agassiz observer, december 07, 2012

A gift of thanks for SARJessica PetersTHE OBSERVER

When a trio of � shermen found themselves in "dire straits," lost up the swollen Chehalis River and clinging to a small patch of high ground back in October, they immediately turned their thoughts to survival.

� ey had been stranded, and then disoriented, earlier in the day when a � ash rain storm � lled the boggy area with chest deep water.

� eir � rst concern was attempting to stay safe and dry, if not warm, throughout the night.

� ey did that by lighting a � re using one of the many lighters they brought along, one of their only dry socks, and a � shing license. � ey kept it smoldering by adding whatever wood and foliage they could � nd, but the � ames weren't big enough to produce heat to dry their bodies.

� ey called for help, with the minimal power and cell phone reception they had.

� ey took turns sleeping and keeping guard. � ey listened for rescuers, and did hear far o� shouts of Search and Rescue, along with whistles and the whop-whop-whop of a helicopter. � ey attempted to make contact but as day turned to dusk, and then to the darkness of night, the six-hour search was called o� .

"� ey'll come back for us tomorrow, right?" one of the men, Adam, thought to himself.

� is story began when the men hiked in earlier that morning. � ey only got in about 20 minutes of � shing before the rain started. It came down for just under 10 minutes, they said, but it was enough to force them to higher ground.

� ey made the call at about 2 p.m., to a friend in Vancouver who has a � shing supply store.

� ey found a 20' by 20' high spot, and made their camp.

In the morning, they immediately

set out to build that � re bigger and better. Within a few hours, SAR members had located the camp. A helicopter was used to locate

the � shermen and drop two SAR volunteers to a location close to them. � e helicopter then guided a jet boat up narrow, debris-� lled

channels to a location where the � shermen could be safely guided to. � e jet boat was then able to evacuate the subjects. Meanwhile a ground team was also en-route in case the boat rescue failed.

Shortly a� er they were rescued, the men were on their way. And that's normally where these stories end. � ose who get lost � nd their way home and all is well. Sometimes the SAR volunteers will get a thank you card.

Vancouver chef rolls out red carpet for local searchers after rescue

Josh Wolfe, owner of Fresh Local Wild, brought his food truck to the Agassiz Search and Rescue headquarters on Saturday, and fed all the volunteers and emergency workers involved in rescuing him and his two friends when they got stranded along the Chehalis.

JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER

Friday, December 7, 2012 $1

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The Agassiz ❖ Harrison

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mailbag . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

community . . . . . . . . . 8

classifi eds . . . . . . . . . 13

BATTLINGILLNESSHow the Howarths turned into champions of BC Childrens

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AWARDED FOR VALOURMounties recognized for saving young girl in 2010

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2 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, July 8, 2012

Jessica PetersThe Observer

Mayor Leo Facio took a few minutes at Monday’s council meeting to shoot down allegations that the Village of Harrison is pushing through a zoning bylaw illegally.

“Statements were made about the public hearing being illegal,” he stated. “They were not illegal.”

He stated that the allotted seven minute time frame for speaking during a public hearing conforms to the Village’s procedural bylaw, based on Section 890 of the Local Government Act.

Speakers have three chances to address an issue at a public hearing, at seven minutes each time, totaling 21 minutes.

During a public hearing on Nov.

19 at Harrison Memorial Hall, the mayor and John Allen, a resident, business owner and former mayor, volleyed back and forth about the time allowed, with Allen saying it was not enough time to address his concerns.

The Village was also questioned about why each and every household wasn’t individually informed about the public hearing. The B.C. LGA (section 892.7) states that if more than 10 owners of land are affected, the mail outs are not required.

“Our planning department is very capable,” Facio concluded. “We do not run anything illegal in this community and I take offense when people say we should use an outside source.”

[email protected]

Harrison mayor addresses accusations Facio shoots back at claims made

in zoning bylaw public hearing

Second public hearing planned

Jessica PetersThe Observer

Harrison’s zoning bylaw will once again come to the public in the form of a public hearing, to be held Monday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.

Council reviewed a staff report from the previous public hearing, gave the bylaw a second reading, and made a number of amendments.

Those amendments include limiting secondary suites and carriage homes to R2 zones, which currently already allow duplexes. The initially-proposed version of the bylaw did not limit which residential zones could have secondary suites. That prompted public backlash at the Nov. 19 public hearing, where all residents who spoke stated they were against a sweeping bylaw that would allow secondary suites in the Village.

On Monday night, council seemed to agree with that sentiment.

“I don’t visualize suites in R1 zoning,” said Councillor Allan Jackson. He made a motion that secondary suites only be allowed in new construction. After further discussion with council and staff, he withdrew that motion.

Councillor Zoltan Kiss made a motion that the suites only be allowed in R2 zoning, which already allows for duplexes.

Council voted all in favour for that amendment.

The discussion was based on a staff recommendation that council to abandon the idea of suites in all zones, and instead create a new zone that would permit them.

Another amendment to the zoning bylaw would be to reduce the minimum size of an R1 lot to 540 metres.

That would bring all properties into compliance, said Ian Crane, manager of development services.

They also made an amendment to remove the medium density R5 zone reference, because there are currently no properties zoned that way.

Other amendments were made to clean up the hefty bylaw, including section about setbacks, because it’s already dealt with in provincial legislation.

“We felt the setback requirements were redundant because they are already in the provincial regulations, so we are suggesting to delete it,” Crane said.

Schedule B, which was to identify the floodplain, was missing from the initial proposal, and that is being added.

The last time the zoning bylaw was addressed was in the late ‘90s, staff has said at recent meetings.

The public hearing will be followed by the regularly scheduled council meeting on the same night.

[email protected]

News

Council hears concerns about suites, amends proposed zoning bylaw

( Due to space limitations, each week we will publish a di� erent setof groups and activities from the community).

The Philosophers’ Cafe

"WHAT can we BELIEVE about the BETHLEHEM NATIVITY?"

At the Agassiz Library 7140 Cheam Avenue

Wednesday, December 12th at 6:50 pm

604.796.0409

"WHAT can we BELIEVE about






"WHAT can we BELIEVE about the BETHLEHEM NATIVITY?""WHAT can we BELIEVE about the BETHLEHEM NATIVITY?"

Wednesday, December 12th at 6:50 pm

the BETHLEHEM NATIVITY?"

at 6:50 pm at 6:50 pm

Fraternal Order OF eagles Flea MarketThe lasT flea markeT of 2012Dec. 9 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pmat the eagle's hall 386 fort street, hope

of groups and activities from the community).

Reading – Unbound! Learn how

to use your eReader, iPhone,

SmartPhone, iPad or tablet to ac-

cess books NOT on paper. Book

an appointment to learn how to

access the library’s collection of

free digital books. 604-796-9510

Lions TV Bingo Thursday nights at 6 pm on Shaw Cable.

Pick up your bingo cards at The

Source - Chehalis Store & Ledoux

Hardware

Advent Evening of Song with

musicians Bruce & Cheryl Hard-

ing Sat., Dec. 15 at 7:30 pm at

Agassiz United Church. Admis-

sion by Donation

Hooked on Books: Agassiz

- Harrison Library Book Club.

Prepare for a great discussion on

Patrick deWitt’s darkly comedic

western “The Sisters Brothers”-

winner of the 75th Governor

General’s Literary Award. We’re

meeting Wed., Dec. 19th at 6:30

pm at the Agassiz Library. Pick up

your book now! The talk is lively,

the people friendly & the refresh-

ments - free! Drop-in, no-mem-

bership required club. *Please

note that we’ll be meeting a

week earlier than usual due to

the Christmas Holiday closures!

A Community Christmas Dinner at the Agricultural Hall

on Dec. 20. Doors open at 5:45

Dinner is served from 6 to 8

pm. $20 per ticket Includes a

turkey & ham bu� et with all the

trimmings. All proceeds to the

Community Food Bank. Limited

amount of tickets to be sold.

Tickets at the Agassiz Fire Hall,

Pioneer Motors & Community

Services.

Events

Agassiz Christian Reformed Church 7452 Morrow Rd. Sundays at 10am. Call 604-796-9474.

Agassiz United Church 6860 Lougheed Highway. Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School at 11am. All welcome. For info call Rev. Randy Antle 604-796-2680

All Saints Anglican Church 6904 #9 Highway, Agassiz. Service at 10am Sundays. Mountainview Community Church meets for worship and fellowship on Sundays at 10:30am in the Ag Hall. Everyone welcome. 604-796-2429.

St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 7237 Morrow Road. Sunday, 9am & 11am, Tues to Sat – 9am. Everyone Welcome. Contact Father Joaquim Dias 604-796-9181.

The Harrison Gospel Chapel Sunday Worship Service begins at 10:30am. 514 Lillooet Ave, HHS. Call 604-796-9500 Everyone welcome. e-mail: [email protected] • harrisongospelchapel.com

Group 4 of 4Join Us in Worship

Best Rates☎ Chris

@ 604.796.4301 For features in Community Calendar

December 2012December 2012

Community Corner

Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, December 7, 2012 3

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To encourage the Spirit of Christmas, the Village is sponsoring a

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING COMPETITION.

Make your most creative & decorative Christmas light presentation & be judged

in the Residential or Commercial category.

Judging will take place on December 14th, 2012.

Winners will be announced & presented with plaques at the January 21st, 2013

meeting of Council.

Other times they've been surprised to receive cash donations.

But this Saturday, the Agassiz and Chilliwack Search and Rescue volunteers involved with the rescue, along with a handful of emergency workers, were treated to a free lunch.

One of those fishermen turned out to be Josh Wolfe, a chef and owner of Fresh, Local, Wild, a catering truck that's normally parked at Hastings and Burrard in Vancouver.

It only took a few moments for Wolfe to realize he wanted to pay the favour back to those who rescued him and

his friends. He initially wanted to make a cash donation, but when it was revealed he had a mobile restaurant the plans were set into motion for a lunch event.

"It was interesting to actually get to chat with them for a little while," said Chilliwack SAR volunteer Dan

McAuliffe. "I was in the helicopter guiding the jet boat, so I didn't get to meet them. You normally spend hours on a rescue, then you rescue them, then they're gone."

He said many people don't realize the danger on the Chehalis River and others in the region.

"They get surprised,"

he said. "When it really rains heavy like that, the river comes right up."

McAuliffe has been a SAR volunteer for 35 years. It's nice to be acknowledged for

the time spent and the dangerous situations they come into.

"It's nice to know they understand what we do," he said.

[email protected]

The river comes right up: SAR

The annual Stuff the Cruiser event will return to Agassiz on Dec. 15.

This is the Upper Fraser Valley’s fourth time holding the event, in various locations from Chilliwack to Hope.

All proceeds go to local food banks to help support families in need throughout the holidays.

“This is our way of engaging the community in a positive way every year and it’s an event that we all look forward to being a part of,” said Cst. Tracy Wolbeck. “This

event brings the police and the public together for a common goal and charity really tends to unify a community. We are really proud to be involved in this.”

In Agassiz, a police car will be parked at Super Value at 7024 Cheam Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The needs of the food banks change from year to year however, items they are always looking for are diapers, baby formula, canned fruits and vegetables and soups.

Time to stuff the cruiser

Two drivers have been issued roadside prohibitions this week in Agassiz and Harrison.

The first incident happened on Sunday, when a vehicle lost control at Striker’s Corner on Hot Springs Road.

Witnesses helped the male driver out of the vehicle prior to RCMP arriving on scene. RCMP report that the driver was taken into custody for driving while disqualified, and was also handed a 90 day roadside prohibition for impaired driving.

On Monday night, Hot Springs Road was closed while RCMP dealt with a hit and run.

Witnesses in that case obtained a license plate number, and the suspect’s vehicle was later found by police.

RCMP report that the driver was charged with failing to remain at the scene, and issued a 90 day roadside prohibition for impaired driving.

q IN BRIEF

Two roadside prohibitions

Josh Wolfe, in trailer, chats with SAR members and their family who came out for a thank you meal. Wolfe and two of his friends were caught stranded while fishing in the Chehalis River. JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER

From FRONT

News

4 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, December 7, 2012

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Raffle for game console returnsJessica PetersThe Observer

When Dr. Darren and Tracey Paul announced a raffle to fill up the food

bank’s shelves last year, the community showed up en masse.

The raffle rules were simple. Bring in a whole

case of non-perishable food, and have your name entered to win an Xbox.

The result was

overwhelming, Tracey Paul said.

“It was so exciting,” she said. “We had so much food.”

The boxes and bags filled the hallways of Agassiz Family Chiropractic, in the Kent Fitness/ Activity Centre. It was such a big haul that Dr. Paul hurt his knee m o v i n g it all a r o u n d . But then, the community showed its generosity once more.

The Pauls called a patient who is also a local RCMP member, and asked for some advice. He brought out the entire force, who moved the food from the centre to the food bank.

“The community was amazing,” Paul said. “I couldn’t believe they sent over all the police cars to move the food.”

It was such a success last year that they

have decided to do it again. Just like last year, anyone who drops off a donation of an entire case of food will be entered into the draw. But it’s not only an Xbox that’s up for grabs. Many other items were donated last year,

i n c l u d i n g A r b o n n e p r o d u c t s , chocolates, a h om e m a d e s c r a p b o o k and bath salts.

P a u l said she

is hoping to gather plenty of prizes, as an encouragement to the community to continue donating to the food bank, which is run by Agassiz-Harrison Community Services.

The draw date will be on Dec. 21, and they’re hoping to see as good a turnout as they had last year. In addition to the draw, there will be treats and hot chocolate on hand.

For more information, phone Tracey at 604-796-3559.

News

The owners, management and residents of Springs RV Park in Harrison handed a cheque to Heidi Trautmann, director of the Agassiz-Harrison Community Services in the amount of $1,500 over the weekende. Shown here (left to right) are Trautmann, Mary Smith and Natalie Ritchie.

Xmas gift

JessICA PeTers / Observer

“The community was amazing.”

Tracey Paul

Mounties applauded for rescue A brave and daring

rescue that arguably saved the life of a teen-aged girl has earned two local RCMP mem-bers Awards of Valour.

Amelia Victor, 16, was swept away by the current of the Cheha-lis River, and couldn’t keep her head above water.

Two of Victor’s friends were able to drag her to a narrow bank and go for help. At the same time, two men saw Amelia and swam across the river to stay with her until help ar-rived.

But Cpl. Scott Stough-ton and Cst. Bruce Johnson couldn’t get to Victor along any road. They had to move up the river to rescue the girl. They swam upstream, moving against the cur-

rent in full uniform, to reach her. While they had dropped their boots, bullet proof vests and duty belts, it was a strenuous swim for the officers and the Search and Rescue members who joined them.

On Nov. 22, they were among 60 police officers recognized for their ef-forts inVictoria.

Stoughton was work-ing out of the Agassiz detachment when the rescue took place. He nows works with IHIT in Chilliwack.

“it was a really fan-tastic evening,” he said. “I think of all the hard work that officers do all over the province, all over the country, every day that don’t get recog-nized.”

It underlines the fact that a police officer

never knows what to ex-pect from one day to the next, he said.

“You can never pre-dict what any day is go-ing to bring,” he said. “I honestly can say there have been not too many times I was truly scared

in my career. But there were times that day I can say I was honestly scared.”

The Chehalis River’s current was “ridicu-lous,” he added.

Victor made a full re-covery.

Overall, 25 officers received the award of valour, the highest award for a police offi-cer in B.C. Thirty-four police officers were awarded meritorious service honours.

[email protected]

News

‘There were times that day I can honestly say I was scared’Mountain Institution

was placed on lockdown at about noon on Tuesday, Dec. 4, in order for staff to facilitate an “exceptional search” of the facility.

Visits were suspended until further notice, and the institution was set

to re-open when the search was complete.

Correctional Service Canada did not state what staff were looking for, but stated that “the safety and security of our institutions are the primary considerations of CSC.”

Mountain lockdown

Cpl. Scott Stoughton was given an Award of Valour for his work during a river rescue in Chehalis in July, 2010. He was an Agassiz member at the time of rescue, and now works with IHIT in Chilliwack. Cst. Bruce Johnson (not shown) was also given an Award of Valour.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jeff NagelBlack Press

The province has granted a one-year reprieve from its directive that health workers wear a mask this flu season if they refuse to be vaccinated.

Those who don’t comply won’t be disciplined, deputy health minister Graham Whitmarsh said in a Nov. 30 letter to health authorities.

Enforcement that was to begin Dec. 1 is on hold while the ministry carries out more consultation with unions and other affected staff to help determine how best to fully implement the flu control policy, he said.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall gave the needle-or-mask order this summer, citing an inadequate flu immunization rate of less than 50 per cent among B.C. health care workers despite free shots and much encouragement.

But unions denounced the policy as a privacy violation, saying the threat of discipline to compel unvaccinated workers to wear masks would have forced them to disclose their decision not to get a flu shot.

Those who did get vaccinated were expected to wear badges or pins to assure patients they were immunized.

Health Sciences

Association of B.C. president Reid Johnson said the union encourages its members to be vaccinated but defends their right to choose.

“If they choose not to be vaccinated for any number of factors – including experiences with bad side effects to vaccines and fundamental, philosophical, or religious objections to vaccination – that is their right,” he said.

Rather than enforcing a season-long order to mask up, he said, that step can be taken during an actual flu outrbreak, along with other long-standing options such as

relocating staff or having them stay home.

Despite the controversy, more health workers did roll up their sleeves for the needle this fall.

According to Kendall’s office, more than 60 per cent of full-time health workers are now vaccinated.

And Fraser Health reported an even higher rate of more than 70 per cent of full-time staff vaccinated as of last Thursday, a number that’s expected to climb further.

A ministry spokesperson called the decision not to enforce in the transitional year a “balanced and measured

approach.” The rule was to apply

to hospitals, long-term care homes and other publicly funded health facilities and included health authority staff, doctors, volunteers, students, contractors and vendors who work in patient contact areas.

The ministry will continue to encourage workers to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of flu transmission to vulnerable patients and seniors.

B.C. backs down on flu vaccine edictNo punishment for health workers who refuse shots, masks


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The 2012 Festival of Christmas TreesHosted by the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce & Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa

This year’s entrants each donated $25 or more to the Agassiz Harrison Community Services Food Bank. The beautiful trees will be displayed until January 6th at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa.

And the winners are...

1st Place Tourism Harrison Society - You’ve won $150 in advertising from the Observer

2nd Place Tall Timber B&B - You’ve won an overnight stay at the HHS Resort & Spa

3rd Place Harrison Hot Springs Pre School & Childcare - You’ve won a 3 foot party sub from Subway Agassiz

Congratulations & thank you to our prize sponsors!

M E D I A S P O N S O R The Agassiz ❖ Harrison

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Council will hold two Public Meetings, in accordance with Section 59 of the Community Charter, in the Centennial Centre, Municipal Hall, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC, on:

Monday, December 17, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.and

Monday, January 7, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

to consider presentations from the public with respect to the “Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1485, 2012”.

At the meetings, the public may make representations to Council respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw and all persons who believe that their interest is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions.

Written submissions received before 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2012 will be presented for consideration at the public meeting of December 17, 2012.

Written submissions received after 3:00 p.m. on December 17, 2012 and before 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 7, 2013 will be presented for consideration at the public meeting of January 7, 2013.

The “Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1485, 2012” may be inspected between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays and office closures, from December 7, 2012 to January 7, 2013 inclusive, at the reception desk in the Municipal Office located at 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC.

The “Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1485, 2012” is also available on the District’s website atwww.district.kent.bc.ca.

Please note that the Municipal Hall will be closed from Monday, December 24, 2012 to Tuesday, January 1, 2013 inclusive. Enquiries may be directed to the undersigned at (604) 796-2235.

Darcey Kohuch, Director of Development ServicesDated this 7th day of December, 2012


VICTORIA – Whatever happens in the provincial election five months from now, taxpayers should insist that it be the last spring vote.

Now I know this isn’t sexy like the horse race of popularity polls so loved by the TV news. But integrity of public financial information is the next vital step in democratic reform, even more important than scheduled election dates. And the B.C. tradition of tabling untested election budgets, shutting down the legislature and firing up the campaign buses, has to end.

The B.C. Liberals are on track to surpass the NDP on fudge-it budgets, having put millions into

TV ads that insist the 2013 budget will struggle into the black. This is the hill Christy Clark has chosen to die on.

Glen Clark set the modern bar with his 1996 election budget. After a run of red ink, it conjured a tidy little surplus that helped the NDP squeak out a win over the plaid-shirted Gordon Campbell.

Campbell’s noisy exit had its roots in his 2009 fudge-it budget, which clung to an outdated $500-million deficit forecast that had already melted down along with banks, auto makers and U.S. real estate. After the election, British Columbians found out we were really $2.8 billion in the red.

Not one to waste a good crisis, Campbell ordered the harmonized sales tax.

Now Premier Clark and Finance Minister Mike de Jong are proposing to balance the budget and shut down the HST money

machine.Clark gave a speech in Coquitlam

the day before last week’s budget update, warning it “won’t be pretty.” And it’s not. In September the current-year deficit forecast jumped above $1 billion, largely

due to a glut of natural gas. The latest update pushed it near $1.5 billion.

Natural gas royalties are bumping along the bottom, no big change there. But now coal prices and shipments are down, and a slow real estate market has pinched the flow of cash from Bill Vander Zalm’s legacy, the property

purchase tax.I erred in a previous column,

saying this year’s deficit is partly due to a staged repayment of federal HST transition money. Not so.

That entire $1.6 billion was booked in last year’s budget, pushing that deficit to a record $3 billion. This means the current $1.5 billion bleeder is based strictly on current revenues, debt servicing and spending.

So how is this sucking chest wound going to suddenly heal next spring? De Jong provided an early version of his answer in his September financial statement. Amazingly, it projects a recovery of more than $100 million in natural gas royalties next year. Hmmm. Liquefied natural gas exports to Asia are still years away, and the U.S., our only current energy export customer, is developing its own huge shale gas and shale oil reserves.

In another forecasted miracle, sales tax revenue is expected to dip by a mere $120 million as the old provincial sales tax returns next year. In 2014 it is projected to bounce right back to where it is today, around $6.1 billion.

That’s odd. When former finance minister Kevin Falcon announced the transition back to PST last May, he described annual revenue loss of about $500 million the first year, and more than $600 million the next.

Granted, business investment credits and HST rebates to the poor also end, saving the government a pile of cash as this significant tax reform dies.

But it still looks like another fudge-it budget, designed to help another premier avoid the political graveyard at the foot of Deficit Hill.

Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com

[email protected]

Will truth die on Deficit Hill?

Drive for the weather conditions

A quick look outside will tell you we’re tightly in the grip of a West Coast fall.

That means rain. Lots of it.And darkness – late into the morning and earlier in the afternoon.It’s a dangerous time of year. For motorists, and especially for

pedestrians.Statistics from ICBC show almost a third of pedestrian collisions

involving injuries or fatalities occur in November, December and January.A little common sense would go a long way to reducing those numbers.Like wearing bright clothing, ideally with a reflective strip or two, so

motorists can distinguish you through the gloom.Cross streets using marked, and preferably lit, crosswalks. Motorists

peering into the darkness through rain-slicked windshields are already coping with a lot – faded and swamped lane markings, the glare from oncoming headlights. The last thing they’re ready for is a dark figure bolting from the shadows across their path.

When walking along the shoulder, where there are no sidewalks, face oncoming traffic.

Drivers can also do their part to improve safety during these dark, rainy months. Ensure your windshield wipers are doing their job.

Check that all the lights on your vehicle are working, and that the headlights are aimed properly so they don’t blind oncoming cars or pedestrians. When driving in difficult conditions, use the low beams, as the high beams will just reflect the rain or fog, actually making it harder to see.

Check your tire tread. Worn tires will take longer to stop, and are more likely to hydroplane.

Most importantly, slow down and drive according to the conditions.– The Burnaby News Leader

Opinion

“How is this sucking chest wound going to suddenly

heal next spring?”

Should health care workers have a

choice in getting a flu shot?

To answer, go to the Home page of our

website: www.ahobserver.com

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Does Agassiz need a new gymnasium?

Here’s how you responded: Yes 74% No 25%

laST WEEK WE aSKEd:

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B.C. ViewsTom Fletcher


SudokuDec. 7, 2012

Intermediate LevelSee answers in Classifieds.

Rave Reviews...On Christmas Eve, Scott reads The Night

Before Christmas to his son... then receives an unexpected visitor on his roof. When he’s startled by Scott’s calling out and falls, the

Santa impersonator disappears, leaving only an 8-reindeer sleigh and a suit with instructions to

put it on if he’s involved in an accident...


FUN club

Jessica Sparks • Stephen Den BoerJonas Den Boer • Dawson Schroevers

Emma McNeil • Alyssa LawleyDeanna Neels • Skye BernathMartin S. • Ashley Jeronimus

The Observer, Petro’s Pizza and The Video Station are inviting kids up to the age of 12 years to join the Observer Fun Club. When your name appears in this section, come in to the Observer offi ce within 2 weeks with this clipping & you will receive:

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Residents may be interested to learn that the Village of Harrison Hot Springs Finance Department calculates that over the last three years it has cost taxpayers in excess of $35,000 each year, on average, just to maintain the washrooms at the beach and the boat launch.

All together maintaining the municipal plaza and waterfront, including providing garbage pickup, grass mowing, beach grading, submerged weed removal in the lagoon and maintaining the washrooms, has cost on average $142,667 each of the last three years. This is a hefty annual sum which is paid for from the village residential and business tax base.

Although these may be tough times for some businesses it could be argued that it is better to operate a business in Harrison Hot Springs than in most other Fraser Valley towns.

Take into account that Tourism Harrison receives approximately $300,000 annually from the 2 per cent hotel tax ($1.5 million over 5 years) which it effectively uses to market Harrison Hot Springs as a

vacation destination.This is a significant boost from

which the Harrison business community is a net beneficiary in tourism attraction promotion at no direct cost.

Businesses in Cultus Lake or Hope or Agassiz, for example, do not benefit from such a business supportive financial program because these municipalities are not designated resort communities.

Nevertheless Cultus Lake has pay parking and raises $100,000 a year in fees, which would be enough to make a significant contribution to the cost of beach maintenance and improvements here in the Village, presently paid for by all tax payers.

To make pay parking during the summer months more acceptable perhaps the Village could designate an area, such as the municipal lot at Hot Springs Road and Miami River Blvd, a free parking lot, similar to what they have in Whistler, so that day visitors could walk the short distance to the waterfront, if they do not wish to pay for parking.

In addition perhaps Village home owners and each business could be allocated one or two parking decals for their vehicles to enable them (or their employees) to park for free on Esplanade or Lillooet.

Interestingly the vacationers staying at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, the Harrison Beach Hotel and the Ramada Inn pay for parking and they do not appear to be dissuaded from shopping or eating in the business establishments along Esplanade or in the Village Mall, which has its own free parking.

Hopefully business owners and residents can come together and agree on a solution to how to pay for the rising cost of maintaining our shared waterfront, enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.

Is it too much to ask day visitors to help defray the cost of maintaining our pristine waterfront recreational area and help to keep our business and residential taxes from increasing?

Murray HardieHarrison Hot Springs

MailbagParking could cover beach costs

Exercise the best medicineI find it hard to understand why

people would be against the expansion of the gym. Most of taxes are going on health care. Governments and doctors tell us to move and lose weight. From what I hear if people would move more, exercise their bodies they were given, they would not only extend their life but have the feeling of well being.

As a frequent gym goer, especially in the last two years, I have seen people over 80 years of age come to the gym to extend their chance of living longer and feeling so much better.

I had a consultation with my doctor. Before leaving he said “what pills are you on?” What do you mean pills? I’m on nothing. At 75, that tells me I’m on the right track when it comes to my

health. I also hear a lot of women in

particular: “Oh, I don’t need the gym, by the time I do my house work up and down the stairs I’m all in at the end of the day.”

I got news for you, even if it is some exercise it does not make up your body. There is a lot more to it. Especially when we get over the hill age, remember if you don’t use the muscles you will for sure lose them. There are so many programs every day at least one of them would fit you.

So, get off your butt. For those against it, stop whining and pay the extra tax, it’s cheaper than being a guest at your nearest hospital.

Marceline Billis

The Agassiz Harrison Healthy Communities Committee is a coalition of 20 agencies that works toward positively impacting the health of our community. In 2011, we created a Strategic Plan which identified priorities, and we support and encourage the development of opportunities to create ways to meet these priorities. A new community centre gymnasium will bring wonderful and expanded opportunities to our community.

A new facility will provide the resources for program development which include recreation, fitness, weight training, heart health, nutrition, and so much more. This expanded opportunity will improve availability, participation, facility capacity, diversity of potential programming and therefore will provide engaging opportunities for the entire community.

Benefits of providing this opportunity are numerous. It will encourage community members to work out locally, provide a close convenient state of the art facility, alleviate having to travel, and it will be more appealing to those who do not drive.

The District of Kent should be applauded for bringing this initiate forward and seeing the positive benefits this recreation centre expansion will bring. Yes, there is a financial cost to building the facility, but this pales in comparison to the health and social costs of not providing these services. This opportunity provides a holistic integrated approach to increasing the health, well being and physical development of individuals in this community.

Wendy Colman-LawleyAgassiz-Harrison Healthy

Communities Chair.

Applause for a positive change


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It is important to know how to drive when weather conditions are dangerous. It is also wise to outfi t a vehicle to reduce its risk of slipping and sliding on icy, snowy roads. Here are some tips to follow.

• Limit time spent driving in the snow. Avoid driving

during snowstorms or directly after whenever possible. Snow not only makes roads slick, but falling fl akes can impair a driver’s visibility and reduce his or her response time. Try to wait until snow-clearing teams have salted, plowed and sanded roads before

venturing out.

• Be sure you can see clearly. Clear off the snow from the windshield, side mirrors and windows so it does not compromise your view. Also, top off the windshield fl uid so you will be able to clear snow and salt

kick-up from your windshield. Look for a washer fl uid that has an antifreeze component, otherwise, your washer jets and wiper blades could be rendered useless.

* Drive slowly. Reduce your speed when driving in inclement weather. It can be more diffi cult to stop or maneuver around a potential obstacle when conditions are less than ideal. Traveling at a high speed will increase the risk of accidents.

• Leave enough room between you and other motorists. Tailgating is responsible for many accidents, even when there is no snow on the ground. In inclement weather, it can take longer to slow or stop the car after pressing on the brakes. Having an additional space between your car and the one in front of you helps you avoid a

collision.

• Be aware of black ice. Black ice gets its name from its veritable invisibility. It is so thin and hard to spot, it just looks like the black asphalt of the road. Black ice tends to form in areas that have had snow or ice melt, which then refreezes at night when temperatures drop. Be extra cautious on turns and on highway exit and entrance ramps, where black ice frequently forms.

• Steer your car into the skid. Remain calm and do not panic and jam on the brakes if your car starts to skid. Slamming on the brakes will only exacerbate the skid. Rather, take your foot off the accelerator, allowing the car to naturally slow down as you turn your wheels into the direction the car is skidding. This should help right the car

and get you back on track.

• Invest in snow tires. Those who live in especially snowy climates and do a lot of driving would be wise to purchase snow tires. Snow tires, also called winter tires, have special tread patterns that offer better traction in snow and ice. They also are made from softer rubber compounds than regular tires that retain their fl exibility in cold weather, allowing the tire to conform to the surface of the road. Although many vehicles come with technology to prevent accidents, they cannot do their jobs if tires are not maintaining their grip on the road.

All-season tires are not a replacement for snow tires. All-season tires are designed to work in all sorts of conditions, from rainy weather to dry

roads. Therefore, it is better to invest in a set of snow tires that will offer you better protection. When putting snow tires on a car or truck, be sure to do so on all the wheels -- not just the driving wheels. Otherwise you may still risk spin outs or uneven gripping of the road.

It is not a good idea to keep snow tires on all year. Because they are softer, snow tires tend to be more noisy and can wear out faster in warmer weather. Therefore, switch out the tires at the beginning of the snowy season and then before the spring arrives anew.

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Community

Three-year-old Ava had a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday morning at Harrison Memorial Hall. Breakfast with Santa this year was a fundraiser for Agassiz-Harrison Community Services.

Christmas wishes



TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs will hold a Public Hearing, pursuant to Section 890 of the Local Government Act of British Columbia, as noted above, on the following items:

1. ZONING BYLAW NO. 1020, 2012Location: The Municipality of the Village of Harrison Hot SpringsPurpose: The bylaw proposes the enactment of a new Zoning Bylaw

for the municipality of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs and the repeal of Zoning Bylaw No. 672, 1996.

The document is available for review on the Village Office website at www.harrisonhotsprings.ca or at the Village Office located at 495 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs, during business hours Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Village of Harrison Hot SpringsNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Monday, December 17, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.Council Chambers

495 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs, BC

Persons who deem that their interest in property is affected by the proposed zoning bylaw will have an opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing, or if you are unable to attend, you may send your written submission to the Village Office, PO Box 160, Harrison Hot Springs, BC VOM 1KO Attention: Corporate Officer no later than 4:00 p.m. December 17, 2012. All submissions will be recorded and form part of the record of the Public Hearing.

The proposed bylaw may be inspected between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from December 7, 2012 to December 17, 2012, inclusive, in the Village Office, 495 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs, BC. Please direct your enquiries to the Manager of Planning and Community Services 604-796-2171.

Please note that no further information or submissions can be considered by Council after the conclusion of the Public Hearing.

Debra KeyCorporate Officer

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Community

Christmas shoppers browsed through crafts and other gift items at the Lions Country Craft Fair on Saturday at the Agassiz Agricultural Hall.

Crafting time


PLUG

Firehall takes on ChristmasJessica PetersThE OBSERVER

The Agassiz Fire Department has taken on a new job this Christmas — planning a festive dinner for the community.

They’ve even invited Santa Claus, ensuring that everyone in attendance will have a jolly time.

Firefighter Andrew Brohman said they are hoping to fill the Agassiz Agricultural Hall, for dinner and a chance to meet Santa. The turkey and ham dinner will be served by Lori’s Catering, and

all proceeds from the dinner will go toward the Agassiz H a r r i s o n C ommunity Services food bank.

Only 100 tickets will be available for the public. Many of the tickets are being given to people who use the food bank’s services, to ensure they can enjoy a holiday meal.

Brohman said the firehall is calling upon other emergency

services workers and volunteers to lend a

hand for the evening.

“We’ve had a couple of groups that have said they’ll give us a hand,” he said. “It’s a great way to give back to the community, right at the time that it needs it

the most.” The doors will open

at 5:45 p.m. on Dec.

20, and dinner will be served from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets for the public are $20 each. They can be purchased at the Agassiz Fire Hall, Pioneer Motors and Community Services.

Brohman is eager to see the Community Christmas Dinner restored after it went dormant for a few years.

“We’re hoping for the best, and we’ll see what happens,” he said.

[email protected]

Santa and turkey in the works in Agassiz

Andrew BrohmAn

q eChoeS From The PAST

Agassiz farmers opposed to limits50 Years Ago, 1962• Dissatisfaction

with the Milk Board order, which limits the producer price for fluid market milk to $3 more than the price of surplus milk, was widely voiced at a meeting of 50 Agassiz farmers.

• The School Board received confirmation from Holland, where a former resident of Agassiz, Mr. Visser is now living. The confirmation is making it possible now for the School Board to

purchase the site valued at $48,794.50 after the vote of electorate on the referendum.

• 1962 Pontiac station wagon for sale: One owner, automatic, padded dash, radio, white wall tires, full discs; two-speed electric wipers and windshield washer, back-up lights, under coat, smart maroon and white two-tone: Only $3,295.

Submitted by the Agassiz Harrison Historical Society


Once again yOu’ve been an awesOme cOmmunity!We had a successful Country Fair and it was great to have such fantastic vendors. It was wonderful to meet & greet old friends & meet some new ones, sharing a homemade lunch with friends & family is just the best!

The Agassiz Harrison Lions Club says thank you to all who made donations & to our media partner the Observer. We wish you & your families a wonderful country Christmas, a warm fire, love & the joy that this magical season brings. We Serve.

AFD with the aid of Agassiz Harrison Search & Rescue, Scouts and BC Ambulance will be coming door-to-door with the firetrucks & lights a’flashing to collect cash donations or non perishable food items, even new toys!

If you wish to make a donation at the Fire Hall instead you can do so or if you’re not available that night call 604-796-2614 & we will make a better time to pick up the donations you have.

Agassiz Fire Department

FooD DriveThursday, December 13th from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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NOTICEPUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant

to the Community Charter, the dates of the 2013 Regular Council meetings are as follows:

January 14 January 28 February 12 (Tuesday) February 25 March 11 March 25 April 8 April 22 May 13 May 27 June 10 June 24 July 15 August 19 September 9 October 15 (Tuesday) October 28 November 12 (Tuesday) November 25 December 9

Meetings commence at 7:00 p.m. in the Centennial Centre, Municipal Hall, Agassiz. For further information please contact the undersigned at 604-796-2235.Clair LeeDirector of Corporate Services

Difficult ordeal for Howarth family in Port CoquitlamDiane StrandbergBlack Press

“How did this happen?”The question on Andrea

Howarth’s blog cuts like a knife. One day the Port Coquitlam mom and her husband, Nick, are planning a trip to Disneyland with their two children — Clara, now six, and Brennan, who just turned four — and a few months later, they are plunged into a nightmare from which they are still recovering.

As she doles out cupcakes for a treat to her little ones in her comfortable condo off Riverside Drive, it’s hard to believe the story Howarth is about to tell, yet, according to statistics, it’s a sadly common tale for hundreds of B.C. families.

Last February, Clara, was struck down by a serious fever that turned out to be Strep A. Later, as the little girl’s body fought the illness, her blood work revealed an even stronger adversary: lymphoblastic leukemia.

“It was very scary,” Howarth recalls. Flipping through a binder that logs Clara’s test results, prescriptions and hospital stays, she describes how Clara, then a kindergarten student at Blakeburn elementary, came home from her Sparks meeting with a headache. That turned into flu-like symptoms and a fever of 40 C.

“She couldn’t hold anything down,” Howarth said, and with a mother’s instinct, she and husband Nick decided to make the trek to BC Children’s Hospital on Oak Street in Vancouver for some expert advice.

They made the right decision.“We bypassed the lineup and

were admitted into emergency right away,” she said.

In the hospital’s intensive care unit, Clara was given round-the-clock care by nurses and

doctors who specialize in dealing with children and who patiently answered the Howarths’ litany of questions.

Clara’s throat became so swollen with inflammation, she was hard to recognize and a tube had to be placed into her throat so she could take in fluids. Monitored day and night, Clara was kept under the watchful eyes of doctors and nurses while the Howarths spelled each other off, staying next to their daughter in a small cot, or returning home to Brennan, who was being looked after by family.

It took several days for the eventual, shocking diagnosis, but by then, anxiety and exhaustion had begun to take its toll.

The couple, well known in Port Coquitlam because they grew up

here, fell asleep together in the tiny cot pushed up against Clara’s bed.

“It was so tight, there was just no room,” Howarth said. A curtain divider hung in her face but discomfort was a small price to pay to be near their little girl, who was fighting for her life.

Thankfully, they had great support from the staff at BCCH, and their close-knit family, friends and colleagues. Howarth’s parents even cut short a cruise to be with their daughter and Nick, a police officer, was able to get time off work.

The diagnosis, when it came about eight days after Clara was admitted, was hard to take.

“We were just devastated,” said Howarth.

With leukemia confirmed

through bone marrow testing, the family exchanged one cramped room in ICU to another in the oncology ward and Clara began chemotherapy treatments.

She started to get better and the Howarths began to look around and see other families going through the same ordeal.

One day, they brought a cooler of food because chemotherapy treatments affect children’s sense of taste and they wanted to bring her special treats. They looked into the ward fridge, Howarth said, and there was no room. “We didn’t realize so many families were living there.”

In fact, childhood cancer is surprisingly common, with approximately 850 Canadian children expected to develop

cancer this year —100 of them newly diagnosed in B.C. All of the British Columbia cases will end up at BC Children’s, where staff are experienced in dealing with the special needs of children and research is being conducted into new therapies.

“I can’t say enough about the staff. They are amazing and they’ve become our friends,” Howarth now says, with some relief. After several weeks of treatment, Clara returned home in the spring and, although extremely weak and with the trade-mark hair loss, finished kindergarten and is now back at school in Grade 1.

Her cancer is in remission, although she still has to receive treatments that are extremely hard on her body. The long-planned trip to Disneyland that would have taken place this fall was cancelled but Howarth is thankful her daughter is doing so well.

In fact, she has become a BC Children’s Hospital booster and is supportive of a $200-million capital campaign to replace the aging facilities with a new hospital that will be much more comfortable for families and more efficient for staff. Recently, she toured a mock-up of the new design and can’t say enough about it.

“There are families who have to live there and they need this.”

Plans call for larger rooms, the consolidation of oncology services on one floor, instead of three, as they are now, dedicated lounge areas and larger shared facilities, including a kitchen.

The improvements will be a benefit, she agrees, but for now, being home with her children every day and seeing Clara’s health improve is all Howarth really needs.

That trip to Disneyland can [email protected]

Community

Clara, 6, her brother Brennan, 4, and mom Andrea Howarth. The Howarth family are big boosters of the BC Children’s Hospital after Clara’s leukemia was diagnosed and she received treatment. Clara is now in remission and supporting the hospital’s efforts to raise funds for a new hospital.º

DIANE STRANDBERG/ BLACK PRESS


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New hospital to be a boon to cancer-struck kids

Community

Jeff NagelBlack Press

Kids fighting cancer will be among the prime beneficiaries of plans to rebuild B.C. Children's Hospital starting in 2014.

The $683-million project will roughly double the amount of space in the hospital and it will also reconfigure the pediatric oncology department, now inconveniently spread out over three floors, onto one much more efficient level.

"It will provide much greater continuity of care," said Stephen Forgacs, spokesman for B.C. Children's Hospital Foundation.

The foundation is helping support the new hospital – to open in 2018 – with a $200-million fundraising campaign and Forgacs said the new design is centred around the needs of families.

"We're building exclusively private rooms in the new hospital," Forgacs said. "There will be no more open ward."

Those private rooms will have their own bathrooms, fold-out beds and wardrobes to accommodate parents who want to stay overnight with their sick, frightened kid.

Also planned are kitchen facilities for families, office space for parents needing to keep up with work duties and

wifi access everywhere."In any hospital room

you'll be able to get online, which is great for parents who are away from work," Forgacs said, adding it also helps kids beat boredom with video games and connect online with friends.

Besides improving privacy and infection control, there are advantages to letting parents stay in a private room.

They can comfort their child and they know so much about treatment protocols, they're essentially experts who help back up staff.

Medical technology has evolved by leaps and bounds since B.C. Children's Hospital opened in 1982, when personal computers were a novelty.

Diagnostic scanning is light years ahead and minimally invasive medical procedures allow much more use of day surgery rather than overnight stays.

The new hospital will be much better designed with all technology needs in mind.

Demand has also soared over the years and not just due to B.C.'s growing population.

Kids whose conditions meant a death sentence in the 1980s are surviving in much greater numbers – the pediatric cancer survival rate is up to 80

per cent from 20 then.And others who once

died young from chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis now routinely live into their 40s.

It all means a hospital that was at capacity the day it opened 30 years ago is now bursting at the seams.

Forgacs said myriad improvements will make the new hospital more welcoming and comforting to families enduring the worst and most terrifying moments of their lives.

It's critical to meet those emotional needs – not just the medical ones.

"The stress families feel is intense," he said, adding hospital staff feel it too. Not only are you dealing with a child who is ill, you are dealing with parents of that child who would literally give their lives if they could to save the child."

Forgacs said the B.C. Children's Hospital Foundation has raised $155 million over the past four years toward its $200-million target through tremendous

grassroots support as well as support from major donors.

H i g h - p r o f i l e donations have come from Vancouver Canucks Daniel and Henrik Sedin and singer Michael Bublé. The biggest contributions have been $25 million from Teck Resources and $20 million from the Overwaitea Food Group.

Just as honourable, Forgacs said, is the support from parents whose kids have been through the hospital but who perhaps can afford only to volunteer or simply share their stories.

"They look for ways to express their gratitude," Forgacs said. "For many of them I think it's almost thereapeutic to remain involved with the hospital."

Forgacs said the foundation is now hoping more donors will step forward to raise the remaining $45 million.

"We're appealing to British Columbians in every income bracket to help us complete the campaign."

Hospital Foundation raising $200 million

The Village of Harrison Hot Springs would like to thank the following for

their contributions to

Santa & Mrs. ClausHarrison Hot Springs Fire Department

A.E.S.S. Leadership StudentsKorbitron Studios

Agassiz Harrison ObserverHarrison Hot Springs Public Works

Department & Office StaffHarrison Hot Springs Elementary School

Melissa Weed and the Staff of the Harrison Hot Springs Preschool &

DaycareParent Volunteers

Communities in Bloom VolunteersShaw Television

Star 98.3 FMLittle Mountain Greenhouses

Lori’s CateringThe Hungry Chef Eatery

The Black Forest RestaurantSubway Restaurant, Agassiz

Muddy Waters CaféShoppers Drug Mart, Agassiz

Terrill Scott, Fraser Valley Regional Librarian

Louisa HardyElizabeth Webber

Agassiz Harrison Community ServicesSuccess By 6Ramada HotelTony Nootebos Shoreline Tours

Agassiz SpeedwayAgassiz Produce

Nicole IrwinShannon Simmonds

Harrison Hot springs Visitors’ guide

To book your ad contact Chris at The Observer:604-796-4301 | [email protected]

It’s time to showcase our beautiful region to visitors & we have just the way to do so... by focusing on our

local events, natural wonders, shopping, dining & accommodations in another award-winning,

40-page, full colour, glossy guide.

A 50% deposit is required at time of booking with remainder to be paid no later than January 25th, 2013.

Chamber members will receive a 10% discount.

Included in the 50,000 copy distribution:

Fraser Valley distribution by the Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer

Distribution to Visitor Information Centres throughout BC

Local, national & international press

Consumer & trade show exposure

Online edition at the Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer & Tourism Harrison websites

Direct links from the online edition to each advertiser’s website

Facebook & Twitter presence


Name: Phone:

ENtEr for a chaNcE to WiN a

Christmas Surprise!Bring in your finished picture to the Observer office for a chance to win a Christmas Surprise!All pictures must be in by 4 pm on Tuesday, December 18th to qualify. The winner’s picture will be printed in the Observer on Friday December 21st!

Hey Kids! (aged 12 & under)

7167 Pioneer avenue agassiz


Singing along to a Christmas riddleRuth AltendorfFor the observer

Another year is coming to an end, Christmastime is almost here and we will be celebrating. In our part of the world it is the deeply ingrained belief in the birth of Jesus Christ that gives us great happiness and hope.

There will be music, gift giving and story telling and lights will be shining everywhere,

giving our world a festive look during the dark days of winter. One of our most basic traditions during this time of the year is caroling. There must be countless Christmas songs to choose from including the one called The Twelve Days of Christmas. Like many of us, however, I was always wondering why this particular song was

considered a Christmas song, until a friend gave me an explanation somebody else had given to her:

There was a time, it was said, when Roman Catholics living in England, were not allowed to openly practice their belief. But this was also a time when riddles and riddle solving had become a favourite pastime in this

country and the practice became the solution to the problem: they created a Christmas song that was also a riddle!

“It has two levels of meaning”, so it was explained, “the surface meaning plus the hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality everybody could

remember.” And here it is:

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matther, Mark, Luke and John

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of Creation.

Seven swans a - s w i m m i n g represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit - Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, C o n t r i b u t i o n , Leadership and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight Beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten

Commandments.The eleven pipers

piping stood for the eleven faithful Disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

I wonder how many people knew this - I did not, did you?

Speaking of caroling and Christmas songs makes me think of two places where it will happen in our communities during the month of December. Yesterday, Dec. 6, was one of the places where we were able to enjoy the wonderful sound of Agassiz-Harrison combined choirs at the Agassiz Agricultural Hall and the second place will be at the Harrison Memorial Hall on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. when the Harrison-Kent Community Singers will perform their Christmas Concert.

R e f r e s h m e n t s will be available and admission is by donation.

What better way to get into the spirit!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

News

Could a favourite old carol be a clue to deeper meaning?

Ruth AltendoRf

HarrisonHappenings

Tell us your storyDo you have a

cherished Christmas memory? If so, we would like to help you share it with the community.

Whether your memories are humorous, nostalgic, historic or simply illustrate the spirit of the

season, we are hoping to hear from you.

Send us your holiday stories, poems, recipes or photographs and we may publish them in an upcoming edition of the Observer.

For more information, phone 604-796-4302.

To encourage the Spirit of Christmas, the Village is sponsoring a

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING COMPETITION.

Make your most creative & decorative Christmas light presentation & be judged

in the Residential or Commercial category.

Judging will take place on December 14th, 2012.

Winners will be announced & presented with plaques at the January 21st, 2013

meeting of Council.

Friday, December 7, 2012, Agassiz Harrison Observer 13

Sudoku

Dec

. 7, 2

012

AN

SWER

S

CHRISTMAS TREES

You-cut or we-cut trees | Some in containers4 - 12+ foot trees | Open every day, daylight hours

2 kms North at 11060 McGrath Rd., Rosedale 604-794-3430

AGASSIZ & HOPE SUBWAY RESTAURANTS NOW HIRING

Full & Part Time EmploymentWe are currently hiring people who want to work in a fun and fast-paced environment. Please drop off resume with references for both locations to the Agassiz Subway location ONLY or mail to:PO Box 174, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 (Attention Michelle Mailhot).

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

7 OBITUARIES

Weiss, Bradley Norman

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Brad Weiss. Brad (74), died peace-fully at VGH surrounded by the love of his family on the eve-ning of Sunday November 25th, 2012. He was well known in the vending machine industry where he worked for over 50 years, and for the last 25 in his role as president of Canadian Amusement Game Supplies Ltd. until his retire-ment. In his sunset years he became an active member of the Harrison Hot Springs Yacht Club.Brad loved to cook and enter-tain on holidays and special occasions and could often be found aboard his boat named for his beloved wife, ‘Donna Rae’. Rainbow Falls on Harri-son Lake was his favorite fi rst stop when showing friends and family around his ‘corner of heaven’. He enjoyed travel with destinations in Europe, Australia, Peru, Hawaii and continental North America.A devoted husband and father, he is survived by his loving wife, Donna; brother, Barry; daughter Laurie (Mike Blair); son Trevor (Julie Weiss); daughter Joanna (Tim Bar-nett); grandchildren Chrys, Mitch, Brayden, Daniel, Sarah, Nicholas, Baylee and Brook-lyn; great grandchildren, Hay-den and Mathew as well as his SPCA rescues, Shelby and Shadow. He is predeceased by grandchildren Miranda and Mathew and daughter Patti. Viewing will be held Friday, November 30, 2012 at McLean’s Funeral Services, 45651 Lark Rd., Chilliwack, B.C. from 6:30 until 9:00 PM.Interment on Saturday, De-cember 1 at 11 AM with a Celebration of Brad’s Life to follow at the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel.In lieu of fl owers, please con-sider a donation to the Chilli-wack SPCA or the Agassiz Food Bank.Brad, we will miss you every day.

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

7 OBITUARIES

WILSON, Carl David

It is with profound regret that the Wilson and Ryan families announce the sudden passing of Carl David Wilson on Sun-day Nov 25, 2012. Carl is pre-deceased by his Mother Pauline and Father Charles Wilson. Carl is lovingly remembered by his wife Kathryn, and his brothers and sisters, John, Mary and Wanda and his dog Max. It has been said that the measure of a man is not in how much he loved but how much he was loved and Carl was truly loved by all that knew him. Carl will be remembered for his humor, his sense of adven-ture and passion for travel, his appetite for life and cooking and his innumerable acts of service and kindness to his family and friends. Services will be held on Satur-day, December 8 at 1:30 P.M. at 100 Esplanade Ave, Harri-son Hotel, St Alice building in Harrison Hot Springs. In lieu of fl owers, donations to the Chil-dren’s Hearing and Speech Centre of BC would be appre-ciated by the family.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

33 INFORMATION

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EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

$294.00 DAILY MAILING POST-CARDS! Guaranteed Legit Work. Register Online! www.ThePost-cardGuru.com ZNZ Referral Agents Needed! $20-$95/Hr! www.Free-JobPosition.com Multiple $100 Payments To Your Bank! www.Su-perCashDaily.com More Amazing Opportunities @ www.LegitCash-Jobs.com

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109 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

LEARN FROM HOME. EARN FROM HOME. Medical Transcrip-tionists are in demand. Lots of jobs! Enrol today for less than $95 a month. 1-800-466-1535 www.canscribe.com [email protected]

TRAIN TO BE AN Apartment/Con-dominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 32 years of success! Government certifi ed. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

114 DRIVERS/COURIER/TRUCKING

DRIVER (CLASS 5)

Growing Surrey building products company requires a full-time Driver. Heavy lifting involved. Positive attitude, dedication & willingness to learn rewarded with:• Advancement Opportunities

• Excellent Remuneration& Benefi ts

Fax resume:

604-513-1194 or e-mail:[email protected]

16 CHRISTMAS CORNER


114 DRIVERS/COURIER/TRUCKING

EXP CLASS 1 TEAM DRIVERS Earn up to $6500/mo. Send re-sumes [email protected] Fax:604-598-3497

115 EDUCATION

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL.NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.Weekly start dates. Job board! Funding options.Apply online! IHEschool.com 1-866-399-3853

130 HELP WANTED

An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators. Preference will be given to operators that are experi-enced in oilfi eld road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required. Call Contour Con-struction at 780-723-5051.

Ho Ho HoLets Make Some Dough!!!No Grinches Allowed!Join our Promo Team!

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Required for an Alberta Trucking Company. One Class 1 Driver. Must have a mini-mum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta. Scheduled Days Off. Call Lloyd 780-723-5051THE LEMARE Group is accepting resumes for the following positions: •Grade Hoe Operator-with Coastal Logging Roadbuilding experience•Coastal Certifi ed Hand Fallers•Coastal Certifi ed Bull Buckers•Off Highway Logging Truck Driver•Grapple Yarder Operators • Heavy Duty MechanicsFulltime camp with union rates/benefi ts. Please send re-sumes by fax to 250-956-4888 or email to offi [email protected].

160 TRADES, TECHNICAL

JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNICIAN. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. (Hanna, Alberta) needs a few more good people. Busy, modern shop. $25. - $31./hour + bonus, benefi ts. Great community. Inquire or send resume. Fax 403-854-2845; Email [email protected].

130 HELP WANTED


160 TRADES, TECHNICAL

F/T CNCMACHINISTS &

MACHINEOPERATORS

•Horizontal Boring Mills•Horizontal & Vertical Lathes•Vertical Machining Centres

Top Wages &Benefi t Package

(to qualifi ed individuals)

E-mail: [email protected]: 604-882-9122Fax: 604-882-9124

PERSONAL SERVICES

173A COUNSELLING

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173E HEALTH PRODUCTS

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182 FINANCIAL SERVICES

DROWNING IN DEBTS? Helping Canadians 25 years. Lower pay-ments by 30%, or cut debts 70% thru Settlements. AVOID BANK-RUPTCY! Free consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll Free 1 877-556-3500

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If you own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

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188 LEGAL SERVICES

CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, educa-tion, professional, certifi cation, adoption property rental opportu-nities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

239 COMPUTER SERVICES

Rick’s Computer ServicesGeneral Repairs & Data Recovery, Trojan’s & Viruses removed. Same

day service on all drop offs. Drop by 6438 Lougheed Hwy.

(Corner of 7 & 9) 604-796-0538


260 ELECTRICAL

YOUR ELECTRICIAN $29 Service Call Lic #89402 Same day guarn’td We love small jobs! 604-568-1899

283 GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

GUTTER CLEANINGSAME DAY SERVICE AVAILABLECall Ian @ 604-724-6373

287 HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Additions, Home ImprovementsRestorations, Renovations,

& New Construction.Specializing in Concrete, Forming, Framing & Siding. 604-218-3064

SMALL RENOVATIONS and fi nish carpentry. Seniors discount. Call Doug 604-491-3517, or email: [email protected]

300 LANDSCAPINGknoke trucking

320 MOVING & STORAGE

#1 As in movers we trust. Reliable Honest Movers. Same day moves & deliveries. Starting, $45hr + gas. (604)997-0332 / (604)491-8607

1PRO MOVING & SHIPPING. Real Professionals, Reasonable. Rates. Different From the Rest. 604-721-4555.

329 PAINTING & DECORATINGNorthstar Painting Ltd.- The Residential Specialists. BIG jobs, Small jobs - We do it all! Interior and Exterior Projects. Master Painters at Students Rates. WCB Safe, Reli- able, Effi cient & Quality Paint. 778.344.1069

www.paintspecial.com 604.339.1989 Lower Mainland

604.996.8128 Fraser ValleyRunning this ad for 8yrs

PAINT SPECIAL3 rooms for $299,

2 coats any colour (Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls

Cloverdale Premium quality paint.NO PAYMENT until Job is

completed. Ask us about ourLaminate Flooring &

Maid Services.

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

GL ROOFING. Cedar shakes, As-phalt shingles, fl at rfs. Cln Gutters $80. Liability Insur. 1-855-240-5362


353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

Mainland Roofi ng Ltd.25 yrs in roofi ng industry

Family owned & operated. Fully ins. We do Cedar Shakes, conversions,

concrete tiles, torchon, fi bre-glass shingles, restoration

& repairs. 20 yr labour warr. 604-427-2626 or 723-2626

www.mainlandroof.com

PETS

477 PETS

AKC English bulldogs pups available dewormed. Microchipped. All akc papers in hand 1 year health guarantee. They will also come with fi rst set of shots. Text 916-668-9109 or Email:joehat-fi [email protected]

CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866

CATS OF ALL DESCRIPTION in need of caring homes! All cats are

Spayed, neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. Visit us at

fraservalleyhumanesociety.com or call 1 (604)820-2977

CHIHUAHUA, FEMALE, 1 year old, long hair, $500. Please call 604-794-7347

CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. 8 weeks old, purebred long hair female. Vaccinated & pad trained. $900 - $1200. (604)807-9957

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES -P.B. $1200: Born Sept. 29th. 2 Male, 1 Female. (778)863-6332

GOLDEN RETRIEVER X COLLIE (Lassie) pups. You can’t fi nd a bet-ter combo of smart and loyal dogs. Born Oct 13, ready Dec 8. Both par-ents on site. Raised in home with kids, cats & other dogs. Dad 75lbs (Golden) is OFA hip cert. free of hip displasia & eye cert. mom also (rare blue headed white Collie, 48lbs). Both parents 4H (obedience, show-manship & agility) dogs. 5 Males (3 are blue merle) & 3 females (black).$500. Mission, 604-820-4827

LAB PUPS black, M, CKC reg. pa-pers, 1st&2nd shots, dew claws re-moved,tattooed $550(604)820-7714

LAB Yellow X Golden Retriever pups. Family / Hobby Farm raised. Vet ✓, shots, short hair, parents exctemper. $595. 604-835-0305

MINI SCHNAUZER pups. 1st shots, dewormed, tails docked, vet ✓ $550/ea. Call 604-657-2915.

NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604-856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com

Wolf X Shepherd pups, $450. blk w/markings, view parents. [email protected] (604)869-2772

Phone: 604.796.4300 | Toll Free: 1.866.865.4460Fax: 604.796.2081 | Email: [email protected]

After-Hours Call Centre:

toll free: 1.866.575.5777Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm bcclassified.com

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison ❖ Hope

14 Agassiz Harrison Observer, Friday, December 7, 2012

with the i e Power Pack…

Call 604.575-5555

$12ONLY

3-LINE EXAMPLESize not exactly as shown

Sell your home FAST in the highestread community newspapers & largest online sites!

Li iteTime Offer!

Sell your Home!

SURREY: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, hard-wood fl oors throughout and new roof. $549,000. 604-575-5555.

Power Pack i clu eAgassiz-Harrison Observer PRINT AD: Includes photo and 3-lines for one week.

BCClassi e .com ONLINE AD: BC-wide reach! For one week!

USEDFraserValley.comONLINE AD: Local reach — until you cancel it!

The Agassiz Harrison Hope

with the Classi e Power Pack…

Call 604.575-5555

$12ONLY

3-LINE EXAMPLESize not exactly as shown

Sell your vehicle FAST in the highestread community newspapers & largest online sites!

2010 VENZA: Like new, only 20,000 kms, fully loaded, automatic, 6 cylinder, dvd sys-tem. $22,800. 604-575-5555.

LimiteTime Offer!

Sell your Car!

Power Pack inclu esAgassiz-Harrison Observer PRINT AD: Includes photo and 3-lines for one week.

BCClassi e .com ONLINE AD: BC-wide reach! For one week!

USEDFraserValley.comONLINE AD: Local reach — until you cancel it!

The Agassiz Harrison Hope

Call 604-796-2400

Antique bedroom suite–dresser, queen bed & dressing table w/mirror $300, record player in cabinet $50, like new lawnmower $60 and 2 Singer sewing machines (1 is antique) please call for info.For more info call: 604-491-3610

1988 FleetwoodAvion Triple Axle Trailer

38 foot - w/3 solar panels.

$6,000Call 604-491-3610

PETS

477 PETS

Swiss Mountain pups, short-hair, family raised, gentle, vet chck, dewormed. $500. 604-795-7662

VIZSLA PUPS, PB, shots, vet✓champion lines, $850. 604-819-2115. [email protected]

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

533 FERTILIZERS

WEED FREE Mushroom Manure 13 yards - $160 or Well Rotted 10 yards - $180. 604-856-8877

545 FUEL

1YR Seasoned Alder Birch MapleClean, Split, DRY & Delivered.

Family Operated for 20 yrs. (604) 825-9264

548 FURNITURE

MATTRESSES starting at $99• Twins • Fulls • Queens • Kings

100’s in stock! www.Direct Liquidation.ca (604)294-2331

*NEW QUEEN MATTRESS SET*Pillow Top in Plastic. Mfr. Warranty Must Sell $200 ~ 604-484-0379

560 MISC. FOR SALE

626 HOUSES FOR SALE

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

560 MISC. FOR SALE

GREAT GIFT IDEA!! ChillSpot is The COOLEST Dog Bed-A new and innovative, thermodynamically cooled dog bed, that enhances the cool tile surfaces our pets rely on during the warm weather months. Use promo code COOLGIFT For 10 % off! www.chillspot.biz

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

563 MISC. WANTED

Highest Prices Paid for Old CoinsChange, Sets, Gold, OlympicLocal Collector 604-701-8041

REAL ESTATE

603 ACREAGE

20 Acres FREE! Buy 40-Get 60 acres. $0-Down, $168/mo. Money Back Guarantee, NO CREDIT CHECKS. Beautiful Views. Roads/Surveyed. Near El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537 www.sun-setranches.com

FOR rent - 0.9 acre or 0.6 acre in Industrial Park in Agassiz. Will con-sider selling. Call 604-798-9292

627 HOMES WANTED

WE BUY HOUSES!Older House • Damaged House

Moving • Estate Sale • Just Want Out • Behind on Payments

Quick Cash! • Flexible Terms! CALL US FIRST! 604-657-9422

548 FURNITURE

560 MISC. FOR SALE

626 HOUSES FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

636 MORTGAGES

RENTALS

700 RENT TO OWN

STOP RENTING RENT TO OWNNo Qualifi cation Required,

Flexible Terms! Cloverdale –60th Ave &176th St. Spacious 742 sf.

1 Bdrm. Condo. Only $880/mo.Option Fee Required 604-657-9422

706 APARTMENT/CONDO

2 BD, 1bth Chlwk suit for rent. No smk. no pets. 700/mnth. Call Gerry 604-861-7560

AGASSIZ - 2 bdrm, $700; bache-lor, $525/m. Available now, N/P, N/S. DD & refs. 1(604)799-3898

AGASSIZ

T. Marlowe ManorSpacious 1 bdrm

avail. now, $530/m. Ask about our seniors discount.

Pets upon prior approval.

604-796-8760

Harrison Hot Springs- Lrg. 1bdrm apt. Washer & dryer insuite. Non-smokers only. N/P, DD & ref. req. $615/m. Avail. Dec.1 604-793-5335

715 DUPLEXES/4PLEXES

AGASSIZ IMMEDIATE 1/2 Duplex. 3 bdrm 2 1/2 bath, carport, 2 level. stove, fridge & dw. small single pet ok, no smoking. $1050 month. Kar-en at 604.855.9292

736 HOMES FOR RENT

2 BRM 2 Bth. 55plus Mobile Home for rent. Must pass strata interview. Small dog ok sorry no cats. Renter responsible for all utilities. Long term tenant preferred. Lots of stor-age room, clean quiet. View @ 119-15875 20 Ave. Reply to [email protected] if interested. $1100mo. plus damage deposit.

818 CARS - DOMESTIC

RENTALS

736 HOMES FOR RENT

Agassiz. 4 bdrm home on fenced acre. pets ok. 5 appl. RR, DD. $1200/m. Jan 1. 604-858-2319

747B SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING

1 bedroom in Crescent Gardens. h t t p : / / w w w. c h a r t w e l l r e i t . c a $1250/mo. PH Barbara at 604-521-5900

TRANSPORTATION

810 AUTO FINANCING

Auto Financing 1.800.910.6402

DreamTeam Auto Financing“0” Down, Bankruptcy OK -

Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

818 CARS - DOMESTIC

TRANSPORTATION

810 AUTO FINANCING

838 RECREATIONAL/SALE

1996 22’ SLUMBER QUEEN 5thwheel. Interior like new, has to be seen to appreciate. New stereo, back up camera, new HD antenna, m/w, a/c. Includes hitch. $6,500. 604-625-7761 Aldergrove.

845 SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVALMinimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673

SCRAP CARS & METALS - CA$H for CARS Up to $300. No Wheels - No Problem! Friendly & Professional Service. Servicing the Fraser Valley 1-855-771-2855


TRANSPORTATION

845 SCRAP CAR REMOVALThe Scrapper

TOP CA$H PAID TODAY For SCRAP VEHICLES! 2 hr. Service www.a1casper.com (604)209-2026

851 TRUCKS & VANS

2006 FORD FREESTAR SE

Ext. van, 130K, 7 pass. loaded, Excellent condition. Only $5450!

604.556.4242


TRANSPORTATION

851 TRUCKS & VANS

KEY TRACK AUTO SALES

CARS & VANS:1996 FORD CONTOUR 4dr auto fully loaded ST#305 THIS WEEK $9991997 HONDA CIVIC 4dr auto Aircare ST#323 $27001996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE 4dr sedan Aircared st#310 $14951995 FORD EXPLORER 2dr 4X4 5spd 5 pass Aircared ST#299 $24951999 PONTIAC TRANS-PORT van 7 pgr low km ST#281 THIS WEEK $22992009 CHEV IMPALA 4dr auto fully loaded ST#325$8,9002002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE 4dr auto st#195 $29951999 TOYOTA COROLLA 4dr sedan fully loaded ST#303 $34952000 HONDA CIVIC 4dr auto sedan ST#169 $34952000 TOYOTA COROLLA 4dr auto sdn a/c runs good st#302 $35002002 PONTIAC GRAND AM 4dr sdn auto Aircare low km st#313 $38001997 NISSAN PATHFIND-ER 4dr auto 4X4 runs good ST#221 $39001994 CHEV CAMARO black, auto T-Top low kms 178K ST#279 $4,8002005 PONTIAC GRAND AM 4dr auto AirCrae ST#276 $4900 2007 PONTIAC MONTAN-NA 7pgr Van runs good no accidents ST#312 $69002006 DODGE MAGNUM 4dr wagon auto fully loaded ST#106 $69002007 FORD FUSION 4DR auto fully loaded ST#250$69002007 FORD FUSION 4dr sdn aotu full load Aircare st#321 $7,90004 JEEP LIBERTY 4X4 auto Aircared ST#319 $790004 AUDI A4 4dr sdn, auto leather Aircared ST#320 $8800

TRUCKS THIS WEEK:

2007 FORD F150 reg cabV6 auto long box ST#205$8,9002005 GMC SLE CREW cab 4X4 auto diesel long box, loaded ST#218 $10,9002001 FORD F350 Dually 4X4 crew cab XLT 7.3L pwrstrk diesel ST#130$11,9002008 FORD F150 REG CAB 4x4 auto long box ST#207 $11,9002007 FORD RANGER 4X4 auto super cab st#193$11,9002007 FORD F150 supercab cre XLT 4X4 auto fuel load-ed ST#273 $13,9002005 FORD F250 CREW cab Lariat leather diesel 4X4 auto ST#246 $13,9002006 FORD F350 XLT crew cab diesel 4X4 auto long box ST#283 $13,9002006 FORD F350 XLT CREW cab diesel 4X4 auto long box runs good ST#309 $14,9002006 FORD F350 XLT quad cab 4X4 auto diesel only 156K st#17 $15,9002006 FORD F350 XLT crew cab diesel 4X4 auto long box only 160Km st#310 $15,9002006 FORD F350 XLT crew cab diesel 4X4 auto full load-ed long box st#311 $15,9002008 GMC 2500 HD Quad cab 4X4 auto long box ST#267 $15,9002007 CHEV 2500 HD quad cab 4X4 auto gas, shortbox, fully loaded ST#267 $15,9002005 CHEV 2500 HD LS crew cab Duramax diesel leather 4X4 auto ST#190 $15,9002007 FORD F350 LARIAT crew cab diesel 4X4 auto short box ST#275 $18,900

33166 S. Fraser Way, Abbotsford DL#31038

604-855-0666www.keytrackautosales.com


Meet the ProsMeet the ProsMeet the ProsDECEMBER 2012

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R Q U A L I T Y L O C A L P R O F E S S I O N A L S

For your

ADVERTISINGNEEDS:

Call Chris @ 604-796-4301

Hope Auto Body Ltd.

• Complete collision & glass services • Courtesy Vehicles • Express repair facility

- all insurance company estimates written here

966 6th Avenue, 604 •869 •5244www.hopeautobody.ca

604.796.0770

Licensed Bonded Insured

• Furnaces• Water Heaters• Boilers• Patio Heaters• Sheet Metal Installations• Gas Fitting• Fireplaces

PLUMBING SERVICES

KENT PLUMBING& HEATING LTD.

For all your Service, Repair

& Installation Needs“One call does it all”

604-796-270524 HOUR

LICENSED SERVICE

New Cabinetry, and Cabinet Refacing Counter Tops

FINBACK CUSTOM WOODWORKS

6390 Pioneer Ave, AgassizVISIT OUR SHOWROOM

604.796.1196 | 604.857.3375 (cell)

CARPENTRY SERVICES

KELLY AT604.819.1936

[email protected]

Complete Home Renovations & AdditionsFibreglass & Wood DeckingMetal Roofs

THE

RENOVATORCOMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

531 CORBETT ST. HOPE, BC. 604-869-9514

FRASER CANYON GLASS LTD.

DOMESTIC & IMPORTS Full ServiceGlass Shop

Windshield replacementsRock chip repairs

All private insurance co.Certified Automotive Glass Technician 35 yrs exp.

debra cornish604.796.0406

[email protected]

CASTLE CLEANING & ORGANIZATION

❧❧❧❧

the ease of organized:clutter busting!closet solutionspantry set ups

office/garage organizationup/down scale move

the comfort of clean:green cleaning products

regular cleaningspring/seasonal cleaning

gift certificatesmove in/out

❧ ❧

custom of� ce furnishings

kitchen cabinetsbuilt in entertainment

centresrestoration/re� nishing

SVEDALA WOODWORKING

by Mats Strahl, Scandinavian Craftsman

604.794.7018

R.C.E.APPLIANCEREPAIR

604-796-2834Service to all makes of washers, dryers,

stoves, dishwashers & refrigerators

Keeping calm during the holidays can reduce

domestic violence

The Christmas season is a time for love and laughter but can also be a very stressful time for families. There are many triggers and stressors over the holidays that can lead to domestic violence.

The Chilliwack RCMP along with members of the Public Safety Committee would like to address some of these triggers as well as provide resources to people who may find themselves in a situation where domestic violence is possible.

Some of the triggers can be increased alcohol consumption at social gatherings, family pressures and stresses with over-scheduling and ov e r- c o m m i t t i n g , and strained relationships can become more volatile.

Finances and over-spending can be a major trigger for domestic violence at this time of year. “Family disputes are by far the most volatile and unpredictable situations we encounter as police officers, “said Cpl. Harinder Kheleh of the Chilliwack Serious Crime Unit.

“We take them very seriously and make sure that the people involved have the support they need to move forward.”

There are several coping strategies that can be used to soothe the stress and eliminate the possibility of domestic violence.

Have family discussions regarding finances long before the season is upon you and stick to the family budget. Always know your limit with alcohol as increased alcohol consumption can lead to arguments that may not have happened in the absence of alcohol.

Discuss in advance how your time during the holidays is going

to be spent and with whom. If you have issues with

communication and your discussions often result in big, explosive yelling matches, then set the following boundaries that may assist you to get through a conversation.

Set a time limit on the discussion and set the topics before hand.

If you don’t come to a decision at the end of the allotted time, then revisit the topic later. Set ground

rules (no yelling or calling names) before your discussion and be accountable to them. Invite a discussion. If the other party does not want to engage in the conversation at that moment then have them agree on a time that will work.

Most importantly, be creative in your compromises and stick to the rules you agreed on.

Another important thing to consider is knowing where the children are during these discussions. If possible, ensure the children are not around as there can be a negative impact on them and cause unnecessary stresses.

The most important tip to be aware of in domestic violence situations is to know when you are not safe and to seek support immediately.

There are two transition houses in Chilliwack: Ann Davis at 604 792-3116 and Xolhemet at 604 858-0468. The transition house in Hope is Hope and Area Transition Society at 604 869-5111.

For family counseling supports,please contact Chilliwack Community Services at 604 792-4267 or Ann Davis at 604 792-2760.

If there is any violence or threats of violence made, please contact your local RCMP or call 911.

Community

RCMP offer advice for keeping the peace during stressful times

“Family disputes are by far the

most volatile and unpredictable situations we encounter.”

Cpl. Harinder Kheleh

Come out to Harrison and enjoy all the colors of the Christmas season.

See the beautifully decorated trees along The Esplanade.

The Village Staff have outdone themselves this year, providing a really colorful illuminated display.

When you reach The Harrison Resort, step into the entrance below the Lakeshore Dining Room.

There you will find many

artistically decorated Christmas Trees, creations of Agassiz-Harrison community businesses and groups.

Be sure to vote for your favorite. On your way home take the

time to drive through the Village and view some of the many imaginatively decorated homes.

Come and partake of the Christmas Community spirit.

Submitted by Harrison CIB

A message from Harrison Communities in Bloom


PRIZE DRAWS!Free drinks& snacks!

KENT OUTDOORSCHRISTMAS SALE & APPRECIATION DAY

Sale Ends December 24th, 2012 or while supplies last.

7048 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz, BC | 604.796.0006 | [email protected] | www.kentoutdoors.ca

ANNUAL "HEAD'S UP" SCORING SESSION

Saturday, December 8th 8 am - 5 pmGot a hunter, � sher or camper on your list? This is the time to pick up that perfect gift!

Of� cial BC Book, Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young scoring 10 am - 4 pm courtesy of High Caliber Taxidermy

604-819-2016. Bring in your personal trophy, any animal, any size, whether old or new, and � nd out how it measures up!

PLUS MANY

MORE IN-STORE

SPECIALS!

$12999 $2999

$1299

$9999 $17999

$2999

$49999$22499

Super Lucky DuckBuilt in intermittent, lightweight wing design,

quiet running motor, detachable wings for easy transport, 6V rechargeable battery incl.

Best prices of the year on � rearms, optics & ammunition. Huge savings throughout the store on hunting, � shing & camping supplies!

HOTPRICE!

PERFECT

GIFT IDEA!

STOCKING

STUFFER!

GREATVALUE! HUGE

VALUE!

PERFECTGIFT IDEA!

GREAT

GIFT IDEA!

Sentry 14 Gun Electronic Combo

Fire resistant. Carpeted interior protects priceless guns & collectibles.

Accusharp Knife Sharpener

Comfort handle, easy to use, keeps your knives sharp!

Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool Kit

Includes Leatherman Wave tool, plus bonus screwdriver bit kit & � ashlight stored in a durable nylon sheath.

Ruger Blackhawk 1000 FPS Pellet Ri� e

Includes 4x32 scope, .177 cal, break-barrel, 1000fps.

Daiwa7’ Spin Combo

Great value! 3 ball bearing spin reel.

Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

Aluminum carry case, everything you need to clean all calibers of � rearms.

HUGEVALUE!

Maverick 88 Shotgun 12 ga.

3” chamber, blued synthetic, 28” barrel, pump action.

1000 FPS Pellet Ri� e1000 FPS Pellet Ri� e

agassiz observer, december 07, 2012

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