6 • NEWS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2012 - SOOKE NEWS MIRROR
www.sookenewsmirror.com
TID BITS Sooke Road Anyone who regularly drives Sooke Road knows about the seasonal flooding that happens on the stretch between the 17 Mile Pub and Kangaroo Road. Road closures due to flooding may now become a thing of the past. On Wednesday, Feb. 1 the Ministry of Transportation announced that $1-million would go towards raising part of the road and widening the shoulders to help prevent flooding along Veitch Creek, which runs along the highway. The project is expected to be complete by March 31. Drivers are reminded to drive carefully and to pay attention to construction road signs. Currently, in British Columbia fines for speeding in a construction zone can cost the offender up to $483. Military Families invited to new group The Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) is inviting military families
living in Sooke to a community group on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The group will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the SEAPARC Leisure Complex (2168 Phillips Road). The group will be of interest to those that want to meet other military families living in the area. It also gives people the opportunity to learn more about the programs and services at the Military Family Resource Centre. The MFRC will use the night to assess the needs and interests of the community and plan future efforts in the Sooke area for military families. To register or learn more, call the 250-3632640 (toll free: 1-800353-3329). Superheroes for the greater green From paving the way for accessible local food options, rethinking conventional fuel sources or restoring ecologically sensitive watersheds, it is clear that heroic Canadians are using their
superpowers by taking action at the local level to effect global change. Through the Hometown Heroes Award Program, Earth Day Canada (EDC) is recognizing these heroic Canadians with three awards. The Individual and Group Award winners will receive a $10,000 cashprize to donate to a local environmental group/cause of their choice and the Small Business Award winner will have permission to use the Award and the EDC logo for one year to market and promote the business and/or an approved product. All winners will attend the annual EDC gala in Toronto, ON for an awards ceremony in June. You can find more information about the program and the nomination package by visiting earthday. ca/hometown. Nominations are due March 30, 2012. About Earth Day Canada Earth Day Canada (EDC), a national
environmental charity founded in 1990, provides Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to lessen their impact on the environment. In 2004 it was recognized as the top environmental education organization in North America, for its innovative yearround programs and educational resources, by the Washingtonbased North American Association for Environmental Education, the world’s largest association of environmental educators. In 2008 it was chosen as Canada’s “Outstanding Nonprofit Organization” by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. EDC regularly partners with thousands of organizations in all parts of Canada. www. earthday.ca. For program information, please contact Stephanee Passant at 416-599-1991 ext.114 or heroes@ earthday.ca
Metchosin Dental Clinic Family Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry • • • • • •
Root Canal Therapy Crown & Bridge Oral Surgery Porcelain Veneers Hygiene Services Zoom! Whitening
• • • • •
Orthodontics Full & Partial Dentures Emergency Cases Digital XRays Tooth Coloured Restorations
Accepting New Patients Dr. John H. Duncan D.D.S. 4632 Rocky Point Road • Metchosin
250.478.6111
Questions and Answers from Sooke
PROFESSIONALS Q. Are you involved with FortisBC and are they giving any grants? A. Actually yes, we are involved in their ‘Contractor Program’! You can visit www.fortisbc.com/findacontractor Also on the Fortis BC site you can searce out available ‘Rebates’ for saving energy by switching to efficient natural gas (NG) appliances. Example: Switch to NG, install and ENERGY STAR® heating system and get a $1000 rebate. Purchase and EnerChoice® fireplace and it’s a $300 rebate and $75 on ENERGY STAR® clothes washer. Call us. We can help you through from start to finish. Ask for Kel or Rob. Lost? Look for the Northern Star for direction. We specialize in ‘Peace of Mind’
250-642-4499
Car Care “Musts” You Don’t Want to Skip (Windshield Wiper Blades) WHY: Windshield Wipers are easy to overlook until you find yourself in a pounding rainstorm. If your wiper blades are worn, cracked or rigid with WHEN: Check your washer fluid reservoir monthly and more often when you use the washers frequently. Top it up with a washer solution formulated to aid in the removal of insects and other debris, and during winter, be sure to use a solution with antifreeze protection. Finally, test the washer spray nozzles for proper operation and aim. BOTTOM LINE: Whether your windshield becomes covered with bugs in the summer or ice and salt in the winter, it’s critical to keep it clear for your safety.
Q. What activities are available in Sooke for early learning and literacy development for my baby/toddler? A. There are many wonderful early literacy programs for babies and young children right here in Sooke, at the Sooke Family Resource Society. Parent-Child Mother Goose, the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Head Start Children’s Music Program, and the Drop-In Playgroups offered at SFRS are free, and are excellent ways to introduce your little one to early learning literacy activities in a fun way. These activities lay the foundation for success in learning to read later in childhood. Please call 250-642-5152 to find out more, or to register for these programs.
Q: Can I take equity out of my home for renovations? A: Yes you can! With interest rates still at historic lows, it may be a good time to put the equity in your home to work. Recently, the Federal Government announced changes regarding the maximum loan to value for mortgage refinancing. You can now access up to 85% of the value of your home. When you put the money to work creating a new kitchen or bathroom, not only do you enjoy added convenience, your property value may increase as well. To see how much equity is available from you home, call:
Jodie McDonald 250-580-2252 Literacy Outreach Coordinator Sooke Region, Vancouver Island info@sookeliteracy.ca