that has looked at the data, studied similar programs in the province and started work on a hybrid model locally.

Among the recommendations taken to trustees were embedding distance-learn-ing teachers in secondary schools and cre-ating a space to support online learning.

The @KOOL graduation program provides courses to students in grades 10 to 12. During the 2012-2013 school year, there were 220 full-time equivalent students in the program — although data shows most students are taking a few subjects to complete their course of stud-ies for graduation.

Most study through the @KOOL school in the former Pineridge elemen-

tary building in Sahali. For the Planning 10 compulsory course, teachers are embedded in schools. For adult distance-learning, the program operates out of Northills Shopping Centre in North Kamloops.

Trustees were told similar programs in Richmond and North Vancouver have better completion rates.

In each, teachers are embedded in sec-ondary schools and distance learning is only part of their teaching requirements. Teachers in the two districts said one of the reasons they have higher completion rates is because they have personal con-tact with their students.

Other recommendations from the study include moving the junior-second-ary @KOOL component to the Twin Rivers Education Centre on the North Shore to provide more access to behav-ioural supports, relocate the elementary component into elementary schools, keep the Northills site for adult learners, restructure courses to emphasize personal contact between teachers and students when possible and ensure all students in distance learning’s graduation program meet with a school counsellor to develop a plan to meet the requirements for a Dogwood certificate.

The report shows revenue generated through distance learning is $2.6 million.

Top academic gradA proud-looking Sarah Dohms holds the Governor General's award she received during an awards assembly held at Clearwater Secondary School on Dec. 12. The award is for getting the highest academic marks in the 2014 graduating class. Also announced at the assembly was the 2013 Governor General's award winner, Katie Bieber. Unfortunately, she was not present to accept it. Photo by Keith McNeill

Film Commission offers short film bursary

SD73 study says personal contact would be @KOOL

C

C

apsule

omments

with MICHELLE

LEINS

PHARMASAVEMon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-5

BROOKFIELD CENTRE

CLEARWATER, 250-674-3122

We often hear stories about the good and bad effects about consuming coffee. One idea that hasn’t been scientifically proven but looks retrospectively at large groups of people worldwide. There is a link between drinking coffee and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. It doesn’t seem to matter if the coffee is decaf or not but it is recommended that the coffee be drunk with little or no sugar and milk.

E-cigarettes are not legal in Canada but in countries where they are, there has been a significant increase in the number of youth who have never smoked start to use this new device. This group was almost twice as likely to start smoking regular cigarettes than those who never used e-cigarettes. That’s a concern to health professionals because nicotine is an addictive drug and can have adverse effects on the adolescent brain.

There has been much in the media lately about vitamins and whether they are worth the money. One supplement that is worth it is the one to help minimize age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD can lead to blindness, but good scientific studies have shown that formulas containing zinc, lutein and other products can help prevent this serious eye problem. Our pharmacists can clarify which is the best combination.

There are thousands of different vitamin formulations on the market in North America. How can you tell which is right for you? That’s our job as your pharmacist and we’ll be happy to help you with accurate information to take some of the guesswork out of this very popular subject.

VAVENBY COMMUNITYANNOUNCEMENT

The TNRD wants to thank the Vavenby community for their cooperation during the water emergency over the weekend of December 12th - 13th, 2014. The leak, which was causing the reservoir to drain, has been found and isolated. Thank you to the Vavenby General Store for their hospitality and assistance. Also, thank you to Costco Kamloops and Buy-Low Foods Clearwater for donating bottled water to the Vavenby Community Water System. A special thank you to Rolf Schuchardt for help-ing the TNRD locate the leak. Because system leakage is still evident, we request that the community continue to inspect their water lines to identify and repair any water leaks (taps, toilets, outdoor faucets, etc.). Keep an eye on your property for water puddles which may be an indicator of a water pipe leak.

A4 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

Letters Policy

The Times welcomes all letters to the editor. We do, however, reserve the right to edit for brevity, clarity, legality and good taste. While all letters must be signed (and have a telephone number for verification purposes) upon submission, writers may elect to withhold their names from publication in special circumstances.

Clark on climate, clawbacks, credit cardseditorial by Tom Fletcher

Opinion“ My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the � eld, the only thing to do was keep swinging.”

- Hank Aaron, baseball player

BC Press CouncilThe Times is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the BC Press Council.Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to BC Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

MP McLeod’s reports on mental health in the workplace

A year-end interview with Premier Christy Clark. For an extended version see the Opinion section at www.clearwa-tertimes.com.

TF: Are you still confident that we’re going to see a major LNG project approved by the end of 2014?

PCC: We’re still in negotiations with Petronas and Shell, so I don’t know if it will be by the end of 2014, but I’m hoping in the next few months.

[Days after this interview, Petronas announced a delay in their investment deci-sion until 2015.]

TF: I talked to a couple of SFU climate mitigation specialists, and they agreed that it’s unlikely to the point of impossible to have a major LNG industry and still meet Gordon Campbell's ambitious greenhouse gas target of a 33 per cent reduction by 2020. What do you think?

PCC: I think that we may prove them wrong. Many of these facilities, not all of them, will be partly or fully electrically powered up, so that reduces those impacts, and there’s going to be a real incentive to invest in new technology to minimize that as well.

I think the bigger picture is what really mat-ters, which is that in shipping 82 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas to Asia, we help them get off coal and other dirtier sources of oil, and that is the biggest contribution that we’ve ever made to reducing climate change.

TF: Ontario and Quebec have taken a page from your book. They have seven conditions for an oil pipeline, Energy East, which involves con-version of gas pipelines and taking Alberta oil to the East Coast. What do you think?

PCC: I think they took our five conditions and elaborated on them. So you’ve got British Columbia, Alberta, now Ontario and Quebec, all signed on to some version of the five con-ditions. And of course Enbridge and Kinder Morgan as well.

TF: What about the conditions they have added?

PCC: One of the things they say they want to protect against is a shortage of natural gas

coming to Ontario and Quebec. These are the same two provinces that have put a moratorium on extracting natural gas. They want to make sure that we do it here, good enough for us to do, and send it to them, but they won’t do that themselves. I look at their last two conditions, and I roll my eyes a little bit.

TF: All the way to New Brunswick, they’ve basically bought the anti-hydraulic fracturing myth?

PCC: Yes. Somehow they all watched an American mockumentary or whatever you call it, and believed it. Here in British Columbia we do fracking better than anywhere in the world. It is the gold standard. 

TF: Finance Minister Mike de Jong says we have a surplus estimated at more than $400 mil-lion for this fiscal year, and he suggested that much of that would have to go to pay off defi-cits from previous years. Of course the opposi-tion is interested in welfare rates and in particu-lar ending child support clawbacks. What’s your view?

PCC: Like any family that’s been through tough times, the first thing you need to do when you get back to finding a job and making an income again, is to pay off your credit cards. And that’s what we’re going to do.

We are going to see if we can find ways to improve some of the programs over time, but can’t do that until we can afford it. It’s typical, the NDP want us to spend the money before we have it.

– Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press newspapers. Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca

74 young Road, Unit 14 Brookfi eld Mall, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2Phone: 250-674-3343 Fax: 250-674-3410Email: newsroom@clearwatertimes.comwww.clearwatertimes.com

Publisher: Al KirkwoodEditor: Keith McNeillOffi ce manager: Yevonne Cline

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Established September 23, 1964Member, BC Press Council

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Subscribe to the TimesIn Town / Out of Town Rates1 year $57.75; 2 years $110.25Prices include GST

Premier Christy Clark in her Victoria office after the fall legislature session passed new tax and environmental rules for natural gas exports. Tom Fletcher/Black Press photo

Editor, The Times:We have all read about the

increase of mental health issues in the workplace, with reports of nearly a quarter of the country’s working population currently affected by mental health problems or illnesses leading to absenteeism and turnovers.

In fact, according to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, workplace mental health has a $51 billion economic impact on busi-nesses across Canada, and in the next 30 years it is estimated to reach $198 billion in current dollars.

At the beginning of 2014, the Minister of Labour asked me to investigate this critical issue and con-duct consultations across Canada, meeting with academics, employers, employee groups, mental health agen-cies and most importantly to analyze the federal government funded imple-mentation of the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s ‘Mental Health in the Workplace Standard’.

As I conducted these consul-tations it became very apparent that businesses and groups across

Canada are increasingly more invested in the mental well-being of their employees. However, many are having challenges with implementing ‘the Standard’. Many stakeholders suggested a ‘how-to guide’ would be most welcome.

Just this week, the Mental Health Commission acted on this key recommendation by launching a hands-on, easy to use handbook entitled Assembling the Pieces: An Implementation Guide to the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. I would encourage all employers to review this voluntary set of guide-lines, tools and resources to better help the psychological health and economic well-being of their work-places.

Upon the completion of my report and recommendations to the Minister, I am confident that our government will continue to focus on this critical issue for Canadians.

Cathy McLeod, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A5

Nicole Giesbrecht (with Robyn and Austin): Yes, because we're getting a new park in Blackpool ... and maybe a spray park.

Joyce James:I would hope so. Safety Mart has moved up to the highway and with a larger and newer looking building, people will think maybe there's some-thing more here.

Melissa Wichmann and Callie Braham:We think it will be. There are lots of exciting new things happening.

Shai Richardson:I believe so. We've got John Harwood as mayor again and I believe he's been really good for Clear-water and the Valley.

Tom Meland: I pray so but I have some concerns and some real hopes.?

Questionof the Week

Do you think 2015 will be a good year

for the North Thompson

Valley?

Editor, The Times:The Conservative government shows cal-

lous disregard in its treatment of Canada's veterans.

Its neglect of vets is even more disgrace-ful when one considers that – according to research released by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation – the Harper Conservatives are spending an estimated $263 million this year on its "information services staff" or, as the CTF says, "spin doctors."

At the same time, this government con-tinues to fight veterans in court that seek fair compensation under the New Veterans Charter, and argues that it has no social contract or fiduciary responsibility to vet-erans.

When the government announced it would designate $200 million for mental health services for veterans, it implied the money would be spent over five years. Now we know that, in fact, it's 50 years.

At an average annual expenditure of $4 million, that amounts to small change

beside the hundreds of millions spent on its messaging machine this year alone. Meanwhile, Veterans Affairs managers made hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonuses for cutting costs as the department shed hundreds of jobs and closed offices responsible for disability benefits and pen-sions.

Veterans deserve timely access to services whereas some now wait up to eight months just to be seen.

The NDP has pledged to reopen the nine closed vets offices. Veterans and their

families should be promptly given the infor-mation and tools they need to help identify mental health issues and support those in need.

This is yet another example of Conservative arrogance and disrespect of the needs of veterans and their families – it is dishonourable and it has become habit-ual.

Bill Sundhu,NDP federal candidate,

Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo

Editor, The Times: On the opinion pages of

the Vancouver Sun there was a column by some young TD mouthpiece about how wonderful this new free trade agreement that Harper signed with China was. Oh glorious, the wealth and riches that would flow from this!

Of course, in all of this the two pipelines, Kinder Morgan and Northern Gateway, figure very prominently.

However, with such right-wingers as Stockwell Day and Gordon Gibson firmly against these Alberta tar conduits, not to mention the tremen-dous opposition to Kinder Morgan from the good folks at Burnaby, just why are the powers that be so determined

to push these dubious projects through?

When I want to talk to someone intelligent (beside talking to myself — Hah! Just kidding) I phone my youngest daughter to mull over the latest developments, i.e. the falling price of oil and all of its rami-fications.

When the roughnecks are being laid off and activities being scaled back, why aren't these pipeline projects being put on hold?

Well, explained my daugh-ter, with all the wheeling and dealing that goes on, CINOC (the Chinese state-owned energy company) now owns a good portion of the Athabasca tar sands.

And they couldn't care less

how they get that tar, as long as they get it.

All these so-called free trade (It's not free trade, as Lewis Lapham stated, it's managed trade — managed strictly for a corporate agenda) deals with China have, in typical Canadian fashion, given away the store!

In other words, we Canadians, as Andrew Nikiforuk has pointed out, are not masters in our own house.

This is what that “suit” from Toronto Dominion thinks is a good idea? Oh, the banksters!

Don't trust them with the economy.

Or the banks for that mat-ter.

Dennis PeacockClearwater, B.C.

Conservatives show callous disregard of veterans

Don't trust the banks with the economy

Editor, The Times:I am writing to

ask why Royal Inland Hospital seems to be so poorly adminis-trated.

I live with chronic pain and periodi-cally require a surgical procedure that helps lessen the pain.

I have been booked for this procedure and

then cancelled five times.

Why?I have never heard

of a patient being cancelled five times and I think it is a dis-grace.

I am told I can’t get another surgery date until mid-January because that is the next time my surgeon

has operating-room time.

I am thoroughly ticked off because I am in a lot of pain, to the point I can’t think straight or function properly.

I have written to Terry Lake, our health minister and our MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, but

I have heard nothing back.

What does a person like me do?

I can’t afford pri-vate care and I think it is a great dysfunc-tion of our health system that I can’t get my surgery in a timely manner.

Barbara Ray BealKamloops, B.C.

Why has my surgery been cancelled five times?

In our January 8th edition, the Clearwater TIMES will celebrate

babIES born In 2014Don’t miss the chance to share your excitement by

announcing the arrival of a new member of the family!

Baby!

Bring on the Babies!

Submit the following information along with a clear photo

• name • Phone• baby’s First name

• baby’s Middle name• baby’s Last name

• Date of birth• Parents First &

Last names

only$27.99

Babies of 2014

Deadline for your entry isDec. 31, 2014 • phone 250 674-3343or drop in at our office in brookfield Mall

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+ tax

A6 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

50 YEARS AGO:Weekly whist games

held by Wells Gray Women's Institute in Upper Clearwater had been terminated for the remainder of 1964. Games were to resume in January, reported Upper Clearwater correspondent Helga Premischook.

Kamloops Coach Lines was advertis-ing daily, dependable motor coach service to Kamloops. The bus left Vavenby at 8 a.m., arrived in Kamloops at 11:05. It returned from Kamloops at 6 p.m., arriving in Vavenby at 9:15 p.m.

The following poem was an ode to the East Blackpool bus:

A Rattlin' Good Success

We have rented a bus, I fear,

Supposed to last for half a year;

Broken steps and muffler hole,

I wonder if it has a soul.

Without its broth-er trucks to start,

It would stall or fall apart;

One time a tractor gave a tow,

A worn out bat-tery was the foe.

As fate may have it, it caught cold,

It stalled near Rutleys', I was told;

It coughed and sneezed and blew its hose,

Ford it had a big long nose.

Well anyway, through thick or thin,

Our driver always brought her in;

Kids all think this bus is fine,

They'd buy it quick for just a dime.

Sure hope your troubles are over soon,

And get a bus with lots of boom;

One that will run with lots of ease,

And on the road will never sneeze.

40 YEARS AGO:Suze Krauseneck

was master-of-cere-monies for the School District 26 Christmas concert. A band com-posed of students from Birch Island, Dutch Lake and Vavenby elementary schools played songs and car-ols. Paul Sonneson was the featured trum-pet soloist with the Clearwater Secondary School band. The clarinet section of Joy Dickson, Linda Tonge, Sandra Whiteman, Joy Gregory, Lorraine Schulte and Debbie Zimmerman played a concerto.

The first ever-curling bonspiel was held at the new North Thompson Sportsplex.

30 YEARS AGO:Police and rela-

tives were searching along the Yellowhead Highway for two miss-ing Alberta residents, Jim Hammond and Linda Gallant. The two had been travel-ing from Edmonton to Kamloops with a load of furniture when they disappeared. An unconfirmed report put their propane-powered pickup at a Clearwater service station.

"My job is the little spy in the backwoods," was how Department of Highways supervi-sor for the Clearwater area Jerry Beddington described what he did for a living. The highways maintenance

contractor, Interior Roads, did their own management and equipment mainte-nance, he said, "I just monitor their perfor-mance."

Featured CSS musicians during the annual Clearwater community concert were Merlin Reiter (trumpet), Rusty Clark (trombone), Shawn Richardson (guitar), Lisa Toma (flute), Laura Marshall (clarinet), Bill Liebe (bagpipes), Kari Montrichard (alto sax), Darcy Yurkiw (tenor sax), Sharon Strickland (saxo-phone), Lisa Odermatt (baritone saxophone), Barbara Wadlegger (alto sax), and Deanne Reiter (saxophone).

20 YEARS AGO:Kevin Kriese

was the new opera-tions manager in the Clearwater Forest District. As integrated management resource officer, Kriese had played a leading role in developing the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP). His grandfather had run the original small sawmill in the Heffley Creek and Falkland areas before coming to Clearwater, where he worked at Camp 2 until his retirement.

The Little Fort ferry was back in use after being closed for over two weeks due to ice on the river.

Then in its 14th

year, Amalgamated Christmas filled 106 hampers for needy families in the Clearwater area. Secretary Lois Moss said a lot of the credit for the successful campaign should go to its chairperson, "Sgt. Major" Pauline Gregory.

15 YEARS AGO:The end of the mil-

lennium was just a few days away, and local Provincial Emergency Program coordinator Tracy Wynnyk sug-gested it was a good occasion for people to review their emergency preparedness plans. PEP headquarters in Victoria was advising people to prepare for Y2K as they would for a severe winter storm or ice-storm.

Former Clearwater Library manager Muriel Dunford pub-lished a new history book: "North River: the Story of B.C.'s North Thompson Valley and Yellowhead Highway 5." The front cover featured a his-torical photo of pistol-packing poet Angus Horne and his associ-ate, Jack Willis.

10 YEARS AGO:Telus expanded its

cell phone service so that it was continuous from Clearwater to Kamloops.

Residents of Wells Gray Country would go to the polls shortly to vote on a proposed aquatic center.

Sonya Beauchamp was picked to be tourism-marketing coordinator for Wells Gray Country.

Leonard Rilcoe of Barriere won $2.2 mil-

lion in a lottery. The 59-year-old father of three planned to retire from logging.

EDAC released a logo for the North Thompson Valley. The logo highlighted the river and valley in relation to direction through the associa-tion with a compass symbol.

5 YEARS AGO:Murtle River

Nordics advised that they had finally set the ski track on the Pyramid Campground access.

Clearwater United Church treasurer Lois Geiger presented Clearwater Hospice Society representative Betty Schulte with a cheque for $585. The money was the pro-ceeds from the Voices United Choir cantata presentation.

1 YEAR AGO:Rogers

Communications would like to erect a cellphone tower next to the firehall in Clearwater, Mayor John Harwood announced. The tower would be 35 m tall, which should give bet-ter coverage than the existing Telus tower, which is 30 m high.

A Valley Voices article told the story of Royce and Nancy Gibson's marriage in the snow nearly 70 years earlier. They had met in 1938 when the Avola school kids (Royce) had a sports day with the McMurphy school kids (Nancy). They were married on Dec. 27, 1946, in Avola after Royce returned from serving overseas.

HISTORICAL Perspect i ve

BACK IN TIME

6 - 7

Keith McNeill

Clearwater Minor Hockey president Hans Wadlegger asked council during its Dec. 16 meet-ing to waive the ice fees at the Sportsplex when the association hosts the Tier 4 Midget provin-cial hockey championships.

The tournament will be held March 15 – 20 but could last longer, depending on the num-ber of teams enrolled.

Ice fees for the tournament would be about $3,000, depend-ing on the number of days the event lasts.

Between six and eight teams are expected, which should bring in a fair number of visitors' dol-lars at an otherwise quiet time of year.

Clearwater hosted the Midget provincials last year as well. To avoid burn-out, organizers will target the larger businesses and

those that directly benefit when asking for donations, Wadlegger said.

Mayor John Harwood com-mented that hosting the provin-cial tournament is one benefit coming from the construction of new changing rooms at the ice arena done a few years ago.

As with similar requests, council took the matter under advisement for a decision at a later date.

District of Clearwater investigates help for Midget hockey provincials

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Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A7

Submitted

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is raising tip-ping fees for house-hold refuse as well as demolition, landclear-ing and construction (DLC) waste beginning January 2015 at all waste facilities in the TNRD.

The tipping fees for household refuse will go from $60 per tonne to $80 per tonne, and tipping fees for DLC waste will go from $120 per tonne to $160 per tonne, as per a new bylaw that was adopted by the TNRD Board of Directors.

Also in effect as of January 2015, any amount of household garbage under 50 kg will again be charged $1 per bag, up to four bags, or 50 kg. Any amount greater than 50 kg will be charged at

the $80/tonne rate.The new fee struc-

ture for household waste gives customers incentive to reduce and recycle while sav-ing landfill space. Diverting material from the landfill saves space for material that truly belongs there and keeps landfills open for as long as possible.

The fee structure also gives customers the ability to save money by source separating DLC waste. A separate lower fee will be applied to

select waste streams if they are separated.

The fee increases are in step with the user-pay principle adopted in the TNRD Solid Waste Management Plan. These changes will move costs away from the taxpayer and towards the user.

The new fees will make TNRD fees com-parable to other region-al districts in the south-ern Interior. Presently, the TNRD has some of the lowest fees in the southern Interior.

6 - 7

TNRD tipping fees increase

Municipality gives to food bank

Mayor John Harwood (l) presents a $1,000 cheque on behalf of District of Clearwater to Pat Stanley of Clearwater and District Food Bank. The money was to go towards the Christmas hamper campaign and other programs. Photo by Keith McNeill

OTTAWA/CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, recently announced regulations to help prevent accidents and improve railway safety. The new Grade Crossings Regulations establish new safety standards for federally-regulated grade crossings. Amendments to the Transportation Information Regulations will help identify and address safety risks pro-actively.

"The goal of the new Grade Crossings Regulations is to save lives by providing consistent grade cross-ing safety standards across Canada, and promoting collaboration between railways and road authorities,” Raitt said.

“The amendments to the Transportation Information Regulations will also help identify and address safety risks proactively. We continue to work together to make the Canadian railway system one of the safest in the world,” said the Minister of Transport.

A grade crossing, also known as a road or level crossing, is where a railway line crosses a road at the same level. Railway companies and road authorities (provinces, munici-palities, band councils, and private crossing owners) are all responsible for managing railway crossing safety in Canada.

These regulations improve safety by helping to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents, preventing derailments and injuries and saving lives. In particular, the regulations

improve safety by:• Providing consistent grade cross-

ing safety standards across Canada;• Clarifying the roles and respon-

sibilities of railway companies and road authorities; and

• Improving safety features and promoting collaboration between all parties.

The regulations are results-based, meaning they contain options for bringing a consistent level of safety to each railway crossing in Canada. They will take full effect over the next seven years.

The Government of Canada is also introducing amendments to the Transportation Information Regulations. Under the changes, rail carriers will be required to report leading indicator data to Transport Canada. Leading indicators are mea-surable factors that can be used to proactively identify and address safe-ty risks. This new requirement will support better planning and perfor-mance measurement, more focused audits and inspections, and targeted programs that address specific safety issues.

The Regulations improve safety at federally regulated grade crossings, including approximately 14,000 pub-lic and 9,000 private grade crossings along 42,650 kilometres of federally-regulated railway track in Canada.

From 2009 to 2013, collisions between vehicles and railway equip-ment at public and private crossings caused, on average, 26 deaths and 26 serious injuries a year.

Government introduces new railway crossing rules

A6 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

50 YEARS AGO:Weekly whist games

held by Wells Gray Women's Institute in Upper Clearwater had been terminated for the remainder of 1964. Games were to resume in January, reported Upper Clearwater correspondent Helga Premischook.

Kamloops Coach Lines was advertis-ing daily, dependable motor coach service to Kamloops. The bus left Vavenby at 8 a.m., arrived in Kamloops at 11:05. It returned from Kamloops at 6 p.m., arriving in Vavenby at 9:15 p.m.

The following poem was an ode to the East Blackpool bus:

A Rattlin' Good Success

We have rented a bus, I fear,

Supposed to last for half a year;

Broken steps and muffler hole,

I wonder if it has a soul.

Without its broth-er trucks to start,

It would stall or fall apart;

One time a tractor gave a tow,

A worn out bat-tery was the foe.

As fate may have it, it caught cold,

It stalled near Rutleys', I was told;

It coughed and sneezed and blew its hose,

Ford it had a big long nose.

Well anyway, through thick or thin,

Our driver always brought her in;

Kids all think this bus is fine,

They'd buy it quick for just a dime.

Sure hope your troubles are over soon,

And get a bus with lots of boom;

One that will run with lots of ease,

And on the road will never sneeze.

40 YEARS AGO:Suze Krauseneck

was master-of-cere-monies for the School District 26 Christmas concert. A band com-posed of students from Birch Island, Dutch Lake and Vavenby elementary schools played songs and car-ols. Paul Sonneson was the featured trum-pet soloist with the Clearwater Secondary School band. The clarinet section of Joy Dickson, Linda Tonge, Sandra Whiteman, Joy Gregory, Lorraine Schulte and Debbie Zimmerman played a concerto.

The first ever-curling bonspiel was held at the new North Thompson Sportsplex.

30 YEARS AGO:Police and rela-

tives were searching along the Yellowhead Highway for two miss-ing Alberta residents, Jim Hammond and Linda Gallant. The two had been travel-ing from Edmonton to Kamloops with a load of furniture when they disappeared. An unconfirmed report put their propane-powered pickup at a Clearwater service station.

"My job is the little spy in the backwoods," was how Department of Highways supervi-sor for the Clearwater area Jerry Beddington described what he did for a living. The highways maintenance

contractor, Interior Roads, did their own management and equipment mainte-nance, he said, "I just monitor their perfor-mance."

Featured CSS musicians during the annual Clearwater community concert were Merlin Reiter (trumpet), Rusty Clark (trombone), Shawn Richardson (guitar), Lisa Toma (flute), Laura Marshall (clarinet), Bill Liebe (bagpipes), Kari Montrichard (alto sax), Darcy Yurkiw (tenor sax), Sharon Strickland (saxo-phone), Lisa Odermatt (baritone saxophone), Barbara Wadlegger (alto sax), and Deanne Reiter (saxophone).

20 YEARS AGO:Kevin Kriese

was the new opera-tions manager in the Clearwater Forest District. As integrated management resource officer, Kriese had played a leading role in developing the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP). His grandfather had run the original small sawmill in the Heffley Creek and Falkland areas before coming to Clearwater, where he worked at Camp 2 until his retirement.

The Little Fort ferry was back in use after being closed for over two weeks due to ice on the river.

Then in its 14th

year, Amalgamated Christmas filled 106 hampers for needy families in the Clearwater area. Secretary Lois Moss said a lot of the credit for the successful campaign should go to its chairperson, "Sgt. Major" Pauline Gregory.

15 YEARS AGO:The end of the mil-

lennium was just a few days away, and local Provincial Emergency Program coordinator Tracy Wynnyk sug-gested it was a good occasion for people to review their emergency preparedness plans. PEP headquarters in Victoria was advising people to prepare for Y2K as they would for a severe winter storm or ice-storm.

Former Clearwater Library manager Muriel Dunford pub-lished a new history book: "North River: the Story of B.C.'s North Thompson Valley and Yellowhead Highway 5." The front cover featured a his-torical photo of pistol-packing poet Angus Horne and his associ-ate, Jack Willis.

10 YEARS AGO:Telus expanded its

cell phone service so that it was continuous from Clearwater to Kamloops.

Residents of Wells Gray Country would go to the polls shortly to vote on a proposed aquatic center.

Sonya Beauchamp was picked to be tourism-marketing coordinator for Wells Gray Country.

Leonard Rilcoe of Barriere won $2.2 mil-

lion in a lottery. The 59-year-old father of three planned to retire from logging.

EDAC released a logo for the North Thompson Valley. The logo highlighted the river and valley in relation to direction through the associa-tion with a compass symbol.

5 YEARS AGO:Murtle River

Nordics advised that they had finally set the ski track on the Pyramid Campground access.

Clearwater United Church treasurer Lois Geiger presented Clearwater Hospice Society representative Betty Schulte with a cheque for $585. The money was the pro-ceeds from the Voices United Choir cantata presentation.

1 YEAR AGO:Rogers

Communications would like to erect a cellphone tower next to the firehall in Clearwater, Mayor John Harwood announced. The tower would be 35 m tall, which should give bet-ter coverage than the existing Telus tower, which is 30 m high.

A Valley Voices article told the story of Royce and Nancy Gibson's marriage in the snow nearly 70 years earlier. They had met in 1938 when the Avola school kids (Royce) had a sports day with the McMurphy school kids (Nancy). They were married on Dec. 27, 1946, in Avola after Royce returned from serving overseas.

HISTORICAL Perspect i ve

BACK IN TIME

6 - 7

Keith McNeill

Clearwater Minor Hockey president Hans Wadlegger asked council during its Dec. 16 meet-ing to waive the ice fees at the Sportsplex when the association hosts the Tier 4 Midget provin-cial hockey championships.

The tournament will be held March 15 – 20 but could last longer, depending on the num-ber of teams enrolled.

Ice fees for the tournament would be about $3,000, depend-ing on the number of days the event lasts.

Between six and eight teams are expected, which should bring in a fair number of visitors' dol-lars at an otherwise quiet time of year.

Clearwater hosted the Midget provincials last year as well. To avoid burn-out, organizers will target the larger businesses and

those that directly benefit when asking for donations, Wadlegger said.

Mayor John Harwood com-mented that hosting the provin-cial tournament is one benefit coming from the construction of new changing rooms at the ice arena done a few years ago.

As with similar requests, council took the matter under advisement for a decision at a later date.

District of Clearwater investigates help for Midget hockey provincials

LIFE WITH PETS

As Canadians, we are fortunate in that our health care system, for all of its shortcomings, does provide tremendous peace of mind. If you or a family member are involved in a serious car accident or are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, you are not likely doing to have to lose your home or declare bankruptcy to pay your medical bills. Your monthly MSP bill likely does not exceed the cost of your mortgage. Insurance is one of those odd things that we are not happy to pay but are happy not to use.

Not too many years ago, health insurance for pets was considered a luxury. Horse owners, by contrast, have been insuring their animals for decades. It makes sense to pay an annual premium when the cost of emergency surgery for a colic or injury can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars. In many of these cases, the only alternative is euthanasia or permanent loss of function of a valuable per-formance horse.

With remarkable advances in modern veterinary medi-cines, our ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions in pets has increased at an astonishing rate. Not too long ago, many pets diagnosed with cancer or other serious conditions were euthanized because there essentially few treatment options available to cure the disease or even to comfortably extend the life of the pet. The same situation existed for congenital conditions (abnormalities that are present at birth, such as heart defects), or serious injuries or infections. Veterinarians and pet owners now have a wide array of treatment options for pets that can save lives and relieve previously untreatable conditions.

Our pets can be diagnosed by board-certi� ed veterinary specialists with access to much of the same technological and medical advances used by physicians. But these inno-vations come at a cost. It is heartbreaking for pet owners who must decide between meeting household expenses and pursuing treatment for their pet. In many cases, the

choice is based on economics, not whether or not treatment would be effective.

Several companies offer veterinary health insurance for pets. Costs vary widely and depend on which services are covered. For the majority of pet owners, routine care is something they plan for and prepare in their budget. It is those sudden, unforeseeable accidents or illnesses that can be � nancially and emotionally devastating. Dogs get hit by cars, cats are attacked by other animals or a beloved pet can develop cancer with few, if any, warning signs. This is where pet insurance can provides invaluable peace of mind.

The amount of coverage you select for your pet depends on many factors, but may be simpler than you think. If some-thing happened to your pet today, what amount could you afford for care? Could you borrow emergency funds from a friend or a relative? Do you have a credit on a card that you save for emergencies? This amount can then be � gured as your deductible for your pet’s insurance policy. With a larger deductible, your monthly or annual payments become much less. Premiums are also lower for pets that are spayed or neutered. (Insurance companies know that unaltered pets have a much higher likelihood of being in � ghts or being hit by a vehicle.) Pets that have current vaccinations and routine veterinary care also tend to have lower premiums, as their health issues are usually diagnosed earlier when treat-ment is more likely to be effective, and often less expensive because the pet is not in crisis.

Most pet insurance companies have informative websites and many will allow you to compare rates and coverage and � gure the costs of deductibles versus monthly payments. In a tight economy, insurance for your pet may seem like an extravagance, but that is the very situation where you may need it most.

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A8 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

Cause a disturbanceOn Saturday, Dec. 13,

Clearwater RCMP responded to a report of a fight at a Christmas party.

Police were happy to learn upon arriving, that the situa-tion had calmed, was minor in nature, and no police interven-tion was required.

The party carried on with no further disruptions or problems.

Semi slides off highwayOn Sunday, Dec. 14, a semi-

truck slid off Highway 5 between Blue River and Avola. There were no injuries but it is another reminder to please drive cautious-ly. The roads can still be quite slick and dangerous.

The weather forecast is calling for more mild temperatures right up to Christmas. Though the roads may appear clear, black ice will likely be common, especially in the evening due to the thawing and freezing happening each day.

Clearwater RCMP would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and safe and Happy Holidays.

By Tom Fletcher, Black Press

VICTORIA – Premier Christy Clark has moved embattled cabinet minister Amrik Virk out of his advanced education ministry role as the gov-ernment wrapped up its probe into unauthor-ized signing bonuses for new executives at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Virk trades cabinet

jobs with Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Andrew Wilkinson, who was serving as technology, innova-tion and citizens' services minister. The announcement came Thursday, after the government released the latest results of a probe of the Kwantlen hirings.

Virk was an inspec-tor with the Langley RCMP and volun-teer Kwantlen board

member before being elected MLA for Surrey-Tynehead last year. In November, the NDP produced emails that contradicted Virk's claim he was not involved in a decision to get around B.C. sal-ary guidelines for uni-versity executives.

Virk said he for-got about an email exchange where he proposed a research allowance for then-Uni-versity of Regina dean of business Ann Lavack for the position of vice-president academic at Kwantlen. B.C. public service pay rules limited the position to $170,000 a year, and Lavack took the job in 2011 with a $20,000 research allow-ance and a $50,000 "consulting fee" that were not reported to provincial officials.

8 - 9C L E A R W A T E R

1-800-222-TIPSClearwater RCMP Report

Kinder Morgan contributes to food bankTransmountain Pipeline operations supervisor for the North Thompson Scott MacDonald (centre) presents a $1,000 cheque to Heather Stanley (l) and John McFarland of Clearwater and District Food Bank recently. Distribution of this year's Christmas hampers took place the weekend before last.Photo by Keith McNeill

Virk shuffled to new job in cabinet

Submitted

Cam Smith became a millwright on the Trans Mountain pipeline at Valemount in spring 2014. As the newest member of his team, Cam uses his mechanic skills to help look after a pump station along the North Thompson section of the Trans Mountain pipeline right-of-way.

Cam describes why his new job is a dream come true.

Q. What drew you to work on the Trans Mountain pipeline?

A. I’m from Devon, Alberta and had been working at an Edmonton factory that retreads commercial truck tires. I was eager for a new chal-lenge and a change of scenery. My wife and I love to spend time outdoors and enjoy camping, back-packing and canoeing.

We had been wanting to move to the mountains for quite some time, but jobs were scarce since all the sawmills shut down. So when an opening came up for a millwright at Trans Mountain’s Valemount pump station, I saw that as a great opportunity and I jumped on it.

Q. What was your work background?A. I got my start about 20 years ago at a print-

ing plant where I ran presses before working my way up to mechanical maintenance foreman.

Q. What does your new job entail?A. At the station, which is about the size of an

average single-family home, one of my duties is looking after two 5,000-horsepower pumps that help move oil through the line at rate of about 2,000 cubic metres per hour. In one day, up to 300,000 barrels of oil move through the pipeline at a speed of five kilometres per hour.

The work varies every day. I don’t think I’ve done the same job twice. For example, today I started out doing station checks for all of the equipment at the station. After that we headed out to winterize some valves on the right-of-way. Each day is different.

Q. How important is safety in your day-to-day work?

A. Our focus on safety is a constant thing. We

perform safety checks at least twice a week at the station. We have a routine facility check proce-dure, which includes security checks, housekeeping checks, safety checks, environmental checks and equipment checks. There’s a whole variety of stuff we go through.

On the pipeline right-of-way, we do checks on the valves biannually – usually in spring and fall.

Q. What do you think of Trans Mountain’s approach to safety?

A. It’s amazing how safety-oriented this compa-ny is. At some of the places I’ve worked you kind of get the feeling it’s more talk than anything else. Here, it’s not just talk. It’s the rule.

Any time you are going to do a job, if you’re not sure about it or if you want a refresher, you’ll find that it’s covered in the safety manual. I have yet to find anything that isn’t covered in depth.

Obviously I want to be safe. I want to go home at the end of every day. I want my coworkers to go home at the end of every day. I now have a higher standard of safety for myself.

Q. What kind of safety training does your team do?

A. Safety training is a continual process for all employees and that’s not going to end.

Our current training modules and safety plans are renewed every three years and we have to renew our training on all of them. This will be ongoing throughout my career.

Millwright looks after Trans Mountain pump station

Trans Mountain millwright Cam Smith is based out of Valemount. Photo submitted

Notice of Holiday Hours of Operation

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District offi ces located in Kamloops and Clearwater will be closed from 1:00 p.m. on December 24, 2014 through to January 1, 2014 inclusive, re-opening on January 2, 2015.

The TNRD would also like to advise of the following holiday closures:

All TNRD Libraries will be closed on December 25th, 26th and January 1st. Please visit www.tnrdlib.ca to see the hours of operation for your local library branch and the Bookmobile.

The Clearwater Eco Depot and the Vavenby solid waste facility will be closed on December 25th & 26th and on January 1st. Please visit the TNRD website at www.tnrd.ca for scheduled hours of operation for these facilities.

In the event of an emergency at a TNRD utility system (Blue River or Vavenby water system) during the offi ce closure, please call (250) 318-7515.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season.

Board of Directors

“When you need us, we’re close by”When a death occurs, we are here to help you, every step of the way. 24 hours a day, every day. If you have made pre-arrangements elsewhere and would like to discuss having your local funeral home take care of you, please feel free to call.

Drake Smith, MSW(Funeral Director/Owner)

Jennifer Vincent(Apprentice Funeral Director/Manager)

NORTH THOMPSON FUNERAL SERVICES73 Taren Drive, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N2

Call Drake, MaryAnn or Jennifer at 250-674-3030 or 1-877-674-3030 day or night.

A8 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

By Tom Fletcher, Black Press

VICTORIA – Premier Christy Clark has moved embattled cabinet minister Amrik Virk out of his advanced education ministry role as the gov-ernment wrapped up its probe into unauthor-ized signing bonuses for new executives at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Virk trades cabinet jobs with Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Andrew Wilkinson, who was serving as technology, innova-tion and citizens' services minister. The announcement came Thursday, after the government released the latest results of a probe of the Kwantlen hirings.

Virk was an inspec-tor with the Langley RCMP and volun-teer Kwantlen board member before being elected MLA for

Surrey-Tynehead last year. In November, the NDP produced emails that contradicted Virk's claim he was not involved in a decision to get around B.C. sal-ary guidelines for uni-versity executives.

Virk said he for-got about an email exchange where he proposed a research allowance for then-Uni-versity of Regina dean of business Ann Lavack for the position of vice-president academic at Kwantlen. B.C. public service pay rules limited the position to $170,000

a year, and Lavack took the job in 2011 with a $20,000 research allow-ance and a $50,000 "consulting fee" that were not reported to provincial officials.

Clark also announced three new cabinet assistant appointments.

• Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier takes a new posi-tion as parliamentary secretary for "energy literacy and the envi-ronment," reporting to Environment Minister Mary Polak

• North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite is parlia-mentary secretary for child mental health and anti-bullying, reporting to Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux

• Penticton MLA Dan Ashton is parlia-mentary secretary to Finance Minister Mike de Jong

8 - 9

Kinder Morgan contributes to food bankTransmountain Pipeline operations supervisor for the North Thompson Scott MacDonald (centre) presents a $1,000 cheque to Heather Stanley (l) and John McFarland of Clearwater and District Food Bank recently. Distribution of this year's Christmas hampers took place the weekend before last.Photo by Keith McNeill

Virk shuffled to new job after Kwantlen flap

Submitted

Cam Smith became a millwright on the Trans Mountain pipeline at Valemount in spring 2014. As the newest member of his team, Cam uses his mechanic skills to help look after a pump station along the North Thompson section of the Trans Mountain pipeline right-of-way.

Cam describes why his new job is a dream come true.

Q. What drew you to work on the Trans Mountain pipeline?

A. I’m from Devon, Alberta and had been working at an Edmonton factory that retreads commercial truck tires. I was eager for a new chal-lenge and a change of scenery. My wife and I love to spend time outdoors and enjoy camping, back-packing and canoeing.

We had been wanting to move to the mountains for quite some time, but jobs were scarce since all the sawmills shut down. So when an opening came up for a millwright at Trans Mountain’s Valemount pump station, I saw that as a great opportunity and I jumped on it.

Q. What was your work background?A. I got my start about 20 years ago at a print-

ing plant where I ran presses before working my way up to mechanical maintenance foreman.

Q. What does your new job entail?A. At the station, which is about the size of an

average single-family home, one of my duties is looking after two 5,000-horsepower pumps that help move oil through the line at rate of about 2,000 cubic metres per hour. In one day, up to 300,000 barrels of oil move through the pipeline at a speed of five kilometres per hour.

The work varies every day. I don’t think I’ve done the same job twice. For example, today I started out doing station checks for all of the equipment at the station. After that we headed out to winterize some valves on the right-of-way. Each day is different.

Q. How important is safety in your day-to-day work?

A. Our focus on safety is a constant thing. We

perform safety checks at least twice a week at the station. We have a routine facility check proce-dure, which includes security checks, housekeeping checks, safety checks, environmental checks and equipment checks. There’s a whole variety of stuff we go through.

On the pipeline right-of-way, we do checks on the valves biannually – usually in spring and fall.

Q. What do you think of Trans Mountain’s approach to safety?

A. It’s amazing how safety-oriented this compa-ny is. At some of the places I’ve worked you kind of get the feeling it’s more talk than anything else. Here, it’s not just talk. It’s the rule.

Any time you are going to do a job, if you’re not sure about it or if you want a refresher, you’ll find that it’s covered in the safety manual. I have yet to find anything that isn’t covered in depth.

Obviously I want to be safe. I want to go home at the end of every day. I want my coworkers to go home at the end of every day. I now have a higher standard of safety for myself.

Q. What kind of safety training does your team do?

A. Safety training is a continual process for all employees and that’s not going to end.

Our current training modules and safety plans are renewed every three years and we have to renew our training on all of them. This will be ongoing throughout my career.

Surrey-Tynehead MLA Amrik Virk

Millwright looks after Trans Mountain pump station

Trans Mountain millwright Cam Smith is based out of Valemount. Photo submitted

618B Tranquille Rd.Kamloops BC, V2B 3H6

Phone 250-554-5413 • Fax 250-554-5417

Terry Lake, MLAKamloops - North Thompson

Kevin Krueger, MLAKamloops - North Thompson

“Here to help you.”

9 - 111 Oriole Road, Kamloops, BC V2C 4N6Toll Free: 1-888-299-0805

From Darfi eld to Kamloops Call 314-6031

Proud supporter of the North Thompson Star/Journal Monday, June 18, 2012 www.starjournal.net A11

By Elli KohnertNorth Thompson Star/Journal

The small settle-ment of Vavenby is home to Ecki Manthei, a gifted artist who‘s artwork grows out of his connection to nature, and his drive to follow every new idea with a passion that moves him to create what is in his imagina-tion, without delay.

Ecki’s home stands out from all others in the Vavenby trailer park where it cannot be missed. Two large life-like eagles formed from wood, seem to be guarding his prop-erty. Varieties of crea-tures also made from wood, line the path to the house; and the ambiance of this place leaves no doubt that an artist lives here.

Ecki, and his life partner, Marilyn, arrived in the North Thompson Valley about five years ago. When they saw the trailer court in Vavenby, they “liked it right away and bought it”; a comfort-able, quiet place that allows his creativity to flourish.

Ecki says he emi-grated with his parents from Austria when he was a very young boy in 1945. He has lived and worked in various northern locations in

Canada, and eventu-ally came to live in Cloverdale, B.C. It is there that he began his artistic career.

Seashells were his medium then, tells Ecki as he explains how they lend them-selves to be made into clocks for instance, or be used as a canvas for his paintings.

When the couple eventually settled in the community of Vavenby, it is here that Ecki took on art as his life work.

Ecki has trans-formed one room of their home into an art gallery, where he now displays the numer-ous ‘Art By Ecki’ cre-ations.

The variety of his work is remarkable; it ranges from usable art, like wooden spoons and clocks, to wildlife and nature paintings. Ecki uses antlers for many of his carvings that depict wildlife, especially wolves, in their habitat.

“When I am walking in the forest, or along a stream, I often see something that gives me an idea for a proj-ect,” says the artist, “I may pick up a rock that would be just right to paint something on, or maybe I am lucky to find a moose or deer antler, and I know right away what I want to

carve on it!” He notes that near-

ly all the materials he uses in his creations are natural; giving the artwork its special character.

Sometimes a per-son may come into the gallery to view Ecki’s work, and they may purchase a special item of art for their own home. Most of the time though, Ecki and Marilyn market the art work by taking part in craft fairs.

“At some I do well, with others I do not,” commented the art-

ist on selling his work through craft fairs.

The couple say they have a few tentative ideas in mind for mar-keting; such as going on the road to sell their creations. But right now, they have no immediate plans that they want to follow.

“We like it here in Vavenby,” says Ecki, “We feel comfortable around here, and we do enjoy to be with the friends we have made in the area. For now, ‘Ecki’s Art’ will have its home in the North Thompson Valley .”

Nature plays a large part in Art by Ecki

(Above) Ecki Manthei of Vavenby shows one of the many ant-lers he has carved that are displayed in his home gallery.

(Top left) Ecki’s life partner, Marilyn, looks on on as he passionately describes his art creations to the Star/Journal reporter.

(Bottom left) Some of the beautiful creations that Ecki offers for sale to the public from his Vavenby gallery or at craft fairs.

STAR/JOURNAL photos: Elli Kohnert

Celebration of Art in Barriere June 23, 24By Jill HaywardNorth Thompson Star/Journal

Everything is in place for the June 23, and 24, Barriere Celebration of The Arts. The venue will be similar to last year’s event and will once again be hosted on property beside Highway 5 in Barriere, now the home of Sam’s Pizza and Rib House.

The two day Celebration of Art event is an extravaganza of art and culture, featuring the amazing talent of the North Thompson Valley and British Columbia.

Put on by the North Thomspon Arts Council, and the Yellowhead Artists Cooperative, the venue

continues to be admission free to the public, and encourages youth to attend and participate in the 12 years and under Art Activity Area.

Those involved say they expect a strong turnout of ven-dors this year and that they are looking forward to presenting such a broad range of top qual-ity art for exhibition and/or for sale.

Organizers say booth space is being filled fast by artists and artisans, and they encourage those who have not yet registered to do so now and avoid being disappointed. Service groups and organizations are also wel-come to participate to promote their programs in a booth at the site. Vendors are reminded they

must supply their own canopy or tent, and that power is not available.

If you would like more infor-mation or would like to book a space, or volunteer, please call Jessie at 250-672-9772.

“We figure that all the rain will be done with by then,” said one positive thinker, “It will be a great weekend, and the vendor tents will be to provide shade from the sun, not keep the rain off. We are expecting lots of art-ists, and a steady stream of visi-tors to our presentation. Come on down and see the extremely good works being produced from people within our art com-munity. You’ll be impressed – I guarantee it!”

Shop locally

and support the

economy in your

own community!

email: terry.lake.mla@leg.bc.ca • www.terrylakemla.bc.ca

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A9

8 - 9

Eleanor Deckert

“I was 15 years old when I had my first Christmas in Canada,” Hettie Buck begins her recollec-tion of Christmas in Clearwater in 1971.

How did a girl who grew up in the Californian desert come to experience that first special Christmas?

It is possible to trace Hettie’s story back over 125 years. William Grant (who was present when the CPR’s “Last Spike” was driven at Craigellachie and was the first to grow and market strawberries near Victoria, B.C.) married Bella Eddie in 1888. He decided to relocate after root weevil destroyed his crop. He read about the success of Fred Steggs’ strawberries in Clearwater. Over time he cleared six parcels of land in the Clearwater area: Glen Eddie, Mountain Terrace, Raft River, Stewart Grant, Upper Clearwater Ranch, and Dutch Lake.

William and Bella’s daughter, Isabella Gertrude Grant, married Otto Miller and after their sons, William, Robert and Ronald were born, they joined William and Isabella in Clearwater in 1922. The land that is now Dutch Lake Resort was their ranch.

Robert Miller’s dad sold the Dutch Lake land to Dorothy Bell and Grace McGraw in 1945.

In 1946, Grace

invited her two nieces, Mary Agnes Scott and Henrietta May Scott to help on the ranch. Robert (Bob) Miller came a-courting, canoeing across the lake. He and Henrietta (Hettie) were married in June, 1948.

Ranch life and growing strawberries were supplemented by hunting and trapping, logging, being a park ranger and collecting animal, bird, insect and plant specimens for the University of Ontario. Anne and Peter were Bob and Hettie Miller’s children – home-schooled and learning skills passed on from their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

Hettie Buck picks up the sequence: “My family was my mom (Mary) and my dad (Ross Haynes), sister (Grace) and brother (Scott). Mom was a Canadian. She brought us all up to Clearwater to visit her sister, Henrietta

(Hettie) Grace McGraw almost every summer. We romped all over the hills, forests, ponds and gardens with Anne and Peter and called them “cousins” and their parents, “Uncle Bob” and “Aunt Hettie.” When our property in California was sold, Mom asked us where we wanted to move? We agreed: Clearwater!”

They arrived after a three day drive.

“We felt like we had been transported to Paradise on Earth when we moved to Canada for good,” Hettie Buck said. “We had visited many sum-mers, but never in our lives had we experi-enced winter! We loved it. The kids who lived here rolled their eyes at me, thinking I exagger-ated how ‘wonderful’ and ‘beautiful’ every-thing was ... the snow, the cold, the sledding and skating ... all nor-mal activities for them, all new for me.”

“My cousins, Anne and Pete, created a rink on the pond. We went skating at night by the glow of lan-terns, resting on bales of straw in the moon-light. The wind came up and turned our cheeks bright red!” The excitement is still in Hettie’s voice after over 40 years!

“Aunt Het had a collection of old

skates in all sizes for whoever came. We would come tromping in, freezing cold, to enjoy hot chocolate and go out again.”

“People came from all around for a Christmas tree ... and one other extra-special treat: Uncle Bob was famous for making deluxe caramel. It’s a secret recipe, but we do know that he lovingly stirred it in a huge, heavy pot on the wood stove for eight – 11 hours. When he tested it ‘just right,’ he poured the candy out onto cookie sheets lined with waxed brown butcher paper.

“For Christmas, the best present each kid would get was a two-inch slab of that caramel. We would slowly nibble the soft sugary sweetness try-ing to save it as long as we could savouring, unwrapping and re-wrapping. Someone might hide their piece so that who ever fin-ished theirs first would come looking, begging for a bite.”

Hettie Buck recalled that there was always something deli-cious cooking or bak-ing in the wood stove at any time of year.

“I remember that it was mostly Uncle Bob who did the baking. He had recipes and learned skills from his mother and grandmother. Bear lard was best for pie dough. Shortbread dough was patted into a pie pan, baked and cut into wedges. Apple-up-side-down cake had a special warm caramel sauce drizzled over-top.”

Christmas Day din-ner was a feast with so many foods from the garden.

“Our eyes were always bigger than our stomachs!” Hettie Buck remembers. “Aunt Het made such good gravy and stuff-ing for turkey dinner. Uncle Bob baked squash in the oven, scoring it and load-ing on the butter and brown sugar. We even had home made cran-berry sauce.”

“After dinner, we kids would all lay around talking, read-ing, singing or listen-ing to the adults tell stories and share fam-ily history. The adults sat at the long table that Uncle Bob made years ago.

A wide range of topics of conversa-tion included: selec-tive logging, flowers, grafting trees, bird watching, turtle migration, trapping, hunting, mechanics, seed preservation,

gardening, farming, history, conservation, wine making, climate change, and so much more!”

Hettie Buck recalled that at her Aunt Het and Uncle Bob’s place she had a continuous education.

“It’s at this time of year that I miss Uncle Bob and Aunt Hettie and all the relatives, friends and neighbours who came for a tree, tea, or skating.”

After the move to Clearwater, Hettie’s family operated Haynes’ General Store for many years. The store was located near the bottom of Stegg’s Hill on the Flats in Clearwater. Hettie married Barry Buck, the oldest son of well known local residents Ed and Eva Buck, and they had four children: Joshua, Justice, Jeremy and Jadessa (and there are now seven grand-children).

In 1998 Hettie Buck graduated from Kwantlen in Richmond in jour-nalism and public relations. Starting in 2005 she was market-ing coordinator for Blue River Tourism for several years, and then manager for Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce for a year, starting in 2012.

At present she is in charge of business development and sales with a Kamloops-based Internet company.

She is also the administrator of various Facebook pages, including Rich History of the North Thompson and Beyond.

My first Christmas in Canada – Hettie Buck

Hettie Haynes (later Hettie Buck) takes a break from toboganning and snowshoeing while on a hill overlooking Brookfield Mall in Clearwater. After growing up in Califor-nia, this was one of her first snowy winters. Photos submitted

Aunt Hettie Miller uses a canoe to bring in a buck after killing it herself. Her mother’s sister was a great influence on the young Hettie Haynes after the young teen moved from California to Clearwater.

Uncle Bob Miller checks out a trap set into a square notch cut into a cedar tree. An accom-plished outdoorsman, he married Hettie Haynes’ mother’s sister, Hettie Scott (Miller).

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A11

The dental care you provide for your child sets the stage for healthy adult teeth.

Knowing what to do on a day to day basis will reap huge benefits for not only your child’s happiness and well-being but also for your pocket book. A daily oral care rou-tine for your children prevents decay and helps empower them to make dental health a lifelong priority.

Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth. They help chil-dren speak clearly and eat well. They also help form the jaw and hold space for adult teeth to grow into. Your child will have baby teeth until he or she is 12-13 years old.

Here are some tips to help parents and caregivers keep those tiny teeth bright and healthy.

• Avoid transferring bacteria to your child. It is best to avoid put-ting an object that has been in your mouth into your baby’s mouth. Babies are not born with decay-caus-ing bacteria but these bacteria can be trans-ferred from parents or caregivers to baby. Replacing your child’s toothbrush every three months also reduces exposure to decay causing bacteria.

• Clean your child’s teeth every day. Baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they appear. Before teeth appear, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, wet cloth once a day, every day. Once teeth appear, brush

with a rice-size amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day, every day. Once all baby teeth are in (about three years old), increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-size amount. A parent needs to brush their child’s teeth until they can write, not print, their own name.

• Lift the lip. Once a month, lift the lip to check for white or brown spots on the teeth. These spots are the earliest signs of tooth decay.

• Avoid juice, milk, and sweetened drinks between meals. Give plain water for thirsty

children between meals.

• Give healthy snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats, and grains. Sugary or starchy foods that stick to the teeth can increase your child’s risk of tooth decay.

• Visit your den-tal professional. The Canadian Dental Association recom-mends the first visit to be six months after the first tooth appears, usu-ally by one year of age.

– Author Carol Gulliford is a dental professional practice leader with Interior Health.

10-11Xmas displayChristmas lights festoon the yard of Carrie and Greg Johnson south of Little Fort. The display has grown gradually over the past few years.Photo by Keith McNeill

Healthy smiles start with daily dental care Voices

United performMembers of the Voices United Choir perform at Clearwater Community Baptist Church last Saturday evening. The choir consists of singers from various de-nominations under the leadership of Louise Weaver.Photo byKeith McNeill

A10 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

10-11Christmas concert amazes

Cassidy Tucker makes a realistic looking Mrs. Claus as she takes part in a series of skits that took place between acts at the concert.

(L-r) Jorja Bond, Kileigh Foisy and Alyssa Ball wear Santa hats as they sing during the Christmas concert at Raft River Elementary School on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Lucas Rau is Santa Claus as he takes part in the Christmas concert at Raft River Elementary School on Wednesday, Dec. 17. A good-sized crowd of parents, friends and relatives turned out for the annual event.All photos by Keith McNeill

Astrid Ludwig (l) looks concerned after Joshua Foss tells her that girls cannot train to become the new Santa Claus.

Lesley Pinksen (l) and Jaime Ball look proud as they sing a song during the concert at Raft River Elemen-tary School.

(L-r) Austin Pelton, Kaitlyn Vaisnis, Lynden Spooner and Milo Hindle appear to pray as they sing a song during Raft River Elementary School's Christmas concert on Wednesday in the school's gymnasium.

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A11

The dental care you provide for your child sets the stage for healthy adult teeth.

Knowing what to do on a day to day basis will reap huge benefits for not only your child’s happiness and well-being but also for your pocket book. A daily oral care rou-tine for your children prevents decay and helps empower them to make dental health a lifelong priority.

Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth. They help chil-dren speak clearly and eat well. They also help form the jaw and hold space for adult teeth to grow into. Your child will have baby teeth until he or she is 12-13 years old.

Here are some tips to help parents and caregivers keep those tiny teeth bright and healthy.

• Avoid transferring bacteria to your child. It is best to avoid put-ting an object that has been in your mouth into your baby’s mouth. Babies are not born with decay-caus-ing bacteria but these bacteria can be trans-ferred from parents or caregivers to baby. Replacing your child’s toothbrush every three months also reduces exposure to decay causing bacteria.

• Clean your child’s teeth every day. Baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they appear. Before teeth appear, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, wet cloth once a day, every day. Once teeth appear, brush

with a rice-size amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day, every day. Once all baby teeth are in (about three years old), increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-size amount. A parent needs to brush their child’s teeth until they can write, not print, their own name.

• Lift the lip. Once a month, lift the lip to check for white or brown spots on the teeth. These spots are the earliest signs of tooth decay.

• Avoid juice, milk, and sweetened drinks between meals. Give plain water for thirsty

children between meals.

• Give healthy snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats, and grains. Sugary or starchy foods that stick to the teeth can increase your child’s risk of tooth decay.

• Visit your den-tal professional. The Canadian Dental Association recom-mends the first visit to be six months after the first tooth appears, usu-ally by one year of age.

– Author Carol Gulliford is a dental professional practice leader with Interior Health.

10-11Xmas displayChristmas lights festoon the yard of Carrie and Greg Johnson south of Little Fort. The display has grown gradually over the past few years.Photo by Keith McNeill

Healthy smiles start with daily dental care Voices

United performMembers of the Voices United Choir perform at Clearwater Community Baptist Church last Saturday evening. The choir consists of singers from various de-nominations under the leadership of Louise Weaver.Photo byKeith McNeill

A10 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

10-11Christmas concert amazes

Cassidy Tucker makes a realistic looking Mrs. Claus as she takes part in a series of skits that took place between acts at the concert.

(L-r) Jorja Bond, Kileigh Foisy and Alyssa Ball wear Santa hats as they sing during the Christmas concert at Raft River Elementary School on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Lucas Rau is Santa Claus as he takes part in the Christmas concert at Raft River Elementary School on Wednesday, Dec. 17. A good-sized crowd of parents, friends and relatives turned out for the annual event.All photos by Keith McNeill

Astrid Ludwig (l) looks concerned after Joshua Foss tells her that girls cannot train to become the new Santa Claus.

Lesley Pinksen (l) and Jaime Ball look proud as they sing a song during the concert at Raft River Elemen-tary School.

(L-r) Austin Pelton, Kaitlyn Vaisnis, Lynden Spooner and Milo Hindle appear to pray as they sing a song during Raft River Elementary School's Christmas concert on Wednesday in the school's gymnasium.

SAVEANYWHERE.

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3. Get Cash Back! Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your

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SAVEANYWHERE.

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums

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CHANGESCOMING IN 2015.

a partnership between

KAMLOOPS.CATNRD.CA

As of Tuesday, January 13, 2015 tipping fees are changing at all TNRD transfer stations and Eco-Depots.

If bringing in bags of household garbage you will be charged $1/bag up to 4 bags. More than 4 bags or 50 kilograms will be calculated at $80/tonne

Wood waste, asphalt shingles and concrete/asphalt are $100/tonne with a $5 minimum for loads under 50 kg.

Loads of DLC that are not separated out will be charged $160/tonne with a minimum charge of $8 for loads under 50 kg

Household garbage rates will stay the same at $1/ bag or $10/pick-up truck.

DLC rates will increase from $20/ pick-uptruck to $30/pick-up truck.

See complete volume based tipping feeschedule at tnrd.ca.

PLEASE SORT RECYCLABLE/DIVERTIBLE MATERIALS TO REDUCE YOUR TIPPING FEE.

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A12 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

Adam Williams – Kamloops This Week

Kamloops-area

ski hills were hoping Santa will have a little snow in the bag when he comes through the Tournament Capital

this week.Because, accord-

ing to Environment Canada, Mother Nature isn’t bringing

much any time soon.“There may be

a little bit, but I wouldn’t say there will be a major increase,”

Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist told KTW.

Lundquist said a strong ridge of high pressure over much of B.C. has caused warmer than average temperatures through-out much of the prov-ince.

Another ridge was likely on its way before Christmas.

“It might warm up enough with that next one, too, that we might see some rain at the bottom of the hill late weekend, early next week,” Lundquist said.

“Once that’s by, I think our hopes can be raised a bit more.”

The long-term forecast may also be impacted by the emergence of El Niño conditions in the com-

ing weeks, Lundquist said.

El Niño, which occurs when the water off the coast of South America remains at least 0.5 C warmer than average for a three-month period, tends to bring warmer weather to Western Canada.

It can also create what Lundquist called a “split flow,” which forces storms south to California and north to the Yukon, meaning precipitation would bypass B.C.’s Interior.

It would be bad news for local ski areas, as recent warm weather has left many of them snow starved.

Sun Peaks Resort and Stake Lake Nordic Centre are open and operating,

though not under optimal conditions.

Harper Mountain has yet to open its ski area, though its tube park was to open on Friday, Dec. 19.

General manager Norm Daburger said the hill needs at least one more snowfall before it can open its slopes to the alpine crowd.

At Sun Peaks, a downturn in use by the local market has been offset by destina-tion skiers.

The resort had accumulated a 69-centimetre base at its mid-mountain recording station as of Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Last season, Sun Peaks had a 55-centi-metre base on Nov. 30 and a 79.5-centimetre base on Dec. 31.

12 - 13

SportsKeith McNeill

After what seemed like an early start to the cross-country ski season, recent warm weather has set things back for Wells Gray Outdoors Club.

Nevertheless, there is still a base of snow at the Candle Creek trails and plans are progress-ing for the rest of the season, according to club president Wes Bieber and registrar Hazel Wadlegger.

First event on the calendar will be a snow crasher and open house on Sunday, Dec. 28.

Participants should meet at the Candle Creek chalet at 1:30 p.m. to head out on the trails on their own or join one of the ski “hosts” who will be leading groups organized by level of fitness and skiing ability. There will be supervised chil-dren's activities near the chalet as well.

After skiing, participants will meet back at the chalet for an Apres Ski social, with apples, hot chocolate and more. They can chat with some local experts, find a new ski buddy, get some waxing tips, or just sit an enjoy the warmth of the fire. It will be a chance for longtime members to reconnect and for newer members (and not-yet members) to get to know other skiers in the area. Car pooling will be

available and is encouraged. Members are asked to bring a friend and a favorite appetizer to share.

The Rabbits program for young skiers ages four to 14 will begin on Saturday, Jan. 3. The club is always looking for parents to get involved and help the coaches (or become coaches themselves).

Although the program is not geared towards competition, there will be at least one oppor-tunity to travel to races at either Sun Peaks or Kamloops.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, there will be a moonlight ski. The event will start in the late afternoon.

The annual Birch Leg cross-country ski event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7. Participants are invited to dress up in Viking costume before taking to the ski trails. An authentic Scandinavian lunch will be served.

Wells Gray Outdoor Club will continue to support the cross-country ski program at Raft River Elementary School.

As conditions permit, the club will track-set the trails at North Thompson Provincial Park as well.

More information about the club as well as trail updates are available at the club's Facebook page and at www.wellsgrayoutdoorsclub.ca.

Outdoor club prepares for active ski season

Wells Gray Outdoor Club president Wes Bieber (l) and registrar Hazel Wadlegger check out the conditions at the club's Candle Creek ski trails and chalet. A recent thaw has left the trails with little snow, but more of the white stuff is expected.Photo by Keith McNeill

Snow woes — local mountains in need of white stuff

Learn More. Achieve More.If you or an adult you know would like to improve reading,writing or math skills, look under LEARN in the Yellow Pages™ or visit www.LookUnderLearn.ca

NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPORTSPLEX OR ANY PROGRAMS CALL 250 674 2143

Staff at the Sportsplex wishes everyone a Safe and

Happy Holiday SeasonThe Sportsplex will be closed

Dec. 24-28 and Dec. 31 & Jan. 1

40TH ANNIVERSARYClearwater & District Minor Hockey • Become part of a winning team. Join Minor Hockey and learn to play Canada’s Game. Open to Boys and Girls. www.cdmha.info/ Register @ 250 674 2594 or nissa1537@gmail.com

Raft Mountain Skating Club • Register @ www.raftmountain.com

Adult Hockey • Mens Drop In Hockey Fridays, 8pm $10/each

Oldtimers Hockey • Wednesdays 8:15pm • Sundays, 7pm • $10/each

Wells Gray Curling Club • League play Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 7pm.

Register for the second half 250-674-3768 for info

FAMILY SKATING • Sunday Dec. 28 4pm Sponsored by Clearwater Black HawksPARENTS, PRESCHOOL SKATING • Wednesdays at 10am HOME SCHOOL SKATING • Wednesdays at 1:30pm

A12 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

Adam Williams – Kamloops This Week

Kamloops-area

ski hills were hoping Santa will have a little snow in the bag when he comes through the Tournament Capital

this week.Because, accord-

ing to Environment Canada, Mother Nature isn’t bringing

much any time soon.“There may be

a little bit, but I wouldn’t say there will be a major increase,”

Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist told KTW.

Lundquist said a strong ridge of high pressure over much of B.C. has caused warmer than average temperatures through-out much of the prov-ince.

Another ridge was likely on its way before Christmas.

“It might warm up enough with that next one, too, that we might see some rain at the bottom of the hill late weekend, early next week,” Lundquist said.

“Once that’s by, I think our hopes can be raised a bit more.”

The long-term forecast may also be impacted by the emergence of El Niño conditions in the com-

ing weeks, Lundquist said.

El Niño, which occurs when the water off the coast of South America remains at least 0.5 C warmer than average for a three-month period, tends to bring warmer weather to Western Canada.

It can also create what Lundquist called a “split flow,” which forces storms south to California and north to the Yukon, meaning precipitation would bypass B.C.’s Interior.

It would be bad news for local ski areas, as recent warm weather has left many of them snow starved.

Sun Peaks Resort and Stake Lake Nordic Centre are open and operating,

though not under optimal conditions.

Harper Mountain has yet to open its ski area, though its tube park was to open on Friday, Dec. 19.

General manager Norm Daburger said the hill needs at least one more snowfall before it can open its slopes to the alpine crowd.

At Sun Peaks, a downturn in use by the local market has been offset by destina-tion skiers.

The resort had accumulated a 69-centimetre base at its mid-mountain recording station as of Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Last season, Sun Peaks had a 55-centi-metre base on Nov. 30 and a 79.5-centimetre base on Dec. 31.

12 - 13

SportsKeith McNeill

After what seemed like an early start to the cross-country ski season, recent warm weather has set things back for Wells Gray Outdoors Club.

Nevertheless, there is still a base of snow at the Candle Creek trails and plans are progress-ing for the rest of the season, according to club president Wes Bieber and registrar Hazel Wadlegger.

First event on the calendar will be a snow crasher and open house on Sunday, Dec. 28.

Participants should meet at the Candle Creek chalet at 1:30 p.m. to head out on the trails on their own or join one of the ski “hosts” who will be leading groups organized by level of fitness and skiing ability. There will be supervised chil-dren's activities near the chalet as well.

After skiing, participants will meet back at the chalet for an Apres Ski social, with apples, hot chocolate and more. They can chat with some local experts, find a new ski buddy, get some waxing tips, or just sit an enjoy the warmth of the fire. It will be a chance for longtime members to reconnect and for newer members (and not-yet members) to get to know other skiers in the area. Car pooling will be

available and is encouraged. Members are asked to bring a friend and a favorite appetizer to share.

The Rabbits program for young skiers ages four to 14 will begin on Saturday, Jan. 3. The club is always looking for parents to get involved and help the coaches (or become coaches themselves).

Although the program is not geared towards competition, there will be at least one oppor-tunity to travel to races at either Sun Peaks or Kamloops.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, there will be a moonlight ski. The event will start in the late afternoon.

The annual Birch Leg cross-country ski event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7. Participants are invited to dress up in Viking costume before taking to the ski trails. An authentic Scandinavian lunch will be served.

Wells Gray Outdoor Club will continue to support the cross-country ski program at Raft River Elementary School.

As conditions permit, the club will track-set the trails at North Thompson Provincial Park as well.

More information about the club as well as trail updates are available at the club's Facebook page and at www.wellsgrayoutdoorsclub.ca.

Outdoor club prepares for active ski season

Wells Gray Outdoor Club president Wes Bieber (l) and registrar Hazel Wadlegger check out the conditions at the club's Candle Creek ski trails and chalet. A recent thaw has left the trails with little snow, but more of the white stuff is expected.Photo by Keith McNeill

Snow woes — local mountains in need of white stuff

Learn More. Achieve More.If you or an adult you know would like to improve reading,writing or math skills, look under LEARN in the Yellow Pages™ or visit www.LookUnderLearn.ca

LEARN TO SKATE WITH OUR ENERGETIC, FUN, PROFESSIONAL COACHESJoin local coaches Teresa Heisterman for Junior & Senior Star Skate and Chelsea Hindle for Preschool & Canskate

RAFT MOUNTAINSKATING CLUB REGISTRATIONJanuary 3 - Barriere at AG Foodsfrom 3pm - 5pmJanuary 4 - NT Sportsplexfrom 3pm - 5pm

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

Lessons beginthe week of January 5, 2015

St James Catholic ChurchSunday Service

Mass 11am - 12pm

324 Clearwater Village Road

250-819-5579

Clearwater Seventh-Day

Adventist Church

Pastor John MasiganSaturday Service - 10amClearwater Christian ChurchPh. 250-674-3468

Clearwater Living Streams Christian

FellowshipMeeting at

New Life Assemblyevery Sunday 5:00pm

Contact Dave Meehan 250-674-3217email: livingstreams@hotmail.com

Clearwater Community Churchopen to everyone - all denominations

CLEARWATER NEW LIFE ASSEMBLYDan Daase - Pastor

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am

(Kids church during service)Wednesdays Am - Ladies Bible Study

Thursday 3-5pm Kids ClubPhone: 250-674-2345308 W Old N Thompson Hwy

ChurchDirectoryYour places of worship

VAVENBY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

3083 Capostinsky Rd. • Service 11 a.m.

Sunday Morning Celebration

ServicesIan Moilliet Pastor -

250-676-9574Non Denominational

Clearwater Christian Church“an Independent” congregation in fellowship with the

broader Christian community in the area.Meeting at: 11 Lodge Drive

(Behind Fields Store)

Sunday Worship Service

10 amOn the Web: www.clchch.com

For information 250.674.3841 or 250.674.2912

250.674.1332www.ccbaptist.ca

CLEARWATERCOMMUNITY

BAPTIST24E Old North Thompson Hwy

Worship Service 10:30

CLEARWATER UNITED CHURCH

Meeting at Catholic Church of St. James

WorShip Sunday 9am

Rev. Brian Krushel250-672-5653 • 250-674-3615

www.norththompsonpc.ca

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A13

The Magic Rocket“Zoom ... Zoom,”

yelled Max as he ran around the living room with his favourite toy rocket. Click-clock. Click-clock went the sound of his moth-ers high heels on their wood floor.

“Quiet please Max, your father is trying to work but if you keep making this awful racket he won't be able to, “ she said, giving him the stink eye. Then she walked away. “But what am I supposed to do?” sighed Max. Then he just sat there wishing his mother would stop bossing him around, especially since it was Christmas Eve. But instead of doing any-thing about it he just sat there looking at the Christmas tree.

That night at mid-night Max heard a strange sound com-ing from downstairs in the living room. So he tip-toed across the floor and looked over the bannister to see ... Santa Claus! Santa looked up from where he was standing and saw Max. He almost jumped right out of his black rubber boots. But he did not. “Well what do we have here,” cried Santa. “Um, well I just woke up and heard you delivering presents so I thought I would see what it was.” “Oh, I see,” said Santa with a grin. “Would you like to come on a sleigh ride around this fine old town of yours?” “Yes please,” cried Max with a grin.

When they got into the sleigh Santa lifted off and Max could see everything from the great view in Santa's sleigh. “You must love delivering presents because you get to see the world from up here.” “Oh yes,” chuck-led Santa Claus.

When it was time for Max to go home he gave Santa a hug and ran inside and the last thing he heard from Santa was “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”

Then he looked over at his toy rocket and his toy rocket gave him a little wink and Max still believes that his magic toy rocket made all of this magic happen.

By Dezirae Bond, Grade 5

The Pink Glitter RocketChristmas Eve, 1988,

12:00 a.m.Sarah stayed up try-

ing to see Santa! “I'm in my living

room trying to see Santa.”

She sighed, “It's 12:00 a.m. Nothing yet.” Sarah sighed again.

“I give up.” Until the young girl found a candy cane and coal at the bottom of the chim-ney then she squealed, “Santa,” and hid. Santa set her present down.

Sarah seen her pres-ent, it was a pink glitter rocket with three modes - slow, fast and THIS ISN'T SAFE! “Wow” Sarah whispered. Santa looked over in her direction and then went on with his business. Santa ate his cookies and drank his milk and with a ho ho ho and a blast of magic off he went to his sleigh and reindeer.

The next morn-ing Sarah got up, got dressed, ate, got her rocket and used rope to strap it to her sled, then put on THIS ISN'T SAFE, pressed “GO” and yelled OH NO. The end

By Lucas John Rau, Grade 5

The Magic RocketOne Christmas

morning a little boy woke up and went downstairs. Then he opened all his presents.

His sister Kate came downstairs and she found a present her brother missed. She gave it to her brother and he ripped the wrap-ping off. He was so excited!!!

He woke up his mom and dad because it was a rocket. The next day, he discovered that it was a magic rocket. So, he zoomed

around the house and thought it was fun.by Soren Coates, age 8

The Magic RocketOne morning

Bob woke up. I smell reindeer. He went downstairs to see his parents.

“Mom, Dad what's that smell?”

“Ho Ho Ho you should be asleep” said Santa

“Well, I'm sorry: said Bob

“You should be”“OK, I'll go to bed”“Oh wait, I have a

surprise for you.”“What is it?”, said

Bob.“Ho Ho Ho, your

present is a surprise young man.

“Oh man, I want it right now.”

“NO, you must go back to bed now.”

“Fine, I'll go back to sleep now.”

When Bob woke up he went down stairs to tell his parents.

“Mom, Dad, guess what happened?”

“I saw Santa!”“Yeah right,” said

Dad.“I'm sure it was a

dream.”“No, it wasn't, I'm

sure it wasn't,” said Bob.

“Son, go back up

stairs and make break-fast,” said Dad

“Well I'm hungry, but no,” said Bob.

“You can do it yourself,”said Bob.

“Well if we make breakfast, we get the first plate.”

“Fine by me,” said Bob.

After breakfast, Bob said, “Let's open presents!”

“Sure, let's do it.”The first present

was a race car.“Hey Mom. I got a

race car,” said Bob.“That's nice,” said

Mom.“Ha, where's Dad's

present?”“Well, you see your

Dad's present was a vacation.”

“Oh, where did he go?”

“He went to Mexico. He will be back in a few weeks.”

“So Mom, where is my second present?”

“Well, your Dad has the other present.”

“Okay.”A few weeks later,

Bob's Dad came back.“Dad, Dad where is

my other present?”“It's right here

Bob.”“What is it?”“Well it won't be

here until tomorrow.”The next day,“Dad! It's here! It's

a rocket.”“Hey Dad, let's see

what it can do.”“Wow, it is like

magic.”“That is magic.”“It is really magic.”“Yes it is magic.”“I can't control it. ““Let me try.”“Thus is easy.”“I can't wait for

next Christmas!”By Linden

JetOnce upon a time

there was a reindeer and his name was Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. And then Santa came and said Rudolph! It’s Christmas Eve.

Oh, said Rudolph. I have to pull a sleigh. Ok. Rudolph time to pull my sleigh. Then it broke. I need a jet. Ok said

Rudolph. I’ll get you a jet and he came back with a jet.

Thank you Rudolph. How can I thank you Santa said. Well you can put me on the front of your jet. Ok Rudolph. Anyway, you’re the best, and they lived happily ever after.

By Lilly Frost, Grade 2

12 - 13

Christmas stories

A14 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

Business & Service DirectoryACCOUNTANT - CERTIFIED

STONE & COMPANYJason O’Driscoll, CPA, CA - Bob Lawrie, CPA, CGA

Chartered AccountantsRison Realty • 32 E Old N. Thompson Hwy.

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Home RenovationsJAGER GARBAGE

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

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Septic - Installation - Service - PumpingDemolition - Excavation - Backhoe Service

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phone: 250-674-2257 • Fax: 250-674-2173 Box 157, 209 Dutch Lake Road, Clearwater, V0E 1N0Of� ce Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

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Motor Licence Office Plumbing & Drains

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

Wells & Pumps ≈ Yearly Maintenance ≈ Frozen pipesWe are right around the corner

Business & Service Directory

STONE & COMPANY(Robert Lawrie, Silvia Scheibenpfl ug)

Certifi ed General AccountantsRison Realty • 32 E Old N. Thompson Hwy.

Feb. 1st to Apr. 30th - Every ThursdayMay 1st to Jan. 31st - By AppointmentHours: 9:30 am to Noon, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Phone: 250-674-2532 • Kamloops: 554-2533 • Fax: 554-2536Financial Statement Preparation • Corporate & Personal Income Taxes

Accountant - Certified Appliance Repair

Hazel’s HousingQUALITY WORK

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CLEARWATER, B.C.

250-674-4083Hazel Dowds

Journeyman Carpenter

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Symons ElectricGood Prices • Great Service • Quality WorkLARRY SYMONS • LICENSED & BONDED • CLEARWATER

- CLOSED MONDAYS - • B.C. Reg. #24833

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Electric Contractors

Building Supply

Winter Hours • 8:30am - 5pm

Electric Contractors

Licenced & BondedReg. NO: 99142

JAGER GARBAGEResidential & Commercial

Garbage Collection. Residential includes Blue Bag Recycling

Containers available for construction sites, yard clean-up, industrial sites etc.

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

Garbage Collection

Septic - Installation - Service - PumpingDemolition - Excavation - Backhoe Service

Trucking - Crane Truck - Water - DumpGravel - Sand - Top Soil - Snow Removal

Paul Jack250.819.3205 250.299.9510

ContractingConstruction

John White

Fully Insured

Journeyman Carpenters

Bonded General Contractor

Tiny Builders Ltd.Box 345

Clearwater BCV0E 1N0

(250) 674-4001(250) 674-8469tinybldr@telus.net

ConstructionConstruction &

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to Roof

Rob KerslakeSteve Noble

NORTH RIVERAPPLIANCE REPAIRFour Star Service

250-674-0079

DOUG JAMESPARTS - SALES - SERVICE CALLS

USED APPLIANCES

Contractor

Building Contractor

Renovations • Additions • New Construction Home Repairs • HAFI Jobs • Project Management

250-674-3875 Clearwater, BC • ounpuu@telus.net

40 years experience

HANS OUNPUU

FULLY CERTIFIED60 FOOT STICK BOOM

MAN LIFT WITH WINCHWe can safely lift you in the cage

to put your task close at hand. Pull a pump, lift a tower, top a treeHourly, daily and weekly rates • Includes operator

250-587-6151Kindly refer to our website: itecboomtruck.com

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Gifts

The Little Gift Shop• Jewelry

• Gift Baskets• Framed photo, prints & cards

• Fishing - rods, reels, lures, knives• Local artists - and much more

Tuesday to Friday: 10 am - 5 pmSaturdays: 10 am- 4 pm

250-674-0101Next to Clearwater Computers

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SCENTSY CERAMIC WARMERSVELATA BELGIAN CHOCOLATE FONDUES

A favourite idea for personal or gift giving and home and party entertainment.Book now or orders placed weekly. No shipping or handling fees

Sat.: 10am - 4pm • Sun.: 11:30 - 4pm 343 Clearwater Valley Rd. (Beside O’Bryan’s in the Laundromat at the TNT Building Entrance to Wells Gray Park) or call 250-674-3763 or 778-208-5359

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Plumbing & Heating

visa, debit, mc accepted

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PROPANE & ELECTRIC FURNACE REPAIRFurnace Installation • Heat Pumps and Air ConditioningRadon Gas Mitigation • Serving Blue River - Little Fort

YOUR FRIENDLY REPAIR MANWATER WELL SERVICES

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250-674-2733132 Station Road, Box 157, Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0Offi ce Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

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CLEARWATER SEPTIC SERVICEGive us a call before it’s too late! BEST rates in town

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&

Raft Peak Rd

Birch Dr

Greer RdDownie

He

ywo

od

Rd

Hillsid

e R

d

No

rfolk

Steeg R

dC

apostinskyW

hite Rd

Azure D

r

Blair P

l

Wyndhaven Rd

Murtle C

r

Riverview

Cr

Brook�eld R

d

Old North Thompson HwySunshine Valley Rd

Ridge D

r

Lake R

d

Cameron

Blanchard

Trutch Rd

Station Rd

Ca

nd

le C

ree

k Rd

Vern Anne Pl

Wyndhaven Pl

Buck Rd

Ke

nn

ed

y Rd

Grant RdWebber Rd

Swanson Rd

Murtle Cr

Helmcken Rd

Robson Rd

Robson Pl

Lakeview Rd

Dutch Lk Rd

Har

by R

d

Fawn RdLake Summit R

d

Smal

l Rd

Beach Rd

Donch Rd

Kershaw

Roy Rd

Defossee Pl

Hydro Rd

Woreby

Park Drive

Dunn Lake Rd

Clearwater Village Rd

Cle

arw

ate

r Va

lley R

d

Clearwater Village Rd

Raft River Rd

Scott Rd

Wildwood RdEden Rd

Archibald Rd

Barber Rd

Heather Rd

Sunset Rd

Mt. View Rd

Foote Rd

Jenkins Rd

North Thompson

Provincial Park

Davoron Rd

Caro

line

Rd

Ga

gg

in R

d

Kid

d R

d

He

rn R

d

Trau

b Rd

Ford

Rd

Thom

pson

Dr

DeCosmos Rd

Phillips Rd

Ferry Rd

Richie Rd

Gill Creek RdDunlevy Rd

Schmidt Rd

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dle

gg

er R

d

Clea

rwat

er R

iver

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grav

e Rd

Camp 2 Rd

Forest Service Rd

BROOKFIELD CREEK

NOR

TH T

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PSON

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ER

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Forest

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Glen RdTaren Dr

Youn

g Rd

Lodge Dr

Mileen D

r

Ellio

t Rd

Og

de

n R

d

South t

o

Kamloo

ps

125 k

m

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Business & Service Directory

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A15

14 -15

The Magic RocketIn 2004 at the

Eiffel Tower in Paris. Vampire Santa was seven hundred years old! Vampire Santa loved to deliver magic rockets!

He only liked to deliver magic rockets because he wants to send kids to block the sun so he can roam the earth!

One day when the sun came out Vampire Santa started to burn.

Quickly the elves said ‘’we give up. We can keep on sending kids in to the sky!

The sun was almost uncovered! Vampire Santa continued burn-ing. Vampire Santa found a ring with a picture of fangs on it! Vampire Santa put it on!

The sun was all the way uncovered.

Nothing happened?The elves were

confused. Santa was confused!

Santa whispered to himself, I will try again next year

Christmas was saved! Magic rockets would continue to be delivered!

By Kaylee Pringle, Grade 4

The Magic RocketOne day there was

a little boy that really wanted to get a rocket ship for Christmas. On Christmas he didn’t get it.

He was really sad but he saw one more present under the tree. He took it and ripped the wrapping. He was so excited he ran to his parents. He gave them a really big hug he played with it for seven hours straight.

The next morning he played with it for about two hours but he didn’t seem too excited. But the next morning it was going green and also it was getting a little bigger and it got bigger than his house.

It was a rocket ship. The little boy went in it. In it there was a button that said: planets on it. The boy pressed the button then pressed moon. It was counting down three, two, one blast off!

The rocket was going so fast that the little boy’s head almost fell off. About seven hours later he landed. He went out side. It was freezing but he could live with it so he placed his flag and went back in his ship.

It took longer to

get home. It took about 20 hours to get home. The little boy was so tired he went straight to bed.

He couldn’t go to sleep because he was thinking about it. The end.

By Nick Anderson, age: 8

The Magic RocketOnce on Christmas

Eve there was a young boy named Mark. Mark could not sleep that night. He was daydreaming about what he would get from Santa!

Then at midnight he heard something. So he got out of bed to see what it was. He looked outside.

It was Santa’s sleigh. But where was Santa? So he went down stairs and opened the door. Mark ran over to the sleigh and saw a rocket.

Then he looked back at the house and saw Santa eating

the cookies they put out for him. Then he closed his eyes and opened them. He was in his bed so he looked at the clock and it was 7 am. Then he ran down stairs and opened his present from Santa. It was a rocket!

By Brendan Green, Grade 4

The Magic RocketOnce upon a time

there was a little pen-guin named Peabody and he had no friends. One day a little seal and the penguin said, “Do you want to be friends?” and the seal said, “Yes, I will be your friend”

So they went off and they went to the jungle and they heard a big crash. There was a big rocket ship. They said, “Should we go in it?” “Okay, said the penguin.

So they went in the rocket ship and they went off to space. When they got to

Jupiter, they saw an alien.

The alien said, “Ooooooaaaa!” and they said, “Aaaa! They got in the rocket and they went off. The End

by Devin Holland, age 8

The Best Christmas Dinner Ever

Once upon a time there was a little girl. She said to her mom that they could have a Christmas dinner. Her mom said that would be a great Idea.

“Perfect,” she said “because I want to have it at grandma’s house, ya! Ya!” the girl shouted.

The the girl went up to her room and wrote a letter to her grandma.

She said: Dear grandma. Mom’s going to have a Christmas dinner at your house. Sincerely, Lucky.

Then she went downstairs and told her Mom that she

was going to the Post Office. “Okay.” Then she went to the Post Office and mailed it. She waited and waited and waited. Then she got a letter back say-ing: Awesome, we’re having Christmas at my house, ya! So when it was time to go, her Mom yelled at her to put her boots on. Oh man. When they got to grandma’s, they had turkey and said mmmm! So the girl got a plate dished up and ate with her family.

After everyone had left they had their own family dinner themselves. So then they had pop and cof-fee while the kids ran around and played with the girl toys.

They all said, “Now that was the best Christmas dinner or brunch ever!”

And that was the story of the Best Christmas Dinner Ever!

By Joey Ressler, age 8

Christmas stories

A16 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

Thought of the week

Christmas isn’t a

season. It’s

a feeling.

~ Edna Ferber

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

ROAD MAINTENANCE (THOMPSON) INC.

Check Before you go! www.DriveBC.ca

Thought Thought of the week

Christmas isn’t a

season. It’s

a feeling.

~ Edna Ferber

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

ROAD MAINTENANCE (THOMPSON) INC.

Check Before you go!www.DriveBC.ca

250-674-2674

Bayley’s BistroBayley’s Bistroin the Brookfield Shopping Centre in Clearwater

Eat in or Take out Fried Chicken

250-674-2674

this ad is sponsored by

Wells Gray Country

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

Dec. 31: New Years Eve Dance, Blue River Event, 9 pm, Legion Upper Hall

Dec. 31: New Years Eve Bullarama, Barriere Agriplex tick-ets available at the Star/Journal (Bullarama 7pm dance to follow)

Jan. 4: Raft Mtn Skating registration, 3-5 pm, NT Sportsplex, or www.raftmountain.com

Jan. 5: Badminton, 7:30 – 9:30, CSS gym, info 250-674-2518

Jan. 6: Regular Council meeting, 2pm, 209 Dutch Lake Rd.Jan. 9-11: Midget Rep Tourney, NT SportsplexJan. 25: Ice Fishing Derby, Dutch Lake, sponsored by

Clearwater Rotary Club. Info 250-674-2795Jan. 31-Feb 1: Novice Hockey Tournament, NT Sportsplex

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT• Tuesday Morning Coffee (TMC): Meets 10am – 11:30

@ Clearwater Community Baptist Church. All women and children welcome. (9:30-10 am Bible Study). Info 250-674-3624

• Women in Business Luncheon: Last Wed. of the mth at Wells Gray Inn, 12–2 pm. Preregister at 250-674-2700

• Clearwater Choir: Youth 3:30 - 5 pm; Adult 6:30 - 9 pm, Tuesdays, Clearwater Christian Church

• Crafts & Conversations with Cheryl. Tuesdays 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the North Thompson Aboriginal Sharing Center. Phone 250-674-3703 for more info.

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

• M&M (Mrs. & Ms.) Social. Last Sun of the mth Wells Gray Inn. 1pm: 250-587-6503

• Blackpool Community Hall Coffee House; Local musi-cians – 2nd Fri. of the mth. 6:30pm. Concession, $3 or 2 for $5.

• Clearwater Elks Bingo - 2nd & 4th Wed. Elks Hall 5pm, Info call Phyllis 250-674-3535

• Cribbage Wed. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 12:30 pm.

• Fun Darts Fri. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 6 pm.CHILDREN & FAMILIES• Racoon StrongStart - Raft River Elem school days Mon,

Tues, Thurs & Fri 8:45-11:45am• Racoon StrongStart - Vavenby Elm school days Wed

8:50-11:50am• Clearwater Breastfeeding Group: 3rd Wed. of every

month 7:30pm @ YCS• Mother Goose - Monday mornings, reg. Kerry 250-

674-3530• NT BC Home Schoolers: Meets Fri. afternoons. Call

Leanna 250-674-0057 for detailsHEALTH & HEALING• AA Meetings: every Wednesday, #11 Lodge Dr, 250-

587-0026 anytime• Shambhala Meditation Group: meets every Tuesday at

Forest House 6:30-8:00 pm. Info: 250-587-6373.

• Connections Healing Rooms - Wed. 1-3pm (except stat. holidays). 86 Young Rd. No charge. Sponsored by Living Streams Christian Church. www.healingrooms.com.

• Healthy Choices – Tues 9am Clearwater Christian Church bsmnt (behind Fields). $2/wk drop-in free. Kim 250-674-0224

• Clearwater & District Hospice 3rd Mon. Sept-Jun 10am Legion 778-208-0137.

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

at CSS � eld. Everyone welcome!• Bowling: Mon. 10–12pm & 1-3pm; Thurs., 1-3pm.

Seniors Centre at Evergreen Acres. 250-674-3675• Clearwater Sno-Drifters: 1st Thurs every mth. 250-

676-9414• CNT Rod & Gun Club: 3rd Tues. of the mth. Blackpool

Hall 7pm Nov., Jan., & Mar. AGM in May• Volleyball: Winter, dates TBA, at Clearwater Secondary

School Gym, $2 drop in. Info: 250-674-1878.• Youth Group: ages 12-18, Sat. 7-10 pm Dutch Lake

Community Center, info 250-674-2600• Yoga Tree – Call or email Annie 250-674-2468 annie.

pomme@hotmail.com• Core Strength Fitness. Tuesdays. 10-11am 250-674-

0001• Badminton: Mon & Wed, Oct – Mar, CSS gym, 7:30-

9:30 pm, $3 drop-in fee, info 250-674-2518• Drop in Basketball: Winter, dates TBA, $2 drop in at

Clearwater Secondary School Gym. Info: 250-674-1878• Slo-Pitch: Clearwater mixed Slo-Pitch league May – July.

Contact Carmen Archibald 778-208-1773, 250-674-2632

• Drop in Soccer: June -Sept, tues and Thurs, 6:30-8:00 PM, CSS � eld, $2 drop in, grade 8 to adult

SENIORS• Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society 3rd Sun Social

Meet at the Wells Gray Hotel at 12:30pm for lunch or dessert, & chat

• Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society Book Club Last Thursday of the mth 2pm at the library. All seniors welcome.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ONGOING EVENTS

REGISTER TODAYTEL: 250.674.3530 IN PERSON: 209 Dutch Lake Rd. EMAIL: sarduini@tru.ca • www.tru.ca/regional_centres/clearwater

UPCOMING COURSES Foodsafe Level 1 Dec 16 & 17 $95

Gymnastics - Youth Jan 6 – Mar 12 Various prices

ONLINE WORK-RELATED TRAININGPlease call 250.674.3530 to make an appoint-

ment for online work-related courses.

The Thompson Rivers University Regional joint brochure will be in your mailbox over the Christmas holidaysWatch for it!!!! If you do not receive a copy

please call 250-674-3530 or email sarduini@tru.ca to request one, or stop by the

Dutch Lake Community Centre to pick one up.

Youth Gymnastic begins right after the New Year, phone and register your child to

secure a spot in the program.

Season’s Greetings

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A17

Help WantedContract Delivery Driver

• Pick up in Vernon and deliver to Barriere Once a week on Wednesday

• Time sensitive • Must have reliable vehicle, insurance

and capability to haul 2 tonnes of weight.

Please submit resume to the North Thompson Star/Journal10-4353 Conner RoadBarriere, BC or emailal@starjournal.net

Announcements

Coming EventsRaft Mountain Skating

Registration

Barriere - Saturday, Jan 3 3-5 p.m. at AG Foods

Clearwater - Sunday Jan. 4 3-5 p.m. at NT Sportsplex

or www.raftmountain.com

InformationBarriere A-A Meetings

Every Tuesday at 7:30pmPentecostal Church818 Amnesty Road

250-672-9643250-672-9934

Safe Home Response Providing a safe place to

escape for women and their children.

Volunteers always needed. Call 250-674-2135.

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP

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

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Great deals - low prices

PersonalsClearwater: AA MeetingsEvery Wednesday, #11 Lodge Drive, side door. Call 250-587-0026 anytime

MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real peo-ple like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and con-nect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851.

Travel

TimeshareCANCEL YOUR Timeshare. NO Risk Program. STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Pay-ments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Con-sultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248.

TravelRV LOT Rentals $8.95 a day. 362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertain-ment. Reserve by 11/01/2014. Visit: www.hemetrvresort.com. Call: 1-800-926-5593

Employment

Business Opportunities

THE DISABILITY Tax Credit. $1,500 yearly tax cred-it.$15,000 lump sum refund (on avg). covers: Hip/knee re-placements, arthritic joints, COPD. For help applying 1-844-453-5372.

Career Opportunities

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online train-ing you need from an employ-er-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career to-day!

Drivers/Courier/Trucking

SEEKING class 1 drivers for super b fl at deck work. Canada wide and US hauls. We offer modern equip-ment, e logs, steady year round work, and family security through extended benefi ts and a matched contribution pension apply on line at sutco.ca fax resume and abstract to 250-357-2009 or call 1-888-357-2612 ext. 230

Employment

Drivers/Courier/Trucking

Lakes District Maintenance Ltd. has openings for

PLOW TRUCK OPERATORS

Positions are available in Bob Quinn Lake and Jade City. Both are camp locations with bunkhouses available for suc-cessful candidates. Positions are for this winter season.Wages start at $21.18/hr plus isolation, bunkhouse & other allowances. Experience is an asset, but not required. Class 3 BC Drivers licence with air required. Apply with resume and current drivers abstract:

In person:881 – Hwy 16W

Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0Fax: 250-692-3930

Email: careers@ldmltd.ca

More career opportunities at ldmltd.ca/careers/

Trades, Technical

Port Hardy, BC.Busy GM dealership looking for two full time positions to

be fi lled immediately.Certifi ed GM technician

Ticketed BodymanVery competitive pay scales, benefi ts, and fl exible schedules.Send resume to

cory@klassengm.com

SKILLED trades! Experienced weld-ers and completions team members needed in Grande Prairie, AB. Welders, B-Pressure Welders, Painters with Steel experience. Fly in - Fly out with 1 week at home a month. Accommodation provided. Alberta wages without the high rent! Send resume to:h r @ we s t e r n m a nu fa c t u r i n g . c a www.westernmanufacturing.ca

Services

Financial ServicesARE YOU $10K Or More In Debt? DebtGo can help re-duce a signifi cant portion of your debt load. Call now & see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783.

INCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reas-sessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: r.gal-len@shaw.ca C- 250-938-1944

Help Wanted

Services

Home CareAccess Respite Care & shift coverage whenever you need it. Certifi ed quality home sup-port. 778-220-7003

Photography / VideoPHOTOS

by Keith McNeillDigital and fi lm photographs.

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

Home ImprovementsFULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. Call 1-800-573-2928.

Merchandise for Sale

FirearmsFIREARMS: ALL types want-ed, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed dealer 1-866-960-0045. www.dollars4guns.com.

FurnitureFor Sale Brown chenille three cushioned sofa. $50 or best offer. As is where is. Call Les-lie at 250-672-5706 to view.

Misc. for SaleHOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for bal-ance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 or visit us online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

Real Estate

Mobile Homes & Parks

Optional RENTAL PURCHASE

1974 Homco-Ambassador (One move factory to site) 12x68

2bdrm FeaturingLiving rm with tip out, Dining

rm w/buffet & hutchRefrigerator, Range, Washer &

Dryer, Oil FurnaceScreen porch & family rm

additionsUnit had an auxiliary roof over

the majority of time on siteAsking $25,900

Phone: 250-587-6151

Rentals

Apt/Condo for RentClearwater: Small 2 bdrm apt, own entrance, close to town. $600/mo + util. Avail Jan. 1, 2015. Call Julie 250-674-0188

Duplex / 4 PlexBarriere: 3 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath, duplex, large fenced backyard, 1 car garage. $895 + util. DD. Pets neg., N/P, N/S Avail Dec. 15. 250-672-0041.

Barriere: large 1 bdrm apart-ment in quiet neighbour-hood.750sqft. $615/mo. Pets negotiable. Call 250-682-2231

Rentals

Homes for RentClearwater: 3 bdrm, 2 bath, home on Bain Rd. Wood pellet & elec heat, 10 acre lot. $1250/mo + util. Mature adult. NS Ph. 403-816-7979Clearwater: 3bdrm, Peavine Rd, new renos, lg deck, 1500 sq ft. $850/mo; 3 bdrm house, 220 Dutch Lake Rd, $795/mo, recent renos. Call Chum 250-674-3668.Vavenby: Nice clean 3bdrm house w/bsmt, carport, & stor-age sheds on half acre w/river view. F/S, W/D, $900/mo, $450/dd. Call 250-674-0002

Very attractive 2-bdrm manuf home, f/s, washer, dryer, cen-tral air, offi ce area, carport. $750/mo. Now avail. Thomp-son Crossing Blackpool, Clearwater. Ph. 250-587-6151

Rentals

Suites, LowerBirch Island: 2-bdrm suite,$550/mo. Avail now. Incl sat tv, util & laundry. Wood heat. Ph. 250-674-1768

Transportation

Vehicle WantedVolkswagen van/bus with splitfront window. Any info pls call Kevin 403-690-7646 or email vdublove@hotmail.ca

Trucks & Vans2010 Dodge Caravan SE, 3.3 litre, V-6, 115,272 km, $9750.00 Ph. 250-674-2010

Your community. Your classifi eds.

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fax 250.674.3410 email classifi eds@clearwatertimes.com

CLASSIFIED RATES AND DEADLINEBuy a Classified in the Star/Journal

and your ad goes into the The Times FREE.

Regular Rate: 8.50 + GSTMaximum 15 words .20c per word extra

Special Rates: 3 Weeks;$22.15 + GST

Free Ads: Lost, Found, Student Work WantedFree ads maximum 15 words will run 2 consecutive weeks.

Happy Occasions:Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, etc. 1 column by 3 inch - $18.49 + GSTDeadlines:Word Ads: Mondays 5pmDisplay Ads: Mondays 12pm

It is the policy of The Star/Journal and The Times to receive pre-payment on all classified advertisements.Ads may be submitted by phone if charged to a VISA, MC or an existing account.

CHECK YOUR AD! Notice of error must be given in time for correction before the second insertion of any advertisement. The paper will not be responsible for omissions or for more than one incorrect insertion, or for damages or costs beyond the cost of the space actually occupied by the error.Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of ads which discriminate against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, national-ity, ancestry or place of origin or age, unless the condition is justifi ed by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.Readers; in ads where ‘male’ is referred to, please read also as ‘female’ and where ‘female’ is used, read also ‘male’.NOTE: When ordering items out of province, the purchaser is responsible to pay provincial sales tax. Do not send money in response to an advertisement without confi rming the credentials of that business, and be aware that some telephone num-bers will be charged for by the minute

Buy a Classified in the Timesand your ad goes into the Barriere Star/Journal FREE.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9am -5pmBrookfield Mall, Clearwater

Ph: 250.674.3343 • Fax: 250.674.3410

12pm

Community NewspapersWe’re at the heart of things™

A18 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

The Magic RocketOn Christmas Day

as soon as David woke up he got dressed and sped downstairs through the hall into the living room waiting for his family to wake up. But just then David remembered his parents said that if he woke up first he could open a present before anyone else woke up.

David snatched the first present he saw with his name on it and tore the wrapping open. David gasped in surprise because his present was a rocket. There was a button on the rocket and David pushed it.

The top of the rock-et started to open and

a pipe came out. Candy started pouring out and David caught one in his mouth. But there was a side effect and David was teleported to the place it was made ... the North Pole.

By Dylan Booth, Grade

The Magic RocketWake up, wake up

Mom. Santa has been here, said Ted. OK Mom groaned. When Mom got to the living room Ted had already ripped open a present. It was a rocket.

A rocket Ted said, puzzled, and kept on unwrapping presents. After lunch Ted called all his friends. When all his friends were there

he lit a match and all the rocket did was fall over. Ted was very disappointed, although he was so excited when he found the rocket he didn’t see a little pack of magic powder.

The magic powder would let the rocket blast off. You would have to open up the tip of the rocket and dump the powder in, and then light the match.

When the rocket didn't blast off, Ted went back inside and sat in the arm chair in front of the Christmas tree. That's when he found the magic pow-der. That's where the rocket was! He turned it over and the instruc-tions were on the back.

His friends were still there so he dumped the powder into the rocket, lit his match and lit the rocket... BOOM!! It blasted off! It blasted off! Ted yelled excit-edly. He ran and found his mother and told her all about it.

The EndBy Reid Muddiman,

Grade 2

The Best Christmas Dinner Ever

It was Christmas morning. I am so excited, I can't wait for the presents. I gasp in excitement. Then there was a pretty doll for me. I played with it until dinner.

Then my mom told me to go and invite Mr. And Mrs. Anderson and I did.

Now I'm so excited for dinner. We are going to have turkey and stuffing and we did and I love it.

The end.By Saya Stelter, age 8

The Magic RocketOne beautiful day a

magic rocket came to Earth. Everyone was scared because they thought it was aliens

but it was magic per-son.

It went on the news too. People had night mares. Because it was scary.

I wish it didn't hap-pen. It was loud, but it stopped. Then it was a happy Christmas. Then it was sum-mer. Then it was fall. People were hoping it wouldn't happen

again. Then it was winter. When it was Christmas it didn't happen people were so happy that it didn't happen.

By Owen Sim, age 8

The Christmas GirlOne day a girl

named Julie was lov-ing and joyful. I have a sister named Holly, too. My pet unicorn named Krystal was a “Beautiful, Beautiful” girl.

All of them went for a walk to the farm. All of them had a lot of fun at the farm. By tomorrow it will be Christmas. Santa will come.

The next day it was Christmas. I said to my sister, “I am frozen.” You ARE FROZEN! Yes. Elsa sang a song. Knock knock knock! Do you want to make a snowman? Oo oo oo come with me. Still you never ever told me I'm sorry. Let's go and play ok ok wee AAA. I'm making a snow-man. The end.

By Rogue Schley, age 8

18 -19

Christmas stories

Christmas Light-Up funYoungsters and adults gather around a table at the Wells Gray Infocenter to decorate gingerbread men. They were taking part in Clearwater Rotary Club's annual Christmas Tree Light-Up on Dec. 7. Photo submitted

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A19

18 -19

Christmas stories

Christmas DinnerLucy came run-

ning downstairs and looked out the window and seen hills of snow everywhere. And was wearing a nice dress with hearts and heart shoes.

There was excite-ment in her head that needed to shoot out of her like a volcano. Her whole family came for dinner.

It looks like fun to me, but Lucy fell down the stairs and she broke her leg. But she still had lots of fun then she had a nice dinner. The end.

By Dakota Hicks, Grade 5

The Magic Christmas Rocket

Just a few cold days before Christmas Mia looked under the Christmas tree and there in all the pres-ents sat an unwrapped red and blue rocket! She called her mother to ask if she could have the rocket and her mother said yes! As soon as her mom told her she could have the rocket she raced up the stairs and played with it until it was time for bed.

The next day she was shaking the rocket

and then she heard someone say, "Hey kid stop shaking me!"

Mia looked around the room and nobody was there. She asked the rocket if it said that. "Yes," it replied.

The next day Mia woke up and the rock-et was gone! Mia went to go tell her mom but her babysitter was sit-ting on the couch wait-ing for Mia to get up. What are you doing here?‚" she asked. Cristina announced, "I am going to watch you until your parents get back."

So Mia went up to her room and the rocket was sitting there on her bed. "YEAH!" she screamed, then she ran down the stairs with the rocket and then ran back up to her room as she thought this rocket is really magic.

Her parents got back the day of Christmas Eve. That night Mia hardly slept. She was up and ready to open up presents.

She raced to her parents room and bounced on them until they got up.

Mia scrambled down the stairs to open presents. Her father handed her a

present. She tore it open and there was the beautiful magical red and blue rocket.

About an hour later she went back up to her room to talk to the rocket. They had a lovely conversation. Then all of her family came for Christmas dinner including her cousin Emily. She dragged Emily up the stairs and the rocket talked to her as well.

Mia loved the magic rocket more than anything.

By Hannah MacDonald, Grade 5 The Magic RocketSanta’s sleigh is

broken. Then the elves built a space ship. It went to Mars. The aliens saw him and the started to chase him and then he shot his flare.

Before the aliens caught it, Rudolph spotted it and told the others. Then they fixed up his old sleigh and went and got him.

By Soren Arduini, Grade 2

The Worst ChristmasOne day at my

home in Vavenby, B.C on McCorvie Road, to be exact. I have a giant family of sev-

enteen. We all loved Christmas. We were anxiously awaiting Christmas dinner.

I was about four thousand and five years old. It was 1814. We cooked on a fire!

I was really looking forward to lots of tur-key, rice and natural root vegetables.

Quickly, I ran as fast as I could down a muddy hill and slipped down I broke almost every bone in my body. Well except my arms!

I was in the Clearwater doctor's office before I knew it! I took a very long time to recover!

Five years later. I had made my mud home/cave into a bet-ter cabin with cut down trees.

I had been cooking dinner in the home and the turkey started on fire!

No fire trucks here!It was soon ash!

The worst part was I missed Christmas din-ner again! I sure have bad luck at Christmas. Hope my 2014/2015 year and your year works out really well. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! I have a new cabin on my wish list!

By Nathaneal Toscano, Grade 4

Best Christmas Dinner Ever!

It is Christmas in Canada .

I live in the prov-ince of B.C on Robson Street. We are inviting our neighbours over for dinner.

Just as we finished up setting up the table the neighbours came and we all sat down at the table.

We were munching away when Santa burst threw the window. Oh my goodness! He gobbled up all turkey, the chicken, the salad, hamburgers, and the vegetables.No wonder he is so chubby.

We begged him to use his pocket money to buy more grub Lucky for us, he had some extra cash in his

jacket and handed it over to us.

So we invited him over for our next din-ner but first my mom gave him a big spank-ing he yelled “ouch”!!!! He said he is going to ban spanking from the world, it should be illegal.

So this was the best Christmas ever because we saw Santa eat so much and we enjoyed his company.

By Rylan Stelter, Grade 4

The Magic RocketOne magic night

Santa’s sled broke down. Then Santa went back to his work shop and he replaced his sleigh with a magic rocket. The magic rocket looked like a corn dog or a hot dog.

Santa still used his reindeer because the sleigh was really really heavy from all of the presents Santa had to deliver. The reindeers’ names were ... Comet, Cupid, Rudolph, Dasher, Prancer, Dancer, Vixen, Donner and Blitzen.

By Hunter Breckenridge, age 8

Christmas MagicOne night on

Christmas Eve a girl Sabrina, was looking under the Christmas tree and she found something not wrapped up. She asked her mom and dad. They said they wrapped it up.

Then it was time for Sabrina to go to bed. Sabrina got the cook-ies out that she made just for him then got into bed.

Then Sabrina wait-ed till everything was quiet, then she tipped towed down the stairs and looked really close at the rocket. Then she heard a soft voice, go to bed Sabrina, so she did.

The next morning was here. Sabrina ran down the stairs to look for the rocket. When she found it, it was on the top of the tree. Her mom saw and got it

down from the top of the tree. Then Sabrina ran to her room and then it started to talk to Sabrina.

Sabrina laughed and asked it to talk again so it said lets go play outside.

Sabrina ran down the stairs and got all of her snow gear on and went outside. They made a snow-fort and a snowman. They even made a big big snow chair. They had the best time. She even gave him a name Robby the Rocket. One night Robby the Rocket turned into a real rocket. He was big and could take you to space.

He was probably the best rocket you could ever have. The next day Sabrina asked if she could go to space. She said yes, but she had to go with her so they waited for Sabrina’s dad to come home because he had to go to space with them.

They arrived in space at 8:48 the next morning on Robby’s home planet adven-ture time and his best friends Finn and Jake she got to meet them but now she had to go home to earth so Siberian and her mom and dad went home with Robby the rocket and then Robby had to go home to planet adventure time. Sabrina saw him every Christmas after that.

By Claire Arduini, Grade 5

The Best Christmas Dinner Ever

I was really excited for Christmas and my mom was too. But there was no Christmas tree so me and my mom went to go get a tree for Christmas but we had no decorations.

So we had to go get some to put on the Christmas tree so it is nice. But what would we have for Christmas dinner? We should have ham and turkey.

That would be the

best Christmas dinner ever!!!

By Rebecca Stefanyk, Grade 2

The Magical RocketMatt woke up his

parents on Christmas morning, his parents they did not wake up.

And so Matt ran downstairs and he seen a rocket and so he climbed into the rocket but he did not know something. The rocket was magical, but Matt did not know so he pressed a button and it took him to Santa Land. And the elves were surprised to see a human in Santa Land and the elves took him to Santa’s workshop and Santa was sur-prised too.

Santa said, "Are you the one who I gave the rocket to?" and Matt was like sir, and Santa smiled at Matt and said you pressed a button. Santa took Matt to the rocket and Santa said, "Now press the back button‚" And when Matt got home every-one was awake and they said do you want to open your presents and Matt said, "No, I just want to sleep.‚" And when Matt woke up he saw presents at the end of his bed.

By Dayton Flegel, Grade 5

The Magic RocketOne day it was early

in the morning. It was almost Christmas! Santa was getting ready for Christmas. When he found the sleigh he noticed that it was broken!

On no! said Santa. Ho ho!! Mrs. Claus came. What's wrong sweetheart? Santa said I have a broken sleigh. Well, said one of the elves, we could make you a rocket.

Yay! Said one of the reindeer. Oh, oh, ho, ho said Santa. Why don't you want to drive the sleigh? Because I want to take a break! Ok said Santa.

By Isabell Wright, Grade 2

Like that toy trainAlida and Bowen Clare check out a toy train being raffled off during a Christ-mas Bazaar held at the Clearwater Elks Hall last weekend. The two young-sters are from Kamloops and were visiting relatives in Clearwater.Photo by Keith McNeill

A18 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

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February 19– March 20

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December 22– January 19

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A p r i l 2 3 - 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

This week is all about give and take, Capricorn. Do for others, and they will do for you. A special event calls for some extra-special gifts.

Some habits are hard to break, Aquarius. Look to a mentor to help and you will succeed. A fitness goal is easily achieved with a new piece of equipment.

The odds may be stacked against you, Pisces, but that doesn’t mean you won’t come out on top with a little ingenuity. A weekend endeavor requires a leap of faith.

Speak up, Aries, and the problem will be solved. A little miracle at home makes for an interesting weekend. Travel plans come together.

Cast aside all doubt, Taurus. The offer is genuine and will bring you many rewards. A test of faith begins— be strong. Money woes ease.

Feeling blessed these days, Gemini? Pay it forward. A compromise at home raises everyone’s spirits and fun ensues all weekend long!

A business relationship blossoms with an addition. A larger-than- life personality drops by with an offer you can’t refuse. Oh boy, oh boy, Cancer.

Oops, Leo. You fall behind on a project, raising some eyebrows. Not to worry. You will get back on track sooner than you think, thanks to an innovation.

Spend less, save more and you’ll definitely get more, Virgo. More in your bottom line and more peace of mind. Flowers provide a great pick-me-up.

Lady Luck smiles on you, Libra, and there is nothing beyond your reach. A treasured heirloom resurfaces, bringing back many fond memories.

The tiniest of changes make a vast improvement in a project. A rejection is a blessing in disguise. Be grateful for what you’re given, Scorpio.

News from afar gets the creative juices flowing, and you accomplish more than you have in some time, Sagittarius. A game of wits at the office proves challenging.

December 25 - 31, 2014

Aries, you feel amazing this week. Your enthusiasm can be quite contagious, and many friends may come calling in the hopes that your good vibes rub off.

Cancer, your pres-ence alone is enough to impress people this week. Focus all of your energy on positive things, and you will accomplish quite a bit before the week is over.

Work and family issues are on your mind, Libra. Find ways to balance work and family as best as you possibly can. Don’t be hard on yourself if you cannot manage everything.

This week some people close to you need a little space. Honor their requests and show them some respect, Capri-corn. Your relation-ships will weather the time apart.

Aquarius, things are bound to move quickly once you put a plan in mo-tion. Get all of your ducks in a row to make a smooth transition. You may have to do some homework.

You may have difficulty solving a difficult problem at work this week, Taurus. Take a me-thodical approach, and the solution will come to you before you know it.

Leo, now is a good time to assess your health goals and make a few plans for the new year. It’s within reason to change your diet or start a new exercise regimen.

Scorpio, this week is a great time to complete projects that have been on your plate for quite some time. All you really need to do is set your mind on them.

You can probably have fun in any situation this week, Pisces. Your youth-ful exuberance will keep you busy and laughing.

Things may not have been going your way, Gemini, but there is still no reason for disap-pointment. You will find a way to bounce back from these setbacks in a few days.

Incredible efficiency this week has you zipping through your to-do list, Virgo. Enjoy some relaxation time once you have completed all your projects.

Sagittarius, you may feel rushed by external pressures, but it’s really up to you to set your own pace. If you keep a calm head, things will fall in place and you can complete your tasks.

A18 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

The Magic RocketOn Christmas Day

as soon as David woke up he got dressed and sped downstairs through the hall into the living room waiting for his family to wake up. But just then David remembered his parents said that if he woke up first he could open a present before anyone else woke up.

David snatched the first present he saw with his name on it and tore the wrapping open. David gasped in surprise because his present was a rocket. There was a button on the rocket and David pushed it.

The top of the rock-et started to open and

a pipe came out. Candy started pouring out and David caught one in his mouth. But there was a side effect and David was teleported to the place it was made ... the North Pole.

By Dylan Booth, Grade

The Magic RocketWake up, wake up

Mom. Santa has been here, said Ted. OK Mom groaned. When Mom got to the living room Ted had already ripped open a present. It was a rocket.

A rocket Ted said, puzzled, and kept on unwrapping presents. After lunch Ted called all his friends. When all his friends were there

he lit a match and all the rocket did was fall over. Ted was very disappointed, although he was so excited when he found the rocket he didn’t see a little pack of magic powder.

The magic powder would let the rocket blast off. You would have to open up the tip of the rocket and dump the powder in, and then light the match.

When the rocket didn't blast off, Ted went back inside and sat in the arm chair in front of the Christmas tree. That's when he found the magic pow-der. That's where the rocket was! He turned it over and the instruc-tions were on the back.

His friends were still there so he dumped the powder into the rocket, lit his match and lit the rocket... BOOM!! It blasted off! It blasted off! Ted yelled excit-edly. He ran and found his mother and told her all about it.

The EndBy Reid Muddiman,

Grade 2

The Best Christmas Dinner Ever

It was Christmas morning. I am so excited, I can't wait for the presents. I gasp in excitement. Then there was a pretty doll for me. I played with it until dinner.

Then my mom told me to go and invite Mr. And Mrs. Anderson and I did.

Now I'm so excited for dinner. We are going to have turkey and stuffing and we did and I love it.

The end.By Saya Stelter, age 8

The Magic RocketOne beautiful day a

magic rocket came to Earth. Everyone was scared because they thought it was aliens

but it was magic per-son.

It went on the news too. People had night mares. Because it was scary.

I wish it didn't hap-pen. It was loud, but it stopped. Then it was a happy Christmas. Then it was sum-mer. Then it was fall. People were hoping it wouldn't happen

again. Then it was winter. When it was Christmas it didn't happen people were so happy that it didn't happen.

By Owen Sim, age 8

The Christmas GirlOne day a girl

named Julie was lov-ing and joyful. I have a sister named Holly, too. My pet unicorn named Krystal was a “Beautiful, Beautiful” girl.

All of them went for a walk to the farm. All of them had a lot of fun at the farm. By tomorrow it will be Christmas. Santa will come.

The next day it was Christmas. I said to my sister, “I am frozen.” You ARE FROZEN! Yes. Elsa sang a song. Knock knock knock! Do you want to make a snowman? Oo oo oo come with me. Still you never ever told me I'm sorry. Let's go and play ok ok wee AAA. I'm making a snow-man. The end.

By Rogue Schley, age 8

18 -19

Christmas stories

Christmas Light-Up funYoungsters and adults gather around a table at the Wells Gray Infocenter to decorate gingerbread men. They were taking part in Clearwater Rotary Club's annual Christmas Tree Light-Up on Dec. 7. Photo submitted

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 25, 2014 www.clearwatertimes.com A19

18 -19

Christmas stories

Christmas DinnerLucy came run-

ning downstairs and looked out the window and seen hills of snow everywhere. And was wearing a nice dress with hearts and heart shoes.

There was excite-ment in her head that needed to shoot out of her like a volcano. Her whole family came for dinner.

It looks like fun to me, but Lucy fell down the stairs and she broke her leg. But she still had lots of fun then she had a nice dinner. The end.

By Dakota Hicks, Grade 5

The Magic Christmas Rocket

Just a few cold days before Christmas Mia looked under the Christmas tree and there in all the pres-ents sat an unwrapped red and blue rocket! She called her mother to ask if she could have the rocket and her mother said yes! As soon as her mom told her she could have the rocket she raced up the stairs and played with it until it was time for bed.

The next day she was shaking the rocket

and then she heard someone say, "Hey kid stop shaking me!"

Mia looked around the room and nobody was there. She asked the rocket if it said that. "Yes," it replied.

The next day Mia woke up and the rock-et was gone! Mia went to go tell her mom but her babysitter was sit-ting on the couch wait-ing for Mia to get up. What are you doing here?‚" she asked. Cristina announced, "I am going to watch you until your parents get back."

So Mia went up to her room and the rocket was sitting there on her bed. "YEAH!" she screamed, then she ran down the stairs with the rocket and then ran back up to her room as she thought this rocket is really magic.

Her parents got back the day of Christmas Eve. That night Mia hardly slept. She was up and ready to open up presents.

She raced to her parents room and bounced on them until they got up.

Mia scrambled down the stairs to open presents. Her father handed her a

present. She tore it open and there was the beautiful magical red and blue rocket.

About an hour later she went back up to her room to talk to the rocket. They had a lovely conversation. Then all of her family came for Christmas dinner including her cousin Emily. She dragged Emily up the stairs and the rocket talked to her as well.

Mia loved the magic rocket more than anything.

By Hannah MacDonald, Grade 5 The Magic RocketSanta’s sleigh is

broken. Then the elves built a space ship. It went to Mars. The aliens saw him and the started to chase him and then he shot his flare.

Before the aliens caught it, Rudolph spotted it and told the others. Then they fixed up his old sleigh and went and got him.

By Soren Arduini, Grade 2

The Worst ChristmasOne day at my

home in Vavenby, B.C on McCorvie Road, to be exact. I have a giant family of sev-

enteen. We all loved Christmas. We were anxiously awaiting Christmas dinner.

I was about four thousand and five years old. It was 1814. We cooked on a fire!

I was really looking forward to lots of tur-key, rice and natural root vegetables.

Quickly, I ran as fast as I could down a muddy hill and slipped down I broke almost every bone in my body. Well except my arms!

I was in the Clearwater doctor's office before I knew it! I took a very long time to recover!

Five years later. I had made my mud home/cave into a bet-ter cabin with cut down trees.

I had been cooking dinner in the home and the turkey started on fire!

No fire trucks here!It was soon ash!

The worst part was I missed Christmas din-ner again! I sure have bad luck at Christmas. Hope my 2014/2015 year and your year works out really well. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! I have a new cabin on my wish list!

By Nathaneal Toscano, Grade 4

Best Christmas Dinner Ever!

It is Christmas in Canada .

I live in the prov-ince of B.C on Robson Street. We are inviting our neighbours over for dinner.

Just as we finished up setting up the table the neighbours came and we all sat down at the table.

We were munching away when Santa burst threw the window. Oh my goodness! He gobbled up all turkey, the chicken, the salad, hamburgers, and the vegetables.No wonder he is so chubby.

We begged him to use his pocket money to buy more grub Lucky for us, he had some extra cash in his

jacket and handed it over to us.

So we invited him over for our next din-ner but first my mom gave him a big spank-ing he yelled “ouch”!!!! He said he is going to ban spanking from the world, it should be illegal.

So this was the best Christmas ever because we saw Santa eat so much and we enjoyed his company.

By Rylan Stelter, Grade 4

The Magic RocketOne magic night

Santa’s sled broke down. Then Santa went back to his work shop and he replaced his sleigh with a magic rocket. The magic rocket looked like a corn dog or a hot dog.

Santa still used his reindeer because the sleigh was really really heavy from all of the presents Santa had to deliver. The reindeers’ names were ... Comet, Cupid, Rudolph, Dasher, Prancer, Dancer, Vixen, Donner and Blitzen.

By Hunter Breckenridge, age 8

Christmas MagicOne night on

Christmas Eve a girl Sabrina, was looking under the Christmas tree and she found something not wrapped up. She asked her mom and dad. They said they wrapped it up.

Then it was time for Sabrina to go to bed. Sabrina got the cook-ies out that she made just for him then got into bed.

Then Sabrina wait-ed till everything was quiet, then she tipped towed down the stairs and looked really close at the rocket. Then she heard a soft voice, go to bed Sabrina, so she did.

The next morning was here. Sabrina ran down the stairs to look for the rocket. When she found it, it was on the top of the tree. Her mom saw and got it

down from the top of the tree. Then Sabrina ran to her room and then it started to talk to Sabrina.

Sabrina laughed and asked it to talk again so it said lets go play outside.

Sabrina ran down the stairs and got all of her snow gear on and went outside. They made a snow-fort and a snowman. They even made a big big snow chair. They had the best time. She even gave him a name Robby the Rocket. One night Robby the Rocket turned into a real rocket. He was big and could take you to space.

He was probably the best rocket you could ever have. The next day Sabrina asked if she could go to space. She said yes, but she had to go with her so they waited for Sabrina’s dad to come home because he had to go to space with them.

They arrived in space at 8:48 the next morning on Robby’s home planet adven-ture time and his best friends Finn and Jake she got to meet them but now she had to go home to earth so Siberian and her mom and dad went home with Robby the rocket and then Robby had to go home to planet adventure time. Sabrina saw him every Christmas after that.

By Claire Arduini, Grade 5

The Best Christmas Dinner Ever

I was really excited for Christmas and my mom was too. But there was no Christmas tree so me and my mom went to go get a tree for Christmas but we had no decorations.

So we had to go get some to put on the Christmas tree so it is nice. But what would we have for Christmas dinner? We should have ham and turkey.

That would be the

best Christmas dinner ever!!!

By Rebecca Stefanyk, Grade 2

The Magical RocketMatt woke up his

parents on Christmas morning, his parents they did not wake up.

And so Matt ran downstairs and he seen a rocket and so he climbed into the rocket but he did not know something. The rocket was magical, but Matt did not know so he pressed a button and it took him to Santa Land. And the elves were surprised to see a human in Santa Land and the elves took him to Santa’s workshop and Santa was sur-prised too.

Santa said, "Are you the one who I gave the rocket to?" and Matt was like sir, and Santa smiled at Matt and said you pressed a button. Santa took Matt to the rocket and Santa said, "Now press the back button‚" And when Matt got home every-one was awake and they said do you want to open your presents and Matt said, "No, I just want to sleep.‚" And when Matt woke up he saw presents at the end of his bed.

By Dayton Flegel, Grade 5

The Magic RocketOne day it was early

in the morning. It was almost Christmas! Santa was getting ready for Christmas. When he found the sleigh he noticed that it was broken!

On no! said Santa. Ho ho!! Mrs. Claus came. What's wrong sweetheart? Santa said I have a broken sleigh. Well, said one of the elves, we could make you a rocket.

Yay! Said one of the reindeer. Oh, oh, ho, ho said Santa. Why don't you want to drive the sleigh? Because I want to take a break! Ok said Santa.

By Isabell Wright, Grade 2

Like that toy trainAlida and Bowen Clare check out a toy train being raffled off during a Christ-mas Bazaar held at the Clearwater Elks Hall last weekend. The two young-sters are from Kamloops and were visiting relatives in Clearwater.Photo by Keith McNeill

A20 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 25, 2014 Clearwater Times

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