Penticton Western News, January 08, 2014

NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

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VOL. 48 ISSUE 2

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WEDNESDAY, January 8, 2014

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TOURISM TALKS COME TO A HALT

NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

and October 2013, including: $60,000 for online advertising, $47,000 for print media and $40,000 in a collaborative campaign Two months after Mayor Garry Litke with Tourism Penticton. announced the city had accountability conAccording to Hodgkinson, the city is cerns about how the Penticton Hospitality aware of how the money was spent, but Association was spending tourism funds, Litke said the city’s accountability requirethe full extent of the those concerns is still ments aren’t satisfied. a mystery.

“I wish they would come into the room Litke said city council and show us the evidence is considering options after of that. We did get an talks broke down with the audited financial statePHA, and their objective ment in October, after continues to be accountthe mediation process in ability for the marketing September, but there is funds raised through the more to this than that,” two per cent hotel room said Litke, who was also I am not going to tax, though he wouldn’t unwilling to confirm expand on what he meant comment any further whether the PHA had by accountability. their annual because I don’t want completed “I don’t think I can anreport, a requirement unto jeopardize any swer that question. There der the Societies Act, to is more to it, but I am not city’s satisfaction. (legal) actions going theIt’s going to comment any furno news that the ther because I don’t want City of Penticton and the down the road. to jeopardize any actions Penticton Hospitality As— Garry Litke going down the road,” sociation are at odds, but Penticton Mayor said Litke. now the two groups don’t The city and the PHA even seem to agree on the are in agreement on a few outcome of discussions things: the PHA provided held last month. an independently audited financial stateThe city issued a press release Tuesday, ment to the city in mid-October; and there expressing their regret PHA representatives are unspent funds accumulated in 2011 and chose not to resume discussions on Jan. 6.

2012, when the PHA was either not in con“We reached an agreement in principle trol of the HRT, or was getting their opera- with the Penticton Hospitality Association tion going. PHA president Rob Appelman on Dec. 16 to resolve outstanding issues said the city is aware the association planned with the HRT funds, and were scheduled to to spend the accumulated funds on tourism meet again on Jan. 6 to continue discussions campaigns incrementally over the course of on creating a united tourism entity for Pentfour years, rather than spend it all in a single icton,” said Litke in the release. year.

Appelman said an agreement had been Tim Hodgkinson, the society’s director of reached, though on Dec. 6, then the city reoperations, estimates the PHA spent around versed its position on Dec. 16. $314,000 on marketing between January See Tourism on page 3 Steve Kidd

Western News Staff

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Western News Staff

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Four ecological preserves south of Penticton are among those owned by a cash-strapped land trust that’s selling off heritage properties elsewhere to help get its financial affairs in order.

But the manager of The Land Conservancy of B.C. insists the group will do all it can to protect its conservation sites, like the home of an owl rehabilitation centre at Vaseux Lake.

“Nobody wants to see those sold,” said John Shields.

TLC was granted creditor protection in B.C. Supreme Court in October to gain some breathing room while it sorts out $7.5 million in debt owed to about 200 vendors.

Shields said the group has reduced its workforce from 50 people to seven, and closed three regional offices to centralize operations in Victoria, but it wasn’t enough.

TLC’s problems started when donations dwindled several years ago following the recession and the organization tried to borrow its way out of trouble. TLC owns 48 properties, 41 of which are conservation areas. The rest are heritage sites, which the group is now trying to unload.

“There’s a very, very good chance that there’s enough value in the (heritage) properties that we have in the portfolio that are able to be sold that we’ll realize the recovery of the amount that we need to pay our debts,” said Shields, who’s awaiting court

approval for two deals on Vancouver Island. He noted the court also has final say over the fate of the conservation areas, but is confident they’ll be protected.

“We will do everything we can to preserve the ecological properties,” said Shields.

Doing so could include swapping assets with the B.C. government or partnering with other non-profits, such as the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls at Eagle Bluff on Vaseux Lake.

TLC leases that site to SORCO and the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society, both of which fund their own operations and are carrying on with business as usual.

“Nothing has changed. We’re still doing what we do,” said Jim Wyse, who sits on the board of the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society.

He said the groups have discussed assuming ownership of the property, but talks stalled when the court process began.

Dozens of other land trusts active in B.C. are also watching closely to see if they will need to help pick up the pieces.

“There are certainly some nice, very valuable properties that TLC has in the Okanagan and surrounding areas that we would be concerned about,” said Dick Cannings, a Penticton-area naturalist and regional board member of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

“But we haven’t really come to any agreements with them about whether we would take them over or whether we would

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Western News Staff

Described as the ringleader behind a home invasion, a Penticton woman has been sentenced to 30 months behind bars.

Amanda Marie Sach, 24, submitted early guilty pleas and was convicted of robbery, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm and unlawful confinement.

On the afternoon of Nov. 30, 2013, a group of people showed up at a home on Calgary Avenue with a detached garage that Crown counsel described as a “man cave.”

The accused were wearing hoods and bandanas. They demanded money from the home’s residents and ordered them to the ground. Crown counsel Nashina Devji said RCMP suspected the incident was an attempt to get money and drugs.

Devji said Sach had mace and a knife on her when she entered the garage, where she punched one of the residents and hit the other with an axe handle. The female victim was knocked unconscious and had her hands restrained with zap straps.

Crown counsel said the robbers left in a purple Honda with jewelry, a cash box containing $1,200, clothing and some electronics. Once they left, the female victim instructed her son, who was inside the house, to call 911 while she went over to a neighbour’s house who freed her from the zap straps.

When RCMP arrived the garage appeared “rifled through” with items smashed and strewn about.

Court heard the homeowners were reluctant to provide information to Mounties as they were fearful of what would happen if they co-operated, but eventually gave a statement.

preserve them in other ways.”

Cannings was careful to note that other land trusts are on more stable financial footing and the public shouldn’t be shy about continuing to donate.

Other properties owned by TLC include a 24-hectare larch forest at Lehman Springs near Osoyoos; a 16-hectare sheep habitat at Peachcliff near Bighorn Mountain Estates outside Okanagan Falls; and the 45-hectare Similkameen River Pines site.

The male victim said Sach was giving the orders when the robbers entered his garage and she hit him with the handle end of an axe. The whole ordeal lasted just over an hour.

RCMP arrested Sach on Dec. 2 in Keremeos, where she admitted to Mounties she barely knew the Calgary Avenue residents whose home she robbed and was high on methamphetamine at the time.

Two men were also arrested and later released after Sach cleared them of any wrongdoing and said they were simply, “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Sach admitted things got out of control quickly and her plan was just to get money and drugs.

Crown counsel argued Sach should face a minimum of four years in prison because of her lengthy criminal record, the violence displayed during the robbery while the victims were restrained, and for her role as ringleader.

Defence counsel James Pennington said Sach was under some pressure from an individual who allegedly threatened her with a knife and sexually assaulted her. On top of the 30 months in prison Sach received, Judge Gail Sinclair ordered a lifetime firearms ban and a mandatory $800 victim surcharge.

“This is a very, very unfortunate situation for everybody involved,” said Sinclair.

Anthony Donavin Werden was also arrested in connection with this incident and is facing similar charges as Sach.

A third man, who cannot be identified because he has not made his first appearance in court, was also charged.

Werden is scheduled to be in court Jan. 8 to fix a date for his next appearance.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 8, 2014

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Developer has big plans for Skaha Steve Kidd

Western News Staff

A local developer says he has plans for a new development in the south end of Penticton, breathing life back into a property that has been vacant since 2007.

Len Fox said he has plans for a $60 million commercial/residential development on the seven-acre property where Vancouver developer Mel Reeves once wanted to build a fivestar resort at the corner of Skaha Lake Road and Yorkton Avenue.

“It is a real project, it is mammoth ” said Fox, adding that they hope to begin construction by fall 2014.

He is working with Starline Enterprises, who he said has a track record of getting things done.

“Starline is not a promoter, they are a contractor, a developer. They have built 500 condominium units in Penticton,” said Fox. “We bought that and we bought the corner piece, which belonged to Shell Oil, so we have seven acres.”

The project is still in the planning stages, according to Fox, though he hopes to soon be bringing a plan for the first phase, a small plaza on the corner, to Penticton city council.

The rest of the plan, which includes up to 300 residential units, is

still conceptual, but Fox said the plaza will provide a commercial hub for the south end of Penticton and offer amenities and shops to area residents.

“It’s a 10-year project, but we are going to build a little mall on the corner of Yorkton Avenue — 15,000 square feet — and we are already talking to some franchise operators, so we can have a coffee shop, we would also like to have a deli there,” said Fox. Reeves ran into financial difficulties with his project and shut it down in 2008 without ever having broken ground.

The property, formerly the home of the Wonderful Waterworld amusement park, a one-time historic local tourism attraction, was put on the market in 2009 for $12 million, far less than an earlier listing price of $22 million, after a court had ordered its sale as part of foreclosure proceedings.

Fox and Starline are not the only group showing renewed interest in building in the area.

Southwood, a $25-million retirement resort, occupies what used to be the Waterworld RV park on the corner of Wilson and Yorkton. Regency Retirement Resorts, which built the Sandbridge gated community two decades ago, has already begun construction on the neighbouring property.

Work is currently underWay on the southwood retirement resort on a section of the property which that was formerly occupied by Waterworld rV Park. there is a renewed interest on the part of developers to build in the region.

Mark Brett/Western news

Judge hands Louie five years Kristi Patton

Western News Staff

talks BetWeen the city of Penticton and the Penticton Hospitality association have broken down, adding more uncertainty to the future of tourism marketing in the city and how attractions like the okanagan river channel will be promoted.

File photo

Finger pointing stalls tourism spending Tourism from front “The mayor agreed to look at ways to return the funds to the PHA and allow us to continue with our work. We agreed to assist him to do so,” said Appelman. “That was the agreement we felt we were carrying forward. He reneged on it, he said he didn’t agree to that.”

Hodgkinson used stronger language, saying the mayor denied even making those commitments. The PHA, according to Hodgkinson, told the mayor that discussions couldn’t continue unless the city agreed to focus on resolving the issues around the two per cent hotel room tax, which the PHA controlled until Oct. 31, when the city announced the association was in breach of their five-year contract with the city and the province.

“The only topic for discussion and the reason for these meetings is to resolve the legal issues that have come out of the city’s breaking of their contractual obligations,” said Appelman. Hodgkinson concurs, saying the PHA made it clear that unless they could get assurances from the city that discussions would stay on the agreed agenda, the talks couldn’t move forward.

“I am disappointed to hear they thought it was not

working because I thought it was,” said Litke. “The Dec. 16 meeting was productive and at the end, we were coming to an agreement on three points. We left that meeting thinking we were close to an agreement.

“We were meeting, we were having discussions, if there is some disagreement about what happened in those meetings, then there is even greater reason to have another meeting.”

The dispute traces back to late 2011, when council awarded the contract to provide tourism, economic development and visitor information services to the new Penticton Business Development Group.

Previously, the Penticton Chamber of Commerce handled the contract for these services. Shortly after the announcement, however, the PHA expressed concern that hotel and motel owners were not consulted about the change. The PBDG collapsed in early 2012 and tourism funding was split between Tourism Penticton and the PHA. In November, Litke announced council had voted in camera to strip control of the two per cent hotel room tax from the PHA and give it to Tourism Penticton, breaking the five-year contract signed with the association in July 2012.

The man behind an attack that left horrific and permanent injuries to a Osoyoos woman will have to serve just over two years and eight months in prison.

Brian Douglas Louie was found guilty in December 2012 of aggravated sexual assault and assault causing bodily harm for the attack that took place at a house party at a residence on the Osoyoos Indian Band earlier that year.

On Tuesday Judge Meg Shaw sentenced him to four years for the aggravated sexual assault and one year on the assault causing bodily harm.

Shaw then stated she would be granting enhanced credit for Louie for time served while in pre-sentence custody leaving him a total of 1,038 days left to serve. He also will be on the sex offender registry and has a lifetime prohibition on firearms.

The attack left the victim, whose name is subject to a publication ban, with psychological problems, postconcussion symptoms, bruising, physical scarring on her face and head and her genitals mutilated from a bite.

Louie admitted during the trial he had been on an alcohol and cocaine-fuelled binge for days and only had five to seven hours of sleep when it happened.

Defence council Micah Rankin asked the court for a sentence of 2.5 to 3.5 years and extra credit for time served because of Louie’s aboriginal heritage and the fact that he has been held at Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre in protective custody as inmates have labelled him a “skinner,”

a term inmates use for to describe a rapist.

Psychological evaluations revealed during submissions in December state that Louie has behavioural problems and was listed as moderate-to-high risk to re-offend violently.

Some of the mitigating factors the judge considered are Louie had been working on his relationship with his mother who had been an alcoholic when he was younger and that he is a father of two children.

The court heard Louie has issues with alcohol and drugs, some of which stems from the traumatic death of his friends murdered on the Penticton Indian Band Reserve in 2004 and the death of two other close friends shortly after. During the trial Louie claimed that the bite was an accident and a “big misunderstanding.”

He denied responsibility for the attack until recently when his lawyer expressed the remorse on behalf of his client. Judge Shaw mentioned this in her sentencing and that she hopes the remorse is genuine. Louie, who appeared via video link from Kamloops correctional facility, blurted out “it is.”

Crown counsel John Swanson asked that Louie be sentenced to eight years for the aggravated sexual assault and two additional years for the assault causing bodily harm charge to be served consecutively.

He said the woman continues to suffer anxiety, nightmares about Louie returning to kill her, a loss of trust in people and that she cannot even conceive having a relationship with a man.

The woman began quietly weeping during the sentencing and by the time it was over she ran out of the courthouse sobbing uncontrollably.

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Chairman foresees positive headlines for SD 67 in 2014 “It would have been a real nasty situation,” said Johnson.

“But thank heavens people sat down and listened A lawsuit, potential job action and the rehiring of to each other and worked out something that they a former administrator grabbed lots of headlines in could both live with.”

2013, but the head of the Okanagan Skaha School Looking ahead, the school board in early JanuDistrict expects plenty of positive news ahead in ary will attempt to find a similar compromise when 2014. it deals with a motion by Trustee Walter Huebert to It was revealed in July that a fatal accident near guarantee a spot in late French immersion for every Summerland in 2011 involving a student who wants in. school bus had resulted in lawsuits This year, as in others, the program that named the district as one of three was limited to four full classes in the defendants. entry year of Grade 6 to make the best The lawsuits were brought by a possible use of staff resources. man and woman whose vehicle was District staff has warned against side-swiped by the bus as it swerved making guarantees due to the unto avoid an oncoming car that left its known financial ramifications, but lane. The district hasn’t yet filed a Johnson sees it as an important prostatement of defence. gram to make available.

“We haven’t had an update recently “The families in Penticton and and, as you know, things move very, Summerland and area, they’re our very slowly, so we’re anticipating customers and we’re running a busisome more information coming down ness and we want to keep them happy Bruce Johnson in the next six months or so,” said and coming to our stores, which are school board chairman Bruce Johnson our schools,” he said. in a year-end interview.

“And if they want French immerIn August, the district announced it had rehired sion, our board is bound and determined to give them former secretary-treasurer Ron Shongrunden for the French immersion.” newly created position of director of business develWith municipal elections just 11 months away, opment and technology. He had been set to retire last the issue could be one on which some trustees stake summer. The move was questioned by the teachers’ their campaigns, although Johnson downplayed that union, which wondered where the money for the new suggestion. addition came from in the wake of recent staff cuts.

“I don’t see that with our board. It could be in the Johnson said the position was created to pay for back of someone’s mind, but our board’s really there itself and raise additional cash for the district by con- for the kids,” he said. tracting out the use of its telecommunications sysThe upcoming budget “will also be challenging,” tem, including a local fibre optic network. he added, since enrolment and funding are both pro“While I can’t give out all the details, (Shon- jected to decrease again. Despite that, the board’s fogrunden) gave us a report just last month and he’s cus will remain on student achievement. been very, very busy and has already locked up some “We’re at or above provincial averages in all arcontracts which are going to generate funds for our eas, including graduation rates, and we’re taking in school district,” said Johnson, adding “it’s a little the kids at StrongStart from as young as six months premature” to announce the value of those deals. to a year old at four of our schools every morning of In late November support staff in the Canadian the week,”Johnson said.

Union of Public Employees issued a 72-hour strike “We have full-day kindergarten now, early liternotice after reaching an impasse during negotiation acy intervention to help those kids who aren’t up to of a collective agreement. Last-ditch efforts resulted reading levels,” he continued. in a deal that stopped CUPE members from estab“So that’s something we’re really proud of, and lishing picket lines, which teachers said they would every year we’re adding new programs to help more not have crossed. kids graduate.”

Joe Fries

Western News Staff

Trial date set for Oliver bombing suspect Kristi Patton

Western News Staff

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A four-day trial has been set for an Oliver man charged with placing an explosive to damage property.

Eric Oliver Daoust, 23, is alleged to have worked with his younger brother, Stephan Wesley Daoust, in August, to set off an explosive device attached to a Toyota Camry.

The explosion caused damage to the vehicle and homes on Earle Crescent in Oliver.

Last month, the younger Daoust was sentenced to 90 days in jail for the incident and for a separate charge of assault with a weapon after he dispatched bear spray into the same home targeted by the bomb. The court heard Stephan held a grudge against one of the males living at the residence.

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Evidence showed the explosive device was made from black powder taken from bird bangers commonly used to keep birds out of the vineyards.

No one was injured by the blast, but shrapnel flew into a neighbouring garage.

Eric Daoust’s trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 25 and last four days. Daoust is out on bail with conditions, including a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

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Property assessments show modest drop Steve Kidd

Western News Staff

If you haven’t received it already, be prepared for your property assessment to have dropped a bit this year.

According to the 2014 B.C. Assessment roll, residential home prices in the South Okanagan dropped this year, as compared to last. In Penticton, the average assessment of a Penticton home dropped from $374,000 on the 2013 roll to $372,000 this year.

“Most homes in the South Okanagan are remaining stable in value compared to last year’s assessment roll,” said Tracy Wall, Deputy Assessor.

“Most homeowners in the South Okanagan will see modest changes in the plus five per cent to minus five per cent range.”

Over the entire South Okanagan, the assessment roll dropped almost $120 million, to $19,5 billion.

The largest drop was in Keremeos, with a 6.6 per cent decrease in residential property values. Summerland was the only community where residential properties increased, rising by about five per cent.

“We consider it a very modest amount. In years past there have been much greater fluctuations in the marketplace,” said Wall. “At this point in time, the market has remained relatively stable over the last two years.”

Colin Fisher, chief financial officer for Penticton, agrees the effect on the city’s property tax rates will be nominal.

Residential property values in the community, he said, dropped about $1.2 million out of an approximate $4.35 billion.

“If all remains the same, that would make a difference of approximately $5,000 overall at the current tax rate,” said Fisher. “The commercial assessment dropped by $1.7 million and that makes a difference of about $12,000.”

Fisher said that amount will have little effect on individual property taxes needed to meet the tax requirement in the 2014 budget adopted by council last week.

That document included an overall two per cent tax increase, representing an $26.98 increase in annual taxes for the average assessed home of $350,000, or $2.25 per month.

Unlike last year, Okanagan properties don’t appear in the top 500 properties in B.C. Top slot in the top 100 Okanagan properties goes to a West Kelow-

Christmas trees can keep giving Western News Staff

Christmas is long over, but if your tree is still hanging around, you can ensure it keeps on giving by sending it to be composted.

Besides the firefighters’ drop-off and collection service in Penticton (see page 9), there are also options available in Summerland and Naramata.

Anyone in Naramata wanting pickup the week of Jan. 13 can call 250-496-5222 or email craig@vip. net to arrange a pickup.

The service is sponsored by the Naramata Citizens Association, Craig Henderson of Royal Lepage Locations West Realty, Cotter’s Bin and Demolition Service and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

Those needing a pickup in Summerland can call the fire department at 250-494-7211 ext. 3 or email sfd@summerland.ca. Summerland Secondary School students will collect the trees Jan. 12 by donation to dry grad activities.

Clean, natural trees that are clear of tinsel, fake snow, ornaments and lights can also be dropped off at no charge at all landfills in the region.

na home valued at $7,543,000. A waterfront property in Summerland, valued at $4,142,000 is the South Okanagan’s first representative on the list, while Penticton shows up at No. 76, with a $3,736,000 property on Partridge Drive.

Compared to the early years of the century, Wall said, property values are remaining much more stable.

“We were seeing double-digit increases for a number of years before the economic meltdown in 2008 and after that things kind of dropped, and now for the last two years they’ve been kind of flat,” she said.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of B.C. Assessment, which replaced the previous system of municipalities calculating their own taxes.

“That was considered something of a conflict because they determined the value of the properties, the basis of the tax and they also determined the tax,”

said Wall.

“We are completely independent of any of the local governments and we don’t set any of the local tax rates. That helps with the fairness and equity in the assessment process.”

Property owners who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2013, or see incorrect information on their notice should contact BC Assessment as indicated on their notice as soon as possible, said Wall.

If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a notice of complaint (appeal) by Jan. 31, for an independent review by a property assessment review panel, added Wall.

Property owners can contact BC Assessment tollfree at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) or through www.bcassessment.ca.

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Published Wednesdays and Fridays in Penticton at: 2250 Camrose St., Penticton B.C. V2A 8R1 Phone: (250) 492-3636 • Fax: (250) 492-9843 • E-mail: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com

EDITORIAL

opinion

City, PHA need to play nice It may be a new year, but Penticton is still dealing with the same old hotel room tax problem.

And, as the dispute inexorably heads to the courts, the only parties sure to come out further ahead than they started are the lawyers.

Both the city and the Penticton Hospitality Association lose as their attention is diverted to dealing with the dispute and more money is spent on legal proceedings. Both organizations are also likely to need to rebuild their reputations somewhat once the dispute is settled.

But the biggest losers are the residents and businesses of Penticton. Because every day this dispute lasts is another day that tourism marketing for the city is not working at its full potential.

The latest twist is a press release from the city highlighting the PHA’s refusal to continue a series of meetings the hoteliers say were unproductive, in stark contrast to Mayor Garry Litke’s opinion they had reached an agreement in principle to resolve outstanding issues over the hotel room tax funds.

Officially, the dispute between city hall and the Penticton Hospitality Association started Oct. 31, 2013, when Litke announced the city was breaking the contract which gave the PHA control of the tourism marketing funds raised by the two per cent additional hotel room tax.

But control of those funds was a contentious issue even before the city signed that five-year contract with the PHA in 2012. You can trace the roots of it back to 2011, when city council chose to give the contract for tourism marketPENTICTON WESTERN ing to a private group rather than the chamber of commerce.

That’s two years too long for Penticton’s tourism marketing to suffer from divided goals and squabbling stakeholders. It’s time for all parties involved to put aside their differences and start working together for the good of the community.

NEWS NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

2250 Camrose Street, Penticton, B.C. V2A 8R1 Tel: (250) 492-3636 Fax: (250) 492-9843 Publisher: Don Kendall Editor: Percy N. Hébert Sales Manager: Larry Mercier Creative Director: Kirk Myltoft

The Penticton Western News is a member in good standing of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association and the British Columbia & Yukon Community Newspapers Association.

The Penticton Western News is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2.

For information, phone 888687-2213 or go to <www. bcpresscouncil.org>.

This publication reserves the right to refuse any material — advertising or editorial — submitted for publication and maintains the sole right to exercise discretion in these matters. Submissions by columnists and guest writers do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper. All material contained herein is copyright.

Another year of enviro-wars begins The new year lurched to life with a round of shouting about the environment, as our post-industrial, post-literate urban society grapples with conflicting claims of impending doom.

The release of a group of Greenpeace protesters from a Russian prison was welcomed by TV news networks desperate to fill the holiday dead zone.

Our intrepid Canadian pair got to describe over and over their bid to hang a strongly worded banner from a Russian offshore oil platform, and their horror when security forces boarded their vessel from helicopters and seized it.

In all the fawning interviews, I kept waiting for two questions to be asked.

What did they think Vladimir Putin’s regime would do? And what was the point?

How is disrupting one oil platform for an hour going to save the planet?

The Greenpeace “activists” claimed this was the first oil platform to operate above the Arctic Circle.

So it was a line in the snow, which I’m sure impressed Putin as he ramps up his territorial claim to include the North Pole.

Meanwhile at the South Pole, TV anchors remained carefully sombre as they reported numerous bids to rescue a scientific vessel trapped in thick ice.

No quips about the predictive abilities of climate scientists please!

In fact this illfated voyage was a re-enactment of Sir Douglas Mawson’s 1913 expedition, with pro-global warming news outlets BBC and The Guardian aboard to capture the melting wrought by a century of industrial expansion.

The rescue efforts (from a Russian ship

by Chinese helicopters) also disrupted an Australian icebreaker’s supply trip for one of the real scientific

Tom Fletcher

B.C. Views

expeditions working in Antarctica.

Skeptics had great fun with the Antarctic debacle, as they did earlier with the resurgence of Arctic ice that trapped climate tourists.

As is normal in the Internet age, the climate debate has split into two fanatical factions, each of which promotes the most extreme examples it can find to prop up its version of truth.

They call each other “warmists” and “deniers” among other pithy names.

Greenpeace is now known in B.C. as part of

our Team America antitar sands brigade.

They got off to a good start in 2014 by selectively seizing on reports of a new study of mercury contamination in northern Alberta.

A “bull’s-eye” of this dreaded neurotoxin has been drawn around oilsands operations by measuring traces in snow.

The study by Environment Canada scientists isn’t published yet, but Postmedia News reported on a presentation in November by the researchers.

“The federal scientists stress the mercury loadings around the oilsands are low compared to the contamination seen in many parts of North America including southern Ontario and southern Quebec,” the news report states.

This is like the study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution in northern Alberta lakes that was twisted into propaganda

and fed to the news media last year.

This is another group of neurotoxins that are far more concentrated in urban areas than around remote industry.

Consumption, rather than production, of coal, diesel and other fuels produces the vast majority of these emissions.

I look forward to the study of their effects around Lost Lagoon and Burnaby Lake.

Of course safe levels of these materials have been set by Health Canada.

You’re more likely to get significant exposure to mercury from a broken fluorescent lamp or the mercury amalgam in your old tooth fillings than you are from feeding ducks at the lake, although you might get a whiff of PAH when you gas up the car or board the bus.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @ tomfletcherbc Email: tfletcher@blackpress. ca.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Summerland growth not good for ALR

Thank you Summerland mayor and council for your response to my letter.

So you say there would be no net loss of Agricultural Land Reserve lands. Except for the little detail the land proposed for the swap is of a lower rating and less valuable ALR land.

Not a helpful deal for the ALR. Those wonderful planners’ dream circles look and sound good, as they did 20 years ago, but they do not work everywhere, as in Summerland.

The thriving grape and wine industry has become as large and viable as it is because the land there was protected and could be used as needed.

Without ALR protection there would have been wholesale divisions or orchards, creating a fragmented land base.

Who knows what exciting enterprise is going to appear in the next few years. But we could have the land for the new agricultural pursuit.

So keep cool. Wait until there is need and other alternatives considered.

Then approach this idea again.

Sheila White Summerland

National park for New Year

Every year is hopefully going to be better than the previous, or so we wish.

I have come to the conclusion, long ago, the new year will be whatever we make it to be.

Many societal issues carry over from the past years, many new ones arise. The critical issue I’m ready to pursue is the maturation of the national park for the Okanagan Valley.

How better to start off 2014?

For the past 10 years or so, much has been said and done in preparation for it. Were money, time, effort and materials expended only to be senselessly disposed of? Never! That would be careless government wastage of tax payers’ dollars.

We are close to a negotiated settlement.

We just need a few more parties at the negotiating table to iron out concerns to accommodate all groups within the proposed park boundaries.

The more we learn about this national park issue, the more it becomes a win-win enterprise in this Okanagan Valley, for many years to come. We must be thinking and planning for the future.

The park will be the greatest economic boost and benefit to Oliver and area that we’ll ever see. Let’s not scuttle a golden opportunity forever. Our local economy desperately needs this incentive to survive.

It definitively appears there will be numerous positive environmental, economic and employment benefits from this park.

I see few, if any, serious negative factors involved.

Also, government investment for infrastructure, would be very minimal, but would generate financial returns.

Nobody can deny that.

I request that MLA Linda Larson, Premier Christy Clark and all Liberal MLAs reconsider their present stance

and allow genuine democracy of the people, by the people and for the people to decide if they want this park.

Put all the facts and figures on the table for the people to study in order to make a choice.

If necessary, grant the people in all concerned constituencies the opportunity to vote on this national park issue and decide the matter once and for all.

James Demetrick Oliver

Dyer overlooks Iran deal

Gwynne Dyer appears to assume Iran will honour agreements to delay enriching uranium to bomb-making concentration, in your Nov. 28, 2013, issue.

Does he think inspections can be thorough?

While U.S. satellites can see the bomb-resistant layered complexes under construction, can they see tunnelling with modern machines?

Yes, the excavated material has to be put somewhere, likely dispersed, including used for buildings. I think it can be done. All it takes is one undetected facility to produce enough bomb material for Iran to annihilate Israel.

By claiming Iran has made little progress in 20 years, Dwyer ignores its setbacks such as the Stuxnet computer virus and the variability of progress.

That’s like estimating how quickly the violent drunk with a big knife is going to get close enough to cause serious harm — you don’t know how mobile he is, whether he will trip over a crack in the sidewalk, or whether he will have to stop to duck into shadows as a police car makes a scheduled drive by.

Dyer overlooks that the latest deal leaves Iran with advanced enrichment capability at a “research” facility, thus at least in a good position to quickly increase production of bomb-grade material.

Dyer expects Israel to assume slow

We want to hear from you The Penticton Western News welcomes letters to the editor for publication. We suggest a maximum length of 400 words and reserve the right to edit letters for length, brevity, clarity, legality, abusive language, accuracy and good taste. All published letters remain the property of the Penticton Western News, which is the sole judge of suitability for publication. Letters must include the writer’s address and daytime phone number, which will not be published. Letters should be signed with the writer’s full name and be sent by e-mail to letters@ pentictonwesternnews. com; mailed to the Penticton Western News, 2250 Camrose St., Penticton, B.C., V2A 8R1; or faxed to 250-492-9843.

letters

progress instead of erring on the side of caution in the face of disaster. Iran’s intent has been clearly stated.

While it is again succumbing to

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

international pressure, it’s only temporary. Why doesn’t Dyer take Iran at its word?

Keith Sketchley Saanich

THE SOUTH OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN MEDICAL FOUNDATION

Raises funds for the medical facilities throughout the region, including the Penticton Regional Hospital, Moog & Friends Hospice House, Trinity Centre, Summerland Health Centre and Extended Care, Princeton General Hospital and Ridgewood Lodge, South Similkameen Health Centre and Orchard Haven in Keremeos, South Okanagan General Hospital and Sunnybank Centre in Oliver.

Pat Wand donates dozens of stuffed animals every year for children having surgery at Penticton Regional Hospital and at Summerland Health Centre. Thank you to Pat for all of your generosity and thoughtfulness.

On behalf of the Penticton and District Stamp Club, Gus Boersma made a donation for $500 to Hospice House and $2,000 for the digital X-Ray campaign. Our thanks to all of the members.

Jimmy’s Kitchen held a fundraiser for the digital X-Ray campaign. Mary Chia, Chris Ho, Owner and Jenny Pang present a cheque for $1,100.

“Business Gives Back”, Gitta Schoenne, Brian Cutler and Michelle Jamieson present a cheque for $1,000 to Janice Perrino for the digital X-Ray campaign at the Penticton Regional Hospital.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #40 Ladies Auxiliary, Sue Willard, Treasurer, Carole Wennington, Bingo Coordinator and Mary Mayes, 2014 President presented a cheque for $1,500 for the digital X-Ray from their Bingo funds.

We would like to thank all the individuals, service organizations and business groups for their dedication and thoughtfulness by making donations to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation 550 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, B.C. V2A 3G6 Phone: 250-492-9027 • Toll Free: 1-866-771-0994 www.sosmedicalfoundation.com

7

8 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Penticton Western News

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Tarik Sayeed of Penticton has developed software which converts american Sign Language to voice and text which he believes will be a tremendous benefit to people from the world who are hearing impaired.

Mark Brett/Western News

Sayeed develops voice for the hearing impaired Mark Brett

Western News Staff

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Penticton’s Tarik Sayeed has developed a software concept he believes will turn the world on its ear.

Using new digital technology, the 36-year-old innovator has put together a program to convert traditional American Sign Language into written and audio formats.

“This (hearing) is something that we take for granted which I did myself until one day I saw this (hearing impaired) lady getting really frustrated at a grocery store,” recalled Sayeed. “This was three years ago and this technology was not available but as soon as it was I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to do more.

“We are dedicated to create technology that will bring a remarkable contribution to this world and shatter that communication barrier.”

Since word of his project came out, Sayeed has been inundated with queries ranging from the hearing impaired to a high-tech firm and potential investor from California’s Silicon Valley.

As well, his company, Baby Taxi, was chosen to take part in Accelerate Okanagan’s Jump:Start:Challenge Friday in Kelowna.

Each competing firm will make a presentation to a panel of judges which includes Andrew Wilkinson, B.C. Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services.

Winners will receive coaching and skills training

in how to generate interest and investment in their products.

According to Sayeed, who previously worked in IT for a local financial firm, the technology to recognize hand gestures only came out recently.

It involves the use of the Leap Motion controller which is an electronic device that plugs into a computer and is able to read outside movements, including hand gestures.

It is currently used for entertainment features such as games, painting and other applications but Sayeed sees much greater potential, particularly, improving millions of lives.

“Speaking with a hearing-impaired person, the way she expressed her story and her challenges, quite honestly, almost brought me to tears,” he said.

“She said just give me 10 or 20 sentences so I can go out there and communicate. What we are doing is very difficult and unheard of but the prototype we have already uses 10 sentences.”

He added the challenges range from as serious as a doctor’s appointment to asking the location of a washroom in a store.

“This is coming from the deaf population, they have shared this with us, they want basic communication,” said Sayeed. “They can’t do this right now and they are not comfortable using a pen and a paper all the time. With this device they feel they can be much more connected in the real world and I’m hoping this device will help them come out and be more a part of society.”

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 8, 2014

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community

Grasslands critical to species survival Our grasslands are richer than we think.

The Okanagan Valley has long been known as an area rich in biological diversity, in part due to the diverse geography and topography of the area.

It is also due to the fact the Okanagan Valley is one of the very few north-south corridors that connects the extensive grasslands of the Great Basin south of us to the grasslands in our area and the Thompson and Chilcotin areas.

Robert Handfield Thus we get many species at the northern Nature Wise limit of their range and if global warming continues we might expect more new species moving into our area.

Much less than one per cent of BC’s land mass is comprised of grasslands and of this amount, a large portion has been either severely degraded or completely eliminated by our activities.

So for many years it has been known that the grasslands of the southern Okanagan-Similkameen valley were home to many endangered species.

Some estimate about one-third of endangered species in B.C. inhabit the south Okanagan valley and a very large percentage of these occur in our grasslands.

Many people are surprised to hear about grasslands in the Okanagan Valley – certainly as you drive the main highways you see little that would be called grasslands, but you certainly see orchards and vineyards, most of which occupy former grasslands.

The remaining grasslands tend to be hidden along the back roads. The two largest remaining blocks of grasslands are the White Lake Basin and the area between Osoyoos and the Similkameen valley.

Some of this land is owned by ranchers but a significant portion is still Crown land.

In the past two years, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) purchased about 3,100 acres of grasslands south of Highway 3 near Kilpoola Lake.

NCC has made this land available for study by numerous researchers in various fields, and oh my, what they’ve found! They’ve found 33 species that are on either federal or provincial endangered lists, found one species never before reported in Canada and another species observed only once before in all of Canada. Prior to this new research, B.C. was known to have 16 of the 20 bat species that live in Canada. Now we may have one more.

The Canyon Bat, never before reported in Canada, was found last year in the NCC lands.

We don’t yet know if this was a lost wanderer from Oregon or whether Canyon bats regularly inhabit our southern grasslands.

Merriam’s shrew, a small mouse-like mammal, was also discovered in the NCC lands; only the second time ever found in Canada. Since shrews don’t wander widely, it is pretty certain this animal lives here full time.

A third very rare species, the butterfly, half-moon hairstreak was found on the property. Other than the south Okanagan, the only other locality in Canada for this species is in southern Alberta.

With such a diverse and rare flora and fauna as our grasslands hold, is it any wonder that there has been a major effort over the last eight to ten years to have a national park established in the grasslands of the south Okanagan?

The South Okanagan Naturalists’ Club next meets on January 23 at the Penticton United Church hall.

Club member Ann Kiefer will take us along as she recalls her recent safari to Botswana. Ann’s photos are always spectacular The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Non-members are welcome.

Bob Handfield is President of the South Okanagan Naturalists’ Club but the views expressed here are his own and not necessarily those of the Club.

9

RECYCLING FOR FUNDS — Penticton firefighter Wes Swaren (top) prepares to toss a tree over Jared Holmes at the Number 2 fire hall this week. Members of the Penticton Fire Department — IAFF Local 1399 are picking up trees in their vehicles during their off hours for donations which will be directed to local Firefighters Charitable Society, Muscular Dystrophy and the B.C. Professional Firefighters Burn Fund. To arrange for pick up call 250-490-2315. Trees can also be dropped off at the yard at 285 Dawson Ave. The service is available until Jan. 18.

Mark Brett/Western News

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Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Penticton Western News

a&e

A&E Editor: Kristi Patton • Phone: 492-3636 ext. 228 E-mail: kpatton@pentictonwesternnews.com

The Band Perry break new ground with Pioneer Kristi Patton

Western News Staff

Despite having multiple chart topping hits and taking the world by storm on their We Are Pioneers tour, the sibling trio that make up The Band Perry still need an intervener every once and awhile.

Fronted by Kimberly Perry and rounded out by her younger brothers Neil Perry and Reid Perry, at the end of the day siblings will be siblings and sometimes that calls for some parental guidance.

“They will be a tie-breaker because the way it works here in The Band Perry is it is always a democracy, everyone gets a single vote, but if there is a tie, sometimes you have to bring in the tie breaker to make the final decision,” said Reid, who added their parents sometimes join them on the road help make sure things are running smoothly from their home in Tennessee.

It is from their parents where the love for music developed for the trio, whether that was dad singing them to sleep with a Rolling Stones tune or mom playing Motown and country songs by Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn or Patsy Cline on the stereo. That appreciation for music developed into the Perry kids learning how to play and perform themselves and the parents still being supportive.

“I remember years ago our dad didn’t know anything about music gear, production, or stages. He would get all the books he could and read and learn about it. He would actu-

The sibling Trio that make up The band Perry (from left to right) neil Perry, Kimberly Perry and reid Perry are multi-chart topping country stars but aren’t afraid to admit sometimes they need a little parental guidance in their life. The band Perry is performing at the soeC on Thursday.

submitted Photo

ally set up our stages for us and our mom was our first bus driver too,” said Neil. “When we were all too young to drive she would get in the bus and drive us miles and miles, so we

all started out as family and we are still working hard as a family.”

They are known as the hardest working band in the business for good reason. Com-

ing off 20 dates in Paris, Germany, Sweden and other European countries The Band Perry are kicking off their North American leg in Penticton at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Thursday.

That is followed by dates in Kamloops, Prince George, Dawson Creek before they move across the country and into the U.S. in February.

“I will say coming back over here to Canada and the United States it is really exciting because we get to use our full production. We get a whole bunch of stairs, these fog jets that shoot up in the air so it is really cool to come back here and have the full-blown show. It is really exciting,” said Neil.

Even a short break in December didn’t keep them off the radar for long. The Band Perry held a question and answer session with fans on Twitter revealing one of their rituals before taking the stage.

Their guitar player always gives them a word of the night that has to go into the show.

“That is a lot of pressure for Andy coming up with the word of the night because we always say however good or bad the word of the night is so goes the show. We put a lot of pressure on Andy but he usually steps up to the plate,” said Reid. “He is already working on word of the night material and he is getting his list together. We should start writing some of these down but it normally has something to do with the town we are in.”

See PERRY on page 11

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www.pentictonwesternnews.com 11

a & e

Sibling Perry trio continue to chart success in 2014 Perry from p. 10 The Band Perry jumped right back into rehearsing and have been in Penticton since Monday getting a taste of the cold weather ahead of them.

“Shockingly, this is the first snow we have seen all year so we are excited about it,” said Reid.

The Band Perry have enjoyed sold out tours and numerous honours from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Awards, CMT Awards as well as Grammy, Teen Choice, American Music Awards, American Country Awards and Billboard Music award nominations.

All of this has cemented the trio as one of the hottest acts in recent history. Still there was the dreaded sophomore album that has made or broken many artists.

The trio said they felt as if they were walking into the unknown when it came to writing and recording Pioneer.

“People hear the word pioneer and they think of covered wagons or astronauts on the moon, but to us the idea of a pioneer is very modern,” Reid said.

“It reflects the idea of putting one foot in front of the other when you’re unsure how to get where you’re going. It’s about marching forward and making noise.”

Kimberly agrees and said previously that you can hear it in the lyrics of the title track, Pioneer.

The lines ‘Where are we going? What will become of us?’ became their guiding light throughout the process of recording the album.

A light that has shone them down the right path with fiery, rock and roll influenced country sound that captures an intensity seen and felt at their live shows.

Pioneer tapped into what The Band Perry does best, getting back to what they know.

They have produced

hits like country-rock stompers Done, Night Gone Wasted, emotional southern root songs including a tribute to their parents on Mother Like Mine and current hit Don’t Let Me Be Lonely.

Then there is playful platinum selling single Better Dig Two and meaningful song Back To Me Without You, which Kimberly wrote while dealing with the aftermath of a friendship that had imploded.

The siblings said their sister had to take breaks from writing it to just be alone and cry.

“We wrote every song on this album

probably four times,” said Neil. “Each time we’d finish, we’d ask ourselves. ‘Is this song completely honest about where we are in life?

Does it say everything we want it to say?’”

By all accounts, they seemed to have accomplished that judging by the enthusiasm they display when talking about getting back on stage and performing.

The Perry brothers said those in attendance on Thursday will be listening to a new set list and have been bouncing around playing songs that are still “works in progress” mixed in with hits off Pioneer.

“Playing the new songs has given our live show a new burst of energy and the crowd feels it, too,” Neil said.

“They’re as excited to have new music as we are.”

The Band Perry are performing at the SOEC on Thursday, kicking off the North American leg

of the We Are Pioneers tour. Special guests include Easton Corbin and Lindsey Ell (read more on her at www. pentictonwesternnews. com/entertainment).

Tickets range are $29.50, $54.50 and $64.50 (plus applicable fees).

They are available

@pentictonnews

More at www.PentictonWesternNews.com

• Penticton actor lands YTV role • Singer Lindsey Ell ready to rock Canada with The Band Perry

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sports

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Penticton Western News

Sports Editor: Emanuel Sequeira â&#x20AC;˘ Phone: 492-3636 ext. 224 E-mail: sports@pentictonwesternnews.com

Boost at centre

Computer Running Slow?

Emanuel Sequeira

LET US SPEED IT UP!

Western News Staff

COMPLETE WINDOWS MAINTENANCE PACKAGE

Strong goaltending? Check. Strong defence? Check. Depth at centre? Add a check there.

With the Jan. 10 Canadian Junior Hockey League trade-deadline $ approaching Friday, Penticton Vees general manager Fred Harbinson 2012 75.OO addressed an issue he felt he had down the middle. Last Friday the *Excludes root kit removal. **Plus taxes.

Vees signed WHL free agent Erik Benoit. Then on Saturday, after a COMPUTER SALES 1-1 draw against the Merritt Centennials, Harbinson acquired Nicolas AND REPAIR Pierog, who is 24th in league scoring with 26 goals and 38 points in 40 games, but is third in goal scoring.

250-492-7080 The Vees had been using wingers as centremen and he said people #108-1475 Fairview Road underestimate the need for centres, who are good at winning facePENTICTON COMPUTER REPAIR offs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have people that are real strong on both dots,â&#x20AC;? said Harbinson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look at (Ben) Dalpe and Pierog playing together. Both guys can take face-offs.â&#x20AC;?

Harbinson also listed off Steen Cooper, Cody DePourcq, Riley y Alferd and Max Coatta.

Mabuha Soo dhawow ChĂ o mĂšng Bienvenue When the Vees announced they signed Benoit, they said they were getting a solid two-way player with the reputation of being a dressing * room leader. Pierog made an impression on Harbinson during last â&#x20AC;˘ Improve speaking, writing and reading skills yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fred Page Cup championship with the Surrey Eagles. Two â&#x20AC;˘ Computer skills to get a job â&#x20AC;˘ Childcare provided things stood out to Harbinson about Pierog. *FOR ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nic played a big part in stopping us short of repeating as Fred Page Cup Champions last spring,â&#x20AC;? he said in a team statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The addition of Nic not only adds scoring to our lineup but he also gives us much needed size at the centre position.â&#x20AC;?

With one card remaining, Harbinson said a general South Okanagan Immigrant manager isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doing his job if heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not listening or talking to people. The trade to free up space for Benoit sent Brenand Community Services www.soics.ca dan Lamont to Coquitlam and brought back the playOLIVER 6239 Main Street PENTICTON 508 Main Street ing rights of Michael Rebry. Rebry was the future email: oliver@soics.ca email: reception@soics.ca considerations that landed John Siemer from the 250-498-4900 250-492-6299 Coquitlam Express at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trade deadline.

Harbinson said they are waiting to see what happens with Rebry, who is with the Western Michigan Broncos.

When asked what the trade market is like, Harbinson said there are a few players that have caught the inter

est of teams. He also said though with the parity in the

league and the set up of divisions, there are still teams that

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel they are in selling mode.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are not a lot of players out there,â&#x20AC;? he said.

With the moves, Harbinson feels positive because he â&#x20AC;&#x153;didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have

to mortgage the future to do it.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We definitely add experience with Pierog winning a champi

onship and Benoit, who has been at two Memorial Cups winning a

Western League championship (2011) as well,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our fans

have come out this year and supported us. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do every

thing possible to try to bring a championship here.â&#x20AC;?

During the Veesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 6-2 win Sunday afternoon against the Merritt

Centennials at the South Okanagan Events Centre, Harbinson was

impressed with the performances of Benoit and Pierog.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Probably could have had three or four goals and played outstand

ing,â&#x20AC;? said Harbinson of Pierog. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Benoit had three assists. Played re

ally well in his two games. I think the guys are excited about what the

possibilities are.â&#x20AC;?

Cody DePourcq opened the scoring just 13 seconds into the game.

Jack Ramsey and Cooper added singles, while Brad McClure scored

twice and Ben Dalpe wired home the winner from the high slot.

Pierog said it was good to contribute to the Veesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first win of 2014.

Bringing a two-way style, the 6-2, 200-pounder is excited for the op

portunity he has.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great organization. Everything is second-to-none here,â&#x20AC;? said

Pierog, who had conversations with his former Eagles coach Peter

Schaefer about the deal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought I played good. Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get on the

scoresheet but I played my style of hockey.

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NICOLAS PIEROG was acquired from the Surrey Eagles for Anthony Conti and future considerations.

His addition helps the Vees become more versatile at the centre position.

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Emanuel Sequeira/Western News

Had a good couple chances.â&#x20AC;?

Pierog also displayed his stick handling skills and a willingness to enter high traffic areas.

Pierog, of Georgetown, Ont., said it was a bit weird initially to join the team he helped beat last year in the BCHL championship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The guys are great and they welcomed me with open arms, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been good,â&#x20AC;? said Pierog, who played in five Western Canada Cup and RBC Cup games last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My first year of junior was last year. I got on a great run. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just going to try to bring what I learned from my year and a half in Surrey, bring it here.â&#x20AC;?

Benoit is looking to have fun again in his final year of junior hockey.

He played 213 games with four WHL teams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Probably my first year was the best year of my life. We won a championship,â&#x20AC;? said Benoit, who added things began to go downhill shortly after. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The passion wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there anymore. It was hard to find I think. Now that I have joined a real tight group of guys, and they have welcomed me, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just great to see that. I guess itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the making of a championship team.â&#x20AC;?

Benoit, who also played in the Memorial Cup with the host Saskatoon Blades last season, said there has been no real adjustment to playing at the junior A level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The same quality of hockey I find. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really up-tempo,â&#x20AC;? said Benoit, who is listed at 5-foot-9, 190-pounds and plays a hard-nosed game with no fear of going to the net. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lots of hard hits and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really similar to the Western League in those kinds of ways.â&#x20AC;?

Having not played for nearly a month, Benoit, who collected three assists in Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win, said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just getting his legs going. He displayed some frustration too from a missed scoring chance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was just about to shoot and the goalie ended up sticking his pad out. I was kind of upset about that. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the shot off,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I definitely had my fair share tonight.â&#x20AC;?

The pressure to produce offensively contributed to his feelings in the WHL. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always felt pressure. There is lots of people that do,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Other than that, I mean, I was afraid to make mistakes sometimes. That can be kind of bad. I found that I had to rediscover something. Rediscover my game. This is where I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to happen.â&#x20AC;?

The Vees improved to 25-9-2-3. The Vees dropped one spot in the CJHL rankings to 11th as of Jan. 6. The Victoria Grizzlies are the BCHLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top ranked team at eighth.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 8, 2014

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13

sports

Keith going to Olympics again Western News Staff

Penticton’s Duncan Keith will represent Canada in the Olympics once again.

Keith, who won his second Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks last spring, is being given the chance to win his second gold medal at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Keith’s name was called Tuesday in Toronto along with 24 other Canadian NHL players as Hockey Canada executive director Steve Yzerman and members of Canada’s national men’s team named the roster live on TSN. Keith, who won a gold medal with Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, is among the eight defenceman chosen. Keith is fourth on the Blackhawks in scoring with 42 points in 45 games and is first among all NHL defenceman.

“I would like to congratulate the 25 players nominated today to Canada’s Olympic Team,” said Yzerman in a release.

“With the depth of talent in Canada, these players should be very proud of their nomination today and excited about the opportunity that we all have to represent our country in DUNCAN KEITH shown hoisting the Stanley Cup last spring during the Chicago Blackhawks parade will be going to Sochi, Russia with Canada’s men’s Olympic Sochi in February.”

“On behalf of Hockey hockey team with hopes of returning home with gold.

File photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks Canada and its board of directors, I would like well as all the volunteers, get to this level,” said “I would also like to comto congratulate the play- coaches, trainers and of- Hockey Canada president mend Steve and the maners nominated today, as ficials who helped them and CEO Bob Nicholson. agement group for their

sports

IN BRIEF PMHA prepares itself for possible lawsuit

placed third in the men’s half pipe event at Winsport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary Jan. 3. Margetts scored 82.6 points, while Vernon’s Justin Dorey won the event with a score of 87.2. In moguls, Penticton’s Andi Naude placed fourth in the World Cup mogul circuit in Calgary on Jan. 4 at Winsport’s Canada Olympic Park.

The board of the Penticton Minor Hockey Association has authorized spending up to $25,000 to deal with a legal situation.

Directors approved the funds at a closed meeting in November.

Minutes from that session state only that the cash is to “further the investigation of a current legal matter.”

According to PMHA president Bruce Judd, the money has been set aside in case a lawsuit results from an injury allegedly received by a player at a tournament here in October. The bantam-aged player from Mission allegedly suffered a spleen injury in a game and spent several days recovering at Penticton Regional Hospital. “We’ve never had any money put away in case of legal situations,” Judd said. “We might not even have to use it.”

Spitfires Kids Athletic Club is starting its winter programs on Jan. 13. They will be offering boxing, kick-boxing and self-defence to children ages six to 12. Kids are welcome to come out to any of the four weekly classes and try it for free and then take advantage of lower rates and new monthly unlimited class options. Visit their website at www.spitfiresathletic. com for more information on pricing.

Silver for Margetts

Soccer registraion

Penticton’s

Matt

Margetts

Athletic club program

Pinnacles FC has an early

registration deadline for spring soccer. This will be at the Adidas Sportsplex located at 550 Eckhardt Ave. W. on Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for mini and youth ages five to 18.

Kripps in top 10

Summerland’s Justin Kripps, a second-year bobsled pilot on the World Cup, matched a career best with an eighth-place tie during a World Cup event in Winterberg, Ger. Kripps’s crew finished in one minute, 50 seconds on Jan. 4. “We are definitely making a name for ourselves as a top-10 team and I’m really happy about that,” said Kripps in a release.

“I’m confident in my driving, but I feel that I can be more consistent in putting two good runs together instead of a good one and an okay one sometimes. For us to take the next big step into the top-six we need to push a little faster and throw down two solid runs, and if we do that we’ll be right in there.” The next day, Kripps’ team dropped out of the top-10, placing 11th.

work over the past two years and their diligence under great scrutiny from all Canadians. Canadians should be very proud of this group and the work that they have done leading up to this day.”

The men’s Olympic hockey tournament begins Wednesday, Feb. 12, with Canada’s first game on Feb. 13 against Norway. The tournament culminates with the gold medal game on Feb. 23. In the Olympic preliminary round, Canada also faces off against Austria on Feb. 14 and Finland on Feb. 16.

All of those games take place at the Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi. Find Canada’s full roster in sports at www.pentictonwesternnews.com.

Other nations also announced their Olympic men’s hockey teams, including Austria, which named Penticton’s Brian Lebler to it.

The roster is posted on TSN’s website and Lebler is among the 14 forwards.

He suited up in the first Canucks Young Stars tournament in 2010 for the Anaheim Ducks and is now playing professionally in Austria for Linz EHC. This is the third season for the 6-foot-two, 205-pound forward.

In 41 games this season, Lebler is third in team scoring with 26 goals and 43 points in 41 games.

He played two seasons for the Vees from 2004 to 2006.

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Strong play leads to victory Emanuel Sequeira Western News Staff

Two Penticton teams emerged as champs at the Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey Tournament.

Okanagan Hockey Academy Red defended their Tier 1 title against Kamloops Jardine Blaz-

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PENTICTON MURRAY GM bantam Vees won the Tier 2 side of the 46th annual Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey Tournament on Jan. 5.

Submitted photo

and sacrificing their body to block shots, said Needham.

“Their goalie played extremely well,” he said of Jakob Walter.

Needham, who was named the top coach for the Tier 1 side, said his team played their most consistent hockey of the season.

“We transitioned the puck well. We seemed to control the play more so than in other events,” said Needham. Receiving awards for the team were Michael Rasmussen for forward, while Hayden Ostir was the tournament’s top scorer.

When asked about the victory by the bantam Vees coached by Rob McLaughlin, Needham said, “you can’t really ask for anything more” with

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the two teams winning.

“It’s a big event. It’s got a tremendous history,” said Needham, who played in it with a Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. team in 1984. “We are excited about it as a group. We are doing some good things.”

For the bantam Vees, defeating Vernon Tier 1 helped them even the season series between the two in the four tournaments at which they have faced off against each other.

McLaughlin said his players were ready for the game, itching to play, but looked at Vernon as just another team. McLaughlin liked how his group responded mentally and physically. Tyler Maser scored the winning goal for the Vees as he was setup by twin brother Josh, who earned tournament most

valuable player honours, along with awards for top scorer and forward.

McLaughlin praised the play of his goalies Alyck Coombes, who made 28 saves in the final, and Matts Bratton. Simon Snyman was strong defensively for the Vees.

“I was proud of them,” said McLaughlin, who was named the top coach for the Tier 2 side.

“I thought they played a great game. At certain times Vernon kind of held the play. Overall, I thought we held a lot of the play.”

Captain Raphael Bassot was named a top forward in the Tier 2 division and was named championship game MVP. Find full story at www. pentictonwesternnews. com.

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ers during the 46th annual KIBIHT on Jan. 5, while the Vees Tier 2 prevailed against Vernon Tier 1 in the Tier 2 division.

Mike Needham, coach of OHA Red, said his team played strong as a group in a 4-2 win.

“I give them credit for hanging around and playing hard, but we were very good and deserved to win,” said Needham.

He said it was a good tournament and that they were challenged in many games.

“It was good competition and that’s really what you hope for when you go to an event is to be challenged,” said Needham, whose team won all six of their games. “We had to play very well to win.”

The OHA Red opened with a 5-0 win against the Vancouver T-Birds, then edged the Kelowna AAA Rockets 2-1 and closed out the round-robin portion pasting the Cloverdale Colts 8-0. In the playoffs, they defeated the Calgary Northstars 2-1 and faced the T-Birds, again winning 3-1. Brandon Armstrong scored the winner for OHA Red and Akash Bains tallied the insurance marker.

The Blazers proved to be the OHA’s toughest opponent, playing hard

Heading into her first rugby season with the UVic Vikes, Janna Clarke thought she knew the sport.

“I realized that I did not know anything,” said Clarke, who helped the Pen High Lakers rugby team finish sixth during provincials in 2013. “Just the enormous amount of knowledge that has been handed onto me has been incredible.”

Incredible was used plenty by Clarke while talking about her first season in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport. She loved learning from a coaching staff that came with national level pedigree.

Upon joining the Vikes, Clarke was shifted from back to forward.

Part of her duties were being one of the heavy lifters and getting into rucks. She described it as a big change. She wasn’t

Janna Clarke

used to playing such a physical position.

“I’m used to just running. It’s a completely different game going from the back to the forwards.

I had so much to learn.

Luckily, I had some really good teammates that were able to help me out with that,” she said.

Clarke added the reason for the change is that she has the build for it at five-foot-11. The Vikes also have a lot of backs with more experience.

“They are very fast and very talented,” she said.”

They thought I would be

a better fit at the forward.”

A 6-2 record was considered disappointing and Clarke said it “was a bit of a let down.”

“We had a lot of talent and hoped to do better than we did,” she said. “We had a bunch of injuries that we weren’t able to do as good as we wanted.”

The Vikes earned an 18-15 win against Lethbridge on a penalty kick, which Clarke said was a huge win. The Vikes missed the playoffs after going into a must-win game with only two subs and were simply outrun, losing 63-17 to the UBC Thunderbirds.

“That was not a very good game. It was very tough,” said Clarke. “It was hard on the older players entering their last season. This was supposed to be a very hopeful year for us. After rebuilding the program, we had high hopes. Just to lose like that was really

defeating.”

A new season for the Vikes will start in 2014 as they will play in sevens tournaments. While Canadian Interuniversity Sport action is over, the Vikes will continue to play in tournaments.

“I have learned so much. Just being around these girls, you just learn so much from their experience,” she said.

Clarke earned a spot with the Vikes after contacting coach Mark Hall.

The two met while Clarke and the Lakers were competing in provincials in Vancouver.

She eventually went to a tryout camp in August that put her through extensive fitness training.

“It was a pretty fulfilling experience. I have always wanted to do it,” said Clarke. “I have just proved to myself that I could do it. It was pretty gratifying.”

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 8, 2014

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

15

top 40 under 40

Lutz Gets Bent and finds path into Top 40 said it is something everyone can do and benefit from.

“Get Bent is really wonderful because we do have props to modify poses for people. It makes it really accessible for people who are really nervous about trying yoga.

People often have the perception that they are going to come in and be surrounded by young, sexy, pretzel women and they don’t want to do that. We are very casual here and we get a huge range of ages and people,” said Lutz.

The holistic nutritionist is passionate about providing youth with information to assist in their body image/self esteem perception.

On the volunteer board of facilitators of the Esteem Team, Lutz and three other adults, guide high school students to create workshops on antibullying, self esteem and the medias influence over youth.

The workshops are presented by the Get Bent

Active Arts Society, the non-profit arm of Get Bent, to Grade 6 students across the Okanagan and Kootenays.

“I wish I had someone come to me when I Being laid off from an administrative job was the best was younger and talk to me about that stuff. thing that could have happened for Raina Lutz.

So many girls ask. ‘Why aren’t I good At the time, Lutz said, she didn’t feel that way, but lookenough? Why don’t I look that way?’ It ing back it was a key moment that led her to become a valuis so hard to see,” said Lutz. able member of the community as a volunteer, entrepreneur “It is why I am passionate about and gave her the ability to share her passion for promoting a changing that because it is traumatic healthy lifestyle. for teens and plays a big part in eating “I went to Workzone and did some testing and was told disorders and other problems.

I would be a good counsellor or someone that was involved “I had some of these issues when I in food and agriculture. As my generation does, I started was younger and I needed someone to Googling about this and a school website came up and I tell me. My hope is I can make some knew right then that is what I needed to do and I was so impact, even if it is just on one person.” drawn to it,” said Lutz of the Canadian School of Natural Lutz holds a strong belief that women Nutrition, of which she is now a faculty member. need to get to the bottom of their emotional “Looking back on that moment now, it was like one of eating habits and the source of the problem those moments in the movies where the clouds part and the goes back to females in their teens strugsun shines down. I’m so lucky that I found my path. I love gling with food and image issues. that I get to do what I get to do.”

Her aim is to get them clear on The unsettling news of losing her job afforded Lutz the the simplicity of eating. Through time to really think about where she wanted to be in life. She this and workshops she strives is now one of only two full-time registered holistic nutrito make food simpler for tionists’ in the Okanagan. The other is her everyone. mentor Lisa Kilgour.

She said giving back to the “Holistic nutrition is about to get really community is something she big and we are on the forefront of this huge learned through her mother. revolution with organic food and that is what Lutz watched her mom step people want, fresh, local, organic food,” said up into volunteer roles most Lutz. “It is really an exciting field to be in.” of her childhood and always The 25-year-old’s passion is bringing tagged along to help. traditional food back into people’s homes.

This resulted in Lutz She achieves this through frequent fervolunteering with local mented food information lectures and how-to churches, junior curlers, runworkshops. ning music for local minor Her homemade brews include a Kombuhockey games, a member cha, which she says has many health benefits of student parliament at Osand has been around for thousands of years, oyoos Secondary and being will be available for purchase at Covert Farms involved in the candy striping this year. program at the Oliver hospital.

Lutz has also implemented a program She also was selected as an to visit people’s homes for refrigeraOsoyoos Princess and served as tor raiding, family recipe exchanges, ambassador for Osoyoos through the teen nutrition and taking individual or community and across parts of B.C. groups on grocery store trips to shop in 2004. smart and learn labels.

When Lutz isn’t spreading the In a time when society seems to passion for a healthy mind, body and be going backwards in eating, Lutz’s eating habits through classes or by forward thinking is that holistic volunteering you can hear her on the nutritionists will be in high demand in SoCountry.ca radio talking about it the upcoming years and she is on the and other things with Dennis Walker. forefront of that trend in the OkanaPenticton Top 40 under 40 is presented gan. by the Prospera Credit Union in partnerLutz has immersed herself in the ship with the Penticton and Wine Country Get Bent Active Arts Society proChamber of Commerce and JCI Penticton, grams and through her company Lutz with support from the White Kennedy LLP Nutrition holding workshops, one-onChartered Accountants. one nutrition counselling and classes Nominations should be sent to manager@ in yoga. While she admits some penticton.org with the subject line ‘Top 40 people might have a certain stereotype Raina Lutz with some of the traditional, healthy foods she hopes to bring back into people’s Nomination.’ Please include nominees conof what kind of people do yoga, Lutz homes through proper training. She is this week’s top 40 under 40 candidate. tact info and a brief reason for nomination.

Kristi Patton

Western News Staff

Mark Brett/Western news

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Naramata distillery set to pour Joe Fries

Western News Staff

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ing to open the doors of Legend Distilling later this year.

She said the idea of making spirits with products from Naramata and elsewhere in B.C. has been aging for nearly four years while awaiting loosening of liquor laws that govern small distilleries.

“In March (the B.C. government) changed the regulations to allow farm-gate sales for distilleries using 100 per cent B.C.-grown ingredients in their products, so it brings it more in line with what the wineries are allowed to do with the tasting rooms and that sort of thing,” Lennie explained.

“So that was a big difference, because that kind of side-tracks (the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch) and all the mark-ups, so we can sell directly to restaurants and private liquor stores and from our own tasting room.”

There are already a handful of distilleries in the Okanagan, but Legend will be the first in Naramata.

Lennie, who previously owned the Bench Artisan Food Market in Penticton, expects the new business to complement the existing wine tourism industry around Naramata.

Work is already

Dawn anD Doug Lennie outside the site they’ve selected for naramata’s first distillery.

Mark Brett/western news

underway on Legend’s headquarters in a former doctor’s office on Naramata Road near the intersection with Arawana Road.

But despite the property’s commercial zoning, a distillery is not permitted, so

the business still requires an amendment from the Regional District of OkanaganSimilkameen.

Karla Kozakevich, the RDOS director for Naramata, said the board is expected to give final approval this

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Tulalip - 4 Days • Jan. 21*, 27*, Feb. 11*......................................................................$334 Silver Reef - 3 Days • Feb. 9* ......................................................................................$199 Silver Reef - 4 Days • Jan. 20*, Feb. 4 & 24* ..............................................................$274 Coeur d'Alene - 4 Days • Jan. 28*, Feb. 18 ...............................................................$234

WINTER DESTINATIONS - ESCAPE THE COLD

Palm Springs & Las Vegas - 14 Days • Mar. 13* .....................................From $1699 Cultural Hawaii Experience - 10 Days • Feb. 9* ..............................................$3490 Hit the Jackpot - 13 Days • Mar. 30..........................................................................$859

GAMBLING GETAWAYS, SCENIC SIGHTS & SPORTS

Tulalip - 3 Days • Mar. 4, 24, Apr. 6, May 20, Jun. 11 ....................................................$259 Tulalip - 4 Days • Feb. 13 (wknd), Feb. 24*, Mar. 10, 18*, May 5, 12 ................... From $349 Tulalip - 5 Days NEW! • Jun. 16, Sept. 15 Includes Seattle & 7 Meals...................... $489 Silver Reef - 3 Days • Mar. 5, 17, Apr. 6, May 20, Jun. 11 ...........................................$214 Silver Reef - 4 Days • Mar. 11, 25, May 13, 26, Jun. 15 ..............................................$289 Reno - 8 Days • Feb. 8, Mar. 8, 15*, 22, 29*, Apr. 5* *New Routing! ................ From $349 Coeur d'Alene & Northern Quest - 5 Days • Mar. 31 ......................................$409 Canucks Hockey vs Anaheim Ducks - 2 Days • Mar. 29* .............................. $239 Canucks Hockey vs LA Kings - 2 Days • Apr. 5* ............................................... $239 Vancouver Shopping Weekend - 2 Days • Mar. 29*, Apr. 5* .......................... $169 Skagit Tulips & Bellingham Bay - 4 Days • Apr. 13, 28 .................................. $339 Tulalip & the Skagit Tulips - 4 Days • Apr. 7*, 14*, 21*, 22, 24, 28* ...... From $359 By the Seashore - 4 Days NEW! • Apr. 13, Oct. 19 ..................................... From $579 Easter at Silver Reef - 4 Days • Apr. 18 .................................................................$349 Easter at Tulalip - 4 Days • Apr. 18...........................................................................$399 Best of Washington & Oregon - 8 Days • Jun. 8...............................................$829 Whales & Wildcards - 4 Days • Jun. 24, Aug. 24.....................................................$399

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HRS: MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8:30AM - 4:30PM PHONE CALLS ALWAYS WELCOME **Some restrictions. *Indicates Guaranteed Departure. Prices based on double. All discounts included if applicable. G.S.T. on Canadian tours only. Subject to change. B.C. Reg: #3015-5

PENTICTON KIA would like to congratulate

Brenda Turner

on Salesperson of the Month for DECEMBER 2013

Come in and see Brenda for your next vehicle We can all DRIVE CHANGE.

Sales & Lease Consultant

PENTICTON KIA 250-276-1200 Visit kia.ca to see our full lineup of Kia vehicles.

550 Duncan Avenue W. Penticton, BC www.pentictonkia.com • DL#30911

week after a favourable public hearing in December.

“Some people at first had concerns about noise and hours of operation, and we explained that (with the property) being commercially zoned for the past 30 years or so, a pub could go in there (or) a restaurant.

Anything that fits commercial zoning could go in and be open to midnight,” Kozakevich said.

“The Lennies plan to just be sort of like a 9-to-5 operation,” she continued, adding the creation of new jobs will be welcome in the community.

Lennie said the business will likely start with two staff members to run a tasting room, plus a part-timer to help her husband, Doug, on the distillery side.

Legend’s initial offerings will include vodka and gin, with whiskies and other

spirits expected to be available in subsequent years.

Besides the zoning amendment from the RDOS, the distillery is also awaiting clearance from the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.

The best-case scenario would see the business open in time for the May long weekend, Lennie said, which would require about a month of lead time to have vodka and gin available for sale.

That would also give the proprietors time to firm up marketing plans based on the distillery’s name, chosen for its nod to the colourful history associated with booze.

“There’s a lot of legend and stories around the production of alcohol in general, so we’ll probably play on some of that in the names of products,” Lennie said.

“We want to have fun with it.”

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 8, 2014

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 17

Your community. Your classieds.

250.492.0444 fax 250.492.9843 email classieds@pentictonwesternnews.com

INFO

Classified

• CHECK YOUR AD! Notice of error must be given in time for correction before the second insertion of any advertisement. The publisher will not be responsible for omissions or for more than one incorrect insertion, or for damages or costs beyond the cost of the space actually occupied by the error.

• Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

• Readers: In ads where ‘male’ is referred to, please read also as ‘female’ and where ‘female’ is used, read also as ‘male’.

Word Classified Advertising Deadlines: WEDNESDAY PAPER TUESDAY 10 A.M. FRIDAY PAPER THURSDAY 10 A.M. OPEN EARLY 8 AM MONDAY MORNINGS TO SERVE YOU BETTER!

250-492-0444

Regular office hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Announcements

Announcements

Funeral Homes

Information

Ask Us Why

ONSITE CREMATION Is So Important...

Call Anytime

250-493-4112

www.everdenrust.com

Credible Cremation

Services Ltd.

Lesley H. Luff Senior/Owner Licensed Director Sensible pricing for practical people.

$990 + taxes

Basic Cremation No hidden costs.

24 Hrs 250-493-3912 New Location 101-596 Martin St., Penticton V2A 5L4 (corner of Martin and White)

www.crediblecremation.com

ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis

The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women.

Two year edition- terrific presence for your business.

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: fish@blackpress.ca

Lost & Found FOUND, above North Naramata Rd. before Christmas, young adult female cat, spayed, calico white w/brown, grey, orange patches.

Very friendly, must have come from good home, 250-492-6370

Sports & Recreation Scuba Gear, new/used, Sport to Commercial, Clearance Sale, call (250)809-7311

Travel

The South Okanagan’s

Timeshare

Direct Cremation

CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

No risk program. Stop mortgage and maintenance Payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

LOWEST COST Cremations done locally

Licensed Staff

Children

By Appointment

250-488-4004

#5-230A Martin St., Penticton

www.simplicitycare.com

The South Okanagan’s

First Friends Licensed Family Daycare, 1 opening for 4 or 5 year old, full-time, starting Feb. or March, member of CCRR, (250)493-1288

Employment

Cremations done locally

Business Opportunities

Licensed Staff

BLOSSOMS Fresh Fruit Arrangements.

Low start up. Training.

No royalties. Support. For info email:blossomskelowna@shaw.ca

By Appointment

250-488-4004

#5-230A Martin St., Penticton

www.simplicitycare.com Exclusive Provider of

The Memorial Society of B.C.

Employment

Career Opportunities

Education/Trade Schools

Branch Manager Vernon Branch

Western Equipment Ltd – leading industrial supplier in BC, is currently recruiting for a BRANCH MANAGER based out of our Vernon location. We are looking for a talented individual that possess the following skill set: • • • • • • •

Knowledge of industrial/MRO industry Knowledge of local Vernon and surrounding markets Manage all day-to-day aspects of running a branch Strong inventory control skills Excellent communicator Able to build and maintain customer relationships Lead by example

What we offer is an enthusiastic work environment with a solid support organization to make you successful. In addition to this, we offer a competitive salary and bonus compensation program. Please send resume and cover letter in strict confidence to: hr@western equipmentltd.com or fax to 604-574-7571

Caretakers/ Residential Managers MOTEL ASST Manager Team to run small Motel in Parksville BC. Non-Smoking, no Pets, good Health, fulltime live-in position.

Call 250-586-1633 or email: kjjr27@hotmail.com

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking EXPERIENCED CLASS 1 Drivers, F/T, P/T needed for California & Arizona produce hauling, excellent pay and benefits+ safety bonus and home time. Call Jerry or Brian 1-877-539-1750.

Wanted: Experienced Dump Truck drivers for Northern BC. Must have own Tickets, H2SALIVE & WHMIS. Must be available immediately, have own transportation and be reliable. Wages depending on experience. Please fax resume and abstract to: 250546-0600. No walk-ins or phone calls please. Only those considered will be contacted.

Centre for Arts & Technology www.digitalartschool.com 1.866.860.2787

LEARN FROM Home. Earn from home. Huge is a demand for Medical Transcriptionists.

Start your online learning today with CanScribe Career College. www.canscribe.com 1-800-466-1535 info@canscribe.com.

Help Wanted

Career Opportunities THERE IS a critical need for Medical Transcriptionists across Canada. Work from home. CanScribe graduates welcome and encouraged to apply. Apply through MTR at www.hds-mt.com/jobs

Employment

Employment

Employment

Medical/Dental

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

DENTAL RECEPTIONIST (Kelowna/Vernon area) If you are experienced at the front end with success as a financial or treatment case coordinator, we would like to hear from you. We are a busy dental practice looking for a self starter that pays attention to detail, has advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office) and experience with Cleardent software. As a self starter, you will be able to run the front end proficiently. Experience as a CDA or RDA would be a definite asset but not necessary.

Please send your resume and cover letter to Alice Adams.

Type your first and last name in the subject line of your email to: jobline@shaw.ca Thanks and good luck.

Professional/ Management

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL DISTRESS?

DIVISION MANAGER Needed for trucking company. Position is Salmon Arm Based. Minimum 5 years verifiable experience in truck or supply chain management. Details on line @ sutco.ca or call 888-3572612 ext 230.

Relief is only a call away!

Call 250-979-4357 to set up your FREE consultation in Penticton.

Donna Mihalcheon CA, CIRP 33 years experience.

BDO Canada Limited.

Trustee in Bankruptcy.

200-1628 Dickson Avenue, Kelowna , BC V1Y 9X1

Be Part of Our Team.

Carriers Needed

2 Days a Week - Early Mornings

The Penticton Western News has Routes available in these areas for Wednesday & Friday:

• Penticton • Osoyoos • Oliver • Summerland For more info please call 250-492-0444 Ext: 219 or 205 or email:

circulation@pentictonwesternnews.com

Trades, Technical

Penticton Accounting firm requires Part-Time Secretary (~14 hours per week). (For the months of March and April ~35 hours per week). The successful candidate will be responsible for typing, filing, & office organization. Email your resume along with a cover letter including salary expectation to: mikewildman@shaw.ca

HIRING in Fort St John, BC. MILL ELECTRICIANS w/ experience. Wage up to $50/hr, Housing & Benefits.

Shift-7days on/ 7off. Email resume: tom@fsjelec.com or fax 250-630-2114 Ph: 250-2634350

Obituaries

Obituaries

LEKEI

“Bray”, Elva Passed away peacefully on January 1, 2014 at the age of 95 years. Elva will be sadly missed by her loved ones.

Sadly predeceased by her first husband, Thomas Bray and her second husband, Adam Lekei. As per Elva’s wishes there will be no service held. Condolences may be directed through providencefuneralhomes.com

www.blackpress.ca

Be Part of Our Team.

Sub-Contractor Driver Must have 1 ton Van 2 days a week - Wednesday & Friday Early morning deliveries For more info please call 250-492-0444 Ext: 219 or 205 or email: circulation@pentictonwesternnews.com

Providence “Every Life Tells A Story”

250-493-1774

Childcare Available

LOWEST COST Direct Cremation

Employment

www.blackpress.ca

Education/Trade Schools

Education/Trade Schools

Education/Trade Schools

Education/Trade Schools

Education/Trade Schools

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION EAR Basic & Post Basic

Do y you enjoy working with children?

Early Childhood Educators not only teach childr children, they aim to help children devel develop good habits in learning and in life.

Career Opportunities: Preschools O Strong Start Facilitators O Group Child Care Cruise Ships and Resorts O Supported Child Development

110 -

CALL PENTICTON: 250.770.2277 OR VISIT SPROTTSHAW.COM

18 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Penticton Western News

Services

Services

Trades, Technical

Legal Services

JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician(s) in Hanna Alberta. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. offers competitive wages, relocation allowance, negotiable depending on experience. Bright, modern shop.

Full-time permanent with benefits. Friendly town just 2 hours from major urban centres. More info at: hannachrysler.ca Fax 403-854-2845; Email: chrysler@telusplanet.net.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind and a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

Painting & Decorating

Employment

PART Time-Spare board drivers needed must be able to cross the border mostly weekend work w/ some shifts during week. Shift work hauling wood chips from the Okanagan to various locations in Canada and the USA. Apply on line at www. sutco.ca or fax resume and abstract (250) 357 2009 RED SEAL LICENSED AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN REQUIRED. Minimum 5 years experience. Must have experience in Automatic Trans. Diesel Engines, Electrical Diagnostics and Fuel Injection, and have C.V.I.P. Send resume with references to Sabyan Automotive in Oliver email: sabyan01@telus.net We are looking for an experienced Electrical/Estimator Manager to join our firm. The successful candidate must be skilled in electrical design, and be able to manage the day to day operations of a small to medium-sized firm, including dispatching, purchasing and cost accounting. Excellent benefit package including a vehicle.

Please send resume to: sandrak@vip.net

Carpet Cleaning Owner - Operator

GREEN VALLEY CARPET CARE

Green - Clean - Thorough Dry in 2 hours only!

CALL 250-809-4965 or visit:

www.greenvalleycarpetcare.ca

Financial Services DROWNING IN Debt? Cut debts more than 60% and be debt free in half the time!

Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. Toll Free 1-877-5563500 BBB Rated A+ www.mydebtsolution.com GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: it’s that simple.

Your credit/age/income is not an issue. 1-800-587-2161.

Home Care T.L. Home care. Are you looking for someone to do your house cleaning, or run errands, grocery shopping or just want someone to talk to?

I’m available Mon-Fri, 9am3pm. Call Tammy 250-7703200

Help Wanted

Apt/Condo for Rent 6327291

Commercial/ Industrial

Auto Accessories/Parts

1800 sqft. shop, o/h door w/office, free rent for January on 12 month rental agreement, $1800/mo., (250)490-6332 APPLE PLAZA, Prime Central location, 2300sqft. in busy plaza, ample parking, also 5821100 sqft. shared office space avail., call Barb 250-492-6319

Used Tires, Huge Selection of used tires and wheels in stock.

We might have what you need. Prices vary according to size and quality. Starting at $25.00. Call us or drop in to Larsens Excel 555 Okanagan Ave East 250-492-5630 Penticton

Duplex / 4 Plex

Auto Financing

Misc. Wanted

Pets

For Sale By Owner

Wolf Hybrid Cubs. Available now. $1000 Sun Valley Wolf Kennels. Kelowna Go to:

2bdrm, 1bath, big living room & kitchen, hardwood floors, ceramic tile in Kitchen & bath, between Cherry Lane & Safeway, Green Tree Court 2061820 Atkinson St., $150,000 (neg). 250-770-8730

www.sunvalleywolfkennels.com or Call (250)-765-4996

Merchandise for Sale

Home Improvements

A-1 Firewood, Full cords mixed, $250, Pine, $200, split & delivered, 1/2 cords and 1/4 cords avail., free delivery, 250-770-0827, 250-809-0127 eves.

BELCAN

Furniture KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR W/ COMFORT! BRAND NEW QUEEN MATTRESS $160. Still in plastic, mfg. warranty. 250.870.2562

Misc. for Sale

FAMILY Movers. Moving?

Anything, anywhere. Local and long distance trips. Packing service available, weekly trips to Vancouver, Alberta, full and partial loads. Cheapest rates in the valley. Free Estimates, 250-493-2687

RESTLESS LEG Syndrome and leg cramps? Fast relief in one hour. Sleep at night. Proven for over 32 years. www.allcalm.com Mon-Fri 8-4 EST 1-800-765-8660.

STEEL BUILDINGS, Metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206; www.crownsteelbuildings.ca STEEL BUILDING. The big year end clear out! 20x22 $4,259. 25x24 $4,684. 30x34 $6,895. 35x36 $9,190. 40x48 $12,526. 47x70 $17,200. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca

Trades, Technical

Trades, Technical

Moving & Storage

Misc. for Sale WINTER TIRE BLOWOUT Various in stock sizes that must go! Wheels starting at $5 - Package deals available New (Hercules Brand) and Used Tires - Prices starting at $25. Call 250-583-9463

Real Estate

REFACE Countertops.

1/2 the Cost of Replacing. Granite & Corian Designs. 470-2235.

CK&S Home Improvements.

Finished carpentry, concrete, framing , windows, doors, full kitchen/bath, basements, garages, tile, hardwood & laminate. No job too small, licensed & insured. call Chris 250-488-4147

Transportation

Pets & Livestock

Firewood/Fuel

licensed, insured, WCB

Rentals

PENTICTON Junk Removal!

Anything goes!

Household waste, furniture and appliances to the dump 250-770-0827

(Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls. Cloverdale Premium Quality Paint. NO PAYMENT, until job is completed!

Countertops

Painting & Reno’s

Rentals

COLLECTOR looking to buy a coin collection. Also looking for coins, bars, medals, ingots from RC Mint, Franklin Mint, US Mint & others. Todd 250864-3521 I make house calls!

Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Estates, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins, Bills etc.

Confidential 250-499-0251 Will pick up unwanted mobility scooters, please call (250)493-2381

Rubbish Removal

www.belcan.ca lenmass@gmail.com

Services

(1) 250-899-3163

2 Coats Any Colour

Len (250)486-8800

250-492-0444

WWW.PAINTSPECIAL.COM

3 Rooms For $299,

painting, tiling, ooring, kitchen/bath reno’s, carpentry nishing,

2250 Camrose St., Penticton

HERE COME THE PAINTERS, 13 years experience, Interior/Exterior, 250-486-2331

Merchandise for Sale

Lots

By Owner 1 acre Okanagan Lake View Lot off Tronson Rd, serviced, secure w/private lake access. Offers. 250-275-1626

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent 1 & 2 bdrm, newly reno’d suites. Secured access, util incl, near hospital, bus route and close to all amenities, n/p, n/s 250-938-3626 1bdrm unit, parking avail. great location, $700 heat/cable incl. n/s, cat ok w/deposit, 250-488-7902 2bdrm, $750, adult/senior oriented, clean, quiet, cat ok, 250-492-7328 2bdrm in 45+ building, quiet, n/p, n/s, a/c, f/s/dw, area for w/d, elevator, close to shopping & transit, $750/mo., call 250-487-2244 Large 2bdrm, 1st floor, Penticton Ave., close to schools/transit, $750, call Dennis at Realty Exec’s (250)493-4372

The name the world builds on

AvAil NOW $900

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

329 rIGSBY St

2 bed, 2 bath, grd level, lge deck, 5 appl, gas f/p, 1 sec. park stall.

(19+ Building).

AvAil NOW $1200 HOUSeS

$575

$725

New very large 2bdrm, walk-in closet, 2.5ba, large garage, a/c, 6appl., on White at Government, $1300, Dennis at Realty Exec’s, (250)493-4372

Homes for Rent

Lee AVe

Furnished 2 bed, 1 bath, storage garage, decent sized yard, 5 appl.

AvAil NOW - mAy $900 HeALeS AVe

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Furnished 2 bed, 4 appl.

AvAil NOW - mAy 31 $1100 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NArAMAtA 3 bed, 3 bath, overlooking lake and vineyard, cov’d deck, hot tub, double garage, all appl.

OKANAGAN LAKE, New One Level Home, 2 Bdrms plus Den, 2 full Baths, Gourmet Kitchen, Open Living Plan, Fireplace, Double Heated Garage, Private Boat Launch and many other amenities. 20 minute drive to Vernon. Available Immediately $1300 per month, plus utilities. Ask for Don 604319-3327

AvAil FEB 1 $1850

MONDAY - FRIDAY

250-492-2233 ASk FOR PROPeRtY MANAgeMeNt

50+ condo, larger 2bdrm 2ba corner unit, 5appl., close to Skaha Lake, recent reno’s, ns, np, ug secure parking, additional storage behind stall, $1050/mo., 250-462-2658 CLEANING up building, be part of the change, looking for respectful quiet tenants. No drugs, NP, smoke on balc.

Must have ref, coin laund, cable & hot H2O incl. Bach $525, 1bdr $700, 2bdr 750.

Trishia 250-493-5193.

Condo S’land. Short walk to town, 1000 sq ft plus bsmt.

Incl mstr bdrm w/ensuite & bdrm/den. Carport & deck. NS. Adult. Avail now. $860/mo.

Refs req’d. 250-494-9055 Large 2 Bedroom, 3rd floor, $850/ month plus utilities, 40+ Building, 250-487-1136

Apt/Condo for Rent

APARTMENTS:

$975

Third floor walk up, bachelor unit, close to OK Beach, incl util.

Avail. Feb. 1 (WGA) Ground floor 1 bdrm near downtown, includes heat, f, s, extra storage. Avail. NOW (APA2) Downtown, top floor 2 bdrm apt, f, s, extra storage, quiet building. Avail. NOW (SHM) The Ellis, top floor, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 6 appliances, sec’d parking. Avail. Feb. 1 (OT592)

Room & Board College students, wifi, tv, w/d, healthy food, modern home, n/s, n/d, n/p, ref’s pls., shared room, $350, single room, $450, call 778-476-3944

Suites, Lower 1bd daylight basement, close to Wiltse Elem. Sch., N/S, N/P, prefer mature resp. person, ref’s req., $650 incl. util., avail. immed., 250-493-5630 2bdrm 1bath bsmnt suite on Green Ave., $800 (incl.util.), no cable (250)493-8961 HIGHLAND motel suites avail now, 1140 Burnaby Ave., 250809-1253, 250-488-2206 Wiltse area, 2bdrm ground level, w/d/dw, close to school, util. incl. a/c, small pet,ns, ref’s req, $850, (250)493-2109

Suites, Upper BACHELOR suite, ground floor in clean, quiet, NS, NP, 55+ building near Cherry Lane. F/S/AC, hot water, parking. Coin laundry. 6-month lease then month to month. $475 + utils. Available now 250-462-6745

Cars - Domestic 2007 Buick Allure CXL. 15,800 km. Leather interior.

Many features. Excellent condition. One owner. Dealer serviced. 4 new Nokian winter tires on 17 inch rims, 4 new summer tires. Some warranty remaining. $15,000. 250-5450441.

Adult Escorts BEACH BUNNIES Upscale Men’s Spa #32-2789 Hwy 97 www.beachbunnies.ca 250-448-8854 MALE 4 Male Erotic Massage $95., Winfield, 9-9 Daily 250-766-2048 SOOO SEXY SANDY The Original K-Town Girl. 38D, 29, 34. Let’s Play! 878-1514 Vernon’s Best! New Grand Location! Discrete, Upscale, Beautiful Attendants. In/out Spoil yourself! 250-307-8174.

Hiring!

Be Àrst to add to the story or read what you neighbour thinks. Be a part of your community paper.

Comment online.

HOUSES:

Outside Sales Lloydminster, AB

Wolseley Plumbing & HVAC is seeking an individual to fill the Role of Outside Sales Representative in their Lloydminster Branch. The successful candidate will fully utilize their professional, technical and industry sales abilities to fulfill this role. Direct industry experience in residential and commercial plumbing, HVAC, R and hydronics is required. You will have the ability to work individually or in a team based environment, a drive to contribute and a commitment to exceptional customer service. An attractive compensation package is available for the right candidate.

Please submit your cover letter and resume stating salary expectations and the position you are applying for to careers.nab@wolseleyinc.ca.

Help Wanted

132 POwer St

2 bed condo, fridge, stove, utilities included.

REALTY EXECUTIVES VANTAGE

$635 Canada

Front Street Realty Property Management #2 Front Street Penticton, B.C. CONDOMINIUMS

Help Wanted

$1000 Newer, 2 bdrm, 1.5 bath 1/2 duplex near Can Tire, laminate floor, ss appliances, w & d. Avail. NOW (H714) $1300 Near Cherry Lane & Parkway school, 4 bdrm, 2 bath, carport, fenced yard, updated flooring. Avail. NOW (H774)

TOWNHOUSES: $850

Quiet location, 2 bdrm & den, 1.5 bath, f, s, townhouse near walkways & school. Avail. NOW (TH480-2) $1000 Near Walmart & Skaha middle school, 2 bdrm & den townhouse, f, s, d/w, freshly painted. Avail. NOW (TH467) Prospective tenants must complete an application form at:

280 MAIN STREET, PENTICTON, B.C. V2A 5B2 PHONE: 250-493-4372 - www.rentalspenticton.com Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

Help Wanted

voices there’s moreWonline » www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Help Wanted

Top Employers Now Hiring. Start Today!

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Penticton Western Western News News Wednesday, Wednesday, January January 8, 8, 2014 2013 Penticton

WEDNESDAY January 8

The PenTicTon AcAdemy of Music String Orchestra rehearses from 7:15-8:45 p.m. in the lounge of the Leir House, 220 Manor Park Ave. New members welcome. Please call 250493-7977 for more info.

The nArAmATA ScoTTiSh Country Dance Club has classes at 7 p.m. Please bring soft-soled shoes to wear for dancing.

For more information call Davina at 250-4871272. Classes are held Wednesdays through April from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Shatford Centre. Neither Scottish background nor a partner is required. okAnAgAn FAllS SeniorS’ Centre has music and coffee from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and carpet bowling at 1 p.m.

SummerlAnd ArT club meets Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Summerland Library.

Painters of all levels welcome. Workshops available. Contact Mary at 250494-5851 for info. bereAvemenT The reSource Centre at 626 Martin St. hosts weekly drop-in grief support sessions Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information on other available programs or support in the loss of a pet, please call 250-490-1107.

FoSTer cAre inFo sessions every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at MCFD Resource Office. For info call Moe at 250-770-7524 or visit www.fosterbc.ca or www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster.

PenTicTon duPlicATe bridge club holds weekly games Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 1 p.m. and the Under 100 Club Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in the Penticton library. Call Birgitta at 250-770-1154 for info.

Al-Anon For FriendS and family of alcoholics at 7:30 p.m. at United Church, 696 Main St. Call 250-490-9272 for info. oliver double o Quilters have drop-in activities Wednesdays.

Everyone welcome. bingo every WedneSdAy in the Legion hall with the Ladies Auxiliary, 502 Martin St. at 1 p.m.

Lunches are available.

SeniorS’ recreATion and Wellness Centre at 439 Winnipeg St. hosts euchre every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Call Betty at 250-490-0468 for more information.

AnAveTS hAS humP Day with dinner by Stu at 5:30 p.m. and music by Shindigger at 6:30 p.m. kiWAniS club hAS a lunch

meeting every Wednesday at noon at 390 Brunswick St. hAnd And FooT cAnASTA at 1 p.m. in the Penticton Leisure Centre, 439 Winnipeg St. Lessons available for those who have never played before.

Call June evenings at 250492-7630 for info.

AlcoholicS AnonymouS hAS Nooners meetings Monday to Friday noon at 352 Winnipeg St. Call service 24 hours is 250490-9216. Night group meets in the Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. at 1498 Government St. The Summerland group meets at 8 p.m. at 13204 Henry Ave. in the basement.

65-PluS SingleS coFFee club meets at 10 a.m. at the Penticton Golf and Country Club. For info call 250-492-0459 or 250770-1018.

SouTh mAin droP-in Centre has beginner line dance at 9 a.m., a coffee social and medical Qi Gong at 10 a.m., and easy to intermediate line dance and cribbage at 1 p.m. Call 250-493-2111 to confirm line dance activities.

THURSDAY January 9

FiTneSS FriendS meeT at 10 a.m. in the Legion hall at 502 Martin St. Come get in shape. Call Dot at 250-492-5400.

SouTh mAin droP-in Centre has Spanish conversation and carpet bowl at 10 a.m., bingo, improver line dance and crafters meet at 1 p.m. Call 250493-2111 to confirm line dance activities.

AnAveTS hAve Fun pool at 7 p.m. and 269 dart club at 7:30 p.m. okAnAgAn FAllS SeniorS’ Centre has Scrabble at 10 a.m., bridge at 1 p.m. and crib at 7 p.m. elkS club on Ellis Street has darts at 7 p.m. All skill levels welcome.

FrATernAl order oF the Eagles has musical bingo at 7 p.m. All members and guests welcome to the hall at 1197 Main St. AlcoholicS AnonymouS nighT group meets at 8 p.m. at 150 Orchard Ave. in the Outreach Centre.

The Okanagan Falls group meets at 8 p.m. at 5328 Hawthorne St., and the men’s book study group runs at 7:30 p.m. at 102 1825 Main St. Vineyard Church. deSerT SAge SPinnerS and Weavers Guild meets at 10 a.m. at the Oliver Community Centre.

Visitors are always welcome. If you are interested in becoming a member stop by or contact Gail

www.pentictonwesternnews.com www.pentictonwesternnews.com

calendar

Erickson at rgerickson@ telus.net or 250-498-4959.

Al-Anon For FriendS and family of alcoholics meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Summerland United Church. Call 250-4909272. royAl cAnAdiAn legion branch 40 has the Friendship Force lunch at 11 a.m., crib and drop-in eight-ball pool at 7 p.m. in the Legion hall at 502 Martin St. ciTy PeAch ToASTmASTerS meet from noon to 1 p.m. at the Penticton United Church.

Toastmasters improves speaking abilities and leadership skills. Call 250492-2362 for info.

FRIDAY

January 10 FridAy SociAl dAnceS at South Main DropIn Center, 2965 South Main St., with music by Shindigger starting at 7:30 p.m. $6 per person. royAl cAnAdiAn legion branch 40 has daily lunches from Monday to Thursday, with fish and chips on Friday at 11:30 a.m. Friday dinner at 4:30 p.m.

SummerlAnd PleASure PAinTerS meet every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harold Simpson Memorial Youth Centre. New members and drop-ins are welcome.

Contact Ruth at 494-7627 for info.

SeniorS SingleS lunch Club welcomes 65-plus each Friday. For location call 250-496-5980 or 250770-8622. elkS club on Ellis Street has drop-in fun darts and pool at 7 p.m. eAgleS hAve dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. and Karaoke at 7 p.m. bereAvemenT The reSource Centre at 626 Martin St. hosts weekly drop-in grief support sessions Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

For more information on other available programs or support in the loss of a pet, please call 250-4901107.

890 Wing oF South Okanagan Air Force Association meets at 4 p.m. in the clubhouse at 126 Dakota Ave. T he F unTimerS bAllroom Dance Club holds a dance most Fridays upstairs at the Elks Club on Ellis Street. Ballroom and Latin American dancing is featured from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Non-members welcome. For more information visit www.pentictonfuntimers.org or call Brian 250-492-7036.

AnAveTS hAS kArAoke at 7 p.m. with ack Ramsay,

Scotch doubles pool at 6:30 p.m.

SeniorS PenTicTon comPuTer Club drop-

in sessions Monday and Friday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. People may sign up for memberships, classes

or have computer problems solved. Lectures on Saturdays at 10 a.m. on computing-related topics.

okAnAgAn FAllS SeniorS’ Centre has music and coffee from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and crib at 1 p.m.

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20

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Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Penticton Western News

NEWin effect o h urs ions. store any locaont line in m se see .

Plea r details fo

FREE

* PC

Spend $175 and receive

4

98

t-bone steak club size, cut from Canada AA grades of beef or higher 236700 83452

/lb

10.98 /kg

Texas red grapefruit product of USA, 716286 4047

1

3/

00 EACH

up to $19.98 value

*Spend $175 or more before applicable taxes at any Real Canadian Superstore location and receive PC® 2-pack 50 L plastic storage totes and PC® 5-pack 6 L shoe boxes for free. Colours may vary by store. Excludes purchase of tobacco, alcohol products, prescriptions, gift cards, phone cards, lottery tickets, all third party operations (post office, gas bars, dry cleaners, etc.) and any other products which are provincially regulated. The retail value of up to $19.98 will be deducted from the total amount of your purchase before sales taxes are applied. Limit one coupon per family and/or customer account. No cash value. No copies. Coupon must be presented to the cashier at time of purchase. Valid from Friday, January 3rd until closing Thursday, January 9th, 2014.

Cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotional offers. No substitutions, refunds or exchanges on free item.

384242

+

OR

.38

2-pack 50 L plastic storage totes and PC® 5-pack 6 L shoe boxes ®

4

10000 04331

8

baked fresh

in-store

.98

Sun-Rype pure apple juice 1L 234534 5796100022

LIMIT 12 AFTER LIMIT

1.67

ea

4

Kraft Cheez Whiz selected varieties, 900 g 127460 6810089235

LIMIT 6

424404 6038366567

AFTER LIMIT

1.00

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

8.87

.78

no name® pudding selected varieties, 2 x 99 g

98

ea

ea

Pillsbury Pizza Pops or Pizza Minis

selected varieties, frozen, 370-400 g 561603 6905240787

Swiffer large refills 24-32’s 137375 3700031822

no name® apple juice

1

7

98

ea

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

3.47

97

ea

LIMIT 2

AFTER LIMIT

10.49

.98

ea

Heinz beans or pasta selected varieties, 398 mL LIMIT 4 677892 5700013160

AFTER LIMIT

1.37

.88

ea

Ziploc plastic food containers assorted styles and sizes 262394 6714009401

7

2/

Real Canadian Natural Spring water

from concentrate, 5 x 200 mL

35 x 500 mL

174189 6038369873

219362 6038375880

00 OR

4.69

3

EACH

95

ea

.48

Bakeshop bulk bagels assorted varieties, mix & match LIMIT 6

301956

AFTER LIMIT

.57

Boost Meal Replacement

selected varieties, 6 x 237 mL 957541 4167915992

no name® 100% pure canola oil 3L 253206 6038301842

ea

6

97

4

ea

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

10.97

48

ea

LIMIT 2

AFTER LIMIT

5.28

1

Ziggy’s® chicken breast, regular or smoked sliced

available in stores with a deli service case 256401 71057

58

23

Nicorette, 2 mg gum, 100/105’s lozenges, 88/96’s or Quick Mist selected varieties

426444 / 6260095960

club pack , 12 x 200 g 422497 6038368844

97

ea

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

30.97

4

no name® macaroni & cheese dinner ®

/100 g

98

ea

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

5.98

Prices are in effect until Thursday, January 9, 2014 or while stock lasts.

Quantities and/or selection of items may be limited and may not be available in all stores. No rainchecks. No substitutions on clearance items or where quantities are advertised as limited. Advertised pricing and product selection (flavour, colour, patterns, style) may vary by store location. We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements. We are not obligated to sell items based on errors or misprints in typography or photography. Coupons must be presented and redeemed at time of purchase. Applicable taxes, deposits, or environmental surcharges are extra. No sales to retail outlets. Some items may have “plus deposit and environmental charge” where applicable. ®/™ The trademarks, service marks and logos displayed in this flyer are trademarks of Loblaws Inc. and others. All rights reserved. © 2013 Loblaws Inc. * we match prices! Applies only to our major supermarket competitors’ flyer items. Major supermarket competitors are determined solely by us based on a number of factors which can vary by store location. We will match the competitor’s advertised price only during the effective date of the competitor’s flyer advertisement. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES (note that our major supermarket competitors may not). Due to the fact that product is ordered prior to the time of our Ad Match checks, quantities may be limited. We match identical items (defined as same brand, size, and attributes) and in the case of fresh produce, meat, seafood and bakery, we match a comparable item (as determined solely by us). We will not match competitors’ “multi-buys” (eg. 2 for $4), “spend x get x”, “Free”, “clearance”, discounts obtained through loyalty programs, or offers related to our third party operations (post office, gas bars, dry cleaners etc.).

We reserve the right to cancel or change the terms of this program at any time.

Customer Relations: 1-866-999-9890.

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