Last week on the North Bend reserve,  Pete , a large draught horse suddenly fell ill with apparent stomach distress.  He was observed lying on the ground labouring ,struggling to rise, and a vet was soon called.  Jim and Vicky Fougere, a local couple who lived close by, and  horse owners themselves, were approached by a band member asking if they might be able to lend a hand.  The Fougeres were glad to help.      
      The veterinarian told them that it was an extremely difficult diagnosis to make, due to the nature and symptoms of the illness; chances were good it was colic, but the problem might have been caused by any number of things -ranging from disease to an intestinal obstruction.  He advised them that the only chance he might have of survival was if they could keep him on his feet, and the Fougere's did just that.  In alternating shifts, the couple took turns standing in the field with  the gentle animal, all through the night and well into the next day.   
" They really poured their hearts into Pete" a witness tells us.  
" They are true animal lovers, and did a heart-warming selfless act.  They are new to this town, and to go out of their way like that to help that poor animal was just incredible.  I really think they  deserve our recognition, for doing something like this just out of the goodness of their hearts ."
    The next afternoon, it looked like the worst was over.
"Pete walked me to the trough" says Vicky, "and he got a drink of water, our hopes were up because the vet told us that the first 24 hours were the most serious".  Everybody in the field was heartened as Pete remained on his feet and seemed to be recovering.
    Their best hopes were dashed however, as the beautiful animal collapsed around 5:30pm and died within minutes.  
    Many other people in the field that day were also ready to lend a hand, and they all deserve to be recognized.  Names were not readily available at the time of this article, but they know who they are.  Thank you to everyone  who was there to ease Pete's distress.
    "To see an animal suffer is awful " says Vicky, "but to have an animal suffer alone is really horrible , I know the feeling of having a sick horse, you don`t just walk away if there is any possibility that you can help".
    Pete and  his companion, Sid, were a harness team from Dawson Creek  before they were retired to their field in North Bend.  Sid can still be seen in the same spot hanging his head over the fence, gazing at the passing traffic...... no doubt remembering Pete


people that donated money to help with the funds towards the youth video dance. The dance went off with much success and lots of youth attended. It was so good to see some from Hope and Lytton.
The two screen video dance was a site to see, it was amazing how the guys put everything together so fast. So, to the community of Boston Bar: I appreciate all the help and it will not go un-noticed.
LOCAL:
1. Pythian sister's donated $50.00
2. Canyon lanes donated 3 bowling passes for prizes
3. Lions club donated $100.00
4. Cathy & Ian Harry ( Kaltire ) donated $25.00
5. Sherry Andrew donated a box of Potato chips
6. John Warren for donating stuffed animals for Raffles

OUT OF TOWN:
7. Nlaka'pamux (Thompson) service society of Lytton donated $500.00
8. My friend Bert Prest --- Screaming Eagle Trucking Company donated $200.00

Without your support this dance may have never happened... The Youth loved  it and had a great time.
I also would like to thank the parents who helped with the concession and  helping me at the door. They are as follows: Kasey Johnny, Sherry Andrews, Jean Jones,  and Farrah Jones, and Sue Peters. The boys from Lytton: Barry Charlie, Aaron Charlie, Chad  Haugan for helping with the Sound Express taking stuff down and helping load their truck.
I cannot forget the police for making their presence and checking to see if everything was going alright.
If I forgot to mention anyone please except my apologies.
I am grateful to everyone for their generosity.

Keeping spirits up for the youth!!!!    Angie Isaac

Thank You Times Four

They entered my life,
four souls with bright smiles.
They entered my heart,
closing the gap of the miles.

They've given life meaning,
when I felt there was none.
Something to look forward to,
like the rising of the sun.

They have given me more,
than they'll ever know.
They have given me more,
than I'll ever show.
 
submitted by        -Anonymous

Carnivores Enjoy their Night out !
    
    The Lions Annual Wild Game Dinner was a roaring success this year, as the Boston Bar Community Hall strained it's seams. Well over 150 people gnawed on such delicacies as  roast cougar,  baked alligator, ostrich meatballs, llama kebobs, bacon wrapped grouse petit fours, and absolutely delicious moose meatballs ( kudos to the chef!) Goose, deer, bear sausage, bison sausages, lake trout, smoked salmon and many more tasty dishes were presented.  Great conversation and seeing old and new friends made the night extremely enjoyable for all.
    Terry Raymond took first prize in the raffle, tickets for two to anywhere in North America.  Second Prize, the jade loon, was won by Brent Aldridge.  The third prize, a wildlife print donated by Brian Paul, was won by Fran Clarke. The door prize, a lovely picnic table donated by Smokey Mountain Enterprises, was won by Brent Aldridge.
     The 50/50 draw was won by Cliff Fisher, which was quickly spent as wife, Irene Fisher won high bid in the silent auction for a handmade quilt donated by The Fraser Canyon Mobile Home Park.
    Donations of  Silent Auction items were numerous and I have attempted to list them all.
Air Hockey game-donated by Ron Wheeler
Small Juniper chest-donated by Smokey Mountain Enterprises
Rod and reel-donated by Algonquin Power
Quick clamps- donated by JS Jones
Snowmobile gloves-  donated by Valley Yamaha
Golf shirt- donated by Envision Credit Union
BCAA Plus membership- donated by Boston Bar Towing
Garden bench- donated by Johnny Grimm
Wildlife t-shirts- donated by Fraser Canyon Market
Computer Game- donated by Ron Wheeler
Bookshelf- donated by Tom Cranston from Lillooet
RCMP Jacket- donated by RCMP
Drill bit kit- donated by Lordco
handmade quilt -donated by The Fraser Canyon Mobile Home Park.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
( CPRailway Health and Safety, a new regular feature to be enjoyed )
...submitted by  Canadian Pacific Railway Police    
    In recent years, reports of repetitive motion injuries have risen dramatically. These problems, frequently termed "Cumulative Trauma Disorders" are being reported at alarming rates in all types of workplaces - from meatpacking plants to newspaper pressrooms.  According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, "disorders associated with repeated trauma" account for about 60% of all occupational
illnesses. Of all these disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome is the condition most frequently reported.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
The carpal tunnel receives its name from the 8 bones in the wrist, called carpals, which form a tunnel-like structure. The tunnel is filled with flexor tendons which control finger movement.
It also provides a pathway for the median nerve to reach sensory cells in the hand. Repetitive flexing and extension of the wrist may cause a thickening of the protective sheath surrounding each tendon. The swollen tendon sheaths apply increased pressure on the median nerve and produce Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
What are the Symptoms of CTS?
The symptoms of CTS often first appear as painful tingling in one or both hands during the night, frequently painful enough to disturb sleep. Accompanying this is a feeling of uselessness in the fingers, which are sometimes described as feeling swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. As symptoms increase, tingling may develop during the day, commonly in the thumb, index, and ring fingers. A decreased ability and power to squeeze things may follow. In advanced cases, the muscle at the base of the thumb atrophies, and strength is lost. Patients with CTS may be unable to differentiate hot from cold by touch, and experience an apparent loss of strength in their fingers. They may appear clumsy in that they have trouble performing simple tasks such as tying their shoes or picking up small objects. About 25% of patients with repetitive stress disorders also have symptoms which resemble but are not carpal tunnel syndrome. A definitive diagnosis is often difficult. Most require treatments similar to those used for CTS: rest, immobilization, steroid injections, and even surgery if conservative management is unsuccessful.
Who Gets Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
In a 1998 British study, experts estimated that between 7% and 16% of the population experience CTS. The incidence appears to be
increasing. People over age 54 were at higher risk than younger adults.  Even though the increased number of people using computer keyboards has provoked much publicity about their risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, it is actually lower than those in occupations involving heavy labour. The force of the movement may, however, be a particular
factor for CTS in typists. One study observed that typists with carpal tunnel syndrome struck the keys with greater force than those without the disorder. Some workers may not even be aware of the amount of force they exert while performing their jobs. For example, the fingers of typists whose speed is 60 words per minute can exert cumulatively up to 25 tons of pressure each day.  People who engage intensively in certain domestic occupations, including knitting, sewing and needlepoint, cooking, housework, carpentry, and extensive use of power tools, are also at risk. Many leisure activities in the home can contribute to the development of CTS, including computer games, sports, and card playing.
How Serious Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can range from a minor inconvenience to a disabling condition, depending on its cause and persistence and the
individual characteristics of the patient. Many cases of CTS are mild, and some resolve on their own. Once a pregnant women gives birth, for instance, the swelling in her wrists subsides and so do the CTS symptoms. Proper treatment of other medical conditions that cause carpal tunnel syndrome can often help reduce wrist swelling.  If severe cases are left untreated, however, muscles at the base of the thumb may atrophy and sensation may be permanently lost. CTS can become so crippling that people can no longer do their job or even perform simple tasks at home. The syndrome may force people to undergo surgery and miss many days of work and can even prevent them from working at all if their hand functions are permanently impaired.
How Can CTS Be Prevented?
No single mode of prevention exists for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is important, however, to use common sense and ergonomic controls
to help minimize risk factors predisposing to work-related CTS or other cumulative trauma disorders. A patient can learn how to adjust
the work area, handle tools, or perform tasks in ways that put less stress on the hands and wrists. For instance, an important thing to
be aware of when establishing correct typing habits is that the arm, wrist and hand remain in a straight line. It doesn't matter if the arm is positioned horizontally, up or down, as long as the arm, wrist and hand remain in a straight line because the fingers are controlled by muscles which are connected to tendons which go through the wrist and down along the arm. If there is a bend anywhere in this sequence, friction occurs which will lead to stress, inflammation and injury.
Exercise programs to strengthen the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, and neck may help prevent CTS. It should be stressed, however, that there has been no evidence that any of these methods can provide complete protection against carpal tunnel syndrome. If the underlying cause is a medical condition, controlling the problem can prevent CTS.

Words to Live By

"A man must do his own growing, no matter how tall his grandfather was"
          
        - An Italian proverb