Comox Valley Echo, May 13, 2014

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Volume 20, No. 38

Residents have big concerns, but were polite, over housing plan for homeless

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Residents expressed anxiety and serious concerns about the impact the proposed 30-unit supportive housing complex for the homeless to be built at the 810 Braidwood Road site in Courtenay will have on the neighbourhood.

This was reflected in the report presented to council on Monday by John Jessup, who is the social planning consultant hired by the city.

This project is council’s top strategic priority for 2014. It is aimed at helping address homelessness in the city, and those with social issues and challenges.

To gauge people’s reaction to the project, two open houses were held on April 23 and 24. Residents were given the opportunity to look at five presentation boards that included a copy of the brochure, a map of the consultation process, and three pictures of similar projects in Nanaimo completed under the BC Housing Provincial Homelessness Initiative program.

Around 1,000 residences and properties from either side of Braidwood and Back Roads, as well as from across the Island Highway were targeted for consultation. But only about 30 property owners and residents attended, totaling 20 households.

Despite the seriousness of the topic, the report stated that all of the attendees were civil and polite.

Some of the public comments noted in the report included being scared of homeless people, fear the market value of their properties will go down, that the area has a lot of seniors and young families resident, why they were not consulted, why this site was chosen, and that the city should spread low income housing in several neighbourhoods rather than creating a slum area.

The consultant said the site is not a bad choice because it’s in a mixed-use area with low to moderate household income area. He believes it would work if they do an exemplary job at supportive housing for the homeless.

(Continued on page 2)

Fire chief Mike Williamson is frustrated by the vandalism that made the Cumberland trail network feel a little less welcoming.

Cumberland seeks to press charges for rash of vandalism Thousands of dollars of damage reported in midweek activity

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Cumberland’s mayor says the Village will come down hard on the people responsible for a spate of mischief she hopes won’t tarnish the community’s reputation.

The repair bill for the cleanup of crude tagging and shattered storefronts in the early hours of May 7 is expected to easily rise above $4,000. “They think it’s a fun thing to do, and they don’t realize the impact it has on the community and the cost,� said an angry Leslie Baird, who has seen more than one wave of vandalism over the past year.

(Continued on page 2)

Memorial benches in Chinatown were defaced by graffiti.

Comox hospital used as bait in permanent resident scam

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff St. Joseph’s General Hospital was deployed as bait by Philippines-based scam artists trying to lure prospective temporary foreign workers into handing over hard earned cash, with promises of health care jobs at the Comox facility. At least one out of about 10 people who contacted the Catholic care facility actually paid the equivalent of about $100 CDN to a company claiming to be seeking registered nurse and care aides. “Here wee are in the relatively sleepy Comox Valley and who would have thought this is going on in another part of the world?� said Gillian Henderson, director of human resources at St. Joseph’s, whose name was used in the pitch to unsuspecting Filipinos. “Now they just target a hospital and away they go.�

The scam was discovered in early March as the hospital received about 10 calls and emails from potential workers eager to find out just how likely it would be for them to score

one of the prized positions at the facility.

Officials say they only have one temporary foreign worker in the entire complex, since there is more

than enough supply in the Canadian labour market to fill positions on site.

In that case the hospital had worked hand in hand with Human Resources Canada to fill the position. “It took us a bit by surprise,�

Henderson said. “We put the warning on our website in case anyone went on to check.�

In addition the hospital contacted the Health Employers Association of BC and Providence Health Care, in case other Catholic care organizations were being targeted specifically.

It also provided information to the Filipino consul in Vancouver and put a warning directly on its own home page to alert anyone else who was trying to figure out the validity of the employment opportunity.

In speaking with the woman who had actually been scammed out of about $100 Henderson realized just how in depth the fraudulent activity

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actually was. “It was elaborate,� she said, explaining that detailed information had been lifted from the legitimate St. Joseph’s website and transformed into documentation which was used to convince prospective workers to attend a career orientation program. “She couldn’t believe she was taken in by this.�

Multiple dates were given for event attendance at an urban location in the Philippines.

Attendees were told to dress in business casual.

Henderson wonders if the goal of the criminals was to extract personal identification from workers for further fraud later on.

She doesn’t event want to think about the possibility actual human trafficking was planned.

(Continued on page 2)

A2 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014

News

Comox Valley Weather

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Tuesday, 13 May Clearing late in the morning.

High 22°C.

Wednesday, 14 May A mix of sun and cloud.

Low 11°C. High 24°C.

Thursday, 15 May Sunny.

Low 13°C. High 21°C.

Friday, 16 May A mix of sun and cloud.

Low 11°C. High 19°C.

Saturday, 17 May Cloudy.

Low 11°C. High 16°C.

For the latest Comox Valley Weather visit: www.comoxvalleyecho.com

Regional District gets grant to fight invasive plants The Comox Valley Regional District has received $12,500 from the B.C. government to help control the spread of invasive plants, Comox Valley MLA Don McRae announced last week. “Invasive plants really are bad news for our ecosystems,� said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae. “Our government is helping the Comox Valley Regional District protect our natural spaces by getting rid of these damaging plants.�

The funds will be used to raise public awareness of invasive plants and help prioritize sites where invasive plants need to be controlled.

Invasive plants are species that have been introduced into B.C. from other areas. They displace our native vegetation and can pose a health risk. Invasive plants adversely affect our economy and environment by disrupting natural ecosystems, increasing soil erosion and altering the chemistry of soil needed for commercial crops.

A total of $1.6 million is being distributed by the B.C. government to help local governments, regional committees and the Invasive Species Council of B.C. implement the provincial Invasive Plant Program.

This latest funding is in addition to $809,000 already earmarked by the provincial government for invasive plant control and management in the fiscal 2014-15 year.

Downtown Cumberland businesses felt the effects of the recent wave of mishief.

Thousands of dollars in vandalism spree damage Hospital used in scam (Continued from page 1) “I wonder what these parents are doing allowing their children out. I certainly hope they’re not aware of what these kids are doing, because they need to be held accountable.�

Officials plotted points of the late-night mischief from Chinatown, where benches and a rock with a plaque on it were among property sprayed with black paint, through the trail network, and up to Dunsmuir Avenue where a sign in front of the Cumberland Museum and Archives was blacked out, and businesses in and around the main street had holes punched in their windows.

The tags were of the lowest quality, and Baird made sure to distinguish the mischief activity from legitimate works of art that have sprung up in the Village in the past. “That’s not graffiti,� she said, noting the RCMP have been notified and Cumberland is seeking to press charges. “That’s just malicious vandalism.�

The activity in question included misspelled phrases such as “F—k Hipys,� poorly drawn penises and random scribbles Fire chief Mike Williamson scratches his head trying to figure out what the motive

for this kind of activity would be. “I hate to even think it’s our Cumberland people doing something like this,� he said. “They need to be caught and disciplined.

You have to have some pride in your community.�

Earlier on the Tuesday evening his crew had been running drills at the new pump house. Just hours later - he figures between 1 and 5 a.m. - the vandals struck the barbwire protected facility. “People don’t think that’s cool,� he said. “It’s kids old enough to know better.�

Last November public works crew removed over 25 tags from Village property.

Photos of the graffiti were added to an RCMP database and compared with similar activity throughout the area.

Village staff worry that if such activity keeps up it could discourage property owners from making improvements to buildings and property and foster negative feelings towards minority groups such as youth, if they appear to be the main source of graffiti. The community is striving to promote itself as a tourism destination, something Williamson notes could be discouraged if such mischief keeps up. “We won’t tolerate stuff like that - we’ll catch them,� he said. “This is our place, we

need to look after it.�

He remembers seeing similar black paint show up on multiple structures in the form of swastikas a few months back. These hateful symbols were discovered on the BC Tel building and the chlorine shack. “I don’t understand why people would want to disrespect their community,� he said. “Why would you want to make the place you live look bad.�

Cumberland has been aggressively moving forward with plans to build infrastructure to support the demographics of the community, which skew heavily towards young families. This year alone hundreds of thousands of dollars have been set aside for a skatepark. Last year Village Park got a huge facelift, including a state-of-the-art zip-line at the playground.

Williamson says it used to be that the fire department would be called out often to put a stop to kids lighting fires and throwing beer bottles. He says they haven’t been called out for nuisance calls for about a year. “I thought we were doing really good,� he said, adding he hopes the recent mischief is an anomaly and not the new norm. “This was a big blast. They hit a lot of places.�

(Continued from page 1) “We can’t directly stop it either,� she said, noting it’s out of the RCMP’s jurisdiction. “It just shows you how smart people are about taking people in.�

Henderson said she felt powerless knowing that her own identity was being used to steal money from people. “There’s so little I can do about it,� she said. “You do feel a bit like it speaks to your integrity and yet it doesn’t.�

At the same time she identifies with the victims, since she herself came over to Canada form Great Britain and first got work under the permanent resident program. “I could sort of relate to that whole experience in a way,� she said, pointing out just how tempting a scam like this would seem. “It’s not easy to get into Canada.�

St. Joseph’s expects the scam artists have moved on to the next target, as they haven’t heard any more about the fraudulent activity in recent days.

City set for next step in building housing for homeless (Continued from page 1) Jessup included some suggestions to soften neighbourhood concerns such as reducing the property size from 30 to 24 units, restrict occupancy to homeless people over 40 years, provide community space as part of the amenities on the ground floor, and include a passenger van to shuttle tenants to and from the downtown.

But Jessup advised against decreasing the number of units as this will increase the capital and operating costs and adversely affect the total rental revenue.

The consultant reported that a draft for the request for proposal is being finalized and they are poised to laying the ground rules late this month for choosing the non-profit housing provider for the city-owned building.

However, Jessup stated it should be made clear to potential proponents that the traditional PHI funding will no longer be available.

The project got a proposal development loan of $50,000 to assist in the planning and development of a supportive housing proposal for this site.

They were told no additional funds can be expected. To ensure long-term financial viability, the report recommends that the city’s approach emphasize the use of rent supplements and modest capital grants, as well as partnerships with other public and private agencies.

Council decided to defer plans for RFP until they could confirm provincial funding for the project. They simply cannot understand how BC Housing could approve $50,000 for the project and yet not help subsidize

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it. Jessup said funding is key because they’re projecting an annual operating cost of over $400,000 that includes subsidizing full-time employees that will be staffing the place 24/7.

Council passed a motion recommending Mayor Larry Jangula and CAO David Allen meet with Comox Valley MLA Don McRae and to ask him for help to deliver their funding concerns to the minister responsible for housing, Rich Coleman.

The plan is to build a three-storey apartment containing 30 studio dwelling units - six on the ground floor and 12 units on each of the second and third floors. Part of the ground floor will be used for offices and counselling rooms, a laundry, boardroom and a multi-purpose room.

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014 A3

$2.2 million in funding for area child programs

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Local groups were front-and-centre May 8 in the $2.2 million funding push by the Children’s Health Foundation meant to boost kids’ health on Vancouver Island. Eight North Island organizations were among the 30 gifted with substantial cash to help younger British Columbians.

“Those programs range from mental health counseling and support, family support, therapy for kids with special needs, and of course Island Health programs,” said Linda Hughs, the foundation’s CEO, noting more than 38,000 kids will be impacted by the announcement. “We want children to have all the tools they need to improve their health and quality of life.”

The organization has paid out more than $42 million since 1984 and strives to look at how to make things easier for families experiencing challenges providing care.

“We all know that when a child has a serious health issue the whole family is in a difficult situation,” she said. “We want to support families so that they’re there to provide their children with the best support they can.”

The Courtenay Recreation Association was given $6,965 for its Little Cruisers program, which helps support babies and their caregivers.

Chris Chapple, the program facilitator was thrilled with the announcement, explaining Little Cruisers allows busy moms and dads to connect and share stories of their various battles and successes.

“It’s for parents with babies seven to 14 months old,” she said. “It’s just an opportunity for the parents to socialize and compare notes.”

The new money means the program can go forward for another year, she noted.

The Cumberland Community Schools Society picked up a check for $2,440 to boost the Mammacentric support and education program for mothers with infants.

The Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry was handed a check

It has taken a lot of help from a lot of people to get Nikko to a place where he can blow a colour wheel, since he only had an airway of less than a millimetre.

Linda Hughs, foundation CEO, announces $2.2. million in funding to child development groups. for $21,976 to support its Early Years Aboriginal program.

The Comox Valley Child Development Association received $15,000 towards pediatric equipment for a sensory room to help children who struggle with autism and other over-stimulation control issues.

And the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society got $18,572 in order

to build on its therapeutic riding program for children and youth with complex health issues.

In an emotional address at the Courtenay Museum & Paleontology Centre where the announcement was held, Kathy Segriff spoke about the significance of care supports to adopting her three-year-old son Nikko Segriff from V’ng Tàu in South Vietnam.

She found out that he has severe stenosis, meaning specifically there is less than a millimetre of airway in his throat.

“He was having trouble breathing on the airplane,” she said. “We arrived in Vancouver and were scooped off the airplane by ambulance - and started our journey.”

Segriff spent the next two-and-ahalf months in and around the intensive care unit in Victoria, staying at Jeneece Place - a home away from home for families traveling to Victoria for child medical care, which also picked up funding as revealed in the Friday announcement.

“I just was living my life and all the sudden I was zoomed right in on anything he needed to be okay,” she said, adding she couldn’t have made it through without help from agen-

CV Child Development Association receives $15,000 towards pediatric equipment

Therapeutic Riding Society receives $18,572 for its programs cies funded by the Children’s Health Foundation.

“At that point it’s kind of hard to put into words where all this comes into play. People like us desperately need support and help and don’t even know it.”

Campbell River organizations also scored big as part of the funding release. The Campbell River Child Care Society received $2,915 for

Hemlock Family Place, a drop-in centre for children and their caregivers.

Sunrise Resources for Early Child Development was given $5,565 for occupational therapy in kindergarten readiness groups and therapy food school groups for young children.

The John Howard Society of North Island got $26,645 to support the Delaware Youth Drop-in program.

CoalWatch shocked by new licence granted to Compliance

By Michael Briones Echo Staff News that Compliance Coal Corporation was granted a license for a coal tenure in the Anderson Lake area on Mount Washington was a bit of a shocker for a local watchdog, which has been opposing any coal mine development in the region.

CoalWatch Comox Valley Society president John Snyder stumbled upon the news by accident while doing some research on the internet.

The licence was issued May 5, 2014 by BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas, with the tenure covering 1448 hectares in size that encompasses the sensitive Tsolum River watershed.

It has increased Compliance’s coal tenure in the region to over 30,000 hectares that include the Raven Coal Mine near Fanny Bay and the Bear Coal Deposit above Cumberland.

Snyder said they were “stunned” because the ministry last year in June, asked the Comox Valley Regional District to comment on the license application.

“Myself and several others from the community testified before the CVRD board and subsequently they issued a letter to the ministry

CoalWatch’s John Snyder at Anderton Lake area requesting that the license not be issued,” said Snyder. “The question for me is if the ministry is not listening to concerned citizens in the Comox Valley and the CVRD, who are

they listening to when they issue these licenses?”

Snyder said they’re also disappointed because this coal license is in a sensitive watershed area and it sets

a bad precedent.

“Well right now it’s not the end of the world certainly that the coal license application was approved and issued,” said Snyder. “But certainly I think it’s the first step on a slippery slope to future exploration development in this area.

“The fact that Compliance has included portions of the Tsolum River watershed for its coal license should serve as a wake-up call for us all.”

Wayne White of the Tsolum River Restoration Society said they are not happy with the news. The Tsolum River was severely impacted by an old copper mine on Mount Washington in the 1960s as salmon ceased to return because of copper leachate. Millions of dollars has been spent capping the mine and now fish are finally coming back.

“We’ve striven for a number of years just to get the mining impacts dealt with in the watershed so we would be really concerned now that things are coming back that we would have to face the same questions again,” said White.

Compliance president Steve Ellis said this was an old application that

was submitted in 2007.

“It was paid for in 2007 and here we are in 2014 and it was awarded,” said Ellis. “It’s not my fault it was so late. But to be fair, in 2007 we were looking at lots of different exploration areas. Right now, we’re focused on the Raven Coal Project, nowhere else.”

Ellis said they have no immediate plans for the new tenure right now.

“We own lots of coal rights and we do nothing with them,” he said. “If you don’t do exploration work on it after a period of time it gets given up.

So we’re not going to do anything with it at all.”

But CoalWatch and the society remain suspicious.

“If you’re not planning to do any future development or exploration, why indeed would you pursue the application,” Snyder asked.

“We realize that a mining licence is not a mine,” said White. “There’s a whole bunch of other steps between a mining licence and a mine but once the companies start spending money on the property they’ll feel they have some sort of vested interest in that property.”

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A4 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014

News

Valley visitor lands his dream job here

By Philip Round Echo Staff When Doug DeMarzo worked in Victoria, he loved heading north in his free time to bike and hike in the summer and ski in the winter.

Now he has been appointed to what for him is a dream job - manager of parks with Comox Valley Regional District.

“It was a natural fit to move up Island as my family and I have been wanting to move here for a number of years,” he told the Echo as he checked out the amenities at Goose Spit - one of the many parks and greenways that are now his responsibility.

Others include ‘flagship’ parks such as Seal Bay, Nymph Falls and Wildwood Forest, which together attract tens of thousands of people each year, plus more than 100-kms of maintained trails, along with beach accesses, wildlife viewing platforms, and even boat launches.

DeMarzo grew up in Prince George and his career has seen him employed in many aspects of parks planning, facilities provision, and environmental stewardship.

Past jobs included a stint with BC Hydro, where he was partly responsible for oversight of more than 20 recreation areas around the province - including Hydro’s lands along the Puntledge River in Courtenay.

He moved on to the City of Burnaby, where he was involved in establishing and constructing sustainable trails on Burnaby Mountain, planning ecosystem improvement projects, and developing an off-leash strategy to cater for dog owners.

Most recently, he was employed by the City of Victoria as its manager of parks planning and design.

“That was a pretty diverse experience that included budget accountability, strategic corporate planning, and leading greenway and park upgrades,” he explained.

“One of the more interesting projects I was responsible for was the development of Fisherman’s Wharf Park. The park transitioned from an underused field to a park space reflecting community desires - including a rain garden, sand beach, playground and walking trails.”

Another task in the provincial capital that was not initially on his radar was the successful establishment of an orchard in order to put a spotlight on the possibilities for food to be grown and harvested in an urban area.

Comox Valley Regional District’s new parks manager, Doug DeMarzo, pictured at Goose Spit Park.

In his new Comox Valley job, he will be responsible for driving forward the policies and projects in the already-adopted rural Comox Valley

parks and greenways strategic plan as well as overseeing the management of existing parks on a day-today basis.

“The adoption of the strategic plan by the CVRD board in 2011 was one of the attractions drawing me to the Valley,” he said.

“There are a lot of really interesting possibilities and challenges and its good to have the opportunity to help move things forward.”

Early priorities include officially inaugurating the newly completed Royston Seaside Trail; looking at the opportunities to upgrade the informal greenway along the old rail grade from Royston to Cumberland; progressing the second phase of the Denman Island cross-island trail that will eventually link the two ferry terminals; and updating the Mount Geoffrey Regional Park management plan on Hornby Island.

He’s also keen to investigate opportunities to improve connectivity between existing trails across the Valley to offer walkers, equestrians and bike riders more scope to explore; and would like to do more to improve education in parks through initiatives such as more interpretive information and additional guided walks and talks.

Some of that might well be achieved by working closely with local volunteer groups, as their number and enthusiasm have really impressed him since he arrived.

“I’m certainly looking forward to working with many of the wonderful volunteer groups already in place here, as well as seeking opportunities to broaden the role of regional parks to meet evolving community trends,” he added. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

Cumberland Rotary presents $110,000 cheque for playground The Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial and the Village of Cumberland partnered to create a family-friendly, fun-filled playground in the Village Park for the community to enjoy.

The playground was completed with the installation of modern, safe equipment and an universally accessible surface.

One of the most popular features is a zip line that even adults have been seen enjoying. Funds provided by the Rotarians came from the proceeds of the Club’s popular annual Extravaganza Italiana and with support from the Province of BC that provided $50,000 through the Community Gaming Grant program and Tire Stewardship BC - tsbc.ca who provided a grant of $30,000 because the surface covering used is made of recycled tires.

A cheque for $110,000 was presented by Rotary Club President Kim Sleno to Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird on Friday, 9 May, as the club’s share of the cost of the new facility.

The club will hold its tenth annual Extravaganza Italiana dinner and auction on Saturday, 4 October, in the Cumberland Recreation Centre. Tickets will be available soon for this year’s event from John Challender at $35 per person. Tickets may be ordered for delivery by contacting Challender at: 250-339-4068 or johnpegc@shaw.ca

L-R: Club President Elect (2014-15) Liz Phillipson, Club President Kim Sleno presented a cheque for $110,000 to Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird with support from Club Treasurer John Jones

Passionate defence of Housing Task Force’s work and spending

By Philip Round Echo Staff A passionate defence of the role, work and spending of the soon-tobe-disbanded Comox Valley Housing Task Force has been given by its chair, Courtenay Coun. Ronna-Rae Leonard.

She told Comox Valley Regional District’s board the grant funds it had received “both for the mandate of the Housing Task Force and the grant program it was asked to oversee have been well stewarded and professionally considered in their disbursement.”

She said over almost three years of its life, the Task Force had spent less than $1,400 a month on pursuing its mandate, which was specifically to build community capacity to address housing and homelessness in the Comox Valley.

“That is 4.3 per cent of approximately $1 million of funds that have been spent on housing and homelessness that have either originated from property taxes ... or been contributed by the province (including Vancouver Island Health Authority) to build capacity to end homelessness,” she noted.

Decisions on spending the bulk of that $1 million had been made by local governments in the Valley, not the Task Force - they included the original purchase of land at Cliffe and Tenth for a new homeless shelter by CVRD (subsequently sold at a loss by the City of Courtenay) and the purchase of land at Braidwood Road by Courtenay for a supportive Ocean Pacific Realty 282 Anderton Rd., Comox, BC V9M 1Y2 250.339.2021

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housing project.

Leonard said Task Force members had worked together to address barriers that resulted from a lack of public awareness.

“Taxpayers won’t support funding housing initiatives when they don’t think there is a problem,” she suggested. “Contrary to some opinions, the problem of homelessness and the affordability gap is pretty invisible in this community.”

Task Force members had focused on building common ground in a bid to ensure they spoke with one voice - something they had been told was essential if funds from senior governments were to be attracted to get homes built.

“And we worked to develop a recommendation that has the checks and balances needed in a system to build public confidence that public funds will be well spent and go to the most appropriate housing solutions for those in our community who struggle to put a roof over their heads.”

She insisted: “All this building capacity leads to the path forward to achieving the bricks and mortar - the

housing ‘on the ground’ - that proves we are doing something.”

Leonard said the Task Force had received $40,000 to cover the cost of its work from Vancouver Island Health Authority -money offered first to the regional district and then passed on.

It had secured a further $5,000 from BC Housing for a ‘Building housing solutions together’ project “and we leveraged a lot of community goodwill with that project with donations and discounted services and volunteers,” she added.

She noted a further $75,000 had been allocated to the Task Force from the regional district’s VIHA allocation for redistribution as grants to specific projects following public advertisement for costed proposals.

“Each of the successful projects was very worthy of support and the public got to hear about them at the forum in October,” Leonard noted.

One project by Dawn to Dawn received the lion’s share of the funding, she said - $65,000 of the $75,000 - “and we were pleased because it really was directed to one of the big issues.”

But it was only recently the Task Force had been made aware that all the money originally allocated to that project had not been taken up, with just over $18,000 still available.

“The project brought forward a proposal to use the funds, but it was not supported on substantive grounds - not just bad timing,” she explained.

So, she noted, at its last meeting the Task Force began to consider how to distribute the remaining grant funds. But before decisions were reached, the regional district asked for the unspent money back, and will

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Leonard said she hoped further positive steps would be taken to keep up the momentum of work on housing and homelessness when the regional district considered the opportunities in the next several weeks.

In the meantime, she hoped everyone could be proud of the work of the Task Force and the cross-section of people in the community who had dedicated themselves to it.

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014 A5

Community

The mystery of the missing Titus headstone HUNTFor History

by JUDY HAGEN

Heavy headstone is hoisted off a truck for installation Photos from City of Courtenay Heritage Commission

Titus headstone has been placed near the Wagner and Drabble stones

Headstone was in remarkably good shape, and after repairs was installed at Anglican Church on Mission Hill on Friday night last. He had been complaining of a pain in the side for some weeks and after supper at the camp that fateful evening he spat blood. The same day he started

for Wilson’s Landing to look for some timber, and had got as far as Duncan’s house when he commenced to vomit a great deal of blood.

“Duncan saw him and kindly assisted him to his house; the men were sent for and hurried down to Duncan’s. At Mr. Titus’ request carried him toward the camp as he

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Not all mysteries are solved in a one hour episode on CSI. In fact sometimes, the “file� cannot be closed for decades. Like all mysteries there are twists and turns and then an improbable ending.

This is not about a murder ... but the misadventure of a lost headstone.

For 100 years the headstone of Miles M. Titus sat on the edge of the Island Highway just across from St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. Anyone driving up or down Mission Hill could see the white marker, guarded by a little fence with a wild crabapple tree providing shade.

In the mid-1970’s, the Department of Highways widened that stretch of road providing a third lane. If anyone thought about it, they believed the Department of Highways had removed the beautiful headstone and stored it in one of their sheds. Not so.

When the City of Courtenay Heritage Commission put the missing headstone on their agenda, no one seemed to know what had happened to it.

There were newspaper pictures: one in 1936 showed the headstone with the little fence and the crab apple tree, another taken in 1974 with an Island Ready Mix truck passing by. When anyone was questioned, like Sgt. Shultz, they answered, “I know nothing.�

The matter was tabled.

Now, Miles M. Titus is a little known figure from the earliest days of the settlement. The headstone had an inscription which said “To the Memory of Miles M. Titus who died the 7th July 1871 Aged 56 years 7 mos. 15 days.�

Since there were no church records for those early years, Miles Titus was just a headstone remembered by old timers.

A recently published book entitled “Land of Plenty, Robert Burnaby’s letters from Colonial British Columbia 1858-1863� reveal a little about Miles Titus.

Letter #13 written from Queenborough 24 April 1859 (p, 80): “One character, Miles Marcus Titus, a regular backwoodsman, makes us laugh all day with his queer sayings and doings. He has only one eye by day, the other never opens till night and must by metempsychosis have a little bit of owl in him. He said the other day “Yas. I’ll do for you sir, as soon as I’ve fixed a bite� meaning his dinner. And another job he was after he said he’d make quite an upright job of it.�

Letter # 16 written from Victoria later that year, 21 July 1859: (p.

103): “... a trail is being cut across to Queenborough, and will be a great achievement. I think I have before told you of Mr. Marcus Miles Titus the one eyed trail cutter, who says the woods grow as thick as the hairs on a dog’s back, and he going this ‘em ways, and then he has to be greased to do it.�

In 1871, Miles was sent up from Victoria to the new Comox settlement. He was to make proper roads out of the trails that had been created by the first settlers who took land along the Tsolum River. He was working on the day he died. As luck would have it, two newspaper items printed after his death, describe the events of that week.

Colonist Newspaper 11 July 1871 (p. 3).

Late from Comox: SUDDEN DEATH of Miles M. Titus, Government Road “Boss�. Mr. T.C. Milburne arrived in a canoe yesterday morning from Comox to bring the news of the death of Mr. M.M. Titus, Government Road Boss which occurred quite unexpectedly

said he wished to die among his men. “They bore him to Mr. Wilson’s house- by this time he had grown very weak - and put him to bed there. He gradually sank down and died ten minutes past 10 o’clock.

Death was supposed to have resulted from the rupture of the main aorta of the heart. The settlers and workmen were preparing to put the remains in the vault on Sunday. Mr. Milburne left Saturday morning - Mr. Titus was a native of Connecticut US and had only lately visited his friends.

He had been many years in Government employ and was considered to be the best of men. His age was about 56�.

Three days later 14 July 1871 (p.3.) the Colonist Newspaper: “Poor Titus’ remains were committed to the grave on Sunday at 2’oclock pm the whole settlement was in attendance and the Rev. Reese read the funeral service.�

The obituary in the Victoria Daily Standard added: Ohio & Missouri papers to copy.

After his burial, the whole community took up a subscription and purchased the beautiful Italian white marble headstone adorned with the carving of Christ wearing a crown of thorns. It was fitting that the grave was beside the road Miles had been sent to make.

Now, four years ago, a house was sold in Cumberland. The new owner discovered the headstone, now broken, down in her basement.

She found it very unsettling so she called the Village Office and asked if a headstone was missing from the cemetery. She was told “No, but we think Courtenay has been searching for a headstone.�

After a call to the City office, a crew went up. Yes it was the lost headstone, but it was so heavy and so difficult to maneuver the two heavy pieces up from the basement that a hydraulic lift was required to complete the job.

The 35 lost years have never been explained, but the Heritage Committee was over the moon to find it again even if the pieces were damaged.

After an opinion from Stewart Monumental Works in Victoria, it was decided that the stone was worth repairing because surprisingly, after more than 130 years it was in remarkable shape.

The Commission approached the Anglican Church explaining the situation. Since the earliest burials had been haphazard and a proper cemetery was not laid out until 1875, would they consider adding the gravestone of Miles Titus to the cemetery?

A search of the records showed that there was one empty plot, a perfect place, right beside three early surveyors: George Drabble, Wilhelm Schjeldrup and Gordon Wagner.

On May 2nd, Father Anthony rededicated the gravestone at its new resting place.

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A6 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Opinions ECHO

THE COMOX VALLEY ECHO Publisher Dave MacDonald Editor Debra Martin Advertising Manager Keith Currie Office Administrator Deb Fowler Circulation Manager Hedi MacDonald Production Manager Ryan Getz Phone 250-334-4722 Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 250- 334-4215 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com

An independently owned and operated newspaper published by Echo Publications at 407-D Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 All material herein is protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without written authorization from the publisher.

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538

Letters

My new Citizen’s Bylaw The Town Council of Comox has made it so effortless to strike down existing bylaws and create new ones that it now seems that any citizen of Comox must have the same privilege.

As the first person to take advantage of this new freedom to rewrite the rules I am creating a new Citizen’s Bylaw, hereafter known as Bylaw C-1, to become effective immediately. It reads as follows: Any Councillor of the Town of Comox who belittles, chastises, defames or dismisses as unimportant any Citizen of the Town of Comox is hereby considered to have overstepped the bounds of common decency and is no longer considered to be a fitting representative of said Town, thereby becoming subject to instant dismissal.

Upon obtaining the approval of twelve citizens of the Town of Comox, any resident of said Town may call for the immediate curtailment of said Councillor’s duties and that Councillor shall be duly fired from the position of Town Councillor.

The first application of this new Citizen’s Bylaw is being served to Tom Grant who, at the Town Council meeting on May 7, 2014 at which a letter from the Comox Town Residents Association was brought forward, made the remark that it was merely “one gentleman” continuing to “rag on”.

This remark belittles and dismisses as unimportant not only the opinion of one of the signers of this letter, but also the opinion of the entire CTRA membership on whose behalf this letter was written.

As this remark by Tom Grant is clearly in contempt of the new Citizen’s Bylaw C-1, Councillor Tom Grant is hereby fired from Comox Town Council and is required to vacate his position effective immediately. Failure to comply with this execution of Bylaw C-1 will result in fines and annoying daily reminders.

The citizens of Comox are currently working on Bylaw C-2 which addresses the problem of possible Conflict of Interest within the Comox Town Council.

Marilyn Machum Comox

NOW BACK TO GARDENING ...

Ran into a friend yesterday who “rattled” my chain about not enough letter writing lately, and wondering why I haven’t written about the fact there are no longer any objectors to the trees being cut at the airport runway, this is what he tells me, yet they still exist. Can anyone advise what is happening, this needs to be done and quickly.

I have also been questioned re my support for Courtenay council re Maple Pool. While I do think the residents should be relocated, I also think the legal monies spent would have been better spent finding and moving these residents to a more suitable location that is not subject to flooding.

Lastly, thank you Snowbirds for an awesome show these past couple of weeks. Now maybe I can get back to gardening and get my head out of the sky.

Paul Ellegood Area B

KUDOS TO CROWN ISLE I hope you will publish this letter of commendation to Crown Isle golf resort for hosting last week’s Canadian PGA tour qualifier.

Although it may have disrupted the “regulars“ week of golf, in the end the benefit to the Valley, its business and services, far out weighs the temporary loss of golf privileges.

Approximately 130 golfers, plus officials, family members and so on were hosted for this week long event, with some of them residing here for a longer period of time, spending their hard earned dollars on local services as well as using the transportation links to get here.

In addition I believe most of them will leave here realizing that they just visited one of the more beautifull areas in our country potentially creating future travel to and from the Island.

Once again kudos to Crown Isle for pursuing this type of opportunity, which not only benefited them but lots of others as well.

Frank van Gisbergen

FABRICLAND STAFF MOST HELPFUL I am a Vancouverite that was visiting the Courtenay/Comox Valley a few weeks ago.

I was working on a project for a dress design for a dance recital that was proving to be near impossible for me.

I decided to visit the local FABRICLAND and from the moment I walked in the door I was greeted by smiling enthusiastic staff.

For three days straight I visited their store with more questions and with every question or concern I had, they helped me out just as if it were their very own project.

I wanted to send a big thank you to these ladies for their interest, expertise and incredible customer service. It was wonderful to be so far from home but to feel so completely at home!

Tami Rizzo Vancouver

Letters to the Editor

Financial benefit from transit The future of the Comox Valley transit system service is now being discussed by local governments.

We would like to share our experience of using the local transit system. Our household has two working adults and no children living at home.

Up to a year and half ago we owned two cars. We now are able to function quite well with one car because of our access to a morning bus that gets us downtown for work by 8.15 AM. We now use a car, bicycles and transit to meet our transportation needs.

Without access to the bus, particularly in the winter, we could not have made the shift to one vehicle.

The benefits of this decision have been many. Financially we are saving on the gas, maintenance and depreciation expenses associated with a second car.

This saves us thousands of dollars a year.

In fact, the financial benefit of the local transit service saves us more than what we pay in property taxes!

Having the one car gets us off our butts and on our bikes which is good for our health and well being. We also know that we are driving less which in a small way reduces CO2 emissions.

Having one car and relying on transit and cycling is less convenient. Sharing the car requires us to coordinate and plan in advance. However, the benefits to our bank account, our health and the planet are well worth it.

Less cars on the road will reduce the need for expensive road and bridge expansions, reduce air pollution and ease congestion.

We think that supporting an expansion of the transit system to improve frequency of service would allow many more Comox Valley residents to become one car households.

Marie Purcell David Stapley Royston

WE NEED BOTTLED WATER This letter is in response to the lady who said that Courtenay does not need plastic water bottles a few weeks ago. I wrote a letter to the editor of the paper that it was in but it did not make it to the paper it seemed. I wonder why.

Well Pam, we do in fact need water bottles, my mother-in-law was the one who brought your letter to my attention with her angry response.

If you want to ban water bottles where can my senior mother-in-law get a drink of water with her medication when she needs it. There are no water fountains on every corner and everyone I asked said they would not drink from a public water fountain for fear of what is on the fountain.

Water bottles are an essential item that every person should be carrying around with them. Whether it is in a metal bottle or their own plastic bottle that they reuse, but there should not be a ban on the sale of water in plastic bottles.

Here is why, we live in an EARTHQUAKE ZONE and in the event of one we will need bottled water. If we have a fair sized earthquake here, our water system will become contaminated in minutes.

Water lines and sewer lines are running quite close to each other. Do you want to drink water that may be contaminated by sewage.

What about rainwater, well if you collected it from your rain barrel attached to your house great, but how long has it been sitting there and remember birds do like to sit on your homes!

Whenever you watch the news and see other parts of the world that are undergoing major emergency’s happening in their areas. What is the first thing you see being asked for and handed out.

BOTTLED WATER! It’s been filtered and it’s safe and it is easy to store and transport.

Oh but our government will have everything up and running tickety boo before your afternoon tea gets cold. If you are thinking that they will be here within 72 hours fixing things you need to get your heads out of the clouds. Just look at what happened to New Orleans and even New York.

Plastic water bottles are recycled by more people than you don’t give credit too! Plastic water bottles are the least of our garbage problems.

Have a look at what you throw into your garbage bins at home and at work before you start in about plastic water bottles. We generate more trash that can be recycled but it’s just as easy to throw it in the garbage.

I did a little research project of my own when we first moved here to see what I could do reduce the amount of garbage that my family of 5 produced in a week. We went from one overflowing garbage can down to one small plastic grocery bag and half of that was composting. So plastic water bottles are not the issue here, it’s laziness in doing our part to reduce the amount of trash we can reduce or reuse.

If you are worried about the amount of plastics ending up in our landfill then stop eating at fast food restaurants that produce more recyclable material in one day than ha lf our community! We need bottled water, it’s a necessity!

Don Catling Comox

Laughable rhetoric from the Liberals British Columbia is one of two provinces without a legislated poverty-reduction plan, a failing the Opposition New Democrats says, needs to change.

But listening to MLA Don McRae (Social Development Minister), on the CBC morning show this week, from inside the legislature, he said that having a plan does not necessarily mean success in combating child poverty.

What we do know, Mr.Minister, is that the Liberals’ lack of a plan, has dramatically increased child poverty in this province, over the past 13 years due to policy changes enacted by the BC Liberals.

Facts don’t lie, and Mr. Horgan was right in pointing out that sky-high poverty rates are directly tied to BC Liberal policies such as the child support clawback that takes money from BC’s poorest children.

But wait for it....in question period, Don McRae, in classic Run and Deflect Liberal politics, tried in vain to purport that the NDP policy of a distant decade, (while John Horgan was starting out), was actually responsible.

Message to Minister Don McRae, and to the Comox Valley electorate. Hang your head in shame.

The people of British Columbia deserve better than this ruse, a not-so-

clever attempt to run and deflect, when it is your lack of a plan over the past decade and more, that is really at fault.

Another failed ideological implementation at work, I would suggest.

Tom Romanuk Courtenay

WORRIED ABOUT TEACHERS My name is Josh Burneau and I am a Grade 11 student in Courtenay, BC. Recently, I learned that due to recent government budget cuts, School Districts have had to find ways to save money.

My school district has laid off over 270 teachers, all teachers hired from 2001-2014. They then posted approximately 150 jobs, meaning that next year, we will be short nearly 120 teachers.

With fewer teachers, that means less courses and larger class sizes. Larger class sizes and fewer teachers mean less learning for the students of BC. But, you have to remember that both the government and the BC Teachers Union have stated that they are “For the students”.

With fewer classes, it means that it will be more difficult for students to get into Post-Secondary Education.

The youth of today are fighting to get into required courses so that we can find career in the future.

With approximately 4000 students in the Comox Valley, how can we all get into the required classes if we have less of them? Rumors say that we will have to pay for all paper usage, meaning that all things will have to be handed in electronically. However, as the internet has shown time and time again, it fails.

Computers aren’t perfect, things can get lost a lot easier on a network drive than they can in a file on a teacher’s desk.

But keep in mind, this is all for the students.

Less classes, less teachers, and more students means more stress on the teachers. With the teachers already on a phase 1 job action, not performing any administrative duties, or supervising at recess, I fear a phase 2 or even a phase 3 job action.

A Job Action, that to the current Grade 11’s, casts a dark cloud over the certainty of their grade 12 academics, sports, extra-curricular activities, and our Grad Ceremony.

But remember, the BC Government has said time and time again, that they are For the Students.

Josh Burneau Courtenay

What’s On

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014 A7

etc.

ECHO

Des Kennedy reads tonight

“Heart & Soil: The Revolutionary Good of Gardens” author event with Des Kennedy begins at 7:30 pm tonight (Tues., May 13th) at the Courtenay and District Museum.

Kennedy will introduce his new book by presenting animated readings from the text.

Over the last forty years, Kennedy has become a renowned writer, environmental activist and, of course, gardener.

He has tackled every challenge nature has thrown his way with an unmistakable sense of humour, and emerged with tales that reflect his insight into how the human spirit is intertwined with the natural world.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing after the lecture.

Admission to the evening is $5 per Historical Society member; $6 non-members (plus GST). Advance tickets recommended.

The Courtenay and District Museum is located at 207 Fourth Street in downtown Courtenay.

FMI: 250-334-0686 ext.

5.

British invasion at the Legion Attention Mods and Rockers! You know who you are!

The Courtenay Legion is holding a British Pub Night this Friday, May 16. Fish and Chips for $10 will be served at 6 pm just before the meat draw.

British Band music from the 50s, 60s and 70s will rock the crowd starting at 7. Prizes for outrageous British costumes will be awarded at 8.

We hope you will join us for this crazy blast from the past! Legion members and bona fide guests only.

Travel clinic at Packables What do you remember the most of your last trip, the sights, the weather ... lugging your luggage around? It’s time to learn to be a smarter, savvier lightweight traveler.

Learn to take everything you need in a carry

on size bag at Packables Travel Solutions Travel Clinic. This fun, lively 90-minute workshop will cover everything from what to take and how to take it but also documentation, security, money tips, scams and more.

Focus on your trip not your luggage. Travel Clinics fill up fast and reservations are required.

Please call 250-7032141 or email packstaff@ shaw.ca to book your seat.

Next scheduled clinic is Thursday May 15 at 12:30. Packables Travel Solutions 5th & Duncan, downtown Courtenay, lots of parking at the back.

Free courses at Comox Fire Comox Fire Rescue is offering FREE “Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program” (NEPP) and CPR courses.

Experience has shown that after a disaster, it may take three or more days for emergency services to reach many of the neighbourhoods and individuals. The NEPP program is designed to provide information, training and skills necessary for individuals and neighbourhoods to be self-sufficient after a disaster.

FREE, NEPP programs are scheduled at the Comox Fire Station on May 16, and June 20, (two hour session 10 am to noon), Sessions are free. Contact the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255 to register.

Recognizing and responding quickly to someone having a heart attack or choking can mean the difference between life and death.

Comox Fire Rescue is also offering a FREE, CPR (A) courses.

CPR A, AED covers the skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies and choking for people age eight and over including performing one person adult CPR. Sessions also covers the use of public access Automatic External Defibrillators (AED).

The FREE CPR (A) programs are scheduled at the Comox Fire Station on May 16 and June 20, 2014.

Sessions start at 1 pm and are three hours in length. Contact the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255 to register.

Art and Bloom Festival a feast for the eyes The annual Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens Art & Bloom Festival is both a celebration of Mother Nature’s handiwork and the work of the many talented artists and artisans who will be setting up booths this coming weekend, May 17 to 19, in the gardens.

With over 3,500 rhododendrons, many in bloom at this time of year, and thousands of indigenous plants the gardens themselves are a work of art. Covering nearly 25 acres, owner Bryan Zimmerman, working with nature has crafted a setting unlike any other of British Columbia’s botanical gardens.

Most visitors are familiar with formal gardens such as Butchart in Victoria, Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens falls into the category of informal. While there are some flower beds and expanses of cut lawns, most of the gardens evolved as Mother Nature intended.

“My objective is to work with the land as I find it,” says Zimmerman. “I try not to disturb the natural growth and attempt to

create an environment that looks as if it was always there.” Zimmerman takes this to heart. For example in order to minimize the impact of vehicles he hand spreads tons of bark mulch each year on the pathways and gets it there the old fashioned way by using a wheelbarrow.

While the gardens are indeed spectacular, they are certainly enhanced by the many unique creations of the exhibitors who are set up on the grassy areas and along the pathways.

From photography to pottery, unique garden art to works in stone and wood, colorful paintings in a variety of mediums to hand worked glass that sparkles like the dew, these works, like the blossoms, are a visual treat that blend so perfectly with the natural surroundings.

In addition to the many displays, visitors will be entertained by a number of talented musicians who perform at different locations in the gardens. Some of the artists who will be on hand this year are Jorge Alfaro,

BRUSHWORKS AT FILBERG LODGE On the Victoria Day long weekend, The Brushworks presents its annual Show and Sale at the Filberg Lodge from May 17th to 19th (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily).

The Brushworks is a group of 28 talented Valley artists that meets and paints weekly. A broad range of styles and mediums will be exhibited for sale.

While there, you can enjoy the beautiful setting of the heritage Filberg Lodge and perhaps stop for a “cuppa” at the tea house to complete your visit to the Show, lodge and grounds.

Members of The Brushworks will be in attendance to guide your viewing and answer any questions you may have.

Right, painting by Peter Moore

‘Official denial’: CVAG hosts sewing art project this afternoon The Comox Valley Art Gallery is hosting a unique interactive visual art project this afternoon (Tuesday, May 13) called “(official denial) trade value in progress.”

Artist Leah Decter and curator Jaime Isaac, both from Winnipeg, will lead the sewing action from 4 to 7 p.m. at the gallery, at 580 Duncan Ave. in Courtenay.

The project is a response to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s September 2009 statement “we ... have no history of colonialism” in Canada.

Participants will be invited to use pens, needles and threads to respond

to the statement on a 12 by 14 foot composite of Hudson Bay blankets.

No sewing experience is required.

The project has been touring the country for several years, but this is its first tour of Vancouver Island.

People who want to participate are encouraged to register in advance by calling the gallery 250.338.6211.

Participants are welcome to bring a food potluck item to share.

For more details about the project: Visit www.leahdecter.com/official_denial/home

Tracy Canil, Bruce & Judy Wing, The Brad Prevadoris Trio, and Anela Kahiamoe.

The Art & Bloom Festival is not just another Valley event it is an experience that brings together the works created by human hands with the spectacular creations that nature puts forth every Spring.

“We wanted to create a special event in the gardens that would provide a venue for artists and artisans to showcase their work.” said Zimmerman. “It only seemed natural to hold the event at one of the times during the year when the gardens are at their most spectacular.”

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is located just a 15 minute drive north of Courtenay and just off Highway 19a. The Festival is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday and from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday. Regular Garden admission rates apply.

For more information about the gardens and the festival visit the website www. woodlandgardens.ca

A8 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014

What’s On

Water documentary screening Thursday Filmmaker David Lavallees’ award-winning investigative documentary White Water Black Gold takes audiences on an eye-opening journey down the Athabasca River, bringing to life his search for truths on an unfolding resource battle.

The film follows a drop of water and a drop of oil across Western Canada, as he uncovers threats to one of the world’s largest watersheds and two oceans.

The film is a sober look at the untold costs, to both water and people, which are associated with developing the thirstiest of oil industries: the Alberta tarsands.

Find out more at a free documentary screening of White Water Black Gold on Thursday May 15, 7:30 pm at the Stan Hagen Theatre at North Island College.

The event is hosted by the Comox Valley Chapter of the Council of Canadians, the North Island Students’ Union, and Comox Valley Cinema Politica. Donations will be accepted.

White Water, Black Gold is a film of jarring contrasts that range from the pristine mountain ice fields which are the source of the industry’s water to the tarsands’ tailing ponds, which contain the toxic by-products now endangering the third largest watershed in the world.

Both government and industry spokespeople deny any cause for concern, but in the course of his journey Lavallee makes a number of discoveries that challenge that assessment and raise serious concerns for Canada and the United States.

In February 2014, new federal research strongly backed suspicions that toxic chemicals from Alberta’s vast oil sands tailings ponds are leaching into groundwater and seeping into the Athabasca River - per-

The Georgia Strait Big Band performs Thursday for the Beltone Jazz Series haps explaining why First Nations living downstream are being diagnosed with rare cancers at high rates.

New science shows that water resources in an era of climate change will be increasingly scarce. The proposed upgrading of bitumen could endanger multiple river systems that make up about half of Canada’s water supply.

New oil pipelines planned across British Columbia bring these threats to rivers, salmon and the Pacific Ocean.

White Water Black Gold sends a strong message about the current and potential future impacts of tarsands mining on land, water, communities and wildlife.

White Water Black Gold is winner of The Best Canadian Film Award at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival; Platinum Documentary Award Winner, Oregon Film Awards; and the John Muir Award at the Yosemite Film Festival.

■ THE BELTONE JAZZ SERIES

Big Band at Little Church The “Beltone Jazz Series” continues this Thursday evening, with another entertaining evening of great music, featuring Comox Valley’s very own 19 person, “Georgia Strait Big Band” at The Little Red Church in Comox.

You are in for another musical treat, featuring the tunes made famous by The Count, Gillespie and beyond, expertly conducted by Professor Greg Bush.

Greg travels from his residence in Nanaimo over 40 times per year to conduct lead the Georgia Strait Big Band and all band members wish to express their gratitude for Greg’s extraordinary commitment and expert leadership for the past 7 years.

This Thursday’s performance will feature some brand new repertoire and will showcase the elegant vocals of Jackie Zbirun, who will lead you down memory lane with beautiful renditions of classic favorites of the Big Band era.

This Big Band is the latest incarnation of Big Band music in the Comox Valley, that dates back over 70 years, when folks danced the night away at The Native Sons Hall.

Over the years, the Georgia Strait Big Band has mentored young musicians, who have pursued post secondary studies and careers in musical performance.

Jazz series organizer Rob Peterson, wishes to acknowledge the generous support of Jeff and Sharon Germain, owners of the Beltone Hearing Care Centers, for their generosity, in support of the “Beltone Jazz Series”.

Dance Floor Alert! There will be a designated area to kick up your heels, so bring your dancing shoes!

Doors open 7 7:00 and performance begins at 7:30. This is a family friendly performance, serving tea, coffee, goodies and soft beverages.

Tickets at the Door $12 - Advance tickets $10 and available at Bop City in Courtenay and The Red Carpet Boutique in Comox.

MYSTERY WRITER AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ADVENTURER PRESENT NEW BOOKS Continuing to mark their 40th year in business, the Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Downtown Courtenay is partnering with the wider community to celebrate the power of reading and the creative impact of authors.

Two special events marking the occasion will take place on May 15 and 17.

Festivities begin at the Courtenay Library on Thurs. May 15 at 7 pm. Guests are invited to meet BC author Rachel McMillen as she reads from her new book, Dark Moon Walking.

This fast-paced thriller is McMillan’s first installment in the Dan Conner mystery series. Murder and suspense are set set excitingly close to home, on a remote island off the Pacific Northwest Coast.

Laughing Oyster Bookshop and the Courtenay Library are pleased to welcome McMillen to Courtenay and invite everyone who likes a great story to come out and hear the author read from her riveting new novel. Books signings will follow.

On Sat. May 17 at 1pm, Laughing Oyster Bookshop and Signature Olive Oils and Vinegars welcome author and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Julie Angus back to the Comox Valley for a delicious introduction to her latest book.

Olive Oils and Vinegars and at Laughing Oyster Bookshop 286 Fifth Street, Courtenay; ph#250 334-2511.

Olive Odyssey is an exploration into one of the world’s favourite flavours - the olive.

Angus unravels the secrets of this global ingredient by exploring the landscapes of its origins and history, from Spain to Greece and the Middle East.

Angus, a world traveler, is as interesting as her book’s subject matter. A molecular biologist, writer, filmmaker, motivational

May Golf Specials

speaker and mother of a toddler, she is also the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean.

The afternoon will include Julie’s presentation followed by a book signing and olive oil tasting. This event takes place at the Olive Oil Tasting Room at 2060 Guthrie Road in Comox.

Tickets are $5 and available at Signature

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Mid-Term report 2013-2014 The Cub has made the following donations Hospital packs for Syrian Refugees $575 Royal Canadian Legion $50 School Division #71 Public Speaking Competition $500 Child Development Telethon $500 Vanier Improv Group $500 Therapeutic Riding membership $144 St. Josephs Hospital Foundation (Wizard of Oz) $5075 Kiwanis Children Cancer Program $250 Comox Valley Lifeline memberships $720 St John Ambulance First Aid Competition $500 Comox Valley Family Services (Healthy Babies) $1000

The Club has Judged at the 4H Public Speaking Competition Drove and organized the Cancer Van Worked at the St. George's Pantry Managed the Kiwanis Villages Drove and helped organize Meals on Wheels Worked at the Sonshine Lunch Club Did Crossing Duty at Halloween in Comox Worked at Winter BytesRan the Junktiques Look out for the next Junktique on May 16th and 17th and the second Downton Abbey Tea on July 20th

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay Courtenay Rt. 8105 – Kilpatrick, 29th - 27th, Moray Rt. 8106 – Kilpatrick, Anfield Centre (Walmart) Rt. 8130 – Cliffe (Between 19th & 10th), Riverside Lane, Beckensell Rt. 7115 – 5th to 4th, Menzies to Willemar Rt. 7127 – Marsden, Baird to Charter Rt. 7108 – Fitzgerald, Grieve 17th to 13th Comox Rt. 1110 – Skeena, Pritchard, Chilcotin, Chinook, Nimpkish, Noel Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2136 – Pritchard, Dogwood, Elm, Noel Rt. 2126 – Robb (between Pritchard & Stewart), Elm, Dogwood, Noel (between Pritchard & Stewart) Substitutes: (May/14 to Oct/14) Rt. 2145 – Jubilee, Bolt, Heron Rt. 2153A – Olympic, Murrelet Rt. 2155 - 2300 – Murrelet Crown Isle Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex Valleyview Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View Rt. 3105 – 10th St. E., Farquharson, Williams Rd. Mission Hill Rt. 5102 – Stafford, Dingwall, Valecourt, Cruickshank Cumberland Rt. 9103 – Dunsmuir, Derwent, Sutton, 1st Rt. 9108 – 6th & 7th Dunsmuir to Windermere

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What’s On Three artists celebrate colour at Crown Isle showing this weekend

Comox Valley Nature presents illustrated talk on traditional plants and foods of SW B.C. As the archeological record continues to push back the dates for the arrival of First Nations, the many uses and value of our native flora which is increasingly threatened, is becoming increasingly important.

In many instances, the threats to these plants comes from our failure to understand the conditions under which aboriginal peoples maintained and cultivated many of these plants in cultural systems different from our sets of expectation.

For thousands of years people sustained themselves by gathering, cultivating and managing local resources and trade. Comox Valley Nature is pleased to host a presentation which will provide a glimpse into the management and use of traditional foods and medicines primarily from Southwestern BC and adjacent areas.

Sharon Niscak is of Neskonlith decent and learned some of the plants and medicines used by her father, grandmother and great grandmother who retained traditional knowledge. Sharon is part of the Working Group for the Indigenous Food Network and has been involved in the revitalization of Indigenous Food Networks. She has also studied botanical medicines from both a practical and scientific viewpoint.

She will make presentation entitled, “Indigenous Plants: Sharing Traditional Ecological Wisdom with a focus on the traditional plants and foods that are part of our environment,” at the Filberg Seniors Centre at 7pm, Sunday May 18 as part of CVN’s monthly meetings.

Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature consisting only of unpaid volunteers. CVN fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing free weekly guided hikes for members, and a free monthly walk open to the public.

The society also undertakes a variety

Westies and other Highland breeds are invited to the annual walk, this year in Cumberland (Photo courtesy Jayson Brynes)

of environmental projects. Aside from its main activity as a non-profit, Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups ( Birding, Botany, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists Club) all of which have separate monthly activities. Membership in BC Nature and Comox Valley Nature is $30 per adult and $40 for a family.

Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest environmental societies on the North Island. Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. Lecture is free, though a $3 contribution from non-members is appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.

Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at the website http://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/ or Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.

All Highland dog breeds invited to Westie Walk Looking forward to our Annual Event, the Westie Walk, in Cumberland, Saturday, May 17th!

Although saddened by the loss of the Highland Games, we (the Highland Canines) are delighted to be invited to do our annual reunion in Comberland this year, in association with Laurie Tinkler’s Highland dancers competition.

Although a pared down version of the games, we hope you will come along and view the competition.

Relay for Life is having ‘Purge your Pledges’ drop-ins Attention Relay for Life participants: Get your hard work fundraising posted online today!

Stop in at one of our three “Purge your Pledges” drop-in nights at the Canadian Cancer office located at 102 - 1509 Cliffe Ave. Local businesses have sponsored great draw prizes for each night.

DON’T MISS OUT! Tuesday, May 13th from 6pm to 8pm Tuesday, May 20th from 6pm to 8pm Wednesday, May 28 from 7pm to 9pm We are trying to have the most accurate fundraising numbers for all the teams at Relay for Life this year.

Questions? email tberg@bc.cancer.ca Relay For Life is the largest cancer fundraiser in the world. Every year, participants come together to cele-

brate the lives of those who have overcome cancer, remember loved ones lost and empower individuals and communities to fight back against the disease.

More than 12,000 people in 49 BC and Yukon communities are expected to participate this year.

Funds raised by Relay help the Society fund ground-breaking research, leading cancer prevention initiatives and vital cancer support services that are accessible in communities’ right across Canada.

The Canadian Cancer Society fights cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives and support people living with cancer.

When you want to know more about cancer, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-9393333.

You’re Invited Moving Ahead Together

Learn more about the proposed south sewer project and wastewater management planning process

Join the project team and consulting engineers at the opening of the new south sewer project office in Royston.

Thursday, May 15, 2014 | 12-2pm 3843 Livingston Road, Royston Format will be drop-in, open-house style.

Refreshments will be served.

Come by to learn more about this innovative wastewater management project for Royston, Union Bay and Cumberland. The latest information boards will be on display and project team members from the CVRD engineering team will be on hand to answer questions.

Note: If you’re unable to attend please note we will establish office hours at this new office location starting in May and running for the duration of the project. Watch for exact hours and updates on the south sewer project pages: http://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/southsewer

Contact: CVRD Engineering Services Tel: 250-334-6056 | southsewer@comoxvalleyrd.ca

Our meeting time is 11:45 am at the Legion in Cumberland, with plans to depart and walk the 400 metres to the new Cumberland doggie park/highland events, for noon.

Hoping to have a wonderful turnout of Highland breeds. (Yes, you read that right. Since we have been associated with the games, it was only fair to open it up to all Highland breeds, and each year we see more and more Cairns and Scotties joining the Westies.

Three talented local artists Marg Selkirk, Gail Neuls and Martha Ponting exhibit their” Colour Burst” collection of original paintings at Crown Isle resort.

You will be treated to 3 diverse styles from realistic to intuitive and a semi-abstract stylist. Each artist offers something of special interest and unique to share. Now is your chance to meet with the artists and view their work as it lights up the Gold room with colour!

Saturday May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday May 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Gail says “It is wonderful and totally exciting to have so much freedom to not have to hold back any imagination in expressing myself through line and colour.

Margaret draws her inspiration from the tranquility and beauty of B.C.’s wilderness. Her richly detailed oil paintings reflect her deep spiritual love of the natural world.

Martha’s work is intuitive and symbolic. Image, flowing lines and vibrant colour invite the viewer to explore self-awareness, inner change and relationships.

A10 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Sports and Recreation

Gorgeous weather for Mini World Cup gathering

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff It was all fun and games during this weekend’s Mini World Cup festivities that brought families from around the Island together in the Comox Valley over the weekend.

About 1,250 kids and coaches participated in the festivities that gave them a sneak peek into life as a soccer star, without having to venture to the other side of the world.

“It’s not just about soccer. That’s the preface of the event,” said Mini World Cup chair Robin Smart. “More importantly it’s about how much fun these kids have.”

Two Search and Rescue Technicians parachuted from a Buffalo aircraft with a game ball for the official kickoff.

A parade of nations was held to get the youth into the action. Each team had been assigned to represent different countries. Those from Africa gathered at one point, and as they wound their way past a baseball diamond the teams representing the Americas joined up. The teams assigned to play as Asian countries entered the parade at the second baseball diamond, while last but not least teams “from” Europe merged with the procession.

As the summer heat beat down during Saturday afternoon action, Kade Praine, 7, took a break from fast play on the field to eat some cotton candy.

“We usually win,” he said, explaining they have a very potent secret formulae that helps them do so.

“Pass,” he revealed.

Luke Dirom, from Campbell River gets his fingertips on the ball to lock down an important save during a match Saturday. (More photos: www.comoxvalleyecho.com)

Nothing could be finer than playing golf at the Crown Isle course on a beautiful spring evening and enjoying the festivities at the Gentlemen’s Night at the Office at close of play.

Jeremiah was a bullfrog, at Gentlemen’s Night Lots of jokes begin with: “A man walks into a bar ....” However, the one John Davis told at the festivities following golf last Thursday evening during the Gentlemen’s Night at the Office (GNATO) at the Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community, proved a showstopper.

Right from the get-go as Davis began telling his joke, the 55 golfers in attendance began giggling at the improbability of a man taking his bullfrog with a particularly adept tongue into a martini bar, and by the time Davis got to the punch-line all of the assembled revelers fell into the aisles holding their sides.

“The Gerbil’s” joke earned him the $25 prize, sponsored by Unity Business Systems, for best joke of the night and set a very high standard for future joke-telling rounds, which is all part of the weekly fun evening of golf and entertainment that is quickly picking up steam even though it is only two events old.

The initial GNATO began with 39 participants and once word spread of the well-organized evening of golf, entertainment, food and drink, prizes and fun, the number of participants escalated to 55.

“We’re hoping that we can attract at least a hundred,” says one of the organizers, Art “The Mole” Meyers. It looks certain that this goal will be attained as everyone who has played in the GNATO so far has gone home more than

happy.

In the prize department Randy Beart claimed most of the winnings with Rusty Archibald running a close second.

Not only is joke telling an integral part of the GNATO, but ten, rapid-fire, “Jeopardy” style historical questions, posed by MC Jason Andrew, kept participants on their toes with another $25 prize on offer. Russ Kyle claimed that prize proving that he paid close attention to his Social Studies teachers when he attended school.

The GNATO took a hiatus for a week because of the 2014 PGA Canada Tour Qualifying School taking place at Crown Isle between May 6 and May 9, but resumes on May 15th.

Gentlemen’s Night at the Office sees participants play eighteen holes - starting between 3 and 4 p.m., or nine holes, beginning with a shotgun start at 6 p.m.

Why not enter as a single, or get a foursome together, make a booking with the Crown Isle pro-shop and come on out Thursday May 15th and enjoy the fun?

Also come prepared to tell a good joke or to sit back and split a gut laughing at another “doozer”!

“A bullfrog in a martini bar” - last week’s participants are still laughing!

The youngster from Courtenay said he had never been to an event quite like this before.

Shauna Praine, his mother, was excited to see how much fun her child was having at the “international” competition.

“It’s been great,” she said. “He’s having a lot of fun. It’s a new experience for him.”

Food and activities available on side included White Caps Cappuccinos, Javier’s Latin Cuisine, Pizza Hut, Cumberland Hemp Company ice cream, and C. Ledger Photography.

Over on the other side of the soccer complex a group of girls gathered for their pre-game chant.

One held up a cute black and white dog as everyone cheered, “Go Philippines!”

And then it was on.

Andrew Stigant watched his daughter tear it up on the grass.

“It’s phenomenal when you see this number of people coming in to the Comox Valley,” he said.

“It’s so well organized.”

Stigant said he puts a special importance on making it out to his daughter’s soccer games.

“My parents did it for me as a kid,” he said. “I continue to keep that tradition alive.”

He also sees it as a way to promote positive living choices.

“It keeps them healthy,” he said. “It keeps them away from the screen time.”

Danny Dyck spent some quality time with his 9-year-old daughter Ella Dyck, who had taken plenty of screen free time to sit still to have a colourful design painted across her face earlier in the day.

A lot of logistics went into planning event but

Kade Praine, 7, took a break from playing to eat some cotton candy. in the end everything ran smoothly. Ambassador Shuttle shuttled 450 people from North Island College, where parking was available. Food vendors and a bouncy castle were on site. Music pumped from loudspeakers on site. And later on a concert was held at Sims Millennium Park down the hill near the estuary.

Smart said the camaraderie on display was amazing.

“It was kind of the icing on the cake,” she said, noting that one team came from particularly far afield. “We had a team in from Whitehorse, Yukon - which is really cool.”

And the weather cooperated perfectly.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” she said. “There was no rain at all.”

Residential Curbside Recycling is EXPANDING

If you live in Courtenay, Royston or Cumberland and take part in curbside Blue Box recycling, your options are expanding on May 19. Here’s what you need to know about the changes:

If you live in Courtenay, Cumberland or Royston

• You can now include new items in your Blue Box such as aluminum foil, milk cartons, plastic • •

plant pots, aerosol cans, and hot and cold drink cups. For a full list visit the websites for each area listed below.

Your curbside recycling pickup schedule and contractor will not change.

As before no glass should go into your Blue Box. Take these to a depot.

On May 19, non-profit organization Multi-Material BC (MMBC) will assume responsibility for managing residential packaging and printed paper recycling in Courtenay, Royston and Cumberland and in many other areas of BC. If you live in other areas and have questions about recycling contact your local government.

Recycling Depots – COMOX VALLEY

There are changes to local recycling depots too. Here’s an overview of changes starting May 19:

Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, 2400 Pidgeon Lk Rd, Cumberland This depot will expand to accept new materials including: Plastic foam packaging (i.e. Styrofoam); Plastic bags/film wrap; Glass

•

Country Market, Courtenay / Depot Behind Canex, Comox These drop-off depots…

Will not take any new items Will continue to accept cardboard, hard plastics, metal containers

• •

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Encorp Return-It Depots, Courtenay and Comox These privately run depots…

Will expand to accept new materials such as packaging and printed paper recycling Will continue to offer refunds for refundable items

• •

For up-to-date information on recycling depots in the Comox Strathcona Waste Management area (Comox Valley and Campbell River) visit www.cswm.ca/depots.

3495 plus TAX

Available at B1-2575 McCullough Road • Phone: 250-729-4200 Toll Free: 1-888-311-7713

www.courtenay.ca/recycling.aspx Tel: 250-703-4863

www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/royston Tel: 250-334-6000

www.cumberland.ca Tel: 250-336-2291

Vancouver Island NewsMedia Group

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014 A11

9 & Dine is Back at Sunnydale!

•$20.00 plus gst •includes 9 holes of golf and your choice of meal from the grill menu, or the daily special.

•Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm •Book tee-times at the pro-shop

(250) 334-3232 5291 North Island Highway, Courtenay, BC V9J 1S7

Sports and Recreation GOLF NEWS COMOX MAYOR WINS THE DEUCE POT

Melissa MacAdam, left, and Lauren Carr representing British Columbia at the Western Canadian Gymnastics Championships

Two gymnasts from Island do well at Westerns BC athletes took five of the top ten spots in the Open 4 category at the 2014 Western Canadian Gymnastics Championships. Indeed, first place on each apparatus - floor exercise, vault, balance beam and uneven bars - as well as first place overall was won by a BC athlete.

The competition took place in Saskatoon at the end of April and saw top gymnasts from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon compete for the title of Western Canadian Gymnastics Champion. The athletes compete with others in the same age range and difficulty level.

Gymnasts from levels 4, 5 and National qualified at their respective Provincial Gymnastics Championship meets.

This year, two island athletes participated in the Open 4 category and both brought home gold medals.

Lauren Carr from Chimo Gymnastics in Comox qualified for this year’s competition at the Provincial Championships in Kamloops. The sixteen-year-old Mark R. Isfeld student has been competing with Chimo Gymnastics for only four years and was thrilled to qualify for this event.

The only event in gymnastics where you get more than one chance at an apparatus is on vault. Lauren’s first Tsukahara vault was very strong and she stuck the landing.

Her second vault was even more dynamic and even with a slight step on the landing scored her a massive 13.55, placing her solidly in first place on the podium 0.75 ahead of her competitors.

Carr finished fourth on floor receiving some encouraging compliments from the collegial coaches at the event. A seventh place overall finish left Lauren very pleased with her first experience at a meet of this level and eager to gain more skills to be able to return next year.

Comox and Campbell River gymnasts train together on occasion and cheer each other on at meets. Westerns were no exception.

Melissa (Mac) MacAdam from Springs Gymnastics in Campbell River is always a determined, positive and vibrant competitor and brought that attitude with her to Saskatoon.

The Comox/Campbell River contingent was thrilled to cheer Mac on to take first place on floor and third place on beam, ultimately crowning her the Open Level 4 Western Canadian Gymnastics Champion, a fitting finish for this 15 year gymnastics veteran as she prepares to graduate high school and pursue post-secondary education.

Both athletes expressed their appreciation for their Coaches, respective gymnastics clubs (Chimo Gymnastics and Springs Gymnastics), friends and families for their support.

Paul Ives was the sole winner of 30 April Deuce Pot. His comment, “Will this help to reduce the budget deficit?”

Results for Wednesday night 7 May: 0-16 - Low GrossKyle Mudge 35, Dan Bailey 37 17+Low Gross - Marc DeWinter 38, Kyle Law 39 Low Net - Ron Pratt 31, Vic Crisp 31, Don Vanetta 31, Dave Wood 32, Jim Slater 32 KP Hole prizes donated by Boston Pizza. Domo Japan, Thrifty’s, Comox Valley Dodge, Comox Men’s Club: 1. Rick McCaughan 2. Jim Slater 3. Dave Wood 4. Dan Bailey 5. Rick Adams 6. Jim Slater 7. Kyle Mudge 9. Rick Curiston Deuce Pot Martin Hegg, Rick Adams, Scott Fraser, Mar DeWinter 0-16 Snips - Rick Adams, Greg Hart, Dan Bailey, Kyle Mudge 17+ Snips - Jim Slater, Marc DeWinter, Keith Welch - Submitted by Vic Crisp

GLACIER GREENS MEN START THE SHOOT-OUT On Saturday May 10th clearing skies greeted the one hundred and twelve participants as they teed it up for the first day of the 19th running of the Glacier Greens Saturday Men’s Club “Shoot Out”. This annual event is a three week tournament with three different formats. First it’s Best Ball, then Scramble and finishes with the dreaded Alternate shot.

After the last putt had dropped and the scores tallied the team of Rob Borland and Steve Peters are leading the Gross side with (66). Chris Kalnay and Dave Wacowich are next at (69). Kevin Hunt and Fabian McCarty at (70). Jim Livingstone and Doug McArthur at (71) and Jeff Edwards and Shane Robinson as well as Chuck Brown and James Dickson are tied at (72).

On the Net side Ross Dowe and Lyle Torrie along with Nick Mykitiuk and Rudge Wilson are tied for the lead with (58). Mike Pollock and Al Waddell as well as Hank Fortin and Bob MacKay are next at (60). Three teams are tied at (61).

Team K.P.’s went to Rob Borland and Steve Peters on Hole # 4 sponsored by Scott Fraser of Royal LePage, Burt Graham and Karl Cameron # 7 sponsored by the Sat Men’s Club, Pat Renaud and Norm Fellbaum # 12 sponsored by the R.C.M.P. Vet’s, Andy Clark and Wally Berger #15 sponsored by Bill Kelly Golf and to Derrick Bullard and Dave Osborne sponsored by Slegg Lumber.

Because of the long weekend the tournament will take a break and resume on Saturday May 24 with the Scramble format. There will be a regular Saturday Men’s competition on Saturday May 17th.

- Submitted by Len Doyle

Sunnydale Scramble Team Wins Zone 6 Challenge Cup Five Men’s Club members from Sunny dale Golf and Country Club travelled to Nanoose this past Sunday to compete at Fairwinds Golf Course in the Annual BC Golf Association Zone 6 (all golf courses Nanaimo North) Scramble. In the net division Sunnydale took top honours with a –11. The effort earned the team $700 for course improvements at Sunny dale. It was the third time that a Sunnydale team has won this event. L-R: Keith Lamond, Jon Huisman (buck teeth), Leo Lambert, The Viking (furry one) and Jim Buchanan.

Klassen’s #3 KP Car Ben Gill Sponsor Brian McLean Chevrolet #4 KP Reg Meeres Sponsor The Wine Cottage #5 Longest Putt Reg Meeres Sponsor Griffin Pub #6 KP Alex Weber Sponsor A-Lure Barber Shop #7 KP Rudge Wilson Sponsor Bill Kelly Golf #8 Longest Putt Fred Williams Sponsor Billy D’s Pub

#9 KP Mark Kirksted Sponsor Boston Pizza The draw prize sponsors this week were Canadian Western Bank, Aero Art Screening, Gill’s Catering INC., Pagano’s Pizza. Quick And Easy Granite, Thank you to all our sponsors.

Remember to check what the food for the night and place your order before you start, Till next week play well.

- Submitted by Ron Carter

Thursdays Thu ursdays

this th his Season Season

Starting S ar St arti ting ng April Apr pril il 24 24

NICE NIGHT FOR TUESDAY GUYS AT GLACIER GREENS Tuesday May 6th the weather was a pleasant spring day - no rain, sunshine and little or no wind.

So 45 players went out at Glacier Greens and played the red and white game.

The course is in good shape thanks to our greens crew. The club house had supper for those who ordered before starting. The team winners were: 1st -4 Terran Berger, Jack Jackson, Rudge Wilson,Bill Krier, Dick Stewart 2nd -4 Alex Weber, Roy Hegg, Henry Bonde, Fred Williams, Phil Ball 3rd -4 Dan Belcher, Al Waddell, Ben Gill, Brian Hotsenpiller, Lee Johnson Hole Winners were #1 KP Mark Kirksted Sponsor Chads West Coast Grill #2 Longest Putt Dave Wacowich Sponsor Jo

$60 for 18 holes (3:00-4:00 tee times)

$30 for 9 holes (6:00pm Shotgun)

Come as a single or bring your own group.

Entry fee includes green fee and entry for all games (Skins, Blind Better Ball, Deuce Pot)

Sponsored by

Optional Dinner and drinks in the Timber Room Grill following play.

399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay, BC V9N 9G3

Visit us at

Toll Free: 888-338-8439 | 250-703-5000

COASTAL COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION PRESENTS SE

12TH ANNUAL BOYS & GIRLS GOLF TOURNAMENT THURSDAY, 5TH JUNE 2014

HOSTED BY CROWN ISLE RESORT AND GOLF COMMUNITY Registration beginning @ 11:00 am | Shotgun start @ 1:00 pm $125 per player or $500 team

REGISTRATION Dust off those clubs, start practicing your swing and get your team registered now!

Register at BGCCVI, 250.338.7582 or email comoxvalley@bgccvi.com ћұұ2ĂñÄұÄĿÄùĦĝұ¨ù¿ұ¨¹ŪÝĿÝŪÝÄĝџ ћұұ ññұùÄŀұÙÝÓÙұÄùÄĖÓņѝұÒ¨ĝĦұē¨¹Äұ¨Ĭ¹ŪÝĂùұұұ ұ ¨ù¿ұ¿ÝùùÄĖұÙĂĝĦÄ¿ұ¸ņұEÄĦ+Pұ¨ù¿ұ ұ EĂùұ ø¸ñÄĖѢұұұ

For sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, prize donations and further information contact BGCCVI, 250-338-7582 or email comoxvalley@bgccvi.com

A12 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 8105 – Kilpatrick, 29th - 27th, Moray Rt. 8106 – Kilpatrick, Anfield Centre (Walmart) Rt. 8130 – Cliffe (Between 19th & 10th), Riverside Lane, Beckensell Rt. 7115 – 5th to 4th, Menzies to Willemar Rt. 7127 – Marsden, Baird to Charter Rt. 7108 – Fitzgerald, Grieve 17th to 13th COMOX Rt. 1110 – Skeena, Pritchard, Chilcotin, Chinook, Nimpkish, Noel Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2136 – Pritchard, Dogwood, Elm, Noel Rt. 2126 – Robb (between Pritchard & Stewart), Elm, Dogwood, Noel (between Pritchard & Stewart) Substitutes: (May/14 to Oct/14) Rt. 2145 – Jubilee, Bolt, Heron Rt. 2153A – Olympic, Murrelet Rt. 2155 - 2300 – Murrelet CROWN ISLE Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View Rt. 3105 – 10th St. E., Farquharson, Williams Rd. MISSION HILL Rt. 5102 – Stafford, Dingwall, Valecourt, Cruickshank CUMBERLAND Rt. 9103 – Dunsmuir, Derwent, Sutton, 1st Rt. 9108 – 6th & 7th Dunsmuir to Windermere

No Collection Required Call COMOX VALLEY ECHO 250−334−4734 or drop by 407−D 5th Street, Courtenay

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014 A13

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&/2 %6%29 0%4 A great read for any pet owner.

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Runs 2nd Tuesday of every month!

Book your ads now with one of our Sales Representatives

250-334-4722

TEXT YOUR TIP ANONYMOUSLY!!!

Along with our 1-800-222 (TIPS) line, tipsters can report information via our secure WebTips application at www. comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca and now we accept anonymous tips via Text Messaging.

TEXT CVCSTIPS TO:

CRIMES

2014

coming Tuesday, June 3 10

A14 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Open Evenings!

www.vanislevet.com

250-334-8400

24hr On Call Emergency Service

EVERYTHING FOR EVERY PET Spring is here - Gardening and your pet There is nothing more rewarding then spending quality summer days in the very garden you worked so hard tending throughout the spring. Our pets love nothing more than relaxing in the garden as well. Sleeping amongst the busy bees, chirping birds and pouncing and hunting grasshoppers in the “back yard forest” can be a favorite form of entertainment for them.

Some of the most common dangers to our pets are right in our own backyards! Please familiarize yourself with some of these dangers and perhaps decide how to make your garden more pet friendly. The autumn crocus, azalea, cyclamen, kalanchoe, lilies, oleander, daffodils, lily of the valley, sago palm, tulips, hyacinth and even tomatoes are a few hazardous plants that we see here in the Comox Valley.

Another common garden hazard is compost. The warm smells of rotting compost can be too irresistible for your pet and other critters that wonder through our backyards. Compost can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins which are toxic to pets and wildlife.

Signs of compost poisoning can start with agitation, panting, drooling, hyperthermia and can progress to vomiting, hyperresponsiveness and even more seriously to in-coordination tremors and seizures. Symptoms can begin within 30 minutes to several hours of ingestion. Sadly there is no antidote to compost poisoning so please seek prompt treatment from your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has

sampled some of the compost. The best thing for compost poisoning is prevention so good quality fencing around the compost pile is a must.

Other hazards in the garden include fertilizers, minerals and pesticides which often lay about the yard while you are working. Just like children, your pet sees you working with these brightly colored boxes which they view as being potential treats and will not hesitate to investigate while you take a phone call or a much needed break. Keep all fertilizers and garden supplies tucked up off the ground or in a large sealed Tupperware bin where our curious furry friends can’t get them.

Our beautiful rainforest is also home to many pests that we try to control so before using any soil additives, fertilizer, pesticides our slug and snail baits please do some research and chose pet friendly products. If you suspect that your pet has ingested any of these, it is essential that you bring the packaging along to the veterinarian

so they can quickly and efficiently identify what they have ingested and can choose the appropriate form of treatment for your pet.

Please keep in mind that some home remedies, even natural ones can be extremely dangerous to your pet so please call the Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian before relying on internet information.

Let’s have a safe and happy gardening season!

Submitted by Van Isle Veterinary Hospital

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Choosing the best food for a dog or cat’s needs is an important consideration that can play a big part in their long-term health. However, it’s not the end of the story when it comes to their proper feeding.

Michele Dixon, Health and Nutrition Specialist with Petcurean, says how you feed your pet is an important complement to the food itself. She serves up these tips for your pet to savor every moment during mealtime.

You can get more helpful information at www.petcurean.com.

Follow the feeding and transition guidelines on the pet food label and increase or decrease the amount you feed based on your pet’s activity level and weight. * The type of feeding bowl or dish matters. Choose a durable, nonporous material that’s easy to clean, won’t hold bacteria and can’t be chewed by your pet. * Use the right size dish for your pet to feed comfortably. For example, if your dog has a short snout, use a bowl with a sloped side, so it’s easier for them to get the food. * Avoid using the pet’s feeding bowl as a scooping utensil. Use a clean, scoop or spoon that’s only used for this purpose. * Wash pet food bowls and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use. * Refrigerate or discard any uneaten wet or canned pet food right away.

TO BE A PART OF THIS MONTHLY FEATURE...

CONTACT A SALES REP AT THE ECHO,

250-334-4722

Here, Now Beyond…

Photos courtesy of Jim Peacock

and

A Community that Cares

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stablished in 1993, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation has built a solid reputation to financially support the provision of health care in the Comox Valley and surrounding regions.

Being of service to the community is at the heart of the St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation. It remains important today and will be in the future as we look toward the master plan for health care in our region when acute care services will transition to a new hospital in 2017.

The Foundation has started the process and will soon undergo a period of transition as it expands its mandate to encompass the new Island Health Comox Valley Hospital while continuing to support St. Joseph’s in its changing role.

Both the community and Island Health have been very supportive and have encouraged the Foundation to expand its mandate to financially support both facilities so that we can continue to As we begin our journey of ensure the best possible care is available.

“We are pleased to endorse the evolution, we will continue to provide the support needed expanded purpose of the Foundation,” shared Dr. Brendan Carr, Island Health to ensure that Comox Valley President and Chief Executive Officer. healthcare is the very best, “We are tremendously grateful for the support of the Foundation over the past today and into the future. decade and for the contributions this community has made to support the delivery of health and care.”

As the Foundation begins the journey of evolution we will remain steadfast in supporting the delivery of the very best health and care for the Comox Valley, today and into the future.

To support the delivery of quality patient care leading up to the transfer of acute care services, St. Joseph’s must undergo a number of renovations to stay current with today’s healthcare standards and practices. Included in this plan is an expansion of the Cancer Care Unit that will see an increase in the physical space to accommodate more equipment and increase the overall comfort and efficiency of services.

Renovations for the project, including new and enhanced equipment, are budgeted at $85,000. Together with the community, this vital service can continue to be offered to our residents in the Comox Valley and surrounding communities. Please join us in our quest to raise the funds needed for the Cancer Care Unit expansion so that we can continue to help improve lives here and now in the Comox Valley.

Patti Fletcher President St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation

Jane Murphy CEO/President St. Joseph’s General Hospital

CancerCare expansion Cancer care staff

T

here’s rarely a soul today who has not, in some way been impacted by cancer.

Over the years, there have been remarkable advances in the protocol for chemotherapy and cancer care. Working with the BC Cancer Agency and the oncology team in Victoria, the cancer care team at St. Joseph’s has provided exceptional care and kept pace with these advancements.

Since 2007, after undertaking a much-needed upgrade and expansion to support cancer care, the hospital has continued to provide a suitable location equipped with all the modern technologies for patient care and treatment.

What once was a cramped, confined, windowless space located outside the emergency department is now a bright, spacious, naturally lit area specifically designed to treat cancer patients in a comforting environment. The Cancer Care Unit, funded 100% by community donations, also includes an outdoor patio, waiting room, a patient education centre, two examination rooms, patient and staff washrooms, and a nursing station.

With the addition of Telehealth that enables patients to be in touch with health professionals across distances, the Cancer Care Unit has became a patient treatment center with all the provisions for accessible information. For cancer patients with myelodysplasia (blood related cancers), treatment is available right here in the local area thereby eliminating the unnecessary and often overwhelming commute to Victoria or Vancouver for the same treatment.

But there are limitations in the This renovation will provide number of patients that the Cancer Care Unit can comfortably and effithe space needed to help ciently care for. When the new unit ensure cancer patients can opened in 2007, St. Joseph’s had be treated in a comforting 1,900 patient visits in the first year. environment, free from In 2013, the unit had 4,780 patient visits. Add to that the radical develovercrowding. opment in drug administration that calls for up to four different medications in one single visit, and St. Joseph’s becomes severely taxed on space available to each patient.

Faced with the reality of a growing and aging population that will continue to give rise in the number of cancer related cases and the fact that acute care services, which includes the testing for cancer diagnosis and treatment, will move to the new Island Health Comox Valley Hospital by 2017, St. Joseph’s still remains steadfast in its commitment to the delivery of safe quality care to this community.

“The complexity of cancer treatment is more advanced today. More drugs are involved, protocols are more sophisticated and the duration of treatment is longer,” explains Jane Murphy, St. Joseph’s President and CEO. “There’s a significant rise in the number of assessments, which is a trigger to a growing number of cancer related cases we will treat.”

To be proactive today to address these rising statistics and to ensure sustainable health and care, St. Joseph’s will undergo an efficient yet affordable expansion of the Cancer Care Unit. Set to begin this fall, the modest expansion will involve securing 150 sq. ft. from rehabilitation services to allow more space to comfortably accommodate five treatment areas, a patient center area and the room for the additional equipment necessary to care for immune compromised patients safely and efficiently.

“This is a no frills approach but essential for maintaining safety and quality,” said Eric MacDonald, Vice President Finance Capital and Support Services.

“Over the years we have worked hard with BC Cancer Agency in maintaining protocols. What we established is a gold standard in the level of cancer care. No one unnecessarily has to leave his or her community to receive treatment and we are committed to keeping it that way.”

The Comox Valley is very fortunate to have a specialized cancer care team in our community. This renovation will provide the space needed to help ensure cancer patients can be treated in a comforting environment, free from overcrowding.

The budget for the cancer care renovation and equipment is $85,000. With your support, St. Joseph’s can make the changes needed to ensure our friends, families and loved ones battling cancer continue to have the best available care Here and Now at St. Joseph’s General Hospital.

A CloserLook at our Cancer Care Team

We help people have a better day‌ always.

(All ways and all the time)

Nursing | Caregiving | Homemaking | Transportation Accompanied visits | Companion visits

COMOX VALLEY 250.890.7535 CAMPBELL RIVER 250.286.8072

www.ophco.com

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uality care for our cancer patients requires a dedi- t 4VQFSWJTF FTUBCMJTI QPMJDJFT BOE QSPWJEF DMJOJDBM cated team of health care professionals knowl- consultative services regarding lab results t 1SPWJEF EJBHOPTUJD TFSWJDFT GPS TVCNJUUFE UJTTVF edgeable in all aspects of cancer care. They are: specimens

The Medical Physicians and Cancer Care Staff

The Pharmacists

t $PVOTFM BMM QBUJFOUT SFDFJWJOH OFX PSBM DIFNPUIFSBQZ medication t $POEVDU B EFUBJMFE NFEJDBUJPO SFWJFX GPS QPUFOUJBM ESVH interactions with a patient’s home medications for all new chemotherapy starts t 1SFQBSF FBTZ UP VTF CMJTUFS QBDLBHJOH GPS DPNQMFY PSBM dosage regimens t 1FSGPSN B UIPSPVHI SFWJFX PG DIFNPUIFSBQZ PSEFST GPS accuracy based on BC Cancer Agency protocols and laboratory values t 1SPWJEF B TBGF BOE FĊFDUJWF QSPEVDU QSFQBSBUJPO Equally important to the cancer patients’ care are their environment in the Biological Safety Cabinet to ensure physicians, social workers and individuals who diligently products remain sterile and are limited in exposure by carry out the day-to-day support and essential services sta during preparation. within the hospital. These individuals respond to the needs of the patient with their own unique area of expertise. The Radiologists and Teamed together with the support of the oncologists Nuclear Medicine in Victoria and the BC Cancer Agency, their goal is to t $POEVDU JOJUJBM UFTUJOH VTJOH $5 .3* NBNNPHSBQIZ provide the best possible care for the patient. or ultrasound imaging to allow oncology to make a Dr. Tanya Austin - General Practitioner with Specialty in Oncology Dr. Amitabh Bakshi - General Practitioner with Specialty in Oncology Dr. Pedro Camacho - Hematologist Dr. Trace Thomas - Internist Dr. Rick Engman - Internist Jill Blacklock - RN Coral Forbes - RN Lindsay James - RN

diagnosis. t 1FSGPSN TVCTFRVFOU CJPQTJFT GPS TQFDJmD DBODFST TVDI BT lung, breast, prostate, and metastatic cases t $POUJOVF SFHVMBS $5 .3* NBNNPHSBQIZ PS ultrasound to assist patient and cancer team in planning treatment t 1MBDF QBUJFOU T 1FSJQIFSBMMZ *OTFSUFE $FOUSBM $BUIFUFS (PICC) line for treatment, for cases involving chemotherapy t 1SPWJEF QBMMJBUJWF SFMJFG XJUI QBJO JOKFDUJPOT BOE nVJE drainages for symptom relief for progressive cancer cases

The Lab Technologists

t $POEVDU UIF JOJUJBM UFTUJOH UP TVQQPSU UIF EJBHOPTJT PG cancer via lab samples (blood and tissue) t 5SFBUNFOU BOE GPMMPX VQ SFDPNNFOEBUJPOT GPSN QBSU PG the pathologist report in many cases t .POJUPS UIF QBUJFOUT BT UIFZ VOEFSHP USFBUNFOU CZ performing tests such as white blood cell count, kidney liver function tests etc. t $SPTT NBUDI DPNQBUJCMF VOJUT PG CMPPE BOE BSSBOHF platelet transfusions t 1FSGPSN UFTUJOH GPS QBUJFOUT XIP BSF WVMOFSBCMF UP infection due to side eects of the treatment Every department at St. Joseph’s including nutritional t 3FGFS TQFDJBMJ[FE UFTUT PĊ JTMBOE UP #$ $BODFS "HFODZ services, housekeeping and the volunteers also support the cancer patient in some way. St. Joseph’s General Hospital’s The Pathologists (Lab Physicians) commitment to the patient is to provide excellent t 3FTQPOTJCMF GPS IJTUPMPHZ IFNBUPMPHZ DIFNJTUSZ CMPPE medical care, oered with compassion within a safe and comfortable environment. bank and microbiology.

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Delicious Meals Medication Management End-of Life Caring Footcare Nursing

2002-E COMOX AVENUE, COMOX

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I want to help St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation

You may direct your donation to: Cancer Care Unit Expansion OR $25 $50 $100 $250

Other Areas of Care $500 Other: $____________

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Monthly donations help the Foundation plan for upcoming equipment expenses (please include a canceled cheque). All monthly donors are entered to win a chance for tickets for two. $5 $10 $20 $50 $100 Other: $____________ OR

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Giving to St. Joseph’s through my will

“Mom is getting so forgetful, I’m not sure it’s safe for her to live on her own.� “My caregiving responsibilities are taking over my life, what can I do?�

Keystone Eldercare Solutions helps families and their aging loved ones make informed choices through life-changing situations.

We bring clear rational thinking to an eldercare crisis and provide real options.

Volunteering my time

SEND DONATIONS TO: ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION, 2137 COMOX AVE., COMOX, BC V9M 1P2 OR DONATE ONLINE AT www.cvhospitalfoundation.com Official Charitable Registration No. 887712891RR0001

Our trusted advice and hands-on support can help you and your family through this journey.

LegacyGift

determine your donation

Renee Marie Dyke strategy

A

n avid gardener, an ambitious traveler, a devoted wife and mother of three sons, a loving grandmother and great-grandmother, and a philanthropist in her own right, the legacy of Renee Marie Dyke will forever live on at St. Joseph’s.

The Hospital Foundation received a $9,000 gift from Renee’s estate to be donated to support cardiac care.

Cardiac care was an area of importance for Renee who suffered from congestive heart failure in the latter part of her long life of 99 years. The hospital and the compassionate care it delivered to her and her late husband Harry meant so much to them. Harry, a severe diabetic since early adulthood, frequented the hospital due to his medical condition. Rather complacent and

less diligent about his treatment, it was Renee who kept on top of things, asking inquisitive questions and meticulously examining numbers only the skilled healthcare professionals could translate. Yet together they made a complimentary pair who felt indebted to their community hospital. Renee purchased a leaf in her and her husband’s name for the Tree of Life in 2000 expressing then just how valuable St. Joseph’s was in their lives. Renee’s wish was to share her and Harry’s estate between St. Joseph’s, the BC Children’s Hospital and the Canadian Diabetes Association.

“We always knew how much the level of care she and our father received from St. Joseph’s meant to her,” expressed Dave Dyke, eldest son. “It is so nice to see people leaving something for organizations in need.

That is exactly the kind of caring person she always was.”

A legacy gift made to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation makes a difference in all of our lives. Over the years, these gifts have helped ensure that the future needs of health and care can continue to be met for our community.

First Donation 2ECEIVED FOR THE New Island Hospital

Donating Cash or Insurance A $50,000 cash donation would result in a tax credit of $22,500. The out-of-pocket cost to you of the donation is only $27,500. Over 10 years, the fund could grow an initial $50,000 donation to $79,787 and all of the growth is tax free.

Donating Securities (in-kind) You donate securities in-kind that have increased in value. Originally purchased for $35,000, they are now worth $50,000. This would result in a tax credit of $22,500. There’s no tax on the capital gain of $15,000.

By subtracting the $22,500 tax credit from the original purchase price for the securities means that the out-ofpocket cost to you of the donation is only $12,500.

For more information about planned charitable giving speak to your financial professionals.

new first-time

3

t. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation received a major donation in March for the North Island Hospital marking the first community-based contribution towards the Valley’s new acute care facility.

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) Local 630, presented a generous cheque for $25,000 specifically earmarked for the new hospital project.

The donation, presented by Ron Johnson and Rob Sturdy, was made as an extension of gratitude to the community for supporting the Elk Falls workers throughout their five decades of operations.

“Through our donations we keep the legacy of the Elk Falls mill alive,” commented Johnson, a retired mill worker.

“We have a very vibrant community with an aging demographic so we have oriented our focus to be local.”

This grassroots approach to community giving stems from the creation of the Elk Falls Emergency Benevolent Society. While the mill was still in operation, employees began contributing funds to provide for them and their families in times of need.

Health care was at the top of the list with the announce-

D

epending upon what you donate, there are different tax benefits. This can have a huge effect on how much you can give today and in the future. Your financial advisor can work with you to compare the tax savings and investment growth potential of different donation strategies and determine whether it’s more advantageous for you to donate cash, insurance (including segregated funds) or securities (including stocks, bonds or mutual funds).

donor’s super credit

CEP Local 630 members Ron Johnson (left) and Rob Sturby (center) present a generous donation for the new Island Health Comox Valley Hospital. Jane Murphy, St. Joseph’s Hospital President & CEO, joined (right) Lynn Dashkewytch, St. Joseph’s Foundation Executive Director, and Patti Fletcher, Foundation Board Chair, to accept a cheque for $25,000, the first community-based funding for the new facility.

ment of the two new North Island hospitals, so it was decided by the Local 630 members to donate $25,000 to both new facilities here and in Campbell River.

“Our community has always displayed an amazing spirit of generosity,” said Lynn Dashkewytch, Foundation Executive Director. “Together we have been able to raise the funds needed to help sustain and enhance quality health and care for our families and friends.”

D

id you know? The Conservative Government introduced the temporary First-Time Donor’s Super Credit to encourage new donors to give to charities. The new First-Time Donor’s Super Credit gives you an extra 25% non-refundable federal tax credit when you claim your charitable donation tax credit. This means that you can get a 40% credit for up to $200 in cash donations and a 54% credit for the part of the cash donations that is over $200 but not more than $1,000.

This is in addition to the provincial credit.

what your donations have accomplished

If you or your organization would like to learn how you can help St. Joseph’s General Hospital, visit the web page (cvhospitalfoundation.com) or call the Foundation office at 250-890-3046. St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation is a registered charity which relies on the support of community donors for contributions of equipment and funding. Tax receipts are issued for all donations.

We are incredibly grateful for the past support from the community. Your donations in 2013 have provided the support needed to enhance technology and improve patient care in many areas. A few examples include:

HOSPICE BEDS PLANS IN PLACE FOR 2014/15

4 Computerized Ambulatory Drug Delivery Pumps - these pumps can be programmed to deliver medication at a constant rate or a demand dose at a specified time to patients at home so patients may be able to be discharged from the hospital Equipment for the new Cystoscopy Clinic – to support the increased demand for services Annie Resuscitation Training Doll – to enhance staff education Portable Ultrasound for Diagnostic Imaging – to support cancer patients Creation of a Healing Garden - will provide a peaceful place for patients, families, staff and residents to enjoy Arctic Sun temperature management system for Intensive Care - will help improve patient outcomes Treatment chair for Cancer Care s Reclining chair for Palliative Care – to enhance comfort Three new sleepover chairs for Maternal Child Department Medfusion Pumps for Intensive Care and Emergency Departments – enhanced technology s 3TAFF %DUCATION

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

In 2007 the Hospital Foundation’s main focus was to raise funds for a Palliative Care area at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The community generously responded to this call. Palliative/ Hospice Care is vitally important with an aging population. In partnership with Comox Valley Hospice Society and Island Health, St. Joseph’s is working actively to develop four Hospice Beds on site at St. Joseph’s. Thank you for your support.

Further updates to follow.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT WITH DISTINCTION

Investments | Estate Planning | Tax Strategies | Retirement Planning | Charitable Donation Strategies Lara D. Austin, BA, FMA, CIM | Investment Advisor | www.LaraAustin.com Phil Shute, FCSI | Investment Advisor | phil.shute@rbc.com 250-334-5600 | RBC Dominion Securities | 777A Fitzgerald Ave. | Courtenay, BC V9N 2R4 RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 2013. All rights reserved.