Penticton Western News, January 07, 2015

NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

Golden victory makes OHA and Penticton Vees proud

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Property values rising in South Okanagan

VOL. 49 ISSUE 2

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WEDNESDAY, January 7, 2015

entertainment Alex Zerbe brings his many

talents to Children’s Showcase

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sports CBC personality Rick Mercer skips into Penticton

DIGGING OUT Joe Fries

NEWS Western News Staff

PENTICTON WESTERN

ELI CHARLTON of Parkway Elementary School puts his heart into this run on his makeshift snowboard during a lunch break at the school this week. The biggest snowfall of the season provided plenty of opportunities for kids to enjoy the snow, for a couple of days at least.

Mark Brett/Penticton Western News

Now that the final flakes have settled on a record-setting snowfall and warmer weather has arrived, city workers are turning their attention to flood-mitigation measures.

“Crews have been going out and clearing catch basins as they go and as they clear the roads,” said City of Penticton spokeswoman Simone Blais.

“But given the volume, we’re recommending that residents take a peek at their own neighbourhood drains in the next day or so just to make sure it’s clear, and that will make a big difference in terms of allowing the water to get into the storm sewer system.”

Blais described the risk of localized flooding due to melting snow as “moderate,” but said the threat has eased with daytime high temperatures forecast to hit 5 C on Wednesday then barely nudge above freezing later in the week.

“That will offer us a slow melt, and that’s really good news in handling the volume of snow, so we’re a little less concerned.”

In the meantime, she said, workers are still shooting to meet a city

KURT HASENKOX was knee deep in the white stuff Monday morning as he cleared the sidewalk from in front of OP Office Products on Duncan Avenue West.

Mark Brett/Penticton Western News

policy that requires all roads be cleared within 48 hours of the end of a snow event, in this case Wednesday evening.

Blais noted, however, that some streets may only receive a single pass from a plow, since clearing a wider swath would push snow up onto sidewalks that people worked hard to clear.

On Tuesday alone,

Environment Canada’s instruments at the Penticton airport recorded 25.2 centimetres of snow, which buried the previous mark for that day of 9.8 cm set in 1983.

Environment Canada meteorologist Lisa Coldwells said the duration of the snowfall, which began Saturday night, was “unusual.”

See SNOW of PG.3

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Penticton Western News

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Proud Parents Brandon Buchanan and Kayleigh newstead with their son and Penticton’s new Year’s Baby tusckin reed Buchanan who’s ready for his nap in the nursery that was painted by local artist Larry Hunter.

Mark Brett/Penticton Western news

Family rings in 2015 with a baby boy Mark Brett

Western News Staff

Tusckin Reed Buchanan may have checked in a bit late but was still in time to be Penticton’s new year’s baby.

Tipping the scales at eight pounds, two ounces, the first child of Kayleigh Newstead and Brandon Buchanan arrived into the world at Penticton Regional Hospital at 8:19 p.m. on Jan. 1.

“We stayed up past midnight the night before (New Year’s Eve) because we were just sort of hoping (he would be the first) you know you do everything, you sit on the ball eat pineapple and nothing happened,” recalled new mom Kayleigh, 28, this week. “We went to bed about 1:30 (a.m.) and then at four in the morning my water broke and I thought this is it, but my labour lasted 16 hours, it was pretty intense.”

So both she and Brandon, 30, were very surprised when the nurse in the delivery room gave the couple the news about having the hospital’s first baby in 2015.

“That was really kind of a bonus, because it was a relief after it was all over, the doctors looked him over and he was healthy. He was OK and he was here,” she said. “It’s amazing and overwhelming because you don’t know what he looks like for nine months and now he’s here and he’s moving around and kicking and he opens his eyes and he looks at you.

“It’s totally an unreal experience, that’s for sure.”

Brandon agreed.

“It is kind of surreal but in a way it hasn’t set in yet, it’s still just a baby, I haven’t been hit with that overwhelming, ‘oh my God, that’s my baby panic,’ but I know that’s coming,” said the proud father.

It was Brandon who first came up with the idea of calling his son by the nickname of Tusk as a joke when he was talking to Kayleigh’s mom one day.

It’s amazing and overwhelming ...

— Kayleigh Newstead

“So as soon as I knew it bugged her, I said how can I make this stick. It was totally a joke at first and then we put ‘kin’ at the end of it and we added Reed because that is my grandfather’s name and it just started to flow,” he recalled. “The more we said it, the more we liked it. It looks Viking when you spell it and really plays into the whole situation for us.”

Both mom and dad have European roots and Kayleigh describes the newborn as: “a Viking like his papa.”

“We also wanted something different for him, we didn’t want a run of the mill Bill or Jim, because your name is unique and if you don’t like it, down the road you can change it,” said Brandon.

Not unlike most new parents, the couple are currently sleeping in shifts, although Kayleigh says Tusckin is sleeping for several hours at a time which makes it a little easier.

Before leaving the hospital they received a special goodie basket from president June Revell-Quevillon of the Penticton Hospital Auxiliary.

“The gifts are absolutely amazing, most of them are hand-stitched blankets from people you don’t even know, that was really nice and there was even a card from a gentleman who was the new year’s baby in 1930,” said Kayleigh. “We really are grateful for everything everyone did for us.”

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 7, 2015

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AbigAil PARkeR goes for a roll in the snow at Parkway elementary School thanks to the recent blanketing of the fluffy stuff in the region. The snow did make driving conditions a lot less fun for many city residents.

Mark brett/Penticton Western News

Attention now turns to ‘moderate’ flood risk From SNOW on PG.1 “It was a combination of two things: We had Arctic air that continually kept refreshing itself as it moved southward out of the Yukon and that formed a little bit of a dome because all the Arctic air (was) now sitting in the bottom of the valleys.

“And over top of that you had a continuous stream of warm and moist Pacific air coming up and over the mountains,” she explained.

“It’s not an uncommon weather phenomenon, but what usually happens is the warm air always wins the battle and it

quickly erodes that Arctic air and the snow turns over to rain.”

That lengthy battle was enough to scuttle WestJet Encore’s once-daily round trip between Penticton and Calgary on Sunday and Monday, which prompted the airline to add a second flight Tuesday afternoon.

Air Canada also cancelled all of its flights between Penticton and Vancouver on Sunday and Monday, plus its 6 a.m. departure Tuesday.

On the ground, however, things were relatively quiet.

“Lots of pushing and lots of people getting stuck, but not a

‘Robust’ market sees property values rising in South Okanagan Steve Kidd

Western News Staff

Though the B.C. assessment office is calling it another year of modest changes, many residential property owners in the South Okanagan are likely to see a rise in their property value this year.

“In the Okanagan, the market has been most robust between Penticton and Vernon, that commuter corridor up and down the lake,” said deputy assessor Jason Sowinski.

In that area, he explained, there are increases between zero and 10 per cent in assessment values.

“Outside of those regions, we are really in the -5 to +5 per cent range, so it is a little bit more stable,” he said.

Only two Okanagan properties made it onto the list of top 500 properties in B.C., both situated in Kelowna. Penticton didn’t make it on to the list at all this year, with the only South Okanagan representatives being two Summerland properties, valued at $4.3 million and $3.9 million.

Overall, the South Okanagan’s assessment roll increased from $19,516,491,502 last year to $19,773,585,279 this year. Almost $235,000,000 was added through subdivisions, rezoning and new construction.

In Penticton, the average value of a residential property rose 3.5 per cent, to $383,000 from $370,000 on last year’s assessment. Summerland and Oliver homeowners say a slightly larger a 5.3 per cent rise in average residential property values.

Colin Fisher, Penticton’s chief financial officer, said it is too early to say what effect the new assessment’s will have on property taxes. When the city receives the final assessment roll in April, he explained, the tax rates will be adjusted to meet the overall tax levy. But between now and then, he said, property owners have the opportunity to appeal their assessment, which may change the total value on the assessment roll.

Sowinski said B.C. has an extremely low rate of appeals, ranging between one and two per cent per year. He encourages people to review their assessment.

“We do encourage people to take an active interest in their property. If you feel that is incorrect, or you feel there is something that hasn’t been considered in driving your assessment, give our office a call, we will get an appraiser to have that conversation with you.”

Sowinski said the office is in “open house” mode at this time of year, to field questions from property owners. After speaking with appraisers, property owners have until Feb. 2 to submit a notice of complaint for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel, which meet through to March 15 to hear complaints.

The Okanagan Region assessment office is located at 300-1631 Dickson Ave. in Kelowna. During January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Property owners can also contact BC Assessment toll-free at 1-866-825-8322 or online through www.bcassessment.ca.

lot of accidents,” said Penticton RCMP spokesman Sgt. Rick Dellebuur.

“I think when you get this much snow, it limits the amount of people out there and no one’s surprised when they get out there.”

Meanwhile, both the City of Penticton and Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen advised residents who didn’t receive regular curb-side garbage pickup on Monday to put out their rubbish again next Monday, when the regular twobag limit won’t apply.

Nine days in jail for attack Joe Fries

Western News Staff

An assault at a Penticton motel that prompted a public warning from the victim has now landed the attacker behind bars.

Ken Paton, 34, was attacked at the door to his room at the Black Forest Motel late on Nov. 30, and later told the Western News that people should be cautious when visitors knock in the middle of the night.

His attacker, 30-year-old Michael Vernon Cravens, pleaded guilty to assault and was sentenced Monday in provincial court in Penticton to nine days in jail.

Cravens, who was initially let go from police custody on a promise to appear, was later re-arrested when he violated a condition of that release that prohibited him from consuming alcohol. He also pleaded guilty to that offence and received an additional 21 days behind bars. The 30-day total sentence was a joint submission put forward by Crown and defence, but Judge Meg Shaw, noting Cravens had eight previous convictions for breaching court orders, said she had “a bit of difficulty” with the term, although she was “more comfortable” after Cravens told her he’s of First Nations descent.

“This is the absolute minimum sentence I think is appropriate under the circumstances,” said Shaw.

The judge also ordered Cravens serve 15 months’ probation, conditions of which include no contact with Paton and a requirement that he not drink or be intoxicated outside of his home.

Crown counsellor Nashina Devji told the

court the first Mounties on scene at the Black Forest Motel saw Cravens walking away from the scene and called him back. When he got within about two metres of the officers, Cravens, described as six-foot-four, 230 pounds, raised his hands and adopted a “fighting stance,” said Devji, prompting one of the Mounties to pepper-spray him.

Paton told police that Cravens had been inside his suite for dinner and drinks earlier in the evening, before Cravens returned later that night and asked for rolling papers. When Paton told Cravens he had none, Cravens began kicking and punching Paton, before the assault moved outside, where other witnesses said they saw Cravens bang Paton’s head off a vehicle. The attack “seemed to have been without provocation,” noted Devji.

She said Cravens was arrested again around noon on Dec. 30 following a complaint about a drunk person outside the Dollarama store in Penticton.

“The fact that Mr. Cravens was heavily intoxicated outside the Dollarama in the middle of the day is indicative that he’s struggling with some issues,” said Devji.

Cravens’ lawyer agreed.

Defence counsel Bob Maxwell said his client told him he began drinking at age 10 and was an alcoholic by 15.

“He said, ‘I need help,’” Maxwell told the court, adding Cravens “is normally very nice when he’s sober, (but) I’d want him on the other side of the street when he’s drinking.”

Cravens confirmed he’s “been struggling a long time with this problem,” and said he had no memory of what lead up to the assault on Paton, but feels “badly” for the attack.

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Penticton Western News

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Stolen truck, sleds found Western News Staff

A pickup truck, trailer and four snowmobiles stolen in Kelowna have been recovered at a rural property near Penticton.

Acting on a tip from the public, uniformed and plainclothes Mounties from Kelowna, West Kelowna and Penticton raided the property on the 2700 block of Marron Valley Road on Dec. 31 and allegedly located the stolen equipment, RCMP said in a press release.

No arrests have been made and the

s l a i c e Sp

investigation is still underway.

The truck, trailer and sleds, all with Saskatchewan licence plates, were reported stolen Dec. 23 from a home on the 1900 block of Underhill Street in Kelowna.

Two other snowmobiles — a grey, 2006 Ski-Doo Freestyle 300 and a grey ,2007 Ski-Doo Freestyle 550 — were also reported missing and have not yet been recovered. Anyone with information is asked to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Banner year for PIB Steve Kidd

Western News Staff

The Penticton Indian Band is hoping to start 2015 off building on the successes of 2014.

That starts with a new bridge across the channel at Green Avenue, the result of long-term planning that came to fruition last year in a deal with the provincial government.

“We are hoping within the next couple of weeks we are going to start construction on the bridge,” said Chief Jonathan Kruger. “We are hoping to have that completed by December of 2015.

“There is a huge amount of land there that is now going to open up for prime development.”

Building the bridge is a key part of the PIB development plans, which saw many projects come to fruition last year.

“The Penticton Indian Band had a really successful year. 2014 has been very good to our community,” said Kruger.

That includes completing a dam at Eneas Lake, the first phase of the band’s plans to create a large water reserve.

“That was a $3 million project this year that was completed,” said Kruger. “It will create a huge water reserve, and we also control the largest water licence of any federal reserve in Canada.”

Kruger also enthused over the activities like the 2014 Elders’ Gathering, which saw the PIB play host to more than 3,000 elders from across the province.

“I keep being told, over and over, that it was the most successful and best in the history of Elder’s Gatherings,” said Kruger, who praised the work PIB elders did planning and preparing for the event.

“There was over 500 volunteers, it was such a huge and amazing event,” he continued, “Our elders really wanted to share our stories about us and how we are part of this land. Our community is still shining about that.”

Likewise, the Aboriginal Business Match conference, which returns in May, was a huge

Penticton indian Band chief Jonathan Kruger hopes to build off a successful 2014.

Penticton Western news file photo

success.

“We now helped generate over $60 million of business deals,” said Kruger. “When we talk about the future, ABM is going to be even bigger.

We are now going to be calling it ABM West and it is going to cover all of B.C., as well as Alberta First Nations and companies.

The business conference, which brings First Nations together with companies looking for partnerships, is expanding to fill both the South Okanagan Events Centre and the trade and convention centre in 2015.

“It makes us feel so proud to help empower communities and help create business deals,” said Kruger. “You have real tangible results. You see actual business deals being made.”

Another big and longawaited event completed this year was the Kt cp’alk’ stim Fish Hatchery, a $9 million project that opened in September after more than a decade of planning.

With a capacity of producing five million salmon fry a year, plus a state-of-the-art laborato-

ry, the hatchery is a key factor in the Okanagan Nation Alliance salmon restoration plans.

“All our buildings, with the dam, the fish hatchery and now we have the brand new health building, which is amazing, they are all state of the art,” said Kruger. “It’s got tons of natural lighting, it’s architecturally stunning, it’s got geothermal, it is very high tech, I can’t say enough about the building, it’s just amazing.”

The health building is divided in three sections, with room for a nurse practitioner and family enhancement workers as well as two doctor’s offices for visiting doctors and a dentist office with two chairs and an X-ray room.”

“Our community members can go in there and be taken care of. Our plan is to get these doctors in and help our community members, our elders, our families, the paperwork that needs to be done,” said Kruger.

“On our social development side, we even enhanced our counselling, so I am really proud

to say we have more support for our families.”

The new health centre also has room for traditional healing practices and a community section with a large kitchen, where they have been running education programs like teaching young families how to do canning properly, as well as preparing food for the community.

“We brought in thousands of salmon and we processed them in our new building. It just made me feel so good to see something as beautiful as that building bringing lots of people together,” said Kruger.

Kruger said it was an amazing feeling in 2014 to see all the planning coming together, and building real structures that people can see, and feel, and walk through themselves.

“It was frustrating talking about these plans and all the hard work that has been put into these plans by enormous amounts of people,” said Kruger. “It builds pride in our community that we are doing great things. We are going to continue.”

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 7, 2015

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Penticton firefighters check for hot spots in the roof outside a suite at the Pass Motor inn, using a pike to pull down the soffett. fire crews were called to the motel, at skaha Lake road and Kinney Avenue in Penticton, shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 30 to find a suite on the upper floor of the west wing ablaze.

steve Kidd/Western news

Motel fire unsolved Joe Fries

Western News Staff

It may never be known what sparked a three-alarm blaze last week at a Penticton motel.

Firefighters were called to the Pass Motor Inn on Skaha Lake Road late on Dec. 30 after flames broke out in one of the second-storey suites.

Investigators later placed the fire’s area of origin in a leather recliner, said Dave Spalding, deputy chief of the Penticton Fire Department.

“Because of the damage in the unit, we couldn’t find a source of ignition,” he continued, so the cause has been ruled undetermined, but not suspicious.

Spalding said investigators did rule out an auxiliary heater as the source of the fire, but weren’t able to rule out some other potential causes, such as smoking materials.

The person who was living in the unit where the fire started was taken to hospital for treatment of burns. One other adjacent suite was scorched by fire, while two others below were damaged by water.

Spalding said his department had 28 people on site at the height of the emergency.

“The guys weren’t even on scene when they made it a third alarm, which is our highest level that calls back all of our off-duty career and auxiliary members,” he explained.

“There was heavy fire and heavy, black smoke visible a block away.”

He reminded people to regularly check smoke alarms and ensure that auxiliary heaters are given one metre of clearance and placed away from any combustible materials.

Management at the Pass Motor Inn couldn’t be reached for comment.

Western News Staff

On the provincial political scene, the expansion to Penticton Regional Hospital dominated 2014, and promises to continue for 2015.

Following the Dec. 22 release of a shortlist of possible builders, Penticton MLA Dan Ashton said no date has yet been set for the start of construction.

“I want to see shovels in the ground as quickly as possible,” said Ashton. “The sooner it happens the better, but again, with a $325 million project, you want to make sure all the groundwork is done properly. You don’t want any surprises in the process.”

The construction of the new patient care tower will have to be done while PRH continues to serve the people of the South Okanagan, and then renovations will take place on the older building.

“You are having to build a massive expansion around an existing hospital and we want to make sure we are doing it right,

it’s been a phenomenal learning curve ...

— Dan Ashton

because there are no second chances,” said Ashton. “To be able to deliver that brand new hospital is something that is incredible for the whole area.”

2014 has been a busy year for the rookie MLA, who was elected to provincial office in May 2013.

Previously, Ashton was Penticton mayor and chair of the regional district South Okanagan.

“Whether you take the hospital or Site C or the changes in agriculture or the changes in the liquor file, it’s been a whirlwind year. It’s been a year where ev-

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Development of a pest management plan

‘Whirlwind’ year for MLA Ashton Steve Kidd

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Wood structure — Application #FBC-WS-2015 Applicant: FortisBC

erybody has been working incredibly hard,” he said.

As a member of the Treasury Board, chair of the Finance and Government Services committee and vice-chair of the Core Review working group, Ashton had a lot on his agenda in 2014.

The busy year was then topped off on Dec. 18 with a promotion to parliamentary secretary to finance minister Mike de Jong.

“I look at the calendar and it will be two years this coming May. It’s been a phenomenal learning curve and I am proud of the accomplishments,” said Ashton, who expects the provincial scene to be just as busy in 2015.

“I think it will be as active, if not more. There is a lot in the pipeline,” said Ashton, noting that the government is trying to be responsive to the requirements the people of B.C. are setting out.

“In my opinion, we are taking a very common sense approach to it. Just look at what Minister Stone has done with the highways and the speed increases,” said Ashton. “I find it invaluable being associated with it.”

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Email: pestmanagementplans@ fortisbc.com Tel: 1-866-436-7847 Fax: 1-866-627-7038

Attention: vegetation management The purpose of the proposed Pest Management Plan (PMP) is to manage wood rot, wood pests and mechanical damage caused by pests on wood structures located on power line corridors, road frontage areas, generation facilities and electrical facilities within the FortisBC service area, including wood structures on FortisBC owned or leased property. The FortisBC service area is located in proximity to the communities of Creston, Crawford Bay, Kaslo, Slocan, South Slocan, Nelson, Castlegar, Salmo, Trail, Fruitvale, Grand Forks, Greenwood, and Midway, in the Okanagan Valley from Osoyoos to Kelowna, and in the Similkameen Valley from Princeton to Keremeos.

The pest management methods proposed for use include stubbing (nonchemical), pole replacement (non-chemical) and wood preservative treatments (internal and external). The use of wood preservative pesticides is intended within the area to which the PMP applies. The common name (and examples of trade names) of the pesticides proposed for use under this plan include: copper naphthenate, sodium fluoride, borax (Cop-R-Plastic, CobraWrap, CuRap20), metam sodium (Woodfume, Guardsman Post and Pole Fumigant), disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (Tim-Bor Professional), boron, boric acid, copper (Impel Boron Rods II, CobraRod), and bendiocarb (Ficam D). Application methods include: external bandages, internal liquid and solid treatments, and external insecticide treatments.

The proposed duration of the PMP is from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2020. A draft copy of the proposed PMP and maps of the proposed treatment areas may be examined online at fortisbc.com or by contacting the Applicant listed above.

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the pest management plan, may send copies of the information to the applicant within 30 days of the publication of this notice and before February 13, 2015.

FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (14-398 12/2014)

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Penticton Western News

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

Annual rite of BC Assessment rollout Last Friday’s BC Assessment roll-out of information showed property values in the Okanagan are stable or have increased.

News of a small increases or decreases in the assessed values of our houses, condos or townhomes won’t mean much — the only number that counts is the final sale price.

That’s because this assessment is based on sales from six months ago and permitted land use as of Oct. 31 while sale price is determined by current market forces.

Assessment time is an annual rite for many of us, fraught with trepidation and perhaps celebration as most find their property values have continued to increase at a pace greater than inflation. So while we like to amuse ourselves with value appreciation/depreciation data for our properties — and especially those of our neighbours — these assessments are mostly useful for gauging the property tax bite we’ll face mid-year.

City bureaucrats will tell you that a small rise or fall in your property’s value won’t change your taxes much as long as the change in your assessment doesn’t deviate too much from the average. For example, if property values rise on average five per cent over the previous year and yours went up 10 per cent owing to a renovation or a surge in high-value home sales in your neighbourhood, your taxes might take a noticeably larger bite out of your budget.

It’s really city bureaucrats who need this information because they use it to determine property taxes residents and businesses will pay.

Still, for WESTERN many homeowners, the annual PENTICTON property tax assessment revelation is an opportunity for a bit of post-holiday discussion.

While it’s nice to see one’s property value increase each year, in investment terms, there’s no harm in being average.

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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.

U.S. ripping us off on water The U.S. has Canada over a barrel of water as well as oil these days, but the tide is turning.

Last week I mentioned a new book called The Columbia River Treaty – A Primer by members of Simon Fraser University’s climate adaptation team. This slim volume makes the case that B.C. has ended up with a shockingly bad deal from this 1964 treaty, which concerned itself entirely with flood control and hydroelectric power.

In those days there was little or no environmental assessment.

Agriculture, fish habitat and aboriginal impacts were ignored. More than a decade after the disastrous flood year of 1948, once Ottawa stopped its bureaucratic delays, U.S. public and private power utilities paid B.C. $254 million to build three dams on the Columbia system.

Those dams (and one at Libby, Montana,

that mostly floods B.C. land) hold back the huge spring runoff from the Rockies and then dole out water for power production in B.C. and for the 15 hydro dams previously built downstream in the U.S. The U.S. payment was for half the power over 30 years, which B.C. didn’t need at the time. Then our American cousins cut us another cheque for $64 million, an estimate of the value of flood protection from 1968 all the way to 2024.

Boy, did we get taken. The SFU team calculates the value of that flood control to the U.S. at more like $32 billion.

That’s not even the worst of it. The Kootenays were once the leading fruit and vegetable growing area in B.C., bigger than the Okanagan. Now in the Arrow Lakes and other reservoirs, levels rise and fall dramatically to steady the flow south. In

Tom Fletcher

B.C. Views addition to the large areas permanently flooded by the Mica, Duncan and Hugh Keenleyside dams, this renders more of B.C.’s prime bottom land impassable.

B.C. is paid precisely zero for this sacrifice, while Washington state has developed a $5 billion-a-year farm economy using our stable irrigation source. That has helped their tree fruit growers push some Okanagan orchardists out of business.

As U.S. billionaires continue to bankroll environmental attacks on

B.C. and Alberta energy projects, it’s worth noting that long before the treaty, the U.S. militaryindustrial complex had wiped out the Columbia River salmon runs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its private power partners dammed everything they could find, exterminating a fishery bigger than the Fraser that had sustained aboriginal people on both sides of today’s border for thousands of years.

B.C. Energy Minister Bill Bennett and SFU’s Jon O’Riordan both described to me their experience at the Columbia River Basin conference, held last October in Spokane.

Their main impression was that Americans, including traditional tribes, want those salmon runs restored.

Vast amounts have been spent on hatcheries and habitat to speed recovery below the Grand Coulee dam, which

stands like a giant tombstone for migratory fisheries above it.

Should the Americans ever manage to get salmon above their biggest dam, it will largely be up to B.C. to provide sufficient cool water to keep them alive. That service has an increasing value to the U.S. as well as an ongoing cost to B.C. Bennett surprised some in Spokane when he said the U.S. needs to pay more for the benefits from the Columbia River Treaty.

The flood control agreement expires in 2024. The treaty requires 10 years’ notice for either country to exit. Climate shifts are expected to make B.C. water more important than ever.

Your move, Uncle Sam. Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com tfletcher@blackpress.ca

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Support of charitable causes appreciated Dear Penticton and surrounding communities: 2014 has been another successful year thanks to the massive amount of support we received from the people we serve.

With your continued support, The Penticton Professional Firefighter’s Charitable Society raised and donated another $41,000 to local, provincial and national charities.

A few of the charities/programs we donated to are: BC Burn Fund, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Miss Penticton, South Okanagan Women in Needs Society, Penticton Regional Hospital Pediatrics Ward, Penticton Minor Hockey, The Penticton Safety Village, Have a Heart Telethon, OSNS Telethon, and Toys for Tots to Teens.

We would like to thank everyone who came out to our events and supported our causes; as well we are blessed to have made some great partnerships within our own community with businesses who have become corporate sponsors and partners at some of our events.

Britco has helped us in many ways like constructing the platform deck for our rooftop campouts and donating money towards our fundraising.

Scotia Bank has become great partners at a few of our events like the Peach City Beach Cruise Pancake Breakfast and The Muscular Dystrophy Rooftop Campout, and has matched our fundraising dollar for dollar at these events. Safeway has partnered with us for many of the Muscular Dystrophy events like the Boot Drive and Morpheus Graphics has helped us out with all of our advertizing needs.

We also want to thank David Prystay for personally standing up for the safety of the citizens of Penticton, and the Penticton Lakeside Resort

Outdoor rink

What a wonderful experience it is to come out of the theatre in Kelowna in the evening and see all the young people and family groups enjoying the skating on the community rink.

In the summertime when all the ice has gone; again the young people and family combinations use the surface for learning to ride smaller bicycles, roller skating and skateboarding. Parents and grandparents enjoy sitting around and watching the kids play.

Congratulations to Tarik Sayeed and Brian Hughes for making this worthwhile suggestion.

It would also bring a lot more people into the Penticton downtown area.

The lighting would brighten up the north end of the city. We are fortunate to have our MLA Dan Ashton in the finance department in Victoria to help things along. I would agree with the council who have made favourable comments about sport and youth to make it happen.

Vince Rabbitte Penticton

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

letters

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.

As always, we are honoured to serve in a community filled with caring and gracious people. for putting us up for meetings and conventions. Thank you to all our media outlets within our community for helping us reach out to everyone.

Without the help of people and businesses like this we wouldn’t be able to give back as much as we do.

This year we finished raising our $25,000 total towards the BC Professional Firefighter’s Burn Fund Building. This money mostly came directly off our members paychecks by way of a “dollar a day” donation. This new building will be a treatment center designed specifically for burn survivors. For more information on the BC Burn Fund Building visit www. burnfund.org.

As always, we are honoured to serve in a community filled with caring and gracious people. We hope to continue to give back and to always be there to help and protect our wonderful city.

From our families to all of yours, thank you and have a safe and prosperous 2015.

Mike Richards President Local 1399 Penticton Professional Fire Fighter’s Union

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.

Branch #227, Okanagan Falls, President Myrt Niles and Branch Member Ed Findlater presented a donation for $5,000 for the Get BEDDER Care campaign at Penticton Regional Hospital for new beds. Our thanks to all of the branch members for their dedicated support to the patients and families in the region.

This organization has given more than $31,000 and the Ladies Auxiliary has given an additional $26,000. Our thanks to all of the members.

Members of the Penticton Regional Hospital Gift Shop volunteers donated $24,000 towards the purchase of two beds for the Get BEDDER Care campaign.

Over the years, this amazing group has raised more than $500,000 towards the purchase of medical equipment and patient comforts at PFH. Thank you to everyone who shops in the gift shop.

Maria (Cida) and Christian Tennert presented a donation on behalf of the whole Tennert family of Westminster Party & Tent Rentals toward the new Patient Care Tower.

The family would like to sincerely thank and honour the doctors and medical staff who diagnosed and cared for Christian over the last few months. Christian is well on his way to recovery!

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

There’s more ONLINE

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Penticton Western News

letters

Wrapping up a good year The presents have now been unwrapped and many pleasant memories made. Now is the time to thank everyone who made the holiday special.

On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, Penticton Unit, we would like to thank everyone who volunteered to help us with the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre Christmas wrap.

This was our first effort and we knew it would require many people to cover many hours from Dec. 1 to Dec. 24. Our unit volunteers rose to the challenge and found

Caring hands make a difference On Nov. 6, 2014, I survived a major heart attack.

The ambulance arrived in about 10 minutes and set to work trying to stabilize me for transport to Penticton Regional Hospital emergency. The crew were very good at relaying information, and dealing with me, but also my wife.

friends and relatives; other volunteers from within our Penticton community and beyond also signed up. To each one, we say a most sincere, thank you. We could not have done it without you. Our success is your success.

Our unit office was hoping to raise $5,000 and we are ecstatic to say we met and exceeded our goal by considerably more. With the generous support of the South Okanagan community, we raised over $8,000 and wrapped over 1,250 gifts.

On Dec. 23 alone we wrapped 256 gifts!

The emergency staff worked with the precision of a well-oiled machine. My heart rate was over 150, so Kim and Tim H. were allowed to stay in the room with me while the team worked.

Reducing the unbelievable pain and the escalating heart rate were paramount; two hours were involved in this alone.

During this time Kim was sent out and advised to call family as there

was doubt I was going to make it. Tim was asked to stay in the room in case I did die and my wife needed help to deal with it. Two different sets of drugs were given, the first not providing the wanted and needed results. I was then sent to Kelowna for surgery.

Kim was allowed to travel with the ambulance, for whom she has an increased admiration for, the trip was made in about 30 minutes.

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The total funds generated will be split with 50 per cent going to Camp Good Times in Maple Ridge, B.C., (where children from our region with cancer attend a one week activity camp) and 50 per cent of funds will be directed to help eradicate cancer.

Thank you again and we wish you all a happy and healthy new year. With appreciation, Evelyn Markin President, Penticton Unit Canadian Cancer Society

Ambulance crews get far too little respect for what they do, almost forgotten in our system.

They are provided little courtesy by drivers on our roads today, and in cases looked at as an annoyance. They deal with all segments of society, often in far from ideal conditions. Please be considerate and pull over when you see an ambulance with lights on, you may be saving a life!

I was transported back to PRH and the ICU ward where the nurses work tirelessly to provide care. Several days passed and I was moved to SP3, room 332, bed 2.

Even though these nurses tend many patients, I never felt I was not being looked after. From bringing ice water, regular heart checks, blood draws, medication, and a myriad of other duties, they also made you feel like a valued person. A real skill, especially for what seemed to be a very young group of professionals. Jan. 2, 2015, I’m back in emergency with chest pain.

Again, the staff of PRH provided stellar care.

The staff here work in crowded conditions, yet they are always ready with a smile. Thank you nurse Kim and the rest of the staff.

Keith Bevan Penticton

Bad airport experience

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I fly to Calgary every two weeks May through September on business.

My wife and I chose to try flying from Penticton to Calgary with the new WestJet service for an ongoing connection to our daughter in Ottawa for a Christmas visit.

Simply stated I have to say that the airport is just not ready for increased usage.

Starting with the parking, there were simply not enough parking

spaces. Some travellers had to leave their cars on grass verges. Too many lots were tied up by rental car companies.

I was horrified to find that the parking is under the management of one of the poorest customer service companies in the parking business. Travellers have to pay for the parking when they park. This could cause problems if flight delays or rerouting through Kelowna cause the paid ticket to expire. Perhaps the Penticton airport authorities should check out Kelowna’s long term parking payment system. Very customer friendly,-pay on the way out.

So into the departure check in area; cramped, small check-in area, all credit to WestJet staff for their patience to cope with the passenger numbers. Wash room facilities are totally inadequate at the peak times of a flight arrival and passengers checking in for outbound flight.

Departure lounge is an over representation of a “lounge.” On our departure with a full flight, passengers were forced to stand up to 45 minutes before the boarding began. If you needed to use the washrooms you had to exit the “lounge” and then return back through the security check area again (remember to take your ID and boarding card with you).

With 60-plus passengers arriving and 60plus waiting to depart there is inadequate room and I would question the safety from a fire perspective of those numbers in that small a room area.

Fortunately, the weather was good and we faced no coach transfer to or from Kelowna although the landing can be described fairly as an “exciting” experience due to low cloud. All credit to the captain.

A selection of comments on Penticton Western News stories found online:

On if the city does a good job clearing snow from the roads:

“They are only doing the best they can given the amount that’s falling. Plus it’s up to council now to add a couple more drivers and plows to the fleet. Remember people, it’s winter, we do live in the mountains, and we get snow every January. Be prepared. Drive slow, don’t go out if you don’t need too. Milk, bread, eggs will be at the store tomorrow. Grab a blanket and snuggle on the couch, watch a movie or get a head start on organizing! Don’t sweat the things we cannot control!”

— posted by Angie Milne

“I saw a City of Penticton sand truck driver pull his truck over and help a lady get her car unstuck. Great job!”

— posted by James Palanio

“Yes there is a lot of snow, but it is almost near impossible to dig out the end of the driveways because of the snow plows. I understand they have a job to do but sure would be nice if they wouldn’t leave us killing ourselves trying to dig the end of the driveway out.”

— posted by Elaine Maher

“The snow removal plan in Penticton it seems, is to wait until it warms up and/or rains ...

When it does melt then the drains are plugged from all the leaves remaining from last fall, that the city has not swept from the curbs and gutters. When it comes to snow removal here is it lack of equipment, lack of ability, lack of will, or lack of leadership?”

— posted by Ross Ranger

Reader’s poll

at www.pentictonwesternnews.com Do you think the City of Penticton does a good job clearing snow from the roads?

Results:

1

1. No — 53.8% 2. Yes — 46.2%

In summary, Penticton is a very convenient departure for South Okanagan residents. Is it really ready for the traffic it has attracted? No. I can forego the convenience of Penticton this summer. The facilities and operational expertise, the flight reliability, and more importantly flights with

2

more practical schedules, strongly favour Kelowna airport for me.

The federal government wants to pass off the responsibility of Penticton airport.

I am not surprised because it needs a lot of investment in upgrading facilities.

Peter Archer Oliver

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 7, 2015

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www.pentictonwesternnews.com 9

A&E Editor: Dale Boyd • Phone: 492-3636 ext. 228 E-mail: arts@pentictonwesternnews.com

Prop comic brings new trick Dale Boyd

Western News Staff

Alex Zerbe is a man who has accrued many talents over the years.

There is one part of the multitalent prop comic’s repertoire that he is still fine tuning after a 16-year career that includes appearances on America’s Got Talent and Last Comic Standing.

“Comedy is the hardest part.

Learning a trick is relatively straightforward. You practice this trick and eventually you get it, whereas comedy is a little trickier,” Zerbe said.

Zerbe will be the first Children’s Showcase performer of 2015 and his zany on-stage antics head to the Cleland Theatre Jan. 11.

The Seattle native got his unlikely start with a competitive hacky sack team in his teenage years. He toured the U.S. with a group performance that would play at school assemblies throughout the country.

“I was really into hacky sack and got this job doing school assembly shows. I was living in a van down by the river and travelled all over the U.S.,” Zerbe said. “I actually don’t even do hacky sack in my shows anymore, it’s kind of weird.”

Zerbe has picked up a multitude of talents since his hacky

PROP COMIC Alex Zerbe is bringing his one-of-a-kind performance to the Cleland Theatre Jan. 11 as part of the Children’s Showcase series.

Submitted photo

sack days, from juggling and balancing acts to cutting pieces of celery by throwing playing cards.

Zerbe initially learned juggling for the school assembly shows, but his inquisitive nature had him adding to his skill set as his career progressed.

“I just kind of picked up random skills along the way like, oh,

maybe I’ll pick up drums for a bit, so it was just a little bit here, a little bit there,” Zerbe said.

When he parted ways with the hacky sack team, Zerbe joined up as part of a team act called Brothers From Different Mothers who he performed with from 2001 to 2011. The group eventually broke up and he started perform-

ing solo.

“We were kind of ready to be done with each other at that point. It was nice, it was kind of liberating to go our separate ways,” Zerbe said.

He found after more than a decade of performing with groups and teams that going solo was ultimately freeing.

“I can take the shows I like and do what I want to do, I don’t have to run it by anybody or anything,” Zerbe said.

He continues to add to his deep roster of talents today, and said that his favourite tricks to perform are usually the newest ones. Zerbe’s currently working on a trick he will debut for the first time ever here in Penticton.

“It’s short and sweet, there’s not a lot of commitment to it. So I’m going to do it and see how it goes as sort of a testing ground, so I’m kind of excited to do this new trick,” He said the new trick is a way of combining rhythm and juggling. He recently taped himself performing the minute-long trick on his phone to see if it was ready for debut.

While he is self-described as a “living cartoon,” the appeal of Zerbe’s act stretches beyond a younger audience.

“It’s a family show. I think about it like Shrek or an episode of the Simpsons. There’s a lot of stuff for the kids, but there’s stuff that goes over the kids’ heads for the adults. It’s definitely entertainment for everybody,” Zerbe said.

The show is suitable for ages three and up and starts at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $12 and will be available at the door. For more information call 250-493-0475.

Okanagan College hosts Writing Out Loud workshop Dale Boyd

Western News Staff

Those looking to sharpen their writing skills are going to have a chance to do just that with the upcoming Writing Out Loud sessions being held in Keremeos.

Okanagan College, in partnership with Similkameen Family Literacy, are

offering free registration for the five session Writing Out Loud series which will focus on developing both personally and on the page.

Everyone from seniors to students are invited to join the free hour-and-a-half sessions that begin at 10 a.m. Jan. 15 in the multi-purpose Room at The Keremeos Health Unit located at 700 Third Ave.

Writing Out Loud was developed by Deborah Morgan in Camrose Alta., and currently has two books published based on the method of exploring life through writing.

Participants in Keremeos will get the support of a group facilitator and all needed materials are provided along with light refreshments.

For those who participate, the writing

belongs to and stays with the participants and talking about the shared experience of writing in the group is welcomed.

Those interested can register in Keremeos by calling 250-499-2352 between 8 a.m. and noon from Monday to Friday.

For more information about the Writing Out Loud program contact Mary Kiviste at Okanagan College (250) 4924305 ext. 3244.

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Penticton Western News

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The long standing Ogopogo logo for the Okanagan Fest of Ale is to be replaced for the 2015 festival.

The public still has a shot at getting their design for a logo in the running before the competition deadline for entries on Jan. 16.

The 20-year-old logo for the festival featuring the infamous lake monster has aged out of relevance, at least for a craft beer festival, said Ginger Budinski, administrator and co-ordinator for the Okanagan Fest of Ale. “The whole beer industry, and the craft brew industry, is changing and the Ogopogo doesn’t really reflect the changes,” Budinski said.

The Fest-of-Ale organization has received a dozen entries in the competition being dubbed “Farewell Ogo, Choose my Logo” and is expecting a few more before the deadline next Friday.

“The response has been good. We’ve gotten good exposure from it, I believe,” Budinski said.

The board of directors for this year’s festival has yet to meet, but the logo decision will definitely be one of the big items on the agenda as they look forward to the 2015 festival.

“I’m just sitting on them (the entries) until

the big reveal,” Budinski said.

Those looking to enter their logo can find the registration form on the home page of the festival’s website at www.fest-of-ale.bc.ca along with the rules and regulations for entering the contest.

Entries must be submitted by a resident of B.C. or Alberta and are limited to one entry per person.

After the deadline, Budinski and the festival board will take the entries into consideration and make a decision, which will allow them to go forward on making promotional materials said Budinski.

“We’re hoping to make a decision on the logo by Feb. 1,” Budinski said.

The creator of the logo will get more than just bragging rights. The winner receives two free tickets to the 20th annual Fest of Ale, $250 cash and two complimentary one-day tickets to the festival for the next four years. The total prize is estimated to be worth $500.

The winner will likely be celebrated at the festival as well.

Budinski said the new logo will definitely be “showcased and highlighted” at this year’s Festof-Ale. Tickets for the 2015 festival go on sale Feb. 1 and the event will take place April 10-11 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

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www.pentictonwesternnews.com www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Sports Editor: Emanuel Sequeira • Phone: 492-3636 ext. 224 E-mail: sports@pentictonwesternnews.com

Golden connections

sports

Western News Staff

That ever-present grin Curtis Lazar wears is now recognized all over Canada.

It’s familiar to his former Okanagan Hockey Academy coach Robert Dirk, who watched as Lazar helped Team Canada defeat Russia for gold at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Monday night before 19,014 delirious fans at the Air Canada Centre.

“I’ve seen that smile before,” said Dirk, who feels some pride for what Lazar has accomplished.

“He’s working for everything he’s getting.”

Dirk, who played 402 games in the NHL, said it was great watching Lazar, who spent a year with the OHA after two with Kelowna’s Program of Excellence.

“He was the steadying influence I felt up front,” said Dirk. “Nothing flashy, but, at times he was flashy.

Just professional. Being in Ottawa for the first half of the season, he’s learning that professional mentality. You don’t have to be flashy, you just have to get the job done. That’s what he did.”

Dirk always thought Lazar would reach this stage and knew he was a special player.

“I always thought he had the potential to reach the heights he’s reaching,” he said of Lazar, who was born in Salmon Arm and moved to Vernon at age 10. “I felt he was going to be a first-round pick, play on the world junior team. I believe he is going to have a 20-year career.”

Loaned to Team Canada by the Ottawa Senators, Lazar was a classy, upbeat captain and one of seven returnees from last year’s fourth-place lineup in Sweden. The dramajammed win left Lazar sleepless in Toronto.

“I’m running on about two hours sleep,” Lazar

1. Penticton Vees stories 2. Former Vees goalie impresses at Canucks development camp 3. Honouring Scott Mullins 4. Jones Twins playing well with Edmonton Oilers prospects 5. Record-setting paddle 6. Canucks’ Fox shows off shooting skills 7. Frightening obstacle course coming to Twin Lakes Golf Resort 8. Young Stars pumped for NHL prospects camp in Penticton 9. Crossfit athletes enjoy camaraderie 10. Players to Watch at this week’s Young Stars Classic in Penticton

CURTIS LAZAR, who spent one season at the Okanagan Hockey Academy, captained Canada to a world junior championship on Monday night.

Richard Wolowicz / HHOF-IIHF Images

told The Vernon Morning Star Tuesday afternoon from the Toronto Pearson International Airport. “We hung out at the rink until about 2 a.m. with family and friends. They have a nice restaurant at the ACC so we had a few drinks and a little bit of food. We kept it pretty low-key.”

Andy Oakes, president of the Okanagan Hockey Group, said he thought Lazar led that group amazingly with the type of person he is.

“The way he handled himself on and off the ice, I thought he did an amazing job as the captain leading that group.”

Kamloops product Joe Hicketts, another OHA alumnus, impressed Oakes.

“I thought Joe played extremely well. His last

three or four games, he got better and better,” he said of the Detroit Red Wings prospect. “You could see his confidence growing.

He became a real key player for them late in the game last night. Playing in the last minute of the game.”

“When they were here with us, that same character that you see come out on the ice, was the same character here when they were 14 and 15,” added Oakes.

The Penticton Vees watched with interest. Forward Demico Hannoun, who couldn’t be reached for comment, watched intensely as his cousin, Nic Petan, had a strong tournament and erupted for a hat trick against Slovakia that launched Canada into the gold medal game. He fin-

ished with four goals and 11 points in seven games.

Then there is Cody DePourcq, who played with Lazar in the OHA and became friends with Hicketts, who joined the OHA a year after him. DePourcq also grew up playing against Petan when he was with the North Shore Winter Club and played with Shea Theodore.

“It’s definitely a lot of fun to watch the games and be a part of it,” said DePourcq, prior to the championship game.

“It’s pretty cool. It’s pretty cool to know the guys that are playing on the team, to see the atmosphere they are playing in. See how people get behind them.”

-With files from the Vernon Morning Star.

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In 2014, the Western News sports section had a spike in its page views. The numbers grew from 61,649 in 2013 to 86,114. Below is a list of our top 10 most-read stories. If you missed these when they first published, don’t worry, click on the story entitled 2014 top read web stories on our website and there will be a link to each one.

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Wednesday, Wednesday,January January7,7,2014 2015 Penticton Penticton Western Western News News

sports

OHA and Vees enjoy strong finishes in KIBIHT Western News Staff

Penticton was represented well in the Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey tournament over the weekend.

The Okanagan Hockey Academy bantam prep team and the Murray GM tier 2 Vees finished second and third, respectively. The OHA team’s lone loss in the tournament came in the final, 5-3 against Delta Academy Wild Prep in the tier 1 Randy Lindros Division.

“I’m really proud of our boys this weekend,” said OHA co-coach Kip Noble, adding that the things he and co-coach Dixon Ward have been trying to teach the players are finally clicking in.

Noble said his group played very well, however, just were unable to build on 2-0 and 3-2 leads. They hit two posts while outshooting Delta 4028.

In round robin action, OHA thrashed the Airdrie Xtreme 8-0, then downed the Richmond Blue 5-1 before wrapping up with a tight 3-2 victory over the Cloverdale Colts. Victories over the Prince George Cougars and Program of Excellence Prep put them in the final.

Murray GM Vees

The work ethic of the Vees im-

pressed coach Dennis Pisiak, who watched his team erase a 3-0 Kamloops Raiders lead to win 4-3 in overtime in the Tier 2 Founder Division.

“They just battled back. They just worked hard,” said Pisiak. “They never gave up. Once we got the first goal, we kept going. Ecstatic the way they came back and won.”

Pisiak said the win gives his players confidence knowing they will be rewarded if they work hard.

“The boys did an outstanding job,” he said.

The Vees dominated play in the first period, but a few penalties cost them as the Raiders took a 2-0 lead into the second period.

The Vees opened the tournament with a 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Thunderbirds, then picked up wins against the Seattle Sno-King and Edge School. In the playoff round, the Vees defeated POE Varsity 2-1 then lost to the Thunderbirds again, this time 4-1, missing out on the chance to play in the championship game.

Pisiak said playing in KIBIHT was a great experience for the kids. Exposing the players to a higher level of competition and facing stronger teams was good.

Pisiak said his players were happy to get the invite for KIBIHT. “It’s one of the better tournaments around,” he said. “This is probably the biggest one in B.C.”

Development of a pest management plan Right-of-way — Application #FEI-ROW-2015 Applicant: FortisBC Suite 100 - 1975 Springfield Road Kelowna, B.C. V1W 7V7

Email: pestmanagementplans@ fortisbc.com Tel: 1-888-242-2710 Fax: 1-888-224-2720

Attention: vegetation management The purpose of the proposed Pest Management Plan (PMP) is to manage problem vegetation on rights-of-way transmission corridors, and their access roads within the FortisBC service area. The FortisBC service area is located in proximity to the communities of Cranbrook, Sparwood, Fernie, Kimberley, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Kamloops, Merritt, Cache Cr, Clinton, 100 Mile House, Williams Lk, Quesnel, Prince George, Mackenzie, Chetwynd, all of the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland as well as Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River on Vancouver Island.

The pest management methods proposed for use include physical (nonchemical) treatment methods (selective slashing, mowing, pruning and burning), a biological control agent (fungus), cultural control methods (planting low growing trees and shrubs and compatible tree species, encouraging agro-forestry, and tree growth regulators/inhibitors when and if registered), and the use of pesticides (herbicides). The common name (and examples of trade names) of the pesticides proposed for use under this plan include: dicamba (Vanquish), glyphosate (Roundup, Roundup Weathermax, Glyphos, Vantage, Vantage Plus), picloram (Tordon), and triclopyr (Garlon 4 or Garlon Ultra). Application methods include: foliar, soil, wick/wipe-on and cut surface, using backpack, wick/wipe-on applicator, squirt bottle, injection tools and handgun (power hose and nozzle).

The proposed duration of the PMP is from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2020.

A draft copy of the proposed PMP and maps of the proposed treatment areas may be examined online at fortisbc.com or by contacting the Applicant listed above.

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the pest management plan, may send copies of the information to the applicant within 30 days of the publication of this notice and before February 13, 2015.

FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (14-398 12/2014)

14-398_vegetation_mgmt_ad_4.3125x7-P2.indd 5

12/10/2014 7:55:17 AM

Mercer skips into town Dale Boyd Western News Staff

The Black Widow Rope Spinners had Rick Mercer using muscles he hadn’t exercised since grade school.

“I’ve done some serious skipping and I finally mastered the double dutch, something I never accomplished when I was in Grade 6,” Mercer said.

The political pundit and Canadian TV icon made a visit to Holy Cross School to test his metal in the sport of rope skipping.

Unfortunately, his playground memories from yesteryear didn’t help out too much.

“Apparently, those (rhymes) are out. They don’t do the rhymes anymore. One of the young women suggested that that’s something they do in the olden days. Which I remember,” Mercer said.

The Rick Mercer Report, a comedic take on Canadian news and politics, has been on the air for 12 years now and is constantly looking for opportunities for the host to jump into a new and interesting experiences, like joining a jump rope team for a day.

Cathy Cunningham, coach of the Black Widow Rope Spinners, has been coaching for 10 years and first met Mercer when her son Daniel was on an episode of the Mercer Report in 2011 where his power wheelchair soccer team was featured.

“That was when I first met him and figured out this would be a great opportunity for the jump rope team,” Cunningham said. “He loves doing these

THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, right, is interviewed by Rick Mercer for a feature on the Black Widow Rope Spinners for the Rick Mercer Report at the Holy Cross School Jan. 4.

Dale Boyd/Western News

kinds of activities, he’s never jumped before so it’s good to have him out and take part.”

Her younger son Thomas is a part of the Jump Rope B.C. All-Star team in his third year and was assistant coach for the Black Widow team for four years before he went to university. He was featured in the segment with Mercer.

“It’s really cool because it helps promote the sport in general. If more people see it there might be more teams popping up because we’ve actually lost a couple teams in the country over the last couple years,” Cunningham said. “A lot of people don’t see it as a full-on sport, so we really want to promote that it’s competitive and has a high requirement of development, so it is actually a sport.”

He said the sport faces some challenges due to

longstanding stigmas.

“It’s hard to generate interest in males in particular because it’s for some reason seen as a girl’s sport, but we’re trying to get that out of peoples minds,” Cunningham said.

How did Mercer measure up in his eyes?

“We got him in the double dutch, and he did really good. He did well and we’re going to get him jumping more today,” Cunningham said.

Craig Vanherk is on the provincial board for Jump Rope B.C. and volunteers on the national board for Rope Skipping Canada. Vanherk is a fan of the show and he and his daughter we’re excited that Mercer was featuring their sport.

His daughter Brittany has been jumping for nine years and made the provincial all-star team the last two years running.

“She was thrilled. She’s

seen the show and laughed.

She’s seen me watching the show and laughing.

When we heard of this opportunity it was quite exciting,” Vanherk said.

Mercer wrapped up the visit by competing against some of the Black Widow jumpers in a full-on competition. He still insists he’s got the best job in Canada, a statement that’s hard to argue.

“It’s my dream job.

Even today, if I had to write down my dream job this would be pretty close to what I would describe as my ultimate dream job,” Mercer said.

He came out of the experience, as with most of his segments, educated.

“I didn’t know very much about jump rope.

Now I know it’s really, really hard, but you know what, it’s a lot of fun and they’re all amazing. It’s obviously a great thing to do,” Mercer said.

Vees face BCHL’s top scorer Emanuel Sequeira Western News Staff

The Mackin Express is pulling into the South Okanagan Events Centre Wednesday.

Penticton is hosting Corey Mackin, the BCHL’s leading scorer with 37 goals and 65 points, and the Coquitlam Express in the first of a home-and-home set.

Along with Mackin, the Express’ attack is led by Brett Supinski, second in the BCHL with 26 goals and 54 points and joined by Brendan Lamont, who is enjoying a career year with 14 goals and 41 points. He played 17 games with the Vees last season.

“They have a high potent offence with Mackin and Lamont on their top line,” said Vees coach Fred Harbinson. “They are a team that likes to trade chances. We have to make sure to play better defensively.”

Vees co-captain Cody DePourcq said they are well aware of Mackin’s offensive prowess.

“He’s been lighting it up so far this year, we have to keep our eye on him,” he said.

After walking over the Merritt Centennials 8-1 on New Year’s Eve, the Express, 15-18-1-4, got thumped 6-1 by the Langley Rivermen at home, then exacted some re-

venge in a 4-3 win in Langley on Jan. 3. The Vees earned their fifth straight win against the Vernon Vipers, a 3-0 final on Friday, then lost to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at the Shaw Centre by the same score.

“I thought we played well,” said Harbinson. “I thought we played a better first period on Saturday then we did on Friday.”

Trailing 2-0, the Vees beat Angus Redmond, but not the cross bar which they hit twice and a post.

“We had a real good push in the third period. Had a lot of chances around the net,” said Harbinson. “For whatever reason, couldn’t find the back of the net. We didn’t get much puck luck that’s for sure.”

“We had a lot of chances that we didn’t bury. I think that was the big key,” said DePourcq, added that the Silverbacks capitalized on mistakes.

On Friday, it was announced that defenceman Gabe Bast committed to the University of North Dakota. The Red Deer product will at UND in the 2016-17 season.

Bast said getting the commitment is “unbelievable.” After visiting the campus two years ago while playing in a midget AAA tournament, Bast was hooked.

“I fell in love right then and there,” he said.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 7, 2015

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Naude excited to excel

sports

J & C Bottle Depot at 200 Rosetown Avenue (behind McDonalds)

Emanuel Sequeira

250-492-5144

Western News Staff

Penticton’s Andi Naude is not fixated on numbers this season competing with the Canadian national moguls team.

Naude, an alumnus of the Apex Freestyle Club (AFC), said before the Christmas break that she hasn’t spent time thinking about numbered results.

She is just concerned about performing her best on the World Cup circuit after working hard in the offseason.

Naude, who turns 19 on Jan. 10 when the team is in Deer Valley, Utah, has confidence after having one of her best offseasons. Among the things she worked on were the small details in her skiing, including hand and body position as well as a new jump. When it comes to performing this season, Naude feels no pressure about what she can do.

“I’m really excited to get out there and show everyone what I’ve got,” said Naude, who finished fourth in Calgary over the weekend.

Naude said the Canadian team looks strong, including sisters Chloe, Justine and Maxim Dufour-Lapointe. The first two took second and third on the podium in Calgary on the weekend. She also said that Audrey Robichaud is looking good.

It won’t be difficult for Naude to push herself, as she acknowledged that everyone, including her Canadian teammates, are better this season.

“Everyone has really stepped it up,” said Naude, who spent Christmas at home with family, which also included quality time

13

We take used Computers, TV’s, Printers, Fax Machines, Scanners, Keyboards and Paint Cans.

960 Railway St., Penticton Ph: 250-492-3576

Thomas Caruso is a swimmer with KISU. Caruso was one of the club’s best in the Kamloops Annual MJB Law Classic scoring 103 points in an event that draws over 20 teams from B.C. and Alberta. Caruso’s coach said he is an asset to his teammates with his athleticism and sportsmanship.

Nominate your athlete of the week Thursday each week by 4 p.m. by sending a write up on what the athlete did with a photo and emailing it to sports@pentictonwesternnews.com.

For more info, contact Emanuel at 250-492-3636 ext. 224.

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PENTICTON’S Andi Naude earned a fourth-place result in a FIS freestyle ski world cup at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Friday, Jan. 3. Naude is more focused on results this year.

at Apex Mountain Resort. “I can vouch for my team, we have really been pushing each other. It was clearly evident in the first competition.”

The level of competition among Naude and her teammates will likely

heighten with four spots to compete for in the world championship in Austria in mid January.

So far she is pleased with the early results, which included sixth in Ruka, Finland.

“I’m really excited with

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I was sort of nervous going into the event. It was definitely pretty nerveracking. After I won my first, then my second, I

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Penticton Western News

Winter and wine pairs well

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Western News Staff

For more information visit www.sunwesttours.com

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ES Penticton News

Dubbed one of the Canada’s best winter parties by MSN Travel the annual Winter Okanagan Wine Festival at Sun Peaks celebrates British Columbia wine paired with local cuisine in a spectacular alpine setting.

Now in its 17th year, the festivities offer something for every taste from Jan. 16 to 25, including quintessential winter experiences planned with over 30 wineries at the height of ski season.

A boon to oenophiles, foodies and outdoor aficionados, festival guests can enjoy Sun Peaks Resort’s spectacular new terrain. The resort now ranks as the second largest in Canada, growing to 4,270 acres of in-bound ski terrain with the addition of over 500 acres for the upcoming season.

Infused with mountain personality, the festival celebrates both the rough and tumble and the sophisticated sides of Canada’s Alpine Village.

Not content to sample varietals around ordinary tables, the festival’s famous progressive tasting takes over 650 participants into the mountain air and ski-through village to taste B.C. wineries’ diverse offerings. Plus, new this year are Vertical Goes Vino and I Heard It Through the Grapevine. Several events have already sold out, being snapped up shortly after they became available, including one of

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the traditional favourites Port, Chocolate & Cheese: After the Après Social and the brand new Explorer Series.

Tickets are still available for the remaining 18 events but are going quickly.

Guests are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out.

“The Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival is truly a quintessential British Columbian Festival to start your new year. After a fantastic day skiing at one of the world’s best resorts, the idea of relaxing to delectable B.C. wine and cuisine is proving to be very popular,” said Blair Baldwin, general manager of the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society. “It’s the perfect way to embrace winter in an intimate environment with the tastemakers behind our award-winning wines and food. And with advance sales looking their strongest ever in 17 years before the mountain has even opened for the season, this great winter party will definitely please the après ski gods.”

One of the largest winter gatherings of B.C. wineries with well over 100 different wines, the popular festival is showing ticket sales already 30 per cent ahead of last year. Tickets range from $29 to $130, with packages including accommodation starting at $149 per person, per night. For complete event listings go to www.sunpeaksresort.com/wine-festival.

“Inviting dozens of B.C. wineries and

hundreds of wine festival guests to explore our winter playground is a highlight here every winter,” says Brandi Schier, media specialist with Tourism Sun Peaks. “This year, we are looking forward to the inclusion of three of Kamloops’ newest wineries as well as guests discovering our new and challenging terrain in-between some of the exciting new events and traditional favourites.”

The B.C. wineries participating this year include: 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery Inc., Bartier Family Vineyards Ltd., Bella Wines, Bench 1775, Cana Vines, Castoro de Oro Estate Winery, Covert Farms Family Estate, Dirty Laundry Vineyards, Fort Berens Estate Winery, Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery, Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, Harper’s Trail, Kismet Estate Winery, Little Straw Vineyards, Meadow Vista Honey Winery, Misconduct Wine Co., Mission Hill Family Estate, Moon Curser Vineyards, Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Privato Vineyard and Winery, Recline Ridge Vineyards and Winery Ltd., Rivers Stone Estate Winery, Road 13 Vineyards, Rollingdale Winery, Silkscarf Winery, Sonoran Estate Winery, Sperling Vineyards, St Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Sunnybrae Vineyards and Winery, Tantalus Vineyards, Thornhaven Estates Winery, Volcanic Hills Winery, and Wild Goose Vineyards.

Winery breaks new ground with awards Western News Staff

Forbidden Fruit Winery in Cawston has become the first winery in the Pacific Northwest to win top medals in both the grape wine and the fruit wine categories in the same competition.

This unique distinction came about when Forbidden Fruit won two double platinum awards at the prestigious Winepress Northwest Platinum Judging held recently in Kenniwick, Wash. The first double platinum medal was awarded to Forbidden Fruit’s 2013 Caught – Apricot Mistelle, a soft apricot liqueur, the judges described as “dangerously delicious.” The second award was won by the winery’s 2011 Earth Series merlot, a classic French style merlot, described as full of raspberry, chocolate and exotic spices. The apricot wine was the only fruit wine honoured with the double platinum in the competition and the merlot was the only red grape wine from B.C. to receive a double platinum. The winery also received double gold medals for their 2013 Cherysh –

Cherry Rose’ and the 2012 Impearfection – Asian Pear Late Harvest. Forbidden Fruit is no stranger to winning top awards having previously picked up Best Of British Columbia 2010 (NWWS), the Best Fruit Wine in Canada 2011 (CWA), double gold - Best of Class Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (ACWC), and a myriad of gold and double gold medals for both their grape and fruit wines, both nationally and internationally.

“We are so pleased and honored to bring these awards home to the Valley,” said owner and cowinemaker Steve Venables. “Our focus from day one has been to produce wines that deliver the utmost enjoyable drinking experience and we are thrilled to receive this recognition for our efforts.”

Venables and his partner, Kim Brind’Amour have been farming organically on their pristine sloping hillside alongside the Similkameen River for nearly 40 years.

“Call it terroir, for sure the organics and our passion.” said Brind’Amour. “It’s all part of our winemaking style. But these

awards don’t just highlight us, they go a long way in promoting the superb wine industry we have here in the Similkameen Valley.”

The Winepress Northwest Platinum Judging is an elite competition that selects only gold medal winning wines to enter and compete against each other. Of all the gold medal wines entered in this year’s competition only five per cent received double platinum awards.

The competition is also called The Best of the Best in the Pacific Northwest and includes wineries from Washington State, Oregon, Idaho and B.C. Forbidden Fruit Winery is a family-owned and run boutique winery located at the very southern end of the Similkameen Valley. The winery is located on Ven’Amour Organic Farms, a certified organic tree fruit farm, “We are very excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary when we open again this spring and what a better way to celebrate than by pouring our award winning wines for our visitors,” said Brind’Amour.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 7, 2015

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

15

calendar Wednesday January 7

A l c o h o l i c s Anonymous hAs daily meetings in Penticton and area. Call 250-4909216 (24 hours) for more information.

Elks club hAs a lodge meeting at 7:30 p.m., with a visit from the regional director.

FrAtErnAl ordEr oF the Eagles has a homemade soup and sandwich lunch at noon. Closed at 5 p.m. Members and guests welcome to the hall at 1197 Main St. E v E ry bingo WEdnEsdAy in the Legion hall with the Ladies Auxiliary, 502 Martin St. at 1 p.m.

Lunches are available. cArE closEt thriFt Store at 574 Main St. has weekly specials and special auctions. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All proceeds to the local hospital and hospice.

Donations always welcome.

south mAin drop-in Centre has beginner line dance at 9 a.m., medical Qi Gong at 10 a.m., coffee social from 10 a.m. to noon, easy to intermediate line dance and cribbage at 1 p.m. and pilates at 3:30 p.m.

Al-Anon For FriEnds and family of alcoholics at 7:30 p.m. at United Church, 696 Main St. Call 250-4909272 for info.

A l c o h o l i c s hAs A nonymous Nooners meetings Monday to Friday noon at 1197 Main 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. cArpEt boWling From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Seniors’ Recreation and Wellness Centre, 439 Winnipeg St. kiWAnis club mEEts at 7 p.m. every Wednesday

at 390 Brunswick St. Call 250-493-8901 for information. pEnticton duplicAtE bridgE Club has 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 Legion on Martin St. Call Birgitta at 250770-1154 for info. t hE p Enticton AcAdEmy of Music String Orchestra rehearses from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. in the lounge of the Leir House, 220 Manor Park Ave. New members welcome.

Please call 250-4937977 for more info. 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. 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 250-492-7630 for info. olivEr doublE o Quilters have drop-in activities Wednesdays. okAnAgAn FAlls sEniors’ Centre has music and coffee from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and carpet bowling at 1 p.m.

AnAvEts hAs hump Day with Stu’s kitchen open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Entertainment

by Buzz Byer at 6:30 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.

FostEr cArE inFo sessions every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.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.

Thursday January 8

thE lEgion lAdiEs Auxiliary Lunch Bunch meets at 11:30 a.m. in Shades on Main Restaurant, 1909 Main St. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a free 12-step recovery program for anyone suffering from eating disorders meets at 6:30 p.m. in the social room (ring #206 for admittance) at 1820 Atkinson St. For more information call 778476-0374 or 250-8093329 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.

FitnEss FriEnds mEEts every Monday and Thursday in the Legion hall, 502 Martin St. at 10 a.m. Come and lose those extra pounds.

Call Dot at 250-4925400 for more info. tops (tAkE oFF Pounds Sensibly) meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 523 Jermyn

Ave. Call Merle at 250770-8093. linE dAncing At the Oliver Senior Centre at 10 a.m. Get moving with Claire Denney.

Call 778-439-2070 for more information. s upport W EEkly group at the Penticton Regional Hospital Mood Clinic for family or friends of any person who has a mental illness. Call 250-4937338 for details.

Elks club hAs fun darts at 7 p.m. tops b.c. 1640 meets from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Bethel Church basement at 945 Main St. Phone Beverley at 250-493-5968 or Liz at 250-493-7997 for more info. r oyAl c AnAdiAn lEgion branch 40 has an international dinner at 5:30 p.m., and crib at 7 p.m. in the Legion hall at 502 Martin St. south mAin dropin Centre has Spanish conversation and carpet bowling at 10 a.m.,

bingo, improver line dance and a crafters meeting at 1 p.m. Call 250-493-2111 to confirm line dance activities. 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 Erickson at rgerickson@telus.net or 250498-4959.

AnAvEts hAs stu’s kitchen open 9 a.m. to noon, drop-in pool at 7 p.m., 269 Darts club at 7:30 p.m.

A l c o h o l i c s night Anonymous 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.

Public input on 2015 electrical rates The City of Penticton is holding a public 3. input session to receive feedback on alternatives for the proposed 2015 electric rate increases.

Wednesday Jan. 7 @ 6 p.m.

Council Chambers Penticton City Hall 171 Main Street Rate increases The electric rate increase will consist of three separate components.

1.

First is the FortisBC increase on the price of power purchased by the City of Penticton, 3.50%.

2.

Second is the increase on the price FortisBC pays for power purchased from BC Hydro, 1.05%.

When the BC Hydro rate increase will take effect is unknown, but to set rates in Penticton, implementation has been assumed to be April of 2015. This yields an increase of 1.05%.

Third is an increase to address timing issues associated with the dates FortisBC and BC Hydro rate increases occur and when City electrical rates will occur. This is calculated to be 0.05%, applied to the price of power that the City sells to its customers.

Impact on average customer after 10% discount Customer type

Current average monthly fee

Est. average monthly fee Alternative 1 (5.11%)

Est. average monthly fee Alternative 2 (3.7%)

Est. average monthly fee Alternative 3 (4.4%)

Residential

$103.19

$108.46

$107.01

$107.73

Commercial

$632.15

$664.45

$655.54

$659.96

Application of increases The increases listed above can be Industrial $21,166.12 $22,247.71 $21,949.26 $22,097.43 applied in different ways, and this creates three alternatives to be consid- Alternative 2 – Increase electric rates Jan. 12, 2015: Adoption of Fees and by 3.7% for all customer classes Charges Bylaw amendments ered. Alternative 1 applies the increases Alternative 3 – Increase electric rates Feb. 1, 2015: New rates take effect to the rate the City sells power; this has by 4.4% for all customer classes * All meetings begin at 6 p.m. and held at the largest impact on customers. AlterCity Hall, 171 Main St., Penticton native 2 applies the increase to the rate Impact on the average customer Questions and information the City purchases power at; this affects (after 10% discount) For information, please visit customers the least. Alternative 3 apSchedule www.penticton.ca or contact Mitch plies an average of the two.

Moroziuk, Director of Operations, via Dec. 15, 2014: Intro of proposed rates 250-490-2515 or Jan. 7, 2015 Public input session Alternatives for consideration mitch.moroziuk@penticton.ca Jan. 7, 2015: First 3 readings of Fees Alternative 1 – Increase electric rates and Charges Bylaw amendments by 5.11% for all customer classes

16

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, January 7, 2014 Penticton Western News

calendar Al-Anon for friends and family of alcoholics meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Summerland United Church. Call 250-490-9272. frAternAl order of the Eagles has tacos at 5 p.m. and musical trivia bingo at 7 p.m.

Members and guests welcome to the hall at 1197 Main St.

Friday

January 9 Winter skAting PArty from 6 to 9 p.m. at the SOEC. Come skate on the big ice! Admission by minimum $5 donation, with all proceeds to the July 2015 Tanzania humanitarian

trip. Limited number of free skate rentals, hamburgers and hotdogs for sale. frAternAl order of the Eagles has dinner at 5 p.m. and a 50s and 60s night with Paul Jones starting at 7 p.m.

Members and guests welcome to the hall at 1197 Main St. r oyAl C AnAdiAn legion branch 40 has fish and chips lunch at 11:30 a.m. seniors singles lunCh Club welcomes 65-plus each Friday. For location call 250-496-5980 or 250-770-8622. 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. elks Club on Ellis Street has drop-in fun darts and pool at 7 p.m. the oliver senior Centre, 5876 Airport St., has bingo with a loonie pot every Friday at 1 p.m.

890 Wing of South Okanagan Air Force Association meets at 4 p.m. in the clubhouse at 126 Dakota Ave. PentiCton seniors ComPuter Club dropin sessions Monday and Friday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at 439 Winnipeg St. People

Development of a pest management plan Right-of-Way application #FBC-ROW-2015, FEI-ROW-2015 Applicant: FortisBC Suite 100 - 1975 Springfield Road Kelowna, B.C. V1W 7V7

Email: pestmanagementplans@ fortisbc.com Tel: 1-866-436-7847 Fax: 1-866-627-7038

Attention: vegetation management The purpose of the proposed Pest Management Plan (PMP) is to manage problem vegetation on rights-of-way transmission corridors, distribution networks, and their access roads within the FortisBC service area. The FortisBC service area is located in proximity to the communities of Creston, Crawford Bay, Kaslo, Slocan, South Slocan, Nelson, Castlegar, Salmo, Trail, Fruitvale, Grand Forks, Greenwood, and Midway, in the Okanagan Valley from Osoyoos to Kelowna, and in the Similkameen Valley from Princeton to Keremeos.

The pest management methods proposed for use include physical (nonchemical) treatment methods (selective slashing, mowing, pruning and burning), a biological control agent (fungus), cultural control methods (planting low growing trees and shrubs and compatible tree species, encouraging agro-forestry, and tree growth regulators/inhibitors when and if registered), and the use of pesticides (herbicides). The common name (and examples of trade names) of the pesticides proposed for use under this plan include: dicamba (Vanquish), glyphosate (Roundup, Roundup Weathermax, Glyphos, Vantage, Vantage Plus), picloram (Tordon), and triclopyr (Garlon 4 or Garlon Ultra). Application methods include: foliar, soil, wick/wipe-on and cut surface, using backpack, wick/wipe-on applicator, squirt bottle, injection tools and handgun (power hose and nozzle).

The proposed duration of the PMP is from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2020.

A draft copy of the proposed PMP and maps of the proposed treatment areas may be examined online at fortisbc.com or by contacting the Applicant listed above.

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the pest management plan, may send copies of the information to the applicant within 30 days of the publication of this notice and before February 13, 2015.

FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (14-398 12/2014)

may sign up for memberships, classes or have computer problems solved. Picture class on Mondays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. fridAy soCiAl dAnCe with Vic and the Band Masters at South Main Drop-In Centre, 2965 South Main St. starting at 7:30 p.m. $6 per person. funtimers’ bAllroom dAnCe Club meet most Friday evenings, upstairs at the Elks Club, 343 Ellis St., from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Come and enjoy an evening of ballroom and Latin American dance. Everyone welcome. For more information contact Robert McKenzie at 250-4930601 or visit pentictonfuntimers.org.

AnAvets hAs stu’s Kitchen open from 9 a.m. to noon. Mixed doubles pool at 7 p.m. and karaoke with Shawna at 7:30 p.m. south mAin droP-in Centre has yoga at 9 a.m., Tai Chi at 10:30 a.m., mah jong at 1 p.m., beginner-plus line dance at 1 p.m. t he b ereAvement resourCe Centre at 626 Martin St. hosts weekly drop-in grief support sessions Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Adults welcome. For more information on other available programs or support in the loss of a pet, call 250490-1107.

Al-Anon meets At the Oasis United Church at 2964 Skaha Lake Rd. from 6 to 7 p.m. For info call 250-490-9272.

Saturday January 10

PentiCton seCondAry dry Grad committee is holding their annual bottle drive on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Pen High parking lot.

A l C o h o l i C s Anonymous hAs daily meetings in Penticton and area. Call 250-490-

9216 (24 hours) for more information.

C hArity bottle drive with all money going to the Penticton Regional Hospital paediatric ward, SPCA, Critteraid and the Summerland food bank. Drop off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays at Penticton and Summerland IGA stores. eAgles Club hAs member appreciation day, burgers and fries at noon and beaver races at 4 p.m. Hockey night starts at 7 p.m.

AnAvets hAs stu’s Kitchen from 9 a.m. to noon, dinner by Stu at 5:30 p.m. and entertainment by Shindigger at 6:30 p.m. elks Club on Ellis Street has drop-in darts at 4 p.m., a meat draw at 4:30 p.m. and dinner by 5:30 p.m. followed by karaoke with Anita. r oyAl C AnAdiAn legion branch 40 has crib at 10 a.m., meat draw at 2 p.m.

A l C o h o l i C s hAs A nonymous its 12 bells group at noon at the Oasis United Church at 2964 Skaha Lake Rd. The Saturday night group meets at 8 p.m. at 150 Orchard Ave. and in Summerland, the Grapevine meeting is at 8 p.m. at 13204 Henry Ave. Call service 24 hours is 250-490-9216.

Sunday

January 11 everyone is WelCome to the Penticton Legion Ladies Auxiliary pancake breakfast in the hall, 502 Martin St. from 8:30 a.m. till noon.

For $4 you get pancakes, ham, sausage, orange juice and coffee and 50 cents more will get you strawberries and cream. sundAy blues JAm with hosts TR2 band, every Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m. at Penticton Legion, 502 Martin St. starting Jan. 11. Calling

FIND YOUR PASSION. FIND YOUR PURPOSE.

14-398_vegetation_mgmt_ad_4.3125x7-P2.indd 3

12/10/2014 7:55:17 AM

PROGRAMS START MONTHLY PRO > HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT - 7 Months > EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - 11 Months > COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER SOCIAL SERVICES - 12 Months > BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT - 12 Months

CALL PENTICTON: 250.770.2277 OR VISIT SPROTTSHAW.COM

all musicians and lovers of the blues to attend with your guitars and instruments, some amps and drums supplied. No cover charge and no membership required. elks Club on Ellis Street has a dart shoot at 11 a.m., dog races at 2 p.m., M&M meat draw, Last Man Standing, pool and darts.

Come dAnCe to the greatest dance music ever made with D.J. Emil, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the South Main Drop-In Centre, 2965 South Main St. $3 per person, all welcome.

AnAvets hAs horse races and meat draws at 2 p.m. lAkelAnds ChurCh holds Sunday services at 1265 Fairview Rd. (the Greek Orthodox Church) at 10:30 a.m.

Everyone welcome.

For more info contact info@lakelandschurch. com.

A l C o h o l i C s Anonymous meets in OK Falls at 10:30 a.m. at 5328 Hawthorne St., then in Penticton at 11 a.m. for the women’s group at the Lawn Bowling Club, 260 Brunswick St. The Sunday 123 group meets at 8 p.m. in the Education Room in the basement of the Penticton hospital. The closed men’s group meets at 11 a.m. at the Eagles hall at 1197 Main St., side door, upstairs. r oyAl C AnAdiAn legion branch 40 has meat and 50-50 draws at 2 p.m. in the hall, 502 Martin St. eAgles Club hAs pool league at noon, wings at 1 p.m. and meat draw at 4 p.m.

Monday

January 12 okAnAgAn College sPeAkers Series presents Dean Chalmers with It Never Rains in the Atacama. All talks are at 7 p.m. in the lecture theatre at the Penticton Campus of Okanagan College. ocspeakersseries.weebly. com. f rAternAl o rder of the Eagles has league darts at 7 p.m.

Members and guests welcome to the hall at 1197 Main St. t he b ereAvement resourCe Centre hosts a grief support group Mondays for parents who are grieving the

loss of a child. Call 250-490-1107 for more information. floor Curling At 12:45 p.m. every Monday except holidays in the Leisure Centre, 439 Winnipeg St. r oyAl C AnAdiAn legion branch 40 has dart dolls at 11 a.m., bridge at 1 p.m., darts at 7 p.m. General meeting at 7 p.m. fitness friends meets every Monday and Thursday in the Legion hall, 502 Martin St. at 10 a.m. Come and lose those extra pounds.

Call Dot at 250-4925400 for more information. iode thrift shoP at 464 Main St. is open from 1 to 4 p.m.

Monday to Saturday.

Clothing, kitchenwares, China items, pictures and more. elks Club on Ellis Street has league darts at 7:30 p.m. line dAnCing At the Oliver Senior Centre at 7 p.m. Get moving with Claire Denney.

Call 778-439-2070 for more information. south mAin droP-in Centre has improver line dance at 9 a.m., Scrabble at 10 a.m., carpet bowling at 10:45 a.m., duplicate bridge at 1 p.m., ukelele strum-along at 1:30 p.m., yoga at 3:30 p.m.

Everyone welcome.

AnAvets hAs stu’s kitchen open 9 a.m. to noon. Dinner at 5:30 p.m., pool and dart leagues 7 p.m.

A l C o h o l i C s Anonymous nux group meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Heritage Centre at Green Mountain Road and Penticton I.R. Road. Summerland 12 and 12 group at 8 p.m. at 13204 Henry Ave. in the United Church basement.

tueSday

January 13 visPAssAnA

(insight) for beginners or mature practitioners every Tuesday evening from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Please call Debora for details at 250-462-7340. All welcome, no charge.

P entiCton W hole foods Market presents a free seminar at 7 p.m. with Lila Eliot on A New Year Cleanse: why you need it, how to do it. elks on ellis Street has yoga, league darts and 10-card crib at 7 p.m. meditAtion

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 7, 2015

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 17

Your community. Your classieds.

250.492.0444

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

In Memoriam

Information

Lyle Richard Evans

BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government.

Toll-free 1-888-5112250 or visit us online: www.canadabenefit.ca/freeassessment

April 23, 1932 December 23, 2014 ❖❖❖ Fondest memories of my beloved and devoted friend and companion, Lyle. Remembered with thanks and love for ever and “always,” MARJORIE.

Announcements

Travel

Employment

Employment

Information

Travel

Disability Benefits Free Seminar

RV LOT rentals $8.95 a day.

362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertainment. Reserve by 02/14/2015. www.hemetrvresort.com. Call: 1-800-926-5593

Career Opportunities

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

TRAIN TO be an apartment/condominium Manager!

Government certified online course. Access to jobs across BC registered with us. 35 years of success! BBB Accredited Member. Visit us online at: www.RMTI.ca

We require qualified US capable Class 1 drivers immediately: We are an Okanagan based transport company looking for qualified drivers for US loads we run primarily in the Pacific Northwest, Utah, Arizona and Nevada. We offer a new pay rate empty or loaded. All picks and drops paid.

Assigned units company cell phones and fuel cards. Regular home time Direct deposit paid every second Friday with no hold backs. We offer a rider and pet policy. Company paid US travel Insurance. All applicants must have reliable transportation and a positive attitude. Please fax resume & abstract to 250-546-0600 or by email to parris@ricknickelltrucking.com NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Speakers: Dr. Alison Bested, on ME/FM, CFS, other Julie Fisher, Lawyer, Long-Term Disability and CPP Annamarie Kersop, Lawyer, Injury & No-Fault Benefits Date: Mon. Feb.9, 2015 at 7 pm Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver RSVP: 604-554-0078 or office@lawyerswest.ca www.LawyersWest.ca

Personals MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851

Children Childcare Available

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

LITTLE BUSY BEES licensed family daycare has 2 spaces available, Ages 6 mos.-12yrs., call (250)497-6996, email: ck3de@shaw.ca, Find us on Facebook; BusyBees Daycare.

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

Obituaries

Obituaries

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Travel

Funeral Homes

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FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

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Obituaries

Obituaries

BROWN

Funeral Homes

LORENE MARGARET (Scharfenberg-MacDermott)

for more information 1-800-663-6189 www.transplant.bc.ca

Information

In our weekly flyer dated January 2 to 8, 2015 Family Size Super Spinach Salad was incorrectly advertised.

The description should have read Super Spinach Salad, 170g. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you.

Farm Workers ORCHARD workers needed, $10.33/hour Sandhu Fruit Farm, 7311 Hillborne St., Summerland BC, V0H 1Z7, 250-486-3618, 250-494-9078

CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

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

“Miss you every single day, dear.”

“Miss you more than words can say, dear.”

Save on Foods Correction Notice

Employment

Timeshare

❖❖❖

Give life .... register to be an organ donor today!

fax 250.492.9843 email classieds@pentictonwesternnews.com

A Local & Reliable

DIRECT CREMATION SERVICE • LICENSED & PROFESSIONAL STAFF

SIMPLICITY CREMATION CARE CENTRES

• CREMATIONS PERFORMED IN PENTICTON • LOWEST COSTS IN THE SOUTH OKANAGAN

Born in 1918 in Kalispell, Montana and passed away peacefully at Village by the Station in Penticton on December 23, 2014. She was predeceased by her first husband, Charles MacDermott, and second husband, Lute Edall; sons, David and Lance; sister, Gleniss Myer. She is survived by her sister, Elsie Heath (Jack) of Hondo, Texas; daughters, Marilyn Tulloch and Lois Moore (Herb); sons, Terry MacDermott (Kathy) and Ken MacDermott (Carla); daughters-in-law, Sheila MacDermott and Cathy MacDermott; sixteen grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. No service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the M.S. Society. Thank you to the staff at the Village by the Station for their care of Mom during her time there.

Condolences may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com.

(250)488-4004

www.simplicitycare.com

#5 - 230A Martin Street, Penticton, B.C.

EVERDEN RUST FUNERAL SERVICES 250-493-4112

RONALD DAVIES

1920 – 2015 Died peacefully at Penticton Regional Hospital after a brief illness on January 2, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Norma; daughters, Ann White, Kathy (Trevor) Passmore; son-in-law, Dave Spilsbury; step daughters, Judy (Rick) Gartrell and Linette (Gary) Sedun; step sons, Larry (Alice) Pearson and Andy Pearson; 7 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 8 step grandchildren; 6 step great grandchildren. Ron was predeceased by wife, Christina (1972); daughter, Marion Spilsbury (2011) and 3 sisters. Born in Pedro, St. Anne, Jamaica on February 8, 1920, he served in the RAF in WW II moving to Canada in 1946 where he worked for CIBC until retirement in 1980. He was passionate about golf, travelling, the Rotary Club and many other community projects. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015 at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church (150 Orchard Ave., Penticton) at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be directed to The Rotary Foundation. Condolences may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com EVERDEN RUST FUNERAL SERVICES

250-493-4112

#JobPostings Follow us on Twitter for the latest local job postings in BC.

@LocalWorkBC

18 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Penticton Western News

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL DISTRESS?

FLEET SUPERVISOR The City of Penticton's Operation Division requires a Fleet Supervisor for the Fleet Department Reporting to the Public Works Manager, the Fleet Supervisor is responsible for the Corporate Fleet, including procurement, maintenance, asset preservation and disposal.

Competencies: • Interprovincial Red Seal certification as a Journeyman Heavy Duty or Commercial Transport Mechanic, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience • Minimum 5-7 years’ management experience in administration, supervision, procurement of goods and services, fleet maintenance and contract administration • Courses or certification in Business Administration or equivalent is an asset • A thorough understanding of fire apparatus and aerial equipment testing, troubleshooting, regulations and maintenance, Emergency Vehicle Technician (ETV) and Utility Fleet Certification would be an asset • Experience in developing and administering capital and operating budgets, project management and procurement processes • Superior understanding of health and safety regulations, Carrier National Safety Code regulations, Commercial Transport regulations, Motor Vehicle Act regulations and WorkSafe BC regulations • Demonstrated leadership skills, including experience in conflict resolution.

• Supervisory experience in a unionized environment is preferred.

• Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented and able to excel in a fast-paced and demanding environment • Excellent written and verbal skills • Superior computer skills, including the ability to use a variety of software programs (MS Office, financial software and fleet maintenance software) • Valid Class 3 Driver’s Licence with air endorsement We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits and pension package. The City of Penticton welcomes applications from motivated candidates for this challenging position. Applications must be submitted by 4:00 pm, January 16, 2015 to:

PLEASE QUOTE COMPETION 1414 -74E

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

Experienced Janitor required.

Must have own transportation. $13/hour., Phone: 1-250-8695165, Fax: 1-250-764-6460.

Email:evergreenbuildingmaintenance@gmail.com

HD MECHANIC Local trucking company - 40hrs/week. Competitive wages & benefits.

Class 1 or 3.

250-215-4909.

The successful candidate will have Editor experience in the community newspaper industry. They will have a keen eye for layout, have an extensive photography resume, be an aggressive user of social media, understand the latest trends in digital media and be able to lead two newsrooms both from a print and digital perspective. This successful candidate will also be part of the senior team for the West Kootenay and will be part of setting the overall vision and goals for these newspapers and websites. This position includes active news and community coverage, engaging editorial and opinion writing, as well as understanding and leading change in our print products and on our websites.

This position will be based out of Nelson, B.C. The West Kootenay is often considered one of the best places in B.C. to live and this position would suit any outdoor enthusiast, with spectacular skiing, mountain biking and hiking just outside your door. It is truly a wonderful place to live and to be involved in the community newspaper industry.

This position offers a better than average compensation package, that also includes a strong benefits package.

If this sounds like the right position for you please send your resume, a cover letter, references and some examples of your work to Karen Bennett at publisher@nelsonstar.com. Please no phone calls.

Home Care/Support Experienced Care Aide needed for female MS patient at home, (250)492-3886

Carriers Needed

2 Days a Week - Early Mornings The Penticton Western News has Routes available in these areas for Wednesday & Friday:

• Penticton

- Ridgedale/Kendall Rte. 24 - Ellis St. Area Rte. 51A - Penticton Ave. Area Rte. 31A

• Osoyoos • Oliver • Summerland

Your papers would be dropped at your home early in the morning for you to deliver, which leaves the rest of the day free.

email: apply@penticton.ca

Black Press in the West Kootenay region is seeking a regional Editor to oversee both the Nelson Star and the Castlegar News.

SALMON Arm logging company looking for fulltime contract logging trucks, or drivers.

Steady year round haul, home every night. Drivers must have bush experience. Please email westwaylogging@shaw.ca or call 778-489-0118

Be Part of Our Team.

City of Penticton, Human Resources 171 Main St. Penticton B.C. V2A 5A9

Regional Editor

Penticton & District Community Resources Society is seeking to fill 3 Residential Care Worker permanent positions. Minimum one year previous demonstrated effective experience supporting people with disabilities.

Up to 35 hrs per week.

Send resumes with cover letter to PDCRS at 330 Ellis St., Penticton, BC V2J 4L7.

For details visit: pdcrs.com “Employment Opportunities” Closing: January 12, 2015

For more info please call 250-492-0444 Ext: 219 or 205 or email: circulation@pentictonwesternnews.com

Medical/Dental

Trades, Technical

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada!

Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program.

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

CERTIFIED GM TECHNICIAN TICKETED BODYMAN

NEW YEAR, new career! CanScribe Medical Transcription graduates are in high demand.

Enroll today and be working from home in one year! Email: info@canscribe.com. Or call 1800-466-1535. Or visit us online: www.canscribe.com.

Ofce Support Penticton Accounting firm requires Part Time Administrative Assistant (~20 hours per week). The successful candidate will be responsible for typing, filing, and office organization. Email your resume along with a cover letter incl. salary expectation to: mikewildman@shaw.ca

Trades, Technical PLUMBER/GAS FITTER (2nd, 3rd, 4th year or J/man) required for Grand Forks company. We provide residential service, renovation, and construction services to our clients. If you are self-motivated, a problem solver, and have good communication skills - we need you.

Please send detailed resume to plumberdandy@telus.net or fax to 250-442-3327.

• SAW FILER • ELECTRICIANS • MILLWRIGHT/WELDER

- Surrey B.C Searching for highly motivated and ambitious individuals to work and be challenged in their field.

Competitive Wage & Good Benefit Package Offered!

Please forward your resume: Fax:(1)604-581-4104 Email: careers@tealjones.com Visit: www.tealjones.com

www.blackpress.ca

Vancouver Island, BC (see our community online at www.porthardy.ca) busy GM dealership looking for two full time positions to be filled immediately. Very competitive pay scales, benefits, and flexible schedules.

Send resume to cory@klassengm.com

Services

Art/Music/Dancing Radiate Artfully Class; experience the passion and freedom of your joyful self through spontaneous Tempra Paint, no skill required, no rules, 1/31/15 and 2/7/15, Bobbi-Rae, (250)328-9444

Financial Services ARE YOU $10K or more in debt? DebtGo can help reduce a significant portion of your debt load. Call now and see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783 IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple.

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LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts.

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Cleaning Services B&C Cleaning, residential, commercial & construction cleaning, yard clean-ups, driveway snow clearing, licensed, bonded & Worksafe.

Bill & Cheryl Watson, owner operators, (250)488-7964

BUSINESS AND SERVICE DIRECTORY BOOKKEEPING

DOOR SERVICE

G/L Bookkeeping Services

Bob’s Door Service Inc.

(Bookkeeping for Small Business)

Need some help keeping up with your bookkeeping?

Contact Gary Leggott at:

250.462.6482

250-809-6244

250-490-8189

FREE ESTIMATES

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

SPRING REPLACEMENTS

glphoto15@gmail.com

SERVING SOUTH OK AND THE SIMILKAMEEN

COMPUTERS

CALL 250 492-3636 to ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

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COMPUTER SALES AND REPAIR

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#108-1475 Fairview Road PENTICTON COMPUTER REPAIR

BAD CREDIT? Rebuild your credit today at

gocarcredit.ca DL. #5523

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Services

Services

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 19

Merchandise for Sale

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals Commercial/ Industrial

Countertops

Moving & Storage

Building Supplies

Misc. for Sale

REFACE Countertops.

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

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

Spiral Staircase, 14 step, 12’ high, rod iron railing built to code, $1500 obo, 250-4624935

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Really big sale!” All steel building models and sizes. Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Call Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 or visit www.pioneersteel.ca

Floor Refinishing/ Installations Flooring installations. 20 yrs experience. Okanagan Valley 778-215-rugs (7847)

Home Improvements ARE YOU WANTING TO RENOVATE? Framing, gyproc, painting, ooring, bathrooms, decks, windows and doors 35 years experience home/business References Available Licensed, Insured, WCB Ted Lund (250)490-7991

BELCAN

Painting & Decorating HERE COME THE PAINTERS, 14 years experience, Interior/Exterior, 250-486-2331 WWW.PAINTSPECIAL.COM

(1) 250-899-3163

3 Rooms For $299, 2 Coats Any Colour

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

Painting & Reno’s

Rubbish Removal

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

PENTICTON Junk Removal!

Anything goes!

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

licensed, insured, WCB

Len (250)486-8800 www.belcan.ca lenmass@gmail.com

FULL SERVICE plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928

Moving & Storage U1ST - MOVING 2 men $80/hr.

Local and long distance. Call 250-859-8362.

Pets & Livestock

Livestock AAA Grain fed beef for sale.

No implants/hormones, ready for freezer. Call 250-546-9766

Shavings & Sawdust Friendly service from Summerland since 1972 Les Porter 250-490-1132

Firewood/Fuel A-1 Firewood, Full cords, split & delivered, Pine, $200, 1/2 cords & 1/4 cords avail., Free delivery locally 250-7700827, 250-809-0127 evenings.

Apple firewood, dried, $125/standard pick-up load, can help load, you pick up.

250-490-1895

Heavy Duty Machinery A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all sizes in stock.

Trades are welcome.

40’Containers under $2500!

DMG 40’ containers under $2,000 each. Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift.

Wanted to buy 300 size hydraulic excavator.

Ph Toll free 1-866-528-7108 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Misc. for Sale STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

Misc. Wanted A Collector wants to buy your silver coins, Ingots, collectors coins, old money, old stone carvings, and sculptures. Call Todd 250-864-3521 BUYING gold jewelry! Bracelets, chains, necklaces, rings, watches, coins, gold teeth, etc.

Call Todd @ 250-864-3521.

Private Collector Looking to Buy Coin Collections, Silver, Antiques, Native Art, Estates + Chad: 250-863-3082 Local

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent 1bdrm unit, parking avail. great location, $700 heat/cable incl. n/s, cat ok w/deposit, 250-488-7902 Central Penticton, newer Executive condo, quiet, sunny location overlooking park, 1100 sq. ft. on 2 levels., 2bdrm, 1.5 bath, 6 appl., central air/heat, Covered parking, ns, np, long term rental, $1200+util. water incl., ref’s req., avail.

Feb. 1, 250-496-5465 Tiffany Gardens, Wilson St., main floor, 2bdrm, new appl., $800, NP, senior move in allowance, (250)493-4909

APPLE PLAZA, Prime Central location in busy plaza; ample parking. 2300 SF build to suit; 220 SF shared office space; 600 SF up 1100 SF, call Barb 250-770-0536 Business Opportunity at APPLE PLAZA, furnished & equipped upscale office space, 1500 sqft. up to 2300 sqft. ready for occupancy, call for details, Barb 250-770-0536

Duplex / 4 Plex 2bdrm 2bath unit, laminate floors, central location, private parking, cat ok with deposit, $900/mo., 250-488-7902 5 brm and den over 2400 sqf. $1490 two entrances. Long term only. fenced yard. Close to Penticton high school. 250487-0268

Homes for Rent 346 Penticton Ave., 3bd, 2ba, laminate fl, rec. room in bsmnt, yard w/deck, $1350+util./mo., text or call VJ 250-490-1530 Cawston, 2bdrm mobile $750 & 1 bdrm cottage, $700 country setting, (beside orchard), (incl util)., 250-499-0558 New 2bdrm house, $1300/mo., avail. Feb. 1, Heritage Hills, Penticton, np/ns, adults only, (778)515-1616 Olalla; newly renovated, spacious, bright house, 2bdrm, 1.5ba, laundry rm, family rm, sky lights, w/d/f/s/dw, workshop, park-like area, NO SMOKING, small pet ok, avail. now, $950/mo., 250-499-5700

Three million Canadians have a hearing loss.

I’m one of them.

The Hearing Foundation of Canada funds the only nationally coordinated medical research program to find the cause and cure of hearing loss.

To learn more about our programs and how you can help, call 1-866 HEAR YOU, toll free or visit our web site, www.hearingfoundation.ca Don Harron

Rentals

Transportation

Homes for Rent

Cars - Sports & Imports

PENTICTON 3 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR RENT, 5 min walk to Skaha Lake!! 2 bath, 2 car garage, sunroom, Low Maint. landscaping LOOKING FOR LONG TERM RENTER WANTED FEB 1st, 1 year lease. 55+ gated community in ‘The Springs’. 3400 Wilson St. Very clean and partially furnished. Available for rent Feb 1st. Call for more info. 250782-4082 e-mail redccole@gmail.com $1,450. monthly.

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

2012 Kia Sorrento EX, gray w/black leather, 68,000 kms, 2 set tires/rims, mint condition. original owners, fully loaded. $23,900. Call 1-250-308-4255

WHERE DO YOU TURN

TO LEARN WHAT’S ON SALE?

YOUR NEWSPAPER:

Suites, Lower

The link to your community

1bd daylight basement, close to Wiltse Elem. School, N/S, N/P, prefer mature resp. person, ref’s req., $650 incl. util., avail. immed., 250-493-5630

Scrap Car Removal *1AA Scrap Removal. We will beat all competitors pricing, 250-801-4199

Brand new 2bdrm suite, private entrance, np, ns, Wiltse area, (250)486-7974

Adult

Transportation

Escorts

Auto Accessories/Parts

JANICE, A delightful mistress for the discerning gentleman.

Attractive, clean & affectionate, afternoons, Penticton, appointments only,250-460-1713

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

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

20 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Penticton Western News

community

Icy plunge into 2015 Mark Brett

Western News Staff

ABOUT 100 brave and daring souls head down the beach at Sun-Oka after the countdown just after noon on New Year’s Day.

Mark Brett/Penticton Western News

With the thermometer reading a balmy -3 C, and the windchill making it even colder, about 100 brave souls began the new year with a dunk in the icy waters of Okanagan Lake Jan. 1.

Once again the annual Summerland Kinsmen Club’s Polar Bear Dip on the lakeshore at Sun-Oka Beach, this being the 30th anniversary, proved to be a popular spot for the many splashers and well-wishers.

For participants jumping around trying to maintain circulation while they waited for the noon countdown to begin, just feeling their toes, let alone wiggling them in frozen sand, was almost impossible.

For some of those people at the start line, the dip is an annual activity to blot out the night before and wash away their sins.

This was the third year in a row for Al Messier, and when asked why he chose to ring in the new year this way, he replied: “I don’t know, I was just asking myself the same thing. I’ve been second guessing myself the whole time. Last year there was snow on the ground and the year before there was ice on the water and this year it’s the wind, but I figured I might as well.”

For nine-year-old Macy Block, who was there with her mother Karen, jumping in the water was the result of a bet.

When asked afterwards while she stood shivering by the bonfire on the beach if she planned to make it a yearly

MACY BLOCK of Penticton exits the cold waters of Okanagan Lake after taking the plunge for the first and what she said was the last time.

Mark Brett/Penticton Western News

event, she thought for a moment and said: “No.” Evelyn Parcher-Travis of Penticton was with her brightly decorated Rainbow Warrior teammates and thought the dip would be a perfect way to celebrate her recent marriage.

“We’re newlyweds and we’re trying to start a new tradition and our friend invited us so this is our new tradition, to be crazy and go in the water,” said Parcher-Travis.

MEMBERS OF THE Rainbow Warriors (left to right) Allison Howard, Diana Hodge McGregor, Drew Makepeace, Evelyn Parcher-Travis, Charlie Parcher-Travis and Julia Perrier prepare to hit the waters of Okanagan Lake in the New Year’s Day annual Summerland Kinsmen Polar Bear Dip. All donations made at the event went to the Kinsmen to distribute through programs for local families and parks.

Mark Brett/Penticton Western News

ALL AREA RUGS

50

Bring in the New Year with a

BEAUTIFUL

%

OFF

In-Stock Inventory ONLY

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