BIRTH BONUS | Baby born in Village Green Hotel given free night stay every year for life [A6]
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Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012
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Community comes together for Christmas 545-0383 or Dorval at 250-503-1945. About 170 people sat down for dinner last Christmas is supposed to be a time for year and that means volunteers are required family and friends, but, unfortunately, many to do everything from cooking and serving to find themselves alone. security, set-up and parking. That’s why plans are underway for the There are volunteer shifts for Dec. 23, 24, fourth annual Together for Christmas dinner 25 and 27. Dec. 25 in Vernon. Specific jobs will be given to volunteers “We want to get the word and anyone wanting to out so we have more people volunteer can call 250-545attending,” said Ron Birch, an 6726. organizer. If you are not selected In some cases, there may be to volunteer, you are still a misconception about who is invited to attend the dinner. invited. Support for Together for “It’s not just about the homeChristmas has come from a less or people in the lower econumber of individuals and nomic strata,” said Joe Dorval, groups in the community, — Joe Dorval an organizer. including the Upper Room “It’s for all people who don’t Mission. have anyone to share Christmas “The community has with. We don’t want anyone to be alone.” really blessed this event,” said Birch. Those attending could range from seniors Together for Christmas takes place Dec. 25 with no loved ones around, to travelling at St. James Parish Hall (in St. James School), businessmen, couples whose children have with doors opening at 2:30 p.m. There will be moved away, or entire families. crafts and entertainment and dinner will start “We want to see more families with chil- being served at 4 p.m. dren,” said Birch. Birch says he and the others involved in Meals can be provided to those who are organizing are looking forward to spreading physically unable to attend the event and the joy of the season. transportation to Together for Christmas will “The people who come to dinner have no be available. idea of how much of a gift they give us,” he To make arrangements, call Birch at 250- said. RICHARD ROLKE
Morning Star Staff
“It’s for all people who don’t have anyone to share Christmas with.”
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
Jonah Toporchak, 13, and Andrew ffolliott, 11, make cookies at St. James School.
Vernon budget weathering economic storm RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
City of Vernon officials are tightening the belt. Council was given its first look at the draft 2013 financial plan Friday and virtually every department will see little operational growth. Fee hikes or service cuts are also possible. “To be blunt, this is a tough budget,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer. “These are challenging economic times and this budget prepares the city to weather the economic storm.” The overall budget is 1.8 per cent high-
er than this year ($448,041). An actual tax increase will not be determined until council has an opportunity to review the draft document further. Administration has provided solutions to replace $2 million in reserves that were used to supplement the 2012 budget. The options include fee for service hikes or service reductions. “We ask council to select at least $1.5 million from this list,” said Pearce. Another focus of the budget is to protect assets like sidewalks, roads, parks and sewer/water lines. “Failure to do this is not an option and could have catastrophic consequences,”
said Pearce. Council is being urged to increase property taxes 1.9 per cent a year over a decade for infrastructure. That would generate about $6 million. Among the challenges facing the city’s financial plan are $448,000 less in provincial traffic fine revenue and a loss of $479,000 because of a change in service provisions with the regional district. Council will meet between Jan. 16 to 18 to discuss the draft budget and three readings of the financial plan bylaw are anticipated Jan. 28. Mayor Rob Sawatzky won’t speculate on a potential tax increase.
“We want a very frugal, sustainable budget but we’re also being made aware of the costs to maintain infrastructure,” he said. “There will be considerable debate to achieve these goals.” Coun. Catherine Lord isn’t sure what changes will be made to the draft plan. “There’s always room for movement but staff is more diligent than last year in what they are looking for and keeping expenditures down,” she said. Coun. Juliette Cunningham welcomes the focus on asset management. “It’s a serious issue. Our infrastructure is old,” she said.
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