Happy Holidays - see you in the new year!

Happy Holidays from the Social Planing Council. We look forward to returning in the new year and wish everyone well.

Reminder - If you have been drinking this holiday season and don’t feel fit to drive you can call Operation Red Nose at 250-392-2222 available each Friday and Saturday night from Nov 30 – Dec 31/12. This is a campaign to reduce drinking and driving and it also raises funds that go towards programs that support youth organizations and amateur sports in Williams Lake.

Community Updates – December 14, 2012

Community Updates – December 14, 2012

1) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Events

Dec 16 - Surplus Herby’s is sponsoring a Free Skate from 2:45-4:15pm

Dec 28 – Johnston Meier Insurance agencies Group is sponsoring a Free Skate from 11:30am-1:00pm

*All free events are advertised under the FREE events tab on the www.activewilliamslake.ca website. Feel free to print off posters to display throughout town.

2) Reminder Christmas Wish Buffet at the Ramada Inn

Reserve your spot to attend the Christmas Wish Breakfast Buffet on December 19th at the new Ramada Inn. Donate a gift, and eat breakfast. The buffet starts at 6 am so book your table time by calling the Ramada directly.

3) Communities that Care’s Positive Action Program’s WORD of the WEEK is:

Time & Energy

Time: When something happens
Energy: The force to do something

For more information contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249

4) Reminder - Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Presents – Youth Christmas Event & DJ Dance

Tuesday December 18th at 4:30PM- 8:30PM at the Williams Lake Gibraltar Room. Admission by donation - Free Food, Snack, & Drinks

Come on out for a night of Christmas Fun, Games, and DJ Dance. As this is a Youth event, it will be alcohol and drug free. Contact Samantha for more Information at (250) 392-3918

5) Local Strong Start Programs:

Marie Sharpe Elementary School hosts the StrongStart Program from Monday to Friday each week from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. StrongStart is a play-based learning program for ages 0-5 and their parent or caregiver. The school is located at 260 Cameron Street in Williams Lake. For more information, call 250-398-3843 or Joan Lozier at 250-398-3839.

150 Mile House Elementary School hosts the StrongStart Program every Tuesday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. This is a play-based learning program for ages 0-5 and their parent or caregiver. For more information, call 250-296-3356 or contact Joan Lozier at 250-398-3839.

Wildwood Elementary hosts the StrongStart Program every Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This is a play-based learning program for ages 0-5 and their caregiver. Wildwood School is located at 4252 Wildwood Road and they can be reached at 250-989-4701. You can also contact Joan Lozier at 250-398-3839

6) Local Food All-year Long – Cariboo Growers Farmers Coop

The Farmers and Ranchers of the Cariboo Growers Coop want to thank everyone for their support. Since opening in April of 2010, local food has been available year round in our community! The local economy is also supported by you; Funds spent in Williams Lake, stayed in Williams Lake. Thank-you everyone.

7) Operation Red Nose – Nov 30 – Dec 31/12

If you have been drinking this holiday season and don’t feel fit to drive you can call Operation Red Nose at 250-392-2222 available each Friday and Saturday night from Nov 30 – Dec 31/12. This is a campaign to reduce drinking and driving and it also raises funds that go towards programs that support youth organizations and amateur sports in Williams Lake.

8) Happy Holidays from the Social Planning Council!

Continue to send your community updates to the SPC for community wide distribution including exposure on www.welcometowilliamslake.ca . Send your updates to spc-coordinator@xplornet.com anytime (emails are sent out on Fridays).

The SPC would like to wish everyone safe & happy holidays, and a wonderful New Year. We look forward to continuing serving the City of Williams Lake and surrounding areas in the New Year. See you again in January!

9) Highlights from City Council:

City partners with ICBC to install four speed reader boards

The City of Williams Lake and ICBC have partnered to place four speed reader boards on city streets. The boards will be located on South Lakeside Drive, Mackenzie Avenue, Pigeon Avenue between Gibbon Street and Comer Street, and on Foster Way.

Speed reader boards have several benefits. They advise the motoring public of their approaching speed. They can be programmed in various ways that will warn motorists of speed limits and restrictions. The new speed reader board will remind drivers to slow down, which, in turn, reduces crashes and saves lives. The boards operate 24 hours per day 7 days a week and provide data that is beneficial for making decisions on speed reduction, traffic calming, and traffic volumes.

ICBC has purchased two of the boards, which will be placed on South Lakeside Drive and Mackenzie Avenue for one year. The boards provide valuable information that comes from the downloaded data. Data will further indicate how many vehicles are driving by and at what times of the day. The reader boards will also show the driver what speed they are traveling and can be programmed to flash “SLOW DOWN”. After the one-year term, the City may place the boards at other locations.

“This partnership will allow us not only to collect valuable data, but to help keep everyone safe on our roads,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “These speed reader boards are valuable tools to help us make decisions and to increase awareness for us all to slow down and arrive safely.”

“We’re pleased to invest in new speed reader boards for Williams Lake to help keep the community safe,” says Diana Pozer, ICBC’s road safety coordinator for Williams Lake. “Speeding is the leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C. and when combined with the poor weather conditions at this time of year, dramatically increases your risk of crashing. Slow down and allow extra travel time so you get home safely.”

Council passes resolutions to tackle crime

As part of its commitment to addressing crime, Council brought forward this week a number of items passed during an in-camera session to address crime and safety in the city.

The resolutions are:

The Executive Committee and staff will work with the RCMP in a working committee to develop a harm reduction strategy for weapons of choice used in crimes, such as machetes and bear spray, and the working committee will bring a report back to Council.

Council directed staff to limit vehicular access to the Dairy Fields.

Council will request to hold meetings with provincial and Crown Counsels to discuss their concerns with the prolific offender program.

Council will encourage Community Policing to reinstate the Court Watch program.

Council will request meetings with provincial Minister of Justice Shirley Bond and federal Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson, with Mayor Kerry Cook and Inspector Warren Brown to bring attention to the community’s concerns around crime and prolific offenders.

“We hear from the community that crime is a top priority, and Council agrees,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “These resolutions represent practical, real steps forward in reducing crime and bringing some attention to the issue in Williams Lake. Council will continue its focus on reducing crime and increasing safety.

10) Take Action this Holiday Season! – Message from the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition

It's the time of year when we feel compassionate and generous towards others so here are a couple of ways to put those warm feelings to good use, for social change that will make a real difference.

BC's Hardest Working
Thanks for all your support for BC's Hardest Working launched last week. We appreciate your enthusiasm for this beautiful and inspiring collection of photos and stories from around the province.

Now if you haven't already done so, please email our political leaders from the Take Action (http://www.cccabc.bc.ca/plan/Community_Plan_ECL.pdf) page to tell them we need a poverty reduction plan for BC. It will only take 30 seconds of your time but will have a long-lasting impact. Raising our voices collectively makes a difference, especially in this critical time in the lead-up to the election!

Please spread this call for action far and wide. If you represent an organization, please pass on the following message to all your members (just copy and paste into your own e-newsletter or onto your website):

"We are part of the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, which is a coalition of over 375 organizations throughout the province calling for a poverty reduction plan for BC. They have just launched an exciting, creative project called "BC's Hardest Working," and we encourage you to visit the website (http://bcshardestworking.ca/). It tells the stories of 100 people from around BC who are part of the working poor and those working hard to survive on income assistance in BC. It's an amazing collection of photos and personal stories from people facing the challenges of low income and high costs of living in BC.

Email our political leaders from the Take Action page (http://bcshardestworking.ca/?page_id=10) to tell them we need a poverty reduction plan for BC. It will only take 30 seconds of your time but will have a long-lasting impact. Together we can make a difference!"

The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition has endorsed the $10 A Day Child Care Plan proposed by the Early Childhood Educators of BC and the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. In the lead up to the provincial election they have prepared an election mobilization guide:

Dear Members and Supporters,

As we near the end of 2012, no party seeking your vote in the May 2013 provincial election has yet made a commitment to implement the 10 A Day Child Care Plan (http://www.cccabc.bc.ca/plan/Community_Plan_ECL.pdf). When asked, they say they are still working on the platforms they will take into the election campaign. The good news is that we still have time to influence those platforms.

During the next few weeks, our goal is to make sure that every candidate from every party hears that voters in their riding support the $10 A Day Child Care Plan (http://www.cccabc.bc.ca/plan/Community_Plan_ECL.pdf). That way, when party platforms are discussed, your candidates will have a stake in ensuring a strong commitment to child care.

As a supporter of the $10/day Plan for Early Care and Learning we are asking you to visit:

Your MLA if they are seeking re-election (find your MLA at http://leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm)

The declared candidates from all the major parties (Check the party websites for updates on candidates, including the Liberals, NDP, Conservatives and Green Party. Candidates are still in the process of being chosen in some ridings.)

Tell them that:
Families in your community face a daily challenge finding affordable, quality care;

The Community Plan for Early Care and Learning is the solution and it has huge support across the province;

Old approaches like the broken subsidy system don't work;

Voters will decide based on the child care commitments they make; and we don't expect them to do it all at once - we do expect them to begin immediately.

Take a friend, a parent, or a representative from one of the organizations in your community that supports the Plan (see list at (http://www.cccabc.bc.ca/plan/endorse-the-plan/organizational-support/).

Leave a package of:
The Plan (http://www.cccabc.bc.ca/plan/Community_Plan_ECL.pdf)

The 4 Fact Sheets (http://www.cccabc.bc.ca/plan/toolkit/factsheets/)

An up-to-date- list of organizational supporters (http://www.cccabc.bc.ca/plan/endorse-the-plan/organizational-support/)

Let us know who you visit and how it goes by e-mailing us at info@cccabc.bc.ca.

Help us make the $10 A Day Child Care Plan a top election issue next spring!

Community Updates – December 7, 2012

Community Updates – December 7, 2012


1) Operation Red Nose – Nov 30 – Dec 31/12

If you have been drinking this holiday season and don’t feel fit to drive you can call Operation Red Nose at 250-392-2222 available each Friday and Saturday night from Nov 30 – Dec 31/12. This is a campaign to reduce drinking and driving and it also raises funds that go towards programs that support youth organizations and amateur sports in Williams Lake. This year the Williams Lake Gymnastics, Williams Lake Skating Club and Blue Fins will be the recipients of fundraising efforts this year. You can also volunteer or get more information by contacting Dave Dickson at 250-392-8701 or david.dickson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca


2) Christmas Wish Buffet at the Ramada Inn

Reserve your spot to attend the Christmas Wish Breakfast Buffet on December 19th at the new Ramada Inn. Donate a gift, and eat breakfast. The buffet starts at 6 am so book your table time by calling the Ramada directly. CORRECTION - Save on Foods is a partner in this event but the breakfast is only being held at the Ramada.


3) Library After Dark - Friday Dec 7, doors open 6:15 to 6:30pm

It’s our favorite event of the year!
Stories! Songs! Movies!
Come in your Pajamas.
Bring a non-perishable item for the food bank.
All kids 12 and under


4) Williams Lake Employment Services (WLES) – Open House Dec 12/12

Dec 12 – 10 - 4 pm at 281 First Avenue N. - Job seekers, Service Providers and Employers Welcome.

Highlights include:

WorkBC Program Information,
Local Opportunities and postings
Featured Industries and Guest Speakers,
Networking and Labour Market Insights
Explore new Training Opportunities

Call WLES at 250-398-5133 or email inquiries@hortonventures.com for more information.

Horton Ventures Inc. operates as Williams Lake Employment Services and is a WorkBC Employment Services Centre, providing full services and programs to job seekers and employers. They offer individualized service with experienced Case Managers, a staffed resources areas, regular resume workshops and assistance, specialized programs such as Skills Training, Self Employment, Wage Subsidy and Apprentice information and support. We also post free job listings for local area employers. Visit www.hortonventures.com for more information.


5) Communities that Care’s Positive Action Program’s WORD of the WEEK is:

Decision – To think about the choices and choose the right one.

For more information contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249

6) Recreation Centre’s Free Public Swim sponsored by Taseko. December 8th, 2012 from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.


7) Reminder - Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS)of Prince George (Williams Lake Branch) invites Live-in Caregivers and Temporary Workers to a Free information session and workshop on:

Saturday, December 8th, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to Noon at: The IMSS school at 118 C North 1st Ave (Village Square), Williams Lake BC

Topics may include: Overview of the Live-in Caregiver Program, Provincial Nominee Program, Open Work Permit and Permanent Residence Application, and Common immigration problems and inadmissibility.

If you have other immigration questions or topic ideas, please let Ann or Lisa know ahead of time, by email or phone: ann@imss.ca, lisa@imss.ca, or 1-877-562-2977

To register for the session, or if you want to know more about the location or what we do at the school, email or phone Susan: susan@imss.ca or 778-412-2999

This workshop is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.


8) Learning Disabilities Association of BC AGM

The Williams Lake Chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association of BC’s AGM is being held on Dec 10At the Sushi California Restaurant at 5 pm (770 Oliver Street).


9) Clothing Swap/X-Change in Horsefly

The 3rd annual Clothing Swap/X-Change & movie night for kids is on Tuesday Dec 11/12 from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Horsefly School. Potluck snacks and tea – bring appy’s or treats. We all have a pile of gently used items that we can pass along to others and take home. All leftovers will be donated to a worthy cause and donations for the Christmas Hamper Programs will be greatly received and forwarded. For more information contact Chanti at 250-620-3592


10) Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Presents – Youth Christmas Event & DJ Dance

Tuesday December 18th at 4:30PM- 8:30PM at the Williams Lake Gibraltar Room. Admission by donation - Free Food, Snack, & Drinks

Come on out for a night of Christmas Fun, Games, and DJ Dance. As this is a Youth event, it will be alcohol and drug free. Contact Samantha for more Information at (250) 392-3918

Community Updates – December 7, 2012

Community Updates – December 7, 2012




1) Operation Red Nose – Nov 30 – Dec 31/12



If you have been drinking this holiday season and don’t feel fit to drive you can call Operation Red Nose at 250-392-2222 available each Friday and Saturday night from Nov 30 – Dec 31/12. This is a campaign to reduce drinking and driving and it also raises funds that go towards programs that support youth organizations and amateur sports in Williams Lake. This year the Williams Lake Gymnastics, Williams Lake Skating Club and Blue Fins will be the recipients of fundraising efforts this year. You can also volunteer or get more information by contacting Dave Dickson at 250-392-8701 or david.dickson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca



2) Christmas Wish Buffet at the Ramada Inn



Reserve your spot to attend the Christmas Wish Breakfast Buffet on December 19th at the new Ramada Inn. Donate a gift, and eat breakfast. The buffet starts at 6 am so book your table time by calling the Ramada directly. CORRECTION - Save on Foods is a partner in this event but the breakfast is only being held at the Ramada.



3) Library After Dark - Friday Dec 7, doors open 6:15 to 6:30pm

It’s our favorite event of the year!



Stories! Songs! Movies!

Come in your Pajamas.

Bring a non-perishable item for the food bank.



All kids 12 and under



4) Williams Lake Employment Services (WLES) – Open House Dec 12/12



Dec 12 – 10 - 4 pm at 281 First Avenue N. - Job seekers, Service Providers and Employers Welcome.



Highlights include:

WorkBC Program Information,

Local Opportunities and postings

Featured Industries and Guest Speakers,

Networking and Labour Market Insights

Explore new Training Opportunities



Call WLES at 250-398-5133 or email inquiries@hortonventures.com for more information.



Horton Ventures Inc. operates as Williams Lake Employment Services and is a WorkBC Employment Services Centre, providing full services and programs to job seekers and employers. They offer individualized service with experienced Case Managers, a staffed resources areas, regular resume workshops and assistance, specialized programs such as Skills Training, Self Employment, Wage Subsidy and Apprentice information and support. We also post free job listings for local area employers. Visit www.hortonventures.com for more information.



5) Communities that Care’s Positive Action Program’s WORD of the WEEK is:



Decision – To think about the choices and choose the right one.



For more information contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249



6) Recreation Centre’s Free Public Swim sponsored by Taseko. December 8th, 2012 from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.



7) Reminder - Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS)of Prince George (Williams Lake Branch) invites Live-in Caregivers and Temporary Workers to a Free information session and workshop on:



Saturday, December 8th, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to Noon at: The IMSS school at 118 C North 1st Ave (Village Square), Williams Lake BC



Topics may include: Overview of the Live-in Caregiver Program, Provincial Nominee Program, Open Work Permit and Permanent Residence Application, and Common immigration problems and inadmissibility.



If you have other immigration questions or topic ideas, please let Ann or Lisa know ahead of time, by email or phone: ann@imss.ca, lisa@imss.ca, or 1-877-562-2977

To register for the session, or if you want to know more about the location or what we do at the school, email or phone Susan: susan@imss.ca or 778-412-2999



This workshop is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.



8) Learning Disabilities Association of BC AGM

The Williams Lake Chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association of BC’s AGM is being held on Dec 10At the Sushi California Restaurant at 5 pm (770 Oliver Street).



9) Clothing Swap/X-Change in Horsefly



The 3rd annual Clothing Swap/X-Change & movie night for kids is on Tuesday Dec 11/12 from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Horsefly School. Potluck snacks and tea – bring appy’s or treats. We all have a pile of gently used items that we can pass along to others and take home. All leftovers will be donated to a worthy cause and donations for the Christmas Hamper Programs will be greatly received and forwarded. For more information contact Chanti at 250-620-3592



10) Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Presents – Youth Christmas Event & DJ Dance



Tuesday December 18th at 4:30PM- 8:30PM at the Williams Lake Gibraltar Room. Admission by donation - Free Food, Snack, & Drinks



Come on out for a night of Christmas Fun, Games, and DJ Dance. As this is a Youth event, it will be alcohol and drug free. Contact Samantha for more Information at (250) 392-3918

Community Updates – December 7, 2012

Community Updates – December 7, 2012




1) Operation Red Nose – Nov 30 – Dec 31/12



If you have been drinking this holiday season and don’t feel fit to drive you can call Operation Red Nose at 250-392-2222 available each Friday and Saturday night from Nov 30 – Dec 31/12. This is a campaign to reduce drinking and driving and it also raises funds that go towards programs that support youth organizations and amateur sports in Williams Lake. This year the Williams Lake Gymnastics, Williams Lake Skating Club and Blue Fins will be the recipients of fundraising efforts this year. You can also volunteer or get more information by contacting Dave Dickson at 250-392-8701 or david.dickson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca



2) Christmas Wish Buffet at the Ramada Inn



Reserve your spot to attend the Christmas Wish Breakfast Buffet on December 19th at the new Ramada Inn. Donate a gift, and eat breakfast. The buffet starts at 6 am so book your table time by calling the Ramada directly. CORRECTION - Save on Foods is a partner in this event but the breakfast is only being held at the Ramada.



3) Library After Dark - Friday Dec 7, doors open 6:15 to 6:30pm

It’s our favorite event of the year!



Stories! Songs! Movies!

Come in your Pajamas.

Bring a non-perishable item for the food bank.



All kids 12 and under



4) Williams Lake Employment Services (WLES) – Open House Dec 12/12



Dec 12 – 10 - 4 pm at 281 First Avenue N. - Job seekers, Service Providers and Employers Welcome.



Highlights include:

WorkBC Program Information,

Local Opportunities and postings

Featured Industries and Guest Speakers,

Networking and Labour Market Insights

Explore new Training Opportunities



Call WLES at 250-398-5133 or email inquiries@hortonventures.com for more information.



Horton Ventures Inc. operates as Williams Lake Employment Services and is a WorkBC Employment Services Centre, providing full services and programs to job seekers and employers. They offer individualized service with experienced Case Managers, a staffed resources areas, regular resume workshops and assistance, specialized programs such as Skills Training, Self Employment, Wage Subsidy and Apprentice information and support. We also post free job listings for local area employers. Visit www.hortonventures.com for more information.



5) Communities that Care’s Positive Action Program’s WORD of the WEEK is:



Decision – To think about the choices and choose the right one.



For more information contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249



6) Recreation Centre’s Free Public Swim sponsored by Taseko. December 8th, 2012 from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.



7) Reminder - Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS)of Prince George (Williams Lake Branch) invites Live-in Caregivers and Temporary Workers to a Free information session and workshop on:



Saturday, December 8th, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to Noon at: The IMSS school at 118 C North 1st Ave (Village Square), Williams Lake BC



Topics may include: Overview of the Live-in Caregiver Program, Provincial Nominee Program, Open Work Permit and Permanent Residence Application, and Common immigration problems and inadmissibility.



If you have other immigration questions or topic ideas, please let Ann or Lisa know ahead of time, by email or phone: ann@imss.ca, lisa@imss.ca, or 1-877-562-2977

To register for the session, or if you want to know more about the location or what we do at the school, email or phone Susan: susan@imss.ca or 778-412-2999



This workshop is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.



8) Learning Disabilities Association of BC AGM

The Williams Lake Chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association of BC’s AGM is being held on Dec 10At the Sushi California Restaurant at 5 pm (770 Oliver Street).



9) Clothing Swap/X-Change in Horsefly



The 3rd annual Clothing Swap/X-Change & movie night for kids is on Tuesday Dec 11/12 from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Horsefly School. Potluck snacks and tea – bring appy’s or treats. We all have a pile of gently used items that we can pass along to others and take home. All leftovers will be donated to a worthy cause and donations for the Christmas Hamper Programs will be greatly received and forwarded. For more information contact Chanti at 250-620-3592



10) Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Presents – Youth Christmas Event & DJ Dance



Tuesday December 18th at 4:30PM- 8:30PM at the Williams Lake Gibraltar Room. Admission by donation - Free Food, Snack, & Drinks



Come on out for a night of Christmas Fun, Games, and DJ Dance. As this is a Youth event, it will be alcohol and drug free. Contact Samantha for more Information at (250) 392-3918

Community Updates – November 30, 2012

Community Updates – November 30, 2012


1) Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy

Would you like to be a volunteer literacy tutor? Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy is looking for volunteers to work with adults who want to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Training is provided. For more information contact Janette Moller by phone 250-392-8161 or email partnerassistedlearning@gmail.com

2) Recreation Centre’s Free Public Swim sponsored by Taseko. December 8th, 2012 from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.

3) Child Development Centre Events:

Christmas Wish Buffet at the Ramada Inn - Reserve your spot to attend the Chistmas Wish Breakfast Buffet on December 19th at the new Ramada Inn. Donate a gift, and eat breakfast. The buffet starts at 6 am so book your table time by calling the Ramada directly.

Christmas Wish Buffet at Save on Foods – You can also donate a gift and eat breakfast directly at Save on Foods from 7 – 10:30 am on December 19th.

Yuletide Dinner – The annual Yuletide dinner is being held on December 5th starting at 5 pm.

IF YOU ARE LEAN ON FUNDS, OR SHORT OF COMPANY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE 15TH ANNUAL FREE YULETIDE DINNER

When: Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Where: The Ramada (Overlander Convention Center) in the Convention Centre
Time: 4-7pm

If you require transportation, please contact CDC at 250-392-4481 by 4:30 Tuesday December 4th

3) Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS)of Prince George (Williams Lake Branch) invites Live-in Caregivers and Temporary Workers to a Free information session and workshop on:
Saturday, December 8th, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to Noon at: The IMSS school at 118 C North 1st Ave (Village Square), Williams Lake BC

Topics may include: Overview of the Live-in Caregiver Program, Provincial Nominee Program, Open Work Permit and Permanent Residence Application, and Common immigration problems and inadmissibility.

If you have other immigration questions or topic ideas, please let Ann or Lisa know ahead of time, by email or phone: ann@imss.ca, lisa@imss.ca, or 1-877-562-2977

To register for the session, or if you want to know more about the location or what we do at the school, email or phone Susan: susan@imss.ca or 778-412-2999

This workshop is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

4) William’s Lake Better at Home Community Engagement Highlights and Update (reminder)

Community Meeting:

When: Tuesday December 4th, 2012 from 1-3pm
Where: Williams Lake Public Library
What: Better at Home Community Meeting. Everyone is welcome to this meeting including seniors, prospective lead agencies, service groups, and anyone interested in supporting seniors in the community. At this meeting there will be:

A general introduction to the Better at Home program, and with a focus on non-medical services;
An overview of what has been collected while meeting with people and services:

What’s working in the community? (community strengths, available services, assets, etc.), What’s missing? (areas of need, gaps in service, priority areas, etc.), What agency would be the best fit to house the Better at Home program in Williams Lake? (suggested agencies, potential partnerships, etc.), and after this presentation there will be time for people to add to what has already been collected.

Stakeholders Meeting:

When: Wednesday December 5, 2012 from 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Williams Lake Public Library
What: Key Stakeholders Meeting. Key Stakeholders can include representatives of senior’s organizations, volunteer organizations, First Nations communities, caregiver associations, cultural and faith-based groups, health authorities, and other community based groups.

The Key Stakeholder Meeting will draw from the information gathered in the Community Meeting to select the Lead Agency for the Better at Home program in Williams Lake.

Following the selection of the Lead Agency, people will encouraged to put their names forward as potential Advisory Committee members. The list will then be forwarded on the Lead Agency as they begin to establish an advisory committee and the Williams Lake Better at Home program.

To Date: Williams Lake non-medical support Services top 4 requests: Drawing from several interviews, meetings, and emails, there are a few services that have been continually highlighted.

Transportation: It seems that there is a heightened concern for isolated seniors in the community of Williams Lake. Getting seniors around for appointments, errands, and recreation has been identified as a need.

Fire Wood: Helping seniors with wood (chopping, delivering, moving it inside, etc.) is identified as a specific need for Williams Lake

Snow Removal: Identified as a concern, specifically in regards to the strenuous nature of the work, and the presented slipping hazard.


Light Housework: Including laundry, groceries (shopping, unloading, etc.), vacuuming, bed changing, etc., with a focus on strenuous everyday activities.

Other services have also been identified, however, these four have been repeated several times by many people.

For any local non-profit agencies that are interested in acting as Lead Agency for the Better at Home program;

Potential lead agencies are expected to contact me directly via email (jennifer.dustin@gmail.com) or phone (250 318 1359) to indicate that you are interested in pursuing the opportunity.

Potential lead agencies are also expected to do a brief 10-15minute presentation covering points such as: capacity and ability to offer the Better at Home program and manage the funds appropriately; willingness to work collaboratively with several local agencies in the interest of seniors of Williams Lake; demonstration of an established volunteer base.

Please pass this email along to any non-profit agency you believe would be appropriate for this opportunity, and if you have any questions feel free to contact me directly. I look forward to the next steps.
Thank you again for your interest and continued support,

Jennifer Dustin
Better at Home Program Community Developer – Williams Lake
250 318 1359
Jennifer.dustin@gmail.com
Better at Home
United Way helping seniors remain independent
betterathome.ca

5) UBC Aboriginal Youth Learning Circle - December 12, 2012: Indigenous Role Model Trevor Mack

Sent on behalf of Crystal Morris, Aboriginal Education Coordinator. Please forward to interested parties. *Apologies for cross-postings.*

Greetings,
You are invited to the UBC Aboriginal Youth Learning Circle on December 12, 2012 from 1 to 3 p.m. for an exciting presentation by Indigenous role model Trevor Mack (http://learningcircle.ubc.ca/2012/11/youth-circle-indigenous-role-model-trevor-mack/). Trevor is Tsilhqot’in from Williams Lake, BC. He is a writer and an award-winning director/filmmaker (or as he calls himself, a storyteller).

Date: December 12, 2012
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Where: Via videoconference OR Adobe Connect in partnership with the UBC Learning Circle

Registration: http://learningcircle.ubc.ca/youth/registration/ *Pre-registration is required to attend this event*
The Youth Circle is oriented towards Aboriginal youth aged 12 to 29 throughout BC. There are approximately two Youth Circles per month. The Circle gives young Aboriginal people a place to express themselves, to be entertained and to learn and teach others about what’s going on and what they want to do in their communities.

Overview: Trevor began video editing in 2005 while he was still in high school. He started with editing videos of people playing the popular video game Halo with montages accompanied by music. Since 2005, his montages have garnered more than one million views via the Internet. Trevor also works with a freelance group called Viral Design. He has travelled to Dallas, Texas and other events to shoot video and do photography for various companies. Trevor’s “Get Up, Move Up” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpN1ItlfEAA) public service announcement recently won the $5,000 first-place prize at the First Nations Health Council ‘Active Spirit, Active History’ video contest.

Trevor is currently attending Capilano University’s ‘Motion Picture Arts’ program in Vancouver where he is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree. Check out Trevor's website at: http://www.trevormack.ca/
How to Connect:

Registration is required to attend this Youth Circle. There are now two ways to join us at the Learning Circle.

a) You can join this interactive, online presentation via videoconference. You will be contacted prior to the event by our technical support at Health Canada to make arrangements to connect via videoconference.

b) You can also participate via Adobe Connect from the convenience of your office, school, or home computer. Further information on how to connect with the Learning Circle via Adobe Connect will be distributed prior to the event.

For more information about the UBC Aboriginal Youth Learning Circle, and links to register, please visit http://learningcircle.ubc.ca/youth/
We look forward to meeting you at the Circle!
Warm regards,
Kathryn Berry, Program Assistant

Division of Aboriginal People’s Health
University of British Columbia
Tel. 604.682.2344 ex. 62242
Fax. 604.806.8499
http://learningcircle.ubc.ca
http://aboriginalhealth.med.ubc.ca/

6) Communities that Care’s Positive Action Program’s WORD of the WEEK is:

Curious – To be eager to learn how and why things happen.

For more information contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249

7) Reminder: Earth Friendly Holiday Event at Scout Island Nature Centre (SINC)

Tonight (Nov 30th) from 5 -8 pm, and tomorrow (Dec 1) from 10 am – 3pm come make a holiday wreath or bird feeders, take a night walk, children’s games and activities, potluck dinner, and check out the “alternative gift ideas” table.

For more information contact 250-398-7929 or 398-8532 or email ccentre@ccconserv.org.

8) Womens Contact Society update:

a) The annual Purple Ribbon Campaign is now running. Be part of the solution and wear a purple ribbon to show your support against violence to women. Free ribbons are available at Intrigue hair studio, the Tribune, the Cariboo Advisor, and the Womens Contact Society.

On December 6, 2012 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, there will be an Open House and Free Lunch provided by Chiwid Transition House between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm at the Seniors Activity Centre in the basement. I have attached a poster.

b) Women’s Job Readiness program for Hairdressing and Esthetics which will go until February.

c) Our Women’s Zumba class has now ended until mid-January

d) Tuesday December 4: Cold & Flu Women’s Noon Hour Workshop – Lunch is provided

e) Tuesday December 11: Noon Hour Financial Workshop with Jim Tanis from Investors Group – Lunch Provided

9) From Big Brother Big Sisters in Williams Lake:
WOULD YOUR CHILD ENJOY BEING A MEMBER OF THIS FUN & ACTIVE SOCIETY?

Little Sisters are between 6 - 13 Years Old

Enjoy getting out of the house to do cool things

Little Sisters live in a one parent home

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Your daughter will be matched with someone who will do everything in her power to make your child feel special. This little bit of extra attention will increases her self-confidence and her self-esteem.

When your daughter is out with her ‘Big Sister’ this can allow you special time with the remaining children in your home.

Your child will be invited to monthly activities sponsored by Big Brothers & Sisters such as bowling, swimming, Gavin Lake, Christmas and Halloween parties and much more.

Your daughter may be eligible for sponsorship in sport or recreational activities through the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Foundation.

MEMBERSHIP IS COMPLETELY FREE! LEARN HOW YOUR DAUGHTER CAN GET INVOLVED WITH BIG SISTERS, TALK WITH ONE OF OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS AT: 250-398-8391 OR CHECK US OUT BBBSWLAKE.COM

10) Communities that Care Community Board Updates:

a) Supporting breakfast programs – Schools need some volunteer help for their breakfast programs. Suggestion that secondary students might be able to help out in some schools. Jan indicated that Skyline students help out regularly at Marie Sharpe. Another idea was to contact the ECE program at TRU to see if students there might be able to give a hand. Someone also suggested sending out a recipe or nutrition tip. Lora indicated that she is already doing this. If you’d like to be on her distribution list, email her at Lora.Fairbrother@sd27.bc.ca If you or anyone you know might be able to help out with the breakfast programs, contact Jan: Janice.Fichtner@sd27.bc.ca

b) Meeting days - We’ve had requests to change the meeting day from Thursday to another weekday. The group decided to meet on the second Tuesday in the afternoon. Next meeting Tues. Dec.11 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Co-op, 51 4th Avenue (beside the Boys and Girls Club). For more information on how to get involved please contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249

c) CMHA ( Canadian Mental Health Association)
Parent-Teen Counseling – Parent-Teen Counseling program is now Family Solutions. The Contractor felt there was a gap in working with parents with mental health issues. If service providers are working with adults with mental health and other issues, please direct them to CMHA. Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) at MCFD is working with children and youth who have clearly defined mental health issues. CMHA is still able to work with children/youth who need counseling support (ie. Those who do not have clearly defined mental health issues), so continue to refer them to CMHA. If you are not sure where to send clients, refer to either CMHA or CYMH and they will figure out the best fit for the client.

Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health at Denisiqi and Cariboo Friendship Society also provide counseling for children and youth.

Multiculturalism Projects –CMHA has received approximately 45 submissions representing 43 different countries for its Community Cookbook. In addition to recipes, the book will also contain personal stories. CMHA is looking for a few more entries. Contact Marilyn Livingston for more information at marilyn.livingston@cmhawl.org

11) Daybreak Rotary donates benches to dog park

The City of Williams Lake was pleased to accept the donation of two park benches recently from the Daybreak Rotary Club. One bench is located in the small dog park area, and the other in the big dog area. The benches provide a space for owners to sit while at the park with their dogs, and are the first improvement to the park.

“This is a wonderful community amenity, and I’m so happy a community organization is helping to develop this park to be even better for users,” says Councillor Laurie Walters. “Anyone interested in contributing to the park in a similar matter is encouraged to call the City.” The grand opening for the dog park will be held next spring.

Community Updates – November 30, 2012

Community Updates – November 30, 2012
1) Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy

Would you like to be a volunteer literacy tutor? Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy is looking for volunteers to work with adults who want to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Training is provided. For more information contact Janette Moller by phone 250-392-8161 or email partnerassistedlearning@gmail.com

2) Recreation Centre’s Free Public Swim sponsored by Taseko. December 8th, 2012 from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.

3) Child Development Centre Events:
Christmas Wish Buffet at the Ramada Inn - Reserve your spot to attend the Chistmas Wish Breakfast Buffet on December 19th at the new Ramada Inn. Donate a gift, and eat breakfast. The buffet starts at 6 am so book your table time by calling the Ramada directly.
Christmas Wish Buffet at Save on Foods – You can also donate a gift and eat breakfast directly at Save on Foods from 7 – 10:30 am on December 19th.
Yuletide Dinner – The annual Yuletide dinner is being held on December 5th starting at 5 pm. IF YOU ARE LEAN ON FUNDS, OR SHORT OF COMPANY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE 15TH ANNUAL FREE YULETIDE DINNER
When: Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Where: The Ramada (Overlander Convention Center) in the Convention Centre
Time: 4-7pm
If you require transportation, please contact CDC at 250-392-4481 by 4:30 Tuesday December 4th
3) Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS)of Prince George (Williams Lake Branch) invites Live-in Caregivers and Temporary Workers to a Free information session and workshop on:
Saturday, December 8th, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to Noon at: The IMSS school at 118 C North 1st Ave (Village Square), Williams Lake BC
Topics may include: Overview of the Live-in Caregiver Program, Provincial Nominee Program, Open Work Permit and Permanent Residence Application, and Common immigration problems and inadmissibility.
If you have other immigration questions or topic ideas, please let Ann or Lisa know ahead of time, by email or phone: ann@imss.ca, lisa@imss.ca, or 1-877-562-2977

To register for the session, or if you want to know more about the location or what we do at the school, email or phone Susan: susan@imss.ca or 778-412-2999
This workshop is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

4) William’s Lake Better at Home Community Engagement Highlights and Update (reminder)

Community Meeting:

When: Tuesday December 4th, 2012 from 1-3pm
Where: Williams Lake Public Library
What: Better at Home Community Meeting. Everyone is welcome to this meeting including seniors, prospective lead agencies, service groups, and anyone interested in supporting seniors in the community. At this meeting there will be:

A general introduction to the Better at Home program, and with a focus on non-medical services;
An overview of what has been collected while meeting with people and services:
What’s working in the community? (community strengths, available services, assets, etc.), What’s missing? (areas of need, gaps in service, priority areas, etc.), What agency would be the best fit to house the Better at Home program in Williams Lake? (suggested agencies, potential partnerships, etc.), and after this presentation there will be time for people to add to what has already been collected.
Stakeholders Meeting:

When: Wednesday December 5, 2012 from 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Williams Lake Public Library
What: Key Stakeholders Meeting. Key Stakeholders can include representatives of senior’s organizations, volunteer organizations, First Nations communities, caregiver associations, cultural and faith-based groups, health authorities, and other community based groups.
The Key Stakeholder Meeting will draw from the information gathered in the Community Meeting to select the Lead Agency for the Better at Home program in Williams Lake.
Following the selection of the Lead Agency, people will encouraged to put their names forward as potential Advisory Committee members. The list will then be forwarded on the Lead Agency as they begin to establish an advisory committee and the Williams Lake Better at Home program.
To Date: Williams Lake non-medical support Services top 4 requests: Drawing from several interviews, meetings, and emails, there are a few services that have been continually highlighted.
Transportation: It seems that there is a heightened concern for isolated seniors in the community of Williams Lake. Getting seniors around for appointments, errands, and recreation has been identified as a need.
Fire Wood: Helping seniors with wood (chopping, delivering, moving it inside, etc.) is identified as a specific need for Williams Lake
Snow Removal: Identified as a concern, specifically in regards to the strenuous nature of the work, and the presented slipping hazard. Light Housework: Including laundry, groceries (shopping, unloading, etc.), vacuuming, bed changing, etc., with a focus on strenuous everyday activities.
Other services have also been identified, however, these four have been repeated several times by many people.
For any local non-profit agencies that are interested in acting as Lead Agency for the Better at Home program;
Potential lead agencies are expected to contact me directly via email (jennifer.dustin@gmail.com) or phone (250 318 1359) to indicate that you are interested in pursuing the opportunity.
Potential lead agencies are also expected to do a brief 10-15minute presentation covering points such as: capacity and ability to offer the Better at Home program and manage the funds appropriately; willingness to work collaboratively with several local agencies in the interest of seniors of Williams Lake; demonstration of an established volunteer base.
Please pass this email along to any non-profit agency you believe would be appropriate for this opportunity, and if you have any questions feel free to contact me directly. I look forward to the next steps.
Thank you again for your interest and continued support,

Jennifer Dustin
Better at Home Program Community Developer – Williams Lake
250 318 1359
Jennifer.dustin@gmail.com
Better at Home
United Way helping seniors remain independent
betterathome.ca
5) UBC Aboriginal Youth Learning Circle - December 12, 2012: Indigenous Role Model Trevor Mack
Sent on behalf of Crystal Morris, Aboriginal Education Coordinator. Please forward to interested parties. *Apologies for cross-postings.*
Greetings,
You are invited to the UBC Aboriginal Youth Learning Circle on December 12, 2012 from 1 to 3 p.m. for an exciting presentation by Indigenous role model Trevor Mack (http://learningcircle.ubc.ca/2012/11/youth-circle-indigenous-role-model-trevor-mack/). Trevor is Tsilhqot’in from Williams Lake, BC. He is a writer and an award-winning director/filmmaker (or as he calls himself, a storyteller).
Date: December 12, 2012
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Where: Via videoconference OR Adobe Connect in partnership with the UBC Learning Circle
Registration: http://learningcircle.ubc.ca/youth/registration/ *Pre-registration is required to attend this event*
The Youth Circle is oriented towards Aboriginal youth aged 12 to 29 throughout BC. There are approximately two Youth Circles per month. The Circle gives young Aboriginal people a place to express themselves, to be entertained and to learn and teach others about what’s going on and what they want to do in their communities.
Overview: Trevor began video editing in 2005 while he was still in high school. He started with editing videos of people playing the popular video game Halo with montages accompanied by music. Since 2005, his montages have garnered more than one million views via the Internet. Trevor also works with a freelance group called Viral Design. He has travelled to Dallas, Texas and other events to shoot video and do photography for various companies. Trevor’s “Get Up, Move Up” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpN1ItlfEAA) public service announcement recently won the $5,000 first-place prize at the First Nations Health Council ‘Active Spirit, Active History’ video contest.

Trevor is currently attending Capilano University’s ‘Motion Picture Arts’ program in Vancouver where he is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree. Check out Trevor's website at: http://www.trevormack.ca/
How to Connect:

Registration is required to attend this Youth Circle. There are now two ways to join us at the Learning Circle.
a)) You can join this interactive, online presentation via videoconference. You will be contacted prior to the event by our technical support at Health Canada to make arrangements to connect via videoconference.
b) You can also participate via Adobe Connect from the convenience of your office, school, or home computer. Further information on how to connect with the Learning Circle via Adobe Connect will be distributed prior to the event.
For more information about the UBC Aboriginal Youth Learning Circle, and links to register, please visit http://learningcircle.ubc.ca/youth/
We look forward to meeting you at the Circle!
Warm regards,
Kathryn Berry, Program Assistant

Division of Aboriginal People’s Health
University of British Columbia
Tel. 604.682.2344 ex. 62242
Fax. 604.806.8499
http://learningcircle.ubc.ca
http://aboriginalhealth.med.ubc.ca/
6) Communities that Care’s Positive Action Program’s WORD of the WEEK is:
Curious – To be eager to learn how and why things happen.
For more information contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249
7) Reminder: Earth Friendly Holiday Event at Scout Island Nature Centre (SINC)
Tonight (Nov 30th) from 5 -8 pm, and tomorrow (Dec 1) from 10 am – 3pm come make a holiday wreath or bird feeders, take a night walk, children’s games and activities, potluck dinner, and check out the “alternative gift ideas” table.
For more information contact 250-398-7929 or 398-8532 or email ccentre@ccconserv.org.
8) Womens Contact Society update:
a) The annual Purple Ribbon Campaign is now running. Be part of the solution and wear a purple ribbon to show your support against violence to women. Free ribbons are available at Intrigue hair studio, the Tribune, the Cariboo Advisor, and the Womens Contact Society.
On December 6, 2012 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, there will be an Open House and Free Lunch provided by Chiwid Transition House between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm at the Seniors Activity Centre in the basement. I have attached a poster.
b) Women’s Job Readiness program for Hairdressing and Esthetics which will go until February.
c) Our Women’s Zumba class has now ended until mid-January
d) Tuesday December 4: Cold & Flu Women’s Noon Hour Workshop – Lunch is provided
e) Tuesday December 11: Noon Hour Financial Workshop with Jim Tanis from Investors Group – Lunch Provided

9) From Big Brother Big Sisters in Williams Lake:
WOULD YOUR CHILD ENJOY BEING A MEMBER OF THIS FUN & ACTIVE SOCIETY?

Little Sisters are between 6 - 13 Years Old

Enjoy getting out of the house to do cool things

Little Sisters live in a one parent home
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Your daughter will be matched with someone who will do everything in her power to make your child feel special. This little bit of extra attention will increases her self-confidence and her self-esteem.
When your daughter is out with her ‘Big Sister’ this can allow you special time with the remaining children in your home.
Your child will be invited to monthly activities sponsored by Big Brothers & Sisters such as bowling, swimming, Gavin Lake, Christmas and Halloween parties and much more.
Your daughter may be eligible for sponsorship in sport or recreational activities through the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Foundation.
MEMBERSHIP IS COMPLETELY FREE! LEARN HOW YOUR DAUGHTER CAN GET INVOLVED WITH BIG SISTERS, TALK WITH ONE OF OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS AT: 250-398-8391 OR CHECK US OUT BBBSWLAKE.COM
10) Communities that Care Community Board Updates:
a) Supporting breakfast programs – Schools need some volunteer help for their breakfast programs. Suggestion that secondary students might be able to help out in some schools. Jan indicated that Skyline students help out regularly at Marie Sharpe. Another idea was to contact the ECE program at TRU to see if students there might be able to give a hand. Someone also suggested sending out a recipe or nutrition tip. Lora indicated that she is already doing this. If you’d like to be on her distribution list, email her at Lora.Fairbrother@sd27.bc.ca If you or anyone you know might be able to help out with the breakfast programs, contact Jan: Janice.Fichtner@sd27.bc.ca
b) Meeting days - We’ve had requests to change the meeting day from Thursday to another weekday. The group decided to meet on the second Tuesday in the afternoon. Next meeting Tues. Dec.11 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Co-op, 51 4th Avenue (beside the Boys and Girls Club). For more information on how to get involved please contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249
c) CMHA ( Canadian Mental Health Association)
Parent-Teen Counseling – Parent-Teen Counseling program is now Family Solutions. The Contractor felt there was a gap in working with parents with mental health issues. If service providers are working with adults with mental health and other issues, please direct them to CMHA. Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) at MCFD is working with children and youth who have clearly defined mental health issues. CMHA is still able to work with children/youth who need counseling support (ie. Those who do not have clearly defined mental health issues), so continue to refer them to CMHA. If you are not sure where to send clients, refer to either CMHA or CYMH and they will figure out the best fit for the client.
Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health at Denisiqi and Cariboo Friendship Society also provide counseling for children and youth.
Multiculturalism Projects –CMHA has received approximately 45 submissions representing 43 different countries for its Community Cookbook. In addition to recipes, the book will also contain personal stories. CMHA is looking for a few more entries. Contact Marilyn Livingston for more information at marilyn.livingston@cmhawl.org
11) Daybreak Rotary donates benches to dog park

The City of Williams Lake was pleased to accept the donation of two park benches recently from the Daybreak Rotary Club. One bench is located in the small dog park area, and the other in the big dog area. The benches provide a space for owners to sit while at the park with their dogs, and are the first improvement to the park.
“This is a wonderful community amenity, and I’m so happy a community organization is helping to develop this park to be even better for users,” says Councillor Laurie Walters. “Anyone interested in contributing to the park in a similar matter is encouraged to call the City.” The grand opening for the dog park will be held next spring.

Community Updates – November 23, 2012

Community Updates – November 23, 2012
1) Social Planning Council Monthly Meeting – Monday Nov 26/12
The next SPC monthly meeting is this Monday at 11:30 am at the City of Williams Lake. The agenda is attached and we hope to see you there.
2) United Way Youth Initiative Grants - in partnership with TELUS and Interior Savings - are available to individuals or groups of youth ages 25 and under. The key criteria for all grants is that they are YOUTH-led and partnered with a registered charitable organization.
There is two weeks left to apply for up to $1,500 in funding for a local community volunteer project! You can find the application and a (very) helpful information sheet available online at our website (http://www.unitedwaytnc.ca/all-that-kids-can-be/youth-engagement/youth-initiative-grants/)
Grant applications can have many different themes: recreation, arts and culture, poverty, bullying and self-esteem, environmentalism, life skills, etc!
The deadline to apply is next Friday, November 30 at 12:00pm. Applications will be reviewed in December and January. Winning recipients are announced at the end of January and cheques are sent out in early February. Recipients then have until December 31, 2013 to spend their funds and complete their project.
If you have any questions or need some help, please let me know!
Thank you,

Amy Berard
Youth Engagement/ Campus Liaison
youth@unitedwaytnc.ca

3) Thompson Rivers University’s Faculty of Social, Human and Educational Development – Williams Lake Campus

We'd like to invite you to an inquiry into the possibility of a part time offering of the Community & School Support (CSS) program.

The CSS program, this program incorporates 10 courses that provide a foundation of skills, knowledge and values for individuals who work supporting people with disabilities in the community and in schools. We have offered this program approximately every 3 - 4 years since 2002. Graduates have experienced success in finding employment or have used this program to ladder to our diploma and then to a BSW degree.

Our school district now requires this program (or an equivalent) to be hired as a teaching assistant for district schools. This program helps agencies meet the accreditation requirements of a number of community agencies as well as providing a solid professional foundation for people who provide support for children and adults living with disabilities.
Our hope in offering the program on a part time basis is that it will allow people to work and learn at the same time. We are seeking input from the community and relevant agencies with regard to what might work for current employees as well as issues like placement and availability of jobs.

The meeting will be held Thursday December 6th from 10-11:30 in Room 1303 at the University. Feel free to pass this on to anyone you feel would be interested in attending.
RSVP to jgoddard@tru.ca or call 250 392-8164 for more information
4) Williams Lake Employment Services (WLES) – Open House Dec 12/12
Dec 12 – 10 - 4 pm at 281 First Avenue N. - Job seekers, Service Providers and Employers Welcome.

Highlights include:

WorkBC Program Information,

Local Opportunities and postings

Featured Industries and Guest Speakers,

Networking and Labour Market Insights

Explore new Training Opportiunities
Call WLES at 250-398-5133 or email inquiries@hortonventures.com for more information.
Horton Ventures Inc. operates as Williams Lake Employment Services and is a WorkBC Employment Services Centre, providing full services and programs to job seekers and employers. They offer individualized service with experienced Case Managers, a staffed resources areas, regular resume workshops and assistance, specialized programs such as Skills Training, Self Employment, Wage Subsidy and Apprentice information and support. We also post free job listings for local area employers. Visit www.hortonventures.com for more information.
5) Communities that Care’s Positive Action Program’s WORD of the WEEK is:
Challenge - A task that calls for special effort
For more information contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249
6) Earth Friendly Holiday Event at Scout Island Nature Centre (SINC)
Friday Nov 30th 5 -8 pm, and Saturday Dec 1 from 10 am – 3pm. Come make a holiday wreath or bird feeders, take a night walk, children’s games and activities, potluck dinner, and check out the “alternative gift ideas” table.
For more information contact 250-398-7929 or 398-8532 or email ccentre@ccconserv.org. This event is brought to you by a collection of groups including the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, SINC, WL Field Naturalists, WL Environmental Society, WL Food Policy Council and Cariboo Growers.
7) Made in the Cariboo Craft Sale: Sat, Nov 24 10 am – 3 pm

The Williams Lake Visitor Centre 3rd Annual Made in the Cariboo Craft Sale. Please Contact the Williams Lake Visitor Centre 250-392-5025 for more information.
8) Medieval Market - Nov 24 & 25th from 10 am – 4 pm at Columneetza Secondary School

Please join us at the Medieval Market for a weekend of fine crafts, good music, local gourmet foods, and old and new friends. November 24 and 25, 10 - 4pm
Entertainment features local musicians Oren Barter, Pharis Romero and Marin Patenaude, Youth Fiddlers, Carmen and Dena, Jenny’s Jam, Quintet Plus, Christine Constabel and Sherri Taylor, GADZukes, Steve Hunter, and Willow. And back by popular demand is Magical Jesaja.
9) City Council Highlights – Nov 20/12
Purple Ribbon Campaign:

Irene Willsie of the Violence Prevention Committee spoke to Council about the Purple Ribbon campaign, to increase awareness of domestic violence. Ribbons will be available in local stores in the coming days. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is Dec. 6.
Speed Reader Board Placement:

Council endorsed the placement of speed reader boards in the areas of Third Avenue & Comer Street and Foster Way, and directed staff to consult with the residents of both neighbourhood regarding specific locations for each unit. Recently City Council has received two written complaints accompanied by petitions regarding excessive speeds on 3rd Avenue between Proctor Street and Comer Street and on Foster Way. These two locations would be ideal to install the reader boards as they will provide Council with important data and will determine if speeding is a concern in these areas.
Housing Needs and Demand Study:

Council received the completed Housing Needs and Demand Study for information. The City contracted with City Spaces Consulting in early 2012 to complete a Housing Need and Demand study to assist the Cariboo Lodge Site Redevelopment Task Force. The report has been received and reviewed by the Task Force. As described throughout this needs analysis, low-income singles (working singles and those living on fixed incomes, including seniors), individuals with special needs, and aboriginal households of all ages face the greatest challenges in finding and maintaining housing that is affordable, adequate and suitable. For some low income individuals, particularly those that have complex health and substance issues, finding and keeping any form of permanent housing is especially challenging. The study found that Williams Lake has many caring and compassionate individuals, organizations and faith-based groups, and a number of existing housing providers. Future partnerships and collaborations, together with the support of the City and BC Housing, will be required to comprehensively address current and emerging housing needs.
10) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Events
Nov 24 - Skate with Santa* from 1:00-2:30pm (Regular drop in rates apply)

Dec 16 - Surplus Herby’s is sponsoring a Free Skate from 2:45-4:15pm
*All free events are advertised under the FREE events tab on the www.activewilliamslake.ca website. Feel free to print off posters to display throughout town.
11) National Film Board Fall Screenings (all FREE screenings are in the CRDL Williams Lake Branch program room (Suite A, 180 N. Third Ave - Call 250-392-3630 for details or email cderksen@cariboord.bc.ca)
Film – Boxing Girls of Kabul - Wednesday December 16th, 7:00pm

Boxing Girls of Kabul: A group of young Afghan women strive to become world-class boxers, training without the benefit of even the most basic facilities at the national stadium, where only recently women were executed by the Taliban. The Boxing Girls of Kabul reveals a compelling journey of both personal and political transformation, and illustrates the power of fighting for what you believe in.

Community Updates – November 16, 2012

Community Updates – November 16, 2012


1) Update from the United Way
a) Interior Savings is donating $10 to our United Way campaign for every "like" we send their way on Facebook! Please like their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InteriorSavings) and ours while you're at it :)

b) Seeing is Believing Tour - Wednesday, November 21 from 1 - 3 pm (Kamloops BC)

Seeing is Believing Tours offer an opportunity for donors, campaign volunteers and interested individuals to see – first hand – the impact of their donations at work in our community. Participants are able to visit community agencies and hear directly from agency staff and clients about the difference United Way and community partners can make in the lives of individuals in our community.
Email amber@unitedwaytnc.ca and book your seat today! Space is limited

2) Annual Month Long Christmas Market at the Station House Gallery

December 1 through 31st, 7 days a week, from 10 to 5 Mon thru Sat and 11 to 4 pm on Sundays, Showcase and Sale of Fine Arts and Crafts

3) Update - Better at Home United Way helping seniors remain independent betterathome.ca

William’s Lake Better at Home Community Engagement Highlights and Update:

“Over the last month I have been spending time in Williams Lake and connecting with many people and several organizations/agencies from multiple service areas. I was hired through the Thompson, Nicola Cariboo United Way to develop a community profile, identify the key stakeholders, identify local senior’s needs, as they relate to the Better at Home Program, and organize a community meeting for stakeholders and potential lead organizations.
Community Meeting:

When: Tuesday December 4th, 2012 from 1-3pm
Where: Williams Lake Public Library
What: Better at Home Community Meeting. Everyone is welcome to this meeting including seniors, prospective lead agencies, service groups, and anyone interested in supporting seniors in the community. At this meeting there will be:

1) A general introduction to the Better at Home program, and with a focus on non-medical services;

2) An overview of what has been collected while meeting with people and services:

What’s working in the community? (community strengths, available services, assets, etc.). What’s missing? (areas of need, gaps in service, priority areas, etc.). What agency would be the best fit to house the Better at Home program in Williams Lake? (suggested agencies, potential partnerships, etc.)
3) After this presentation there will be time for people to add to what has already been collected.
Stakeholders Meeting:
When: Wednesday December 5, 2012 from 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Williams Lake Public Library
What: Key Stakeholders Meeting. Key Stakeholders can include representatives of senior’s organizations, volunteer organizations, First Nations communities, caregiver associations, cultural and faith-based groups, health authorities, and other community based groups.

1) The Key Stakeholder Meeting will draw from the information gathered in the Community Meeting to select the Lead Agency for the Better at Home program in Williams Lake

2) Following the selection of the Lead Agency, people will encouraged to put their names forward as potential Advisory Committee members. The list will then be forwarded on the Lead Agency as they begin to establish an advisory committee and the Williams Lake Better at Home program.
Better at Home Lead Agency Eligibility:

In order to be considered as a Lead Agency you must satisfy these requirements:

1) Qualified donee according to Canada Revenue Guidelines;

2) Comply with all Federal, Provincial, and Municipal laws (labour, employment, and human rights included);

3) Demonstrate community accountability through strong volunteer governance and leadership;

4) Demonstrate effective Human Resources, program and financial management and deliver programs and services in an effective and efficient manner.

5) Be recommended/identifies as a potential candidate to offer a Better at Home program as a result of the better at Home community development process.

To Date: Williams Lake non-medical support Services top 4 requests:

Drawing from several interviews, meetings, and emails, there are a few services that have been continually highlighted.

Transportation: It seems that there is a heightened concern for isolated seniors in the community of Williams Lake. Getting seniors around for appointments, errands, and recreation has been identified as a need.

Fire Wood: Helping seniors with wood (chopping, delivering, moving it inside, etc.) is identified as a specific need for Williams Lake

Snow Removal: Identified as a concern, specifically in regards to the strenuous nature of the work, and the presented slipping hazard.

Light Housework: Including laundry, groceries (shopping, unloading, etc.), vacuuming, bed changing, etc., with a focus on strenuous everyday activities.

Other services have also been identified, however, these four have been repeated several times by many people.

Action Points:

Please feel free to forward the introductory information I have attached to this email (brochure and FAQ document) to anyone who is interested in the program. At this point, getting the word out about the program and collecting feedback is very helpful to ensuring that the Better at Home program is truly based on community input and meets the needs of Williams Lake to the best of our ability.

I hope this provides a clearer outline of the next steps for the Better at Home program in Williams Lake; if you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly.”

Thank you again for your interest and continued support,

Jennifer Dustin
Better at Home Program Community Developer – Williams Lake
250-318-1359
Jennifer.dustin@gmail.com
You may also contact Jody Olsen (Field Coordinator) for further information:

Jody Olsson, Field Coordinator at jodyo@betterhome.ca
United Way of the Lower Mainland
4543 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4T4
P 604-294-8299 ext 2464

For further information and examples follow these links:
Better at Home website: http://betterathome.ca/
Pilot Projects (formerly CASI program):

Osoyoos: http://www.casiosoyoos.org/

Dawson Creek: http://www.spcrs.ca/community.html#5

Vancouver: http://casirenfrewcollingwood.wordpress.com/author/casirenfrewcollingwood/

Surrey: http://www.dcrs.ca/index.php?page=CASI§ion=services&cat=community&sub=2

Maple Ridge: http://www.comservice.bc.ca/programs-services/senior-services/seniors-outreach-home-support
4) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Events
Free Skate - The Kiwanis Club of Williams Lake is sponsoring a Free Skate and everyone is welcome to attend! November 17th 1:00-2:30pm
Free Family Swim - The Children First community table is hosting a Free Family Swim & PJ Storytime on November 20 6:45-8:00pm to celebrate National Child Day. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Skate with Santa on Nov 24 from 1:00-2:30pm (Regular drop in rates apply).

*All free events are advertised under the FREE events tab on the www.activewilliamslake.ca website. Feel free to print off posters to display throughout town.

5) Update from the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition:

“Dear Supporters,

October was an exciting month and there is lots more going on as we enter the last six months before the provincial election! On October 17, 22 schools around the province took part in End Poverty Day - more details below, including a video called "This is what inequality looks like in BC" produced by students at Princess Margaret Secondary in Surrey. I also joined over 130 people who took part in the Welfare Food Challenge, eating only what we could buy for $26 for the week of October 16-23. Links to the blog, media attention and ways to take action can be found below.

We have a new resource available for you below. Produced in collaboration with our child care partners, this fact sheet highlights the relationship between a plan for early care and learning and a poverty reduction strategy for BC. Also, new poll results reveal that 3 out of 4 British Columbians support a poverty reduction plan. Read on for more details.

My mid-October trip to Vancouver Island to meet with members and supporters was hugely successful and thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks to Faith in Action and KAIROS BC/Yukon Network for hosting me. I'm always open to invitations to meet with other organizations throughout the province and to present within your local communities so please keep that in mind if you're hosting any upcoming events.”

End Poverty Day: Student Day of Action:

On October 17, students in 22 schools around the province worked hard to raise awareness about the crisis of poverty we're facing in BC. From Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Hope, Quesnel, Summerland and Telegraph Creek, students came together on End Poverty Day to take action. Instead of doing food bank drives, they asked for a long-term solution that addresses the root causes of these issues.

“The whole goal of this was not to ask for donations but to help raise awareness about poverty issues and hopefully motivate the government to do something about this,” says Gurpreet Dhaliwal from Princess Margaret Secondary in Surrey. Students collected hundreds of signatures for the petition urging the government to commit to a poverty reduction plan. Big thanks to all the students and teachers that got involved!

During the week, we worked with students at Princess Margaret Secondary in Surrey on this short video that shows what income inequality looks like in BC through a really effective visual demonstration.

Video Launch – “This is what inequality looks like in BC” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vTxmi_i-vE&noredirect=1)

Welfare Food Challenge:

We worked with Raise the Rates on the Welfare Food Challenge, which took place from October 16, World Food Day, to October 23. Over 130 participants took the challenge including myself, Ted Bruce, Coalition co-chair and Executive Director of Population Health for Vancouver Coastal Health, and two groups of students involved with End Poverty Day, one from Surrey and one from Richmond. Here's the food I bought for $25.77 (see photo) - it was a hard week with constant hunger, no meat, few vegetables and fruit, and no flavour!
The Challenge was a huge success in changing people's personal perceptions and raising public awareness, and got a lot of positive media attention.

It's now been 3 weeks since the Welfare Food Challenge but thousands still face the challenge every day. $610 per month is completely inadequate.

Ideas for taking action can be found at http://welfarefoodchallenge.org/
Child Care Fact Sheet Now Available:

$10 A Day Child Care: A Key to Ending Family Poverty is a fact sheet that we worked on with our child care partners and is now available online http://www.cccabc.bc.ca/plan/ (scroll down to download Fact Sheet 4). I also have printed copies so please let me know if you need any for distribution within your organization or at an upcoming event. I'll be presenting on these issues at the BCGEU provincial child care conference on Friday evening.
Over 3 out of 4 British Columbians Support a Poverty Reduction Plan:

A recent poll conducted on behalf of the BC Healthy Living Alliance surveyed British Columbians on a number of BCHLA's advocacy priorities and support for a poverty reduction plan ranked highest for overall support at 78%, in relation to other disease prevention measures. The response shows that the public clearly understands the relation between poverty and health. Support for a poverty reduction plan was even higher among seniors (82%), women (84%) and those with household incomes below $50,000 (86%). They also placed a high importance (80%) on increasing income assistance rates to account for the real cost of a nutritious diet and market rental rates. Here is the full press release http://www.bchealthyliving.ca/hungry-change-poll-shows-british-columbians-want-action-poverty
Updates from Members

BC Teachers' Federation Members are Mobilizing:

Exciting news from the BCTF! They're mobilizing their members around poverty reduction throughout November. They kicked off the month with a slideshow on Poverty as an Election Issue and teachers have taken up the challenge to take action within their local communities. For example, teachers in Prince George are organizing a rally to their local MLA office (contact Tina Cousins to get involved) and, in Nelson, they're taking part in the Welfare Food Challenge and challenging parents to make lunches for their kids for only $26 for the week. Nov. 19th-23rd will be the focus of the month and teachers around the province will be wearing band-aid stickers saying "End Child Poverty." Please check out the BCTF http://www.bctf.ca/SocialJustice.aspx?id=21362&libID=21352 website for the slideshow, speaking notes and more anti-poverty resources.
ACORN Canada Update and Upcoming Event:

ACORN began a campaign in September calling on the Ministry of Social Development to provide livable allowances for people with disabilities. The ACORN Disability Rights Group is a large group of determined disabled people committed to justice and they have been holding monthly actions at ministry offices in the Greater Vancouver area.
If you're in the Lower Mainland, please join them in their next Action on Thursday November 22nd at 12pm at Minister Moira Stilwell's Constituency office - 5740 Cambie Street #365 (Oakridge Station/Canada Line).

If you have a community event or news that you would like to be featured in our e-newsletter, please let me know by the beginning of each month.

5) Reminder – TODAY - CCPL’s Financial Literacy Symposium - Nov 16th 12 – 8 pm at Boitanio Mall

TODAY - Free workshops (Retirement Savings, Budget for Life, and Smart Consumers), discussion groups, and “Ask the Experts”. For more information contact kirsten@caribooliteracy.com or visit: www.caribooliteracy.com where you can find out about all the literacy programs and resources available in your community.
6) Reminder - Boys & Girls Club AGM – Nov 20/12
We are pleased to invite you to our Annual General Meeting, this year highlighting one of our new programs for 2012. We hope you can join us for coffee, tea and dessert!

WHEN: November 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: The Glass Slippers Program, upstairs above Haines Office World (1st Avenue).

6) Reminder - National Film Board Fall Screenings (all FREE screenings are in the CRDL Williams Lake Branch program room (Suite A, 180 N. Third Ave - Call 250-392-3630 for details or email cderksen@cariboord.bc.ca)

Film - Surviving Progress on Wednesday November 15th, 7:00pm

Ronald Wright’s bestseller A Short History of Progress inspired this cinematic requiem to progress-as-usual. Throughout human history, what seemed like progress often backfired. Some of the world's foremost thinkers, activists, bankers, and scientists challenge us to overcome progress traps, which destroyed past civilizations and lie treacherously embedded in our own.

Community Updates – November 9, 2012

Community Updates – November 9, 2012


1) Boys & Girls Club AGM – Nov 20/12
We are pleased to invite you to our Annual General Meeting, this year highlighting one of our new programs for 2012. We hope you can join us for coffee, tea and dessert!
WHEN: November 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION: The Glass Slippers Program, upstairs above Haines Office World (1st Avenue).
2) Update from the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society:
Culture Project Grants for Williams Lake and CRD Areas D, E, and F
Project grants are available for non-profit organizations or community groups in Williams Lake and the Central Cariboo (CRD Areas D, E, and F) to support and develop arts and culture within this region. Grants are not available to organizations outside this area unless partnered with another local organization and delivering a project within the Central Cariboo. The funding for these grants is courtesy of the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District (Central Cariboo Arts & Culture function), and is subject to the availability of funds.
The 2013 Grants program is now accepting Project Grant applications with a deadline of February 8, 2013 at 4pm. Application forms may be downloaded http://centralcaribooarts.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4bec4e96608908765cb86b0a0&id=63c32fd071&e=8493b15ded
Awards will be made by the Cariboo Regional District on the recommendation of the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, subject to the availability of funds.
Project Grants of between $300 and $2,000 are available for projects which:

1) Are new or build creatively on previous work, 2) Are likely to increase participation in arts & culture, 3) Take place within the Central Cariboo region (Williams Lake and/or CRD Areas D, E, and F) and 4) Will be completed before the end of the year applying for.
GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP
January 15th, 6pm – 8pm, at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre
Instructor: Graham Kelsey

No charge to register – Register with the CCACS at 778-412-9044 or info@centralcaribooarts.com

The workshop will introduce commonly made pitfalls in grant applications (e.g. budgeting, project description, etc). It will be focused on the CCACS Project Grant application.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Applicants, specifically new applicants, are encouraged to contact CCACS before filling out the application. For further information on this program, contact CCACS Coordinator Leah Selk at:

Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society
90 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2C6
Telephone: 778-412-9044
Email: info@centralcaribooarts.com

3) National Film Board Fall Screenings (all FREE screenings are in the CRDL Williams Lake Branch program room (Suite A, 180 N. Third Ave - Call 250-392-3630 for details or email cderksen@cariboord.bc.ca)

Film - Surviving Progress on Wednesday November 15th, 7:00pm

Ronald Wright’s bestseller A Short History of Progress inspired this cinematic requiem to progress-as-usual. Throughout human history, what seemed like progress often backfired. Some of the world's foremost thinkers, activists, bankers, and scientists challenge us to overcome progress traps, which destroyed past civilizations and lie treacherously embedded in our own.

4) Communities that Care’s Positive Action Program’s WORD of the WEEK is:
From Unit 2 of Positive Action. The theme is “Your Body and Mind”.
Creative – To be able to make something new

For more information contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249

5) CCPL’s Financial Literacy Symposium - Nov 16th 12 – 8 pm at Boitanio Mall

Free workshops (Retirement Savings, Budget for Life, and Smart Consumers), discussion groups, and “Ask the Experts”. For more information contact kirsten@caribooliteracy.com or visit: www.caribooliteracy.com where you can find out about all the literacy programs and resources available in your community.

6) Earth Friendly Holiday Event at Scout Island Nature Centre (SINC)

Friday Nov 30th 5 -8 pm, and Saturday Dec 1 from 10 am – 3pm. Come make a holiday wreath or bird feeders, take a night walk, children’s games and activities, potluck dinner, and check out the “alternative gift ideas” table.

For more information contact 250-398-7929 or 398-8532 or email ccentre@ccconserv.org. This event is brought to you by a collection of groups including the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, SINC, WL Field Naturalists, WL Environmental Society, WL Food Policy Council and Cariboo Growers.
7) Made in the Cariboo Craft Sale: Sat, Nov 24 10 am – 3 pm

The Williams Lake Visitor Centre 3rd Annual Made in the Cariboo Craft Sale still has space available for vendors on November 24th. Please Contact the Williams Lake Visitor Centre 250-392-5025for information on becoming a vendor.

8) Reminders:
a) Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society presents Harlem Crowns Comedy Basketball Team

The event takes place on Tuesday November 13 at 6 pm (Columneetza Gymnasium – admission by donation). For more information please contact Sarah Jackman, at 250-392-3918, c. 250-267-2510 or punkyfinance@tsilhqotin.ca

b) Red Cross Babysitters Course:

This nationally recognized course prepares young adults to be responsible and knowledgeable babysitters. Participants will learn about the rights and responsibilities of babysitters, how to care for newborn to school aged children, injury prevention and emergency action. Bring lunch, a pen and notebook.

November 16th and 17th (Friday and Saturday)
Friday: 9:00am-2:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am-3:00pm
$50.00

c) Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society – Open House Nov 6/12

On November 6, 2012, you are cordially invited to the IMSS Open House (Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society). The event will take place from 3:00 to 6:00 at 118C North 1st Avenue, (Village Square), Williams Lake.

This will be a good opportunity to find out more about services for immigrants available in your community.

For questions and details, please contact Susan Nelson at susan@imss.ca or call 778-412-2999

d) The University of Northern BC's Quesnel River Research Centre (QRRC), would like to invite you to attend one or both of our Science Town Hall Meetings

These meetings are a chance for community members that work, live, and/or recreate in the Quesnel River Watershed to discuss land uses that may affect they way they use the watershed with the faculty and staff of the QRRC. The goal of these workshops is to explore our future research directions and potential collaborative projects with members of the community. This Town Hall meeting is a follow-up to the Stakeholder Workshop Series (http://www.unbc.ca/qrrc/stakeholder_workshop_series.html ).

We have two Science Town Hall meetings:

In Horsefly:

Hosted by - The Horsefly River Roundtable
Where - Horsefly Community Hall
When - Wednesday November 14, 7:00-9:00 pm
In Williams Lake:
Hosted by - The Williams Lake Field
Naturalists and Scout Island Nature Centre
Where - Thompson Rivers University
Cafeteria, 1250 Western Ave.
When - Thursday November 15, 7:00-9:00 pm

RSVP and please let us know which Town Hall you will be coming to. Contact Sam Albers, QRRC Manager at 250-790-2031 or Samuel.Albers@unbc.ca for more information.

e) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Free Events
Free Skate - Western Financial invites you to attend a Free Skate.
November 4th 1:00-2:30pm

Free Public Swim with Iceberg - On November 10th, Mount Polley is sponsoring a free public swim. All members of the community are invited to come out! November 10th 1:30-3:30pm

Free Skate - The Kiwanis Club of Williams Lake is sponsoring a Free Skate and everyone is welcome to attend! November 17th 1:00-2:30pm

*All free events are advertised under the FREE events tab on the www.activewilliamslake.ca website. Feel free to print off posters to display throughout town.

Community Updates – November 2, 2012

Community Updates – November 2, 2012

1) Reminder - The Social Planning Council AGM is on Monday Nov 5th from 11:30 am until 1 pm at TRU (drop-in’s welcome).

Come join us over free lunch this Monday in the TRU Gymnasium for the Social Planning Council’s open-house café-style setting Annual General Meeting where you can participate, eat lunch, browse the tables, or just learn more about the Social Planning Council and its initiatives.

Lunch & Browse Open House from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Enjoy lunch and browse the different Cafe-style tables on the following areas:
1) Poverty Reduction & Living Wage
2) Retention and Succession
3) Community Collaboration

AGM Business Items from 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm:

1) Accept Minutes from the October 22, 2011 AGM\
2) Annual Chair’s Report
3) Financial Report
4) Election of Officers

2) Communities that Care’s Positive Action Program’s WORD of the WEEK is:

We are moving onto Unit 2 of Positive Action. The theme is “Your Body and Mind”.

Healthy – To be well or to have good health

For more information contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249

3) Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society presents Harlem Crowns Comedy Basketball Team

The event takes place on Tuesday November 13 at 6 pm (Columneetza Gymnasium – admission by donation). For more information please contact Sarah Jackman, at 250-392-3918, c. 250-267-2510 or punkyfinance@tsilhqotin.ca

4) Diana French will be launching her new book Women of Brave Mettle: More stories from the Cariboo-Chilcotin at the Williams Lake Branch library on Friday November 9th, at 7pm.

Women of Brave Mettle - More Stories of the Cariboo Chilcotin by Diana French

(Extraordinary Women: Volume 2)
In this much-anticipated second volume in the Extraordinary Women Anthology series, Diana French follows up on Gumption and Grit with more stories of the women who have contributed, or who are still contributing, to the vibrant mosaic that is the Cariboo Chilcotin. The area has more than its share of remarkable women, from educators to rodeo stars, doctors to playwrights, administrators to environmentalists, artists to politicians. In earlier days, nurse Jane Lehman, the daughter of pioneers, traveled long, lonely miles by horseback in the West Chilcotin to reach her patients. Jessie Pigeon was Canada’s first female Government Agent, and Gwen Ringwood was already an internationally known playwright when she came to Williams Lake with her doctor husband.

Later-day heroines include June Striegler, whose teaching career has spanned over seventy years and Joan Gentles, an outstanding courtworker, educator, and rodeo competitor. Former mayor Ethel Winger likes to relax by prospecting for gold, and Lynette Cobb serves the community from her wheelchair. Helen Haig-Brown is an award-winning filmmaker, Xeni Gwet’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste stands tall to protect her people and land from the latest gold rush. Pharmacists Adaline and Cathie Hamm are among the mother/ daughter combos serving the community.

Diverse as they may be, the women of the Cariboo Chilcotin share their ability to meet all challenges head-on and do what needs to be done with love, strength and humour.

5) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex – November Newsletter

November has arrived and with it, the cold winter weather. It is easy to fall into hibernation mode and reduce the amount of time that we exercise in the winter. Instead of letting this happen, move your workouts indoors: sign up for fitness classes, start swimming or skating. There are many options to stay fit during the cold winter months.
Fall Break Dayz at the Pool:

Are you looking for fun and affordable activities during fall break? The pool lifeguards will be hosting a different aquatic adventure theme each day between 1:30 and 3:00pm.
Monday, November 12, Jungle Dayz
Tuesday, November 13, Pirate Dayz
Wednesday, November 14, Sports Dayz
Thursday, November 15, Green and Slimy Dayz
Friday, November 16, Tropical Dayz
Regular admission rates apply.

Free Events:
Free Skate - Western Financial invites you to attend a Free Skate.
November 4th 1:00-2:30pm

Free Public Swim with Iceberg - On November 10th, Mount Polley is sponsoring a free public swim. All members of the community are invited to come out!
November 10th 1:30-3:30pm

Free Skate - The Kiwanis Club of Williams Lake is sponsoring a Free Skate and everyone is welcome to attend!
November 17th 1:00-2:30pm

Free Family Swim - The Children First Community Table is hosting a Free Family Swim & PJ Storytime to celebrate National Child Day. All children must be accompanied by an adult. November 20th 6:45-8:00pm

*All free events that take place at the Complex are advertised under the FREE events tab on the www.activewilliamslake.ca website. Feel free to print off posters to display throughout town.

Basic Theory Certification:Have you ever considered a career in fitness? The Basic Theory Certification Course is designed for anyone interested in teaching group fitness, aquatic fitness, working with seniors, or individual conditioning.

If you are interested in taking the course in Williams Lake, you must register by calling the Prince George YMCA at 250-562-9341.
November 3,4, and 17, 18
8:30am-4:30pm
$250 @ the Salvation Army drop in centre, 272 Borland Street

Red Cross Babysitters Course: This nationally recognized course prepares young adults to be responsible and knowledgeable babysitters. Participants will learn about the rights and responsibilities of babysitters, how to care for newborn to school aged children, injury prevention and emergency action. Bring lunch, a pen and notebook.

November 16th and 17th (Friday and Saturday)
Friday: 9:00am-2:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am-3:00pm
$50.00

6) Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society – Open House Nov 6/12

On November 6, 2012, you are cordially invited to the IMSS Open House (Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society). The event will take place from 3:00 to 6:00 at 118C North 1st Avenue, (Village Square), Williams Lake.

This will be a good opportunity to find out more about services for immigrants available in your community.

For questions and details, please contact Susan Nelson at susan@imss.ca or call 778-412-2999

7) The University of Northern BC's Quesnel River Research Centre (QRRC), would like to invite you to attend one or both of our Science Town Hall Meetings

These meetings are a chance for community members that work, live, and/or recreate in the Quesnel River Watershed to discuss land uses that may affect they way they use the watershed with the faculty and staff of the QRRC. The goal of these workshops is to explore our future research directions and potential collaborative projects with members of the community. This Town Hall meeting is a follow-up to the Stakeholder Workshop Series (http://www.unbc.ca/qrrc/stakeholder_workshop_series.html ).

We have two Science Town Hall meetings:
In Horsefly: Hosted by - The Horsefly River Roundtable

Where - Horsefly Community Hall
When - Wednesday November 14, 7:00-9:00 pm
In Williams Lake: Hosted by - The Williams Lake Field Naturalists and Scout Island Nature Centre

Where - Thompson Rivers University Cafeteria, 1250 Western Ave.
When - Thursday November 15, 7:00-9:00 pm
RSVP and please let us know which Town Hall you will be coming to.

Contact Sam Albers, QRRC Manager at 250-790-2031 or Samuel.Albers@unbc.ca for more information.

8) There will be an opportunity for the public to speak to Council regarding the 2013 budget and five-year financial plan on Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 6-6:30 p.m. in the Rick Hansen Boardroom, downstairs at City Hall.