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Anti-Enbridge group gets to work (Posted March 3)
Anti-Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline group the Sea to Sands Conservation Alliance held their first of what they say will be many public events March 2 at UNBC to a capacity crowd of like-minded local students and members of the public with a hint of environmentalism running through their veins. This first public event came in the form of an information session, complete with PowerPoint presentations detailing the possible (and arguably imminent) problems associated with the proposed pipeline, and a call to action by one of the university’s best-known environmental activists, Nadia Nowak.
“It’s not too late to stop the pipeline,” Sea to Sands Conservation Alliance member and event organizer Sonja Ostertag said during her introduction. “Our objective as a group is to educate and to lobby politicians.”
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“It’s not too late to stop the pipeline,” Sea to Sands Conservation Alliance member and event organizer Sonja Ostertag said during her introduction. “Our objective as a group is to educate and to lobby politicians.”
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Alisa Speed, on fronting a sisterhood of like-minded women (Posted Feb. 25)
Even though local woman Alisa Speed has only been in Prince George for two years, she’s done more for the local cultural landscape than most do in their entire lives.
First it was contributing to the early stages of the Rated PG Rollergirls, and then it was spearheading a neo-burlesque movement in Prince George. Now, she’s doing it one step further and adding an experimental art component to the mix with Dr. Sketchy.
Dr. Sketchy, Speed explains, is performance art with offbeat characters as the models for life-drawing visual artists – hence the “sketch” in “Dr. Sketchy.”
“It’s theatre. Interactive and less structured,” she concludes. “I think it’s a really good opportunity for our town.”
Dr. Sketchy, Speed goes on, has so far been introduced to about 100 cities worldwide.
“People can have a glass of wine or beer and have fun… What it really is is a vehicle for activity and a chance for artists to network,” Speed said. “Anyone can do it. You don’t have to be an established artist.”
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First it was contributing to the early stages of the Rated PG Rollergirls, and then it was spearheading a neo-burlesque movement in Prince George. Now, she’s doing it one step further and adding an experimental art component to the mix with Dr. Sketchy.
Dr. Sketchy, Speed explains, is performance art with offbeat characters as the models for life-drawing visual artists – hence the “sketch” in “Dr. Sketchy.”
“It’s theatre. Interactive and less structured,” she concludes. “I think it’s a really good opportunity for our town.”
Dr. Sketchy, Speed goes on, has so far been introduced to about 100 cities worldwide.
“People can have a glass of wine or beer and have fun… What it really is is a vehicle for activity and a chance for artists to network,” Speed said. “Anyone can do it. You don’t have to be an established artist.”
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Getting engaged for Haiti (Posted Feb. 24)
The January 12 earthquake in Haiti has resulted in a mad global rush to aid the struggling country, and as a February 24 presentation at UNBC proves, Prince George has been no exception.
“You certainly raised awareness from all quarters,” UNBC president George Iwama said, motioning to a sign that he found next to his car earlier in the month. Iwama then lightheartedly held up the sign that encourages people to vandalize his vehicle, with $1 for every hit going toward the Haiti Relief Fund, as well as receiving a passing grade.
During the presentation local Red Cross regional operations manager Becky Row provided an overview of the international Red Cross’s involvement in aid work, and UNBC International Studies professor Heather Smith provided an uplifting call to action, reminding those who attended the presentation that Haiti will require aid long after the media focuses its attention elsewhere.
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“You certainly raised awareness from all quarters,” UNBC president George Iwama said, motioning to a sign that he found next to his car earlier in the month. Iwama then lightheartedly held up the sign that encourages people to vandalize his vehicle, with $1 for every hit going toward the Haiti Relief Fund, as well as receiving a passing grade.
During the presentation local Red Cross regional operations manager Becky Row provided an overview of the international Red Cross’s involvement in aid work, and UNBC International Studies professor Heather Smith provided an uplifting call to action, reminding those who attended the presentation that Haiti will require aid long after the media focuses its attention elsewhere.
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CNC instructor gets funding to create historic painting (Posted Feb. 24)
Prince George artist and CNC Fine Arts instructor Betty Kovacic has been awarded $19,500 from the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund to create her largest piece of work ever.
Besides teaching full-time at her home and at CNC’s fine arts program, Kovacic will spend much of the next two years working on a 6 feet by 16 feet painting, tentatively titled “Shadows of the Past.” The painting will commemorate and recognize the experiences of ethno-cultural communities affected by Canada’s first national internment operations from1914 to 1920.
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Besides teaching full-time at her home and at CNC’s fine arts program, Kovacic will spend much of the next two years working on a 6 feet by 16 feet painting, tentatively titled “Shadows of the Past.” The painting will commemorate and recognize the experiences of ethno-cultural communities affected by Canada’s first national internment operations from1914 to 1920.
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Wil Fundal, one of Prince George's favourite people (Posted Feb. 10)
One of Prince George’s favourite public personalities, Wil Fundal, is all over our local cultural scene, acting and singing in Judy Russell productions, emceeing Coldsnap shows, and above all working as a reporter for CBC Radio One.
But, what’s the story behind this loveable character?
Fundal grew up in Santa Cruz Laguna, Philippines and Qutar, in the Middle East, before his family moved to Richmond in 1996 in a move he describes as an attempt for his parents to find a better life for him and the rest of his family.
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But, what’s the story behind this loveable character?
Fundal grew up in Santa Cruz Laguna, Philippines and Qutar, in the Middle East, before his family moved to Richmond in 1996 in a move he describes as an attempt for his parents to find a better life for him and the rest of his family.
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Serious about local theatre - a profile of Bas Rynsewyn (Posted Feb. 3)
Local community theatre group Serious Moonlight Productions, now in its 10th year, has made a serious impact on Prince George’s theatre community, providing a first acting experience for some of the city’s most talent actors and back stage staff. The theatre company’s head, Bas Rynsewyn, is responsible for enabling its success, having devoted a large chunk of his life towards creating an impressive theatre presence in Prince George.
“To start with, I didn’t know what I really wanted out of the company,” he said. After the first few production Rynsewyn said that he was surprised at the plays’ success, due in large part to the amazing array of local actors that were at his disposal.
“It’s a wonderful community of people I work with,” he said. “There’s so much talent in this town.”
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“To start with, I didn’t know what I really wanted out of the company,” he said. After the first few production Rynsewyn said that he was surprised at the plays’ success, due in large part to the amazing array of local actors that were at his disposal.
“It’s a wonderful community of people I work with,” he said. “There’s so much talent in this town.”
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Reiki circles, healing drumming circle, and a new metaphysical shop in town (Posted Jan. 25)
Harnessing the earth’s energy and channeling it in constructive and positive ways is a common practice for local reiki practitioner Rev. Dr. Jadine Ryder.
“Energy is everything, so anyone can draw upon the energy around us,” Ryder told Cutbanks shortly before a free weekly reiki circle session January 22 at the Knox United Church on 5th Avenue downtown. The reiki circles were previously held in her parents’ store PJ’s Rock and Gem, but due to recent flooding had to be moved.
“Reiki means energy, simply energy, or universal energy,” Ryder explained.
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“Energy is everything, so anyone can draw upon the energy around us,” Ryder told Cutbanks shortly before a free weekly reiki circle session January 22 at the Knox United Church on 5th Avenue downtown. The reiki circles were previously held in her parents’ store PJ’s Rock and Gem, but due to recent flooding had to be moved.
“Reiki means energy, simply energy, or universal energy,” Ryder explained.
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Locals try to urge politicians back to work (Posted Jan. 24)
Opposition to the proroguing of Parliament was strong in Prince George January 23, when around 40 people joined rally organizer Jay Sanders to get their point of view across to the public. The group gathered on Victoria street downtown, where their anti-proroguing signs elicited honks from at least 1/3 of drivers.
“This isn’t a protest, this is support for Parliament,” Sanders said at the event. “I’m hoping to stand in solidarity with the activists all across the country. We’re all really disturbed at what’s happening. This is an important issue… I’m angry, you’re angry. Let’s be angry together.”
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“This isn’t a protest, this is support for Parliament,” Sanders said at the event. “I’m hoping to stand in solidarity with the activists all across the country. We’re all really disturbed at what’s happening. This is an important issue… I’m angry, you’re angry. Let’s be angry together.”
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Helping out Northern ferrets (Posted Jan. 18)
Ferrets, local animal rights activist Shalina Edge asserts, should only be adopted or purchased from pet stores if the owner is 100 per cent certain it’s the right animal for them. Judging from the way Edge’s own ferrets got into just about everything during the span of her interview with Cutbanks, from a gift bag to the lining of the couch, they can be quite the personable and difficult creatures.
“They’re like a kitten or puppy, because they never grow up,” Edge stated, adding that they typically remain at a high level of hyperactivity and inquisitiveness throughout their lives. “They get into everything all of the time… Most of the time people get them and realize, oh my God, I can’t handle this… They don’t realize these aren’t like guinea pigs.”
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“They’re like a kitten or puppy, because they never grow up,” Edge stated, adding that they typically remain at a high level of hyperactivity and inquisitiveness throughout their lives. “They get into everything all of the time… Most of the time people get them and realize, oh my God, I can’t handle this… They don’t realize these aren’t like guinea pigs.”
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Local man's journey from Cape Spear to Rideau Hall (Posted Jan. 18)
For part-time Prince George man Dana Meise, hiking over 50 kilometres in one day is a typical summer’s day. Coupled with a meeting with Canada’s governor general Michaelle Jean and various other interesting meetings, it’s made for a couple of really interesting summers of hiking the Trans-Canada Trail from the Eastern-most coast of Newfoundland almost to Montreal.
“My brother’s dream has always been this dream of walking across Canada,” Meise’s sister Deanna Smith said during a presentation January 16 at the Royal Canadian Legion downtown. “My brother’s a dreamer. He always has been… He’s my hero.”
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“My brother’s dream has always been this dream of walking across Canada,” Meise’s sister Deanna Smith said during a presentation January 16 at the Royal Canadian Legion downtown. “My brother’s a dreamer. He always has been… He’s my hero.”
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Intercultural dishes a Canadian norm (Posted Jan. 14)
Keeping true to UNBC president George Iwama’s recent promise for UNBC to hold public events within the community, the university’s Anthropology program held the first of a series of lectures, January 12, at Art Space, the venue above Books and Company on Third Avenue downtown. Hosting the well-attended event was Dr. Marilyn Iwama, a local scholar, who is also the president’s wife.
The talk, titled Bannock, Borscht and Sushi: Do These Genes Make Me Look White?, explored the multicultural and intercultural nature of food in Canada. In a land where it’s common for one to eat sushi and pizza in the same day, or even meal, it’s safe for one to say that Canadians incorporate various ethnic influences in planning meals.
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The talk, titled Bannock, Borscht and Sushi: Do These Genes Make Me Look White?, explored the multicultural and intercultural nature of food in Canada. In a land where it’s common for one to eat sushi and pizza in the same day, or even meal, it’s safe for one to say that Canadians incorporate various ethnic influences in planning meals.
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Two Rivers Gallery faces funding cuts (Posted Jan. 10)
In response to the difficult times Two Rivers Gallery is facing, the organization has had to cut its operating budget by $74,000. Staff and Trustees have had to make many difficult decisions over the last eight weeks and as a result the Gallery will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays until the Victoria Day long weekend. The Gallery will remain open for art classes, preschool programs and tours seven days a week, however, some programs and staff hours have been lost and other programs are in jeopardy. Managing Director Peter Thompson states, “we have had to evaluate everything that we do very carefully and give priority to the services and programs that are of greatest value to the community”.
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First annual talent show coming up (Posted Jan. 9)
The talents of 16 Prince George residents are to be showcased January 23, during what organizer Sufey Chen hopes will be the first annual talent show, titled PG’s Got Talent.
“I’ve always wanted to organize a talent show and I finally got around to doing it,” Chen said of organizing the show.
Having lived in Prince George for the past six to seven years, after living in Michigan, China, Singapore, Vancouver, Richmond, and other places, Chen said that the talents in Prince George are certainly comparable to those in these other cities. The only difference, she said, is that these larger places may have more opportunities than Prince George, which is where the upcoming talent show comes into play.
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“I’ve always wanted to organize a talent show and I finally got around to doing it,” Chen said of organizing the show.
Having lived in Prince George for the past six to seven years, after living in Michigan, China, Singapore, Vancouver, Richmond, and other places, Chen said that the talents in Prince George are certainly comparable to those in these other cities. The only difference, she said, is that these larger places may have more opportunities than Prince George, which is where the upcoming talent show comes into play.
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Crawford named Queer Citizen of the Year (Posted Jan. 1)
Prince George Pride Society president Valentine Crawford’s efforts in the local gay community were awarded in late November with the Queer Citizen of the Year award being bestowed upon him.
“There are far more deserving people as far as I’m concerned,” a modest Crawford said in an interview with this reporter.
While eight awards were handed out during the annual Hero Awards November 27, the Queer Citizen of the Year award is the biggest award for one to be honoured with.
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“There are far more deserving people as far as I’m concerned,” a modest Crawford said in an interview with this reporter.
While eight awards were handed out during the annual Hero Awards November 27, the Queer Citizen of the Year award is the biggest award for one to be honoured with.
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Planning UNBC's future with president Iwama (Posted Dec. 17)
Following a series of meetings with faculty, students, and the greater public at large, UNBC president George Iwama will begin drafting an all-new plan for the direction of the university.
“In the coming month I’ll roll up my sleeve and draft a new university plan,” Iwama told a small crowd at the Civic Centre the evening of December 14, during the last public meeting.
Consisting mainly of the original group of people who helped form UNBC in the early 90’s, a number of suggestions were received by Iwama, who also showcased a number of suggestions and comments he’s already received at different meetings.
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“In the coming month I’ll roll up my sleeve and draft a new university plan,” Iwama told a small crowd at the Civic Centre the evening of December 14, during the last public meeting.
Consisting mainly of the original group of people who helped form UNBC in the early 90’s, a number of suggestions were received by Iwama, who also showcased a number of suggestions and comments he’s already received at different meetings.
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Letters of support for those suffering from human rights violations (Posted Dec. 14)
The Prince George branch of Amnesty International met during International Human Rights Day, December 13 at Café Voltaire, the venue within Books and Company on Third Avenue downtown, in order to take part in a letter-writing campaign designed to resolve human rights violations around the world. Cutbanks met with the group in order to discuss the goings on of the group itself.
“The idea is to write as many letters as possible about human rights and human rights violations in honour of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” local group member George Harding said, adding that it was 61 years ago on that day that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the declaration.
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“The idea is to write as many letters as possible about human rights and human rights violations in honour of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” local group member George Harding said, adding that it was 61 years ago on that day that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the declaration.
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Local man Goji Leakey an abundant joy (Posted Dec. 12)
Clad in all white – aside from some painted pictures on his white pants – wearing sandals all year round, as well as long hair and a full-faced beard, it makes sense that some people in town have nicknamed local man Goji Leakey “Jesus.” Coupled with the good-hearted altruism he employs on a daily basis, the similarity is strengthened.
“A lot of people have given me a nickname ‘Jesus.’ It’s not my name,” Goji clarified, adding that while he’s not insulted by people calling him Jesus he should be recognized by his true name, Goji, a name he said he was guided to give himself.
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“A lot of people have given me a nickname ‘Jesus.’ It’s not my name,” Goji clarified, adding that while he’s not insulted by people calling him Jesus he should be recognized by his true name, Goji, a name he said he was guided to give himself.
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New art exhibit draws from the wonders of life (Posted Dec. 9)
Drawing inspiration from her relationship with God as well as the wonder she sees in everyday life, local artist Crystal Desharnais launched a new solo exhibition in mid-December at the Tastebuds coffee shop in Parkland Place.
“My relationship with God I tried to be empathetic and encouraging so I like to share this love through my paintings,” she said during the exhibit’s launch, December 5.
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“My relationship with God I tried to be empathetic and encouraging so I like to share this love through my paintings,” she said during the exhibit’s launch, December 5.
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Keeping the homeless warm this winter season (Posted Dec. 9)
The provincial government wasn’t very popular among those attending the seventh annual Northern Women’s Forum-hosted Chili Blanket event in front of the Prince George Courthouse, December 5.
“It’s not the weather that’s making us cold,” organizer Jan Mastromatteo told the audience from her podium. “It’s the fact you’re cutting off funding again… We’re funding the Olympics.”
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“It’s not the weather that’s making us cold,” organizer Jan Mastromatteo told the audience from her podium. “It’s the fact you’re cutting off funding again… We’re funding the Olympics.”
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Exciting new movie rental place opens in Prince George (Posted Dec. 6)
Sporting a massive library of classic and obscure movies as well as unique collectables that are likely to please many-a-collector is local man Oro Barton, who has recently put up his private library of videos and DVDs up for rent and collectables up for sale.
Visiting this video store, Retro Rental, is a unique experience from the get-go. The store is located above Pizzarico’s on Third Avenue downtown, with the entrance opening onto Dominion Street. Opening the door, the prospective customer faces a tall staircase of very worn-down old stairs. By the time one reaches the top of the stairs, they are made to turn right down a hallway towards the sound of a television playing one of thousands of classic movies.
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Visiting this video store, Retro Rental, is a unique experience from the get-go. The store is located above Pizzarico’s on Third Avenue downtown, with the entrance opening onto Dominion Street. Opening the door, the prospective customer faces a tall staircase of very worn-down old stairs. By the time one reaches the top of the stairs, they are made to turn right down a hallway towards the sound of a television playing one of thousands of classic movies.
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Psychic Fair opens at PJ's Rock and Gem (Posted Nov. 28)
The opening ceremony to the 4th Psychic Fair at PJ’s Rock and Gem was a huge success. The store was filled from back to front with readers, dancers, drummers, healers and more. The Psychic Fair is held twice a year, in Spring and Fall. This one currently taking place is being held from November 27-29.
When asked how she came up with the notion to hold a major gathering like the Psychic Fair, organizer and owner of PJ’s Rock and Gem Jadine Ryder replied that she "had a vision. It started as an experiment for my students to have a place to practice. It has expanded way beyond that."
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When asked how she came up with the notion to hold a major gathering like the Psychic Fair, organizer and owner of PJ’s Rock and Gem Jadine Ryder replied that she "had a vision. It started as an experiment for my students to have a place to practice. It has expanded way beyond that."
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Not big fans of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline (Posted Nov. 25)
It should come as no surprise that not everyone in the Prince George area supports the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline, a series of two pipelines currently being proposed to run from Alberta across Northern BC to the coast. Planning for the pipeline is currently in the environmental assessment stage.
A core group of five and 370 on a Facebook page have mobilized as the Sea to Sands Conservation Alliance in order to make sure this pipeline never comes into fruition.
For the group’s president Josh Deleenheer the decision to take some action against the proposed pipeline was an easy one, after viewing a presentation about CNC highlighting the implications of both the pipeline and the tar sands in general.
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A core group of five and 370 on a Facebook page have mobilized as the Sea to Sands Conservation Alliance in order to make sure this pipeline never comes into fruition.
For the group’s president Josh Deleenheer the decision to take some action against the proposed pipeline was an easy one, after viewing a presentation about CNC highlighting the implications of both the pipeline and the tar sands in general.
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Supporting local food producers (Posted Nov. 25)
The local Good Food Box program, facilitated out of the St. Michael’s Anglican Church on 5th Avenue and Victoria by Jovanka Djordjevich, aims to support local food producers as well as help the environment by shortening the distance between suppliers and consumers.
A non-profit organization, the Good Food Box program currently provides hampers full of vegetables to about 200 people per-month in Prince George.
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A non-profit organization, the Good Food Box program currently provides hampers full of vegetables to about 200 people per-month in Prince George.
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Downtown march celebrates the life of Louis Riel (Posted Nov. 16)
Louis Riel, who died on November 16 1885, was part of resistance movements against the Canadian government in an attempt to preserve Métis rights and culture. Now, on the days surrounding his death, there is a yearly Canada-wide effort to help preserve the man’s memory, as well as to celebrate rich local Métis culture.
The Prince George Métis Community Association organized one such evening of traditional Métis entertainment at the Kinsmen Hall, November 15, as well as a march from the Prince George Courthouse to City Hall the following afternoon. Although the Kinsmen Hall was nearly full of supporters, the march had an attendance of only a few die-hard supporters due to heavy snowfall.
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The Prince George Métis Community Association organized one such evening of traditional Métis entertainment at the Kinsmen Hall, November 15, as well as a march from the Prince George Courthouse to City Hall the following afternoon. Although the Kinsmen Hall was nearly full of supporters, the march had an attendance of only a few die-hard supporters due to heavy snowfall.
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Environmental activism at UNBC (Posted Nov. 13)
A group of UNBC students have been hard at work making sure that their environmental message spreads across the university, community, and country.
Two Environmental Planning students- Camellia Bhatti and Nadia Nowak- organized an event at UNBC November 9 in order to recognize the 60th annual World Town Planning Day during a presentation.
Both Bhatti and Nowak have been involved in a number of projects in Prince George and Canada in general, including the weekly It’s Time to Listen event at the university.
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Two Environmental Planning students- Camellia Bhatti and Nadia Nowak- organized an event at UNBC November 9 in order to recognize the 60th annual World Town Planning Day during a presentation.
Both Bhatti and Nowak have been involved in a number of projects in Prince George and Canada in general, including the weekly It’s Time to Listen event at the university.
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A Planet Without Borders with Reza Akbari (Posted Nov. 11)
UNBC student Reza Akbari is providing CFUR 88.7 FM listeners with a unique multicultural experience live from UNBC every Friday from 5 to 6 p.m.
“I really like what I’m doing,” he said of his show A Planet Without Borders. “I’m learning a lot from the people I interview.”
The format of the show is a simple but interesting one. Every week, Akbari interviews someone who’s currently in Prince George about their experiences in a different country or region of Canada. The interview generally focuses on the cultural differences between Prince George and the other place, providing an auditory tour of what it would be like to tour the other place.
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“I really like what I’m doing,” he said of his show A Planet Without Borders. “I’m learning a lot from the people I interview.”
The format of the show is a simple but interesting one. Every week, Akbari interviews someone who’s currently in Prince George about their experiences in a different country or region of Canada. The interview generally focuses on the cultural differences between Prince George and the other place, providing an auditory tour of what it would be like to tour the other place.
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Zombies invade Prince George (Posted Nov. 1)
Click the image at left to view pictures from this Halloween's zombie walk!
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