Rossland News, March 19, 2015

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VOL. 10 • ISSUE 12

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

44

Small town medicine

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Eleven different craft breweries brought samples of their brews along to the 2015 Beer Goggles event recently held at RED Mountain Resort. In the fan favourite competition, our local brewery, the Rossland Beer Company, received gold. Parallel 49 Brewing Company and Fernie Brewing Company took out the silver and bronze medals respectively. “We strive hard at being the craft ski resort, so Beer Goggles Craft Beer Festival fits well. With the second year in the can, we are happy with the 450-person turnout over the two days of beer tasting. Bigger and better year three coming your way!” said Nicole Briggs, marketing and events manager at Red Mountain Resort.

Photo by Ryan Flett

Ski season extended after ironic climax ALICIA WALLACE Rossland News

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 2104 COLUMBIA AVENUE, ROSSLAND ✩ 250-362-2280

Red Mountain Resort’s early closure took season pass holders and destination visitors by surprise when the chairlift closure was announced Sunday morning, three weeks ahead of the slated end of season date.

But in an ironic twist, Mother Nature brought in the

goods, dumping 25 cm of snow just as the closure announcements were broadcast.

Now the local ski hill is back on course for spring skiing, explains Red’s general manager, Don Thompson. “That buys more time for spring breakers to ride the Silverlode, Motherlode and Paradise chairs beginning today,” confirmed Thompson. “Everything but Grey will be open, and we will stay operational

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as long as conditions permit,” he added.

The mountain’s thin snow pack created safety concerns and prompted the resort’s Sunday announcement.

Even though a blanket of fresh snow has extended the season, Thompson reminds skiers and boarders that off-piste terrain remains perilous, and he warns

• Continued on page 7

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Public input meeting

News

Thursday, March 19, 2015 Rossland News

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Our local craft brewery, Rossland Beer Company, currently brews 50 to 60 hectolitres of beer per week or approximately 3,120 hectolitres per year, which would qualify them for a tax credit if an NDP private member’s bill is adopted.

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Tax credit for microbreweries?

New Democrat introduces private bill ALICIA WALLACE Rossland News

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The federal New Democrats’ small business critic has introduced a bill in the House of Commons aimed at providing a tax credit that will help microbreweries lower the tax burden and as a result expand their business and export offering.

This bill would amends the Income Tax Act to provide for a tax credit for Canadian brewers who brewed less than 15,001 hectolitres (HL) of beer and malt liquor in a fiscal year.

The legislation would provide an automatic tax credit for brewers producing zero to 5,000 HL annually and a formula-specific credit for those producing 5,001 to 15,000 HL. One hectolitre of beer is equivalent to two kegs of beer.

“There’s no doubt the popularity of microbreweries is on the rise here in Canada. They’re creating local jobs and providing world class beers to Canadians from coast to coast,” said Brian Masse, the NDP’s small business critic.

“This tax credit will allow these entrepreneurs to produce more, hire more and generate more revenue that will go right back into helping their small businesses and drive the Canadian economy,.”

“With a focus on unique flavour and brewing techniques, Canadians are falling in love with their local microbreweries,” added BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko. “I am very proud

With a focus on unique flavour and brewing techniques, Canadians are falling in love with their local microbreweries

that the NDP is supporting this growing market and our local breweries.”

Microbreweries account for six per cent of the market share in Canada, a number that is estimated to triple in the coming years.

The bill introduced by Masse last week could take a while to get legs. It’s quite far down on the parliament’s order of precedence, although the NDP is hoping the governing Conservatives will lift the idea behind the bill or put it in a budget.

Private members bills and motions are ideas introduced in par-

liament the public can rally behind to petition or pressure the government to act upon.

Depending on their levels of production, the Rossland Beer Company and Nelson Brewing Company are two microbreweries that might stand to benefit from the tax credit.

The Rossland Beer Company began operating in the summer of 2012 as Trail Brewing and has since moved to Rossland, establishing a shop front in Sourdough Alley nine months ago. The craft brewery currently brews around 50 to 60 HL per week or approximately 3,120 HL per annum.

Petri Ratio of Rossland Beer Company said this move would be a step in the right direction.

“It’s super encouraging for the industry. It encourages people to get involved. The tax credit break would be great,” he said.

Statistics show an estimated ten million Canadians drink beer and an estimated 21.9 million HL are produced annually making it the number one alcoholic beverage in Canada in terms of both production and consumption.

In 2013, Canada sold over 19 million HL of domestic beer alone — this does not account for imported beer. Beer and liquor stores and agencies sold $21.4 billion worth of alcoholic beverages during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, up 2.2 per cent from the previous year. Beer remained the alcoholic drink of choice for Canadians, with $9.1 billion in sales.

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Rossland News Thursday, March 19, 2015

News

A glimpse into small town medicine Liz Bevan Trail Times

Recruiting a doctor to set up a practice in a rural area is an issue the province has been dealing with for a long time, but the University of British Columbia and the Southern Medical Program may have a solution.

In Trail, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital is the site for the integrated community clerkship where students can get a glimpse of small town medicine before they graduate and become practicing physicians.

When Rossland native and UBC medical student, Nichole Gill, was given the opportunity to study in the Kootenays, she jumped at the chance to come home.

Once her first two years of medical school were done, Gill was required to apply for a third-year clerkship at a hospital in the province. Through the program, studying at the hospital in Trail was an option and she was picked for one of four spots in the 2014-15 program.

“You had to apply to the program and then you rank your preference on where you wanted to go,” she said.

“Trail was my first choice, and I was really excited at being able to come back here.”

Having grown up in Rossland, Gill already knew about the long list of features the area has to offer, but had yet to experience medical education near her home community.

“I grew up knowing that I loved the area, especially all of the recreational activities, like skiing and hiking,” she said. “I love the community feel in a smaller town, so for me, coming back here this year, was all about learning what it was like to practice medicine in a small town and get a real look at what it would be like to do that in

the future.”

Small-town medical training hasn’t been around the Kootenays forever.

The program at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, and five other hospitals across the province, was introduced in 2011, and has had a successful run for the last four years.

Gill is an example of the program working the way it was planned.

“I have had such a great experience here that I can definitely see myself coming back here, or somewhere like it,” she said.

Part of what makes the rural medical education program so successful, at least from Gill’s perspective, is the personalized experience she gets on a day-to-day basis.

“There are only four of us, as opposed to various medical schools that have tons of students in various stages of medical training,” she said.

“Because there are so few of us, we get to have the run of the hospital. We get to do a lot of things that you might not get to do in a bigger hospital, just because they are busier and students aren’t necessarily always at the front of the line for who gets to do a procedure or who gets to go first. It is personalized.”

Dr. Cheryl Hume, program director at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, says the quality of education the students receive through the program is second to none.

“There is a lot of one-on-one mentorship with the students,” she said.

“They get a lot of direct experience and they get to really know their teachers and their teachers can really help them learn and assess how they are learning.”

Working in a smaller community also provides Gill and the other students with the environment to get to know the patients she is treating and seeing day-to-day.

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“There is a lot of opportunity to work with patients one-on-one,” she said. “That is the integrated part. We are here, interacting and getting to know people. We only have one halfday a week in a classroom environment, and the rest of the week, it is clinical learning time. It is definitely exciting to be out of the classroom.”

Dr. Hume sees the student-patient relationship as a huge plus within the program.

“The most important thing, is that the students gets to see patients over the course of the year,” she said.

“They really understand the patient care journey and how care can progress or how health and wellness progress instead of going in and seeing a patient once and trying to learn about a disease that way. There is that continuity.”

With the program, Gill and her fellow third-year students, are in the process of taking different medical specialities for a test-drive in everything from surgery to family practice.

Soon, she is going to have to pick a specialty to focus on, dictating the rest of her education and future career.

“We do a few weeks at a time in each specialty, then we rotate through them later in the year,” she said, adding that she is going to have a hard time coming up with a future specialty. “I liked aspects of all of my rotations, which is making it very difficult to decide what I am going to do next.”

One of the options Gill has for her fourth year of medical training is to apply for the brand-new UBC rural residency program, launching this summer. The new program provides medical students with the opportunity to continue their studies in a small town setting, and hopes to attract doctors to small town life.

Nichole Gill is one of four third-year medical students studying through the integrated community clerkship at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. The Rossland native jumped at the chance to come home to the Kootenays for her third year in medical school and is looking at returning to a rural area to practice medicine when she graduates.

Photo by Liz Bevan Dr. Hume says the new rural residency program is the next logical step for medical students already learning in a rural environment.

“We are taking students to the next level with this two-year training program we have built on top of what we have already done [with the program],” she said, adding that the program will be taking in its first four students this July. “This is where we get young future physicians exposed to rural medical practice. Especially

if they were already here for a year in the clerkship program, they would be here for two years after that in a rural environment.

“The chances of them returning to a rural environment to practice is much, much better. It will go a long way to fixing our physician recruitment concerns. It is all part of the big picture.”

For more information on the clerkships or rural residency program, visitmdprogram.med.ubc.ca.

Editorial

A4 www.rosslandnews.com

Thursday, March 19, 2015 Rossland News Kootenay group publisher: Chuck Bennett Acting publisher: Karen Bennett Advertising: Christine Esovoloff Operations Manager: Jennifer Cowan

OUR VIEW

Stimulate the economy Shirley Bond, minister for jobs, tourism, skills training and minister of labour, last week announced that the government is indexing increases for the minimum hourly wage and liquor server wage to BC’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).

To attract workers, who become residents of Rossland, we need to increase minimum wages to remain competitive. This will align Rossland with other areas of Canada and as a result, ensure new residents are not demotivated by high living costs compared to wages. These low-income earners deserve to be able to support their families as other consumer prices rise.

Yes, the majority of our businesses here in town are small and they will initially feel the pinch when the increase takes effect in September. We also need to remember this wage increase is aligned to CPI. We have to look at this increase’s impact on the broader economy.

Minimum wage increase studies show evidence that increasing the minimum wage has little or no negative effect on employment of minimum wage workers and it also has potential to stimulate the economy. In most cases, the increase will translate to spending on household items and groceries.

With the percentage increase being aligned to CPI it also gives businesses a predictable formula they can work with.

It is important to recognize that it is only when the economy is experiencing growth that wages will increase.

Businesses of Rossland should not view this as a negative but understand the importance of this announcement to the people they employ and that they will still have access to some of the best people in the labour pool, as workers are not put off moving here.

Letters Policy The Rossland News welcomes letters to the editor intended for publication but reserves the right to edit for brevity, clarity, legality, accuracy and topicality. Letters should be typically in the range of 300 words in length.

Anonymous letters will not be published. To assist in verification, name, address and daytime telephone must be supplied, but will not be published.

FAREWELL FROM OUR REPORTER, ALICIA WALLACE

W

hat an impact this vibrant little community has made on me! It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye and write this final piece for the Rossland News. Farewells can be difficult, especially when you find something that aligns to a lifestyle you cherish. While the snow has been lacking, the warm-hearted people certainly have not. It has been a pleasure to share your stories and be involved in this community. You certainly welcomed me in Rossland!

I hope the newspaper has given you something to look forward to each week as well as playing an important role in the social development of this wonderful community.

Most of you whom I spoke with quickly picked up that I spoke with a funny accent. I secured a sabbatical from my role in Australia commencing April 2014 and now it is time to return home. And no, I don’t have a background in journalism, (maybe that’s obvious) as many of you often asked, although I do have qualifications in interactive digital media and marketing communications and a passion for giving the community’s stories life in the weekly paper.

You can continue to contact my replacement using the reporter@rosslandnews.com email address. I am certain the Rossland News management will find someone who

is committed to telling the community’s stories and will quickly adapt to the social task of interviewing the wonderful people who are making news in Rossland.

I adore the Kootenay culture — alive and well here in Rossland. Something I learned through my role was Rossland citizens take ownership to ensure things happen. Rather than sitting back and saying ‘they’ should do this or that, you get out there and take action.

This is admirable and a great reminder as to why small communities are so charming.

Deadlines can often be a challenge but thanks to the cooperative community-minded people here, creating content was never an issue. Sometime organizations had fluid plans and print media meant it was impossible to change the message once Thursday’s paper hit the stand.

I have made so many memories here that I will cherish forever.

Christine Esovoloff Sales Associate

All rights reserved. Contents copyright by the Rossland News. Any reproduction of material contained in this publication in whole or in part is forbidden without the express written consent of the publisher. It is agreed that the Rossland News will not be responsible for errors or omissions and is not liable for any amount exceeding the cost of the space used, and then only such portion where the error actually appeared. We reserve the right to edit or reject any submission or advertisement that is contrary to our publishing guidelines.

Katelyn Hurley Creative

Alicia Wallace Reporter

Your Community News Team

I will definitely be recommending this place to others and hope to return for a short break when Ullr delivers the goods next winter.

Thanks for reading and supporting your community newspaper.

— Alicia Wallace

Chuck Bennett Publisher

Jennifer Cowan Operations Manager

Rossland News Thursday, March 19, 2015

Community

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Long-time volunteer Mary Hatlivik (right) pins a daffodil on Mayor Kathy Moore to signify the beginning of the Cancer Society’s annual daffodil campaign.

Photo submitted

Rossland residents to unite in April for Daffodil Month For Canadian Cancer Society, the daffodil is more than a simple flower This bright and hopeful symbol shows people living with cancer that they don’t have to face cancer alone, and that we won’t give up until we have achieved our vision of a world where no Canadian fears cancer.

During April — Daffodil Month — the Canadian Cancer Society asks all Canadians to buy a daffodil pin and wear it to show their support for those living with cancer.

“We celebrate the ‘power of the flower’ all year round but April is really our time to shine!” says Lynnette Wray, financial support program team lead for the Canadian Cancer Society in the southern interior. “When loved ones are diagnosed with cancer, we often want to do something to help or honour them. This April, we want people to know that there is something they can do.”

Rossland residents can support Canadians living with cancer by wearing a pin, buying fresh cut flowers and donating to the doorto-door campaign. Every donation made during the Canadian Cancer Society’s April Daffodil Campaign brings us one step closer to preventing cancer, detecting it earlier, improving treatment and helping Canadians live longer, healthier lives.

Last year, the Canadian Cancer Society was able to fund $45 million dollars in world-class research to fight all cancers and help more than 85,000 Canadians through its information and support services. The

society also funds important cancer prevention work so fewer Canadians are diagnosed in the first place.

“In April we like to focus on the support programs that help people on a cancer journey,” says Wray. “Like our Lodge in Kelowna

We celebrate the ‘power of the flower’ all year round but April is really our time to shine.

where patients can stay during cancer treatments to the financial support program that helps pay for their travel expenses to get there.

We also have a wig bank in our Trail office where people can come and borrow a wig and get the emotional support they need.”

Of the five regions in the BC/Yukon division of the Canadian Cancer Society, the southern interior is the largest user of the

financial support program. Since September 2010, over 1,500 clients have been approved for a total of over $700,000 in funding.

“Our region is the biggest user of the financial support program for several reasons,” explains Wray. “We’re very geographically dispersed and patients often have to travel long distances for cancer treatment in Kelowna or Vancouver. For example, a patient in Cranbrook might need specialized treatment that they can only get in Vancouver. That’s 958 km with limited low-cost transportation options and barriers such as mountain passes and winter weather.”

“I’m proud to be a part of the Canadian Cancer Society because I think with the help of our amazing volunteers and generous donors we’re making a real difference in the lives of people on their cancer journey,” says Wray.

In Rossland, the Canadian Cancer Society kicks off Daffodil Month by selling fresh cut daffodils at Ferraro Foods on March 26 and 27. The daffodil pin will be available by donation at various businesses in Rossland and Trail throughout April, including Kootenay Savings Credit Union, Ferraro Foods and BC Liquor stores.

“We’re looking forward to another successful daffodil campaign,” says Wray. “I want to thank everybody that buys a pin, or a bunch of daffodils, or donates at the door. Thank you for making a difference.”

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Relay For Life Greater Trail is excited to announce that it will be a 6 hour event this year.

Marie’s friends and family are Relaying because Marie has cancer.

WHO WILL YOU RELAY FOR?

Relay For Life is an inspirational fundraising event that challenges you and your community to walk or run to advance cancer research and support Canadians living with cancer.

Accept the baton. Register at relayforlife.ca

#WhyIRelay

Greater Trail Relay For Life May 30, 4 pm – 10 pm Gyro Park, Trail BC trailrelay@bc.cancer.ca

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Thursday, March 19, 2015 Rossland News

Arts

It’s Time for Colour: The touring show displayed 18 master quilters’ work from across Canada at the Rossland Art Gallery this month.

Photo by Alicia Wallace

Inaugural travelling quilt show ALICIA WALLACE Rossland News

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For the first time in Canada, the Canadian Quilters’ Association (Association de la courtepointe) presented a travelling quilt show titled It’s Time for Colour.

The show displayed 18 master quilters’ work from across Canada at the Rossland Art Gallery this month. Rossland quilter Karen Thatcher, who organized the tour stop here, said the show was well received.

“There were tons of people going in there [Rossland Art Gallery]. Not only quilters but also artists — even some from Australia. The show attracted people from lots and lots of cross disciplines as well as people from other art guilds like Nelson and Grand Forks. The show is not just about quilts but also about nice artists and their work. We have done a lot of good things for the community.”

Thatcher’s story is quite unique in that she learned to quilt as a way to cope with a severe head injury she suffered after a car accident. Quilting trained her to think in a more linear fashion and to weave new ways.

“What I do helps me. Quilting gives me goal-setting techniques. It allows me to express myself,” said Thatcher.

When Thatcher was first establishing herself in quilting, she contacted the Jimmy Pattison Group to donate ties. In the first month 4,000 silk ties were sent to her from the Vancouver-based organization which employees 64,000 people.

Thatcher explains she organized the travelling quilt show to be displayed in Rossland by getting together with gallery curator Fletcher Quince and formulating a plan to bring the award winning quilters’ work to the mountain kingdom.

“I was invited to join the group of artists

and I donated to the small quilt that was displayed. I asked to bring the show here,” said Thatcher.

The show offered a rare opportunity to purchase a quilt made by a master quilter who has won at least one award at the Canadian National Juried Show.

Quilts were for sale at $200 each with proceeds from sales going to benefit The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada (childrenswish.ca).

Quilting allows Thatcher to host her own workshops and convey the wealth of information she has learned over the years. Now a teacher of the art, she explains it is no longer your grandma’s type of handicraft.

“My goal is to create beautiful things by working out the technical problems of art quilting, connecting with others with like interests and teach those who would like to learn my personal techniques,” Thatcher said.

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No purchase necessary. Contest open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Five (5) prizes are available to be won, each consisting of a check for $100. Approximate value of each prize is $100 CDN. The selected entrant must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest opens Monday, March 16, 2015 at 6:01 AM ET and ends on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 11:59 PM ET. For instructions to enter and complete contest rules visit Save.ca/SpringCleaning.

The Tourist Company, from Vancouver, are coming to Rossland on Saturday, March 28. The group came third in last year’s Peak Performance Project. They released their debut album in 2013, followed by two extended plays in 2014. Now they’re back in the studio working on their sophomore album — set to come out later this year. While they are on the road touring they will play at the Flying Steamshovel.

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No purchase necessary. Contest open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Five (5) prizes are available to be won, each consisting of a check for $100. Approximate value of each prize is $100 CDN. The selected entrant must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest opens Monday, March 16, 2015 at 6:01 AM ET and ends on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 11:59 PM ET. For instructions to enter and complete contest rules visit Save.ca/SpringCleaning.

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Local ski hill is back on course More time for spring breakers to ride the Silverlode, Motherlode and Paradise chairs

• Continued from page 1

those areas are not patrolled.

“Part of the reason we were open so long is because with the thin snowpack you could see the hazards,” he explained. “Now with up to 30 cm on top, it’s more challenging to see. For people skiing Paradise, there’s good skiing on the groomed runs. So as an advisory, ski the groomed runs.”

The hill will monitor conditions day-today and provide updates at redresort.com.

The jury is still out if more snow or rain is on the way, according to Jesse Ellis from the Castlegar weather office.

“A couple of weak systems are coming our way, which won’t be snow producers for the higher elevations,” he explained. “The thing to watch is going to be toward the end of this week and into the weekend, a big system gathering steam off shore.”

He said snow or rain at the higher elevations is dependent on how quickly the system moves into the region.

“Truth at the moment is it could still go either way. The latest models are split 50/50,” said Ellis.

After an El Niño phenomenon ushered in a mild winter, Red Mountain fared quite well compared to many other BC ski resorts like those in Kimberley and Fernie, which

were forced to reduce operations due to lack of snow.

Destination visitors from Europe and the United States continued to land in Rossland

For people skiing Paradise, there’s good skiing on the groomed runs. So as an advisory, ski the groomed runs.

over the weekend for a ski vacation, says Thompson, as well as local families skiing for the day.

“We’ve been very steady,” said Thompson.

“The lodging company has done well with high occupancy rates, and throughout town.

Relative to a lot of other resorts, we’ve done very well.”

While the regional weather office remains at odds if more snow is on the way, Thompson said the resort is hoping to push its annual year-end bash past the previously slated March 22 date.

“We are finalizing the dates now,” he said.

“If we are able to keep the mountain open we might push it back another week.”

There could be one casualty due to early snow melt, and that’s the annual Slush Cup run. The end-of-season activity is currently scheduled for March 28, however Thompson is uncertain if there will be enough snow to carry the event.

Howard Katkov, president of Red Mountain Resort, issued a letter to season pass holders on Sunday, acknowledging the painful winter for pass holders, destination visitors and the community as a whole.

In response to a shortened season, the resort has slashed costs to purchase youth early bird, junior early bird and college student early bird passes.

— With files from Sheri Regnier, Trail Times

World

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Petof of the Pet the Week Week

This handsome neutered brindle sss

Coonhound was a transfer from the South Okanagan BCSPCA on September 22, 2014. He has gone to one home but things did not work out and he is back to try again.

His name is Horace and he is approximately 5 years old.

Horace is your typical Coonhound! A common misconception about Coonhounds is that they are “laid back”, and will lie around most of the time, doing nothing.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Coonhounds are very high energy dogs that need an owner who can commit to give them a lot of daily exercise, and once trained, can be great jogging partners. Horace does get bored easily and will bark to reduce his anxiety, this being another reason to make sure he is exercised throughout the day. He is very friendly and loves to be around people, and loves the water! He needs to be the only dog as he does have some food and possession guarding issues. Horace has lived peacefully with a cat which is quite rare for a hound.

If you have knowledge on this great breed and are looking for a new Hound to be a part of your life, please contact the Trail Regional BCPSCA at 250368-5910 or trail@spca.bc.ca

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Thursday, March 19, 2015 Rossland News

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Community

UPCOMING

ROSSLAND MUSEUM For the winter, admission will be 50 per cent off !

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 23, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC JAM March 19, 6-9 p.m.@ The Old Firehall. All levels and musical styles are welcome. There will be a nominal fee of $5. For more information contact Ron at 778-457-0011 or email: Hallidaykoots@shaw.ca.

PUBLIC MEETING Thursday, March 26, 6 p.m. @ Rossland City Hall to discuss with council the setting of the 2015 water and sewer rates.

NDCU 64TH AGM Tuesday, April 28, 7 p.m. @ Prestige Lakeside Resort, Nelson. To ensure members from Rossland can participate free bus service will be available.

5:30 p.m. pick up at the Rossland branch. To reserve your seat, call 250-362-7393.

CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY DAFFODIL DAYS Pick up your fresh cut daffodils March 26-27 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ferraro Foods. Questions? Contact Mary at 250-362-9452.

EASTER EGG HUNT April 4, 11 a.m. @ the Rossland Museum. Following the search, come into the museum for some special crafts and activities! More details to come.

on a short indoor course. Baskets will be provided, however if you have a practice basket bring it along. Players should bring their own discs but if you don’t have a disc there will be discs available. There are no fees.

WRITER’S CLUB Every Wednesday until April 15, 7:30 to 9 p.m. @ Rossland Seniors Hall. All genres of writers welcome.

No membership fee. Learn from published authors and writers.

PICKLEBALL Indoor Pickleball at RSS starts on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

ROSSLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY The library has lots of great programs and events: Homeschoolers Happy Hour: 1st and 3rd Friday 1-2 p.m.

Lego Club: 1st and 3rd Thursday 3 to 4 p.m.

Books and Babies: Fridays at 11 a.m. Songs and story time for little ones 0 to 30 months.

Page Turners Book Club: 2nd Thursday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. for kids 8-11 years old.

Book Club for adults: Last Wednesday of each month.

Movies and Munchies: 4th Thursday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. For kids 6-12 years.

TRADITIONAL TURKEY BUFFET DINNER March 21, 5 to 7 p.m. @ Rossland United Church Annex.

With all the trimmings plus home made desserts. Everyone Welcome!

ONGOING

YOUTH FILM MAKING DROP IN Wednesdays, March 4 to April 1, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. @ YAN space.

Hang out with other youth film makers and work on your film projects.

Get your films ready for the U19 film festival with the support of other people interested in film. Help each other film scenes, share knowledge, techniques and equipment. Facilitated

by Liam Barnes, former winner and judge of the U19 Film Festival.

ART DROP IN NIGHT Mondays, starting March 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m. @ our new space next door to RHC Insurance down town. There will be no instruction, just a space to be creative with other youth artists.

We will have guest artists present to lend support. Guest artists: March 2 and 9 – painter Stephanie Gauvin; March 16 and 23 – air brush artist Colin Taylor.

Other guest artists to be announced!

ROSSLAND MAKERLAB Thursdays 7 to 8:30 p.m. @ Seven Summits Centre for Learning Mentors are on hand to help with 3D modeling, printing or for other technology project. For youth 12 and up. This program is free.

MAR 2015

ADULT CO-ED REC HOCKEY Tuesdays 9:45 to 11 p.m.

Sundays 9:15 to 10:30 p.m.

Join this fun, co-ed recreational program of non-contact drop-in hockey.

Full equipment is required and some experience necessary.

FREE DISC GOLF Fridays at 7 to 9 p.m. from January to mid-March at the RSS gym. The Kootenay Rockies Disc Golf Society are offering indoor disc golf. A variety of fun putting games will be played

AM

OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays 9 to 11 p.m. @ Flying Steamshovel. Bring your gear and come out and jam with other musicians. Hosted by Tim Bourchier.

TEEN NIGHT Tuesdays 6-8 p.m. @ the Rossland Public Library. Let Sage and Sally know what you want to do at Teen Night. Come out and have fun!

ROSSLAND SENIORS Monday 1:30 p.m.

Seniors Art Club meets. Contact Edith at 250-362-4477.

Monday 7 p.m.

Rossland Quilters Guild meets. Contact Dayanne at 250-362-7727.

Wednesday 7 p.m.

Rossland Old Time Fiddlers play.

Visitors should contact Richie or Audrey at 250-362-9465.

Thursday 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Seniors stretching exercises and morning tea and snacks.

LOCAL WRITERS DISCUSSION Wednesdays 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. @ the Rossland Seniors Hall. To share ideas, expertise and knowledge, critiques, and open opportunities for experienced and want to be writers.

For more information contact Les Anderson by email lesanderson66@ gmail.com or phone @ 250-362-5532.

.COM

Highway Drive, Trail B.C.

ROSSLAND MONKEY CLUB Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. @ RSS Auditorium. Parkour and freerunning. Ages 8 and up. $5 drop-in.

ROSSLAND BEAVER SCOUTS Mondays 3 to 4 p.m.

Girls and boys ages 5 to 7 years. Please contact Deanna Leask at 250-3627118 to join.

ROSSLAND TOONIE XC SERIES AT BLACKJACK Come ski under lights at the BlackJack Ski Club. XC Skiing events every Thursday night. Events will continue through March or until we run out of snow. Register in the trailhead cabin between 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

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City of Rossland to consult public on water and sewer rates A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. at Rossland city hall’s council chambers to give the public an opportunity to discuss with council the setting of the 2015 water and sewer rates.

The City of Rossland completed a request for proposal and contracted DFA Infrastructure International Inc. to complete

a water and sewer rate analysis. Representatives from the company will present on their findings and provide opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide comments.

Questions can be directed to Lois Hunter, acting chief financial, officer at 250-362-2322 or by email at loishunter@ rossland.ca.

Festival volunteers needed The Kootenay Festival of Arts will be hosted in Trail from April 6 to 18.

The festival offers students in the disciplines of dance, piano, speech, drama, choral, vocal and strings, the opportunity of performance and

adjudication by professionals in a theatrical environment.

Volunteers are needed to assist with day to day duties.

Please call Audrey Gerein at 250-362-5522 to volunteer.

SUBMISSIONS This page is for community, charity or fundraising events that are free (or nearly so) at the discretion of the editor. Timely events take priority and every effort will be made to ensure the publication of all contributions as space allows. If you have previously posted an event and want it to run again, provide an up-to-date version with contact details to editor@rosslandnews.com or call us at 877-365-6397.

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Rossland News Thursday, March 19, 2015

News

Miners’ Hall nets Trust funding

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Above: Rossland Miners Union Hall ca. 2010 (south elevation) (Larry Doell photo) and inset ca. 1900. (Rossland Museum & Archives) Alicia Wallace Rossland News

The Lower Columbia Community Development Team and the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture are both recipients of major funding from the Columbia Basin Trust.

The Lower Columbia team will receive $600,000 over the next two years, while the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture has been granted $300,000 that will make the renovation and restoration of the Rossland Miners’ Union Hall one step closer to reality.

“We are very grateful for this show of support from the Columbia Basin Trust,” said Renate Fleming, president of the arts council. “With this $300,000 contribution, we now have 70 per cent of the required funds in place for the project.”

For the arts council, which has been dreaming of turning the fourth floor attic space of the Miners’ Hall into a functional arts and recreation programming space for nearly 20 years, the funding will give the project momentum for a hopeful construction date in 2016.

“The intent of the project is to stabilize the condition of the Miners’ Hall, restore the façade to its historic form and create new spaces inside the existing building that will support arts and community activities,” explains Fleming.

“When the Western Federation of Miners Local 38 built the Hall in 1898, they had plans to develop the attic into usable space. Finally, over 100 years later, we are going to make it happen.”

Currently the fourth floor attic is an undeveloped spaced used predominantly for storage. The plans for the fourth floor development include a green room for performers, storage for the Gold Fever Follies props and costumes, and a midsized main room that would be used for art classes and recreation programs.

When the city announced they would be doing much needed upgrades to the roof and siding of the building using Miners’ Hall designated reserve funds, the arts council knew this was the time to embark upon the much dreamed of fourth floor renovation, Fleming said.

In addition to the city’s planned upgrades to the roof and siding and the arts council’s renovations to the fourth floor, the project has expanded to include restoration to the façade and reconstruction of the entry courtyard.

“Our plans for the attic renovation included reopening the balcony that overlooks Columbia Avenue,” explains Larry Doell from arts council. “While looking at some historical photos, we realized that the design of both the balcony and the roof line had been substantially changed from the original.”

The planned façade restoration intends to rebuild both the balcony and roofline to more closely resemble the original High Victorian design.

The Lower Columbia team sought input from the community on how to spend over half a million dollars in grant funds they received from the Trust. As a result, the organization drafted the Lower Columbia priorities plan.

“The valuable input from the community has helped us create the plan that will guide the allocation of $600,000 in funding for the Lower Columbia which includes Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale and Areas A and B over the next two years,” said a committee spokesperson.

The top priorities identified in the plan are: economic and tourism development, local governance, recreation, community services, and arts, culture and heritage. Over the coming months the committee will be meeting with interested stakeholders to identify possible partners and projects. The full plan is available online at lccdts.com.

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Help Wanted West Kootenay EcoSociety seeks P/T Field Organizer.

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Employment

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Help Wanted

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Call Shelley Cameron Estate Administrator at 877-797-4357 today, to set up your FREE consultation in Nelson.

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Part-time Reporter The Rossland News, a Black Press weekly publication in beautiful Rossland BC, is seeking an exceptional, part time multimedia journalist/ photographer to join our editorial team.

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Applicants must own a reliable vehicle.

This position will require the applicant to work evenings and weekends.

All applicants please send resume, cover letter, as well as writing and photo samples to Jennifer Cowan, publisher@rosslandnews.com.

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www.rosslandnews.com A11

Rossland News Thursday, March 19, 2015

News

School District 20 ponders cuts District considers range of options to trim $590,000 from 2015/16 budget LIZ BEVAN Trail Times

School District 20 is seeking input to help cut over half a million dollars from next year’s budget.

Last week, district superintendent Greg Luterbach sent an email out to parents and stakeholders detailing staffing changes, extra charges for bussing and shorter custodial hours as some of the many ideas considered for the 2015-2016 school budget.

Luterbach said anyone with ideas or questions about cuts or generating more revenue for the district is invited to an information night on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kootenay Columbia Learning Centre in Trail.

“The intent of the evening is to help the public and our stakeholders understand the current budget position, what changes may be made for the 2015/2016 to balance the budget and provide people with the opportunity to provide feedback to the board,” he explained.

SD20 has also opened up an online survey, which has already garnered 20 responses, to gather input ahead of next month’s public presentation As opinions on cuts come in, Luterbach wants people to understand why rollbacks are needed — expenses are getting higher, and the budget, while growing, isn’t growing enough.

“We will not be receiving enough money for the next school year to maintain all programs and services,” he said, adding that there is funding coming in for staff wage increases, but it won’t cover the difference. “(Even with extra wage funding) if we kept all services at the same levels as we planned initially for this school year, we will still be $590,000 short.”

Darrel Ganzert, chair of the board, says the trustees are trying their best to work with what they have been given, but staffing numbers may still go down.

“It is very distressing for us to be cutting year after year,” he said.

“Our concept has always been to cut away from the classroom as

far as we can.

“That has left our buildings in a state that is not good. All other sorts of non-teaching things have suffered.

“As trustees, we understand declining enrolment and that we are going to have to look at losing some teaching staff and support

We will not be receiving enough money for the next school year to maintain all programs and services. staff, but it goes beyond that.

There is no increased cost for inflation and there hasn’t been, which is like a loss.

“We try to put the best face we can on it, but we are angry.”

One suggestion listed with the intent to generate funds for the district, rather than cut, is to charge an annual fee to use the school bus system — a route other districts across the province have already gone down.

“Given the budget pressure, one possibility is to charge a flatrate fee (of either $100 or $50 per year) to recoup part of the cost of the transportation system,” said Luterbach. “The board’s cost to transport one student averages out at approximately $750 after wages, fuel and maintenance.

While a $50 or $100 fee would

be a major change and would impact families, it no way covers our actual costs. SD35 (Langley) charges $250 for one student, SD62 (Sooke) charges $135 per year for one student, SD75 (Mission) charges $240 for one student (and so on).”

District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) president, Rebecca McDonnell, says this isn’t the first time bussing and personnel have come up when SD20 budget time rolls around.

“The list has nothing that hasn’t been on there before,” she said. “I think parents have always known that this kind of thing was going to happen. Previous years, there has been a very negative reaction from parents.”

It is too early for McDonnell to comment for all parent advisory councils in the district regarding this year’s round of budget issues, simply because they are still looking at all of the options available on the list sent out by Luterbach.

“I can’t give you a DPAC perspective yet because this information is still being disseminated among our members and we still need to find out more information about exactly how all the parents feel,” she said. “We represent our entire district so, our reps are talking to their PACs and they are finding out opinions.”

Before the board’s public budget presentation, DPAC, along with the Kootenay Columbia Teachers Union and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1285, all stakeholders with the school district, are going to have an opportunity to address the board of trustees and share their thoughts and ideas.

The first public presentation of the budget is on April 15. The second reading of the budget is scheduled for April 27 at 7 p.m. during the board’s regular meeting. The final reading, with no opportunity for discussion, will take place on May 1 at the Kootenay Columbia Learning Centre.

Parents are also invited to share their opinions through McDonnell at dpac@sd20.bc.ca.

To access the online survey, visitfluidsurveys.com/s/ sd20/1516budgetsurvey.

If you’ve got a signal...

You’ve got Rossland News at your fingertips.

PUZ Z LE C ROS S

WORDS WORDS

CLUES DOWN 1. Musical “____ Yankees” 2. “CIA Diary” author Phil 3. Chew without swallowing, as of tobacco 4. Steadies 5. Article 6. Slang for lots of reptiles 7. True toad 8. Be in session 9. For measuring doses of radiation 10. Winged 11. 1770-1831 German Philosopher 12. Emitted coherent radiation 14. Estranges 17. Wheel shafts 20. Take in solid food 21. Indian frocks 23. Hill (Celtic) 25. Singular of 64 across 26. Small nail 27. Strongboxes 29. White dessert wines 30. Curved cavalry sword 32. Dropped off a package 34. __ Farrow, actress 35. Class of comb jellies 37. Begat 40. __ student, learns healing 42. Born of 43. Very dark blacks 47. Midway between N and NE 49. Capital of Ghana 50. Indian term of respect 52. Impart knowledge 53. 4th Hindu month 55. Strong air current 56. Hunting device 57. One who is wise 58. Amounts of time 59. Soft-finned fishes 61. Beats per minute 65. Carrier’s invention

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CLUES ACROSS 1. Bangladesh capital 6. Ed Murrow’s home 9. L. Lamas’ mother Arlene 13. 9th Hindu month 14. Barbary sheep 15. Olive genus 16. Repast 17. Into the air 18. Droops 19. Land of Enchantment 21. Yes _____ Bob 22. Gross revenue 23. Scottish woolen cap 24. Initials of “Girls” star 25. WGBH or WNET 28. A. Hamilton 29. Skin lesions 31. Mures river city 33. Phone counselling volunteer 36. Restaurants 38. Deerfield, Il Christian Un. 39. Gland secretion 41. Trace the outline of 44. Give advice, explain 45. Male parents 46. One point N of due E 48. Radioactivity unit 49. Equally 51. “Rubber Ball” singer Bobby 52. 93562 54. Bird confinement status 56. Daniel Boone’s state 60. Burn the surface of 61. Hillsides (Scot.)

62. Swiss river 63. Stir to anger 64. Political action committees 65. Ajitesh ___, Cricket player 66. In bed 67. Miles per hour 68. Checkmating game

ANSWERS

A12 www.rosslandnews.com

Arts

Thursday, March 19, 2015 Rossland News

OF THE WEEK

Finn Smith

2072 Columbia Ave. ROSSLAND deliciousbaby.ca

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QUE

On Saturday, the Rotary Club of Rossland hosted a fundraising event with singer, songwriter, and performer Paul Valdemar Horsdal, commonly known as Valdy. The Canadian folk and country musician played to a full house at the Rossland’s Miners’ Hall. “It’s a happening and healthy town,” Valdy said of Rossland. “It is always an honour to be invited back. When I have a full house like this it’s as good as it gets, enthusiastic people joining in. Oh yeah! I want to come back already.”

“His intros to each song were worth the price of admission alone,” said Louis Dionne of Rotary.

“He was very quick to adapt to changing circumstances. I’m pretty sure his show changes from day to day. On the way out, the crowd was saying that he could come back next year and that they’d come again.”

Photo by Louis Dionne

TION

We asked, you answered.

Reporter Alicia Wallace asked people if the minimum wage increase announcement will have an impact in their workplace.

Steve Betts

Will the Industry: Gas minimum It could do. wage increase effect your workplace? Jayne Gracey

Not Sure

Maybe

Industry: Hospital It could have.

Daniel D’Amour

No

Industry: Hospitality I honestly don’t think it will.

Keep an eye out for our Rossland News reporter

In honour of International Women’s Day on March 7, Women Creating Change hosted a film screening of Wonder Women: The Untold Story of American Superheroines at the Rossland Public Library. Rossland artist Jenny Baillie has created a series of works on the Wonder Woman theme.

Photo by Women Creating Change

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