Thank you for your dedication to service, Peter! Serving the Creston Valley since 1948
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Volume 66, No. 21
Hepher named citizen of the year
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Town may restrict public smoking BY LORNE ECKERSLEY Advance Staff
BY BRIAN LAWRENCE Advance Editor
After a lifetime of public service — from the Army to journalism to volunteering with charities and non-profits — Peter Hepher was named the 2014 citizen of the year at Friday’s Creston Valley Blossom Festival opening ceremonies. “I didn’t think I was deserving of it,” he said on Monday. “I’m very honoured. There are a lot of other people more deserving.” At the age of 93, Hepher is still going strong, and is currently involved with several community organizations: •the Creston-Kootenay Foundation, of which he is a founding member, and currently chairs the marketing/communications and environment committees, as well as writing articles and press releases; •the Creston Valley Community Housing Society, of which he was a founding member in 2008, and is still an active board member; •the Creston Rotary Club, participating in fundraising and community projects; •the Creston Valley Community Network; and •the United Church of Canada, serving in many capacities in volunteer and community building efforts. See PETER, page 5
Brian Lawrence
IT’S MAGIC — Just over 100 preschool-aged children and their parents took
part in Magic School Bus on May 14, an annual event that offers orientation in preparation for entering kindergarten. They were picked up by school buses and taken to Family Place, the Creston Valley Public Library and the Creston and District Community Complex, where kids enjoyed crafts, stories, snacks and treats while parents received information on early childhood services.
TODAY'S WEATHER
This week's weather artist:
Erickson PAC raising funds for playground Page 3
Drue Odin, Erickson Elementary School
DISCOVERY REAL ESTATE
Creston cigarette smokers could face further restrictions if Creston town council’s response to a Kootenay Smoke Free Coalition presentation at the May 13 regular meeting is any indication. A delegation, including representatives from the BC Cancer Agency, Canadian Cancer Society and Interior Health gave council an overview of health, environmental and economic impacts of secondhand smoke. Support for bylaws banning smoking in some outdoor locations is growing across Canada, they said. About 30 B.C. municipalities have bylaws in place, with others considering similar action. Bylaws typically include municipalitymanaged properties like trails, plazas, parks, beaches and recreation facilities, and bar and restaurant patios. They include an exemption for traditional tobacco ceremonies. Coun. Judy Gadicke said her concern was answered when Interior Health’s Trish Hill said education, not policing, is the prime goal. “We have heard from smokers who have said that the bylaw has helped them to reduce consumption,” she said. “Most smokers do not want to see younger generations taking up the habit.” See SMOKING, page 3
• Photos from Creston Valley Blossom Festival opening, parade, cars /12-14, 23 FIND US ONLINE AT
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