Bulletin Board

Wanted

Help Wanted

Work Wanted

If anyone is needing a helper for January and February, there is a wonderful young man from Germany, currently in Vancouver, who is looking for a host. We would have loved to have him but we have a couple coming this week for the winter. Contact him by email if you are interested.
I also wanted to put it out there that our helpers Isa and Jonathan, also from Germany, will be here alone over Christmas and may be a little lonely. So if anyone has some holiday goings on and doesn't mind some extra bodies, our number is 250-968-4457. They came with glowing references and are absolutely delightful! Thanks for any outreach you may be able to offer them :-)
Ernie or Carol Ann Romanow

If anyone in the Dunster area requires general landscaping, roadwork, or snow-plowing - we have a 73HP skid-steer available with digging, clean-up, and snow bucket.  Gravel spreading, leveling, etc. We also have pallet forks.

Call Dave at 250-968-4429 or send an email.

HOME HELP FOR SENIORS AND BUSY FOLK

I am offering a variety of services to help with the upkeep of your homes and farms. Will also be a companion for seniors in care. Rate: $15 to $20/hr. negotiable. Will consider partial trade. References available. Phone Leigh Jackson at 250-569-8807.

January 3, 2010

Buy and Sell (including free itmes)

To give away to a good home! One Sharp model UX 186 Fax Machine. Works just fine but I don't need it anymore as my computer printer has a built-in one. It is a thermal paper type of machine but I also have a large roll of extra paper to go with it.  If you would like it, contact Pete Amyoony at 250-968-4334 or by email.

January 11, 2012

French-Canadian Meat Pies (Tourtieres) and Chicken Pot Pies
9 inch     $ 9.00
5 inch     $ 3.50
Steak and Wild Mushroom Pie
9 inch      $ 11.00
5 inch     $  4.00
To place an order or for more information, call Annie or Bruce Baker in Jasper at 780-852-7436 or in Dunster at 250-968-4434 or send an email.

November 11, 2011

Puppies for sale: Puppies are getting really cute and many are already spoken for. They are ready the week before Christmas so let us know if you would like to pick one out.   Mother is border collie/heeler,  father is chocolate lab cross.  They are various versions of black and white. Nice ranch/family dogs.  $150. Call Cardinals at 250-968-4481 to pick one out.

November 8, 2011

I have 6 new (never used) lightweight snow shovels for sale.Selling them at $8.00 each. Call Rick Tobin at 250-566-9066.

November 3, 2011

"Cooking for Lukas - A Cookbook for Beginners" by Jeannette Lorenz
www.wix.com/cookingforlukas/cookbook-for-beginners
$19.95 + shipping

January 1, 2012

Are your feet holding up for warmth in this weather? Mohair socks for sale, made from angora goat fibre, non allergenic, warm, soft, don't roll down, and last forever!! 80% mohair, 18% nylon and 2% spandex. Machine washable too, easy to look after, and man are they warm! Thick thermal - $40.00, thermal $30.00 and some fancy ones too! They come in all sizes. Call Kevin Vander Linden at 250-569-7406.

January 1, 2012

"The Rescue of Belle and Sundance - A Miracle on Mount Renshaw" by Birgit Stutz with Lawrence Scanlan is available in both hardcover and paperback. Hardcovers are available at the McBride Trading Co., Odds 'N' Ends in McBride, and at the Dunster Store. For paperback copies and/or signed hardcover copies, contact Birgit Stutz at 250-968-6801 or by email.

January 1, 2012

Local Real Estate (Buy/Sell/Rent)

Rental property wanted.   The Cardinal's have some friends who are looking for a home and  acreage to rent in the Robson Valley for a few months in the summer.  They come with great references.  Call if you are interested.  250-968-4481.

January 11, 2012

ROOMS FOR RENT
Downtown McBride. $20/night/person. Includes use of kitchen, living room, laundry, parking, internet. NS, No Pets. For more information call Leigh Jackson at 250-569-8807 Sunday through Wednesday or 250-569-0005 Thursday through Saturday.

January 24, 2011

Lost and Found

Looking for Long-Lost Friends

Comments and Suggestions

February 3 , 2009

"Dunster road where it comes off the highway and decends to the river, borders the Chambers farm which was my grandfather's farm originally (until 1960 when it passed to the Neilsons) . The stretch of road was known for decades as Blackwood Hill. It never had a road name until the 70's. In the old days, roads and automobiles being what they were, folks had lots of trouble making the hill in the spring ( mud ) and in the winter ( snow ). My grandfather would come out with his tractor or team of horses and help them out which is likely how it got the name. If we can dig out a picture of the road, now or then, would you post it on the list? Thanks."

Mike Kennedy, Kamloops, B.C.

February 3 , 2009

"I am really impressed with the Dunster site. Nice to see a small community showcased so nicely. My mother, Beatrice Blackwood, grew up at Dunster and we come back to visit often. Thanks for your website and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you."

Mike Kennedy, Kamloops, B.C.

December 17, 2008

"The generous people of Dunster showed up at the Saturday morning pot luck (Dec. 13) and $354.20 plus some non-perishable items were donated to the Food Bank.  Thank you to the people who attended and contributed for sales and raffle for your generosity. "

Kathy Peterson , Dunster, B.C.

April 19, 2008

"Congratulations on the site, webmasters!  It's great!  Really helpful to have the links to the weather and road conditions.  Also the bulletin board will be very useful.  I got very homesick looking at the photos. Am looking forward to the time when I can spend more time than a few weeks in the summer in Dunster again, soaking up the beauty and peace of the place, and reconnecting with my friends.  (By the way,  I especially loved the comment from England about Pete's "next conversion".... )."

Cherry Lynn  Brown, Victoria, B.C.   

April 8, 2008

"I have looked at your site and it is very interesting. I drive a lorry and drag from Truro to Bristol and I like Trevor's programme, that is were I heard about your site and have listened to your good self. Unfortunately I do not know of Dunster in the west country as Falmouth is about 200 miles from Bristol. I will be keeping in touch with your web site. I look forward to your next conversion with Trevor. Kind regards."

Ian Hewson, Falmouth, Cornwall, England

April 5 , 2008

"Love the website, great job, thanks for it too."

Deb Cochrane, Dunster, B.C.

March 19, 2008

"Hello to all you folks in Dunster. Just heard about you guys and Dunster on radio Wiltshire here in England, sorry missed the chaps name talking on the radio at your end. Logged on to your web site which I must say for a small community is very impressive.  Must say the place sounds and looks fantastic so much space, heaven, fully understand what the chap meant when he said he was blessed with beautiful views, I live at the foot of Roundway Hill here in Bromham, Wiltshire and feel the same way. With a great aunt in Grande Prairie you never know I may one day have the opportunity to drop in and see the place. Best wishes to you all."

Jim and Geraldine Dibben, Netherstreet, Bromham, Wiltshire, England
PS We have a web site in the village here at www.bromham.org.uk you may wish to visit.

March 19, 2008

"I would like to congratulate you on a wonderful and informative website which I heard of while listening to Trevor Fry on Radio Bristol.  I have heard the various descriptions of the landscape over the years from Trevor's programme and having now seen the pictures on the website; it has made me want to visit your area of Canada even more so. Many thanks."

Chris Gummer, Bristol, UK

"I have visited your new site and just wanted to say: Looks fantastic! You have put a lot of thought into it. Kudos to you!"

Margaret A. Graine STI PFP
Regional Economic Development Officer
Village of McBride, B.C.
1-877-569-7556
edo@mcbride.ca

February 12, 2008

"Cool website!"

Bob Thompson, Dunster, B.C.

At the Dunster New Year's Eve dance we started a "Support Bill Groeneveld" Fund.  Bill, who grew up here in Dunster, is now a resident of McBride. He was assaulted before Christmas and required extensive medical attention in Prince George and Vancouver, where he and his family incurred many expenses.  He is now recovering  back in McBride at his sister's place.  Thank you to those who contributed at the dance. We have put the donation can at the Dunster General Store for those who wish to contribute to help the Groeneveld family with expenses. It will be in the store for one week. The can will also be placed in McBride for one week. Thanks. Kim McNaughton, 250-968-4467.

January 5, 2011

Update January 11, 2011:

The Support Bill Groeneveld Fund can is being moved to McBride.  Thank you to all who have made donations at the Dunster Store. It was great to see Bill at the Dunster Soup Kitchen last Saturday and he expressed his thanks to all for their support.  Donations can continue to be made at theMcBride Trading Co. (health food store) for one week.Thanks. Kim McNaughton

Hi to anyone who is concerned about Smart Meters:
I learned about the Citizens for Safe Technology Society, from Alison Marchant, whom some of you may remember, lived in the valley for a number of years. I signed a petition with this group, when I was visiting Alison in November.  They tried for 10,000 signatures in 10 days and got over 15,000 to bring concerns about Smart Meters forward to the government.  They are now aiming for 100,000 signatures by Valentine's Day.  I saw Bill Vanderzalm interviewed on the news a few days ago and he basically said that the government is as wrong with the Smart Meter issue as it was about the HST. If you are interested in learning more or signing the petition to reverse the Smart Meter installation issue, the website is www.stopsmartmeters. ca
There is concern about the emission of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) from the meters. I do have some articles on this subject from Alison and another friend if anyone is interested.  I also have some website info on fabrics that actually block EMF (if you are interested in putting up a 'screen' of such fabric to reduce EMF leakage into your home).

Kelly McNaughton, January 5, 2011

Further to Kelly's note (and the several previous notes from Leigh Jackson regarding smart meters), those interested in this issue should check out Joyce Nelson's article"High Voltage: Spin and Lies of a Global Energy Grid".  It occurred as a two-part article on straightgoods.ca a couple of months ago, but is available as a single piece at:
http://www.watershedsentinel.ca/content/high-voltage-spin-lies-global-energy-grid
Joyce's article reveals the appalling but not surprising background behind the smart grid push, and gives progressive-minded people more to think about! 
Thanks to Kelly and Leigh for all the information!

Evan Williams, January 6, 2011

A Dunster steering committee is doing a basic feasibility study for a free weekly half-day pre-schoolers play group. The play group would have children's activities (crafts, games, songs and rhymes, physical activities), presentations for  families on positive parenting and the importance of the early years, and will include a healthy lunch. The goal of the play group is to enhance school readiness, decrease isolation among preschoolers and their families in our area and to create a well-equipped play space for preschoolers.
We are preparing a grant application for "Success by 6" through CBAL. The first step is to assess community interest, as we need a certain number of committed families (and yes) volunteers. If you have preschoolers and would be interested in attending a play group on a weekly basis over the winter months, please contact Nancy Taylor at 250-968-4358 or Carol Ann Romanow at 250-968-4457.
There will also be 3 volunteer initiatives: running children's activities, making presentations to the adults, and preparing a healthy lunch each session. There will be a small honorarium available to support a volunteer co-ordinator, to pull together all the necessary bodies to help out each week. So we also need to hear back from any interested community members or grandparents who can support this exciting new initiative for children! We will also be soliciting donations for good used children's toys and equipment. Let's rally and make this initiative happen (it will also support the Dunster School with weekly rent payments, which has got to be good!). So let's hear from you! Thank you, Carol Ann Romanow

October 29, 2011

From Dunster Community Forest Society:
On behalf of the Dunster Community Forest Society we would like to thank the Dunster Fine Arts School Society for all their efforts at facilitating our C4F Conference (Carbon, Climate Change and Community Forest Conference), Oct. 13 & 14, 2011.  We had presentations from Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and UNBC (University of Northern British Columbia), Ray Travers RPF from Victoria, the Simpcw Nation and local Community Forests. Ministry of Forests representatives came from Prince George and McBride and many local stakeholders.  Of course the Dunster style meals offered to the participants were fantastic and all who came from out of town raved about the hospitality, the awesome beauty of the valley and the great experience they had here. We hope it is the first of many opportunities to bring together great ideas for our Community.
Debby Ladouceur, Secretary, Dunster Community Forest Society

October 20, 2011

For folks curious or concerned about smart meter issues:
I have started an update email list on these topics:
- Local smart meter deployment (imminent) 
- BC's emerging smart meter installation problems;
- Informative articles (BC, Canada, US);
- How to take action to prevent installation (or at least delay until late 2012);
- Low-cost DIY shielding that may reduce emissions (and possible health effects) depending on various factors
- What to do if your smart meter causes problems and BC Hydro denies responsibility;
- Any potential group legal actions that may develop;
If you are not already on my email update list, please send me a quick email asking to sign up. I am attempting to send out messages weekly or at least bi-weekly, though it really depends on how many things I have on my plate week to week. Short Important time-sensitive messages may come between updates.
NB: While BC Hydro and the Liberals continue to under-report the number of letters and refusals they've received, the NDP, Green Party, community newspapers, and several online and hard-copy petitions reveal thousands of concerns and complaints. Also, since the Union of BC Municipalities' vote in favour of a smart meter moratorium is being ignored by the Liberals, new actions are quietly developing throughout BC. Don't give up hope yet.
Leigh Jackson

October 10, 2011

Just a reminder to the Dunster community that the Dunster Community Forest Society is mapping out the economy of Dunster, as part of their efforts to optimize the benefits to the community of having a community forest. This mapping project will continue through August, but only surveys returned by mail before August 20 are assured of reaching me at the post office box I have in McBride. The survey form can be found at the Dunster General Store, or by contacting me at (250) 569-7891 or by email.  I plan to be at the Dunster Farmer's Market the next two Saturdays. I am trying to set up appointments for the week of August 14-20 for those that would like assistance with filling out the form.  Anyone that writes off an expense as part of generating income is considered a "business" by our guidelines.  We really need to see a higher response rate than we have to this point for the analysis to be meaningful.  Last, I have been encouraged to emphasize that I am not with the government and that I do not need actual dollar amounts, just percentages. Thanks, Tim Kelly, SFU graduate student

August 12, 2011

A big thank-you to all the wonderful gardeners in the Robson Valley who opened up their gardens and their homes for the people from Prince George David Douglas Botanical Garden Society who came out to enjoy some Robson Valley Gardens, Saturday and Sunday, August 6 and 7. The weather was just great and the visitors were so impressed with that great Robson Valley hospitality!  Thanks to Bonnie and Curtis Culp, Arlene Macdonald, Bob Milligan and Janice Walker, Glenda Thompson, Joan Nordli, Rhoda Tamboline, Charlotte and Karl Hammann, Joy Hatchard, Harold and Jackie Edwards and to Wendy, Chantal, and Garry Lowe and their wonderful Swiss Wwoofer who served up a meal of fresh organic veggies with all the trimmings to all 10 of us at our last stop on Sunday!  What a way to end the tour! Pete Amyoony.

August 7, 2011

The Dunster Community Forest Society Economy Mapping project aims to map the business community of Dunster.  The data will be used to map the path a dollar takes from when it arrives at a Dunster business until that dollar leaves the Dunster community.  This project is being done by Tim Kelly, of Simon Fraser University, and the Dunster Community Forest Society (DCFS), with funding being provided by the Future Forest Ecosystem Science Council (FFESC).   If sufficient data is provided, the results will include a comparison of the Dunster economy before and after the community forest agreement was awarded.  Our goal is to have the results available no later than Oct. 31, 2011.
Your participation in this survey is very important and greatly appreciated by DCFS, Tim Kelly, and FFESC.  Dunster Community Forest Society is planning to use this survey to help maximize the community-wide distribution of benefits from the community forest.   We are asking Dunster community businesses to please complete a survey, which will ask you, a Dunster business owner, for the percentages of your business expenses that go to businesses you identify. This survey does not ask you for dollar amounts, only percentages, and does not include personal expenses, only business expenses.  Please return the survey to Tim Kelly, PO Box 962, McBride, BC V0J 2E0 or contact Tim at (250) 569-7891 or by email.  If you need assistance in preparing the data, please contact Tim, who is volunteering to assist and will keep all dollar values confidential.
Further instructions are on the survey, which is available (with a stamped return envelope) at the Dunster General Store.  All individuals returning a survey to the Dunster General Store are eligible to receive a cookie of your choice (either Oreo or Chips Ahoy)." Thanks! Tim Kelly

July 18, 2011

From Dunster Fine Arts School Society:
Thanks to all the wonderful helpers who showed up today to help at the work-bee!  The school yard, the primary room and the bottle drive area certainly look a lot different after the work-bee! Once again the Dunster spirit showed itself and a great time was had by all! 
We hope to have another work-bee in a month or so to continue with upgrading the grounds and to eventually fence the property and upgrade the water system.
We will dance, sing and celebrate at the 100th anniversary of our Community School yet!

July 17, 2011

From Dunster Community Association:
Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped out in putting together another very successful Ice Cream Social on Saturday!
It went very smoothly and it looked like a good time was had by all!
Once again we estimate that around 650 people attended and enjoyed their home-made goodies and ice cream and of course also the visiting and socializing and dancing with friends and neighbours from all over the Robson Valley and as far away as Quebec!
It takes a true community spirit to put on something like this and we seemed to have lots of that! 
Once again, thanks to all who helped and also to those who come out to support and enjoy it!

BC Hydro's free Energy Conservation Assistance Program and Energy Savings Kit program is currently available to all residents in British Columbia who would like to apply. The Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) provides qualified low-income BC Hydro residential account holders with a home energy evaluation, the installation of energy saving products, and personalized energy efficiency advice. All of this is free of charge to the participant. For more information visit the BC Hydro website at: http://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/ps_low_income/energy_conservation.html .
Emily Kendy l Project Coordinator -Renewable Energy Projects l Eaga Canada
Eaga Canada Services, Suite 310 - 163 W Hastings St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1H5
Tel: 604.639.3242 ext 105 l Mobile: 778.227.3382
emily@eaga.ca | www.eaga. ca

I'd like to speak to people who only have the option for dial-up and how that limits their computer use and ability to do business. I'm wondering if anyone has thought about online ventures (business or non-profit) but been restricted by their slow internet connection. Thanks.
Laura Keil, Editor, The Rocky Mountain Goat News
www.therockymountaingoat.com
(c) 250-566-5135
(h) 250-566-4606

March 7, 2011

I just scanned my copy of the Dunster Cookbook, with my co-editor, Karen Craigues', blessing:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=330989&id=621096124&l=ff74eb13a1
I hope this link  works for people. I don't know of any copies available to purchase. Ann Schwartz

Dunster Fine Arts School First Day this year!
We had a very successful first day of school in the Dunster Fine Arts School Tent!
After the class and a wonderful Dunster pot-luck lunch, we all watched an amazing film called "School's Out"!
I purchased two copies of this film on DVD to circulate around the community. One is at Dunster General Store and the other is at my place (Pete's place) so people in the area can take it home and watch this inspiring DVD . There is no charge to borrow the film , but I ask if you can that you give a small donation of a Loonie or a Twoonie towards the Dunster Fine Arts School fund either on the counter at the store or at Pete's place if you feel it was worth it. Pick up a copy and have a look!
From the DVD Jacket:SCHOOL'S OUT
"This film is about rural school closures in British Columbia. In 2004, Forest Grove Elementary School was closed. The community fought back. Other communities are also facing school closures. This is the story of what happens when you try to rip the heart out of a rural community. The film is 44 minutes long."
I hope everyone in Dunster and the Robson Valley will have a look at this film!!
Pete

For those of you whom I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting, I'm a longtime WWOOFer and now a recent resident of Dunster (I absolutely love it here!). I've been organizing hikes and get-togethers for WWOOFers throughout this summer, and have often found that some WWOOFers get left out simply because we didn't know they were here and/or had no way to contact them.  If your WWOOFers would like to be "in-the-loop" on these events,  please tell them to e-mail me (danielleddl@hotmail.com) when they first arrive at your farm.
Over the past few months we've organized hikes to Kinney Lake and Berg Lake, as well as hosted several bonfire and movie nights (in Dunster).  We often have a dozen or more WWOOFers from around the world so it makes for a very interesting and social atmosphere. It's great fun!! You are all welcome to join us on these events as well (they aren't just for WWOOFers!). Thanks in advance! Danielle.

Dunster residents should recognize that the property along Pepper Pit  Road (including the road right of way) is all private land until the gravel pit at the end of the road. Therefore, any firewood cutting or  hunting requires specific permission of the owner. Nature walks, mountain biking, berry or mushroom picking, etc. is allowed and encouraged. Roy Howard at 250-968-4410.

Recycling bins at the Dunster Community Hall

Since there is no one person responsible for calling the Regional District when the bin is totally full, if you see that it is, please call 1-800-667-1959 and ask for Environmental Services, or email district@rdffg.bc.ca and tell them the bin is full. Thanks!