BUSINESS Pamella Lindley celebrates 20 years in business Page 3
NEWS Talks don’t go well over weekend, school strike is on Page 6
SPORTS
Kokanees appreciate community Page 9
SPOTLIGHT $1.10 Includes TAX
The Similkameen
Volume 65 Issue 25
Wednesday, June 18, 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.
Celebration marks Town Hall opening The official celebration to mark the dedication of the new Town Hall took place on Wednesday, June 8. Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
The Princeton Community Band entertained attendees of the grand opening ceremony from 10 a.m. to the performance of O Canada at 11, marking the start of the dedication of the new Town Hall. Town CAO Rock Zerr gave the welcome and then dignitaries were introduced; Mayor Frank Armitage, Area H director, Brad Hope, School District #58 board chair, Gordon Comeau, councillors Marilyn Harkness and Kim Maynard and Chamber of Commerce president, Brenda Crawford. Special guests to the event were Mayor Bauer of Keremeos and Councillor Homes from the Upper Similkameen Indian Band. Mayor Armitage extended a personal thank you to CAO Rick Zerr for the excellent work he did in order to, “get the job done.” He also commended the efforts of Rick, Shirley, Kevin, Carrie, Carolyn, Jeanie, Kevin and Lyle (town staff) on their efforts to get the new Town Hall ready. Appreciation was extended for the efforts of the local contractors who completed the work under the guidance of the principal contractor, Mike Grgich. “The work was done timely and to very high standards,” said Mayor Armitage. George Harry is appreciated for his design of the landscape and the Town crew members for their
See TOWN HALL - Page 10
Weather Watch Wednesday
High 22/Low 7
Lisa Carleton/Spotlight
Mayor Frank Armitage, councillors Marilyn Harkness and Kim Maynard cut the cake during the official grand opening of the new Town Hall, held on Wednesday, June 11. Jeanie Williams made the cakes to help celebrate the special occasion.
Mini Pow Wow held in Veterans Square Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
The Princeton Arts Council with the help of Dian Brooks were pleased to host the High Water Singers and Native Fancy Dancer, Ernie Philip (Dancing Bear) at Veterans Square on Saturday, June 14. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, residents were treated to a day of culture, drumming and dance as well as interactive dance by the High Water Singers and Ernie Philip. John Terbasket of the High Water Singers explained the history of the drum - their ‘grandfather.’ the singers who compete all over, were given this drum by a family of the Bella Coola Nation. “We had a pretty ratty old drum and the family took pity
on us and gave us this one,” he said. The drum is made of moose hide, shaped wood and lacing. “A lot of time and effort goes in to making these - it’s a way of life,” he added. He explained that whenever they travel with the drum, they take that family with them and sing in honour of them. The High Water Singers don’t travel and sing to become rich, “We do this for love and prayer,” explained Terbasket. He told residents that in the 1800s to about 1960, any more than two native peoples were considered to be an ‘uprising.’ They were not allowed to gather in public together. The Pow Wow is to celebrate life, “to bring us all together —and we’re thankful now that we can do so,” he said. Modernly the Pow Wow can be competitive, but the core - the history, is still the largest part.
FLETCHER Building Supplies 222 Burton Ave.,Princeton
Thursday
High 23/Low 7
Open @ 7 am Mon-Sat, Sundays 9 - 4
Friday
High 23/Low 9
email: princeton@timbrmart.ca
Saturday
High 24/Low 7
Sunday
High 21/Low 9
250-295-6938
See CULTURE - Page 2
have We still ction sele a great ts & ng plan i d d e b ! of baskets flower
Stock up, before they’re gone!