Christmas tree permits
Many people enjoy venturing out into the woods to cut down their own Christmas tree; but the Ministry of Forests reminds everyone that in order to harvest a tree in an approved area, a free permit is necessary. The permits are available online at https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/xmastrees.htm, and only cover trees that are intended for personal use. Selling a tree cut under a Christmas tree permit, or cutting in an unauthorized area, is illegal.
Christmas food hampers
The Cariboo Resource Society (CRS), which provides food hampers at Christmas for the less fortunate in our communities, notes that there are currently two sets of donation boxes in area towns: those for the CRS’s food hamper, and those for The Equality Project. Both are worthy causes, but there is a big difference between the two: the CRS donation boxes are meant for non-perishable food items, while The Equality Project is seeking donations of household and personal hygiene items, as well as clothing (they are not looking for food)
CRS collection boxes are in Ashcroft (Safety Mart and the credit union); Clinton (the two grocery stores, the health centre, and the credit union); and Spences Bridge (The Packing House, the post office, and the Cook’s Ferry band office). For more information about The Equality Project, the location of its collection boxes, and what items they are looking for, please see the article in this week’s paper.
Winter dance recital
The Krush Dance Company invites everyone to attend its winter dance recital, with two performances on December 17 at the Ashcroft HUB (1 p.m. and 6 p.m.). The entrance fee is $2. Come on out to cheer on the dancers!
Stay electricity safe
The winter storm season is here, with high winds, heavy rain, and snow posing a threat to power lines. BC Hydro reminds everyone about the hazards of electricity, warning that anyone who comes across a downed power line should treat it as dangerous. Stay at least 10 meters (the length of a school bus) away and immediately dial 9-1-1. Likewise, anyone who comes across a hanging power line, a tree that has fallen on an electrical line, a power pole with a broken cross-arm, a low-hanging power line close to the ground, or a power pole leaning more than two meters should stay 10 meters back and call 9-1-1.
Rural education input sought
In order to better understand the needs of students, parents, schools, and communities in rural B.C., the province is seeking public input on rural education. British Columbians have until January 9, 2017 to join in the online discussion and share stories on rural education and thoughts around community development. A draft discussion paper will then be developed and posted online for further public comment.
The feedback received will help government shape a final report on an integrated rural education strategy, which will aim to find long-term solutions for the unique challenges facing rural school districts and communities. To join the discussion, go to http://engage.gov.bc.ca/ruraleducation.
Be cautious with cosmetic tattoos
The emergence of relatively new cosmetic procedures such as eyebrow microblading has prompted Interior Health (IH) to exercise caution when considering such services. Users are specifically reminded to ensure that the establishments they visit have safeguards in place to protect their health.
Microblading—also known as eyebrow embroidery, microstroking, and feather touch—is a technique used to apply semi-permanent eyebrow makeup. It is a form of cosmetic tattooing that uses ink and a very small blade to fill out or re-shape eyebrows. As with any kind of tattooing, it involves breaking the skin.
It is important that all equipment used be sterilized to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. A single use disposable microblading pen is recommended for the procedure, and individuals should ask for the package to be opened in front of them. You should also receive cosmetic tattooing, tattoos, and body piercings from premises inspected by IH.
Home-based businesses advertised on social media and places like Craigslist may not have been inspected by IH, which reviews businesses with respect to general sanitation, disinfection, and infection control procedures.