WEDNESDAY
< Icy versus Oily
JANUARY 9, 2013
Kootenay vs. Edmonton | Page 7
Family fishing derby cancelled >
Organizers cite ice conditions, weather forecasts | Page 3
1
$ 10 INCLUDES H.S.T.
Proudly serving Cranbrook and area since 1951
Vol. 61, Issue 06
Next steps for brewpub
Take the Ball by the horns
Council approves Heidi’s application S A LLY MAC D ON AL D Townsman Staff
With cries of “yippee”, Cranbrook city council authorized a liquor license application for a new brewery downtown. Temporarily known as the Black Dog Brewpub, the new business venture by Heidi Romich of Heidi’s Restaurant was given an enthusiastic reception by council at the regular December meeting. Already, the liquor application has been forwarded to the city from the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch. On January 7, city council gave a thumbs up to staff processing that application. The new development will convert Heidi’s Restaurant into a brewhouse and restaurant. The restaurant will be renovated to provide a family friendly dining area on one side, and a
restaurant and pub on the other side with indoor and outdoor dining. Romich told council on December 10 that the brewhouse was “not intended to be a nightclub, but a comfortable place for people to go after work and enjoy.” City council was very excited by the proposal. “We’re excited to see something happening downtown,” Councillor Bob Whetham said. “It fits in well with downtown revitalization. “And bringing culture to the consumption of beer is something that hasn’t been part of our traditions.” A development application is expected to come back to council, at which point public input will be sought. The community will also be asked to contribute suggestions for the brewpub’s name. Stay tuned to The Townsman for details.
City chooses key issues for regional debate S A L LY M AC D O N A L D Townsman Staff
Cranbrook’s councillors will be heading to a local government convention in April with two battles to fight. On Monday, January 7, council decided on two issues to bring forward for debate at the annual general meeting for the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments on April 17 in
Invermere. At the meeting, Kootenay elected officials vote on issues to bring to the attention of provincial and federal governments. Councillor Sharon Cross suggested two motions for Cranbrook to take forward to the meeting, and the rest of council threw their support behind the suggestions.
See AKBLG , Page 4
www.dailytownsman.com
Trumpeter Megan Newell and Tubist Kevin Dunk share a lighter moment during The Noteables big band rehearsal for their upcoming Valentine’s Dance at the Heritage Inn Friday, February 8. Tickets are available at Lotus Books in Cranbrook. LYNDELL CLASSON PHOTO
Caregivers are not alone Living with dementia in the East Kootenay: Support is out there – here’s where to look A N N A LE E G R A N T Townsman Staff
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect 1,500 families in the East Kootenay, yet many people don’t know much about them until they are suddenly faced with the reality. The Alzheimer Society Canada has launched a campaign called “See Me — Not My Disease,” highlighting dementia and trying to eliminate the stigma that newly diagnosed patients deal with. Here in the East Kootenay, Darryl Oakley is working towards that goal while helping families become caregivers.
Oakley is the Regional Psychogeriatric Caregiver Support person for Elderly Services at the Cranbrook Health Unit. “One of the things I’m trying to do is reduce stigma,” Oakley said. While his focus is on caregivers and supporting families, Oakley has access to a wide array of information and resources for all parties involved. He covers the entire East Kootenay region from Creston to Golden and the Elk Valley, but he is based out of Cranbrook. Within the region, he said there are 1,500 families
dealing with dementia every day. “It’s a bit higher in the East Kootenay than other areas, and that’s really about the demographic,” Oakley said. Caregiver Support workers help in a number of ways. Oakley said every family that comes to him has a different need, and it’s his job to listen and come up with a solution. He can provide information on home care, facility placement and palliative care if the situation calls for it. “It’s the entire dementia journey that I work with families,” Oakley said. “It’s really to
offer support.” The first step is the diagnosis, and then for Oakley, getting the right information for the right patient. “We start with a ton of information,” he said. A diagnosis often happens when the patient or caregiver starts to notice changes in behaviour. If they come to Oakley first, he refers them directly to a physician for a thorough check up. The doctor then refers the patient to Elderly Services if they would like to access support there.
See SUPPORT , Page 3