<% META %> The Valley Sentinel
IPB

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

Your local newspaper for the Robson Valley serving Valemount, McBride, Tete Jaune Cache, Dunster and surrounding areas

There are 3 online users browsing:
0 members and 3 visitors
Google.com, Yahoo.com, Baidu.com

> Random Gallery Image

Goto Month

May 2008

  SMTWTFS
»
1
2
3
»
4
5
6
8
9
10
»
11
12
13
15
16
17
»
18
19
20
22
23
24
»
26
27
29
30
31

> Latest Discussions
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:59
Read: 14   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:59
Read: 21   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:58
Read: 20   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:57
Read: 21   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:57
Read: 22   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:56
Read: 19   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:55
Read: 20   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:53
Read: 10   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:52
Read: 19   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:51
Read: 20   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:49
Read: 23   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:46
Read: 27   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-13-08 16:44
Read: 106   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-12-08 10:35
Read: 18   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-11-08 17:08
Read: 19   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:17
Read: 39   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:15
Read: 35   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:14
Read: 28   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:13
Read: 20   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:12
Read: 23   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:09
Read: 23   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:08
Read: 24   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:06
Read: 21   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:04
Read: 27   Comments: 0
Shawn Alain @ 05-10-08 03:02
Read: 42   Comments: 0

 
> Relay for Life experience of a lifetime
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:59 - 0 comments
By Jen Quam
Journalist of The Valley Sentinel

Mother’s Day weekend spirited a special event for our family this year. My Aunt, Dianne Raymond from Fort Fraser, initiated a team to take part in the Canadian Cancer Society 24 Hour Relay for Life, held in Prince George May 10 and 11, as we are a family that has had loved ones battle with cancer, some of whom continue to battle with it.
Our team had 24 registered members including family and friends, but with other friends and children joining us we were probably more of a contingent of 35. Our team members ranged in age from ten days old to fifty, and included one mother to be who walked two hours on her due date and for another hour the day after her due date. Our team members were from Fort Fraser, Vanderhoof, Prince George, and McBride.
The event was held at Masich Place Stadium in Prince George, starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning and finishing at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning. There was someone from our team on the track every minute of those 24 hours.
The stadium looked like a makeshift tent city with many of the tents decorated by their team members. I was amazed by the event with the demographics and variety of people who participated. Children were pushed in strollers, elderly in wheelchairs, and joggers lapped everyone on the inside lane. There were teenagers there throughout the night chatting with friends and walking their laps. Everyone who participated was doing it in support of someone who is battling cancer, a survivor, or a loved one who died from cancer.
I was able to be at the stadium for the candlelight ceremony held at midnight. This was an event in itself. Bags purchased by friends and family with cancer patients names, survivors names, or the names of those who have lost their battle with cancer were lined along the entire 400-metre track, each with a tea light inside. At midnight the stadium lights were turned off and a silence fell upon the stadium. It was one of those moments that I kept telling myself to try and take it all in. It was both beautiful and moving, not to mention emotional. In the bleachers there were candles that spelled out the word HOPE and then CURE.
The track filled with people more than any other time over the weekend. Every person was then given a candle and did a lap of the track. It was so amazing there aren’t really words to describe it or the atmosphere that filled the stadium at that moment. It is an hour of my life that I will never forget.
There were 122 teams in the relay, and there was an award given out the team who had raised the most money. That particular team raised a total of $39,518.00. One of their members was also awarded for having the highest individual account for funds raised, a total of $19,005.00
Our team raised $2,730.00, contributing to the relay’s total of $425,000. We put in 86 miles collectively as a team during the relay and all were proud and honoured to be part of the event.
There is already talk of starting a fund for next year’s relay and who will be on the team.

Read 14 times - make a comment   

> Successful NCMA attended
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:59 - 0 comments
By Jen Quam
Journalist of The Valley Sentinel


Local politicians representing the Villages of Valemount and McBride, and the Regional District of Fraser Fort George for Area H, took part in the North Central Municipal Association’s (NCMA) annual convention, held May 7 to 10 in Prince George. Politicians included Valemount Mayor Jeannette Townsend, Councillors Nathalie Olson and Joshua Estabrooks as well as Village Administrator Doug Fleming. McBride Mayor Mike Frazier and Councillors Allan Frederick and Irene Rejman, Administrator Eliana Clements and Regional District Director Ken Starchuck all attended the convention as well.
Over 250 delegates representing local governments from 100 Mile House to the Yukon border were at the convention. The members debated approximately 45 resolutions on issues such as Energy, Environment, Finance, Health, Justice & Protective Services, Legislative, Social Issues, and Transportation that affect northern communities. Resolutions endorsed at the meeting will be forwarded to the appropriate Ministries as well as to the Union of BC Municipalities for consideration at their Annual Convention in October.
Starchuck said this year's conference was really good and well attended. “The theme of this year’s convention was about challenges, change and success resulting from all the changes in the north happening,” he said. “The convention was a good place to network with other elected officials from throughout the North.”
McBride Mayor Mike Frazier was again nominated by his council for a Director at Large position with NCMA and accepted. “It feels good to have that vote of confidence,” said Frazier. “We were able to meet with the Northern Caucus at the convention including Minister Richard Neufeld Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, MLA Shirley Bond, MLA John Rustad, and MLA Pat Bell, Minister of Agriculture and Lands. We were able to talk about some infrastructure grants we have in the works.”
Frazier said he was able to talk to government officials regarding a proposed hydro line near McBride. “I was not fully satisfied coming away from that meeting and neither will the community,” he said. “We will continue to keep pounding away at them though and I want to encourage all IPP’s (Independent Power Producers) to make themselves known to the Ministries they have to and tell them they want in.”
Valemount Mayor Jeannette Townsend said that Valemount works as a whole with NCMA and was happy with this year’s convention. “There were several resolutions carried and Valemount was in favour of the ones that were,” said Townsend.
“All the municipalities and regional districts at the convention are acting as a cohesive unit in that we are making an expression of dissatisfaction as to the needs of the north not being considered with regards to the carbon tax. In this case one size does not fit all.”

Read 21 times - make a comment   

> Fundraiser held for clinic
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:58 - 0 comments
By Joshua Estabrooks
Editor of The Valley Sentinel

Imagine a clinic that gives free health care to anyone under 18, in a valley of 15,000 people. Imagine this clinic also gives comprehensive health services to adults as well, for only $3.00 a visit. Seem too good to be true? For the past six months, local resident Anne-Marie Jamin has been volunteering at just such a facility in Guatemala, and on Thursday night gave an informational presentation to help raise funds for the initiative.
Primeros Pasos ("First Steps" in English) is a clinic in Guatemala that was started by two medical students who saw a great need in the country for more preventative health care, said Jamin. The area the clinic serves is made up of ten Mayan communities in an area that has little access to services such as sewer and water. “We try and work with the resources they have and provide better health education, because no clinic in Guatemala deals with preventative healthcare. We look at health education as a way of preventing disease, as opposed to just treating it after the fact.”
Jamin grew up in Vale-mount, and attended Augustana University College to study International Development. She took an exchange program to Mexico, and studied sustainable and non-sustainable elements of rural communities. It was on her first volunteer trip to Guatemala where she met the director of Primeros Pasos, she said, and was very impressed with the philosophy of the organization. The group also delivers health education to the area schools, and is just starting a program to educate local women about hygiene and health maintenance.
The problem the clinic is facing right now, she said, is the programs are growing faster than the budget. “Most of the funding comes from friends and family of the workers, and past volunteers who put on benefits.” Which is why events like the one she put on are integral to the continuation of the clinic. “We’ve been operating for five years. We have been consistent with what we say we are going to do, and people actually see the results from the clinic. The amount of people that we see is doubling.”
Anyone interested in contributing to help the continuation of Primeros Pasos can do so by visiting www.interamericanhealth.org.

Read 20 times - make a comment   

> Valemountain days will go on
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:57 - 0 comments
By Christine Torgerson

After a lot of debate and arm-twisting, the Valemountain Days Committee voted last week to go ahead with our celebration. So yes, there will be family games and the teddy bear clinic on 5th Avenue on the Friday night. Make sure you get your runners out and shined up for the races.
Yes, there will be a parade on Saturday. Anyone interested in registering a float in the parade is asked to call Christine Torgerson at 566-4688. There will also be a slo-pitch tournament Saturday and Sunday, as well as loggers’ events on Sunday.
Children’s’ activities are planned for Saturday and Sunday, winding up with a watermelon eating contest on Sunday afternoon. Ride and Tie will also occur on Sunday, talk to Rudy or Patricia Thoni to find out more.
The Lions will be hosting a steak BBQ on Saturday for supper, and the Marina Association will host the pancake breakfast on Sunday morning. The concession and the beer garden will be open as usual all weekend.
In addition to this, there are some new things happening this year. We can’t tell you what just yet, but it’s going to be a blast.
As always, volunteers are the backbone and are key to the success of Valemountain Days. There is a job for everyone, so what can we put you down for? Anyone interested in helping out can call Christine at 4688, or Shirley Gonyou at 566-9829. The more the merrier.

Read 21 times - make a comment   

> "The Big Give" — McBride style
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:57 - 0 comments
By Jen Quam
Journalist of The Valley Sentinel

A group of very generous grade nine students at the McBride Secondary School are working on a project that pays it forward to someone in need. The students are fundraising very hard to gain enough funding to sponsor their ‘child’ for another year.
Genna Jacques, one of the students, said that the students decided to sponsor a child in need while in grade eight.
That year they raised enough money through class donations to sponsor a boy from the Dominican Republic for one year. The boy, named Gregory, is seven years old. “We wanted to sponsor a child because we thought it would be nice to change someone’s life,” said Genna.
The McBride students, now in grade nine, are holding some fundraising events to help them continue to sponsor Gregory for another year.
“We are holding a car wash on Friday, May 16 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the town park,” said Genna. “The cost will be by donation.”
The grade nine class also plans to do some fundraising activities during a play the McBride Secondary School’s drama group is performing on June 4 and 5 at the McBride Roundhouse Theatre. “At Christmas time our class also filled six shoe boxes with kids toys and hygiene products that the E-Free Church sent to kids and families in need all over the world,” said Genna.

Read 22 times - make a comment   

> Not everyone benefits from sledding
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:56 - 0 comments
Regarding Dana Foster’s letter and the Craig Welsh photo in the April 23rd and 30th issues of the Sentinel.

Dear Editor:
Although the letter by Dana Foster is tilted to another user of our outdoor resources who is not altogether blameless, I would have to agree with her about the lack of respect shown by the snowmobile group.
Quite a number of them take their share of the road out of the middle and don’t give us walkers good clearance. Also they go up and access these areas so late in the spring that anyone wanting to use these roads in the summer is faced with a road so rutted as to be almost impassable even when they are dry.
They should remember that they are guests in our area and that the majority of the local people do not gain by their presence.

Dave Marsh
McBride
Read 19 times - make a comment   

> Canada must ban asbestos
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:55 - 0 comments
Dear Editor:
I attended the memorial service yesterday for workers who have been killed on the job and I am prompted to write this letter.
I listened to the representative from Worksafe BC who spoke about the alarming number of workers who die due to "occupational poisonings" and a high proportion of those deaths are due to having been exposed to asbestos many years ago. The medical effects of exposure to asbestos do not become evident for 2-3 decades later and we are seeing those statistics now.
Canada has not learned from these deaths! We continue to allow asbestos to be used in construction materials, textile products and even, unbelievably, in children's toys.
We spend millions of dollars subsidizing the asbestos industry and blocking international efforts to curb its use.
Canada should ban asbestos in all its forms and stop our export of over 220,000 tonnes of this deadly product to developing nations!
Asbestos is the greatest industrial killer the world has ever known and Canada needs to join most developed nations who have banned it.

Betty Bekkering,
Federal Candidate for Prince George-Peace River.
Read 20 times - make a comment   

> Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:53 - 0 comments
BSubmitted by Kim and Liz Everard

Rex’s Recycling has been in operation for 10 years now. It has evolved from a one-room depot to a large warehouse, and it continues to grow every year. We service Valemount, McBride and Blue River, recycling over 1.5 million containers a year.
With spring finally here, people are cleaning up their houses and garages, and we at Rex’s Recycling thought this would be the perfect opportunity to bring awareness and education about how to properly recycle.
1. Get organized by setting up bins for different materials.
2. Sort your recyclables, take the caps off of bottles, and dump the liquids out. This saves time, avoids line-ups and is much cleaner. (Recycling doesn’t have to be a dirty job.)
3. Use Rubbermaid or re-useable containers. This cuts down on the use of plastic bags and cardboard. Did you know it takes 1,000 years to break down one single plastic bag?
4. Avoid putting glass in plastic bags. If a bag is too heavy, it may rip, and glass breaks.
5. Recycle often. When empty bottles are left around they can attract rodents and other creepy crawlers. These critters can then get loose in your vehicle or our depot.
6. If you are bottle picking or cleaning up ditches, good for you! We commend your efforts, but please use common sense and empty all liquids. Containers should be clean with the caps and labels off.
Please remember, we cannot accept containers with decaying matter, household waste or flammable liquids such as gasoline. It is a health hazard. If you don’t want to touch it, neither do we.
It is our wish to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Your following these simple tips will help speed up service and make container handling safer and cleaner.
Happy Recycling!
Read 10 times - make a comment   

> Wildfire committee gears up for huge project
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:52 - 0 comments
By Joshua Estabrooks
Editor of The Valley Sentinel

The Valemount Wildfire Protection and Prevention Committee will be undertaking a major fuel management project, after partnering with the Friends of Valemount/Yora and the Additional Hotel Tax Committee, on a property between McKirdy Road and the Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary.
Committee member Doug Fleming said that the fuel modification project would also include some trail building, as the existing marsh trail that runs through the property will be modified, upgraded and rerouted slightly.
The property is between four and five hectares in size, said Fleming, and is considered high risk for forest fires. “There are prevailing winds coming from the south and there is also more human activity there, so more risk.”
This is the third project the committee has tackled, each previous project growing in scope and size. For this project, Fleming said the committee hopes to see lots of residents out to help, as the knowledge they gain can be applied to their own properties. “This is helping to safeguard the town from forest fires, so it is everyone’s responsibility.” Fleming also noted that with the pine beetle damage, the pine forests surrounding the village make a forest fire even more likely.
The work bee is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, he said. The committee will supply hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks, so all people have to do is show up. The main group will be broken up into smaller groups, each taking on a specific task. Fleming said that anyone interested in helping out is invited to just show up on site, or contact the village office for more information.
Read 19 times - make a comment   

> Cycle to walk aims to eradicate polio
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:51 - 0 comments
By Joshua Estabrooks
Editor of The Valley Sentinel

On Friday, May 2, Valemount was host to 28-year-old Polio survivor Ramesh Ferris of the Cycle to Walk initiative. For Ferris, a polio survivor from India, the eradication of polio has become his number one priority. His story is inspiring, and the cause he is fighting for a worthy one.
When Ferris contracted the disease, his biological mother put him up for adoption, as she did not have the means or the access to the rehabilitative support he would need to overcome polio’s effects. “She turned me into the care of Canadian founded Families for Children where I lived for a year and a half prior to being adopted to a Whitehorse family in 1982. At two and a half I went from India to Whitehorse.”
Growing up in Canada gave Ferris the opportunity to receive surgery and braces, allowing him to walk for the first time at three and a half years old, he said. “I was able to be fully engaged in my community up in Whitehorse and I was able to stand up on my own two feet.”
In 2002, Ferris returned to India to visit his biological mother, and the orphanage he lived in, and was shocked to see what his life could have been like if he had remained in India. “The difference between my experience and the people that I met was that many of them were crawling still. They didn’t have access to the support that I had access to, so many of them were looked down upon. That really affected me because I realized how fortunate I was. I didn’t fully appreciate what I had been given until I went to India.”
Ferris returned from the trip inspired to do something to help eradicate the disease once and for all, and began doing research into the disease. “I learnt that many polio survivors, which totals 10-20 million, are forced to use cut up pieces of tire for their knees and sandals on their hands to crawl around their communities. I approached the local rotary clubs in the Yukon and shared with them my dream of wanting to hand cycle across Canada to help polio survivors around the world, and to educate our country that no country is polio free until the world is polio free.”
On April 12, Ferris and his Cycle to Walk team began the 7,200 km hand cycle trip at mile zero, with a goal of finishing the journey in Cape Spear Newfoundland. The goal of the journey is not just to raise money, he said, but it is also to raise awareness for a disease most Canadians think is not an issue anymore. “We are 99% completed as far as the eradication of polio, but it remains endemic in four countries. Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Nigeria. But 99% doesn’t cut it. It’s like saying you’re going to jump 99% over a canyon. What’s going to happen? You’ll still fall in.”
Ferris spent a few days in Valemount, speaking at both schools and engaging with as many members of the community as he could. He said none of the students he spoke with had ever seen a polio survivor before, which helped reinforce the importance of his message. “The campaign isn’t about raising money for a cure. We have had better then a cure for over 53 years; we have had a prevention. So it’s about educating our country and our world to utilize this gift that we have been given, the prevention, so no child should ever have to live with the effects of a paralyzing disease that is preventable. I contracted polio 25 years after the world had a prevention, there’s no reason why I got it.”

Read 20 times - make a comment   

> TMX Anchor Loop Directory
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:49 - 0 comments
This directory is for the convience of the TMX Anchor Loop Project workers in connecting our local businesses of Valemount and surrounding areas to the workers. If you’re a business that caters to these workers, you can list your business for $7 per issue. Call 250.566.4425 to reserve your space.

Accountants
Patton Carol certified general acct Toll free 1-800-846-9190
Auto Detailing
Valemount Car Wash, Valemount 880 Beavan Cres (250) 566-8482
Auto Parts
Bumper To Bumper, Valemount 1500-7th Ave (250) 566-4140
Bakery
Manfred’s Specialty Breads, Valemount 1020 Main (250) 566-4035
Bank
C I B C, Valemount 1221 5th Ave Branch (250) 566-4483
Bars and Pubs
Loose Moose Pub, Valemount 1470-5th Ave (250) 566-2337
Valemount Hotel, Valemount 1200 Main (250) 566-4363
Beer and Wine
Valemount Hotel Liquor Store, Valemount 1200 Main (250) 566-4055
Carpet Cleaning
By Choice Carpet Care, Valemount 1200 4th Ave (250) 566-4578
Clubs/Organizations
Royal Canadian Legion Branch No 266, Valemount 970 Main (250) 566-4343
Valemount Lions Club, Valemount 1100 Main (250) 566-4263
Valemount Area Recreation Assn, Valemount 685 Cranberry (250) 566-4817
Concrete and Crushed Gravel
Lakewest Enterprises Ltd, Valemount 1040 Commercial (250) 566-4585
Construction
Hill-Bill Products Ltd, Valemount 3110 Sawyer (250) 566-9744
Little Log Crafters, Valemount Box 777 (250) 566-0162
Contracting
Ex-al Contracting, Valemount 310 N Highway 5 (250) 566-8452
Spiral Contracting Ltd, Valemount 2855 Birch Rd (250) 566-4688
Convenience Store
P V Convenience Store, Valemount 1500 7th Ave (250) 566-9977
Courier/Delivery Service
Mica Mountain Transport, Valemount (250) 566-9907
Suz Lyttle Cartage, Kamloops, 940 Camosum Crescent 1-877-372-1646
Curling
Valemount Curling Club, Valemount 98 Elm (250) 566-4488
Daycare/Play School
Valemount Play School, Valemount 101 Gorse (250) 566-4826
Dentists
Valemount Dental Clinic, Valemount 1070 Main (250) 566-9993
Drug Store
Pharmasave, Valemount 1163 5th Ave (250) 566-4594
Pharmacy Direct Line (250) 566-4501
First Aid Services
Wilde Services, McBride 3545 Eddy 1-877-5MEDICS(563-3427)
Fishing/Camping
Valemount Marina Association, Valemount Kinbasket lake (250) 566-9095
Florist
Crooked Creek Flowers, Valemount 3260 Crooked Ck (250) 566-9170
Golfing
Valemount Pines Golf & Country Club,
Valemount 1110 N Highway 5 (250) 566-4550
Gravel/Sand/Concrete
Sands Bulk Sales Ltd, Valemount 845 Cedarside (250) 566-4818
Groceries
MarketPlace IGA, Valemount 1195 5th Ave (250) 566-4331
Shopeasy, Valemount 1200-5th Ave (250) 566-4415
Guided Tours
Headwaters Outfitting Ltd, Valemount 1030 Whiskey Fill (250) 566-4718
Hair Salon
Saas Studios, Valemount 1088 Juniper St. (250) 566-0197
A Cut Above, Valemount 1080 Commercial (250) 566-9178
Hardware
Home Hardware Stores, Valemount 1248-5th Ave (250) 566-4256
Health Products
Infinity Office & Health, Valemount 1233 5th Ave (250) 566-4225
Helicopter Services
Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd, Valemount 3010 Selwyn (250) 566-4401
Robson Helimagic Inc, Valemount 3010 Selwyn (250) 566-4700
Hockey
Valemount Minor Hockey Assn, Valemount 98 Elm (250) 566-4499
Home Services
Rustic Luxury, Valemount (250) 566-4005 cell (250) 566-1323
Insurance
Underwriters Insurance Brokers (Valemount) Ltd, 1222 5th Ave (250) 566-4464
Internet
Robson Valley Internet Corp, Valemount 1215-5th Ave (250) 566-4199
Janitorial Services
Reesa’s janitorial Services, Tete Jaune 12475 Jack Pine Rd (250) 566-9707
Livestock/Boarding
Overnight Horseboarding for travellers
Tete Jaune Cache 12475 Jack Pine Road (250) 566-9707
Mortgages
CENTUM Homeward Mortgage Group Ltd.
Valemount 1214 4th Ave (250) 566-4268
Notary
Reimer Peter Notary Public, Valemount 1222-5th Ave (250) 566-4464
Office Supplies
Country Wide Sales & Services, Valemount 1-1500-7th Ave (250) 566-4380
Infinity Office & Health, Valemount 1233 5th Ave (250) 566-4225
Pharmacy
Pharmasave, Valemount 1163 5th Ave (250) 566-4594
Pharmasave Pharmacy Direct Line (250) 566-4501
Physician
Cowburn G Dr Physician and Surgeon
McBride 200 855 Southwest Frntg Rd (250) 569-2215
Pilot Service
Quick Way Pilot Service, Valemount 1295 King (250) 566-4409
Pipeline
Kinder Morgan Canada, Blue River Pipeline Maintenance (250) 673-8321
Pizza
Pepe’s Pizza Restaurant, Valemount 1288 5th Ave (250) 566-4006
L&W Pizza House, Valemount 9-1500-7th Ave (250) 566-4220
Plumbers
Valemount Plumbing & Heating
Valemount 1185-8th Ave (250) 566-4520
Power
Hauer Creek Power Inc
Valemount 15151 Old Tete Jaune (250) 566-4884
Purified Water
Monashee Spring Water Ltd, Valemount 2100 Main (250) 566-9129
Quilts
Bear Paw Den Quilters, Valemount 1418 Bruce Pl (250) 566-0005
Rafting
Eagle Raft Tours, Valemount 620-17th Ave (250) 566-0098
Mount Robson Whitewater Rafting Co Ltd
Valemount Highway 16 (250) 566-4879
Real Estate
BC Housing, McBride 3-1084-5th (250) 569-3330
McBride Realty Center Ltd, McBride 277A Main (250) 569-2735
Royal LePage, Al Miller, McBride (250) 569-0125
Royal LePage, Irene Berndsen, McBride (250) 569-7397
Valemount Real Estate Ltd. Valemount 1418 Bruce Pl (250) 566-0021
Yellowhead Realty Ltd, Valemount 1275-5th Ave (250) 566-4438
Real Estate Developments
Saas Fee Developments, General Inquiries 1-866-618-0222
Commercial Opportunities 1-866-618-0222
Whisper Creek Log Homes
Valemount 1170 Canoeview Place (250) 566-8483
Recycling
Rex’s Recycling Centre
Valemount 1020 Commercial (250) 566-9111
Rentals/Recreation
Alpine Country Rentals Ltd, Valemount 1140 Main (250) 566-9774
Ride N Hide Recreation, McBride 940 2nd (250) 569-2354
Rentals/Machinery
Rocky’s Rentals & Parts, McBride 815 Bridge (250) 569-0312
Rentals/Moving
U-Haul Co (Canada) Ltd, McBride (250) 569-0379
Rentals/Trailers
House of Trailers, Valemount 880 Beavan Cres (250) 566-8482
Restaurants
Cafe Mt Robson, Valemount 18344 Hwy 16 Mt Robson (250) 566-4332
Canoe Restaurant The, Valemount 1444 5th Ave (250) 566-9175
Caribou Grill Ltd, Valemount 1002-5th Ave (250) 566-8244
China House Restaurant, Valemount 1200 Main (250) 566-8238
Dasol Restaurant, Valemount 1655 S Highway 5 (250) 566-4462
Great Escape Restaurant, Valemount 1460-5th Ave (250) 566-4565
L W Pizza House, Valemount 9-1500-7th Ave (250) 566-4220
McLennan Car/Truck Stop
Valemount 3205 McLennan (250) 566-9199
Mica Mountain Lodge
Valemount 15658 Old Tete Jaune Rd (250) 566-9816
Mt Robson Cafe
Valemount 18344 Hwy 16 Mt Robson (250) 566-4332
Pepe’s Pizza Restaurant, Valemount 1288 5th Ave (250) 566-4006
Summit Grill
Valemount 1950 S Hwy 5 (250) 566-0086
Tete Jaune Restaurant, Valemount 11957 L’heureux (250) 566-4222
Retail Shopping
Canoe Mountain Extreme Sports
Valemount 1424 5th Ave (250) 566-9949
Sears Canada Inc, Valemount 1255-5th Ave (250) 566-4400
Stedmans, Valemount 1170-5th Ave (250) 566-4610
Valemount Sporting & Clothing
Valemount 1255-5th Ave (250) 566-9844
Riding Lessons
Falling Star Ranch, Dunster 5551 Fraser (250) 968-6801
RV Park
Rocky RV Park, Valemount 885 Cranberry Lk (250) 566-4141
Schools
Robson Valley Junior Academy
McBride 1055 Lamming Pit (250) 569-2414
Seniors Housing
Valemount Senior Citizen Housing Society
Valemount 1300 Main (250) 566-4837
Signs
Signs By Country Wide
Valemount 1 1500 7th Ave (250) 566-4380
Sporting Goods
Wahoo Enterprises
McBride 820 1st Ave (250) 569-0320
Taxi
Valemount Taxi, Valemount 65 Ash (250) 566-8294
Towing
Len’s Auto Towing, McBride Leonard Downing res (250) 569-2630
McBride Auto Body & Towing
McBride 928-2nd Ave (250) 569-2470
Monashee Towing, Valemount 1455 5th Ave (250) 566-4318
Trailers
House Of Trailers, Valemount 880 Beavan Cres (250) 566-8482
Veterinarian
Valemount Veterinarian Clinic, Valemount 1070 Main (250) 566-4194
Tourism Information Centre
Valemount Recreation & Tourism (250) 566-4846
Tourist Information Valemount 785 Cranberry Lk (250) 566-9893
Welding
Abernathy K P Welding & Repair Shop
Valemount Frontage Rd (250) 566-9131


Add your listing for only $7 per line Contact Shawn Alain 250.566.4425. The Valley Sentinel Newspaper
Read 23 times - make a comment   

> May 14, 2008 Classifieds
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:46 - 0 comments

Mountain View Apartments. 1 BEDROOM APT AVAILABLE JUNE 1. $750. Call Paul (250) 566-4538 (tfn)
Premier Mtn Lodge offers fully furnished suites with monthly and weekly rates. All utilities and kitchenettes included. Please call 566-0072 or 566-4445 or email reservations@premiermtnlodge.com(?)
Two 2-bdrm houses available June 1 & 15. Call Jen 566-1323. Photos and details: rusticluxury.com (tfn))
Sarak- Large restaurant for lease. Fully renovated. 4700sqft 180 seat. Prime highway location. Highest grossing revenue. Call Ali (250) 566-0072. Or email reservations@premiermountainlodge.com (4-6)
Available June 1. 1500 sq ft full basement 2 bedroom, rec room, bathroom, pool table, and hottub (outside closed in) phone 566-4382 ask for Mike.(1)

Locally grown YUMMY potatoes Please call Emily at 566-8447. (tfn)
(2) 32” Interior French Doors, still in plastic, $75 each, Jailhouse B&B 566-0061 (14-5)
Mobile home to be moved in good condition. All Appliances $25.000 Phone 566-6801. (21-5)


1992 Plymouth Grand Voyager Minivan. 7 passenger, AWD, trailer hitch, 350,000 km. $1750, 566-9987 (14-7)
98 Mercury Mystique. V6 Auto. Remote start, a/c, cruise, power doors, windows, seat. One owner, lady driven. Recent tune-up. 180,000 km. $3950. Call Wendy 566-9706 (TFN)
Wanted: 18-19Ft 5th wheel and tandom wheel holiday trailer. Call Chuck (250) 968-4400. (1)
17ft Travelaire Trailer. Norseman automatic. Roll up awning. Sleeps 4. Tires like new. Propane & electric & battery. Clean and ready to go!! 9295 Blackman Rd. (250) 566-4729. (14-5)
1996 CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER. 145,000km, very good condition, asking $4,500. 1993 Honda 300 Fourtrax ATV incl small axled trailer asking $2,500. Phone 968-4327 after 6. (4-6)

















Business for sale:
Have you always dreamed of owning and operating your own business? Do you care about the Environment? Rex’s Recycling is for sale in 2 locations McBride and Valemount. Phone Syber Realty for more info (250) 862-8100 (14-5)
Wanted to Buy:
Looking to buy smaller property (preferably riverfront) in Robson Valley Area. Please call (250) 261-0422. (28-5)

The Source Tree Service
Tree service. Professionally trained and fully insured for commercial and residential tree work. Climbing, topping, hazardous and insect infested removal limb removal and Pruning all available. Please call Brendan (250)-566-4557 (28-5)
Reesa’s Janitorial Services.
Stripping and resealing of commercial flooring with commercial equipment. Pumping and cleaning wells 25 ft deep or less. (250) 566-9707. (tfn)

Deanna’s Place Rain or Shine, #1 Hartman Trailer Park. EVERY SATURDAY at 10am. FREE COFFEE! New & different items every week.
Large Garage Sale- Sat May17 & Sunday May 18. 1222 Juniper St. 9am-9pm. (1)


For sale; pure bred Morgan Mare. 11 years old broke to pack and green broke to ride. About 30 hrs riding. Good to trim and shoe. 9295 Blackman Rd. 566-4729 (14-5)


Wanted: Local sawmill in McBride requires logs. Pine, Douglas Fir, or Hemlock. Call Randy (250) 569-2685 or Jim (250) 569-0040. (21-5)


Blackwood Gardens
Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, open for the season Thursday May 8 daily 10am to 5pm. Ann (250) 569-3319 (Robson Valley Pet Hostel). 4.5km East of McBride on Hwy 16. 11-6
Power saw. Call Anne 566-4628
To Book a
Classified Ad Please Call our friendly
Office Manager Emily: (250) 566-4425 or toll free 800-226-2129.


Auto Financing
NEED A CAR or truck? Good credit, bad credit. Want a Visa? #1 success rate. Delivery in BC and Alberta. www.drivehomenow.com or 888-501-1148.
# #1 IN CREDIT REBUILDING. Need a car, truck, van or SUV? Auto credit fast. Bad credit! No credit! Bankruptcy! Repossession! No problem. Call today and drive away. Call Stephanie 1-877-792-0599. Free delivery anywhere - www.autocreditfast.ca.
1ST IN CAR LOANS! www.carloanstogo.ca. Western Canada’s lowest rates & prices on any make, any model. Call us first or go online for free approval. 1-888-859-8666.
Volunteers
NATIONAL DENTAL ASSISTING EXAMINING BOARD requires Public Member. Letters of interest to Board office by June 20, 2008. Visit: www.ndaeb.ca / Volunteer Opportunities. Tel: (613) 526-3424.
Building Materials
#1A STEEL BUILDING SALE! Save up to 60% on your new garage, shop, warehouse. 6 colours available! 40-year warranty! Free shipping first 20 callers! 1-800-457-2206. www.crownsteelbuildings.com.
Business Opportunities
The UPS Store¨ - Franchise opportunity available. Join Canada’s largest network of neighbourhood business service centres. To learn more visit www.theupsstore.ca or call 1-800-661-6232.
WORK AT HOME ONLINE - Start a real home-based business. Work when you want. Apply online and start today! www.wfhbc.com.
Career Training
BECOME AN INTERIOR DECORATOR with our professional distance education program. Gain practical skills and learn how to start your own business. Free brochure. 1-800-267-1829. www.qcdesignschool.com.
BE A PUBLISHED WRITER with our home-study courses. You’ll develop professional writing skills and learn how to break into print. Free brochure. Call 1-800-559-7632. www.winghill.com.
Education
GO WILD IN OUR CLASSROOMS! Train to be an adventure guide. Nine-month Outdoor Recreation & Ecotourism Certificate. College of New Caledonia, Valemount, BC. 1-888-690-4422; www.cnc.bc.ca/valemount.
BECOME A VETERINARY ASSISTANT in 24 weeks at Granville Business College. Specializing in veterinary assistant diplomas for 15 years. Classes every 3 months. www.vet-assistant.com, 604-683-8850.
Employment
Opportunities
CHEAPER THAN A tank of gas! Telephone reconnect only $39.95/month! Switch, keep you number! High-speed and dial-up internet available! Phone Factory Reconnect 1-877-336-2274; www.phonefactory.ca.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN wanted SE Saskatchewan, provincial parks, lakes, waterslides, golfing, fishing & more. South East Electric, Box 1238, Carlyle, SK S0C 0R0 Fax: (306) 453-2022 southeastelectric@sasktel.net.
EDMONTON-BASED company seeks experienced concrete finishers and form setters, with curb and gutter experience an asset, and construction labourers. Offering top wages, overtime, subsistence, accommodations, with reimbursement of airfare in contract terms. Fax resume 780-488-3002 or email: wade@raidersconcrete.com. Phone 780-425-6208.
Financial Services
DEBT STRESS? Consolidate & lower payments by 30-40%. End those phone calls & the worry. Avoid bankruptcy. Contact us for a no-cost consultation. Online: www.mydebtsolution.com or toll-free 1-877-556-3500.
$500$ LOAN SERVICE, by phone, no credit refused, quick and easy, payable over 6 or 12 installments. Toll free: 1-877-776-1660.
For Sale Misc.
SAWMILLS from only $3,495.00 - Convert your logs to valuable lumber with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodsawmills.ca/400T - free information: 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT
AMAZING RELIEF the first night! Restless Leg Syndrome and leg cramps gone. Sleep deeply, safe with medication, proven results guaranteed! www.allcalm.com. 1-800-765-8660.
ADD AND SAVE on home phone reconnection. Bad credit - no problem! Up to $30 off for new customers, plus lower monthly rates! Call Tembo 1-877-266-6398 or sign up online www.tembo.ca.
REVITALIZE YOUR HOME with Easy Rock, “The beauty of stone without the mason”. Simple installation, outstanding appearance. 604-248-2062; www.jmcomprock.com. Dealer inquiries welcome.
Help Wanted
WATCHMAN-SECURITY PERSON required for small marine terminal in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Please fax resume to (1)-604-940-6440.
Real Estate
RANCH LAND for sale. Experience the beauty of country living! 75 acres of ranch land in Lakelands Wildrose Country. Good fishing and hunting. Away from the hustle and bustle. St. Paul area. Priced at $999 per acre. Evenings 780-645-2398.
Services
CLEAR YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD NOW - A record affects employment and any travel anywhere! We guarantee your pardon. Apply online www.canadianpardons.ca or call today toll-free 1-800-298-5520.
Read 27 times - make a comment   

> May 14, 2008 Horoscopes
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-13-08 16:44 - 0 comments
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, when offered a choice go for the very best. There is no use skimping on the things you really want. You’re invincible this week so make your mark at work.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21
If you want results, Gemini, you know exactly where to get them. You have a large and effective network of influential people. Spread your wealth and help others.
GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, birthday wishes are right around the corner and you’re gearing up for as much fun as possible. But remember that you have to save some attention for serious matters, too.
CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, the good times seem to be over but they’re not. Don’t be overly dramatic. The situation feels much worse than it really is. Financial stability arrives on Tuesday.
LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, you see the goodness and potential in everyone, which is making your role as manager more difficult. You’ll need to decide who is doing the best job and deserves advancement.
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22
A surprise will shake things up this week, Virgo. Keep an open mind about the situation rather than sinking into negative thinking. Romance is put on hold.peeled.LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, when an important project pops up midweek all you can do is your best. Keep your eyes on the goal and don’t let nerves get the best of you or it could mean trouble.SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, put your complex brain to use instead of dreaming the day away. You have so much to do and watching the clouds go by won’t help. Seek out Taurus for help.
SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, your life gets stirred into a romantic whirl. Romance and enjoyment is your top priority, as all other responsibilities take a backseat. Enjoy these moments while they last.
CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20
Withdraw from the public eye to handle a personal problem this week, Capricorn. Family concerns may be a problem for you if you’re putting too much emphasis on work.
AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18
Yesterday’s concerns are far behind you this week, Aquarius. You are now marching to the beat of different drummer with a livelier step.
PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, simple pleasures help you to relax this week when the stress is high. Everyone is looking to you for answers.
Read 106 times - make a comment   

> Grand tradition at stake
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:17 - 0 comments
By Andru McCracken
It’s a lonely band of six organizers trying to piece together this year's Valemountain Days celebrations, but they are missing the people to pull it off this year. Without the people power the long held tradition may not come to pass.
With many residents who have had to move away for work, Shirley Gonyou, the vice president of the Valemountain Days committee, said that it’s been tough to get enough help.
“We just need some new bodies and new blood to step up to the plate,” she said. “Volunteers always have a blast this weekend and usually turn up to help on the day of the event, but we need their support earlier this year.”
Each year Valemountain Days has logger’s sports, kids activities, a parade, ball games: it’s an all round great time on the second weekend in June. It’s the town’s big summertime fair and a marquis event that pulls in visitors from around the province.
The committee is hoping that new people to town will lend their support to the cause even if they have never attended the annual event.
“There are a lot of new people in town who might not know about the activities that go on, and there is a great opportunity to get in on one of Valemount’s grand traditions.”
If you are new in town and looking to have a blast, head on down to the meeting at Pepe’s on Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. or call Shirley at 566-9829.
“If everybody waits for Valemountain Days to just happen, this might be the year it doesn’t,” said Shirley.
Read 39 times - make a comment   

> Community Centre opens doors
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:15 - 0 comments
By Jen Quam
Journalist of The Valley Sentinel

The Robson Valley Community Centre officially opened on May 3, with a total price tag of $2.4 million dollars, two years after the original completion date.
The Centre is a 7581 square foot multi purpose building that also houses the Regional Emergency Operations Centre.
A ceremony held on May 3 that opened the building included McBride Village Councillor Rick Thompson, The Honourable Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George/Mount Robson, Art Kaehn, the Chair for the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, Ken Starchuck, Regional District of Fraser Fort George Area H Director, and Len Downing with the McBride Community Hall Society. The officials all provided comments to a huge turnout of local residents.
Thompson said that of that $2.4 million dollar price tag, 76% of it was spent on local labourers and suppliers. “I am very pleased to say that this is a mortgage free building,” said Thompson. “The Robson Valley Community Centre will benefit the mature residents of McBride, the young families, youth, and children. All demographics of our community are going to enjoy this facility for years to come.”
Thompson also invited everyone to come together on February 10, 2010 to witness the beginning of the Winter Olympics and to cheer on our athletes from the Community Centre.
Bond spoke about the partnerships formed in the completion of the Community Centre that included the funding contributions from the Village of McBride, the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, the Province, the McBride Community Forest Corporation, and the McBride Community Hall Society. "Today is a celebration of partnership,” said Bond. “My job in this project was to make sure, at a provincial level, those who had to know, knew what an important project this was.”
Through two provincial grants, Bond explained, one from the Olympic and Paralympic Live Sites Program and the Towns for Tomorrow grant, a total of almost $750,000 was given to the Robson Valley Community Centre.
Bond also commended Village Councillor Rick Thompson on his efforts for the Community Centre. “Rick never once gave up on this project and was a driving force behind the Community Centre.”
Kaehn commended the locals of McBride. “This building is also a real tribute to local artisans as well as the residents of McBride and Area H who if not for them this wouldn’t have happened,” he said. “I am looking forward to this building becoming a viable centre that will build memories for years to come.”
Starchuck said he believed that not only was May 3 about opening the doors to the Community Centre but also opening the doors to the opportunities it will bring to McBride. Starchuck also publicly commended one person from the Village of McBride. “Eliana Clements, the Village’s Administrator, went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure things got done and that the project was completed,” he said.
Len Downing spoke on behalf of the Community Hall Society. “The idea for a new community hall started in 1998, a decade ago, and a year later the Hall Society was formed,” he said. “I want to say thank you to all the community members that stayed the course and donated so much. This community centre is owned by the community.”
A total of $63,000 was donated to the McBride Community Hall Society; $57,000 was used to pay for the hardwood floor in the Robson Valley Community Centre with the remaining amount used to purchase some of the kitchen equipment.
The Regional District of Fraser Fort George will now take over the operations of the Community Centre.

Read 35 times - make a comment   

> The Golden Raven experience
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:14 - 0 comments
By Jen Quam
Journalist of The Valley Sentinel

The Whistlestop Gallery and the Valley Museum and Archives in McBride, along with the Valemount Museum and Archives, are all now part of the Golden Raven Experience. The Golden Raven Experience is a five year program set up by the Regional District of Fraser Fort George’s Cultural Services Advisory Committee, a marketing campaign that promotes the heritage and cultural attractions within the Regional District.
The funding for the program for this year is $110,000, provided by the Community Tourism Foundation Program of Tourism BC and contributions from the UBCM Tourism Program through the City of Prince George and the Regional District.
Whistlestop Gallery Manager Dannielle Alan said that there are eight groups taking part in the initiative and that they all will benefit from being designated a ‘Golden Raven Experience’. “People will know that we are an authentic cultural experience rich in the local history,” said Alan. “We also received a full page ad in the Northern BC Travel Guide that will promote the area.”
Alan said that in 2005 the Whistlestop Gallery board of directors started the vision that has now led to ‘Golden Raven Experience’. “They started this vision and it is so great to see the Whistlestop as a cultural icon now, when there were times when the Whistlestop looked like it was going to fold when there were no more volunteers to run it.”
McBride Valley Museum and Archives Chairperson Marilyn Wheeler is also excited about the new designation and program. “We hope it will bring more people to the Museum and in turn hopefully more people to the area that will want to stay and look at the other attractions,” said Wheeler.
Rashmi Narayan, Administrator for the Valemount Museum and Archives, said that one of the best things about the Golden Raven project is that it will allow all eight facilities participating to work together and market and promote each of the facilities. “With the passport program we can encourage visitors to visit all of the other facilities,” she said. “We will also be able to access more resources in a more collaborative way as all the facilities are meeting more regularly now.”
One of the attractions for tourists is a passport program for the ‘Golden Raven Experience’. Each visitor will receive a passport that will be stamped at each of the eight locations, that include the three in the Robson Valley, as well as the Two Rivers Art Galley, the PG Railway and Forestry Museum, Exploration Place Science Centre and the Huble Homestead, all in Prince George, as well as the Mackenzie and District Museum. After a visitor’s passport has been stamped by all eight facilities they will have the chance to win $12,000 worth of gold.
The Regional District of Fraser Fort George officially launched the Golden Raven branding program on April 30.

Read 28 times - make a comment   

> Info Centre opens for season
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:13 - 0 comments
By Joshua Estabrooks
Editor of The Valley Sentinel

The Valemount Visitor Information Centre officially opened its doors on May 1st, which is approximately two weeks earlier than last year. The centre will be open seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., said Wendy Dyson, who is in charge of operations. “Last year we didn’t open until noon in May and we were told there were a lot of people coming and trying to get in the building before noon so we are trying to provide coverage.”
Last year’s numbers illustrated the importance of building the information centre, said Dyson, as it helped capture tourist traffic from off of the highway. “Our visitor numbers were up around 200%. Businesses had more people visiting them. We saw that when they came in they weren’t sure if they were staying in Valemount, but after they spent some time in the centre they decided to stay. It’s definitely working.”
Dyson said that the philosophy of the staff is customer service, and she is looking forward to another award winning year. “We got two awards for having the most accommodation bookings of any community visitor centre in BC. We beat places like Surrey and Kamloops.”
The interpretive programs will continue to be offered this year, she said, but the frequency of the talks will be reliant on whether or not student funding is available this year. “We’ll have the talks five nights a week without funding, and seven nights a week if funding is granted.” Visitors seem to be very interested in the interpretive program, she said. Some even stay in Valemount specifically because they are offered.
One of the improvements Dyson made to the centre this year was adding more racking space, she said, as they went through more then they expected last year. “Our numbers were up over 200%, so we have double the brochure space as last year.”
The only factor that could affect the visitor numbers this year is the pipeline, said Dyson, as there will be less room for tourists in the hotels. “I am anticipating that the pipeline is going to impact the numbers. Before we were thinking a lot about the pipeline I was thinking it would be a lot busier at the info centre, just because it’s the second year in operation and it looks finished, but right now I would be happy to get the same numbers.”
All in all, Dyson said she looks forward to a successful summer season, and hopes to see lots of visitors and locals utilize the centre.

Read 20 times - make a comment   

> Sharing the Wealth
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:12 - 0 comments
By Joshua Etabrooks
Journalist of The Valley Sentinel

A few people have approached me since we published a picture of the hot springs in the paper last week, asking why I was telling people about Valemount’s forgotten little secret down the lake.
I understand where these questions come from, as the hot springs are a very special place to visit, but I also believe that anyone who lives in this valley has the right to know about them and visit them. I can only imagine what they must have been like before the reservoir was flooded, with old growth forest all around, and families enjoying all they have to offer.
Now it is a much different place, only accessible when the conditions are right. But with a glorious view that few hot springs I have been to can compete with. So why hoard all the wealth?
When I find a special place, a place that both inspires, relaxes, calms and excites, the first thought that usually crosses my mind is who else would appreciate it? I never wish the area to remain a secret, as nature is for all of us.
I guess the desire to keep areas under wraps is so that people who don’t respect the wonderful little places won’t be tempted to find them and desecrate them with garbage and other forms of human impact. But is that worth shutting these areas off from the rest, and hopefully the majority, of residents who treat unique places with care?
I have a firm belief that anyone who lives in this valley has the right, and privilege, to enjoy the hot springs. Hey, if you hadn’t been shown the springs, you still wouldn’t know they were there would you?
I will never be disappointed if I head down there to find the pool full of people. What would disappoint me though, is if I went down there and found that a bunch of people had been down there and left garbage and beer cans everywhere. If we all respect these special places, they will continue to nourish our existence, and continue to be shared from one generation to the next, and from one friend to the next.
Thanks for showing them to me. I will be sure to share the wealth with those I know will both respect and enjoy them to their fullest.
Joshua Estabrooks
Read 23 times - make a comment   

> Your concern is appreciated
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:09 - 0 comments
Many thanks to all the good folk in McBride who, on Thursday night (April 24th), called about an airman in distress over the night skies.
As some of you know, McBride Village council funded an airport improvement project which included, among other things, changing the name of the airfield to Charlie Leake Field and the installment of landing lights.
Last Thursday I had the privilege of flying Charlie (Snarly) Leake for his "official" inspection of the lights. As it turns out, I was also due, under the Canadian Air Regulations, to do my minimum five take-offs and landings (or circuits) to keep my night rating current.
A circuit consists of taking off and flying a rectangle around the airfield and at the point of touch down hitting the power and taking off again. This is usually done to keep air traffic flowing at busier airports...good to stay in practice. This is what everyone heard Charlie and I doing last Thursday night.
Some calls asked what would happen if the power was out, as has been know n to happen around here, and the pilot activated lights didn't come on. The answer is, the village is installing a battery system to back up the power so that all airmen will have safe landings at Snarly's field.
Thanks again to all and please do not hesitate to call the RCMP or myself if you feel an airman is in need. I know I speak for all of us when I say that I would rather be greeted by the RCMP at landing (thanks Kent) then have no place to land.

With respect,
Kelly Mortensen

Read 23 times - make a comment   

> The Court Report
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:08 - 0 comments
This month court was held on April 10. Most cases put before the judge were sent forward to the next court date, which will be held on May 8 and 9.
New charges
Two new charges were laid as a result of the mass physical altercation that was reported last month. Jackilyn Kunka and Jody Kunka of Valemount stood before the judge, both facing charges of mischief for $5,000 and under. Willful damage to a motor vehicle registered to Arthur Jesswein was the reason the charges were laid. Their matter was adjourned for an arraignment hearing on May 8.
Also concerning this case Trevor Jesswein’s matter has been slated for trial on May 8 and 9. The judge has requested Mr. Jesswein to retain legal council to represent him.
Failure to appear
Four failures to appear have resulted in an unendorsed bench arrest for Ivan Rukawina. Originally charged with theft $5,000 or under, Mr. Rukawina was arrested after he fled from the Tete Jaune Motel without paying for his gasoline.
Stolen quad
Amber Hystad and Rodney Graffunder made their third appearance in court. Both were charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000. They were caught with a stolen quad in the back of their vehicle during a check stop at the Tete Jaune weigh scales in October 2007. Their court date has been set over until May 8.
Vanadalism
Mark Stephenson appeared in court on April 10 requesting an extension in time to pay restitution for vandalizing property at Melsview Links Golf Course. The judge found this unacceptable and ordered Mr. Stephenson to pay the full amount of $1050 by the next court date. He ordered Mr. Stephenson back to court on that date and advised him to bring his toothbrush if he is not able to come up with the funds.
Speeding fine
Darcy Shields took time to appear in court to request a reduction in his speeding fine. The judge asked for five good reasons why this request should be granted. Mr. Shields was unable to reply with a convincing answer so the judge took some time to give him a lecture in responsibility, ending with a seven-month period to pay his non-reduced fine.

Read 24 times - make a comment   

> McBride Council briefs
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:06 - 0 comments
By Jen Quam
Journalist of The Valley Sentinel

The regularly scheduled meeting for the Village of McBride was on April 22 with Mayor Mike Frazier, Councillors Irene Rejman, Mike Moseley, Rick Thompson, and Allan Frederick present along with Chief Administrative Officer Eliana Clements and Treasurer Danielle Smith.

Clean Up
Thompson thanked Eliana, Glenda and Danielle from the Village office for organizing the Village Clean Up day saying he thought it was a great day and a good turnout.

Community Hall
“I have been to the Hall several times to see how it is going and all I can is WOW,” said Thompson. “I would also like to remind everyone about the grand opening on May 3rd at 12pm.”

Administration
Clements reported that she and Marc von der Gonna, with the McBride Community Forest Corporation, met with Shirley Bond on April 11 to discuss how the Village was going, and general items.

Burning bylaws
Clements reported that the Village will not be issuing any burning permits as they are looking at revamping their burning bylaws. “There are some environmental and air quality issues that have to be looked at,” she said.

General Election
Council moved to appoint Eliana Clements the Chief Election Officer and Danielle Smith the Deputy Chief Election Officer for the November 2008 General Election.

Bylaws
Council heard the second and third reading for Bylaw #678, 2008 a bylaw to adopt the five year financial plan for the years of 2008 to 2012. The Village hopes to host a public meeting on May 5 or 6 as the bylaw has to be adopted by May 15.
Council heard first, second, and third readings for Bylaw #679, 2008 a bylaw for the purpose of levying rates for Municipal, Hospital, and Regional District purposes for the year 2008.

Accounts Payable
Council motioned to pay the accounts for the month of March. Highlights include Robson Valley Home Hardware Corporation $11,191.07 for Community Hall, CN, and Janitor expenses, RHN Schmitz & De Grace $8,925.00 for audit fees, and L’Arrivee Electric $34,173.72 for the Olympic Project-Community Hall.

Read 21 times - make a comment   

> Valemount Council briefs
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:04 - 0 comments
By Rosetta Mitchell

The regularly scheduled meeting for the Village of Valemount was held on April 22. Mayor Townsend, Councillors Rita Tchir, Nathalie Olson, Joshua Estabrooks, Cynthia Piper, Administrator Doug Fleming, and Deputy Director of Corporate Services Sandy Salt attended.
Cycle to Walk
Joan Nordli made a verbal presentation requesting to use the Interpretive Centre to welcome Ramesh Ferris, a 28 year old polio survivor who is cycling across Canada to raise money and awareness for the disease. Council carried a motion to allow the use of the Interpretive/Information Centre for the welcoming, as well as have a member from the Village Council to give him an official welcome.
Museum Activities and Peace Park Dedication
Council carried a motion to allow the use of the Village’s tent to the Valemount Historic Society, and will have public works set it up in time for activities being held at the museum grounds Saturday, May 31 for the 20th Anniversary celebration, as well as the Peace Park Dedication.
Financial Plan and Annual Budget Bylaw
Council carried 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings of the Five Year Financial Plan and Annual Budget Bylaw.
Tax Rate Bylaw
Council carried 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings of the Tax Rate Bylaw No. 621, 2008 for levying rates for Municipal, Hospital, and Regional District purposes.
Village of Valemount Bylaw
Council carried 1st and 2nd readings of the Village of Valemount Bylaw No. 622, 2008 to authorize the borrowing of funds for the purpose of construction a Water Treatment Plant.
Regional & Municipal Fiscal Imbalance
Council carried a motion to send a letter in support to the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen for their letter to the Premier regarding their request the Province of British Columbia take steps to stable the Fiscal Imbalance over time.
Garbage Bin Request
Council carried a motion to request to have Public Works look into having a garbage bin be placed near Karas Drive as there is garbage littering the area.
Read 27 times - make a comment   

> May 7, 2008 classifieds
Posted by Shawn Alain - 05-10-08 03:02 - 0 comments

Mountain View Apartments. 1 Bachelor suite. $550. Call Paul (250) 566-4538 (tfn)
Premier Mtn Lodge offers fully furnished suites with monthly and weekly rates. All utilities and kitchenettes included. Please call 566-0072 or 566-4445 or email reservations@premiermtnlodge.com(?)
Two 2-bdrm houses available June 1 & 15. Call Jen 566-1323. Photos and details: rusticluxury.com (tfn))


Animal print chaise $375. Animal print rug $40. White china cabinet $150. White entertainment centre $150. Tan bed $1,500. Designer clothing, new dress leather jacket, summer tops, dresses, Tommy Hilfiger tops NEW $15, shoes, etc.... Phone (250) 566-9955. (7-5)
Locally grown YUMMY potatoes Please call Emily at 566-8447. (tfn)
17ft Travelaire Trailer. Norseman automatic. Roll up awning. Sleeps 4. Tires like new. Propane & electric & battery. Clean and ready to go!! 9295 Blackman Rd. (250) 566-4729. (14-5)
2000 Ford Windstar LX. 4 door, 7-passenger. 179,000km. Excellent fuel mileage. 4 winter std. tires/2 summer. Mechanically sound/well kept. Non-smoking. 569-2517. $4500.00 7-5


1992 Plymouth Grand Voyager Minivan. 7 passenger, AWD, trailer hitch, 350,000 km. $1750, 566-9987 (14-7)
1996 Ford Pickup. 4X4 in good shape. Phone Mike 566-4382 Price $4,500. (7-5)
1999 Suburban 4x4 Auto, AC, well maintained, clean, good tires, seats up to 9 people. $9,700 OBO. (250) 566-4746. (7-5)
98 Mercury Mystique. V6 Auto. Remote start, a/c, cruise, power doors, windows, seat. One owner, lady driven. Recent tune-up. 180,000 km. $3950. Call Wendy 566-9706 (TFN)



















Business for sale:
Have you always dreamed of owning and operating your own business? Do you care about the Environment? Rex’s Recycling is for sale in 2 locations McBride and Valemount. Phone Syber Realty for more info (250) 862-8100 (14-5)
Wanted to Buy:
Looking to buy smaller property (preferably riverfront) in Robson Valley Area. Please call (250) 261-0422. (28-5)

The Source Tree Service
Tree service. Professionally trained and fully insured for commercial and residential tree work. Climbing, topping, hazardous and insect infested removal limb removal and Pruning all available. Please call Brendan (250)-566-4557 (28-5)
Reesa’s Janitorial Services.
Stripping and resealing of commercial flooring with commercial equipment. Pumping and cleaning wells 25 ft deep or less. (250) 566-9707. (tfn)


Multifamily Yard Sale; May 10 10am-3pm. Rain or Shine. 1295 King Road Valemount.
The 8th Avenue annual garage sale is on in Valemount.... Will be starting around 10:00 am to ? Multi family and lots of variety of goodies. Check it out!!! (7-5)
DUNSTER ANNUAL YARD SALE. Beside the Dunster General Store. Mother’s Day, (Sunday May 11) 10AM. Sellers welcome free. Bring your own table. Concession available. Claude (250) 968-4459. (07-05)
Deanna’s Place Rain or Shine, #1 Hartman Trailer Park. EVERY SATURDAY at 10am. FREE COFFEE! New & different items every week.


Applied Physio Body Awareness- Self Management Concept: Back Education an