Prince George Free Press, December 24, 2012

HEALTH: Still a shortage of family doctors in P.G. A5Monday, December 24, 2012

Newsline 250-564-0005

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Coun. Frizzell attends a convention in Dakar

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Phone 250-563-6444Toll Free 1-800-219-6327910 Third Avenue,Prince George, BCEmail [email protected]

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These youngsters and their caretaker got a birds-eye view of Santas helicopter coming in for a landing at Moores Meadow on Friday morning. A number of local daycares and preschools had their children out to see the event and talk to Santa.

The Board of Education of School District No. 57 (Prince George) has asked the minis-ter of education to withdraw his request to gather sav-ings from existing operations in order to provide salary increases to support staff.

In a December 3 letter to board chairs Education Min-ister Don McRae requested that savings plans be estab-lished and funded from within existing operating budgets to provide at least a three per cent increase to support staff over the next two years. Trustees from the Prince George School Dis-trict met on Tuesday evening and directed that the board respond to the minister expressing concerns regard-ing the request.

In a letter to the minis-ter, board chair Sharel War-rington stated: Our board, along with many others, believes the request at this time is unreasonable and poorly timed, being dropped on us six months into the current fiscal period.

Learning that enriches the life of each student in our district is our first and foremost priority. In order to achieve this goal, we believe that all of our employees are to be valued and be fairly compensated for the work they do, this should and can be achieved in a climate of collective bargaining that recognizes challenges and opportunities.

Boardirked byrequest

Merry Christmas to allMerry Christmas to all

A2 Monday, December 24, 2012 www.pgfreepress.comPrince George Free Press

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Monday, December 24, 2012 A3 www.pgfreepress.com

MEDICAL: Attracting more doctors to the north A5


Fostering a growing family in Prince George

B1

BILL PHILLIPS 250-564-0005 [email protected]

Up Front

DELYNDA [email protected]

At the end of November Coun. Garth Frizzell, through his work with the Fed-eration of Canadian Municipalities, had the opportunity to share his expertise at a international council held in Dakar, as well as take in some sessions at the Afric-ities Summit, which happens once every three years.

At the end of November I was con-tacted by the FCM and asked if I could go to Dakar in two days to the World Council of Municipalities, Frizzell said.

He learned the chair of international relations was unable to make the con-ference. As the vice-chair Frizzell was invited to go. In addition to his official position, his background in economic development put him in a unique posi-tion to deliver a paper on policy advo-cacy to the assembly.

At the same time the international council coincided with Africities Summit.

So on the one hand about 500 local government representatives from around the world met for the council, while councillors from Africa, who meet every three years, were there for the Africities Summit. I gave a presentation for the world council, but took in some of the

summit as well, Frizzell said. The two gatherings couldnt have been

more different, he said. It was two worlds that we were

watching, Frizzell said. At the world council its very formal, very diplomatic, very similar to the types of debates you see in the provincial government, the fed-eral government or the United Nations. At the Africities people were very pas-sionately talking about things that are affecting their lives. From a Prince George point-of-view, what they talked about seems remote and foreign to us like kids being taken away and put into the military, or Al Qaedas influence directly impacting villages. These things seem remote and off the page of an interna-tional paper, but these people are actually living these things. We get to see how the issues we face are different, but the goals we try to achieve are similar, like stabil-ity, having systems in place like roads, security, safety. These things allow us to do our work, feed our families and make sure our kids get an education.

A statement made by a man from Cam-eroon particularly stuck with Frizzell, that kids should be learning to use pens, not military guns.

The paper Frizzell delivered was about policy advocacy, and not directly related

with his city hall duties. Through his work with the FCM, on a

related committee, members look at how municipalities from around world can better serve their citizens.

A lot of countries provide develop-ment aid,Frizzell said. What we looked at 25 years ago was how can that be best delivered by local government. Over the last four or five years, we looked at aid effectiveness.

When a disaster hits you want people who can put things like sanita-tion, sewage and water back into place, the experts, he said. If you are talking development, then you send someone who understands how some of services work, from a fully synced fire rescue ser-vice to economic development. We have found its most effective if can you can help them or set up or build the capac-ity of local governments to do the work themselves.

Frizzell said other countries take the position aid is something you fly in, then drop off and leave,

We found it was more effective if you get on the ground and help local govern-ment do it themselves, Frizzell said. My role was to take this policy work weve been talking about for years and introduce the ideas of local development

to communities. We hope it will become formal policy for united cities for local governments world-wide.

For example, Frizzell said the Chinese approach to aid is to perhaps put in a mine for uranium, and give funds to the national government while taking the uranium. The French might put in an electrical power plant and set it up as a for-profit corporation.

Some of our work, Frizzell said, might be to find a local government that has people who want to set up connec-tions to sell mangos, then find another local government where someone cant find enough mangos for his juice factory. We set up a way for two the two govern-ments to talk to each other and to set up a trade route.

Then people are working, selling man-gos and juice distribution is world wide. This way the local government can get tax revenue and get into a stabilizing situation.

Though its not part of official duty as councillor, it was a situation where I could see how some of our systems are so advanced and effective, we have things we can share - but things we can learn as well.

The trip, paid through FCM partners, didnt cost the taxpayers anything.

INTERNATIONAL

Coun. Frizzell attends world meet in DakarLocal politician called to fill in for chair of international relations

Photo Submitted

One side of the tent is pictured in this photo taken during the opening ceremonies in Dakar, with over 3,000 municipal delegates in attendance.

A4 Monday, December 24, 2012 www.pgfreepress.comPrince George - News - Free Press

Know Your RightsC. Keith Aartsen

Criminal Defence LawyerWith over 30 years of experience, I can help you preserve your freedom, reputation and livelihood.

For an appointment call 564-4454980 Fourth Avenue, Prince George aartsenlaw.com

Welcome Wagon has information and gifts to present

on these occasions.

Visits are done by appointment onlyplease call

?Are you new to Prince George??Have you delivered a baby in the last 3 months?Or know someone who is pregnant?

Corrine Kirkpatrick250 [email protected]

In Provincial Court in Prince George on Sept. 25:

Dean K. Poitras was found guilty of assault and sentenced to 81 days in jail. Poitras was also found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an under-taking and sentenced to 30 days in jail.


Franco Antoniazzi was found guilty of driving without reasonable consider-

ation for other persons using the high-way, fined $500 and was assessed a victim surcharge of $75.

Lori Chew was found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order and sentenced to one day in jail.

Aaron W. Clifford was found guilty of assault, sentenced to one day in jail, placed on probation for one year and prohibited from possessing firearms for 10 years. Clifford was also found guilty

of failing to comply with a con-dition of an undertaking and a second count of assault, sen-tenced to two months in jail, placed on probation for one year and prohibited from pos-sessing firearms for 10 years.

Melanie L. Dimery was found guilty of driving while prohibited, fined $500, assessed a victim surcharge of $75 and prohibited from driving for one year.

Jessie L. Giroux was found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance and sentenced to one day in jail.

Phillip C. Gunanoot was found guilty of mischief and placed on probation for 18 months.

Luca B. Holgate was found guilty of mischief, placed on probation for nine months and assessed a victim surcharge of $50.

Dustin A. Lindgren was found guilty of three counts of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance and sentenced to eight days in jail.

Harrison E. Mullis was found guilty of two counts of driving

while prohibited, sentenced to 14 days in jail to be served intermittently, placed on probation until the expiration of the jail sentence, fined $500, assessed a victim surcharge of $75 and prohibited from driving for 18 months.

Steven C. Sears was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to time served of 15 days in jail. Sears was also found guilty of a second count of fraud and sentenced to time served of 35 days in jail. Sears was also found guilty of fraudulently obtaining food, bev-erage or accommodation and a third count of fraud and received a condi-tional sentence of one month. Sears was also found guilty of two counts of theft of property with a value less than $5,000 and received a conditional sen-tence of three months. Sears was also found guilty of a third count of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, received a conditional sentence of three months and was placed on probation for three years.

Gabriel D. Stan was found guilty of driving without due care and attention, fined $1,000 and assessed a victim sur-charge of $150.


Charlena R.L. Abou was found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order and failing to comply with a con-dition of an undertaking and sentenced to 36 days in jail.

Arby L. Bai was found guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, assaulting a peace officer and assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, sen-tenced to 87 days in jail and placed on probation for one year.

Clayton A.G. Hawkins was found guilty of possession of stolen property with a value greater than $5,000 and possession of stolen property with a

value less than $5,000 and received a condi-tional sentence of two years less a day.

Vincent A. Martin was found guilty of break and enter, sen-tenced to 13 months in jail, placed on pro-bation for two years and received a life-time prohibition on the possession of fire-arms.


Some of the more than 300 children who received gifts in Gateway Christian Ministries Great Toy Giveaway on Saturday cant wait to see whats inside the wrapping paper. The annual event sees more than 150 volunteers work on the day of the giveaway to make sure everything goes right.

STANDALONE FOUR

Courtrooms still full in P.G.

Winner of 11 International

Awards

Community AlertCommunity Alert

If you have information regarding these crimes call CRIMESTOPPERS

www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.caYou will remain anonymous. You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Remember... We dont need your name - just your information

1-800-222-8477

presents

WANTEDCrime Stoppers is asking the publics assistance in locating the following person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 1030 hrs this 19th day of December 2012, Samantha Nicole PATRICK (B: 1989-12-03) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for ILLEGALLY POSSESSING WEAPONS x 8. PATRICK is described as a First Nations female, 160 cm or 503 tall and weighs 70 kg or 155 lbs. PATRICK has black hair and brown eyes. PATRICK should be considered violent.

WANTED

WANTEDCrime Stoppers is asking the publics assistance in locating the following person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 1030 hrs this 19th day of December 2012, James Edward JOSEPH (B: 1985-12-28) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for ASSAULT. JOSEPH is described as a First Nations male, 170 cm or 507 tall and weighs 70 kg or 155 lbs. JOSEPH has black hair and brown eyes. JOSEPH should be considered violent.

f

A

CapCh21C

Crime Stoppers is asking the publics assistance in locating the following person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 1030 hrs this 19th day of December 2012, Gerard Arthur CASTONGUAY (B: 1952-03-06) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for DRIVING WHILE PROHIBITED x 2. CASTONGUAY is described as a Caucasian male, 178 cm or 510 tall and weighs 84 kg or 186 lbs. CASTONGUAY has grey hair and blue eyes. CASTONGUAY should be considered violent.

Samantha NicolePATRICK

160 cm or 5370 kg or 155 lbs.

Gerard ArthurCASTONGUAY

178 cm or 51084 kg or 186 lbs.

James Edward JOSEPH

170 cm or 5770 kg or 155 lbs

Monday, December 24, 2012 A5 www.pgfreepress.com Prince George - News - Free Press

Thank you B.C. for digging safely in 2012This year, more calls to BC One Call for natural gas pipeline information and safe digging practices resulted in fewer pipeline hits.

Make the right call

BC One Call: 1-800-474-6886

FortisBC uses the FortisBC Energy name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (12-336.1 12/2012)

DELYNDA PILONnewsroom@pgfree press.com

Drawing doctors to the region through the Prince George Resi-dents program and the medi-cal school is helping lessen the gap for families who dont have a doctor, but there is still a shortfall of between five and 10 family practitioners in the city, something members from the Prince George Division of Fam-ily Practice is working on.

Doctors Garry Knoll and Bill Clifford updated council on the progress of their organization during Mondays meeting.

Increasing work loads, longer waits and spiralling costs have lead to a lot of frustrated doc-tors and patients during the last decade, Clifford said. He added this is particularly true since usually the family physician provides primary care.

This is where the majority of Canadians get health care, he said.

The division wants quality health care for everyone in the city and set out four strategic directions to take to make that vision a reality. They include providing and supporting access to multidisciplinary care, sus-

taining a strong community of family physicians, developing and supporting excellent pri-mary care homes and reducing demand through healthier com-munities.

Clifford said he is aware most health choices are made outside of his office. For example, peo-ple choose how and what they eat, whether or not they smoke and whether they participate in enough physical activity.

Its our community that makes the biggest difference in health care, Clifford, who pointed out the organization is known as an unofficial recruiter,

said. This knowledge, he added,

lead to the healthy cities move-ment.

Now were championed by the World Health Organization, he said, adding the organization was formed in Canada.

He said there is a lot the divi-sion would like to do. Some of that work can best be done in partnership with the city.

Project 2020 works on creat-ing a healthier community by promoting hiking trails and bik-ing as well as public awareness campaigns.

Those are the kinds of things

we can work on together, Clif-ford said.

One example includes an advertising of a good partner-ship Clifford showed with pho-tos of people partially moon-ing everyone, attached to the window of a bus in anther city, to remind people a certain part of their anatomy needed to be regularly checked by your doc-tor.

Along that same line, another advertisement shows a lady pushing her head through a life-saver with the caption Get Your Rear In Here, We Need To Take A Look.

City still needs general practitioners HEALTH

DeLynda PILON/Free Press

Canadian Institute of Mining board members Jerome LaMarre (West Fraser Electro Mechanical), Glen Wonders (Allnorth), Ed Beswick (NWP Coal Canada), Christy Smith (Taseko Mines), Trent Bilodeau (Star West Petroleum) and Brent Marshall (Northland Auto Group), presented Randall Heidt of CNC with a $10,000 cheque, bringing CIMs donations to the college to $40,000 to aid students interested in the mining industry.

CIM GIVES TO CNC

Directors with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George re-elected Art Kaehn (Electoral Area E, Hixon-Woodpecker) as the chair and Dave Wilbur (City of Prince George) as vice-chair Thursday.

Kaehn has served as chair of the regional district since 2007. This is Wilburs second term as vice-chair.

TELUS CELLULAR EXPANSION In partnership with the province to improve

cellular coverage, TELUS is proposingthe construction of new radio communications

installations along Highway 97 and Highway 16 East. The latest sites are located north and south of Summit Lake, as well as Dunster and Dome Creek, on the way to the Robson Valley Over the next three years, TELUS has plans to expand new wireless coverage along 1,700 kilometers of highways throughout the Province of Brit-ish Columbia to improve the safety of highway travel.

HIGHWAY CROSSINGSThe regional district will be writing a letter to the

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure after receiving a copy of a letter from the Hixon Community Associa-tion expressing concern about the lack of a safe highway crossing in the community. Direc-tors shared information from other communities who share similar con-cerns for their communi-ties including McBride, Valemount, Mackenzie, MacLeod Lake and Bear Lake.

HST REBATEThe Salmon Valley

Volunteer Fire Depart-ment is taking advan-tage of a rebate and saving big dollars. Back in 2009, the department financed its 2009 engine through the Scotia Bank for a five-year term end-ing in January 2014. With the transition back to the GST and PST there is an opportunity for the fire department to save approximately $7,000 by exercising the early buy-out option and collecting the higher rebate available under the HST.

Kaehn re-elected as regional board chair


With our wishes for a safe

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Captain Wally McCue of the Rocky Mountain Rangers has a special task in mind for his cadets this week, one that mirrors an experience he had as a young RCMP officer that taught him more of the meaning of the season.

Im a Canadian officer of cadet corps, McCue said. Historically we helped other agencies in town with food hampers and setting up gifts at Christmas. I thought this year we might do something a little bit more personal for Christ-mas, something not so materialistic.

When presenting the idea to his corps, McCue told his young cadets the story of what happened to him many years ago in another country.

As a young policemen McCue was on tour with the musical ride in the United States. He worked pretty much two weeks straight, right through much of the Christmas season. Then,

on his only day off, he was told to get into his dress uniform and report to an old folks home in Pennsylvania, the state he was in at the time. He was given no direction whatsoever, just told to go and meet with the old folks.

It was kind of a life changing experience for me, McCue said. Those old folds had no friends, no family left in that community. They were so thrilled to see someone in uniform, someone whod take the time to sit with them, talk with them. Tears were streaming down their faces, they were so appreciative.

McCue told the people who run Gateway Lodge his plan, and they thought this was a ter-rific idea.

He got in touch with his mom who lives in Victoria, and had her ship up some holly from her garden.

The holly will go into a bag along with a few chocolates, a candy-cane and a regimental car. These bags will be given to a special section of people who live in Gateway.

Theres about 15 in one section who have no one in world, McCue said.

His 18 Rocky Mountain Rangers will spend some one on one time with them, pass out the bags and take the opportunity to talk and visit.

Ive told my Rangers that every walking per-son on the planet has a story to tell. This is the perfect time and an opportunity to spend time with people of another generation, and just give a little bit back of themselves.

They will then get together as a group, gath-ering with the 50 or so residents who live at gateway.

Well read some poetry with them and spend about an hour in half as group, McCue said. Its a good lesson, to learn the meaning of Christmas early. Its no about the material things, its about giving.

HOLIDAYS

Rangers helps at GatewayCadets will spread good cheer at facility

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Sussanne Skidmore-Hewlett will be the NDP candidate in the Nechako Lake riding in the 2013 provincial election.

Hewlitt said it was not a traditional nomi-nation meeting, with a slough of speeches as party members weighed in by vote, choos-ing their candidate for the area.

Rather the party used a mail-in ballot and a poll-in station.

It was a poll so people in the riding could come and vote if they didnt get a chance to send in their mail-in ballot. Its a big riding and we wanted to make sure everyone had an opportunity to vote, she said.

Skidmore-Hewlitt said she spent the day at the Fraser Lake library.

It was really exciting, a great day and a close race. Im really happy with the results.

Skidmore-Hewlitt said one of the biggest issues in the area, besides the affect of the destruction of the Burns Lake mill, is the Northern Gateway pipeline.

One of the biggest issues in that area is Enbridge, the environmental impact, the consultation process, Skidmore-Hewlett said. I think the provincial government has a role to take in this. I think its really important the people in that district are heard.

What she is hearing, Skidmore-Hewlett said, is a lot of concern about the project.

Ive had chats with lots of people out there and have honestly not come across one person who is in favour of it. The folks Ive talked to are against the

pipeline going through their communities, their waterways.

The results, she said, could be devastat-ing.

Its not a matter of if a spill happens, its a matter of when a spill happens, she said

People are concerned about the environ-mental impacts.

Other concerns in the area are much the same as anywhere else in the province.

There is trades training, post-secondary education, funding for health care, Skid-more-Hewlett said.

She added the Burns Lake mill fire remains an issue.

The loss of the Burns Lake mill is a huge issue, and the process thats gone on there has really taken a toll on the community, she said. I think people overall just want things to be done fair and right, and if there was something done wrong it needs to be addressed.

She will be running against incumbent Liberal MLA John Rustad and possibly other candidates.

NDP candidate picked POLITICS

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press

A trio of handcrafted carolers greet visitors outside a residents door at the Prince George Chateau.

SEASONS GREETINGS

A8 Monday, December 24, 2012 www.pgfreepress.com

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One of the major problems facing media today is that the rush to be first has usurped the rush to be cor-rect.There were a couple of instances of this recently that highlight why the media the architect of its own demise. And yes, we are media, so we get tarred with the same brush. However, we are striving to buck the trend here at the Free Press and deliver good quality news.

So what happened?The world media last week got suckered by a bunch of stu-

dents in Montreal. They, as a class assignment, were directed to create a viral video that was a hoax.

The students fabricated a video of an eagle swooping down, plucking a baby out of its stroller, and flying off with the tod-dler in tow.

Well, the media went nuts. The story was reported on virtu-ally every major media outlet in the world yes the world. It wasnt just on CBC or in the National Post, the story was car-ried around the globe.

What did journalism do wrong?No one did what most editors scream at reporters all the time

(or at least they used to) and that is, make the call.In the rush to get the story first, no one checked to see if the

story was real. There is another old saying in this business: If your mother tells you she loves you, get it corroborated. In other words, find out the truth before you report it and the only way to find out the truth is to make the call.

The second instance of poor journalism happened right here in Prince George. It was reported on a local website recently that the trial for accused killer Cody Legebokoff would get underway September 9.

The story spread quickly and was soon on almost all the media around town.

Here at the Free Press, reporter Teresa Mallam was the only one in town to make the call.

She checked with Crown counsel to verify the facts of the story and discovered that a trial date for Legebokoff had, in fact, not be set. The September 9 date was, actually, for pre-trial applications. Pre-trial applications can be anything from an argument for a change of venue to a request for a publication ban.

Its not the trial.Sadly, we see, too often in the media today, that accuracy is

casualty of expediency and that media will, also too often, rely on other media as a source of information.

If we make any resolution for the New Year here at the Free Press, its to be better than that.

Media itsown worst

enemy

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Prize may not be exactly as pictured

Its Christmas Eve.Have you got your shopping done yet? Ah,

theres still some time. As per the above cartoon, perhaps too many of us were counting on the end of the world last Friday to get out and shop early. I heard of one end-of-the-world pizza party in town where they were asking for cash, up front, for the pizza. Smart.

Of course there those of us for whom trudging through the mall the weekend before Christmas is pretty much akin to an apocalyptic nightmare.

That is exacerbated by the cruel ones among us who, with shopping done, simply go to the mall to wander aimlessly in front of those of us who were counting on an actual apocalypse to get out of shop-ping.

To add insult to injury, that survival kit for grandma somehow doesnt have the same cachet it did a week or so ago.

I suspect that the Mayans didnt account for the Year 2000 glitch in their calendar and, thus, the cal-culations were off. The big question is by how much. Hey, dont let a good disaster scenario die too quickly.

Suffice to say, though, that Santa will make his rounds tonight and Earth will still be here tomor-row for Christmas morning.

Good thing too, otherwise those calendars I bought for everyone would not be a useful gift. If there was anything my mother drilled into me

about gift giving, it was to find something useful.She always said she would prefer a bar of soap

rather than some fancy trinket. So, we usually got her trinkets.

One of the best parts about Christmas Eve is examining the presents under the tree and trying to guess what they are. One of the most intriguing presents I ever got, at least until I opened it, was from an aunt and uncle when I was a kid.

I must have checked that gift a thousand times trying to figure out what it was. Through the wrap-ping I could ascertain that it was hard on side and soft on the other. For the life of me, I couldnt guess what it was.

Christmas morning came it was the first present I wanted to open. Ripping the wrapping off I discov-ered a hockey puck and a pair of socks. Sometimes its all in the anticipation.

One year my parents went western for Christmas. All of us kids got toy guns and cowboy hats. I was probably about three years old at the time so I dont remember it at all.

However, I have an old black and white photo myself, my brother, and my sister modeling our newfound western-ness in front of the tree. And, judging by the look on my face, it was pretty cool.

Its Christmas Eve, so hopefully youre at home trying to figure out what that spectacularly-wrapped present for you is and not still trying to get a few things.

Have a merry Christmas.


Free Press reserves the right to reject unsigned letters. Letters are edited for brevity, legality and taste. Contact Editor Bill Phillips, 250-564-0005

The Prince George Free Presswelcomes letters from our readers.

Send submissions to 1773 South LyonStreet, Prince George, B.C. V2N 1T3.

e-mail - [email protected]


Viewpoints

Coffee with a reporterStories come to reporters in a variety of ways. News

releases, press conferences and phone calls are some. Sometimes you might think whatever story you have in mind isnt worth a phone call or visit to the news-papers office, but is it worth a cup of coffee?

Reporter DeLynda Pilon would like the chance to hear what you have to say so every Friday at 11 a.m. she will be having a coffee break at Zoes Java House at 1251 Fourth Ave., and is hoping you will drop by to chat. Or just stop in and introduce yourself.

11:00 am Fridays at Zoes Java House at 1251 - 4th AvenueDELYNDAPILON

Editor:I would like to respond to the opinion of

Victor Bowman.Your column caused me a considerable

quantum of confusion. First you say the fuss created is way out of proportion to the act, then you say the practical joke is just another form of bullying.

In this case, the joke (aka act of bully-ing) resulted in a death. There was another recent event in the news in which an act of bullying also led to a death. Both of these involved public humiliation and derision of a certain degree, and yet you apparently deem the preceding particulars to their predicament to be trivial drivel.

I dare say that the people affected by these events would deem them of much greater importance.

You say emotional pain can often be much more harmful than physical pain, and emotional pain erodes an individ-uals self-confidence and can have a life-long negative affect on them.

So, Im wondering how you reconcile any fuss created from an act of bullying to be out of proportion since these people experienced all these things to an extent that they are no longer alive.

Laura HildebrandtPrince George

Editor:Just a thought ... School shootings were at a minimum

worldwide prior to the 1990s with one or four shootings from the early 1900s to the very late 1980s in Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia (Not includ-ing the U.S.).

This is about the time in which people started to argue against National Anthems and The Lords Prayer before commencing class in the mornings.

In Canada there were four school shootings prior to 1989 in 87 years. Since 1989 in Canada there have been seven school shootings up to 2010 in only 21 years. In Europe from 1913 to 1983 there were four school shoot-ings in 70 years.

From 1989 to 2012 there have been 16 school shootings in only 23 years. In the United States prior to the 1960s when prayer was deemed unconstitutional by the courts they suffered one school shooting in 1927 and since prayer was deemed unconstitutional in the 1960s, from 1966 to 2012 there have been well over 70 school shoot-ings.

Thats one school shooting in 39 years to over 70 school shootings in 46 years. Right around the time the United States Supreme courts deemed prayer in schools and at school events unconstitutional, and lets not for-get in the United States it is a constitutional right to bear firearms; it was in 1927 and still is today. Perhaps its high time we as a community start reviewing the facts.

Some food for thought. I am eighth generation Leba-nese, Scottish and Irish on my mothers side, when I asked one of my great aunts why we were not taught our home language and customs, she responded in kind because our family came here to be Canadians, not to be Lebanese.

Yes we are a great multicultural country with many great people, religions and customs, and yes every per-son should have the freedom to practice their own, but what happened to my rights and customs as a native born Canadian? When in Rome...

God bless, and I wish you all a very merry Christmas.Steven A. McBeth

Prince George

Are school shooting linked to absence of prayer?

Bowmandelivers

quantum ofconfusion


Grant Bachand, left, of the Society for Business Program Students and Nicole Emsky of the CNC Students Union work to fill the wooden sleigh in the Atrium with toys to be donated to the Elizaebeth Fry Society. The latest selec-tion came as the result of a buying trip made possible by a cash donation from CUPE Local 4951 at the school.

HELPING OUT


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KEVIN DIAKIWBlack Press

The federal govern-ment is poised to elim-inate licensed medical marijuana grow-ops in homes that have long been criticized over safety concerns and connections to the ille-gal drug trade.

Health Minis-ter Leona Aglukkaq announced Sunday a planned shift to a new system of federally regulated commercial producers of medical pot who will supply authorized users who have a prescription from their doctor.

Under our new rule, only facilities that meet strict security requirements will be able to produce mari-juana for medical pur-poses, Aglukkaq told a press con-ference in Maple Ridge on Sunday.

The new system which also ends government production of medical

pot is expected to come at a sharply higher price for the nearly 26,000 users authorized to possess medical marijuana.

Local authorities have argued most medical pot home growers are pro-ducing far more plants than they require, suggest-ing rampant abuse of the program by licensees selling into the illicit mar-ket.

The high value of marijuana on the illicit market increases the risk of home inva-sions, Aglukkaq noted. These production opera-tions can also pres-ent fire and toxic mould hazards.

The Fire Chiefs Association of B.C. (FCABC) said the change will improve safety in residential neigh-bourhoods.

The fire service across Canada has been raising the alarm about the fire and safety risks associated with growing marijuana indoors for many years, said FCABC Pres-ident Len Garis, who is also Sur-reys fire chief. We applaud the government for taking action on this issue.

Garis stressed that the fire service has never been concerned about the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Our focus is on how medical marijuana is grown, he said. The fact is, medical marijuana has typi-cally been grown in a residential setting, which is not suitable or safe for growing marijuana.

Under the previous regulations, medical marijuana grow opera-tions operated without their local municipal governments knowl-edge or approval, and were not subject to health, fire, building or plumbing inspections.

Research indicates that both criminal and medical residential marijuana grow operations result in similar health, fire and safety

hazards associated with unsafe electrical work, structural changes and excessive moisture.

Taking marijuana production out of homes and into a licensed com-mercial environment is a step in the right direction, Garis said.

We are happy to see Health Canada commit to inspecting and auditing medical marijuana pro-ducers to make sure they comply with all regulatory requirements, he said.

We would like to see them take a further step and ensure that all previous residential growing sites are remediated, and that future buyers are made aware that these homes were previously used to grow marijuana.

The federal Ministry of Health said it intends to implement the system by March 31, 2014, at which point all current licences to possess or produce pot would expire.

The government is holding a 75-day comment period for the public to give feedback on the proposal (at http://bit.ly/U4xtqi), which will end on Feb. 28, 2013.

The details of the new regula-tions are available on the ministrys website (http://bit.ly/SFDUlX).

with files from Jeff Nagel and CTV News

OTTAWA

Medical marijuana lawsLicence-holders not able to grow their own

Black Press

Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq.


COLUMN: A time to re ect on 2012 and look ahead to 2013 A12


The PGSS Polars had a reason to celebrate at CN Centre on Friday

A13ALISTAIR MCINNIS 250-564-0005 [email protected]

Sports

Kayla Gordons relationship with basketball has opened a lot of doors.

The Cedars Christian School Grade 12 student will take her biggest step in 2013. On track to complete high school in June, shes already landed a spot on a Canadian Interuniversity Sport roster.

Gordon, 17, has reached a scholarship agreement with the Trinity Western Spartans in Lan-gley. She committed to the Spar-tans after a university tour in October.

Although UNBC was also in pursuit of her services, Gordon notes that a few key factors gave Trinity the edge. While the option to stay home was tempting and wouldve been more affordable, Gordon is excited about moving away and living in a different city.

Theres also the corporate communications program shes entering.

I kind of chose the educa-tion, UNBC doesnt really offer what I wanted to take, Gor-don says. Thats kind of why I chose Trinity, and I just like the Christian school. I really like the head coachs values and just the whole idea of how she wanted to build culture into her team and I thought that really fit well into her program.

While shes comfortable with her decision, Gordon expressed gratitude towards the support provided by Timberwolves head coach Loralyn Murdoch.

It was hard because shes put so much into me as a player, just

training me since I was young, like 12, so I totally have so much respect for her as a coach. It was a hard decision to chose Trinity over UNBC, but Im happy with my decision.

The Spartans are coached by Cheryl Jean Paul, whos into her third season guiding the team. Although theyve struggled in starting 2-8 this season, the Spar-tans finished a respectable 8-10 in 2011-12.

With her last high school vol-leyball season behind her, Gor-don began her final basketball season with the Cedars Christian Eagles this month. They were one of eight teams in the girls draw of the Condor Classic, held Thursday and Friday at Duchess Park Secondary.

This is another important sea-son for the Eagles. For the sec-ond year in a row, theyll host the B.C. high school girls basket-

ball single-A provincial champi-onships at the Northern Sport Centre on the UNBC campus. The 2013 tournament, sponsored by Powerhouse Realty and BK Two-Way Radio, is scheduled for March 6 to 9.

In the 2012 provincials at the NSC, Cedars finished runner-up to the Houston Christian Wild-cats, falling short by an 80-63 score in the final. It marked the second consecutive year the

Wildcats topped the Eagles in the championship game, also capturing the 2011 title at Spar-wood Secondary School.

But the defending champions have fallen off the map. The Wildcats lost a graduating core led by 6-foot-6 centre Ruth Ham-blin, now a rookie on the NCAA Division 1 Oregon State Beavers. They entered the 2012-13 school year unsure theyd even have enough players to form a team.

As for the Eagles, they lost guard Janene Giesbrech to grad-uation, but have the majority of their players back in uniform. That also bodes well for their quest to repeat as City League champions. They defeated the Duchess Park Condors 87-59 in last years City final.

For Gordon, a first-team all-star in each of the last two pro-vincials, winning a B.C. cham-pionship banner at home would be a storybook ending to high school basketball.

We really have a good chance, I think, this year with Houston Christian not in the mix, she says. Unless some team comes out of nowhere, if we work hard, I have a feeling that well have a great chance at winning this year.

Theyll also have targets on their backs. The Dec. 19 rankings had the Eagles atop the single-A leaderboard, making them early favourites to win the B.C. single-A title.

They base it on last year and then returning players, and were pleased with it, and theres a responsibility that goes along with it, Eagles head coach Al MacDonald says. We want to follow Houstons footsteps.

HIGH SCHOOL

Eagle soaring to new heights in basketballCedars Christian Schools Kayla Gordon commits to Trinity Western Spartans

Alistair McINNIS/Free Press

Cedars Christian Eagles forward Kayla Gordon dribbles the ball up the floor during the Condor Classic, Thursday at Duchess Park Secondary.

ALISTAIR [email protected]

Cariboo Cougars returning to the Macs Tournament

Only the top midget programs compete in the Macs Tournament.

Therefore, receiving an invite is an accomplishment. For the Cariboo Cou-gars, its an honour theyve been receiving annually.

With more success, comes higher expec-tations. For this program, the bar has been raised. They arent only heading to Cal-gary to experience the tournament, they want to advance to the playoff round and challenge for the trophy.

Weve always had an above .500 record there. But at the same time, .500 is not good enough, Cariboo head coach Trevor Sprague says. Youve got to win all of your games.

The Cougars will compete in Pool 2 with the Calgary Northstars, Edmonton South Side Athletic Club BP Athletics, Prince Albert Mintos and Winnipeg Wild. The Wild represent the Cougars first oppo-nent, the teams scheduled to play on Thursday at 10:45 a.m. (11:45 a.m. Moun-tain).

The Cougars will resume their schedule on Friday against the Northstars. After

meeting Prince Albert on Saturday, theyll conclude their schedule on Sunday against the Athletics.

The Cougars havent looked out of place in the event, realizing the fine line separat-ing champions from the rest of the pack. While they finished 2-2 in the 2011 tourna-ment, they outscored the opposition 16-10 in four games.

Returning players Nathan Warren and Logan Styler travelled with the Cariboo team to Calgary for last years Macs Tour-nament. Theyre hopeful they will see a better outcome this year.

I think we need to put up a good fight

this year, says Warren, the teams start-ing goalie. I dont know how the Alberta teams stack up against us, but we should be a pretty strong team like every other year at the Macs. We should do pretty well.

Styler, a forward, believes they need to compete at least as hard as they did in their latest league game. If they show the type of effort they displayed in a 4-0 win over the B.C. Major Midget League leading Vancouver North West Giants at the Coliseum on Dec. 16, theyll have a

turn to PAGE A14

ALISTAIR [email protected]

A12 Monday, December 24, 2012 www.pgfreepress.comPrince George - Sports - Free Press

Were doing things a little different at the Free Press this holiday season.

In the past, weve used two issues for Year-in-Review stories. Were using one edition of the Free Press to look back on 2012.

Part of the reason is timing. With this issue a Christ-mas Eve edition, weve decided to focus on pre-Christmas stories. In my case, Ive also used it to preview some sports events this weekend.

The Prince George Cougars have a trio of Western Hockey League games, while the UNBC basketball teams are scheduled to hit the floor for exhibi-tion games.

Yes, theres still that dreadful first issue of 2013. But were taking a different approach to it this year. That issue will focus on some stories to look out for in 2013.

Some journalists would say that theres

never really anything normal when you work in media. However, this holiday season is par-ticularly different than past Decembers.

One aspect that really stuck out is the press deadlines. I actually typed this column on

Thursday, which would normally be a day off for me. I typi-

cally work a Saturday to Wednesday work week.

But since this issue went to press on Friday afternoon, I worked on my normal days off. Well have another Friday press deadline a second time this month, as the Jan. 2 issue goes to press this Friday.

Reasoning behind the early press dead-lines is that Christmas and New Years Day fall on Tuesdays this year. Having a Monday rather than a Wednes-day issue this week, in addition to a Jan. 2 issue that goes to press the week before, bet-ter fits the schedules

of everybody involved and allows us to take some much needed extra time off.

Anybody who works in the newspaper industry knows how different the sched-ules are. The editorial department, advertis-

ing reps and those working at the press all deal with different deadlines.

On top of that, we had a supplement to complete this month. The next Northern Report comes out on Friday.

YEAR-IN-REVIEWWith only one Year-

in-Review issue, Ive decided that a change to the sports section is in order.

No top-10 stories or top-10 personalities this time around. Instead Ill highlight teams,

tournaments, perfor-mances, records and games.

My plan is to keep those stories short, and fill the section with photos. Sidebars as well, perhaps. I wouldnt call myself an InDesign expert, but Ill

see what I can do.It can be stressful, no

doubt. But I also enjoy putting together the Year-in-Review issues, pulling out some file photos and relieving the highlights.

You can also expect an entertaining piece from our weekly sports columnist, 94XFM sports director Hartley Miller.

Feel free to let me know what you think.

CHRISTMAS Its that most won-

derful time of the year.The holiday season is

also one of the busiest and most stressful. My hope is that all of us who had a lot of loose ends to tie this month can relax and enjoy Christmas.

My childhood years long behind me, Ive grown to appreciate Christmas not for open-ing presents and play-ing with new toys. The holiday is important for being with loved ones and appreciating what you have.

Even as adults, we can lose sight of lifes values during our hec-tic day-to-day lifestyles.

Much more impor-tant to me than mate-rial possessions is the break from work, and spending time with family. I also enjoy living in a city where a white Christmas is almost a guarantee.

To my family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances, have a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a safe holiday season.

This holiday season is different than past years COLUMN


After toys and toques get cleared, Rowdy Cat leads a group of volunteers off the ice during the Prince George Cougars Teddy Bear and Toque Toss game on Dec. 16. Although other sports groups wont see any games until the new year, the Cougars are back in action this weekend. Theyll hit the road to meet the Victoria Royals in a doubleheader on Friday and Saturday, before visiting the Vancouver Giants on Sunday.

ALISTAIR MCINNIS

FULL COURT PRESS

Copyright , Penny Press

ACROSS1.On My ____4. Complexion affliction8. Snatch12. Rival13. Train sound14. Like a certain fish15. Infants problem17. Chimney clogger18. Doctor or chart19. Spruce, e.g.20. Bundle of cotton23. Peeled27. Friends opposite29. Fleecy female30. Zone or table33. Picnic intruder34. Strangely

36. 20s car37. Gathered38. Apparatus39. Beach discovery41. Made level44. Not at work45. Realtors measure47. Kind49. Penny or dime50. Looked over again55. Waiters handout56. Makes angry57. Dried grass58. On ____ (tense)59. Cheeky60. Valuable rockDOWN1. Frequently, to a bard

2. ____ is me!3. Named before marriage4. Painful5. Leader6. Convent member7. Breakfast food8. Beau ____9. Requested again10.Medicinal plant11.Computer unit16. Abound20. Rafter21. Ms. Bancroft22.Calligraphy, e.g.24.Shelf of rock25.Hole punch26.Lock openers28.Yesteryear

31.Foster role32.Distribute35.Commotion40.Outdoor trek42.Place43.Underwater worker45.Pinnacle46.Sorority member48.Grocery reminder50.Split51.Earlier than, in poems52.____ Will Buy?53.Play it by ____54.Change the color of

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Literacy Art Calendars are a joint fundraiser between the Prince George Public Library and the Community Arts Council. 100% of proceeds are shared between these two groups. The calendars feature local luminaries like MLA and Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond, UNBC President Dr. George Iwama and former Mayor Colin Kinsley (and many more) with their faces painted as works of art by local artists. All the painted gures have literary themes and are quite striking to look at. These limited edition calendars are $25 and can be purchased from both branches of the public library, Studio 2880, UNBC Bookstore, Hubbell Jewellers, the Citizen newspaper, Direct Art, University Hospital library and the Prince George Chamber of Commerce.

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Polars celebrate OT win over Cougars in Spirit Game HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY

The PGSS Polars won a thriller at CN Centre on Friday.

In the 10th annual Spirit of Hockey and Community Cup game,

the Polars edged the College Heights Cou-gars 7-6 in overtime.

Polars forward Isa-iah Berra scored the game winner in the

extra session. Isaiah Berra skates for the Coast Inn of the North Midget Tier 1 Cou-gars.

The Cougars are four

wins behind in the overall series, PGSS having won seven of the 10 games.

Commonly known as the Spirit Game, the

event has turned into a tradition for students of the two schools. The game of hockey is used to promote school spirit and the

spirit of giving. Col-lege Heights Second-ary collected funds for the Salvation Army while PGSS picked up food for the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Both schools and their feeder schools have worked together collecting gloves, toques and socks for those in need.

The Polars entered

this years contest riding a three-game winning streak in the series. They hammered the Cougars 11-3 in the 2011 game.

Organizer and Polars coach Renzo Berra co-founded the event with Nevio Rossi in 2003. On top of the on-ice action, the event fea-tured entertainment at the intermission.


Members of the PGSS Polars celebrate their 7-6 overtime victory over the College Heights Cougars in the 2012 Spirit of Hockey and Community Cup game, Friday afternoon at CN Centre.

A14 Monday, December 24, 2012 www.pgfreepress.comPrince George - Sports - Free Press

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legitimate chance of winning the Macs title.

Once we outplay the team and everybody shows their attributes and commits to the coaches systems, we can pretty much beat any team we want to, Styler says. Hopefully we can just all gel again at the Macs Tournament and hope-fully well have good success there too.

Twenty-five male teams will compete for the title, with Pool 2 one of five groups. The five divisional winners and three wildcards will advance to the playoffs.

Quarterfinals and semifinals are scheduled for Dec. 31. The championship game will take place Jan. 1, 5 p.m. at the Sco-tiabank Saddledome.

The Cougars leave for the Macs Tournament on Christ-mas morning, Tuesday.

This is our playoff time right

now. Its playoffs, Sprague says.

NOTES:ALUMNI GAME After taking

a holiday break, players recon-nected for the Cariboo Cou-gars alumni game. This years team was scheduled to face-off against ex-Cats in a friendly game, Sunday at CN Centre.

ALL-STARS Warren is one of six Cariboo players who has been selected to represent the league at the 2013 BCMML All-Star Game. The event is sched-uled for Jan. 18 at the Langley Events Centre.

Other Cougars invited to participate are forwards Liam Blackburn, Braiden Epp and Ryan Forbes, as well as defence-men Nick Headrick and Ste-phen Penner.

LEAGUE After returning from the Macs Tournament, the Cou-gars will resume their regular season on Jan. 5 at CN Centre, when they open a doubleheader against the Valley West Hawks.

With 24 of 40 regular-season games complete, the Cougars sit third in the 11-team league with an 18-6 record.

FEMALEThere will be another Cou-

gars team from Prince George competing in the Macs Tourna-ment.

The B.C. Female Midget AAA Leagues Cougars will also hit the ice in Calgary this week. The Cougars are listed in Pool 7 with the Highwood Raiders of Okotoks, Saskatoon Stars, St. Albert Slash and Fraser Valley Phantom.

The Cougars, who play in the five-team B.C. Female Midget AAA League, open their sched-ule on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (11:30 a.m. Mountain) against the Raiders. Theyll also meet St. Albert on Friday, Fraser Val-ley on Saturday and Saskatoon on Sunday.

Semifinals are on Dec. 31, with the championship game on Jan. 1.

Cougars leave on Tuesday MACS TOURNAMENT

from PAGE A11

Cariboo Cougars forward Liam Blackburn attempts to cut around a Vancouver North West Giants player during their BC Hockey Major Midget League game on Dec. 16 at the Coliseum. The Cougars blanked the Giants 4-0 in the contest, their last league game until 2013.Alistair McINNIS/Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012 A15 www.pgfreepress.com Prince George - Sports - Free Press

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Very Merry ChristmasVery Merry Christmas and all the best in the coming and all the best in the coming

New YearNew Year

Cougars resume WHL regular season on the road SPORTS BRIEFS


Prince George Cougars defenceman Dallas Ehrhardt tries slowing down Vancouver Giants forward Kale Kessy during their Western Hockey League game on Dec. 16 at CN Centre. The Cougars edged the Giants 2-1 in the contest.

The Prince George Cougars wont have a lot of time to relax

after Christmas.They havent played a Western

Hockey League game since Dec. 16. But with their holiday break winding down, theyll reconnect this week.

The new year wont come before the Cougars return to the ice for regular season action. Theyre on the road this weekend for a trio of games. After meeting the Victoria Royals in a double-header on Friday and Saturday, theyll take a ferry to the Lower Mainland for a game against the Vancouver Giants on Sunday.

The Cougars sport a record of 12 wins, 18 losses, one over-time setback and three shootout defeats (12-18-1-3). Theyre tied with the Everett Silver-tips (13-22-0-2) for eighth in the 10-team Western Con-ference. The Cougars have three games in hand.

The Royals, sixth in the conference, carry a 17-14-0-2 mark into Fridays game. The Giants sit last in the 22-team league at 9-25-0-0.

Starting the new year at home, the Cougars wel-come the Kelowna Rockets to town with a CN Centre doubleheader on Jan. 4 and 5.

The Cougars wont have forward Carson Bolduc or assistant coach Jason Becker this weekend. Bolduc was named to the Team Pacific roster for the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey Chal-lenge. Becker will guide the

team behind the bench.The tournament runs from

Dec. 29 to Jan. 4 in Quebec.

BASKETBALLIts not only hockey teams from

the area returning to action.The UNBC Timberwolves will

close out their 2012 basketball schedule with some exhibition action.

The UNBC mens team will hit the hardwood at the University of Winnipeg. Theyve entered the Wesmen Classic, an eight-team university tournament that runs from Friday to Sunday.

In Winnipeg, the men will open their schedule against Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ont.) on Friday.

On the womens side, the Tim-berwolves will play exhibition games against PacWest teams in the Lower Mainland this week-end.

The Timberwolves are into their holiday break from the Canada West Universities Athletic Asso-ciation 2012-13 regular season. The men sport a 5-5 mark, while the women are 3-7. They resume their Canada West schedule on Jan. 11 at Regina.

A16 Monday, December 24, 2012 www.pgfreepress.comPrince George Free PressON

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Monday, December 24, 2012 B1 www.pgfreepress.com

CHRISTMAS: Sharing some very special memories B2


Jean Barman condenses 150 years of B.C. into one book

A21TERESA MALLAM 250-564-0005 [email protected]

Community

TERESA [email protected]

The residential house looks like many others on the snow-lined street except for one thing. Outside it has a long ramp. Inside there is an elevator. It was those kind of features that Janine and David Horton looked for when deciding on a new home for their growing family which includes two foster children.

Both in their 20s, Janine and David are raising foster siblings, a boy and a girl, in addition to their own one-year-old twins. The boy has special needs. The Hortons feel both blessed and challenged with daily feeding schedules, playtime there are more childrens than adult toys in the living room and appointments but they happily took on fostering in 2008 with their eyes wide open.

We were having fertility issues so we started talk-ing about adoption. Then we heard about [the need for] fostering, said David, a program director for Ness Bible Camp.

Things happened just a little sooner than they expected. Less than six weeks after expressing their inter-est in fostering to the Ministry of Children and Families, the Hortons were presented with an infant to care for.

We didnt have the usual nine months in which to get used to the idea of having a baby. We were thrown into parenthood quite quickly. When we got him, that was actually the first time Id held a baby in my arms and the first one I ever changed diapers on, he says, laugh-ing.

Thats because Janine, a licensed practical nurse, was putting in her final two shifts in at work and David was the designated caregiver. Now she is home with the chil-dren.

It was a very fast learning curve, agrees Janine. However, getting to foster the siblings from infancy has also meant that the couple could follow all of their devel-opmental stages. It also means they have developed a close bond.

They always tell you in fostering that you need to guard your heart because you may not have the chil-dren with you forever but at the same time you have to show them love. You have to know how to draw that line. We are hoping this will be for the long term but if it isnt then our own heart break in losing them is nothing compared to the feelings these kids have to cope with when they dont have a stable home environment or a get a good start in life.

Last year, the Hortons became proud parents of twins. We are happy that all our children (foster and natural)

will hopefully grow up together and really know each other, says Janine. She wouldnt change their decision to foster. It takes love and time not a big house and money to make a big difference in a childs life, she says.

Every fostering situation is different because every foster child has a different background and set of circum-stances. For us it has been a very rewarding experience. People often ask us about fostering and I try to give them as much information as I can. I want to encourage them because there are still so many children out there who need good homes.


Janine and David Horton are foster parents to two young children who they are raising along with their own twins born last year.

Fostering aFostering agrowing familygrowing family

B2 Monday, December 24, 2012 www.pgfreepress.comPrince George - Community - Free Press

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HappyHappyHolidaysHolidays

from theManagement & Staff

TERESA [email protected]

Move over Iron Chef. In a few years, Big Ben may just clean your

clock, whipping up a gourmet meal on the Food Channel. Ben or Benjamin is the grandson of Rosel and Wilf Vogt and he has serious plans to become a chef one day.

We are just so proud of him, said Rosel, 77. He made us a traditional Christmas dinner for the whole family when he was 16. And even when he was much younger I remember him with a tray of appetizers serving them to our guests.

Together for nearly six decades, the couple arrived here with their young daughter in 1957. This year, they made the decision to move out of their house and into the Prince George Chateau.

This will be our first Christmas in our new place, said Wilf, 81. Ben has a part-time job working as a chef in the Chateau kitchen he may come by his culinary talents naturally. For 20 years, the Vogts owned a popular local restaurant, Rosels, before getting into the bed and breakfast industry. A common thread in the two businesses, they say, is a love of meeting people and making new friends from around the world.

They have found memories of special guests. We had a young man from Calgary who was

here to play in the local orchestra and he told us hed never put a decoration on a tree, said Rosel. So he made an ornament, and I remember that it was a wooden star with tinsel wrapped around it, and he put it on the tree.

The couple also took part in a foreign exchange program

We had Chinese students and my son later on had people staying who were from Germany, Finland, Peru, all over. Its a very enriching experience sharing cultures with people and we enjoyed hearing what they did in their own native countries at Christmastime.

The couple has four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and they still hear from people who have stayed with them either at the bed and breakfast or with the exchange program.

Rosel finds the holiday season too commercial-ized for her taste and it would be fun, she says, to return to making handcrafted gifts for friends and family.

We used to crochet or knit our Christmas gifts but that seems to be a thing of the past, she said. The holiday season does mean that they

can celebrate the tra-ditions of both their native Germany and their adopted home in Canada.

Years ago, the fam-ily used to spend time at the lake where the would spend the day snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

On Christmas Eve at our house we usu-ally sing carols and open our presents, says Rosel. Thats leaves the children free to spend Christmas Day with the other side of their family and they like getting to open their presents. In Germany, we used to have candles on the tree, we dont do that anymore (because of the fire hazard) but when we sit down for our Christmas din-ner, we have a single candle burning at each place setting. We turn off the lights and for the little ones espe-cially its magical.

Christmas memories


Rosel and Wilf Vogt celebrate their first Christmas season in the Prince George Chateau.

Monday, December 24, 2012 B3 www.pgfreepress.com Prince George - Community - Free Press

In 2004 when the Scott Tourna-ment of Hearts left a legacy with the Prince George Community Foundation, the designation was to promote curling in the region.

Five years later with the Road to the Roar Pre-Olympic Curl-

ing Trials held in the city a sec-ond legacy fund was set up to support a similar cause. With both these funds in the posi-tion to grant, it was a natural fit when the Junior Curling pro-gram in conjunction with Active

Support Against Poverty made application for funds through the TrueSport program. They have partnered to expand the current curling program to include 10 additional spots for youth who would otherwise not be able to

afford registration for this sport.

Combined, the program will see more than 70 young people learn the sport of curling and all they will need to supply is a pair of shoes. Equipment for the program such as brooms and sliders, along with a variety of other equipment to improve players skills and ability to learn the sport will be pur-chased and will last for many seasons. Equipment to pro-mote wheelc

Documents

Prince George Free Press, December 24, 2012