By Xuyun Zeng Houston Today The plan to get a Syrian refugee to Houston is unfolding further. A meeting of eight people on Dec. 15 at the Library of the Houston Group to Support Syrian Refugees had people signed up for different tasks that go towards developing a settle- ment plan. “We find that we are able in Houston to fundraise, pro- vide accommodation and dental services,” said co-chair Bobby Seinen. “We went over what Smithers is do- ing … thinking that we might join them, but we decided on setting our own objectives.” “The HGSSR will try to sponsor a Christian family for settlement in Houston based on some feed- back we have received from townspeople.” Seinen and Robin Euverman are heading the organization as co- chairs. Seinen said the group considered that a Muslim member would need to travel to Prince George for reli- gious services. The group also hopes to pick a refugee that is from local den- tal hygienist Akram Khalil’s hometown. “This seems to be an interesting develop- ment from other com- munity groups who are sponsoring refugees,” said Seinen. “Once you get everything in place, you have to ac- tually choose a refu- gee. It’s not like they assign you one.” “We will be con- Town councils visiting Houston Plans to get a Syrian refugee are continuing to unfold By Xuyun Zeng Houston Today Council will be going places next year, and will also host Smithers’ and Vanderhoof’s town council. All councillors and the mayor will attend the 2016 North Central Local Government Association confer- ence and annual gener- al meeting on May 4-6 in Dawson Creek, and they will also attend Minerals North May 18-20 in Smithers, along with chief ad- ministrative officer Michael Glavin. In addition to that, the mayor will send out a formal invitation to Smithers’ council, who will come to town Jan. 14, with five or six attending. “I think local gov- ernments are working together more than in the past, where they were all doing their own thing. They’re thinking more re- gionally,” said Mayor Shane Brienen. “We’re just getting together to have a little meet-and- greet, and they would like to tour some of our facilities and we’ll talk about common issues and what we’re working on and what they are working on.” According to Glavin’s report, Smithers council will tour the Leisure Facility. Brienen added “ “I think local governments are... thinking more regionally. ” - Mayor Shane Brienen “ “Refugees need both financial and resettlement support.” TODAY TOMORROWTOYOTA www.glaciertoyota.ca Smithers, BC 1.866.844.6723 Merry Christmas and Safe Travels to All WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015 Proudly serving Houston and District - Home of Canada’s Largest Fly Rod www.houston-today.com NO. 51 $1.30 Inc. GST Robin Vander Heide/Houston Today LET it snow! Elementary students, parents, and staff from the Houston Christian School enjoy a toboggan party at Rock Nest Ranch on Friday, December 18 to kick off the beginning of Christmas holidays. All who attended enjoyed treats and hot chocolate, got a chance to reconnect with each other, and enjoy a romp in the beautiful winter wonderland. Publications Mail Registration #0040028607 Merry Christmas See VISIT on Page 2 See SYRIAN on Page 3
Transcript
By Xuyun ZengHouston Today
The plan to get a Syrian refugee to Houston is unfolding further.
A meeting of eight people on Dec. 15 at the Library of the Houston Group to Support Syrian Refugees had people
signed up for different tasks that go towards developing a settle-ment plan.
“We � nd that we are able in Houston to fundraise, pro-vide accommodation and dental services,” said co-chair Bobby Seinen. “We went over what Smithers is do-ing … thinking that we
might join them, but we decided on setting our own objectives.”
“The HGSSR
will try to sponsor a Christian family for settlement in Houston based on some feed-
back we have received from townspeople.”
Seinen and Robin Euverman are heading
the organization as co-chairs.
Seinen said the group considered that a Muslim member would need to travel to Prince George for reli-gious services.
The group also hopes to pick a refugee that is from local den-tal hygienist Akram Khalil’s hometown.
“This seems to be an interesting develop-ment from other com-munity groups who are sponsoring refugees,” said Seinen. “Once you get everything in place, you have to ac-tually choose a refu-gee. It’s not like they assign you one.”
“We will be con-
Town councils visiting Houston
Plans to get a Syrian refugee are continuing to unfold
By Xuyun ZengHouston Today
Council will be going places next year, and will also host Smithers’ and Vanderhoof’s town council.
All councillors and the mayor will attend the 2016 North Central Local Government Association confer-ence and annual gener-al meeting on May 4-6 in Dawson Creek, and they will also attend Minerals North May 18-20 in Smithers, along with chief ad-ministrative of� cer Michael Glavin.
In addition to that, the mayor will send out a formal invitation to Smithers’ council, who will come to town Jan. 14, with � ve or six attending.
“I think local gov-ernments are working together more than in the past, where they were all doing their own thing. They’re thinking more re-gionally,” said Mayor
Shane Brienen. “We’re just getting together to have a little meet-and-greet, and they would like to tour some of our facilities and we’ll talk about common issues and what we’re working on and what they are working on.”
According to Glavin’s report, Smithers council will tour the Leisure Facility. Brienen added
““I think local
governments are...
thinking more
regionally. ” - Mayor Shane
Brienen
““Refugees need both financialand resettlement support.”
TODAY TOMORROW TOYOTA
www.glaciertoyota.ca Smithers, BC1.866.844.6723
Merry Christmas and Safe Travels to AllMerry Christmas and Safe Travels to All
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015 Proudly serving Houston and District - Home of Canada’s Largest Fly Rod www.houston-today.com NO. 51 $1.30 Inc. GST
Robin Vander Heide/Houston TodayLET it snow!Elementary students, parents, and staff from the Houston Christian School enjoy a toboggan party at Rock Nest Ranch on Friday, December 18 to kick off the beginning of Christmas holidays. All who attended enjoyed treats and hot chocolate, got a chance to reconnect with each other, and enjoy a romp in the beautiful winter wonderland.
Publications Mail Registration#0040028607
Merry Christmas
See VISIT on Page 2
See SYRIAN on Page 3
NEWS2 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Houston Today
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Christmas ServicesHouston Pentecostal Church will be holding a Christmas Eve Candlelight
service on � ursday, December 24, at 7:00 pm. at 2024 Riverbank Dr.(� e Log Church). � ere will be candy bags for the kids. Everyone welcome.
Houston Fellowship Baptist Church invites everyone to our annual Christmas Eve candlelight service starting at 6:00 p.m. on � ursday, December 24th at the Church. Come join us for an evening of music and worship as we celebrate the birth of our Lord
Jesus Christ. A nursery will be provided for toddlers in the church basement.We hope to see you all there!
St. Clement Anglican Church Christmas Eve Service is at 8:00 PM - Everyone is welcome.
Santa Claus made another special appearance in town at the last Moonlight Madness, Friday, December 11th. With the donation of a non-perishable food item to the Salvation Army, kids got the chance to seat and visit with Santa. Many thanks to Home Hardware for hosting the event.
ALL I want for Christmas WaterWeb photo
that they want to learn how Houston employs geothermal energy to cut heating bills.
“They’ve been wanting to save some energy cost at their pool,” said Brienen.
He added that Vanderhoof’s council could also be coming in January.
“They’re actually going through the process, they need to bring some of their
staff in and meet with our staff, and just share how things are working and what could be done differ-ently, what works very well,” said Brienen.
The Dawson Creek NCLGA meeting will see UBCM presi-dent Al Richmond and Northern D e v e l o p m e n t Initiative Trust attend.
“The NCLGA is all the northern mu-nicipal governments meeting each year, and they just go over
the state of industry and they have a bunch of workshops there for elected officials,” said Mayor Shane Brienen.
Said workshops include discussions re-garding dealing with the vagaries of the business cycle, for-estry, agriculture and water as a resource, according to the draft agenda.
“I think it will be good for municipal governments in the re-gion.”
VISIT from Page 1
Thank-You to all the folks of Houston that
helped us during 2015.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas
and Happy New YearMichael Fry and Irene Kehler
NEWSHouston Today Wednesday, December 23, 2015 www.houston-today.com 3
3429 - 10th Street, Steelhead Centre, Houston Phone: 250-845-3700
Here to serve you 6 days a week... 9am-6pm!
Season’s Greetings...Wishing you all a Merry Christmasand Happy New Year. It’s been a
pleasure to serve you and we look forward to seeing you in 2016.
Last minuteStocking Stuffer
& gift ideas...
We offer our sincere appreciation for your past support and look forward to seeing you in 2016.
Wishing you a Merry Christmasand a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas andHappy New Year to everyone in Houston!
Peace on Earth
FromThe Keith Goold Family
Next meeting about sponsoring refugee to take place on January 12tacting the Mennonite Central Committee to see if we can work together under their umbrella organization,” said Seinen. “They may have a settlement contract in place and they may also offer to issue charitable tax receipts through their organizations.”
The “settlement contract” Seinen refers to is the Settlement Agreement Holder contract with the government. This means they are an organization federal officials will contact when they want to place a refugee.
Seinen believes that they would have to prove to the
Committee that the HGSSR has the “firm commitment from five people to support a refugee for a year.”
She estimates the cost to start at $27,000.
“And that doesn’t mean just financial support, but it also means resettlement support. Introducing them to the
community, enrolling them in schools, helping with medical needs, arranging t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , childcare, medical emergencies, setting up accommodation.”
Seinen added that they will meet again Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. at Dr. Paul Comparelli’s home. The meeting is public, and Seinen
suggested referring to the phone book for his address.
“We’re going to discuss fundraising activities, also hopefully appoint a treasurer,” said Seinen.
SYRIAN from Page 1
Santa stopped by Reitsma’s Home Hardware for Moonlight Madness on Friday, December 11th. These girls took a moment out of their busy shopping schedule to pose with Santa. With the donation of a non-perishable food item to the Salvation Army Food Bank, kids had a chance to visit with Santa and have their pictures taken.
SANTApromotes
giving
WaterWeb photo
In our opinion:
OpinionPublished by Black Press Ltd. 3232 Hwy 16 W,Upstairs Houston MallP.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0
Don’t drink and drive. Sad that it must be said every year. Even more disheartening that the message
just doesn’t get through.Every year, in nearly every community,
police, victims, families and others plead with the public not to drive while impaired.
And every year, in nearly every community, at least one incident will be reported of a motor vehicle collision that could have been avoided had alcohol not been involved.
Far too often, that incident will have tragic results. Families will be destroyed. All for the sake of saving $20.
“I just live around the corner.” “I don’t want to leave my car at the bar.” “I need my vehicle in the morning.” “I don’t have money for a cab.”
All excuses police have heard before. None of them legitimate.
Police across the province are into their Christmas season crackdown, promising to be ever-vigilant in catching impaired drivers.
It’s sad to think that people will consider getting behind the wheel after a night of consuming liquor or drugs, despite constant reports of deaths caused from such acts.
ICBC notes that impaired driving is still the leading cause of car crashes in B.C. and 27 per cent of vehicle crash fatalities are related to impaired driving.
According to Statistics Canada, impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death in the country.
Let that sink in for a minute. The leading cause of criminal death in Canada is also so easily preventable.
So, before picking up those keys at the end of the staff holiday party, or a night out with friends, keep this in mind: Someone’s family will be destroyed by an impaired driver this Christmas season.
Don’t let one stupid decision make you the cause.
-Black Press
Single parents head back to workforceThe B.C. govern-
ment’s new training and employment pro-gram for single par-ents has enrolled more than 1,300 people since it began Sept. 1.
The program cov-ers tuition, daycare and transportation costs for up to a year of on-the-job training or education towards in-demand jobs for single parents on so-cial assistance or dis-ability payments. The bene� ts can continue for up to the � rst year of employment, in-cluding extension of government-paid den-tal and other health bene� ts.
It replaces the pre-vious system, often re-ferred to as the welfare trap, where single par-ents would lose their assistance payments
and bene� ts if they went back to school to train for a job.
S o c i a l Development Minister Michelle Stilwell called the results of the program’s � rst four months “a very good sign,” particu-larly since about 400 of the voluntary par-ticipants are not in the ministry’s “expected to work” category be-
cause their children are under the age of three.
Of the 1,330 people signed up to the pro-gram as of mid-De-cember, 50 are already on the job in construc-tion, retail, health and community service positions. More than 90 per cent of partici-pants are single moth-ers, re� ecting the fact that women are 90 per
cent of the 16,000 sin-gle parents receiving income and disability assistance in B.C.
“When they come into a WorkBC of-� ce, there is an as-sessment that takes place to determine the best path for that individual,” Stilwell said in an interview. “The case managers look at aptitude and background as well as what’s going on in the local job market, and try to � gure out how to individually map the supports that are needed for that per-son. It’s a very � exible program.”
When the single parent program was launched, Stilwell de-scribed it as “one of the most signi� cant social program shifts this government has
ever introduced.” It came with a � nancial commitment of $24.5 million over � ve years.
The ministry cites research showing chil-dren who grow up in an income-assistance family are up to three times more likely to become dependent on income assistance themselves later in life.
4 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Houston Today
““When they come into a WorkBC office, there is an
assessment that takes place to determine the best path
for that individual,” - Social Development Minister
Michelle Stilwell
Have an Opinion? Write to the Editor!Letters should be brief and to the point, with a maximum of 300 words. We reserve the right to withhold from print any letters which may be libelous, racist or sexist, and may edit for brevity and clar-ity. Letters MUST include the signature of the letter writer, a mailing address and a phone number. Only the name will be reproduced in the newspaper.Send letters to: Houston Today, Box 899, Houston, BC, V0J 1Z0. Fax to 250-845-7893 or email to [email protected]
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BC Press Council - Houston Today is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent within 45 days to B.C. Press Council,PO Box 1356, Ladysmith,B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org
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B.C.Views
Tom Fletcher
Patrick Wright
“It would be Red Cross or anything to do with
cancer.”
Bev Forster
“We have a soup kitchen that runs behind our
school and they feed a lot of the kids so that’s a great place to support,
and two community services that help feed
our kids and clothe them.”
Richard Irvine
“My favourite charity is the Salvation Army.”
Cindy Galvao
“I think charity is what-ever you feel strongly
about, whatever opens your heart. Hospice,
Salvation Army, school-based programs.”
B.C. Liberal staffer quits, faces charges in Ontario
There will be no more political staff deleting email records in ministry offices, Premier Christy Clark promised Wednesday.
Clark said she accepts all of the recommendat ions made by Information and Privacy C o m m i s s i o n e r Elizabeth Denham and a follow-up study by a former commissioner to preserve email records that could be requested under freedom of information law.
“The practice of ‘triple deleting’
will be prohibited, ministers and political staff will continue to retain sent emails and a new policy and specific training will be developed,” Clark said. “As soon as practicable, public servants will be made responsible for the searching of records responsive to information requests on behalf of ministers and political staff.”
Denham reported in October on investigations into three complaints, and determined in at least one case that emails had been
intentionally deleted in an effort to avoid public release. She also condemned the practice of political staff such as Clark’s deputy chief of staff to delete all of their sent emails at the end of each day.
A political staffer in Transportation Minister Todd Stone’s office resigned when Denham’s report came out. She said he denied under oath deleting another staffer’s emails related to meetings with remote communities on safe transit options for Highway
16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert.
NDP leader John Horgan said giving non-partisan public servants responsibility for records searches is an important step, but the government needs to legislate a “duty to document” policy decisions of government.
Clark told r e p o r t e r s Wednesday that step will be taken once legislation is prepared to build on existing requirements.
The government brought in former
i n f o r m a t i o n and privacy c o m m i s s i o n e r David Loukidelis to recommend new practices. Among his recommendat ions was to adjust government email systems so even deleted records are kept long enough to be captured in monthly computer backups, to allow later examination in cases where they may be the last location kept.
Loukedelis said it not practical for any government to keep all email records, and attempting to archive such a
massive volume of data would not only increase costs but would harm the public’s ability to get timely access. And any attempt to vet each email to determine if it should be kept would cause government to “grind to a halt.”
B.C.’s Chief Information Officer reported that the B.C. public service now receives 284 million email messages each year, and sends out another 86 million.
“To suggest, as some have, that all information should be kept is akin to
suggesting it is good household management for homeowners never to throw away rotten food, grocery lists, old newspapers, broken toys or worn-out clothes,” Loukidelis wrote.
““The charges relate to email records that were sought by opposition parties after
the Ontario government abruptly cancelled two planned gas-fired power plants.”
B.C.Views
Tom Fletcher
What are your favourite charities?
On theStreet...
OpinionHOUSTON TODAY “Member, B.C. Press Council”Published by Black Press Upstairs Houston MallP.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0
Houston Today Wednesday, December 23, 2015 www.houston-today.com 5
By Tom FletcherBlack Press
B.C. Liberal Party executive director Laura Miller has resigned and returned to Ontario to face criminal charges stemming from deletion of government email records belonging to the Ontario government.
Miller was deputy chief of staff to former Ontario
Liberal premier Dalton McGuinty in 2013. She and former chief of staff David Livingstone have been charged with one count each
of breach of trust, mischief in relation to data and “misuse of a computer system to commit the offence of mischief,” the Ontario Provincial
Police said in a statement Thursday.
The charges relate to email records that were sought by opposition parties after the
Ontario government abruptly cancelled two planned gas-fired power plants that were facing strong local opposition. Miller and Livingstone were accused of bringing in Miller’s partner, computer technician Peter Faist, to erase hard drives in McGuinty’s office that contained the records.
Miller left the Ontario government
when McGuinty retired and came to B.C. to work for the B.C. Liberal Party.
Miller posted a statement on her Twitter account Thursday, saying she has retained lawyer Clayton Ruby to defend her. She said the charges come after she filed a complaint against two OPP officers over their investigation into the handling of the
gas plant documents investigation.
Clark bans political interference in records
By Xuyun ZengBy Xuyun ZengBy Xuyun ZengBy Xuyun Zeng
Submitted photoB.C. Liberal Party Executive Director, Laura Miller.
NEWS6 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Houston Today
A division of
Our office will be closed December 17th, 2015 and re-open January 4th, 2016
Lakeview Dental Centre
~ We are accepting new clients ~ (250) 692-7791 • 1 (888) 629-3996
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AUTHENTIC CHINESE FOOD & WESTERN CUISINE
Luncheon & Daily Specials
By Alicia BridgesBlack Press
They toured mausoleums, learned new dining customs and made new friends, but Bulkley Valley high school students say their longest-lasting impression from a recent class trip to China will be the appreciation it gave them for hard work and education.
A group of 20 students from the Bulkley Valley School District 54 travelled to the Jiangsu province of China last month to take part in a cultural immersion program.
Nine students from Houston and 11 from Smithers visited the cities of Suzhou, Shanghai and Nanjing, where they saw temples, a silk factory and a canal city among other attractions.
For four days of their trip the group attended the Nanjing Secondary School, where the school day, starts at about 6 a.m. and does not finish until about 10 p.m.
Each Canadian student was partnered with a Chinese student to help them navigate the school, where classes included Chinese music, calligraphy, pottery and language.
Although the Bulkley Valley students did not adhere to the same gruelling schedule,
Smithers Secondary School (SSS) students Jaydin Haskins, Blake Knibbs, and Alannah Markert said they had inherited some of the Chinese work ethic.
Knibbs, who is in Grade 10, said the experience taught him how hard different cultures have to work for their education.
“I have started to put in a bit longer hours and started to really get down on my studies,” he said.
“Now that I’ve gone to China and seen how on time they have to be, it’s made me appreciate what I have back home.”
Knibbs was also taken aback by the generosity and inclusiveness of the Chinese students.
“When we went to the cafeteria there was a bit of an issue with us getting food because you have to get a card to get food, so everyone was like ‘I’ll buy you lunch, I’ll buy you lunch!’ ” he said.
“It’s so much different from here because if someone came here and didn’t have money you would be like ‘I’m not buying you lunch’ ”.
The students also had dinner at home with their student buddies, who introduced them to Nanjing dining customs.
“Here it’s polite to finish everything on
your plate and to make sure the table’s nice and cleaned off,” said Markert.
“There they want you to leave food because it’s disrespectful if you eat it all.”
The students said the organized chaos of China’s traffic system, the preparation of food such as fish served whole, and the conservative way that women dressed were some of the things they noticed during their trip.
Knibbs, Markert and Haskins all said they had been working harder at school since they returned to Canada.
Houston Secondary School Grade 11 students Logan
Larocque and Jessica Ells also said they had returned from China feeling more grateful for their lifestyles and education.
“We got to school, we get our education and most likely we’ll go to university but there they go for 16 hours a day and they don’t even know if they are going to university,” said Laroque.
“They say they have to give it their all.”
Ells said she was surprised by how curious the Chinese public were about she and her classmates.
“They were really amazed by us, which was weird,” said Ells.
“They were coming up to us and wanting to take pictures and get our emails and
asking us questions.” S D 5 4
superintendent Chris van der Mark said the goal of holding international field trips was to give the students an appreciation and understanding of other countries, as well as their home in Canada.
“Of course you want them to appreciate the Chinese culture and the Chinese history and also the impact of globalization,” he said.
“And then you also want them to take away an appreciation of Canada as well.
“Canada’s a really remarkable country, it’s a great country, and then sometimes you have to also see other things to then put things in perspective.”
Nine Houston students travel to China
Submitted photo20 students from Bulkley Valley School District 54 travelled to the Jiangsu province of China to take part in a cultural immersion program.
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
from Management & Staff at
Cute kids pose with Santa at Reitsma’s Home Hardware on December 11. With the donation of a non-perishable food item to the Salvation Army Food Bank, children were able to visit with Santa and pose for a picture. Many thanks to Home Hardware for hosting the event during Moonlight Madness.
HO Ho Ho WaterWeb photo
NEWS8 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Houston Today
Wishing everyone the best of the season
and a most happy New Year!
From everyone at School District 54 Bulkley Valley
...to all our friends, neighbours and clients, we appreciate your support and wish you a very merry season.
Merry Christmas
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From staff and management at Monster Industries Ltd.
SEASON PASS PRICES
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If this option is not available to you please pick up a registration form at Country Wide Sports.
The Skill Development Program (SDP) is comprised of three levels or stages, Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit and Track Attack. The overall objective of the program is to assist children in the
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You can sign up on our web pageor at Countrywide Sports
By Xuyun ZengHouston Today
The hill that con-nects Tweedie Avenue to Pearson Road will
not have a staircase.Houston council has
decided it would not pursue the matter fur-ther after hearing from chief administrative
officer Michael Glavin that a staircase on the hill can impede access to water and sewer lines.
“If the services re-quire attention, it would
be challenging to exca-vate,” said Glavin.
Glavin stated in his report that the District’s staff recommend that the stairs do not get built
because of the lines, to which Coun. Jonathan Van Barneveld ques-tioned if “that’s such a dealbreaker?”
“It’s very dangerous ... to start building a corridor where you got a water line and sewer line. As our infrastruc-ture is aging, we are go-ing to have issues main-taining it,” said Glavin. “Also, that corridor, there may be other ser-vices that may use that corridor, like say, fibre optics.”
Mayor Shane Brienen added that there had been breaks in the pipes on Tweedie Avenue.
Coun. Tim Anderson first champi-oned the idea of having a staircase of Tweedie Avenue at the Aug. 4 council meeting, stating that he has seen people slipping and getting in-jured while navigating the hill, especially dur-
ing the winter.Van Barneveld also
supported Anderson’s idea at that meeting.
Coun. Rick Lundrigan proposed an alternative.
“Devil’s advocate for just a moment. Is there a means, or is it viable, does it structur-ally make sense and is it cost-effective to build a set of stairs that could be on skids that could
be slid to a side to ac-commodate work?” said Lundrigan.
Glavin replied that this was not possible from an engineering standpoint.
Glavin’s report add-ed that council could consider constructing a sidewalk along the west side of Mountainview Drive to assist in direct-ing foot traffic away from using the hill.
Staircase will not be built at Tweedie Ave. due to water lines
Xuyun Zeng/Houston Today
Staircase will not be built at the end of Tweedie due to water lines.
NEWSHouston Today Wednesday, December 23, 2015 www.houston-today.com 9
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ACCOUNT REP. JANE KENNEDY ---
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Pipeline companies have a goal of zero incidents, however incidents doPipeline companies have a goal of zero incidents, however incidents doPipeline companies have a goal of zero incidents, however incidents doPipeline companies have a goal of zero incidents, however incidents do occur from time to time. Which is why we are prepared 24/7. occur from time to time. Which is why we are prepared 24/7. Pipeline companies have stringent emergency response procedures,Pipeline companies have stringent emergency response procedures,conduct regular inspections and work together for effi cient incidentconduct regular inspections and work together for effi cient incident response to protect Canadians and reduce impacts to the environment. response to protect Canadians and reduce impacts to the environment.
Learn more about our preparedness measures at:Learn more about our preparedness measures at: aboutpipelines.com aboutpipelines.com
Delivering Canada’s energy. Every day.Delivering Canada’s energy. Every day.
Pipeline companies have a goal of zero incidents, however incidents doPipeline companies have a goal of zero incidents, however incidents do
PREPARED
Police report: Man arrested for careless use of a firearmBy Xuyun Zeng
Houston Today
From Dec. 10-16, police received 48 calls for service, six of which were traffic related, one each of a bylaw com-plaint, false alarm and 911 call.
***On Dec. 11 at 11
a.m., police received a report of a colli-sion on Highway 16 and McKilligan Road. On attendance, police learned that a pickup truck that was turn-ing from Highway 16 onto Knockholt Road collided with a com-mercial truck making a left-hand turn onto Highway 16. Damage to the vehicles were minor and no one was injured. A violation ticket was issued to the driver of the pickup for speeding relative to conditions. Slippery roadways were contrib-uting factors.
***On Dec. 12 at 9
a.m., police received a report of a collision on Highway 16 on Morgan Road involv-ing two vehicles. One vehicle was eastbound trying to turn left onto Morgan Road while the other vehicle was westbound. The ve-hicles sustained signifi-cant damage. One of the drivers sustained minor injuries. The turning vehicle’s driver was issued a violation ticket for failing to yield on a left turn to the oncoming vehicle.
***On Dec. 12 at 9:30
p.m., police received a report of a man brandishing a firearm on the 3100 block of Hagman Crescent who departed prior to po-lice arrival. However, the vehicle was sub-sequently stopped on Highway 16, and the man was arrested for careless use of a fire-arm. A loaded fire-arm was subsequently found in the vehicle. The male remains in custody charged with multiple firearms of-fences. Police believe there were two other parties involved with the man on Hagman Crescent and are ask-ing them to come for-ward. Those two peo-ple are not suspects at this time.
***On Dec. 13 at 3
a.m., police received a report of a distur-bance at a residence on Hagman Crescent. Police attended and subsequently arrested a female for common as-sault. The woman was held in custody and later released to appear in Houston Provincial Court Jan. 18, charged with assault.
***
On Dec. 14 at 8:45 p.m., police received a report of a theft from a local restaurant after two iPods were stolen. The matter remains under investigation. Video surveillance is being reviewed.
***On Dec. 15 at 1:20
p.m, police received a report of a theft at a local business. The em-
ployees of the business followed the suspects and contacted police, which led to the arrest of a man and woman for shoplifting.
The stolen property was recovered hidden in the business where the suspects were found. Subsequent in-vestigation revealed that these two individ-uals were also respon-
sible for the overnight theft of iPods from the local restaurant and recent thefts from an-other business.
The pair were held in custody while a search warrant was executed at their resi-dence. Stolen property including clothing and iPods were recovered.
The accused were re-leased and will appear
in Houston Provincial Court on Jan. 18 on several charges of theft and possession of sto-len property.
***On Dec. 15 at 8
p.m., police received a report of an assault on Pearson Road. Police attended but the sus-pect had departed. He was subsequently arrested on Dec. 16
and held in custody to appear in Smithers Provincial Court to an-swer to multiple breach charges and common assault.
***On Dec. 16, police
received an arrest war-rant for a prolific of-fender who resides in Houston. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the man.
10 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Houston Today
District of HoustonNewsletter ~ December 23rd, 2015 editionCouncil ’s Christmas Greeting
On behalf of Mayor, Council and staff of the District of Houston, we wish everyonea very safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
inclusive. Tuesday, December 29 hours: 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 30 hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 31 hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Friday January 1st & Saturday, January 2nd.
Regular hours resume on Tuesday, January 5th.
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
Dungate Community ForestDungate Community Forest is accepting applications from non-profi t groups and organizations. Applications can be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce, District of Houston Municipal Offi ce and the Bulkley Valley Credit Union in Houston. For more information contact [email protected]
Where the welcome is warm and the
wilderness beckons!
Website: www.houston.caPlease visit the website for info on:• Council Meeting Agendas• Pool Schedule• Arena Schedule• Important Public Notices• Tenders & Job Opportunities• Lost Dogs
Municipal Of� ce HoursThe Municipal Office located at
All open burning within the District of Houston requires a Burning Permit all year round. To obtain a permit contact the
Fire Department at 250-845-2250
Upcoming Council Meetings:Tuesday, January 5, 2016Tuesday, January 19, 2016The above meetings are held at 7:00pmin Council Chambers, 3367 – 12th Street.
The Agendas can be viewed on the District’s website: www.houston.ca
Leisure Facility Programs
Give the gift of leisure this holiday season with anActive Gift Card! $10 or $20 gift cards are great for stocking stuffers or gift exchanges.
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday, Saturday Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 11:00-6:00pm 11:00-6:00pm 11:00-4:00pm Closed Closed
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 January 1 Jan 2 11:00-6:00pm 11:00-6:00pm 11:00-6:00pm 11:00-6:00pm 11:00-4:00pm Closed 11:00-6:00pm
Christmas Hours
Snow Clearing Operations Property owners are reminded that basketball stands placed on the roadway must be removed.
The District will not be responsible for any damage during snow clearing operations.Please help the Public Works crews to keep the streets clear of snow this winter. Snow removal operations
start at 5:00 am, seven (7) days/week as required.Residents are reminded: • to keep parked vehicles off roadways and streets while crews are in the area clearing snow from streets;• it is the responsibility of individual property owners to clear snow from sidewalks adjacent to their
property; and,• snow removal from private property cannot be put on municipal property.Your patience is appreciated as driveways cannot be cleared by operators during regular snow removing
operations. The roads are cleared on a fi rst priority basis with one travel lane each way, with a fi xed blade truck that plows to the right only. This results in snow being pushed to the curb and into driveways.
When road and street widening is done, crews try to clean driveways; however this work depends on the amount of snow-fall. A heavy snowfall takes 4-5 full days to clear and remove the piled snow. When other emergencies occur, employees are taken away from their regular duties and the operation slows down.
Winter Swimming Lessons Monday/Wednesday’s January 18 - February 17
For a bigger gift you can load a card with the value of a swimming lesson, 10 visit pass, or Leisure Facility membership and share the gift of health, wellness, and fun all year long!
Give the gift of leisure this holiday season with anActive Gift Card!stocking stuffers or gift exchanges.
Winter Swimming LessonsFor a bigger gift you can load For a bigger gift you can load
Houston Today Wednesday, December 23, 2015 www.houston-today.com 11
DON’T MISS
OUT ON THESE
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DUE TO
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Mike’s
250-845-2999 3443 9th Street, Houston • www.avu.caWE OFFER A 30 DAY PRICE PROTECTION WITH 100% PRICE MATCH!
AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR:
TELUS, SAMSUNG AND IPHONE, NIKON, CANON,BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS... ALL ON SPECIAL!!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, touched with wonder and filled with love.
Where the deals are!
Open December 24 • 10-4Closed December 25 to 29
Open December 30 & 31 • 10-4Closed January 1 to 3
Fireworks WarmHoliday Wishes
WETT CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS
10th Street, Houston • Fax: 250-845-7366
Phone: 250-845-7333
May the warmth of Christmas stay with you
throughout thecoming year.
With thanks for your past support and a hope that we can
continue to serve youand your family...
Merry Christmas andHappy New year.
Wishing you a beautiful holiday and a year � lled with peace
and harmony.
The Elements Restaurant250-845-2910
Merry Christmas
Smorgasbord every Friday & Saturdayfrom 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Season’s Greetings& Happy New Yearfrom everyone at:
Jon Morry was the lucky recipient of the Topley Up Your Christmas Gift Basket valued at over $250.00. Close to 300 entries were received as folks shopped and dined in Topley during the Topley Up Your Christmas weekend. The event was sponsored by the down home downtown Topley merchants Grizzly Jim’s general store, Country Grill, Farmhouse Country Gifts and Mark Zagwyn Photography.
TOPLEYUp your
Christmas
Mark Zagwyn photo
Invite the whole community to your next brownie meeting, hockey game or gala evening with a couple of clicks. Add your event today.
there’s more online »events
www.vicnews.comwww.houston-today.com
Christmas Early DeadlinesThe Deadline for the December 30th
issue is: Wednesday, December 23rd at 9:00am
The Deadline for the January 6th issue is:
Wednesday, December 23rd at 12:00 noon
for all classified word and display advertising and all editorial submissions.
COMMUNITYHouston Today Wednesday, December 23, 2015 www.houston-today.com 13
Christmas Early DeadlinesMerry Christmas & Ha� yNew Year!
250-845-2890 www.houston-today.com
The Deadline for the December 30th issue is:Wednesday, December 23rd at 9:00am
The Deadline for the January 6th issue is:Wednesday, December 23rd at 12:00 noon
for all classified word and display advertising and all editorial submissions.
Pam Sjoden is the winner of the Explore Houston Merchant Contest. Sjoden said, “I never win anything I told my friend to pinch me, I am so excited that I won.” Murray Sullivan presented Sjoden with her $1000 prize of merchant gift certificates that Sullivan Motors kindly donated. Congratulations Pam!
EXPLORE HOUSTON
Winner
Submitted photo
COMMUNITY14 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Houston Today
#UsedHelpsA division of
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Riverside Gardens3707 East Valley Road, Houston • 250 845-7707
HOPE forHOPE forHOPE forforTodayTodayRoom for Jesus
As we consider the Christmas story we read, Mary “laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” Luke 2:7 NLT We often dwell on the obvious conclusion that Jesus was not born in the inn, which would seem the minimal requirement of a place for a woman to give birth. He was rejected and nobody gave him any room there.
Then the question comes to mind. When rejected at the inn, where did the Creator of the universe go to be born into the human race? Being the Son of the Living God, you’d think that he would have some pull over his creation to be born into a palace, or at least in a clean sanitary, private room somewhere. Yet we read, he went to a lowly place and was found wrapped in cloths, lying in a feed trough. This is the place where the shepherds could welcome and greet him. They would most likely not have been allowed into a palace and be considered too dirty to come into a sanitary delivery room. Jesus went to the place where those who would recognize him could come. He met them on their turf.
This was a pattern throughout his whole life. Some of the religious folks of his day accused him saying “He’s a glutton and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners.” Matthew 11:19 NLT In fact he did spend much of his time with these people. He even called Matthew, a tax collector, and Simon, a zealot (an insurgent), to be his disciples. One of his disciples, Judas Iscariot would betray him. When asked why he did this, he answered “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:13 NLT Jesus went to those who would recognise their need of him, believe in him and repent of their sins. He told the religious leaders of his day “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.” Matthew 21:31 NLT
Today, Jesus has come to meet us on our turf. Do we have room for Jesus in our busy lives? Is he welcome in our heart? Do we realize our absolute desperate need of him?
“For the Son of Man* came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 *”Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself. NLT Submitted by Ken Penner
Desiree and Lily having fun as they race down the hill at Rock Nest Ranch last Friday, December 18. The Houston Christian School elementary students, staff, and parents enjoyed a sledding party as a kick off to the beginning of Christmas holidays.
SLEDDING Party Robin Vander Heide/Houston Today
NEWSHouston Today Wednesday, December 23, 2015 www.houston-today.com 15
IDYLWILD MOTOR INN250-845-2296
Join us for a night of fun!
New Year’s Eve Party
Come celebrate with us at our
Disco Party!
IDYLWILDMOTOR INN
Thank-you for your support in the past year and we wish you continued success and happiness in the New Year!
and the Beer, Wineand Spirits Store...
Restaurant & Pub closed December 24th, 25th, 26th & January 1st, 2016
BEER & WINE STORE open every day
DISTRICT OF HOUSTONwww.houston.ca
At a Public Hearing all persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaws shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to present a written submission respecting matters contained in the bylaws that are the subject of the Public Hearing.The public hearing on Bylaw No. 1074, 2016 will be chaired by Mayor Shane Brienen. Full particulars may be reviewed by the public by requesting to inspect “District of Houston Development Bylaw No. 1040, 2013” and “Of� cial Community Plan Bylaw 1001, 2010” at the District of Houston Municipal Of� ce during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (except on statutory holidays). For more information please contact: Michael D. Glavin, Chief Administrative Of� cer Phone: 250-845-2238
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGNotice is hereby given that a Public Hearing affecting the “District of Houston Development Bylaw No. 1040, 2013” and the “Of� cial Community Plan Bylaw 1001, 2010” will be held on:Tuesday, January 5, 2015 at 7:00 pm in the District of Houston
Council Chambers, 3367 – 12th Street, Houston, B.C.“District of Houston Development Bylaw No. 1040, 2013” and “Of� cial Community Plan Bylaw 1001, 2010”, are proposed to be amended by Bylaw No. 1074, 2016, which would rezone the land described as Lot D, District Lot 333, Range 5, Land District, Plan PRP43132 only, from R-4 (Multi-Family Residential) to P1-Public and Institutional.The applicant has applied to rezone this property to place a permanently mounted brown coloured modular communication building housing a � bre cable distribution system, to provide telecommunication and television signals throughout Houston.
Civic Address: 2080 Sullivan Way
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Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums
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1. Browse & ShopBrowse the mobile app
for your favourite brand’s offers, and purchase
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SAVEANYWHERE.
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3 great locati ons in the Northwest to serve you...
www.sunshineinn.ca
HappyHolidaysOur hope is that this holiday season � nds joy and happiness throughout your home and our community.
Best Wishes from all of us
2016
xxx
x
Full schedule of events including free Literacy Brunch, street hockey, curling, skiing, snowshoeing, ice � shing and the bon� re and treats
sledding kickoff!
FULL SCHEDULE IS COMING SOON!
Questions, comments, or tosponsor or volunteer contact
Dawn Potvin at 250-845-01291or Sally Sullivan at 250-845-9321
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!February 5-8, 2016
A healthy local economy depends on you
SHOP LOCALLY
Speed readers to increase safety in Burns LakeSubmitted
Two portable speed reader boards are now installed in Burns Lake and Decker Lake thanks to a $30,000 investment from the B.C. government.
“Investing in traf� c safety is always a wise investment,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said. “Speed reader
boards give drivers a visual reminder about their behaviour and the importance of following posted speed limits. This is one more tool that is designed to help us reduce crashes, injury and fatalities on our roads.”
This project is part of the B.C. g o v e r n m e n t ’ s Community Safety
E n h a n c e m e n t program. Under this program, the government is investing nearly $5 million this year on more than 40 projects province-wide. The projects are chosen by the ministry in consultation with local governments and law enforcement, and will bene� t recreational and commercial
traf� c, as well as local residents, commuters and cyclists.
Follow the work
of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure at tranbc.ca.
Lighting to improve safety in Topley
Submitted
Lighting is now installed at a Topley rest area thanks to a $40,000 investment from the B.C. government.
“Increasing the safety of our citizens is a practical investment,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said. “These streetlights will improve night safety for travellers.”
This project is part of the B.C. government’s Community Safety E n h a n c e m e n t program. Under this program, the government is investing nearly $5 million this year on more than 40 projects province-wide. The projects are chosen by the ministry
in consultation with local governments and law enforcement, and will bene� t recreational and commercial traf� c, as well as local residents, commuters and cyclists.
Follow the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure at tranbc.ca.
““Increasing the safety of our citizens is a practical
investment. These streetlights will improve
night safety for travellers.” - MLA John Rustad
16 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Houston Today
BUSINESSES & SERVICES around Houston & the Bulkley Valley...
Call Laura at 250-692-7526 or 250-845-2890 or email: [email protected] your business for only $5/week (with 1 year commitment)
STORE MANAGERAre you passionate about customer service? Do you have a
“hands-on” approach in leading and inspiring people? Do you have great leadership skills?
Please be sure to include the location and position.
AL-ANON Are you affected by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon meetings are Monday, 7pm at the Houston United Church. Contact number: (250) 845-7774.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSMeetings are at the Houston United Church, Monday and Thursday at 7:00pm. Contact number is:1-877-644-2266
CANADA BENEFIT Group - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canada-benefi t.ca/free-assessment
Travel
TimeshareCANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No risk program stop mort-gage & maintenance pay-ments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consul-tation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.
Employment
Business Opportunities
HIP OR knee replacement? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dress-ing? Disability tax credit $2,000 tax credit $20,000 re-fund. Apply today for assis-tance: 1-844-453-5372.
Career Opportunities
THE S&A Group is currently looking for a professional and eager Admin-istrative Assistant for a rapidly ex-panding company in Vancouver,BC! -Data Entry -Schedule meetings -Answer and direct phone calls -Pre-pare scheduled reports -Filing, fax-ing, scanning, email correspon-dences -Strong use of Microsoft Offi ce and other offi ce management systems Job Requirements - -Must have Microsoft offi ce experience -1-2+ years administrative assistant experience -Provide exceptional customer service -Must have good organization skills -Multi-task in a fast working environment -Must have experience in Excel -Must be able to pass a full background check -Must be computer literate Starting Pay is $27.00 - $29.00 p/hour. Paid Holidays and benefi ts after 90 days. Please send your re-sume to : [email protected]
Education/Trade Schools
HEALTHCARE DOCUMEN-TATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Con-tact us now to start your train-ing day. www.canscribe.com. Call 1-800-466-1535. Email: [email protected].
START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Infor-mation Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765
Medical/DentalMEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: Care-erStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!
REGISTERED NURSEBayshore Home Health is hiring a RN in the Smithers area. Position is to provide bi-weekly infusions in Smithers, BC. Travel paid from other nearby community. Infusion experience necessary.
Paid training provided.Competitive hourly wage.
Flexible schedule to work with current position. Vehicle required for community health.
WHATSHAN Retreat is accepting resumes for Caretakers (April 1-Oct 31, 2016). Closing date December 31, 2015. Send to tammy.verigin-burk @gmail.com. www.what-chan.com.
Trades, TechnicalWATKIN MOTORS Ford, Ver-non, B.C. immediately requires an experienced Ford Diesel Technician. Go to watkinmo-tors.com About us, Employ-ment, to apply and review re-quired qualifi cations.
Services
Financial ServicesINCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reas-sessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 1-250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: [email protected] C- 250-938-1944
Place of Worship Information Education/Trade Schools
Business/Offi ce Service
HAVE YOU been denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefi ts? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal. Call 1-877-793-3222 www.dcac.ca [email protected]
PlumbingFULL SERVICE plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928.
Merchandise for Sale
Misc. for SaleSAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw-mills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.
Real Estate
For Sale By Owner
5 BDRM HOME IN TELKWA FOR
SALE3200 sq ft, 4 bath, includes washer &
dryer, fridge & stove, dishwasher,
hot tub, natural gas
$289,400(250) 845-3315
Rentals
Apt/Condo for RentFOR RENT
Starting At $800/Mo.Bachelor & 1 Bdrm Suites Full Kitchen Facilities Too! Wi-fi , Ph, Cable & Util. Incl.
TownhousesUNDER NEW management: Parkland Townhouses in Houston, B.C. Fully remodeled 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses in a adult, family oriented com-plex. Prices are: $750 and $800 a month. Excellent refer-ences required. Viewings by appointment: Call: (250) 845-0707.
Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca
Browse more at:
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Announcements Announcements Employment Services
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Inspire.Perspire.Participate in an event to help the 4 millionCanadians living with arthritis.
LAND ACTNotice of Intention to Apply for a
Disposition of Crown LandTake notice that Glenna Daniels from Granisle, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Smithers, for a Crown Land Direct Sale - Residential situated on Provincial Crown land located LOT 12, OF BLOCK 7, DISTRICT LOT 2625, RANGE 5 COAST DISTRICT, PLAN 1466, LOT 13, OF BLOCK 7, DISTRICT LOT 2625, RANGE 5 COAST DISTRICT, PLAN 1466, located on Railway Avenue, Topley, BC.
The Lands File for this application is 6408872. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Skeena Stikine Land Officer, MFLNRO, at Bag 6000, 3333 Tatlow Rd., Smithers BC V0J 2N0. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to January 13, 2016. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information.
Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the Freedom of Information Advisor at Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations’ Office in Smithers.
SNOWMOBILES FOR SALE:2004 800PolarisVerticalEscape159x2” Track - Reverse.More extras, Very clean$380000
2011 M8 SnowProArcticCat162 x 2.6 -New Track plus extras$590000
18 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Houston Today
RE/MAX HOUSTON Locally owned and operated
Lia Long250-845-11472436 Poulton Ave., Houston, BC • e-mail: [email protected] • www.realtor.ca
Call 250-845-7325 www.remaxhouston.ca
Whether you are buying or selling, Lia off ers prompt, friendly and professional service with over 20 years of real estate experience and a lifetime in the Houston area.
YOUR OWN PRIVATE HILLTOP ESTATE! Panoramic views from this park like, private 7 4 acres with a 4 bedroom 2880 square foot house. Updated custom kitchen with gorgeous maple cabinets, island and eating bar. Oak hardwood fl oors throughout the foyer, kitchen and dining. Step outside to the wrap around deck with glass railings and enjoy the spectacular views. 34x60 insulated shop with concrete fl oor and separate hydro meter., 31x46 barn with 4/5 box stalls and tack room and loft. Gold fi sh pond is another great spot to enjoy nature! Large garden area and perfectly manicured yard/fl ower gardens. Hot water heat fi red by either outdoor wood furnace or gas. Approx. 40 acres of productive hayfi eld. Not in the ALR. All appliances included. Call Lia to view 250-845-1147. $519,900
Our best wishes for a happy holiday season. Thank you for your patronage in 2015,
we look forward to serving your Real Estate needs in 2016.
From Lia & Tori
Merry Christmas
Community Calendar proudly sponsored by
Bulkley ValleyCREDIT UNION
www.bvcu.com
Since May 1941, Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons have grown to rely on. People helping people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision-making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.
HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave.
P.O. Box 1480, Houston Phone: 250-845-7117
HOUSTON COMMUNITY CALENDARCheques can be dropped off at the BV Credit Union or at Shannon Clarke’s CGA offi ce.
TOPS 1901 meets every Tues.: 8-9:30 a.m. at the Houston United Church. Come join other women who are Taking Off Pounds Sensibly and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Coffee Break - an Interactive Women’s Bible Study meet every Tuesday morning from 9:30-11:00 at the Houston Christian Reformed Church, 1959 Goold Road. Childcare is provided. For more info call Margaret: 845-2348, Darlene 845-7438, Evelyn 696-3229.
The Houston Legion Branch 249: Meeting: 2nd Monday of the month is Executive, 4th Monday is General Meeting.
Buck Flats Community Development Society, meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6pm at Andy Pollack’s house (17642) on Buck Flats Rd. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend, we discuss issues concerning the Buck fl ats area. Please call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564 for more info.
Houston’s “Love by the Bowl” Soup Kitchen serving healthy homemade soups in two different seatings, 11-12 and 12 -1 on Wednesdays.
TOPLEYTopley Fire Protection Society meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.
Structural Firefi ghting/Hwy Rescue. Interested? Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. is accepting applications. No experience necessary please contact Byron - F/C 250-696-3348 or come to a Fire Practice Thurs @ 19:00 hrs (7pm).
GRANISLEThe Granisle and District Senior Citizens meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre.
Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings & fi re practices every Tues., 7:00pm at the Fire Hall.
Granisle Church of the Way services are Sundays at 11:00am.
Houston Fellowship Baptist Church invites everyone to our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service starting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 24th at the Church. Come join us for an evening of music and worship as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. A nursery will be provided for toddlers in the church basement. We hope to see you all there!
Houston Pentecostal Church will be holding a Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Thursday, December 24, at 7:00 pm. at 2024 Riverbank Dr. (The Log Church). There will be candy bags for the kids. Everyone welcome.
Activities for Seniors in Houston at the Seniors Centre: New Horizons FREE swim for Seniors (60+) Dec. 15th to Feb. 23 every Tuesday 9 AM to 10 AM All Seniors invited. Reason: Expanding opportunities for Seniors to become active.
Houston Public Library: The library will be closed for the Holidays December 20th through 28th inclusive.
The Houston Cancer Society is sponsoring a Christmas tree of memories and hope. Donations are $5/bulb. The goal is to light up 1500 bulbs by Christmas Day and all proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Please keep your announcements as brief as possible. Deadline (faxed or mailed or delivered) is 4 p.m. Thursday. Items are printed or alternated as space permits. Items will be accepted via fax, email or dropped at the offi ce. No phone calls please. More calendar items are listed online and can be submitted or viewed at www.houston-today.com
Bulkley Valley Credit Union July 2007EPS Logos to be supplied to Newspapers
Pantone colours: Pantone 287 Blue Pantone 356 Green Pantone 139 Harvest
Black/Grey Logo file Colour Logo File
www.bvcu.com
NSince May 1941, Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons have grown to rely on. People helping people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision-making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.
HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave.
P.O. Box 1480, Houston Phone: 250-845-7117
HOUSTON COMMUNITY CALENDARproceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society. Cheques can be dropped off at the BV Credit Union or at Shannon Clarke’s CGA of� ce.
TOPS 1901 meets every Tues.: 8-9:30 a.m. at the Houston United Church. Come join other women who are Taking Off Pounds Sensibly and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Coffee Break - an Interactive Women’s Bible Study meet every Tuesday morning from 9:30-11:00 at the Houston Christian Reformed Church, 1959 Goold Road. Childcare is provided. For more info call Margaret: 845-2348, Darlene 845-7438, Evelyn 696-3229.
The Houston Legion Branch 249: Meeting: 2nd Monday of the month is Executive, 4th Monday is General Meeting.
Buck Flats Community Development Society, meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6pm at Andy Pollack’s house (17642) on Buck Flats Rd. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend, we discuss issues concerning the Buck � ats area. Please call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564 for more info.
Houston’s “Love by the Bowl” Soup Kitchen serving healthy homemade soups in two different seatings, 11-12 and 12 -1 on Wednesdays.
TOPLEYTopley Fire Protection Society meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.
Structural Fire� ghting/Hwy Rescue. Interested? Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. is accepting applications. No experience necessary please contact Byron - F/C 250-696-3348 or come to a Fire Practice Thurs @ 19:00 hrs (7pm).
GRANISLEThe Granisle and District Senior Citizens meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre.
Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings & � re practices every Tues., 7:00pm at the Fire Hall.
Granisle Church of the Way services are Sundays at 11:00am.
Please keep your announcements as brief as possible. Deadline (faxed or mailed or delivered) is 4 p.m. Thursday. Items are printed or alternated as space permits. Items will be accepted via fax, email or dropped at the of� ce. No phone calls please. More calendar items are listed online and can be submitted or viewed at www.houston-today.com
Houston Fellowship Baptist Church invites everyone to our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service starting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 24th at the Church. Come join us for an evening of music and worship as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. A nursery will be provided for toddlers in the church basement. We hope to see you all there!
Houston Pentecostal Church will be holding a Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Thursday, December 24, at 7:00 pm. at 2024 Riverbank Dr. (The Log Church). There will be candy bags for the kids. Everyone welcome.
St. Clement Anglican Church Christmas Eve Service is at 8:00 PM - Everyone is welcome.
Activities for Seniors in Houston at the Seniors Centre: New Horizons FREE swim for Seniors (60+) Dec. 15th to Feb. 23 every Tuesday 9 AM to 10 AM All Seniors invited. Reason: Expanding opportunities for Seniors to become active.
Houston Public Library: The library will be closed for the Holidays December 20th through 28th inclusive.
The Houston Cancer Society is sponsoring a Christmas tree of memories and hope. Donations are $5/bulb. The goal is to light up 1500 bulbs by Christmas Day and all
COMMUNITY PHOTO FEATUREHouston Today Wednesday, December 23, 2015 www.houston-today.com 19
“Home for the Holidays” event at the Houston Christian School
Robin Vander Heide photos/Houston Today
The Houston Christian School hosted a “Home for the Holidays” event last Wednesday, December 16, where there was carol singing and special performances, followed by a time of fellowship, coffee and goodies, and craft activities for families.
Top Left: Heather Garrison and Jean Gunther lead student violin players in a special Christmas performance.
Top Right: Judy Ewald shows Desiree Shane how to make a sparkly tree ornament.
Middle: Girls (left) and boys (right) decorate their own gingerbread people.
Bottom: Students from the grade 1&2 class gave special performances, including reciting a
poem and singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” in three
different languages.”
20 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Houston Today
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WHIRLPOOL
JENN-AIR BOSCH
MAYTAG
FRIGIDAIRE KITCHENAID
AMANA
Dec 26thAPPLIANCES | MATTRESSES | FURNITURE | TV’S
