Richmond Review · Page 9
Friday, November 2, 2012
letters
Local art gallery needs a boost Editor: Is there anyone else in Richmond who also believes that a city our size (pop. 190,000) needs and deserves a better art gallery than the one we have? It is worthwhile to note that smaller cities such as Bellingham (population 67,000) and Bellevue, Washington (population 110,000) for example, have found the funds and the will to build contemporary, purpose-built art museums that not only add immense vitality to their communities but draw visitors from far and wide. I, for one, would dearly love to have the same kinds of art-related experiences I have in those fine galleries here within my own community.
Or is the “culture” of Richmond defined only in terms of commerce, rapid real estate development, and the proliferation of restaurants? If Richmond is such a diverse and prosperous community, why do we still have a woefully inadequate gallery that is stuck, as if it is nothing more than an afterthought, in a library rotunda? Is there any interest at all on the part of our city government or the population at large to build something that would clearly demonstrate that we in Richmond are not really as one-dimensional in our interests and priorities as we must appear to be to outsiders? Lots of malls, big houses, condo towers, mega projects, and
our own version of Kingsway! Art community—not so much! Kudos to the staff at the Richmond Art gallery who accomplish some wonderful things within an un-complementary and unsupportive environment, but it is obviously time to give them and the citizens of Richmond a new, purpose-built facility that would not only make us all proud, but add some much needed depth and maturity to our culture. As someone who has spent more than 50 years involved in art and art education, I would really hate to be proven wrong about that “deserve” part. Ray Arnold Richmond
Our lost humanity for our rabbits Editor: If you spend much time in the center of Richmond you will see rabbits. It is not a choice; it is simply an inevitable fact. And if you spend any time reading the news, you receive even more information that not only do these rabbits exist in great numbers, but they are abandoned rabbits that live difficult at best, and horrendous at worst lives that
are cut short far too soon. You see if we say nothing and do nothing in the face of this inhumane suffering of our rabbits, then we, along with the rabbits, will ultimately pay the price. For in the words of Albert Schweitzer, “Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man himself will not find peace.” Cindy Howard Richmond
INVITATION TO ATTEND
Business Leadership of the Year Award • Alan Rae, Alan Rae Wealth Management • Brian Williams, Ashton Service Group • Eva Sun, The Rice People New Business of the Year Award • 6Pack Beach • MLK Properties Ltd. • Steveston Tattoo Company • Cora Breakfast & Lunch
Global warming and Hurricane Sandy Editor: Destructive, devastating, catastrophic - words can not describe the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S.A. The single factor that makes a nasty storm become a monstrous storm is the temperature of our oceans. The single factor that has raised the temperature of our oceans is the carbon products we have emitted into our atmosphere. The atmospheric carbon numbers have exceeded 400ppm for the first time in recorded history. We have wrapped our earth in a big downe jacket and the temperature is inevitably rising. Sandy is surely the biggest wake-up call yet we have been given with regards to our industrial and residential emissions that have been gathering pace for 200 years. We need to ask ourselves, our regional governments, our national governments and international agencies “what are we doing to lower our emissions?” Your emissions and our regional industries all contribute to our regional pollution levels and eventually to atmospheric carbon levels. Each and every one of us is responsible for our oceans warming and for the generation of these super storms. In Metro Vancouver, we had the worst air pollution ever
We need to ask ourselves, our regional governments, our national governments and international agencies “what are we doing to lower our emissions?” in July, August, and September. The regional AQ numbers were seldom below 3 and frequently 4 and 5. On at least one occasion the AQ reached 6. Do not for a moment think 6 out of 12 (the max) is not bad. The 6 should be measured against 3 and 7. 3 is when the twenty percent of people with lung/heart issues get sick and 7 is when all of us will get sick. The past summer’s hot temperatures trapped our emissions and caused these very bad AQ measurements. Our summer carbons have now been added to the atmosphere of our planet, as happens every year except this year we got caught regionally. As winter approaches, our regional biomass systems and residential wood-burning are starting up. These totally unnecessary emissions will now be impacting our regional pollution
levels, as well as poisoning our neighbourhoods. We need to write and call our municipal and regional politicians and let them know clearly and unequivocably that we want to be part of the solution and not the problem. All our efforts and resources should be applied to get us off fossil fuels and, in the interim, move us to gas-fired energy (which is half the pollution levels of coal and bioenergy) and hybrid/electric vehicles, and in the longer term move us to solar and wind energy and electric vehicles. Of course, we will retain gasoline and diesel engines for those jobs that need mega horsepower but do you and I really need a 6 cylinder diesel SUV to collect a litre of milk from the local store? We need to consign the Emites to the history bin where the Luddites were sent 150 years ago. I urge all of you who have discretionary resources to email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov and offer support to the tens of thousands in the Eastern Seaboard who are now without homes; worse will follow as many will soon be without incomes as businesses struggle to restart. Make no mistake, this is a catastrophic disaster and we all need to help. John McCrossan Richmond
The finalists in all categories for the 35th Annual Business Excellence Awards being held on Wednesday, November 21,2012 at the River Rock Theatre.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award • Pasha Bains / Chad Clifford, Drive Basketball • Jonathan Grand Pierre, Nooch Snack & Chill • Lynn Luu, Shine Nail Bar
The Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the City of Richmond proudly present the
35TH ANNUAL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS. Honouring excellence in 10 categories, nominees and winners will celebrate on:
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012 RIVER ROCK THEATRE TICKETS: $11500 + HST
OR TABLE OF 10 IS $115000 + HST
WHY SHOULD YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING?
Businesses today face enormous challenges at every level. The coveted BE Award acknowledges the perseverance, dedication, and good old fashioned hard work necessary to succeed.
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?
Tickets are $115 each or $1150 for a table of 10. Reserve your table by calling 604.278.2822 or visit the Richmond Chamber of Commerce website at: www.richmondchamber.ca TITLE SPONSOR
Commerce Banking
Innovation of the Year Award • Epic 3D Tech Corporation • Nautilus Lifeline • Oris Consulting Ltd. • WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. Business of the Year Award 1 to 25 Employees • Diplomat Bakery • Ego Hair Salons • GeoTility • Signarama-Richmond Business of the Year Award 26 to 75 Employees • Ace Architectural Millwork • Richmond Steel Recycling Ltd. • Soo Jerky Ltd. Business of the Year Award 76+ Employees • Ansan Traffic Group • Organika Health Products Inc. • Star Solutions • Teleflex Canada Association of the Year Award • Richmond Center for Disability • Richmond Community Foundation • Richmond Food Bank Society Customer Service of the Year Award • Bonco Acupuncture & Wellness Centre • Grandcity Autobody Ltd. • Pacific Eye Doctor • Seafair Gourmet Meats Ltd. Outstanding Workplace of the Year Award • MT Disposal King • Fresh Start Foods • Nova Foods Services • Strong International Trading Inc.
MEDIA SPONSOR
the richmond
REVIEW
Your Gift Changes Lives Stroke patients need your help. Our stroke rehabilitation facilities help patients regain important skills – the ability to speak, swallow, walk, write, and perform simple tasks of daily life. Help us fund new equipment that will allow patients and families to regain their independence. Make a gift to Richmond Hospital Foundation today, or leave a legacy for tomorrow. 3 ways to donate: Online: www.richmondhospitalfoundation.com | By Phone: 604-244-5252 | By Mail: 7000 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, V6X 1A2