The news you need. The fun you want. November 2013www.flipsidenews.ca

By Bruce LantzAdvocates for people with dis-

abilities are unhappy with an eleva-tor at the Fort St. John Curling Rink.

As part of the $550,000 in reno-vations the city is doing to the aging facility, its first elevator has been installed, to take those who have dif-ficulty with stairs up to the second floor. In addition, a lift was installed to enable easy access to the curling surface, and washrooms and locker rooms have been made more acces-sible.

But Lori Slater, chair of the Mayor’s Disability Committee which advises the city on accessibil-ity issues, and who is confined to a wheelchair herself, is unhappy with the elevator installed, which is a service-type lift with a locking heavy door that must be opened for access, and at this time with no accessible push button to cause the door to swing open automatically. She said her advice was to have sliding eleva-tor doors installed, just as they were in the city-owned Pomeroy Sports Centre.

“I am disappointed that despite consultation with myself and the Mayor’s Disability Advisory Committee, the city chose to go with the type of elevator they did,” she said after viewing the installation recently.

“Does it move people with dis-abilities up and down? Yes. Is it optimal? Absolutely not!”

City staffer Jim Rogers, who was in charge of the project, said the choice of elevator type was the best that could be done under the circum-stances and was dictated by the space available for an elevator.

“It was designed and tendered by the city’s consultant team to meet the objective of improving accessi-bility for persons with disabilities to the Curling Club,” he said. “This is the appropriate application for a ret-rofit of this type.”

Slater said she “sure would like to have a chat” with the city’s con-sultant team, “because they sure didn’t listen to anything we were advising them of”.

But Paul Bentley, owner of Venture Elevators, which installed the lift, said the city made the right decision. “It is an accessibility lift, by all definitions,” he said, explain-ing that the keyed entry is done to code and restricts access between floors.

“There are very proscribed acts, regulations and codes as to what can go in,” he said, adding that the lift is the largest that can be put in and meet the code and it is only a third or even a quarter of the cost of a regu-lar elevator.

“They made the right decision.”Slater doesn’t agree. While at the

curling rink, she told manager Ryan Harvey a door that opens toward the user instead of sliding like regular elevators is both problematic and “demeaning”. The 36-inch door width, while done to code, is too small for some electric chairs that need 42 inches clearance. Plus, the door is heavy for a seated person to swing toward them and the notion of having to seek out someone with a key to unlock it is “disappointing”, she said.

“This is a service elevator not a public elevator.”

Harvey vowed to work with Slater on her concerns. He said a power opener could be installed as an aftermarket item and the door, which is keyed like all service eleva-tors, will be left unlocked.

But Slater intends to pursue it with Mayor Lori Ackerman. “I am sending a letter to the mayor to discuss it and ask to meet with her . . . after meeting with the committee and hearing their disappointment they will be made aware that they screwed up and that their reasoning doesn’t fly with us.”

The project was to be completed by the end of October.

Bruce Lantz photosDisability advocate Lori Slater views the new curling club eleva-tor, which she says is a disappoint-ment, with husband Bob, right, and club manager Ryan Harvey.

New elevator is a letdown

2 The Flipside November 2013

EDITORIAL

Considering realityMP REPORT

Seizing Canada’s momentRemember the old saying, “If it

seems too good to be true, it likely is”? Perhaps some politicians could do with that reminder.

For months we’ve been listening to everyone from the Prime Minister to the BC Premier and Cabinet min-isters crow about how LNG exports will save our economy; hundreds of billions of dollars are coming our way, once we get the necessary pipe-lines and terminals built so we can ship to Asia. Before that, we heard lots about how the Site C dam would be a boon to Northeastern BC, creat-ing jobs while it manufactures elec-tricity for the rest of BC (well, okay, maybe just for one LNG plant, but still . . .) to use.

The reality may differ widely from the hype, however. As men-tioned, Site C, if approved, won’t provide electricity to keep residen-tial rates down; it’s going to supply electricity for LNG production. And the ‘benefit’ from having hundreds of dam builders in our area is hard to fathom, since it appears they’ll reside in two camps and won’t come to town except to ‘let loose’ on days off, putting more strain on our pro-tective and health care services. Makes you wonder for whom devel-opers are building those hundreds of homes: The one or two executives who might decide to buy a home instead of renting for the dam-build-ing decade? Or the dozen or so Hydro employees needed to operate the dam once built?

Nor can LNG be considered to be an economic slam-dunk; there are way too many variables. First, we seem to forget China is sitting on a huge gas reserve of its own, largely undeveloped because the Chinese haven’t had the expertise. Recently they’ve acquired that expertise by buying into North American compa-nies and they could soon be ready to tap into their own resource with no need for imports. Imagine a flotilla

of Canadian LNG ships approaching China after tens of billions in invest-ment over here, only to have the Chinese say, “Thanks for thinking of us guys but we have our own so we don’t need yours”.

Even if not, other natural gas producers like Australia, Russia, even the good old US of A, are eager to ship LNG to Asia, and they’re going to be doing it before Canada has the infrastructure it needs to join the fray. We are scrambling to build LNG plants (at least 10 proposals are in the works) and the pipelines to bring product to them. This activity has the politicos crowing. But no one knows how many proposals will turn into actual plants. Will we have one, two or 10? Those are business decisions, even if the approvals are granted, and difficult to predict. But almost certainly we won’t get every-thing that’s being talked about. And what impact will that have on those counting their chickens before they’re hatched?

Consider also that the current pricing (above $12/mcf) exists because the Chinese are buying on a contract with fixed prices. Beijing already has said that, as LNG moves in, they expect to go to a market-based price structure, with competi-tion driving prices downward. Will it go below what’s profitable for us to ship over there? Will they still want our product? Will we lose other Asian markets to the Chinese once they develop their resource?

Anyone who says they know for sure . . . for that matter anyone who says they can predict the actions of the inscrutable Chinese . . . is delu-sional. Yet our political and business leaders are doing just that. Let’s hope they’re right.

- Bruce Lantz

By Bob ZimmerLeading up to the delivery of the

Speech from the Throne by Governor General David Johnston, I travelled to Budva, Montenegro as a Canadian representative for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Eu-rope (OSCE) Parliamentary Assem-bly’s 2013 Autumn Meeting.

During the three-day conference I had the opportunity to speak to the Assembly regarding countering ter-rorism and transnational threats in the OSCE area and respecting hu-man rights. Within the speech, I reiterated Canada’s concerns with Islamic extremist terrorism, as well as highlighted Canada’s efforts to combat terrorism, including Can-ada’s Counter-Terrorism Capac-ity Building Program. Through this program, Canada provides training, equipment, and technical, legal and other security assistance to help oth-er states prevent and respond to ter-rorist activity.

It was a productive conference, with other members of the Canadian delegation giving a Canadian point of view on such topics as the secu-rity effects of the economic/financial crisis and the integration of diverse societies.

With the delivery of the Speech from the Throne, the priorities for our Conservative Government have been laid out and a new session of Parliament has officially begun.

I am honoured to begin this new session having been appointed by the Prime Minister as BC/Yukon Caucus Chair. As BC/Yukon Caucus Chair, I will chair a weekly meeting of Con-servative Members of Parliament and Senators from across the region to discuss the issues that matter most to the people of British Columbia and the Yukon. I will also chair the bi-annual BC/Yukon stakeholder meetings and report the work of the BC/Yukon Caucus to the Prime Min-ister and to national caucus.

I have also been appointed to the Standing Committee on Natural Re-sources and I am looking forward to continuing to consult with local stakeholders and providing a voice for Northeastern BC’s natural re-source community in Ottawa.

With regards to the Speech from the Throne, our Conservative Gov-ernment has put forward an agenda to help make sure hard-working Ca-nadian families get ahead. We will build on our record of supporting the economy and G7-leading job cre-ation, recently concluding negotia-tions on free trade with Europe and staying on track to balance the bud-get in 2015.

We will support families with measures to increase choice on cable television channels and cellphone roaming rates, and an end to ‘pay to pay’ charges for paper copies of bills.

We will continue to put victims first by introducing a comprehensive Victims Bill of Rights. We will also introduce legislation to combat cy-berbullying, to help protect our chil-dren from a threat that can reach into their homes.

And our Conservative Govern-ment will put Canada first with mea-sures to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces have the tools they need to protect Canadians and Canadian sovereignty.

As always, Canadians can count on our Conservative Government to deliver for hard-working families.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to contact my office in Fort St. John at 250-787-1194, Dawson Creek at 250-719-6848, Prince George at 250-561-7982, or Ottawa at 613-947-4524.Bob Zimmer is the MP for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rock-ies.

Bob Zimmer

Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, has been appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to sit as BC/Yukon caucus chair.

“I am honoured to have been chosen by the Prime Minister and our Conservative Government to sit as BC/Yukon caucus chair,” said Zimmer. “I look forward to continu-ing to consult with our region’s con-stituents and stakeholders and to bring regional issues to the attention of the prime minister and my caucus colleagues.”

As chair, Zimmer will lead a weekly meeting of Conservative MPs and senators from across the region, and will also chair the bi-annual BC/Yukon stakeholder meet-

ings. He will report the work of the BC/Yukon caucus to the prime min-ister and to national caucus.

Zimmer also has been appointed to sit on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources. This committee studies and reports on matters referred to it by the House of Commons, or on topics the commit-tee itself chooses to examine. It can study all matters related to the man-date, management, operation, bud-get and legislation of the Department of Natural Resources and of organi-zations pertaining to its portfolio.

In addition to his new roles, Zimmer is chair of the BC Pipeline Caucus and sits on the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. - Contributed

Zimmer named to posts

3 The FlipSide November 2013

International students thrive at collegeBy Bruce Lantz

When Randeep Singh of New Delhi, India graduated with a uni-versity degree in business adminis-tration, he was ready for a new expe-rience.

And he chose to come to Fort St. John.

“I was living in a crowded place (New Delhi with a population of . . .wait for it . . . 22 million) that was too loud and too congested,” said Singh, 22, who is in his first year of a Business Management post-gradu-ate diploma program at Northern Lights College (NLC).

“I wanted to experience a more peaceful and natural community with people I could get to know, so I could experience the people and their culture.”

Singh joins more than 100 inter-national students at the college. The program started in 1989 with eight students from Japan but now they come from India, China (Mainland and Macau), Russia, Nigeria, Ukraine, Vietnam, Germany, Japan, Korea, Sierra Leone, Fiji and, yes, the USA. New immigrants taking English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are from Ethiopia, Morocco, Korea, China and the Philippines. It’s likely that even more interest will be shown in future from the Ukraine and Russia.

It all started because 7-8 small colleges in BC interested in having international students sent a delega-tion to Japan because Japanese tour-ists were already coming to BC. They forged a relationship with uni-versities and colleges there, explained Shelley Nickel, NLC’s Director of International Education.

“I got involved because back then Fort St. John wasn’t particular-ly multicultural and I thought if we

could bring (international) students here then our young people would get exposure to other cultures,” said Nickel.

“This international exposure for Canadian students has made a huge contribution to Northern Lights College.”

Nickel agreed that international students are attracted by the chance to attend a small college with small classes in a safe environment. Students can live in residence, off-campus, even in the ‘Home Stay’ program with local families. Nickel travels to fairs and meets with agents who represent students who are seeking this kind of experience. “We have a pretty good reputation,” she added.

While some miss their families back home, most are eager to have fun and enjoy new experiences, absorbing the culture of their new, if temporary, home.

Nickel said most international students study business, as well as ESL. Some, from India, Russia and China have shown interest in aero-nautics and thus go to NLC’s Dawson Creek campus for their aircraft maintenance program. The Dawson Creek campus also draws interna-tional students but Fort St. John has far more.

The challenge is to ensure that there are always enough interna-tional students, said Nickel, despite the changing political and economic situations in other countries. “The market is always changing so we try to be a couple of steps ahead,” she said. “It’s a real challenge.”

But working with international students is a real pleasure, said Nickel. “It’s easy to have them. They’re thankful to be able to study here and they’re easy to work with.”

Many will eventually work here. Completing their two-year program allows them to obtain a three-tear residency permit and them apply for permanent residency status. Singh, for example, already has a job on the front desk of a local hotel. “They make great permanent residents,” said Nickel.

Singh, who is also president of the NLC Students’ Council, said he plans to stay in Canada and seek permanent work when he completes his program. Cousins in the US want him to go there but he said he likes Canada and the crime in America is

a deterrent.“It’s a little confusing for me

right now but I’d like to stay in Canada,” he said. “But I tend to think in the present, no more than two years ahead. My family is okay with anything I choose. Their only concern is for me to marry someone they like.”

Singh said the Canadian students and, indeed, all local citizens are “very friendly” toward those from other lands.

“The people are so friendly here, it’s like they’re one of your rela-tives,” he said.

Bruce Lantz photoRandeep Singh, an Indian student at Northern Lights College in Fort St. John, with Shelley Nickel, the college’s Director of International Education.

By Bruce LantzEver give a gift to someone only

to have it re-gifted to someone else? Was it worth $10,000?

That’s what happened recently to Dr. Egon and Rita Lechner, who donated a $10,000 carved bear to the City of Fort St. John, who placed it in the local airport, only to find it recently had been removed from the airport and given to the District of Taylor for an outdoor display at Peace Island Park.

“We found out that the bear was displaced from the airport without being informed, as the donators,” said Dr. Lechner. While the Lechner’s had suggested inside the ‘Enerplex’ (now called the Pomeroy Sports Centre) as a suitable location, the city determined that could not be, and offered a location inside the air-port, which was accepted.

“After all, this bear has a mini-mum value of $10,000, donated to the city (on) the condition of it being kept under roof for public view to the people of Fort St. John. We need to know who gave order and permis-sion for this mistreatment of true art (a sculpture of the famous regional artist Ken Sheen).”

The bear, apparently, became the

victim of the airport’s expansion. Mike Whalley, manager of finance and operations. “Because of the expansion, it was in the way,” he said, adding that the quandary was presented to the North Peace Airport Society and at that time Taylor Mayor Fred Jarvis offered to take the bear off their hands. Whalley said there was no other place in the airport where the bear could be housed – not even in the lounge/restaurant area.

“We’re running out of room,” he said, adding that a welded sculpture of an eagle would have to be moved soon.

The difficulty arises, said Whalley, because the ‘new’ airport which opened in 2005 was designed for a maximum of 90,000 travellers annually, while traffic will top 170,000 this year and could hit 200,000 by 2015. The addition of Westjet and smaller air charters are the reason.

Moving the bear, now named Toby by its handlers in Taylor, wasn’t without its problems. One leg fell off during the move (and has since been glued back on) and its eyes are being replaced. ‘Toby’ is situated in the open between two

buildings in the park.“We will never agree that the

unique Ken Sheen sculpture . . . stays where it is right now, unre-spected and unprotected,” said Lechner.

“This is the first that I or Dianne (city manager Dianne Hunter) heard about the moving of the bear. Our staff could not find a location so I will bring this to council,” said Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman, who sits on the board of directors of the airport society, when she was told of the move.

When the airport made arrange-ments for their renovations, this did not come to the society, Ackerman said. She said airport staff contacted a city staff person who “did not have the background information” on the carving.

“The bear came to be at the air-port since we did not have an appro-priate location in a city-owned facil-ity, and that has not changed. That was relayed to North Peace Airport Services staff and, with that, they approached Mayor Jarvis as the president of the Airport Society and the carving found a new home in Taylor.

“There was no malicious intent on anyone’s part.”

Bruce Lantz photo‘Toby’ the traveling bear donated to the City of Fort St. John is the subject of some controversy after being moved from the local air-port to an outdoor park in Taylor.

Carving donors unhappy

4 The FlipSide November 2013Answers

You might be a child of the 70’s or 80’s if...

1. You know what “psych!” means.2. You know the profound meaning of “Wax On Wax Off”.3. You know that another name for a keyboard is a “Synthesizer”.4. You can name at least half of the members of the BRAT Pack.5. You wanted to be a Goonie.6. You know who Max Head-room is.7. Partying “like it’s 1999” seemed sooo far away.8. You thought that Trans-formers were more than meets the eye.9. You have worn a Banana Clip, or knew someone who did.10. You wore biker shorts underneath a short skirt and felt stylish, or know someone who did.

A few signs you need to watch out for that could mean you are yet anoth-er surf junkie addicted to the internet...

1. You find yourself typing “com” after every period when using a word processor.com

2. You turn off your modem and get this empty feeling, like you just pulled the pin on a loved one.

3. You start introducing yourself as “Jon at AOL dot com”

4. All of your friends have an @ in their names.

5. You tell the cab driver you live at http://69.luck.street/house/bluetrim.html

6. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :^)

Across1. Balance sheet entry in red5. Vamoose10. Fishing reel holders14. Oriental nursemaid15. “Make one-self___”: A. Rimbaud16. Escape route17. Step counters19. Common Comb. form20. Sad psalm21. Insult for someone who wears glasses23. Apprehension expression26. Sci-fi weaponry27. Golfers’ hangouts32. 50’s dance33. Very, to Ozawa34. Moray pursuer38. Handle.

40. Basketry willow42. Ornamental border43. Civil-rights org.45. Adult-___ diabetes47. Entertainer Peeples48. Reconstruction outsider51. Charlotte ___ (Virgin Islands capital)54. Horse’s mouthful55. Control tower figure58. Uncles’ mates62. ___ Valley, CA63. Like house wiring66. Like a K-5 sch.67. ___ Decimal System68. Tennille or Morrison69. IDs sought by phishers70. Film director Peter71. Army drill instructor, often: Abbr.

Down1. SoCal enforcers2. Sichuan peak3. Former Iranian president Bani-___4. Old-time Japanese governor5. So, to Burns6. Midwest clock setting: Abbr.7. Damselfish’s home8. Houston hockey player9. “Star Trek” helmsman10. Like an alcove11. ___ daisy (common flow-er)12. Oblong eatery13. Facing a glacier18. Conductor Zubin ___22. “Sticks and Bones” playwright24. “... ___ I’m told”25. Mint family herb27. Charlie with a #1 son28. Chaplin, nee O’Neill29. ___ - daisy30. Best Supporting Actor for “Hannah and Her Sisters”31. Isn’t straight up with35. “M” director36. 90’s singer Brickell37. Safari sound39. Welcomes with cheering41. Country crooner McEntire44. A three-of-a-kind beats it46. Early invader of Europe49. Curative50. Astronauts’ outfits51. Musical upbeats52. Sends in a stamped envelope53. Slogan creators56. Temple of Athena ____57. Former Congressman Gingrich59. Cpl. and sgt.60. Orange-flavored instant drink61. Cut in a skirt64. Average grade65. Baseball’s Cobb et al

AFRAID AGITATED ANGUISH BLUE BORED CHEERY DARK DOWN

DREAD EDGYELATION FURIOUS GENIAL GLOOMY GROUCHY HELPLESS

HOPEFUL HUMILIATED HURT IRKEDJADED JOVIAL LONELY LOVE

MELLOW MERRY MISERY OFFENDED ORNERY PANICPEACEFUL PLEASED

REMORSE SOMBER SUNNY SYMPATHY UNEASY UPBEAT WEARY

Anagrams are words or phrases made by transpos-ing or rearranging letter of other words or phrases. This is a list of some pretty damn good ones, obviously there are people out there with way too much time on their hands.“Dormitory” - Dirty Room“Desperation” - A Rope Ends It“The Morse Code” - Here Come Dots“Slot Machines” - Cash Lost in ‘em“Animosity” - Is No Amity“Snooze Alarms” - Alas! No More Z’s“Alec Guinness” - Genuine Class“Semolina” - Is No Meal

What to do when someone drives us crazy

5 The FlipSide November 2013

Contributed photoAfter a distinguished career as a member of sev-eral top-notch bands, Fort St. John’s Craig Brooks is reinventing himself as a solo singer/songwriter.

Local musician reinventing himself as solo actBy Bruce Lantz

It’s a long way in time and space since he anchored the likes of glam rock bands Simon Kaos and Point of Power.

But Fort St. John’s Craig Brooks keeps finding new ways to make music – this time as a guitar-slinging solo singer/songwriter with his first EP due out Dec. 1.

Born 51 years ago into a musical family, Brooks was intro-duced to the piano and guitar at an early age and received his first drum kit for Christmas when he was 11.

“When I was young I’d play guitar with Mom and others,” he recalled, adding that when he was 12 he played at a hunting camp in the Muskwa-Kechika. “But then the drumming think took off. I was always the drummer because I had a drum kit, and I always wrote songs.”

Upon graduation Brooks left for 13 years of touring with Simon Kaos and Point of Power, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Bill Henderson (Chilliwack), Mike Reno (Loverboy), Kim Mitchell, David Coverdale (White Snake), Tommy Lee and Jon Bon Jovi. Simon Kaos was nom-inated for top club act

in Canada and was featured on CBC-TV as one of Canada’s up-and-com-ing talents. But Point of Power dis-solved in a mire of legal wrangling and Brooks returned to Fort St. John in the early 1990s to raise his two children with wife Andrea and work in the oil and gas industry.

“I crawled in a hole for five years after Point of Power and got rid of all my equipment. We were the high-est paid band in Canada but in this business everyone has a piece of you, they use you up and then throw you away,” he said.

But the music wouldn’t stay away. Brooks hooked up with Randy Gee, forming the band Big Jim and the Twins, which eventually morphed into Deere John. Two Nashville-recorded CDs later, the band drifted apart as the members got busy and Brooks found himself without a musical outlet. That led to some solo work and, thus, his reinvention.

“The first time I played at JD’s was nerve-wracking. It was God-awful but I had to keep at it. It takes guts to pick up an instrument and sit in front of people and take some-thing out of thin air and play for them.”

Brooks writes his own “very per-sonal” material and the songs keep on coming – about 50 to date. He wanted to do something with the songs and so hooked up with pro-ducer John Ellis. Together they’ve fashioned a five-song country-folk EP, “Pressure and Time’, now avail-able.

“My focus now is to be a song-writer. I’m constantly weighing and measuring myself and I want to write songs for others, songs people like George Canyon and Johnny Reid might sing. That would be a real honour.”

That doesn’t mean you can’t find him playing with a band. He has joined The Dog & Pony Show with son Connor, Mike Strandberg, Heath Onstein, Paul Farrow, Nathan Eastman and Kevin Hicks.

His location in ‘The Music Capital of Northern BC’ is a real asset, said Brooks, with its strong music vibe and a network of people and friends in the music scene. “This is a strong music community. It seems like everyone’s into it and the original music is coming.”

Now, Brooks can do his music his way and that way is to join a community of like-minded artists who are marketing their music through the Internet, which has already got him airplay as far away as England and New York City.

“I’m doing it my own way now. Now it’s just me and I’m in charge and I’ve got an entire planet to play with.”

Books is focusing on creating good songs and staying in control, staying active in the music business. “The real reward is just being in it.

“I don’t have a clue what will happen next. It’s the process. Doing it is what’s important.”

By Sue StarkYou know who I mean. You

have to deal with this someone, on whatever level, but you wish you didn’t have to. We all have had someone who just seems to push our buttons - and we try and not let them get to us but some days they just do.

I believe that everyone in our life is there to teach us something – about ourselves. Now I know you’ve probably entertained that thought at one time or another, but if there is someone you just can’t seem to get along with and you have to deal with them on a day-to-day basis, I want you to really look at this, really be honest with your-self, stop and give it some real energy. After all, you “say” you wish you something would change, so how about doing the work? Stop and ask yourself, ‘What are they here to teach me?’

Now the problem with this is that we cannot believe we could learn anything from someone that annoying, and we don’t accept that

they could ever possibly be a teach-er. But oh yes they are, and it isn’t because they are so full of wisdom. No, that isn’t it at all. I want to share with you a quote that changed my perception on who has the “wisdom” - the teacher or the learner.

“Whomsoever may torment, harass, confound, or upset you…is a teacher. Not because THEY’RE wise, but because YOU seek to become so.” - Mike Dooley

You see, if Life is a series of lessons – and if everyone in our life is there to teach us something – I believe it is likely to mirror a behaviour of a belief we have. And we need to pay attention to who-ever is bringing us this lesson – no matter how inadequate the person’s teaching skills seem to be. In fact, if you don’t think you could possi-bly learn anything from them, I say that is your ‘Inner Ding’ to really pay attention to them; they proba-bly have a big nugget to pass along. But how do you get that nugget from them? Well the good

news is you don’t even have to talk to them.

Here is the key to learning something from your teachers: ASK questions. How many times have you heard that if you don’t understand just ASK. Ask yourself a whole series of questions and then wait and see what you have to say to yourself. Once you do this there is a shift that takes place - from them to you – and the focus now moves to you. And there in that place you will know exactly why they have been sent to you – and you may even be able to say thank you (if only to yourself) for the lesson. But, for sure, you will see “them” differently.

Life gets even more wonderful when we are grateful for ALL the people in our lives, and the lessons they are bringing. Sue xO

PS. If you need help with your questions email me sue@suestark.ca, I will get you start-ed.

Sue Stark is the owner of Sue Stark Consulting.

6 The FlipSide November 2013

By Bruce LantzThe birth of a child is arguably one

of the finest times in a parent’s life. But one of the worst moments can come when doctors predict serious complications for the as-yet-unborn baby.

That’s what happened to Jodi and Chris Schneider of Taylor when they learned their third child would be born with an omphalocele – a defect that results in the baby’s organs being encased in a membrane outside its body. It will mean surgery 4-9 days after birth, which is set for Dec. 22.

“We’re trying to keep positive,” said Jodi Schneider. “It could be so much worse.”

Since the family will have to relo-cate – Chris and Jodi to Vancouver and their two other boys to grandpar-ents on Vancouver Island – they’re seeking help with expenses that could reach $10,000. A benefit dance will be held at On the Rocks in Fort St. John on Friday Nov. 15 starting at 8 pm. Admission is $20 in advance, $30 at the door. Music will be by a DJ and a silent auction as well as midnight snacks will be included.

The horrific story started when Chris and Jodi got a call from the doc-tor saying there was “an issue” with the unborn child. Barely able to absorb the news of the omphalocele, they were stunned to learn there was a life-threatening chance he had a chromo-somal abnormality. Luckily further testing proved that not to be the case

and they could focus on dealing with the other problem. “It was a lot to take in,” said Jodi.

An omphalocele is an abdominal wall defect where the muscles don’t form and close all the way at the base of the umbilical cord, allowing organs to ned up outside the body encased in a membrane. The Schneiders’ son, already named Reid, already has small bowel tissue protrud-ing through his defect and it’s possible other organs, such as his liver, could join it.

Surgical results are usually good with 85-90 per cent survival rate but it will require the Schneiders to relocate to Vancouver at the end of November for weekly appointments and then the birth at BC Women’s Hospital. It will mean staying for at least two months (Chris is taking a leave from his job at Murray GM) at a facility like Ronald McDonald House or the Easter Seals House. In addition to those costs they have to maintain their Taylor house.

“I don’t want people to feel obli-gated to donate so that’s why we’re having an event,” said Jodi. “We want

them to have a good time and also we can raise awareness about omphalo-cele. So many people have never heard of it.”

More information is available on the Facebook Page ‘Reid’s Journey Home’. To book tickets in advance, email jodi_schneider85@ghotmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/ReidElliottSchneider. Donations can be made to Reid’s Journey Home at the Bank of Montreal at 100 Street and 102 Avenue in Fort St. John or by contacting Jodi or Cher through the Reid’s Journey Home Facebook page.

Contributed photoJodi and Chris Schneider and boys Landon and Coby need financial help to cope with medical costs surrounding the birth of their third son, Reid, who will need surgery immediately after birth to cor-rect a serious abnormality.

FUNDRAISER PLANNED

Family seeks help with costs

In the past, people with develop-mental disabilities were labeled “mentally retarded” or “mentally handicapped”. Many were placed in institutions, segregated schools, or into workplaces with little or no pay. In 1981, a very emotionally-charged initiative began to close institutions where many people with develop-mental disabilities had lived most of their lives. They were brought back to the communities where they were from – and so ‘Community Living’ began.

At the beginning of last month, associations from across the province joined together to proclaim October as Community Living Month. Throughout the month, the gifts and contributions that people with devel-

opmental disabilities bring to our community were celebrated.

What is the FSJACL?The Fort St. John Association for

Community Living (FSJACL) is an organization dedicated to ensuring that people with developmental dis-abilities are able to lead active and productive lives in their communi-ties. It was founded in 1960 by par-ents who dreamed of a better life for their sons and daughters. They want-ed their children to learn in schools, have friends and be accepted in their communities.

The FSJACL has been accredited since 2005 by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Being accredited means the organization has passed in-depth reviews of their services against internationally recognized standards.

The FSJACL offers a variety of services: • Residential programs providing

a wide range of supports to peo-ple who require supported liv-ing.

• A Supported Employment Pro-gram that provides support for individuals and employers to ensure individuals have oppor-tunities for real work for real pay.

• A Day Program that facilitates assistance with daily living skills such as shopping, cooking, housekeeping and budgeting, to help people live as independent-ly as they can in the community.

• Respite services for families in

the community who need a break from caring for their loved one.

• A Home Sharing program that contracts with people in the community to share their home with a person with a develop-mental disability and provide guidance and support.

The FSJACL’s Mission: “Supporting adults with developmen-tal disabilities to achieve full and meaningful lives in our community by providing resources to individuals and families.”

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us at (250) 787-9262. You can also find out more about us and keep up to date with what is happening with the FSJACL on our website at www.fsjacl.com or ‘like’ us on Facebook.

Contributed photoDoug Lambert of Fort St. John is one of those who has been helped by the Community Living move-ment.

What is Community Living all about?

Places to findThe FlipSide

In Fort St. JohnA & W , Angelic Light, B&M Glass, Burgers & Brews, Bank of Montreal, Casey’s Pub, Credit Union, Cultural Centre, Esquires Coffee House, Dairy Queen, Fort St. John Hospital, Fort St. John Medical Clinic, Fort City Chrysler, Headspace, Humpty’s Family Restaurant, Jackfish Dundee’s, JD Fitzgeralds, Lone Wolf (Taylor), Mama Panda Restaurant, Mile 54 Cafe, Masterpiece Framing, Mile 36 Cafe (Taylor), Northern Grand, Northern Star, Northwoods Inn, On the Rocks Pub, On the Rocks Liquor, Razors Edge, Redwood Esso (Taylor), Rogers Trucking, Royal Bank, Rudy’s Car & Truck Wash, Systems Secure, Stonebridge Hotel, Taylor District Office, TD Bank, The Shed (Taylor), Tim Hortons (North & South), Quiznos, Urban Thredz, Whole Wheat & Honey

In Dawson CreekAlaska Highway House, A & W, Aurora Inn, Bill’s News, Brass Scissors, CIBC, Dawson Creek Visitor Center, Days Inn Lobby, Dr. Fletcher’s Office, Eljen Clinic, Farmington Store, George Dawson Lobby & Café, Hospital Main, Husky, Lees Restaurant, Rockwells, Stuie’s Diner, Subway, The Lodge, Tim Hortons, TD Bank, White Spot

7 The FlipSide November 2013

By Bruce LantzA multi-talented local woman

has branched out and published her first book of poetry.

Farmington’s Linda Studley is launching her book ‘A Poem a Day for a Year’ on Nov. 16 from 2-4 pm at the Dawson Creek Public Library at 1001 McKellar Ave.

Studley is already known as a writer, songwriter, independent recording artist (with two CDs: ‘Breathe and ‘New Traditions’), and graphic artist. Her first book is a col-lection of over 200 poems (187 pages) from a project that involved writing a poem every morning from Dec. 25, 2011 to Dec. 24 2012. She chronicled the project on her writing blog ‘Can’t Put the Pen Down’ and thus garnered a bevy of fans who are eagerly awaiting the finished prod-uct, published through Lulu.com and available for $19.95 through www.lindastudley.com.

The book launch will feature some readings, refreshments, music courtesy of Ian Smith, and maybe a little poetic fun and audience partici-pation.

“I didn’t think, after all the writ-ing, and proofing, and editing, etc. that I’d be so excited, but I am!” said Studley, who explained that she chose poetry for her first book because it’s similar to songwriting. “Poetry is brief and it’s honest. It feels like a way to connect with people more.”

Studley stuck to her plan of writ-ing a complete poem every morning, and then picked the best 200 of them for the book. “There are always cer-

tain poems that jump out, that resonate. But not all. I said I would write a poem a day; I didn’t say they’d all be good.”

She noted that on some mornings she just didn’t want to write. But some-times, on those mornings that were hardest, she wrote the best poems. “The hardest thing is start-ing. Just doing it. Writing can be a very solitary pur-suit and it can be hard finding support and the input that helps you grow.”

Perhaps hardest of all was that husband Bill had a heart attack when she was halfway through, necessitating a stressful trip to Edmonton by air ambulance – luckily with a positive outcome. “But the writing helped. It seemed like the only thing I had any control over was my writing. It was my anchor for five days. It was comfort-ing.”

The book doesn’t follow a par-ticular theme “unless it’s not being impressed with winter”, she said. “If there is a theme it’s that I was trying to be honest about what I wrote. No tricks.”

Studley says writing the book was “a great journey” aided by great support from readers of her blog. “I encourage others to find their cre-ativity. It’s a great experience.”

But the act of publishing is dif-

ferent from the writing.“It’s one of the hardest things for

most creative people to do – self promotion,” she said. “If you’ve been raised to have even the remot-est shred of modesty and/or humili-ty, self-promotion feels pushy. But I’m gonna do it anyway!”

And yes, Studley has another book in mind. Likely it will be poetry but she admits she could branch into short stories.

“As it is, I’m happy with this one and happy to share it.”

Contributed photoSinger/songwriter Linda Studley of Farmington has branched out into poetry and launches her first book Nov. 16.

BOOK LAUNCH NOV. 16

Author says writing was her ‘anchor’

Lori Slater

By Lori SlaterDo you have a spinal cord injury

or other physical disability including but not limited to MS or strokes? Do you wonder what you are going to do for activities during the winter months? Maybe I can help you. I always say, “It doesn’t matter how we end up in a wheelchair or with a disability, we all share the same concerns as we go on this journey”.

This month I would like to introduce you to Spinal Cord Injury BC and the Fort St. John (and area) Peer Program. SCI-BC (formally BC Paraplegic Association) has supported people with spinal cord injuries for over 55 years. Helping people be able to have the best quality of life possible and integrate back into their home communities.

As Volunteer Peer Coordinator in Fort St. John, I am here when someone returns from rehab or the hospital or has been in the community for some time and just needs to talk. I am here to answer your questions, connect you with others who are in the same (but different) situation as you and I am here to plan events that we attend. We go wheeling at the Pomeroy Sports Centre twice a week; hold a coffee group once a month and other special events

throughout the year. I am a wheelchair curler looking for others who might be interested in curling, so if you would like to try I would love to hear from you. I am always open to ideas of things to do so please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime. One thing I am looking into in the New Year is ‘chair yoga, so, again, if you are interested let me know. The SCI-BC Peer Program offers many more opportunities such as Peer Mentor Services, and free monthly educational webinars. For more information on the Peer Program visit www.sci-bc.ca.

SCI-BC also offers information services. SCI-BC’s Information Services is the trusted resource for people with SCI or related physical disabilities, and their support teams including family and friends, health professionals and community workers. SCI-BC’s experienced and knowledgeable staff help individuals find answers and resources they need on a wide range of topics including: accommodations, equipment, funding, universal design, recreation and leisure. For this service call 1.800.689.2477.

Winter can be long and lonely when you have a physical disability but it doesn’t have to be if you want

to get out or just have someone to talk to. Please feel free to contact me at 250.787.1912 or peervolunteerfsj@sci-bc.ca.

Lori Slater is an Accessibility and Inclusion Advocate in Fort St. John. If you have any comments, questions or concerns you can contact her through the The FlipSide News or at slaterl@shaw.ca

Peer program helps the disabled

8 The Flipside November 2013

Bruce Lantz photoOwner Henry See and manager Joy Larstone review one of the many books on offer at Headspace Artefacts in Fort St. John.

ADVERTORIAL

A visit to Headspace Artefacts in Fort St. John is a trip to another dimension.

The difference between this shop, located at 10116-100 Street, and other retail outlets is immedi-ately apparent: soft music and lights, a quiet atmosphere, and couches and chairs for visitors to enjoy as they browse the extensive collection of books – everything from McLuhan to Kerouac and Ginsberg to the collected works of Dickens is for sale – or just sit and chat.

“I saw the need for a space in town for people who love books, people interested in what’s going on in the world, for people who don’t see the world in the same way the mainstream media portray it,” said owner Henry See, an American by birth who moved to Fort St. John in 2008 after living in the US, France and Quebec.

He came here when a friend - and now former partner - gave him the opportunity to start a similar store here. He’d been in France and thought he could come to Fort St. John, make some money and return to France. “But I very quickly fell in love with it up here.” See knew he was hooked when he traveled to Grande Prairie a month after arriv-ing and, upon his return, when he

hit the Peace River “and its amaz-ing vista I felt so at home”.

After leaving the other store, See opened Headspace in December 2012. “I saw a need for this, and to do it the way I wanted I needed my own store,” he said.

Headspace offers an array of unique items that appeal to a wide age range – from 19 to 60-year-olds. There’s a vast collection of CD’s by local and touring indie musicians, and even vinyl albums and biographies of artists ranging from Bob Dylan and Neil Young to Johnny Cash and John Lennon. The vast selection of books tends to stay away from best sellers and focuses more on classics and con-troversial topics; special orders are a mainstay. There’s a range of clothing and costume gear and other items appealing to alternative or counter-culture lifestyles, along with detox products – even a ‘Sensible BC’ petition available for patrons to sign.

Headspace also has become a focal point for the artistically inclined, offering a regular writers group workshop and Home Routes concerts featuring local and touring musicians.

It seems Mr. See has found a home.

Headspace offers alternatives

This letter to Courtney Trevis and Brian Murphy, co-managers of the Joint Review Panel examining the Site C dam project’s environmen-tal assessment was provided for publication.

Re: Some factors needing a miti-gation plan (provided mitigation is possible) for Area C, for proposed Site C

1. North Peace Landfill: this site lies above the actual proposed dam site. It has the potential to nega-tively impact the proposed reservoir. Possible mitigation may be the clo-sure of the landfill and replacement of a new site in a remote area (i.e. Del Rio) utilizing a cogeneration facility producing electricity for the grid in conjunction with recycling initiatives.

2. The upgrading of access roads for the proposed construction period will cause the loss of quiet enjoy-ment for the residents of Grandhav-en and The Old Fort. Measures to minimize the potential destructive factors need to be addressed.

3. A siteing of a 500-person camp above the Old Fort will be tanta-mount to siteing a small village beside this rural community. Issues such as traffic, nuisance factors, policing, hospital, ambulance and utility services are all items that have not been addressed. The resi-dents of Grandhaven and the Old Fort need full consideration prior to any construction activity.

4. Noise 24/7 is a serious consid-eration that has not been addressed.

5. Threat & Enactment of Expro-priation Procedures. This is an ugly vehicle of convenience- used by Government authorities over people who through no fault of their own are very negatively impacted by this power. It is all of the people of the valley who have lived this threat for the past 50 years with no recognition or compensation for this silent but omnipresent cloud over their lives. This needs to be addressed in a meaningful manner.

6. A revised overview of points raised by the writer in a March 3, 2013 letter to the review panel is attached to remind the panel of a multiplicity of factors that have or

are being minimized by the propo-nent.

7. The Legacy Term Paper has not recognized the people and lands who would be most impacted by proposed Site C. Areas B and C and the District of Hudson’s Hope are not signatories to the document. It is suggested that there is no meaning-ful agreement recognizing the peo-ple and lands most negatively per-manently disrupted by the proposed Site C.

8. Business case is very weak.

9. A rehabilitation plan inclusive of associated costs with the reloca-tion measures needs to be addressed. The lifespan of the proposed project varies from 70 to 100 years accord-ing to BCHPA material.

10. The Peace was designated as a Heritage River in 1996. Why is this not being addressed? This is recognized in the NP Area Official Community Plan, 2009, Section 10.3.15.

11. Two of the oldest fur trading forts in BC (Rocky Mountain Fort: 1794 – built by Findlay and Rocky Mountain Portage Fort: 1806 – built by Simon Fraser) lie within the pro-posed pondage. How can this be mitigated?

12. Farmland. High quality food land is precious. The 2009 North Peace Fringe Area Official Commu-nity Plan, By-Law 1870 supports preservation of farmland. See Sec-tion 1.4.1.5 and all of Section 3. This factor, plus the Agricultural Land Commission goals have not been recognized by the proponent.

Your attention to the previously noted factors would be most appro-priate.

It is worthy to note that the pro-ponent has expended in excess of $300 million of public funds and the people had access to less than $300,000 to tell the other side of the story.

Arthur Hadland Director of Area CPeace River Regional District

More Letters to the Editor on Page 9.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Site ‘C’ projectneeds mitigation

9 The FlipSide November 2013

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bylaw boondoggle raises serious questions

Editor:Well here we are 19 meetings

later and, what I hear, approximately $100,000 less of our tax dollars that could have been put to good use. Such as money for water for rural areas, sewer for rural areas, and the list goes on. The regional board decided to send out the messengers (the four rural directors) to bring back the message and that they sure-ly did. My question is why, if they had no intention of listening to the people, if in fact (according to the Alaska Highway News Friday, Sept. 27) the bureaucrats were going to run the show at the end of the day, tell me why the 19 meetings. What a waste!

I attended all the meetings. There were petitions at the meetings to sign and 95-100 per cent did just that in all but one, which was held at Hudson’s Hope where 84 per cent signed as it did not affect the people who live in the Municipality of Hudson’s Hope. The petition was clear: It said to rescind Bylaw 1996/2011 in its entirety. There was no mention of revising this bylaw on the petitions that were signed at these meetings and the showing of

hands was 100 per cent in most cases to rescind the bylaw in its entirety.

My opinion is the regional board will be making a big mistake if they refuse to listen to their constituents, especially if in fact the way this bylaw was implemented was illegal. I firmly believe this is the case. Look very close to the bottom of your application for a building permit and read what you signed. You may not have realized it but you have signed your rights away. Remember, when you get a building permit from the PRRD (Peace River Regional District) you give them more rights to come on your property than the RCMP. You are signing to give them access 24/7 and that, my friends, is something to think about. Makes me wonder what country these folks are working for.

I believe that when you are coerced into believing that you have to obtain a application for a building permit you are being made to sign under duress by the PRRD. Pay special attention to the last para-graph on this application. The PRRD is out of control and totally out of touch with their constituents.

No. 1: I’d like to mention that my wife and myself have attended all 19 Conversation meetings held by the rural directors, and at all these meet-ings I picked up a bylaw 1996-2011 and not one of these bylaws, in my opinion, is legal. Every bylaw including the ones the public picked up - and I’m talking hundreds of them - have been tampered with. A message to all the people who picked up one of these bylaws: Look at page 27; that page does not match the rest of the bylaw and appears to have been added (the printing does not match). I believe this could be a problem for the PRRD.

No. 2: I have, and many others also have bylaw 1996-2011 with the adoption date Jan. 24/2013 that are unsigned. How did that happen? My guess it was not signed on that day. If so, how could I or anyone else have one in their possession?

No. 3: Up to March 18, 2013, the yellow flyers handed out by the regional district required you to let the building inspector know 48 hours in advance to have him come and inspect your work. These flyers were available after bylaw 1996/2011 was implemented and then, when you

looked at the bylaw, it says at least 72 hours. Could be 10 days or more, who knows if there is any limit for him to respond? Then when you apply for a building permit, it says 48 hours. I have the feeling Fred (Banham), Bruce (Simard) and myself have a good idea how that happened.

No. 4: I questioned Bruce Simard at the trade show in Dawson Creek April 20, 2013 why this bylaw was not advertised. He stated he was instructed not to by the board.

No. 5: The regional board did not follow their own procedural bylaw. They never had public hearings which are required. Also, according to Bruce Simard, the corporate stamp that is to be placed on all bylaws is not used anymore; it is stored in the safe. I’m sure that to the public, the bureaucrats can explain away all of these irregularities quite easily but would a judge be so forgiving? The people have spoken in great num-bers to rescind bylaw 1996/2011 in its entirety like all four of the rural directors said they would at the ‘Conversation’ meetings.Walter StewartCharlie Lake

Editor:As a very angry and disappointed

constituent in Area B, I attended 80 per cent of the public information meetings in all the areas regarding the enacting of Building Bylaw No 1996, 2011. First and foremost, I should have been attending these meetings before the new bylaw was passed, not after the fact. How dare you, the regional district area repre-sentatives, vote on and pass a build-ing bylaw that impacts my life and privacy to the extent that it does without giving me the opportunity to voice my opinion? It leads me to believe that you knew exactly how your constituents would feel about your new bylaw, and that is why it was put into effect without any con-sultation from the very people you are there to serve and protect.

At the information meetings I attended I came to the realization very quickly that most of the area reps had very little knowledge about what the changes were from the old bylaw to the new one. Who made

these changes and why would you vote on such an important matter without knowing the full facts and their impact on your constituents’ lives? Many of the questions from the public at these meetings were either passed on to the building inspector or a staff member, and were not answered by the directors we trusted and expected to take care of our interests. If I was in your posi-tion I would have made it my busi-ness to know what the changes were from the old bylaw to the new one before these information meetings took place, so as not to look like I didn’t know what I voted for.

As a person who does not like to speak publicly, I sat back and lis-tened and watched very carefully what was being said and the reac-tions from the area reps at these meetings. Any questions I had were asked several times over by some very angry constituents. I have seen a wide range of emotions from our area reps, ranging from anger to downright disinterest in our opin-

ions. In one case I witnessed a com-plete meltdown by one area director who threatened to shut the meeting down before it even started because we did not want to listen to him tell us why the new building bylaw was so good for us. I have to ask you: Is this the type of representative you want to be your voice and to repre-sent your interests at important deci-sion-making meetings held within the Peace River Regional District? I don’t know about you but as for myself, I think not.

I, as well as hundreds of constitu-ents of Areas B, C, D and E, have signed a petition to rescind the new Building Bylaw 1996-2011 in its entirety, not have it revised. Now the time is soon approaching when our

area representatives will be making that crucial vote to either rescind the new bylaw or go against your con-stituents and revise it. This time I would recommend each director make a very careful and informed decision. Remember, we voted you into your position, but will not be obligated to do the same in the next election.

One last parting thought: Was the new Building Bylaw 1996-2011 voted in legally? Should not an important bylaw such as this go to public consultation meetings before the fact, not after? Brenda BriggsArea B residentPeace River Regional District

Seniors housing project gets funding boostTwo Peace River Regional

District directors have pumped $300,000 into the Supportive Housing renovation project in Fort St. John.

Area B Director Karen Goodings and Area C Director Arthur Hadland recently presented cheques to the North Peace Seniors Housing Society. The funding contribution comes from the Peace River Regional District Electoral Area Fair Share

fund that provides financial contri-butions to support regional infra-structure development, making com-munities better places to live.

Eighteen supportive living apart-ments for seniors were to be occu-pied as of Nov. 1 in the newly-reno-vated area of the project. Supportive housing provides meal services twice a day for tenants. Rents will range from $1,300- $1,700 per month for the 303-550 square foot

apartments. Other amenities are available to the tenants such as laun-dry, common areas for recreation, exercise and to access services.

“We are pleased to support this project on behalf of the region,” Goodings said. “The renovation of the existing space into much needed seniors housing will be a benefit for years to come.”

Hadland added, “In the North, values of independence and self-

sufficiency are treasured. Maintaining a house and yard may get to become too much work; health needs and care requirements may change; or people may stop driving and find that it’s no longer practical to live where they have always lived. This is an excellent option to keep seniors in their communities while respecting that need for indepen-dence.”

There will be an open house at the facility sometime in November.

The people have spoken: Rescind the bylaw

SEND US YOUR LETTERSThe FlipSide News wants your opinion, on any subject. We encour-age you to send your Letters to the Editor to editor@flipsidenews.ca or Box 223, 9420-93 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6W7. Please provide a contact phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for legality or to meet community standards.

10 The FlipSide November 2013

Bruce Lantz photoKim Livingstone, left, and Steph Grout of Sand & Stone Creations were kept busy serving customers during the Craft Fair held at the Fort St. John Seniors’ Hall Oct. 12. The hall plans to host the craft fairs fre-quently during the winter months.

Bruce Lantz photosBruce Ross of Energetic Services Ltd., right, enjoys a laugh with Jim Allworth, a portfolio strategist with RBC Wealth Management after the latter gave a presentation to Royal Bank clients in Fort St. John Oct. 16. Allworth provided a wide-ranging examination of economic outlooks for Canada, the US and the world for more than 50 potential investors in the room. At the ‘Economic Open House’ RBC also donated $10,000 to the local Child Development Centre. Below, Clice Eckford and the Spectacular Chair Factory provide improv entertainment at another information event held at the North Peace Cultural Centre, where a bevy of financial experts were on hand to answer questions and give advice to RBC clients.

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek and for-mer mayor of Vancouver, was in the North Peace area last month to meet with people with disabili-ties, caregivers, seniors and any-one with concerns regarding accessibility and inclusion in the community. Disabled for 34 years, he has been an advocate for people with disabilities for many years and founded the Sam Sullivan Foundation. Front: Sam Sullivan, Lori Slater; chair of the Fort St. John Mayor’s Disability Committee, Back, from left: Cindy Mohr, executive director, Fort St. John Association for Community Living, Bonnie and Perry Leonfellner of the Tetra Society Fort St. John, city Coun. Byron Stewart, and Mandy Gallant, parent.

Henry See photoDave Lang, centre, and the Twin Otters - Olivier Clements, left, and Dennis Siemens, right – played to an appreciative audience at a house concert at Headspace Artefacts in Fort St. John last week. House con-certs featuring traveling musicians (and some local ones) are a regular feature at the local business.

Lynn Sullivan photo

Bruce Lantz photoFrom left: Mason Maddigan, 8, Lincoln Maddigan, 6, and Addison Vandal, 5, got an up close look at a fire truck from firefighter Aaron Hutchinson during the Charlie Lake Fire Department’s open house held Oct. 11 in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week. The once-trou-bled fire department now boasts 35 volunteer firefighters, including four women, the most in its 33-year history.

11 The FlipSide November 2013

Local News Briefs Coming Events

Free ClassifiedsGlass and chrome bar, curved, 3 lev-els. Never used. $250 Call 250-263-8297

FOR SALE

Electric pressure washer, Simo-niz 1900. 1.5 gpm, 1900 psi. Never used. $150 (Reg. $275) Call 250-263-8297

FOR SALE

Older travel trailer 17 ft. Sleeps 4. Good condition. $2500. Call 250-263-8297

FOR SALE

HELP WANTEDSales person needed for The Flipside News. Commision based ad sales. Flexible hours. High earning poten-tial. Must be self motivated. Call Bruce at 250-264-8888 or email edi-tor@flipsidenews.ca

HELP WANTEDHelp wanted – Wolverine Motors is growing and needs another experi-enced Automotive Technician im-mediately. Journeyman preferred. Should be self-motivated, efficient, trustworthy, and know how to trou-bleshoot and diagnose problems accurately. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and get along well with others. We pay top wages and have a benefit plan. Re-sumes to Wolverine Motors, 10908-100 Ave., Fort St. John or email to rkursteiner@yahoo.ca or phone Ron at 250-787-6703.

FOR SALEHave items to sell?Something you’re looking for?

Need help?

Send your info toclassifieds@flipsidenews.ca

or call250.262.9107

1998 Ford Taurus, green in colour. Runs but not drivable, not sure what is wrong with it. Interior in very good condition. If not fixable, definitely a good parts car. $300 250-263-4031

PRRD gives awardsThe Peace River Regional

District recently hosted the 33rd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet at the Dawson Creek Golf and Country Club to celebrate the efforts of rural volunteers and the important role they play in building and maintaining successful commu-nities.

Recipients were: Individual Achievement: Dave Russell – Doe River Recreation Commission; Peter Bonderud – McLeod Recreation and Social Services Society, North Peace Historical Society; Richard Buller – Tupper Community Club; Pat Buller – Tupper Community Club; Cathy Whelpton – Tupper Community Club. Rural Facility Excellence: Rachel Bunnett – Farmington Community Association Tupper Community Hall; George Hauber – Kiskatinaw Fall Fair Association; Tucker Hauber – Kiskatinaw Fall Fair Association.CMA adds flights

Central Mountain Air CMA) has beefed up the number of flights to Vancouver from the Dawson Creek Regional Airport.

The regional airline has added two return flights a day direct to Vancouver, plus an additional flight to Vancouver on Fridays and an extra return flight on Sundays.

Before, CMA was operating just one return flight a day.Stones stolen

The Fort St. John RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in nabbing the thief or thieves who stole 200-300 paving stones from the North Peace Care Centre.

Some time between Sept. 13-23 more than $1,200 worth of paving stones were stolen from an open area on 110 Avenue near the North Peace Care Centre.

“Obviously, to load up 200-300 paving stones it took some time, some effort and probably a pick-up or larger vehicle,” said Cpl. Jodi Shelkie of the Fort St. John Crime Prevention Unit. “We are hoping someone saw the culprit or their vehicle and will give the RCMP a call.”

Anyone who may have seen someone near the paving stones or moving them from 110 Avenue between Sept. 13 and 23 are asked to call the RCMP Detachment at 250-787-8100 or CrimeStoppers at

1-800-222-8477 or via the web at www.crimestoppersfsj.ca. You do not have to give your name, address or your telephone number.Robbery investigated

The Fort St. John RCMP are investigating a robbery at a local business.

On Oct. 7 at approximately 10:15 pm a male entered the Econolodge on Alaska Road in Fort St. John with a crowbar. He demanded money from the person working at the front counter. The male was able to obtain an undisclosed amount of money and leave the establishment.The RCMP responded immediately but were unable to apprehend the male.The male is described as being Aboriginal, in his 20s, approximate-ly 5’10” tall. He was wearing a black bandana over his face, a green jacket and black pants.Anyone with information should contact the Fort St. John RCMP at 250-787-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via the web at www.crimestoppersfsj.ca.Crosswalk safety urged

Drivers and pedestrians share the responsibility of crosswalk safety, say RCMP.

Streets around schools can become congested at drop-off and pick-up times. Often it is hard for parents to find parking and some resort to pa rking on marked cross-walks.

It is an offence to park a vehicle within six metres of a crosswalk. Doing so obstructs the visibility of crossing pedestrians and drivers approaching the crosswalk making it very dangerous.

Also, pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk should always make the intent to cross the street known and never enter the crosswalk when a vehicle has already entered the inter-section. Pedestrians may have the right of way at a crosswalk, but approaching vehicles need to be given enough time to stop. Always stop, look and listen to ensure vehi-cles are going to stop before step-ping into the street.

And drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians who are law-fully within a crosswalk.

Be safe around crosswalks. Park well away from them and keep your eyes open, whether you’re a pedes-trian or a motorist.

Nov. 2 - The Catholic Women’s League of Fort St. John is holding there annual Winter Wonderland Tea and Bazaar from Noon – 3 pm at the Catholic Church Immaculata Centre. Bake table, craft table, raffles, silent auction, rental tables with many homemade items. Used books for sale. Come for tea & shop for Christmas at the same time. For more info call Pat 785-4700 or Jana 785-0420.Nov. 2 – Cattlemen’s Ball, Supper & Dance starting at the Cutbank Community Hall. Music by Train Wreck. Tickets $30. Silent auction items and door prizes. Shuttle avail-able, must book in advance. Tickets available from Dawson Creek Veterinary Clinic or Beverly Wilson at 250-784-7884. Doors open at 6:30 pm, supper at 7 pm and Dance at 9 pm.Nov. 5 - Join us for a FREE screen-ing of ‘Treasured Chronicles of the North Peace’ at 1:30 pm at Better At Home in the Co-op Mall in Dawson Creek. These movies (there is one for the North Peace and one for the South Peace) highlight the senior pioneers of the Peace Region through interviews, photos, and the vintage film footage. For more information contact 782-2341.Nov. 9 - Fundraiser Dinner and Auction. Come and enjoy a tasty Ukrainian Dinner at the Dawson Creek Curling Rink. Cocktails 5:30 pm, Dinner 6:30 pm. Auction to fol-low. Tickets are $30 in advance. All proceeds go to the South Peace Hospice Palliative Care Society. For more information contact Linda at 250-782-3261, Gerta at 250-786-7994, or Veronica at 250-219-0549.Nov 14-17 - Live production of ‘Always a Bridesmaid’ at South Peace United Church, Dawson Creek. Tickets at Simple Pleasures for Dessert Theatre on Nov. 14 and Nov.17 and for dinner theatre on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16. Nov. 15-16 - Join antique dealers from BC and Alberta at the 17th Annual Antique and Collectibles Sale at the Fort St. John Legion (10103 - 105 Ave). Small admission charge goes toward the North Peace

Historical Society and the operation of the Fort St. John North Peace Museum. Sale will take place on Friday from 2-8 pm and Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm. This is a great place to kick start your Christmas shopping.Nov. 16 – 24th annual Ducks Unlimited fundraising banquet is at the Pomeroy Hotel in Fort St. John. 6 pm cocktails, 7 pm dinner, with live and silent auctions, raffles and dance. Tickets $60 per person. Tickets from Backcountry or call Stewart at 250-787-2865.Nov. 22 - 22nd annual Christmas tree Light-up, sponsored by the South Peace Oilmen’s Association at the Mile Zero Post in Dawson Creek. 7 pm.Nov 23 - Christmas Tea and Bake Sale at South Peace United Church, Dawson Creek 1-3:30 pm.Nov. 28 - 2nd annual Pouce Coupe Truck Light Parade and Food Drive. The goal of this fun night is to gath-er food items and monetary dona-tions for the Food Bank/Salvation Army. Come enjoy food and sleigh rides, bon fire, roasting marshmal-lows, outdoor games, kids crafts, Santa and the Truck Light Parade. Admission is by donation of non-perishable food items and or money. For information: Samantha Haggerty, Village of Pouce Coupe, 250-786-5794.Dec. 4 - Annual Old Fashioned Christmas Tea from 11 am to 4 pm. Enjoy wonderful home baked goods in addition to sandwiches, tea, and coffee. Come see the museum deco-rated for Christmas and get into the holiday spirit. Dec. 7 - Community Christmas Concert and Sale of Christmas Baking at South Peace United Church, 1300-104th Ave., Dawson Creek, starts at 7 pm.If your non-profit organization would like help publicizing your events, please send the information to editor@flipsidenews.ca by the 20th of the month prior to the event (we publish at the beginning of each month). There is no charge for this community service.

12 The FlipSide November 2013