Comox Valley Echo, May 27, 2014

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WHAT’S INSIDE

WHO WON THE COMMUTER CHALLENGE? A3

Weather A2 Hunt for History A5 What’s On N.Islander Letters A6 Classifieds A12 Sports A10

TUESDAY May 27, 2014 Volume 20, No. 42 Courtenay, B.C. Price: 57 cents plus GST

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

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Salvation Army marks 50 years of faith and service in the Valley

By Philip Round Echo Staff The Salvation Army is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary of faith and service in the Comox Valley.

It will do so at a series of weekend events that will include music provided by one of the great Salvation Army staples - a brass band.

The Gospel Brass Band from Chilliwack will be traveling across to the Island and accompanying them will be the Salvation Army’s very first Pastor in the Comox Valley, Major Avril Halsey.

The celebrations kick off on Friday, May 30, when there will be cakes and hot dogs for all at the Salvation Army’s three local Thrift Stores - Comox Avenue in downtown Comox, and both Fourth Street and Kilpatrick Avenue in Courtenay. There will also be plenty of bargains for shoppers, as for one day only everything on sale at all three stores will be half the marked price.

On Saturday, May 31 there will be a community fun day at Simms Park in Courtenay from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. where attractions will include a bouncy castle, bungee runs, a barbecue and lots of entertainment, including the brass band performance. Everyone is welcome to what will be a completely free event.

On the Saturday evening there will be an anniversary banquet at the Best Western Westerly Hotel, to which all past core officers and pastors of the Salvation Army in the Valley have been invited. The dinner is open to all, with remaining tickets on sale at $25 apiece.

And on Sunday, June 1 there will be a 50th anniversary service with prayers of appreciation, lively music and uplifting words at its community church on Fitzgerald Avenue.

It was in 1963 that the Salvation Army in Nanaimo decided to establish an outpost in the Comox Valley, and in June 1964 the first religious service was held and the first steps taken towards providing ministry to the wider community.

By May the following year they had a permanent place to worship - a Methodist Church on McPhee Avenue - before eventually settling at the present church building on Fitzgerald.

(Continued on page 9)

Jamie Sproule ... missing since Thursday

Search for Jamie Sproule suspended Extensive search of Cumberland area fails to find any clues Cathy Byers (left) and store manager Sandra Friesen (right) putting more fashions on display at the Salvation Army’s Kilpatrick Avenue Thrift Store.

The Salvation Army’s Comox Valley Pastor, Lieutenant Darryl Burry, pictured at the community church on Fitzgerald Avenue.

By Michael Briones Echo Staff After three days of extensive searching, no clues have been uncovered to indicate where Jamie Sproule is.

Around 150 people, including local residents, friends, families, the police and search and rescue groups from Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Arrowsmith, Campbell River and the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue spent hours and hours scouring the vicinity where Sproule was last seen.

But they were unable to find any signs, tracks or leads that could direct them to where the missing Cumberland man could be. “There’s just no clues in the immediate area,� said Mike Bryan, manager of the CVGSAR. “We were able to utilize all the volunteers from the community without SAR training to extensively cover the area very quickly especially within about the two kilometer area of the house.�

A grid search, which is a methodical approach where people walk shoulder to shoulder or arm’s-length apart, was conducted to comb the area to make sure nothing is missed.

(Continued on page 2)

Volunteer Leanne Spragge of Royston prepares another tray of cookies for those staying overnight at the Pidcock Avenue emergency shelter as the Salvation Army’s Community Ministries Director, Brent Hobden, takes a quick sample of the tasty dough.

Californian man gets 7.5 years for online sex crime with Valley 14-year-old Man posed as teen to convince girl into performing sexual acts on webcam

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff A 25-year-old Californian man who posed as a teenager to convince a 14-year-old girl in Courtenay to set up her webcam and perform sexual acts for him has been sent to a US prison for 92 months.

Pretending to be a 15-year-old boy, Jesse Yang met the victim through anonymous chat site omegle.com, before instructing the girl to start a Skype video chat in Nov. 2011. “She’s underage and he’s telling her what to do,� said Const. Ray Lynn Downey, of the

Comox Valley RCMP detachment, who just happened to be working when the victim’s father called police after walking in on his daughter partially clothed. “He’s basically creating child porn.�

The man identified himself simply as “J� online, but investigators were able to track him down because the girl hadn’t yet closed the Skype window. He had also provided his email details to the girl and his IP address was used to trace his physical location.

Yang pled guilty to possession of child pornography in January, leading to the conviction, which police say is all too rare.

“We get about a file or two a month,�

Downey said. “That’s what’s reported to us. So imagine how much is actually happening.�

Comox Valley RCMP worked with the Integrated Child Exploitation Team (ICE) and San Francisco Homeland Security in order to bring Yang to justice. “We’ll have people that come in here and say, ‘Someone’s done this’ or ‘This has happened,’ but how often is it that we get it live with the evidence right there?� she said, adding the ability to prosecute some in another country for cybercrime makes the case even more rare. “A lot of the chats don’t record.

By grabbing her and grabbing the laptop live

and bringing them in here, the chat was still on the computer, which made all the difference.�

Children in the modern world are increasingly exposed to explicit depictions of adult sexual behaviour through the internet and other media, although these images don’t always come hand in hand with the ability to ask questions about what they are seeing or the values surrounding human sexual behaviour.

Researchers say when children fail to develop the adult attachments they need, sexual behaviour with other children may offer an opportunity for intimacy.

(Continued on page 2)

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A2 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014

News

Comox Valley Weather

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Tuesday, 27 May A mix of sun and cloud.

30% chance of showers late in the afternoon. High 18°C.

Wednesday, 28 May Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 11°C. High 17°C.

Thursday, 29 May Cloudy.

Low 12°C. High 15°C.

Friday, 30 May Sunny.

Low 12°C. High 20°C.

Saturday, 31 May Sunny.

Low 12°C. High 22°C. Sunday, 1 June

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

Volunteers comb through a wooded area near Cumberland

No sign of missing man yet (Continued from page 1)

Top, a briefing for search volunteers, while below a trained SAR volunteer checks out a swampy area

U.S. man gets 7.5 years for online sex crime (Continued from page 1) The internet has been abuzz recently with discussion about the impact that online sexual harassment and exploitation can exact on victims.

A University of Wisconsin student named Alyssa Funke committed suicide on her parents’ boat in April, after a barrage of online harassment over her choice to appear in a porn film that appeared on CastingCouch-X. The Courtenay case shares more details in common with the harassment and luring of Port Coquitlam teen Amanda Todd, who took her life at age 15 after a stranger extracted explicit images of the girl online and Her mother Carol has been in the news recently cautioning federal lawmakers to use care in adopting new anti-cyberbullying legislation, as she’s worried bill C-13 may go too far in curtailing privacy.

Justice Minister Peter MacKay has said police need the ability to “pre-emptively� prevent online crimes.

Downey agrees that laws should be strict enough to crack down effectively on rampant sexual abuse happening right under our noses, but must keep in mind that people make bad decisions when they’re young, too. “There’s so much crime happening on the internet,� she said. “I do think anti bullying legislation is needed, I just think we have to be really careful how we apply it.�

Virgina Kice, the western regional communications

director with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Unit, said it’s important to stop criminals like Yang from deceiving and exploiting children. “In this instance the perpetrator was posing as a teenager in hopes of enticing another teenager into doing illicit activity online,� she said. “Children are so comfortable communicating online. Kids think nothing of sharing intimate information with strangers online.�

Sexual offenders can be very crafty in how they use the internet, she said. “They’re very clever. They’re very calculating,� she said. “They use a variety of ruses and sophisticated psychology.�

But the damage to the victim is compounded by the digital nature of the crimes, she said. “When these images are sent through cyberspace they aren’t coming back,� she said. “Young people who are victimized in this way are victimized over and over again. That’s one of the reasons why the sentences in these cases are very significant.�

Once released Yang faces 10 years of supervised release, under the sentence handed down by the Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, a United States District Court Judge, earlier this month.

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It’s a big area, said Bryan and he thanked the community and the many volunteers that helped them search a lot of ground that quickly. “It’s a wooded area and very dense,� said Bryan. “To be covering it that close, you’d be able to look under every log, branch, and bush. The immediate area was covered as well as we can.�

But after three days, the search was suspended pending further investigation or should any clues arise. The matter has been handed to the Comox Valley RCMP, which is now treating it as a missing person case.

Sproule’s family and friends, however, continue to actively search different areas close to their home on Comox Lake Road.

The long-time Cumberland resident is well known in the community. He is married to village councillor Gwynne Sproule. He is suffering from Parkinson’s disease and mild dementia and has difficulty speaking Sproule went for a walk Thursday morning at around 11:30 a.m. on a route believed to be along Comox Lake Road near the Chinatown Historic Park but did not return. At around 1 p.m. the family became

alarmed and contacted the RCMP. The CVGSAR were called out and assisted with approximately 40 searchers, including some from Campbell River as well as an RCMP Police Dog, and two search and rescue dogs from Comox and Campbell River. The RCMP helicopter was called in on Sunday to do an aerial search but the results were negative.

The Comox Valley RCMP are asking the public to report any information they may have on this missing man to the Comox Valley RCMP detachment at 250-338-1321.

Meanwhile the daughter of Jamie Sproule, Annabelle, said in her message to the community on Facebook that a group of enthusiastic volunteers are out there still looking and are collaborating with some SAR volunteers who are helping them to make sure they’re not searching the areas already covered. “As a group we focused on increasing our positivity and decreasing fear in our search for dad,� she said. “My mom, sister and I retraced the loop he was supposed to have been on with our hands held tight.�

She added that there are still places they can tighten up their search to make sure he isn’t hiding nearby somewhere.

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014 A3

News Resistance to Smart Meters continues with May 29 meeting Tens of thousands of British Columbians continue to hold out against the imposition by BC Hydro of so-called smart meters at their homes and businesses.

“In my Comox Valley community the exact number of holdouts is known only to the utility itself”, says Kel Kelly, a Merville resident and smart meter opponent, but he suspects the number is in the hundreds.

The number on Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands is likely in the thousands.

Kelly is spearheading a campaign to bring all of those people together to identify themselves to each other and to build their legal strength in numbers.

“Right now, Hydro knows exactly who has a smart meter and who doesn’t”, he says. “That leaves the ordinary citizen in a position of not knowing just how big the movement against smart meters is. We need to change that.”

“Hydro is using all manner of intimidation to force people to accept this technology even though there is very valid concern that it is not safe”, he says. “Many people are worried that a personal health threat is being forced into their lives.”

“Then there are those of us who are simply fed up with being bullied by government and its agencies”, he says.

“Hydro instituted its smart meter program with absolutely no consultation with the citizens it is supposed to be serving”, he says. “Many of us are fighting this program because it is undemocratic and likely illegal. When citizens roll over and allow governments and their agents to push their way into our private lives, those forces will come as far as we allow them.”

A great number of smart meter resisters are challenging Hydro’s legal right to trespass on their private property to change the meters. Most of those people’s meters have been left alone, though Hydro is now billing them a “legacy meter fee” of $32.50 per month.

“Most people are not paying this fee, as they believe it to be an illegal charge”, says Kelly, “but ultimately this will have to be tested in court.

That’s where a united coalition of smart meter resisters comes in. None of us can win this fight alone, politically or financially. We need to get organized. “ There will be a meeting of anyone interested in learning more about this campaign at 2727 Merville Road (near the Merville Store) on Thursday, May 29 beginning at 7 p.m. sharp. All are welcome.

For more information contact: Kel Kelly at 250 337 8348 or kelkelly55@ yahoo.ca

Bike to Work Week pedals off to fun start

By Michael Briones Echo Staff

Commuter Challenge contestants ready to roll Friday afternoon from the Driftwood Mall

The Eagle community cruiser finished first (wrong route)

Tandem cyclists Simon Brampton and Darcy Walter finish at the Lewis Centre in second place

City of Courtenay’s Nancy Hofer arrives at finish

Bike to Work Week in the Comox Valley got off to a fun and competitive start with the commuter challenge that was held to prove which is faster, car, bus or bicycle?

The challenge took place during the height of traffic Friday afternoon. The race started at the Driftwood Mall in Courtenay and participants traveled on different paths, roads and directions to reach the Lewis Centre.

The Eagle vehicle, with Breana Morgan behind the wheel and co-pilot Wayne Valera, crossed the finish line ahead of everyone. Not too far behind, arriving 58 seconds later, was the tandem bike ridden

by Darcy Walter of the Comox Valley Regional District and Simon Brampton of Simon’s Cycle, followed by individual cyclist Nancy Hofer, environmental planner for the City of Courtenay, who came in about two minutes later. The family that road the transit bus took a lot longer but had to walk and run to reach the finish line.

But after a quick review of the race, organizer Dawn Stevens said the Eagle appeared to have gotten a bit of an advantage because it took a shorter route. According to Morgan, they were told that once they crossed the 17th Street bridge, they could take any route to reach the Lewis Centre. However, Stevens said they were supposed to drive all the way down to SuperStore and then turn left on Ryan Road to reach Lewis Centre.

“If I hadn’t given them a way out, the cyclists would have won,” said Stevens. “I am going to take the blame on that one but it was an awesome competition.”

Stevens said it was a great leadup to Bike to Work Week in the Comox Valley, which officially got underway on Monday morning with cyclists coming out to join the “Ride with the Mayor” event.

Walter said they took part to show that biking can be just as fast here in the valley as there are various paths and roadways that the public should discover and learn about.

“There’s more efficient ways to get to work, you can improve your health, get fit and cost you a lot less,” said Walter. “So get on your bike and make it a habit.”

The weeklong event is part of a nationwide initiative to bring together cyclists, cycling organizations and the different levels of governments to raise awareness and highlight the importance of cycling.

“When you cycle, there’s less impact on the environment, you’re getting active and healthy which is number one and less congestion in our community and that’s key too,” said Stevens.

Man heads to jail for nine months for 7-Eleven robbery

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff A 28-year-old Comox Valley man was sentenced to nine months in jail for a “terrifying” robbery of a local convenience store. Just before 1 a.m. on August 22 David Malek walked into the 7-Eleven on Ryan Road in the middle of the night, jumped over the counter, threatened the lone clerk and made off with $160 from the cash drawer.

In Courtenay Provincial Court May 22 Judge Peter Doherty noted the crime was deserving of a heavy-handed response because of how vulnerable the employee was at the time.

“I would add too, this is a small community unlike a large metropolitan centre where something like this would go almost unnoticed,” Doherty said. “People of a like mind here will sit up and take notice.”

With that he handed the man an additional year of probation, a mandatory 10-year firearms prohibition and a victim surcharge of $100.

“The clerk thought he had a weapon,” he said, although it turned out Malek didn’t. “That is robbery with violence, though the violence was minimal.”

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A video recorded from an angle pointed down on the cash register was shown in court and shows Malek entering the store and heading towards the ATM. Several moments later the man reappears, suddenly leaping towards the clerk.

He swings his legs across the counter and grabs the 7-Eleven worker.

“Sorry buddy, but I have to do this,” Malek told the worker, who reported feeling something pushing on him from the man’s pocket.

Malek grabbed the money and

dashed off.

But he left a palm print behind, which investigators used to connect him with the robbery.

Crown attorney Richard Ellsay asked for a minimum term of a year in jail, noting the man had made a “conscious decision” to obtain cash through an act of violence, since the incident did not appear to have happened in an uncontrollable drug or alcohol induced state.

Defence lawyer Eric Chesterley argued for no jail time, referencing a Campbell River case involving the

stabbing and baseball bat beating of a victim resulting in a suspended sentence.

“He was declined any funds from the ATM,” he said of the Courtenay incident, noting his client is full of remorse for his split-second decision.

“He said he couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t take responsibility.”

The victim attended counseling following the incident and no longer works at 7-Eleven.

Doherty read letters from Malek’s

supporters and noted that despite not having followed up as directed on a successfully completed addiction rehabilitation program he seems to have turned his life around after the robbery.

“With this case hanging over him he certainly changed his life,” he said.

“He has a child to support.”

Chesterley said his client has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous regularly.

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A4 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Community

Ride for Dad is expected to draw over 400 bikers

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Organizers are expecting more than 400 bikers to come out and join the annual Comox Valley Motorcycle Ride for Dad slated to take place on June 14.

It’s going to be the fifth year this event will be held in the valley. It’s geared towards raising awareness about prostate cancer and also raising funds for research.

Wayne Virtue said they’re expecting participation from various groups not only in the valley but also from out of town. They include UN/NATO Veterans BC/MARPAC Riders, Second Chance and Blue Knights BC IV. “Last year we had over 300 motorcyclists and this year we’re talking around 400,” said Wayne Virtue, who co-chairs the event with Bob O’Blenis.

As prostate cancer survivors, both Virtue and O’Blenis are strong advocates of Ride for Dad. They believe in the important contribution it has given in the fight against prostate cancer and they applaud the many people who came out to be involved with Ride for Dad. “They can all ride with pride because, as far as we’re concerned, they are all heroes,” said Virtue.

“That’s because they all contributed to saving a life. It’s fantastic.”

This year, the starting time and venue for the ride has been changed.

It will begin at Slegg Lumber in Cumberland at 10:30 a.m.

This year, the group is hoping to raise $20,000 again to be shared between the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation and Prostate Cancer Research Centre in Victoria.

“We want the money we raise to stay here in the Comox Valley and on the island,” said Virtue.

Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men and the third leading cause of death.

One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Like all cancers, Virtue said, prostate cancer is also a family affair because it affects each and everyone.

City of Courtenay Mayor Larry

Comox Valley Ride for Dad organizers were joined by Comox and Courtenay mayors and other officials at the official launch last week Jangula and Town of Comox Mayor Paul Ives came out to help launch the event on Thursday morning at the Tourist Information Centre.

“This is almost a signature event for awareness and fundraising for the prostate cancer issue,” said Ives. “It’s one of those events that’s now been running for five years so it’s quite remarkable to hear it’s going to have as many as 400 motorcyclists.

“It’s a very important men’s health

issue as everyone is becoming more and more aware. My own father had battled this disease and has had success with therapy partly because of early detection and that is the key.”

Jangula said he will take part in the ride for the third time in a row.

“The Ride for Dad is an event that helps bring prostate cancer into the spotlight,” said Jangula. “By raising much-needed funds and awareness, you provide support to those affected

by this disease and hopefully encourage more people to be checked. Early diagnosis can make a huge difference with prostate cancer treatment.”

On average, 65 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer everyday and on average, 11 Canadian men will die from prostate cancer everyday. The first ever Ride for Dad took place in Ottawa in 2000 with about 80 riders, raising just over $20,000. Since then the event has

grown and today more than 250,000 men, women, and children have been involved helping raised more than $7 million to fight prostate cancer.

Riders raise funds by collecting pledges. Non-riders can also make donations directly to the ride or by supporting an individual rider.

More information on Motorcycle Ride for Dad is available at www. motorcycleridefordad.org.

Natural Pastures wins top honours with water buffalo cheese

Charlie Berkowitz

Explore War, Peace, Life and Death with Charlie Berkowitz at college presentation Join North Island College in welcoming reporter, paramedic, and documentary filmmaker Charlie Berkowitz to the Comox Valley campus Wednesday, May 28.

Berkowitz will speak as a part of NIC’s Institute of War and Peace, a thought-provoking series of history, English and philosophy courses and films that explore war and peace experiences and their impact on individuals, families, and society.

“Charlie is an incredibly interesting and dynamic filmmaker who is committed to exploring life and death from a classical academic viewpoint and from his background as a paramedic,” says NIC instructor Dan Hinman-Smith. “His ability to make sense of life’s big ideas in a down-to-earth and practical way is impressive.”

Berkowitz combines film, slides, and conversation around Odysseus in America, a documentary based on psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Shay’s ground-breaking book.

Odysseus in America draws parallels between Odysseus’ epic journey home from Troy sung by Homer nearly 3,000 years ago and events in the lives of today’s American combat veterans.

Berkowitz draws on his experience as a filmmaker, reporter, and student at the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley. He has also been a member of the Emergency Medical Services in both California and New York, serving as a paramedic in Hell’s Kitchen, Harlem, and Brooklyn. He is a founding member of NYC Medics, a volunteer disaster relief team which has worked in Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier Province and Port-auPrince, Haiti.

The free, public discussion with Charlie Berkowitz starts at 7:30 pm, Wednesday May 28th in the Stan Hagen Theatre at the Comox Valley campus. Space is also still available for the Institute of War and Peace courses at the Comox Valley campus. Apply online at www.nic.bc. ca/program/institute_of_war_and_ peace.

Facing off against almost 300 cheeses produced by 76 cheesemakers across Canada, Courtenay’s Natural Pastures Buffalo Paneer won top honours in the Water Buffalo cheese category and its Smoked Boerenkaas placed as a finalist at this year’s Canadian Cheese awards.

The judges were very impressed with the cheese, according to Natural Pastures’ master cheesemaker Paul Sutter.

“They liked the creamy mild finish and nutty flavour” of the Indian-style cheese, he said.

Held for the first time this year, the Canadian Cheese awards were created to recognize and celebrate quality cheeses in the Canadian market.

Competitors must produce their cheese in Canada “using the milk of Canadian cows, goats, sheep and water buffalo - with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and no modified milk ingredients,” according to the website.

For its buffalo cheese, Natural Pastures uses milk produced by water buffalo from Courtenay’s McClintock Farms in addition to two other small herds on Vancouver Island.

Compared to cow’s milk, water buffalo milk is pure white, smoother,

unsalted cheese used in cooking.

Commonly used in curries or chopped in cubes and fried with spinach or other vegetables, paneer can also be used in recipes that feature tofu or substituted into familiar recipes such as salmon or crabcakes to produce a richer, more flavourful dish.

“This is a unique cheese for Canada, although it’s a commonly used traditional cheese in other parts of the world,” said Smith.

Natural Pastures Smoked Boerenkaas also made a strong showing at the competition, losing out in the last round to a cheese from

thicker and tastier. Buffalo milk has significantly more calcium and protein than cow’s milk and, although it has a higher fat content, contains much less cholesterol.

According to Natural Pastures Operations Manager, Doug Smith, their Buffalo Paneer stands out from other paneers because it doesn’t use a lot of additives to bulk up the milk.

“It’s not salted and is made from 100 percent buffalo milk, with no added powders.”

Paneer is an unaged, non-melting,

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Alberta. Sutter described the flavour of the smoked cheese as “a perfect mixture of cheese flavour and smoked flavour, without one cancelling out the other.”

Naturally smoking the cheese creates quite a different flavour than cheese with a flavoured additive that mimics the smoking process, according to Smith. “Wood chips from trees in different parts of the country create a unique, local flavour in the same way that the grass cows eat creates a unique terroir to the milk,” he said.

Website: naturalpastures.com

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014 A5

Community

etc.

ECHO

‘Words and Songs’ Friday at Rewind Cafe

Once again, as part of Mayworks, we are presenting “Words & Songs”, on Friday May 30, 7pm, at the Rewind Cafe on Rosewall Cres. in Courtenay. This is an “open-mic” event.

As in previous years, we are aiming for a theme consistent with Mayworks: songs, prose and poetry with a labour or social justice theme.

However, the primary purpose of the evening is to provide a welcoming and supportive place for those who don’t usually get a chance to speak or sing publicly, to present original songs, poems, or prose or to sing or read a piece by someone else which gives you inspiration.

So, please join us on May 30. If you let me know ahead of time that you’re interested in participating that would be great, but there will be a sign-up sheet on the night. Contact Steve Harvey at Jorviking@shaw.ca or 250-3382216.

Courtenay Rec has Thursday programs No school on Thursday, May 29, 2014. What are the kids going to do? Courtenay Recreation is offering a “Spring Mash Up” program from 8:30am - 3:30 pm. This program is designed for children 6 - 12 years old. For only $30.00, Come play, create and have a fun-filled day of activities. What a better way to spend the day! Register now!

For children/youth 9 years and older: The LINC Youth Centre and Indoor Skatepark will be open early (12-8pm). Join us for Gigantic Bubble making, Sidewalk Chalk, Water balloons and Mentos/ diet Pepsi experiments. Take part in our early drop in activities starting at noon for only a $4 drop in fee. If you are dropping in after 3pm our regular $2 drop in fee will apply!

Call Courtenay Recreation at 250 338-5371 for more information or The LINC at 250-334-8138, or find us on Facebook to stay up to date!

Delicious lunch, great fashions Wednesday The definition of Spring Fever: a feeling of invigoration and restlessness associated with the arrival of the warm weather and renewal of nature in the spring season. This encapsulates why you should grab your girlfriends and put that restlessness into a fun afternoon out at the Evergreen Club’s upcoming ‘Spring Fever Fashion Show and Luncheon’.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 28th. The doors open at 11:00 am and will follow with a scrumptious lunch served at 12 noon. The Evergreen Club catering group will be presenting this delightful sit-down lunch followed with a strawberry shortcake dessert. The fashions of the Comox clothing store Roxanne will be showcased at 1 pm.

The fashion show and luncheon takes place in the Conference Hall, at Courtenay Recreation’s Florence Filberg Centre. Tickets are $12.00 and are available Downtown Courtenay at the Filberg Centre office. For more information please call 250-338-1000.

Sign up with Comox Rec for ‘pickleball’ Join Comox Recreation Saturday June 7th (Canada’s National Health and Fitness Day) for “A Day of Pickleball Outdoor Play”. A round robin format will be held from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm and again 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

Those of you that wish to give the game a try can register for a group lesson from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. The fee to register to play or take a lesson is $5+gst (which includes a hotdog and juice). The Rotary Sports Box is located adjacent to Highland Fields with parking across from the Comox Public Works Yard (1390 Guthrie Road).

Register by phone at 250-3392255 or drop by the Comox Community Centre at 1855 Noel Avenue in Comox.

Social Planning Soc. AGM on Thursday The Comox Valley Social Planning Society is holding its 17th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 29th, 3:30-5pm.

The meeting will be held at the Courtenay Firehall, Cumberland Road, upstairs.

The release of the 2014 Comox Valley Quality of Life Report will be the central focus of the meeting, followed by the election of the Board of Directors for the 2014/2015 year.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Light snacks will be provided.

An early Comox Valley love story HUNTFor History

by JUDY HAGEN When Rev. Xavier Willemar arrived in January 1872 to serve the little Anglican mission in the Comox Valley, he found a log church that was falling apart.

One Sunday, he announced that after services they would discuss the building of a new church. This annoyed the Presbyterians who said that they “would nae do business on the Sabbath”, so they walked out.

They built their own church further up the hill. Their church, also named for Saint Andrew, is today located in the Courtenay Civic Cemetery The Anglican mission property purchased in 1864 was 100 acres that began at the Tsolum River. To select a site for the new church, Willemar took parishioner, Mrs. Green, up the hill from the log church. She was “plump”; as they climbed, she sat on a rock announcing, “If you want me to attend services you had better not build any further up.” So the site was chosen for the white church at Mission Hill.

Until Willemar arrived, burials had been haphazardly placed behind the log church. The first settler to die was William Harmston in 1866. He was Mrs. Green’s first husband. His grave was marked by a white picket fence with fir trees planted at each corner.

There were graves of a number of babies, whose names are not recorded because without a resident minister there were no church records.

These burials did not have grave markers.

The bodies of seven French sailors who had been washed ashore after a violent storm were brought down from the Oyster River to be buried; they had no grave markers.

In 1871, road builder, Miles M. Titus was buried beside the road on which his crew had been working when he died. The new church would be across the road from his grave.

While constructing the new church, Willemar planned that a proper cemetery be located behind the new building. The first burial was in August 1875, a young mother, Lucy Musters who had just given birth to her sixth child.

The love story of William and Lucy Musters is woven within the staid structure of the Victorian Era and a

Lucy Sophia Byron Musters from Courtenay and District Museum and Archives. stiff British upper lip. It has the makings of a good novel.

William Chaworth Musters was the eldest son of the Reverend William Musters and Harriet Fitzgerald. Much was expected of him and the dutiful William joined the army taking a Commission with 96th Regiment of Foot.

The family had several “houses” or estates and it is surmised that William met Lucy Byron, the daughter of a bricklayer, when she was a servant in one of the Muster houses.

William who “fell head over heels in love” was willing to forfeit any claims to the family estate. He relinquished his Commission and the two lovers ran away, joining a group of adventurers traveling as far away from England as possible, ending up at Fort Victoria, the most westerly

colony of an “Empire upon which the Sun Never Set”. Their journey is wrapped in mystery but it is known that in 1862, Lucy had given birth in San Francisco to their first child, a daughter named Gertrude Adelaide Alice Byron.

The Musters arrived in the Comox Valley in 1864 and took up a pre-emption of 150 acres about two miles along the Upper Prairie Road. If little was known of their circumstances, it soon became evident that William came from a moneyed background.

In a settlement that saw little cash, they had their home built of sawn lumbers while other farmers were still building log cabins. The Musters had a team of horses to plow the fields while others still used oxen.

Lucy who was said to be of “sterling character”, rode through the set-

tlement on her little pony named Kangaroo.

Years later, one of their neighbours commented, “Despite this apparent affluence in a pioneer settlement, and the early discernable fact that life in England had been very different for them, they adapted quickly and made many friends”.

Between March 1865 and February 1871, Lucy would give birth to three sons. In September 1873, she had another daughter, Kathleen Harriet who lived for only 4 months. Was she one of the “babies” buried behind the log church?

Lucy and William did not marry until July 1867, traveling to Victoria to be married in Christ Church Cathedral.

In the summer of 1875, several women in the settlement were pregnant. Lucy would often act as midwife. She assisted in the birth of two of these women. Then when her sixth child, a girl, was born, Lucy developed “child-birth-fever”.

Four colonists and a member of the Native band went by canoe to Victoria for medical help, but neither doctor could leave the city. They could only provide advice and medicine. It took the men 14 hours round trip to return to the Comox settlement.

They arrived too late, Lucy had died. The baby, named Lucy Sophia, after her mother was given to a wet nurse, Mrs. Carwithen, one of the women Lucy had aided in childbirth that summer.

William Musters was devastated.

He sold up, took his four eldest children and went back to England where he died in 1906. The story does not end there.

Baby Lucy was left with relatives in Victoria, Otto and Jane Warner who adopted her.

In 1894, Jane’s great-nephew, a teacher, came out from Ontario to live with them. In 1901, Lucy, now called Lily, married the boarder, William Arthur Currie. He had joined the local militia and by 1909 had risen to the rank of Lt. Colonel. At the start of the Great War he was sent to England to train Canadian troops.

In several battles during the Great War he proved to have great leadership skills. In 1917 he was placed in charge of all the Canadian troops and promoted to General; he was the first Canadian to hold that rank.

It is said that the love story of Arthur and Lily Currie equals the love William Chaworth Musters had for his beloved Lucy.

COMOX VALLEY LAND TRUST HAS MUCH TO CELEBRATE AT THURSDAY AGM At the Annual General Meeting coming up on May 29 the Comox Valley Land Trust will be sharing a whole list of accomplishments for 2013/14 and will have a keynote address by one of BC’s most notable speakers, authors, and organizers Guy Dauncey.

Guy, who works to develop a positive vision of a sustainable future, and to translate that vision into action, will present a talk entitled: “Life on the Land: A New Spirituality, A New Vision, A New Reality”.

Three major announcements were made during this past period that have sprung from effective partnerships built from ongoing efforts to conserve the natural wealth of the Comox Valley: The Royston Colliery Trail is now a park administered by the Regional District, the completion of a conservation covenant placed on land donated to St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation by noted naturalist Phyllis Capes and the most recent announcement of the dedication of the Vanier Oaks to the City of Courtenay as a park.

Please join us on Thursday May 29, 7 PM at the Seniors Lounge at the Florence Filberg Centre, downtown Courtenay.

You will hear how the Comox Valley Land Trust’s major project, the Comox Valley Conservation Strategy has rolled out Nature Without Borders Second Edition (NWB II) and how we have continued to work with local governments to create Local Area Plans (LAP’s) and Official Community Plans (OCP’s) that are innovative and celebrate the natural wealth and biodiversity we find here and wish to conserve for future generations.

To look at NWBII you can visit our website at cvconservationstrategy.org. There you will discover a plan to create a network of natural areas connected naturally that are protecting the richness of animal and plant life in the long-term while we build and develop our human community with care into and around these special places.

We worked closely with Cumberland citizens, politicians and contractors to craft a leading edge OCP that sets the groundwork for landscape wide connectivity with growth that encourages and protects biodiversity.

We have entered into a partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District that has updated the Sensitive Habitat Inventory for use and inclusion the Regional District OCP process. We continue to be an active organization in the development of the new OCP. The Arden Area Local Area Plan (LAP) involved citizens, the Project Watershed Mapping Centre, respected author and Landscape Architect, Will Marsh and many other experts to assist the community understand how stewardship, a well-balanced community and prosperity can all share the stage. The Arden LAP is also a leading edge document that incorporates many of the long-term objectives of our organization.

The Royston Colliery Trail has been one of our primary recreational objectives since the publishing of the original Nature Without Borders in 2008. Our Executive Director, Jack Minard sat on the CVRD Parks and Greenways Strategy with other stakeholders from around the Valley to identify priorities, some of which have come to fruition. Minard says, “After over

two years of gruelling work to prioritize many special places around the Valley, seeing them become parks slowly, one by one is extraordinarily satisfying.”

“This has led to a RD tax base to build dollars to purchase these areas and so the entire district’s citizens are to be thanked!”

The Phyllis Capes property sits just beside the Town of Comox in the Regional District. The covenant placed on the rare woodland and wetlands here joins with a covenant placed many years ago on the Fran Johnson property. This is now a contiguous woodland/wetland that is protected for all time. We wish to thanks the St.Joeseph’s General Hospital Foundation for their foresight, commitment and hard work to get this done.

The Vanier Oaks has almost fallen on a few occasions to development but the land itself spoke loudly. Encompassing a seep line and series of springs, a Garry Oak forest unique on Vancouver Island, the headwaters of Towhee Creek and a challenge of managing the invasive species that are rampant here School District #71 wisely made the decision to take it off the market and donate it to the City of Courtenay as a park.

Visit our website at www.cvlandtrust.ca

SD 71 Explore Outdoor Education Program wishes to thank the Comox Valley for supporting our 2014 Explore Garage Sale: The students, teachers and families of the SD 71 Explore Outdoor Education Program would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the hundreds of businesses, organizations and community members who supported our recent Explore Gigantic Garage Sale/Fundraiser through such generous donations of time, effort and items – including plants, goods, services and gift certificates for our silent auction, plant sale, concession and bake sale. Without your support, the Explore Outdoor Education program would not be possible. Thanks to your tremendous generosity, Grade 11 students in the Comox Valley will continue challenge themselves in the outdoors and learn valuable leadership and environmental skills for the future. A detailed list of supporters can be found on the Explore Garage Sale website – http://jevans02.wix.com/exploregiganticgaragesale If you or someone you know is interested in being part of the SD 71 Explore Outdoor Education Program, a link to the Explore program is located on GP Vanier Secondary School website under “Programs” – http://www.gpvanier.ca/

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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.

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Letters

Stand up, support education There is a horrible injustice happening in our beautiful province and that is the bullying style of negotiations the BC government is implementing with its teachers - using threats of salary roll-backs if they don’t accept their offer.

There seems to be a contradiction in that it is important for teachers to teach anti-bullying in our schools; yet our government uses that exact tactic to extracate a contract with such an essential element of our society.

It is past time for the public to stand up and support Public Education in the face of this Government’s campaign to destroy Public Education in favour of privatizing schools - as a way to balance the budget.

Education is not a source of economy in the short term but it definitely is the most essential profession and service required for our future economic and social growth! Is not every child entitled to the same quality of education regardless of their economic status.

Obviously, Christy Clark believes Public Education is lacking since she sends her child to a private school. This is a clear indication of her commitment to Public Education. She and her government are eroding the education system to a level where the rich will have access to quality education while the less economically fortunate will also have an inferior education. What kind of sustainable society will that create???

Many people are seemingly unaware that teachers are professionals like dentists and doctors and lawyers. A teacher requires five years of university education to qualify to teach. Teaching methods and strategies are constantly changing; students’ needs are also constantly changing and teachers must adapt their practice to reflect that change. Teachers are also constant and lifelong learners and that is what is happening on those PD (professional development) days. The benefits are for the students.

Those who think a teacher’s job begins at 8:30 and ends at 2:30 need to spend some time with any teacher at any school. “Walk a mile in their shoes”! The most enjoyable and rewarding time for a teacher is between the hours of 8:30 and 2:30 when they are in direct contact with their students. But in order for those hours to be enjoyable and rewarding there are hours and hours of preparation, administration and evaluation on the teacher’s behalf. It is one of those jobs where “the work is NEVER done”!

To further complicate that, factor in class sizes of 30+ and inferior resources to work with - let alone inadequate support for students who require learning assistance.

The teachers of British Columbia have appealed to the public with their needs.

We, the public need to stand up and support our children and grandchildren, by supporting our teachers in their plea to be treated and paid as professionals and to have the resources to be able to provide our children; ALL children - our future - with the education they need and deserve.

And just for the record, the average cost of child care with an unlicensed provider in this province is $35/day.

If you paid a teacher a salary based on that scale looking after 25 (a low class size) children, that teacher would be paid $875/day or $17,500/ month or $210,000 annually. The average annual salary of a BC teacher including $18,000 worth of benefits is $89,000. Teachers are a heck of a bargain!

Our teachers have a 5 year university degree and are actually responsible for teaching our children according to a curriculum set out by the government. They do much more than keep our children safe, fed, and entertained.

“If you can read this, thank a teacher”. They need to know we support them.

Do something to show your support and lobby the government to enter the bargaining process with the interests of children and our future in mind.

Education is not to be the sacrificial lamb for fiscal responsibility.

Valerie Jeske, Grandmother Comox

DIVERSITY OR DIFFERENCES AND DIVISION? I just happened to be in Victoria over the week-end, and visited the Cridge Centre, or the Cridge Village, as it’s called.

In this Village, the huge playground for children is right beside the big seniors’ building.

The ages can inter-mix. The wonderful thing for me was that it is not a ghetto of one group.

There are also low-cost housing units and places for the disabled.

It reminded me that, if our federal government hadn’t started cutting back in the 1980’s the low-cost housing starts, then maybe we wouldn’t be in this conundrum about Maple Pool.

We’re now so used to cut-backs, which put groups at odds with each other for the scarce resources, that we seem unable to step out of our “little boxes” to see how better social planning might be accomplished.

The seniors at the Cridge Centre seemed really happy with their diversified mix of residences.

Perhaps we here in the Comox Valley can use some of the good planning that has taken place elsewhere, and not try to re-invent the wheel all the time.

Gwyn Frayne Courtenay

Letters to the Editor

I will miss Greening on council As reported in the Echo of May 16th, did Cumberland’s Mayor Leslie Baird actually take public pot shots at Councillor Kate Greening by replying in the newspaper to Greening’s announcement of her retirement from and dissatisfaction with Council?

That’s just too rich. It made me laugh.

Sure, Greening is blunt, forthright, nit-pickey about contracts, and has the courage to disagree. She is the first to admit it, and even more so, she guards, rigorously, her right to be so. Would that more politicians were as conscientious and forthright as her.

But for a Mayor to lob insults in public is several shades beneath dignity.

And to go yet further and threaten to consider forcing Greening out of Council meetings because of alleged disrespectful language is not only downright silly, it’s a nasty bullying tactic not only to try to silence Greening’s dissension but to send the same message to the rest of Council, staff and the public.

It sounds like Baird can’t deal with confrontation. The Mayor’s job, in part, is to manage people - the village’s staff, her council, and her constituency. Surely there are better ways to do so than to publicly squabble over the back fence

like a scrapping neighbour, or to descend to pulling rank. Better that Mayor Baird take a look at why and how such things get started than to fan the flames.

I am grateful to Greening for her obstinacy in standing her ground, and I’m sure she would have done it more respectfully (in the Mayor’s opinion), if she’d felt her disagreements were respectfully considered and valued. I found it refreshing, encouraging, and comforting to know that someone was standing up for the rights of Cumberland’s citizens with conscientious and courageous representation. I shall miss Greening’s representation on Council, and am truly sorry to hear of her decision.

The Council of Cumberland will be diminished for her leaving, but I doubt that, unfortunately, Baird and other members will figure that out in time to save themselves before the next election.

Bette Kosmolak Cumberland

BON VOYAGE Courtenay Council must be exhausted from another long winter working hard behind closed doors in secret meetings

with their expensive Vancouver lawyers to litigate the residents of Maple Pool into homelessness and onto the streets of Courtenay; not to mention all of the hard work they must have gone to bringing in yet another city budget that will mean even more increases to the taxpayers this year.

Fortunately, five Courtenay Council members will be getting some much needed rest and pampering also courtesy of those same taxpayers. They will be leaving shortly for a trip to that tourist mecca Niagara Falls.

These very same councillors passed a motion earlier this year to allow as many of them to attend any or all of these junkets they feel they are entitled to, apparently without question and at their own personal discretion .

This leaves only Mayor Jangula and Councillor Hillian to defend the city against any perceived flood threats at Maple Pool or irate taxpayers who have had enough of these hijinks.

Soon, council we will be wishing you Bon Voyage in a more meaningful manner.

Paul Deeton Courtenay

GUEST COLUMN

Local infrastructure projects run amok

By Dermod Travis In 2012, local governments across B.C. spent more than $8 billion and it’s a pretty safe bet that a good chunk of it was spent on infrastructure projects.

Most of the projects flew under the provincial radar. Out of sight, out of mind. Cost overruns rarely made a media ripple outside of the affected community.

Yet, through various cost sharing formulas, we’re all on the hook for them, whether it’s the Vancouver Convention Centre expansion or new roads in Campbell River.

It’s why a recent audit by B.C.’s new auditor general for local governments, Basia Ruta, should raise some red flags.

Last month - in the office’s first ever performance audit of local government procurement - Ruta stated that “the integrity of the capital procurement process in Rossland has been compromised and many of the transactions we reviewed did not meet the standards taxpayers would expect of their local government.” Strong stuff.

Ruta also cherry-picked Sechelt’s new Water Resource Centre (euphemism for sewage treatment plant) as one of five other performance audits her office is now undertaking.

No surprise. What started out as a $10 million facility five years ago has morphed into a $25 million boondoggle that’s still devouring cash.

Under Sechelt’s original plan, the existing facility’s downtown site was to be sold for redevelopment to help fund the new plant which was to be built on

an industrial site on the outskirts of town.

Then council did an about face and announced that the new plant would be built on the existing site after all. And although he vehemently denies it, the fact that the mayor’s $1.16-million home is only a few hundred metres from that industrial site undoubtedly had little to do with council’s change of heart.

Sechelt’s new plant has a capacity of 4,000 cubic metres per day. Just down the coast in Gibsons, they built a 6,000 cubic metres per day plant for $5.4 million in 2005.

However, ratepayers can take some solace in the mayor’s belief that the sewage plant will be a tourist attraction, giving rise to a possible new tourism pitch: “come for the scenery, stay for the smell.”

Then there’s the mother of all sewage treatment plants: the $782.7 million Capital Regional District Core Area Wastewater Treatment Program or CAWTP for short. CAWTP has run into two small snags: a secret real estate deal that didn’t work out so well once it wasn’t so secret and Esquimalt council giving a firm thumbs down to the CRD’s rezoning application for McLoughlin Point.

To date CAWTP has eaten up $65 million of its budget without so much as a sod-turning ceremony or for that matter a site to turn sod on. Costs may increase by a further $13.7 million to pay for barging construction materials in and adding a new oxidation treatment.

Meanwhile, Victoria is also looking

for answers as to how its $92.8 million Johnson St. bridge replacement project ballooned in price by $7.9 million before a girder has been put in place.

Other B.C. communities face infrastructure problems of a different kind.

Lillooet, population 2,322, will soon have a new $10.1 million water plant with a capacity of 5.9 million litres a day. Someone must see big things for “B.C.’s little nugget,” because according to Environment Canada the average residential water use in Canada was 274 litres per person per day in 2009.

So why do so many projects in B.C. go over budget while others seem so out of whack with a community’s needs?

Partly, parochial politics. As the mayor of one Lower Mainland community wrote on his Facebook page about one project: “This isn’t a city project, so I have little to do with it (and therefore no reason to defend it).” To his credit he did.

Local councils could also help matters by not concluding multimillion dollar deals entirely behind closed doors.

Sunlight goes a long way to achieving buy-in and if ratepayers don’t feel part of the process from day one, chances are they’ll fight it every step of the way starting day two.

And finally, just as too many cooks can spoil the broth, too many bosses can wreak havoc with public works budgets. Every project needs one official who takes ownership of it: from design to ribbon cutting.

Dermod Travis is the executive director of IntegrityBC. www.integritybc.ca

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014 A7

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Community Dancers burst onto the stage at the Sid for Dance Explosion 2014 The stage at the Sid Williams Theatre will be exploding with dance on the evenings of Thursday May 29 and Friday May 30 as the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance presents their 31th annual recital Dance Explosion 2014.

Perhaps you have seen the Laurie Tinkler Dancers performing in our community. They can often be seen at community festivals, senior’s residences and at service club events.

Many Valley residents have seen a presentation of the Nutcracker, while others have witnessed the power of the well-known Highland dancers.

The annual recital is the best opportunity to see the full spectrum of dance styles studied by students at the Laurie TInkler School of Dance.

Throughout the year, dancers from age three through adult have been learning new skills in a variety of dance forms. These include jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop, Highland, musical theatre and tumbling. The annual recital is their opportunity to bring together and present the experience gained through-out the year. With this much variety, Dance Explosion 2014 is sure to be a fun performance for everybody!

This year’s show has been choreo-

graphed primarily by the senior instructors: Laurie Tinkler, Mackenzie Ruthven and Jessa Periera. Significant creative assistance has also be offered up by the rest of the performance faculty: Megan Hill, Kelly Randall and Suzie McGregor.

Many of the costumes for Dance Explosion 2014 were created locally to accompany the creative choreography of the faculty! Be prepared to experience the beauty of classical ballet, the energy of jazz, the rhythm of tap, the power of hip hop and the reflective moods of lyrical.

While some of the choreographies carry messages of strength, pure fun arises from others. Rumor has it that there might even be a visit from space aliens.

Plans are well underway for the studio’s 32nd year! Registration will take place August 22 - 23rd, 2014.

Families who are considering joining the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance are encouraged to come and see the incredible variety of dances offered as well as the high quality of performance.

Four summer dance camps are being offered this year. These include a Highland Intensive week and two intermediate/advanced Ballet Camps during July as well as a Creative

This high energy tap trio is looking forward to welcoming you to Dance Explosion 2014 (Boomer Jerritt - Strathcona Photography) Ballet/Jazz/Tap and Art Class in August.

In addition, the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance is pleased to be offering a Musical Theatre Camp with guest instructor Joey Clarkson from August 4-8.

Information on all of these camps

can be found on the studio website at http://www.laurietinkler.com/ or by calling 250-897-8885.

Dance Explosion 2014 is approximately 3 hours in length including intermission.

The show begins at 7 pm both nights.

Tickets for this annual recital are now on sale at the Sid Williams Box Office at the cost of Adults $20, Students $15 and Children $3.

Come and enjoy an evening of dance, while supporting some of our Valley’s up and coming talent.

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News

Hornby’s historic Sea Breeze Lodge burns to ground

By Michael Briones Echo Staff and William Thomas Special to the Echo One of Hornby Island’s iconic resorts, Sea Breeze Lodge suffered a devastating fire that destroyed its main building.

Owners Stephen and Suzie Bishop said it happened on Sunday night at around 8:30 p.m. while they were serving dinner to about 30 patrons.

A fire broke out in the service entry part of the main lodge.

“By the time it was discovered it was absolutely raging with fire,” said Suzie. “They just had time to get out and watched it burned down.

“We stepped back and watched. It burned hard and it exploded and burned long and crazy for a couple of hours.”

Dessert was about to be served when the fire broke out instead. A dishwasher named Rudy saw smoke streaming past the kitchen windows. He ran into the dining room shouting, “Out! Out! We’ve got a fire!”

A brisk southeast “sea breeze” fanned the flames. By the time Rudy finished phoning 911, “a quarter to a third of the building was engulfed,” he later reported. “There was nothing anyone could have done.” ”It went pretty quick, very quick,” said Brian Bishop, who was dining in the restaurant when the fire broke out.

Built in 1932, and since added-on to, the historic landmark was a mainstay of the Hornby economy, employing 16 residents at the time of the blaze, as well as island contractors and suppliers.

The Bishop family assumed ownership of “The Breeze” in 1972. The most recent renovations were completed shortly before the building burned.

“It was built with cedar, big timbers,” Rudy told Hornby resident and photographer Will Thomas. “It was dry, dry, dry.”

Patrons battled disbelief as the venerable building burned. “A lot of memories, all those guestbooks,” Brian Bishop later lamented.

“A lot of people count on this place for their income in the summer,” Rudy added. “This is going to affect a lot of people’s lives.”

The owners are still thankful nobody was hurt, even the resident kitty cat.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said Stephen. “There were around 50 people in there. The dinner was full.

Our staff was incredible. They escorted everyone out real calmly and got everyone out to safety.

That’s the biggest thing of course.”

The building also housed the resident caretaker. They lost everything, said Stephen.

The fire also burnt three employees’ cars and caused some damage to one of the cabins nearby. The fire was so hot it cracked the windows.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Stephen said they have no idea how it started.

The fire appears to have begun in a utility room adjacent to the kitchen. Initially estimated by Brian Bishop at $2 million, the total loss may be even higher.

Hornby fire chief Giff La Rose said that the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

The Sea Breeze has been a popular resort on the Island since 1938.

The Bishops bought the property 42 years ago and have made it a family operated business.

“There’s a lot of history here,” said Stephen.

The resort is one of the biggest employers on the island. It employs around 16 people - full-time during the summer months and part-time during winter.

But despite the huge setback, the Bishops remain positive. They have a full slate of bookings for weddings and they will try their best to accommodate them.

“I have one wedding in the next

Three employees’ cars were destroyed in the fire that burned the Sea Breeze Lodge to the ground Sunday night (Michael Briones photo)

Sea Breeze dining room was full when fire broke out (Will Thomas photo)

Sea Breeze co-owner Steve Bishop confers with Hornby Fire Chief Giff La Rose (Will Thomas photo) two weeks and it’s huge for them so we’re going to make it happen for them,” said Stephen, who remains upbeat despite the bad situation.

The plan is to make tents, build a kitchen and other makeshift amenities to make it a memorable experience.

“You have to stay positive,” he said. “We’ve got to move forward and we have to move fast.”

The lodge may have lost its main building but it still has 16 cabins that will be able to provide lodging for their guests.

Some residents feel bad for the Bishops and said it’s devastating.

Among them is long-time resident of over 50 years Brouwne McCloud, whose parents own a property next to the Sea Breeze.

“I know the Bishops very well and it’s tragic,” said McCloud . “It’s horrible to hear their building burned down. It’s a real iconic thing on the Island.”

The Sea Breeze has been used for many community events, said McCloud, like retirement parties, fundraisers and mother’s day dinners.

“We go there a lot,” said McCloud. “They’re an asset to the community.”

Entrance to ruin at Sea Breeze Lodge (Will Thomas photo)

!

O G E HERE WT’S LIVE! I

Residential Curbside Recycling has now EXPANDED!

If you live in Courtenay, Royston or Cumberland and take part in curbside Blue Box recycling, more items can now be put into Blue Boxes. Here’s what you need to know about the change:

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.

As of May 19, non-profit organization Multi-Material BC (MMBC) has assumed 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

Saturday, May 31st, 2014

There are changes to local recycling depots too. Here’s what you need to know about the change:

Bring the whole family for a fun day on the course!

Choose from Soccer Golf on front nine or Learner's Loop tees (1279 yards) on the back nine or play on the putting course.

Contact the Golf Shop at 250-703-5031 for more details.

• One complimentary parent per junior (under 16 yrs of age).

• Free 10 minute golf lessons from our CPGA Certified golf instructors for all juniors.

399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay

250-703-5050

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

• •

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.

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

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

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

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014 A9

News

Salvation Army marks 50 years of faith and service (Continued from page 1) In 1984 the Community and Family Services Ministry with its extensive outreach work was formalized, and over the succeeding years various programs to help people in need evolved. They included the distribution of food or food vouchers, clothing, furniture as well as offering advice and advocacy.

To help raise money to fund that work, the original Thrift Store opened in the 1990s and today there are three - the two in Courtenay and one in Comox.

The stores are an essential part of the Salvation Army’s mission in more ways than one. All the money raised through sales of donated items is ploughed back into services for those who need them; but the very fact the stores exist speaks to the Army’s belief that items should be reused and repurposed rather than being discarded.

“Salvation Army founder William Booth was a huge environmentalist long before anyone used that term,” says Pastor Darryl Burry. “We need to take care of this world, and this is one small way individuals can play a part.”

Recycling is taken extremely seriously - even clothes that cannot be sold through the stores are sent for proper recycling rather than being dumped at the landfill. Everything has a purpose, and nothing should be wasted.

As well as being supported by an army of local volunteers, both the front and backs of the stores provide entry-level jobs offering meaningful employment, including for people on support programs.

In one of its biggest social commitments, the Salvation Army runs the emergency shelter on Pidcock Avenue in Courtenay, and its involvement directly stems from its core Christian beliefs.

“The number one reason we exist as a church is to share the love of Jesus Christ,” says Burry. “We follow his teaching that we should help others, especially in their time of greatest need, and never rush to judgement.

“We should be a source of hope and support in times of great darkness, by offering food to the hungry, a bed for the night, and love to the lonely.”

The first shelter space opened locally in 1996 with just a couple of emergency beds for men only, but Pidcock Avenue now offers 18 to provide short-term refuge for women as well as men.

While the provincial government contracts the Salvation Army to provide many of the beds at the shelter, the staff and volunteers there go much further than the minimum requirements, both in terms of the number of beds and the support services offered to the people the Salvation Army considers are its guests.

“The Salvation Army was a force for social justice and a provider of social services long before funding came from the government,” Burry noted. “People might be surprised to hear the Salvation Army is the largest non-government provider of social services in Canada.

“Our goal is not just to offer shelter, but to help people to move forward with their lives,” he explains.

Hot nutritional meals are provided to boost physical strength and a caseworker helps guests take steps to resolve their personal issues.

“It can be difficult, but we’ve had some huge successes,” Burry recalls.

“We have had as our guests many broken people who had nothing, but who have gained confidence and made something of their lives.”

The challenges never seem to diminish, as the shelter is often full to overflowing. But people would be wrong to think they were simply catering for the “perpetually homeless.”

One recent guest was a North Island College student who could no longer afford his rent as he tried to get on his feet; another was a

The Salvation Army relies on a constant flow of donated items to stock its fundraising stores - here Dwayne Worthing is pictured with just some of the donations waiting to be unbagged and sorted prior to being put on sale. mother and her son who had been turfed out of their home and didn’t know where to turn.

“There’s a whole gamut of need beyond those who are perpetually homeless,” he says. “We offer a place where they can feel loved and supported again.

“We want them to make choices and decisions for themselves to get them to a place of health both mentally and physically, and we will offer them all the support we can to get them there.”

A more recent program established by the Salvation Army is New Discoveries - a parent-child learning centre that operates three days a week from the Fitzgerald Avenue church and community facility.

Each Monday morning there is an interactive session for mothers with children six years of age or under where cooking, storytelling, singing and conversation are all encouraged.

On Thursdays there are parenting sessions where skills like household budgeting are explained to adults while qualified childhood educators look after the kids. And on Fridays there are drop-in facilities for parents and children to get involved with crafts and chat and share lunch together.

There is no charge for any of the sessions, although registration is required as some of the programs are proving extremely popular.

In addition to its own organized activities, Salvation Army volunteers are out and about helping with other groups. For example every Tuesday it’s a Salvation Army team that prepares the meals at the Sonshine

Lunch Club for the needy hosted at St. George’s Church in Courtenay.

Recently the diversity in the ages among those volunteers was highlighted when ten-year-old Desierre Dekoninck of Huband Elementary School was lending a hand at the lunch club as part of her ‘I Can’ project alongside 86-year-old Elke Bibby.

The Salvation Army’s volunteers coordinator, Dawn Nickerson, praises the contributions made by people of all ages - from what she describes as “school students to super seniors.”

There are about 60 regular volunteers year in, year out and another 200 for various seasonal roles, she notes.

“From rolling up their sleeves and washing dishes, packing grocery bags, sorting clothes, hosting ‘Happy Hearts’ children’s programs, counting buttons, greeting customers, welcoming guests home at the shelter, and last but certainly not least standing at a Christmas kettle, our volunteers program is richly blessed,” she says.

When all is said and done, the Salvation Army is first and foremost a Christian Church - and one that sees its community outreach as being an absolutely essential as well as practical demonstration of its faith.

“Everything we do in the community stems from who we are as a church,” says Burry. “Our motto is to ‘Love God and Love Others’. If we do that we will be successful in our own lives.”

Volunteers coordinator Dawn Nickerson guides a team of 60 year-round and 200 seasonal Salvation Army volunteers.

pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

‘Super senior’ Elke Bibby (86) with Huband School student Desierre Dekoninck (10) helping out on Salvation Army day at the Sonshine Lunch Club.

The North Island’s Gourmet Picnic.

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Tickets T ickets a available vailable JJune une 1 1,, 2 2014 014 att w www.gourmetpicnic.ca a ww.gourmetpicnic.ca For m For more ore iinformation: nformation: flavour@nic.bc.ca 250-334-5000 4267) fl avour@nic.bc.ca | 2 50-334-5000 ((Extension Extension 4 267)

EatDrinkComoxValley.com

A10 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Sports and Recreation

Clay Ward, Chiropractor, Dynamic Spine Sport and Wellness speaking at the race Expo.

These boys participated in the Teeny Category (5 - 7 yr olds)

Fastest local female Megan Cunningham

Shoreline Orthodontics Tri K Triathlon draws 500 participants Ear to ear grins and exclamations like “I had so much fun!” indicate that the 32nd Annual Shoreline Orthodontics Tri K Triathlon was a huge success.

Over 500 participants challenged themselves to either complete all three disciplines or join a team and share the fun.

Competition was tight to determine the ultimate winner of the John Siemens Memorial Trophy with only 31 seconds separating the top three racers from two age categories. At the finish line 12-year-old Danielle Leipoldt edged out Jordyn Ryan by 5 seconds to finish as the top female youth racer with a time of 40:16.

Anton Cecic excelled in all three disciplines finishing first in each to claim the Paul Ervine Memorial Trophy as the top male youth racer with a time of 39:03.

Megan Cunningham proved too tough for the remainder of the female competitors and raced away with the Lorne Franks Memorial Trophy in a time of 1:15:43 to be the top local and overall female finisher.

The weekend began with a package pickup and Race Expo at Shoreline Orthodontics sponsored

by CV Triathlon Club and Tri BC. Gillian Clayton, Ironman Canada Winner 2012, encouraged participants to step outside of their comfort zone and always set goals to challenge themselves. She also discussed the importance nutrition plays in life and competition.

Sponsors, Extreme Runners were on hand to aid athletes in their final race preparation, while Shoreline Orthodontics added a little fun with a fishing booth.

CV Road runners had many eager new athletes keen to learn about upcoming events and no event would be complete without a great cup of java provided by White Caps Cappuccino.

The buzz of the weekend was Clay Ward, chiropractor and participant of the 2013 World Xetrra Triathlon.

Transitions are a race within the race of any triathlon and Clay shared his experiences and ideas on how to not lose valuable time in this area during the Race Expo. At Sunday’s race Clay not only blazed through the transitions but he burned up the track finishing the 5km sprint in 20:02. His efforts made him the fastest local male and the recipient of the Lorne Franks Memorial Trophy.

Even the weather could not dampen the spirits of our youngest competitors in the Teeny and Inbetweeny categories. Participants from 5 - 9 yrs old are given a taste of competing in all three disciplines.

Big smiles crossed the finish line into the arms of proud parents.

The Shoreline Orthodontics Tri K Triathlon not only draws participation from top triathletes it is also an event where new comers to the sport can Just Tri It. Weekly training plans published in the Comox Valley Echo were a valuable asset for participants. These athletes are the most inspirational, tackling all three

disciplines and pouring their heart and soul into a goal of finishing a challenging course.

An event of this nature takes hundreds of volunteers to prepare, and ensure the safety of all participants. Thank you to each and every volunteer, because of you this event was possible!

Race throw ins: Thanks to our other amazing sponsors for your continuous support, Canadian Tire, Brian Mclean’s, Thrifty’s, HiTech and the Eagle 97.3 FM team.

Above: Senechal boys are a family that all competed in different categories of the event Right: Heading out is Dr Paul Helpard, Title Sponsor, Shoreline Orthodontics

Schedule Revisions Tuesday May 27 Trail Bicycles 2-5 pm LOCATION Lake Trail Rd Wednesday May 28 Village of Cumberland 7-9 am LOCATION Village Square Thursday May 29 Mtn City Cycle 7:30-9 am 5th Street will take place Friday same time same location

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay Rt. 7107 Rt. 8105 Rt. 8106 Rt. 8130 Rt. 7115 Rt. 7127 Rt. 7108 Rt. 1102A Rt. 2129 Rt. 3120 Rt. 3134 Rt. 3122 Rt. 3110 Rt. 3109 Rt. 3123 Rt. 3135 Rt. 3136

Courtenay – Between 17th & 13th - McPhee, Grieve, 16th, 14th – Kilpatrick, 29th - 27th, Moray – Kilpatrick, Anfield Centre (Walmart) – Cliffe (Between 19th & 10th), Riverside Lane, Beckensell – 5th to 4th, Menzies to Willemar – Marsden, Baird to Charter – Fitzgerald, Grieve 17th to 13th Comox – Bolt, Lindshart, Martin, Noel, Anderton – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Crown Isle – Monarch, Royal – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex Valleyview – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View – Back Road, Glen Urquhart, 10th St. E., Hobson, 6th St. E., Aston – Mallard & Partridge – Nechako, Chemainus, 5th St. E., Cowichan, 6th St. E. – Hawk, Swallow, Whiskeyjack – Bluejay Place

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 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

Vanier girls win provincial AAA rugby title

GOLF NEWS COMOX THURSDAY LADIES NIGHT

Courtenay’s G.P. Vanier Towhees appeared to have used every bit of their fuel reserve just to get to Saturday‘s Triple A championship final at the 2014 B.C. girls high school rugby championships in Port Alberni.

Scoring in the last breath of regulation to force overtime and then kicking the winning penalty at the end of overtime on Friday was just enough to produce an 18-15 semifinal win Friday over Coquitlam’s Gleneagle Talons.

But what did a school, which had never claimed all the spoils, going to have left in its tank for Saturday’s final against Surrey’s unheralded Elgin Park Orcas?

Again, just enough.

“We’re excited and we’re overwhelmed,” admitted Towhees head coach Dwayne Mills after Vanier outlasted Elgin Park 15-10 in the title match. “It’s exciting to finally win one, especially at this tournament where all the teams were so closely matched. It was full of equity and full of balance.”

For the Towhees, who had finished second once and third twice over the past three seasons, the heartbreak of past seasons brought a renewed purpose to their mission.

Winger Kristine Osachuk’s second-half try made it 15-5, as the Towhees built on a 10-0 halftime lead. Hooker Taya Gagnon and out-

Thursday Ladies Night at the Comox Golf Club saw 23 ladies of which 9 were guests tee off on an evening that was cloudy with a chance of rain, but it decided not to.

Low Gross was tied at 43 with Jan Dafoe and Laurie Appleyard sharing the title. Low Net was Phyllis Taylor with 32. Second Low Net was a tie with Carmen de Winter and Jo Falco with 33. Low Putts (14) was a tie with Laurie Appleyard and Janice Nicklin. Suzie Venuta and Carmen de Winter sunk the longest putts on #11 and #17.

Longest drives were Joan Rallison (0-23) and Grace Coulter (24+). KP on 14 was Jan Dafoe. Second shot for 24+ on hole #18 was won by Joan Baudais and 3rd shot on # 13 was Laurie Appleyard.

Come on out with your guests.

Guests are eligible to win a 9 hole green fee sponsored by the Club.

The starting time is now check in at 5:30pm for a 6:00pm shotgun. Great friends, great food and alot of fun.

BUFF’S BIRTHDAY AT COMOX On John (BUFF) Hope’s birthday, 50 Comox Men’s Club golfers played the Back Nine producing the following results: Low Gross 0-16 Tracy Branch 33, Laurie Willis 35, Low Gross 17+ Tom Shaw 42, Ian Smith 43 Low Net Dave Wood 28, Ed Leaky 31, Ian Leakey 31, Pat Riva 31, Vic Crisp 32, Rick Siddall 32, Ken Loga 32, Marty Petersen 32, Gord Baudais 32, Dan Bailey 32, Ron Pratt 32, Mark Vandervoort 32.

KP Prizes 10 2nd shot 17+ Andy Dean BlackFin Pub 11 3rd shot 0-16 Laurie Willis Thrifty’s 12 Long Drive 17+ Don Vanetta Men’s Club 13 2nd shot 0-16 Ken Loga Brian McLean GMC 14 All Rick Siddall Men’s Club 15 2nd shot 17+ Vernon Dean Boston Pizza 16 Long Drive 0-16 Dane Petersen Scott Fraser - Royal Lepage 18 All Ed Leakey Shilo Painting Glacier Gutters Tee Box restaurant offered two great choices. Please sing up for food PRIOR to playing.

Happy Birthday was sung to BUFF. See you all on the 28th.

- Submitted by Vic Crisp

Bill Kelly Golf and to Ron Carter and Rick Verbeek on hole #17 sponsored

by Slegg Lumber.

Next Saturday May 31st will be the final day of the Shoot Out and the format will be the dreaded and challenging Alternate Shot. I’m sure the wild life at Glacier Greens will hear the term “sorry partner” many times during the day.

- Submitted by Len Doyle, Saturday Men’s Coordinator

CLUB CAPTAIN SCORES 4 BIRDIES On Sunday May 25 Terry Christie recorded 4 Birdies during an up and down round of 77.

49 other Comox Men’s Club members joined him on a cloudy morning with the following results: Low Gross 0-16 Nick Usher 66, Laurie Willis 70, Low Gross 17+ Ian Smith 82, Brian Slater 83 cb.

Low Net Bill Bowles 62, Art Karpus 62, Jim Poulson 62, Rick Adams 63, Terry Christie 65, Burt Meek 65.

KP Prizes 10 2nd shot 0-16 Lawrie Willis Bowlzy Brkfst Comox Pacific Express 11 3rd shot 0-16 Scott Fraser Little

2ND ROUND OF G.G. SHOOT OUT After the last putt had dropped on Saturday May 24th and the scores tallied the second round of this year’s Glacier Greens Shoot Out is now in the books. Some leader changes in both the Gross and net brackets.

Chris Kalnay and Dave Wacowich are now leading the Gross side with a two round score of (130) followed by last weeks leaders Rob Borland and Steve Peters at (132). Kevin Hunt and Fabian McCarty as well as Chuck Brown and James Dickson are tied for third place at (136). Jeff Edwards and Shane Robinson along with Jim Livingstone and Doug McArthur are next at (138).

The scores on the Net side are very close with the team of Mike Pollock and Al Waddell holding a narrow lead with a two week score of (111). Next we find the pre-tournament favourite team of Len Doyle and Gary Wood at (112). Also at (112) is the team of John Keats and Dick Stuart. John Holley and Rod Verchere hold down fourth place with (112.5). And tied for fifth place are Bob Henn and Glenn Horsepool as well as Greg Conway and Wayne Mabee with (113).

Team K.P.’s went to Chuck Brown and James Dickson on hole #4 sponsored by Scott Fraser of Royal LePage Reality, Kevin Hunt and Fabian McCarty on hole # 7 sponsored by the Saturday Men’s Club, Steve Blacklock and John Trimmer on hole #12 sponsored by the R.C.M.P. Vets, Chris Kalnay and Dave Wacowich on hole #15 sponsored by

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Vanier’s Olivia Kellinghuse, right, has the ball in the final game against Elgin Park (Photo submitted by a ‘proud mom’) side centre Danelle Campbell, the latter Vanier’s President’s XV selection, scored first-half tries.

In the B.C Double A championship

final, also at Alberni, the Abbotsford Panthers dug down deep and became a dynasty.

Trailing 7-0 at the half, the Panthers

rallied in the second to top crosstown rivals Robert Bateman 26-12, earning its third straight B.C. Double A championship title.

Caesars Pizza 12 Long Drive 17+ Marc Dewinter Westview Ford Sales 13 2nd shot 17+ Vic Crisp Pizza Hut 5/14 All Nick Usher + Brian Slater Men’s Club 15 2nd shot 17+ Bowlzy Brkfst Comox Pacific Express 16 Long Drive 0-16 Lawrie Willis Westview Ford sales 9/18 All Rick Adams + jim Eremko Another enjoyable breakfast cooked up by the Tee Box. Please sing up for food PRIOR to playing.

Thanks to our ground staff and Pro Shop for a great course and help during the Men’s events.

- Submitted by Vic Crisp

Conway 2nd -4 Dan Dupois, Bernie Golding, Wayne Wood, Ben Gil 3rd -4 Shane Robertson, Ted Sauve, Jack Jackson, Dick Stuart, Keith Ross 4th -4 Dave Wacowich, Dak Ban, Doug Mann, Stu Tunheim Hole winners: #1 KP Al Pasanen Sponsor Chads West Coast Grill #2 Longest Putt Ben Gill Sponsor Jo Klassen’s #3 Car KP Shane Robertson Sponsor Brian Mc Lean Chevrolet #4 KP Shane Robertson Sponsor The Wine Cottage #5 Longest Putt Sponsor Griffin Pub #6 KP Glen Navfason Sponsor A-Lure Barber Shop #7 KP Dick Stuart Sponsor Bill Kelly Golf #8 Longest Putt Ben Gill Sponsor Billy D’s Pub #9 KP Ben Gill Sponsor Boston Pizza Draw Prize Sponsors, and thanks to all, were Canadian Western Bank, Aero Art Screening, Gill’s Catering INC, Panago Pizza, Quick and Easy Granite.

Remember - order your food at the

bar before you start. Till next week see ya.

- Submitted by Ron Carter

NICE NIGHT AT GLACIER GREENS Tuesday, May 20th the weather was warm and sunny so 47 players played at Glacier Greens. They had to use 1 drive and 1 2nd shot from each player; 4 teams all came in with - 4. Here are the winners: 1st -4 Terran Berger, Nick Mykitiuk, Henry Bonde, Greg

A fun night at Sunnydale is guaranteed for any golfers that show up.

Stay tuned for more and better prizes coming up shortly, and more fun.

Come on out on Sunday mornings by 8:00 a.m. for a shot gun start and Wednesday night at 5:30 for a 6:00 start.

Results from May 21st 0-10 Low Gross Dan Woods 39 Low Net Silvio Alberti 34.5 2nd Low Net Doug Rushton 35.5 11+ Low Gross Viking 40 Low Net Shawn 32 2nd Low Gross Randy Bennett 42 2nd Low Net Corey Nickerson 38 Long Putt #6 Scotty Mattoon (Hat from Sleemans) Long Putt #9 Silvio Alberti (Shirt from Sleemans) Hopefully, with new sponsors coming on board we will have bigger turnouts as the weather gets better and better.

NOTICE OF INTENT RE: LIQUOR CONTROL AND LICENSING ACT APPLICATION FOR A LIQUOR PRIMARY LICENCE An application for a new liquor primary licence has been received by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch from KJG Golf Services Inc. The proposed location for the licence is 2084 Saratoga Road, Black Creek.

Proposed licensed hours are between 9:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight from Monday to Sunday.

Person capacity will be limited to 38 persons inside and 100 persons on the patios.

Residents and owners of businesses located within a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) radius of the proposed site may comment on this proposal by

1) writing to:

Gus Baudais presents the Eagle to winners Daniel Bailey and Barb Tribe

Gus Baudais sponsors Eagle Eye tourney Gus Baudais was on hand to welcome everyone to his annual Eagle Eye tournament.

Daniel Bailey and Barb Tribe’s net score of 62.4 won the coveted Eagle Trophy presented by Gus in his usual witty fashion. Barb with her tiara and Daniel, the son of tournament chair Kathy Branch, graciously accepted the Eagle.

The day was full of laughter, some good and some entertaining golf.

Barb was closest to the hole on #9 and barely missed her hole in one

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by going past the hole by 6 inches.

At 62.6 was the team of Marty Petersen and Fran Robinson. Fran was closest to the hole on #14. The team of Sue and Ian Leakey were third with a score of 63.6. The tournament co-chairs of Kathy and Tracy Branch placed fourth with a score of 65.2.

Gord Smith and Frank Craig won closest to the holes on #5 and # 18 respectively.

Again a great meal was served by The Tee Box Restaurant.

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PETITIONS AND FORM LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED To ensure the consideration of your views, your comments, name and address must be received on or before June 23, 2014.

Please note that your comments may be made available to the applicant or local government officials where disclosure is necessary to administer the licensing process.

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www.CrownIsle.com 399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay, BC 250-703-5031

A12 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 7107 – Between 17th & 13th - McPhee, Grieve, 16th, 14th 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. 1102A – Bolt, Lindshart, Martin, Noel, Anderton Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens CROWN ISLE Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View Rt. 3110 – Back Road, Glen Urquhart, 10th St. E., Hobson, 6th St. E., Aston Rt. 3109 – Mallard & Partridge Rt. 3123 – Nechako, Chemainus, 5th St. E., Cowichan, 6th St. E. Rt. 3135 – Hawk, Swallow, Whiskeyjack Rt. 3136 – Bluejay Place

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

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014 A13

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com

Comox Valley, BC

A14 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 27, 2014

1s t A n n u a l

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Auto Plus Expo Saturday, May 31 & Sunday, June 1st 10:00am-3:00pm (both days) @ CV Exhibition Grounds

FREE FREE FREE

Entertainment

Parking Admission

Look & learn from these great participating businesses... s !RBUTUS 26 s !LBERNI 0OWER -ARINE

FREE FREE FOOD

BOUNCE-A-RAMA FOR THE KIDS

Workshops

CONCESSION ON SITE

WIN

a 7-night escape in a Class-C motorhome as provided by Arbutus RV

s "ILL (OWICH 26 s &INNERON (YUNDAI s "ILL (OWICH -ARINE s 2ICE 4OYOTA s 3UNWEST !UTO s 3UNWEST 26

(Some Restrictions Apply)

Lots of Prizes Lots of Giveaways Lots of Demos

LOTS OF FUN FOR THE FAMILY

WORKSHOPS Win a Return Trip for 2 Aboard the Francis Barkley Sightseeing Cruise Port Alberni to Bamfield

CHAINSAW CARVING DEMO

Brought to you by

s 4HE %AGLE &s 4RADITIONAL 4EXAS ""1 s 7ESTVIEW &ORD s !ND MORE

ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY

PERRY SOUND ON THE MAIN STAGE