NEWS Princeton Co-Gen assists with local fundraiser Page 5
SPORTS Kokanees invite you to Invitational Swim Meet Page 9
COMMUNITY
Three local fire departments train over weekend Page 11
SPOTLIGHT $1.10 Includes TAX
The Similkameen
Volume 65 Issue 22
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Proudly serving the community since 1948 • www.similkameenspotlight.com
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Ridgewood Lodge salutes volunteers Volunteers were shown appreciation for their efforts during a tea held on Friday. Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
During an appreciation tea held at Ridgewood Lodge on Friday afternoon, Barb Gagnon extended a heartfelt thank you to a room full of volunteers on behalf of the staff and residents of the lodge. “You help with church, massage, bingo, birthdays in the garden and more and we just can’t say enough about you, thank you all,” she said. Tea, coffee and sweet treats were enjoyed and the volunteers were presented with a rose and gift basket with an inspirational message of thanks from Ridgewood and the Town of Princeton. Volunteers included; Ed Poulsen, Dorothy Kozak, Joseph Dube, Allan Kovaltsenko, student Andrew Silbernagel, Bingo Buddies - Faye and Karen, Mez Smith and representatives from St. Paul’s, Princeton Pentecostal Tabernacle and St. Peter’s Catholic churches, as well as New Beginnings members and support workers. Mayor Frank Armitage, his wife Darnella and CAO Rick Zerr were present on behalf of the Town of Princeton. Mayor Armitage expressed his deepest thanks to the volunteers and staff of Ridgewood. “Thank you sincerely for your meaningful efforts and sincerity of purpose,” he said. Adding, “This is a tremendous facility staffed by outstanding people.” The Mayor then went on to explain that his own mother had spent many years living at Ridgewood and that his appreciation came directly from the heart.
Lisa Carleton/Spotlight
Barb Gagnon of Ridgewood Lodge presents roses, certificates and gift packages to Shirley and Mae, two of the local volunteers who were treated to an appreciation tea with residents of the lodge on Friday afternoon.
Repairs underway for Old Hedley Road Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
During the regular meeting of Council held Tuesday, May 20, Mayor Frank Armitage was pleased to announce that repairs to the Old Hedley Road were underway. “Thanks to Kevin Huey and Rick Zerr for their diligence and hard work researching and organizing—a cost sharing agreement was struck with Princeton Weyerhaeuser and Princeton Co-Gen and the work has commenced,” explained the mayor. Chamber of Commerce president, Brenda Crawford presented council with a Year in Review of chamber activities. Councillor Pateman, liason to the chamber commented, “The
Weather Watch Wednesday
High 12/Low 7
Thursday
High 16/Low 5
Friday
High 20/Low 5
Saturday
High 23/Low 8
Sunday
High 23/Low 9
Truck Parts Hydraulic Hoses ATV Accessories Industrial Supplies 309 Culbertson Way Beside Kal Tire
chamber is going great guns. There are more memberships and more presentations happening, they are doing a great job.” Council approved unanimously, the Princeton Show N Shine formal request to use four blocks of Bridge Street and Veterans Square, as well as power for their annual event, to be held on July 5 of this year. Council also granted the request to have June 7 proclaimed as Access Awareness Day. Mayor Armitage signed the official proclamation which states, “Access Awareness Day Saturday, June 7, 2014 in Princeton British Columbia, a day of individual and group action to promote positive ways of building accessibility together to create accessible and inclusive communities for all of our citizens.”