Comox Valley Echo, December 25, 2015

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ECHO

NEWS Comox Valley Weather

Valley Denture Centre Personalized Denture Care Mon.-Fri: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Friday Mix of sun and cloud.

Low -9°C. High -5°C.

Saturday Snow.

Low -5°C. High -4°C.

Sunday Snow.

Low -5°C. High -4°C.

Monday A Few Flurries.

Low -5°C. High -4°C.

Creating Smiles With Care

Tuesday Mainly Sunny.

Low -4°C. High -3°C.

Mike Radeka – Denturist 331B 6 th St., Courtenay

For the latest Comox Valley Weather visit: www.comoxvalleyecho.com

250-334-4732

Children invited to join Nativity play Christmas Eve St. Peter’s features four unique services Dec. 24

Mary (played this year by Sion Hughes) reflects on the new born Jesus, laid to rest in the manger as she prepares for this year’s Nativity Play at St. Peter’s Comox.

Dressing up and taking part in events is a feature of childhood! In recognition of this truth, St. Peter’s Church in Comox is inviting all children who attend their 6 pm Christmas Eve Service to dress-up and take part in a Nativity Play. While the main roles will be cast and rehearsed ahead of time, any child who wishes to take part will be invited to be an angel or shepherd as the Nativity story is acted out. Simple costumes are provided. The 6 pm Service will also feature candle-lighting, special music, carol singing and drama.

At 4 pm, the service will centre around the Creche. Story telling will help to bring alive some of the characters at the

manger scene.

The 10:30 p.m. service will begin in candlelight. This traditional late night service will celebrate the Light of the world coming into our darkness.

Also on Christmas Eve, there will be a morning service at 10:30 a.m. This service follows the BCP Eucharist order. It is a quieter, more reflective service with no music.

And finally, on Christmas Day, a traditional service to celebrate the birth of Christ will be held at 10 am with carols and communion.

St. Peter’s Church in Comox is located at 218 Church St. For more information, please call 250-338-2925 or 329-6416.

Thank you Comox Valley and all our Valued Customers

Francis Jewelers has been a permanent fixture in Down Town Courtenay since 1934.

Daryl took over in 1989 and never looked back. He would like to thank his staff, especially Rose and all of the support he’s received from Valley’s residents throughout his career. It’s time to say Goodbye, and also take the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Thank you.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25 2015

Skate in a winter wonderland at CVRD’s sports centre

Experience the wonder of the season on ice during public skate sessions at the Comox Valley Regional District’s sports centre December 23 and 24, 2015.

Holiday elves have been busy behind the scenes to set the stage for an enchanting, jovial skate.

“We are looking forward to offering these festive skate sessions to the public this year. Arena one will literally be transformed into a magical outdoor landscape with trees, twinkling lights and other winter holiday trimmings,” said CVRD’s marketing specialist Robyn Butler.

“It’s a great way to take a break from your hectic holiday schedule and celebrate the season with family and friends in a healthy, active way.”

An “everyone welcome” session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by an adult only skate (16 years and up) from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

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CVRD recreation staff have been busy preparing for the upcoming Winter Wonderland public skate sessions. CVRD marketing specialist Robyn Butler displays one of many festive (Continued on page 6) decorations.

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NOTE: WE WILL BE CLOSED SAT., DEC. 26TH. NO CHRISTMAS RETURNS OR EXCHANGES, ALL BOXING DAZE SALES ARE FINAL.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25 2015

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Campbell River

Courtenay cops croon Christmas carols

This year, several local RCMP officers, public service employees and their families, of the Comox Valley RCMP detachment, descended upon two local seniors’ homes to share a little Holiday Cheer, on Sunday, December 13th.

From the Detachment Commander, Inspector Tim Walton, who stood by listening, as he was “voted out of the choir” by his daughters, who did join in the singing, to a Mountie who travelled from the Lower Mainland, to several public service employees and their families, and to those who stayed behind, to prepare scrumptious treats for the singer’s return; everyone made the event a success!

There were smiles, memories and tears shared between.

One woman could be

heard saying, during the carols, that they “brought her back to her childhood” and they were “worth listening to”.

“I remembered singing at these homes when I was a teen growing up in the valley and since being transferred back ‘home’, I hope to make this an annual tradition with the Comox Valley RCMP” said the Constable responsible for organizing this event.

She hopes the happiness it brought the residents, as well as the singers, would spread and encourage more of her coworkers to join in next year, regardless of their musical talents!

We would like to thank Burwick Lodge and Glacier View Lodge for hosting us and allowing us to sing for them!

Comox Valley RCMP members, family and guests entertained local seniors with carol-singing Sunday

Skate with Santa (Continued from page 4) Two more “everyone welcome” sessions are scheduled on December 24 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Regular admission rates apply and skate rentals are available.

Attendees of all ages will be delighted by visits from the jolly man in red, plus other popular characters associated with the holiday season.

The concession will be open to purchase a hot beverage or snack.

A smartphone “selfie station” will be set among a festive backdrop with opportunities to win courtesy skate and swim passes.

Participants are encouraged to snap some selfies and share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #CVWinterWonderland.

It’s Been A Pleasure Serving You!

May your holiday serve up a most satisfying combination of good cheer, good times and good friends. For all the good times we’ve shared with you, we offer you our heartiest thanks!

190 Port Augusta, Comox

250-890-7575

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

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ECHO

OPINIONS

EDITORIAL

A Merry Christmas The following editorial is reprinted from the Cumberland Islander, Christmas 1925.

Christmas is the time of unselfishness, the season of kindness. Through most of the year we are all too silent with those who are most near and dear to us. We seldom pause to say the things which lie just beneath the commonplace of common things.

But Christmas comes at the end of the year to give us all a brief time of thinking of others. Greetings are more cordial, candles gleam in the windows, and the carol singers seek out the sick and shut-in to bring cheer to their lonely lives. There is something about Christmas that burns up the ashes of selfishness.

December 25 is not unlike all the other days in the year, so far as the sunrise and sunset are concerned, but the spirit of the Christmas child, whose birth we celebrate, is abroad on the day and somehow we feel there is truly “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”

Throughout the rest of the year the cold glacier of matter of factness creeps gradually over the heart.

As children we often express the love we feel for

those about us. But as we grow older we begin to take things for granted.

Too often we feel ashamed of the tenderness we feel.

Everywhere men and women are looking for kindness, for tenderness, for “someone who cares.”

Nothing is more terrible than feeling yourself utterly alone. And then comes Christmas, the great holiday of the Christian religion, offering a Saviour born in Bethlehem, a Father in Heaven, a personal God. “Someone who cares”, a refuge for the lonely.

So begin now to say the full sweet word to those in your home. Speak cheerfully to the friend you meet upon the street and even give a smile of recognition to the stranger.

Soon out of sight one of these will go, those dear familiar ones who have drudged by your side so long, will drop by the way, and sitting alone with loneliness you will think of some kind word you might have said and they might have heard.

For some people, this is easier than for others. Some like those in the Holmes poem, “The Voices”, feel deeply but are unable to put their sentiments into words. But there is one way in which

everyone can express his affection for others. This is by the universal lan-

guage of actions, for actions, says Emerson, are after all, a kind of words.

COMOX VALLEY ECHO A division of Black Press Ltd.

407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 www.comoxvalleyecho.com Phone 250-334-4722 • Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 1-866-415-3535 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Publisher Keith Currie Editor Debra Martin Deb Fowler

THE HOMELESS MAN

By Murray Coulter Courtenay I had an experience yesterday as I left the crowded store, I pushed my cart through the slushy snow as the rain began to pour.

As I fumbled for my keys, “Silent Night” running through my head.

I caught a glimpse of a homeless man, lying on a cardboard bed.

Production Manager Ryan Getz

The Comox Valley Echo is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org. All original content in this publication is copyright material belonging to Black Press. Any re-use or reproduction without the expressed, written consent of the copyright owner is strictly prohibited.

I put my groceries in my car and was going to drive away But thought I’d better check first, just to see if he’s okay.

I walked to him holding

my coat to keep out the rain and snow, Then bent down beside him, his breathing was quite slow.

At first he didn’t say a word , his fingers were so cold.

I rubbed his fingers and his hand, and saw he was quite old.

I thought I’d say a prayer for him and slowly he did stir.

He looked up from his bed and said; “thank you, kind sir.”

His eyes were tearful, kind and gentle, not what I had expected.

He said, “You’re first to talk to me, I’m usually just rejected.”

We can all say “A Merry Christmas”. We all can forget for one day in the year

the ordinary things of life and be good and kind to somebody else.

Could you spare a coffee, and blanket to shed the snow?”

I gave some change, and asked him home. But he said, “no.”

through from one jurisdiction to another.

Then one day the Crown Isle empire decided to build 30 houses on the border of Crown Isle and this goat trail.

Lo and behold, suddenly the sign protecting this area from heavy truck traffic was relocated to the corner of Lerwick and Idiens Way, thereby eliminating the protection from heavy truck traffic.

When I asked the department of transportation about the sign relocation, I was told that the sign on the Crown Isleside had been improperly placed to begin with. How convenient for Crown Isle.

Strangely enough, the sign was just fine until Crown Isle decided to build on the Area B side.

Now Crown Isle is building once again on that side and our goat trail is up to its eyes in heavy trucks.

How about a little help from the regional district in preventing our small area from being used as a bloody shortcut by Crown Isle contractors.

R McCulloch Area B

I said, “Good bye” and went to get a blanket for the homeless man.

Then I returned, gave what I had, and took him by the hand.

“What is your name?” I asked him; “Jesus” answered He. “As much as you’ve done to the least of these, you’ve done it unto me.”

Money talks, neighbourhood screwed Once upon a time between Anderton road and Crown Isle there was a small narrow piece of Idiens way protected from heavy trucks by 2 signs.

They were placed there when the road opened, to keep large vehicles from using this short narrow piece of road as a shortcut.

The signs placed at each end of this goat trail would only allow large vehicles the right to deliver goods, not use it to pass

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

BEEFS & BOUQUETS

MERRY CHRISTMAS BOUQUETS to Helena Jung, Julie & Ken Nichol, Canadian Military Wives Choir, Karen & Larry Baille, Tammy Fassaert, Helen Austin for your concerts at St. Joe’s! Thanks for photos, Denny & Jim, and Santa, Ron Burr. Much appreciated by all!

A BIG SNOWY thank you to

IURP

Closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 Mon-Sat 8:30-5 Sundays 9:30-5 Dec. 31 9-3 www.artknappcourtenay.ca

Marc Lyster Nordic Manager and his trail grooming elves for doing such a great job with grooming the cross country trails on Mt Washington. We

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com skied on a snowy blustery day and the groomers were out even though the wind was working against them. Thank you from the Nordic Skiers.

A HUGE BOUQUET thank YOU to all the volunteers who braved the elements to keep the kettles and other charitable avenues open and functioning. We prefer to give a significant sum at one time, and also volunteer our time and skills throughout the year -- but we know we walked past any number of you in recent weeks and we wanted you to know we weren’t ignoring your invaluable sacrifice of time and energy and effort to assist our community and its citizens.

I WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT on the recent report of a speeder doing 117km/h in the 60 km/h on Hamm road in heavy rain. (last Fri. Police Blotter). I agree this is a pretty stupid thing to do under these road conditions.

Having said this, I live in this area and travel this road on a daily basis. The

60 km/h sign is situated at a redicious distance from highway 19a and the Maculay road coroner. There is no need for this section of road to be posted at such a low speed.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the wonderful, caring & hard working volunteers at Santa’s Workshop who have spent many weeks making sure hundreds of children in the Comox Valley & surrounding areas have toys, bicycles & gifts to open on Christmas day. What a truly marvelous gift you have all given our community.

Merry Christmas TO THE PERSON in reply for Crown Isle speed limit.

All sub-divisions should be 40 kph no ifs ands or buts. Try driving in Victoria.

THE COMOX VALLEY CHILDREN’S DAY CARE Society wishes to send out a huge Christmas thank you to Quality Foods Comox, the Comox Community Centre and all of our fabulous volunteers for

their contribution to our Santa’ Breakfast. It was a jolly success!! A big plate of cookies and milk to Tom Furlotte who filled in for the Big Man in Red! Thank you and Merry Christmas to all who came out to support our event!

NATIVITY BOUQUETS to Comox Valley Presbyterian Church. The display of over 100 nativity sets

December 26 Open: Noon -6pm December 29 Euchre 1:30pm December 30 Crib and Gucci 6:30pm

December 31 Open until 6pm January 1

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Your Source For Professional Framing For Over 35 Years

I’d like to send a bouquet to the wonderful bus driver who makes my day just that much better in the morning, she always greets us with a “Goodmorning everyone!” and “Have a wonderful day!” and it’s so strange how someone can be so energetic and manage to do this everyday and not get tired of it, I mean if it were me I would have lost my energy and my (Continued next page)

Does B.C. politics have a ‘dark money’ problem?

By Dermod Travis They’re the forgotten cousins of political donors, a beast that’s neither corporate nor union: trade associations.

If you have a shingle to hang, there’s one out there for you, even for the shingle maker.

There are associations for brewers, vinters, distillers, and beverage licensees, for the owners of golf courses, apartment buildings, shopping centres and the operators of wharfs and convenience stores.

Many are known to donate generously to political parties, particularly when they want to curry favour.

In the U.S. it’s called ‘dark money,’ a way to spend big bucks on politics and remain relatively anonymous.

It doesn’t have the same bad rap in B.C. yet, but it’s problematic.

In tracking the donations of 116 associations over the last 10 years, 106 have donated more than $4.1 million to the B.C. Liberal party, with $2.6 million

of that coming from just 10.

Fifty-eight of the associations donated $715,986 to the B.C. NDP. Nine of the 10 most generous with the Liberals found $282,725 for the NDP. Coming in tops for both parties was the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. which, since 2005, has given $1.08 million to the Liberals and $82,790 to the NDP. The Cement Association of Canada has donated $142,920 to the Liberals, with $105,500 of that donated in 2012 and 2013, just as the B.C. government was conducting a review of the carbon tax.

Canada’s National Brewers Association has donated $125,191 to the Liberals, $44,596 of it between 2013 and 2014.

The B.C. Wine Institute gave the bulk of their donations ($14,068 of $15,523) in the same two year period as well.

You might almost think a review into liquor policies was underway.

The Big 10 - the most gener-

ous of the generous - are interesting not just for the size of their donations, but the fluctuations from one year to the next.

Drop the year where they gave the most and that outlier year jumps off the page with more than a handful of them.

Coast Forest Products Association gave an average of $3,698 annually to the B.C. Liberal party between 2005 and 2014, except for 2009, when they gave $53,500.

The Construction Labour Relations Association gave an average of $8,735 to the Liberals, except for 2009, when they gave $53,238.

The B.C. Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association gave an average of $3,148, except for 2009, when they donated $112,610, including a cheque for $110,000.

Must have been some bake sale.

In 2010, the association’s president told the Globe and Mail that it restricts political spending to election years and planned to donate the same

amount in 2013.

Not even close. In 2013, they donated $2,550 and reported spending less than $500 during the election.

These aren’t the types of groups that raise money through car washes.

Annual membership fees in the New Car Dealers Association range from $550 to $2,750.

Takes a lot of membership dues - over and above an association’s operating expenses - to be able to donate $1.16 million to political parties as the New Car Dealers did.

When you go from donating $1,775 in one year to $112,610 the next - as the Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association did from 2008 to 2009 - it raises obvious questions over where the extra money came from: a healthy bank balance or a one time membership appeal?

It’s not a groundless fear, the Election Act speaks to this very issue.

Under existing rules a thirdparty sponsor must report all

contributions of money “beginning six months before an election is called and ending at the close of voting.”

Therein lies the problem: unless an association spends money during an election - and registers with Elections B.C. there’s no requirement for an association to report the donors behind any political donations it may make or account for its pre-election spending.

Since it never advertised during the 2013 election, whoever kicked in for Jim Shepard’s reported $1 million ad blitz under the guise of Concerned Citizens for B.C. - will forever remain a mystery.

It’s not chump change being tossed into party coffers.

In 2006, the Big 10 donated $64,313 to the Liberals, three years later they gave $503,202 and, in 2013, they forked out $501,263.

That’s a lot of top-up cash.

Dermod Travis is the executive director of IntegrityBC. www.integritybc.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

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BEEFS & BOUQUETS tolerance for people a short time into the job, I wonder why you do this as well, most bus drivers are moody and sad looking due to what they have to put up with, I truly hope as you’re reading this that it makes you feel better, just as you make us feel better in the morning with your wonderful attitude.

A GIANT BOUQUET of flow-

What’s W hat’s ’s Your Yo our New Year’s Resolution? more meat

ers to the Thrifty’s on Lerwick. You employ such nice young adults who are very helpful and patient.

I would also like to thank the young lady at the meat counter. You do an amazing job! Too many kids now are disrespectful, rude, and don’t care about their work. Thank you for showing them wrong!

DEAR DOG OWNERS of the Comox Valley: There are many of you that are respectful to the community and clean up after your dogs in public areas such as forests, parks and lawns. However, there are a number of you who don’t clean up after your dog, leaving it for people to step in. Being a pet owner comes with responsibilities, such as cleaning up after your dog. If you can’t handle the responsibilities of being a dog owner you should probably not have a dog. There should be more of us taking responsibility to clean up after our pets.

DEAR COACHES and volunteers of the Comox Valley: A variety of Comox Valley high school volleyball teams have just finished an amazing and very successful school season. With all these teams comes a coach. I would like to thank all the teachers and volunteers for putting in lots of their time to make

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com this season a huge success for all these teams.

Without these coaches the students wouldn’t have been able to have the success they had. Without you guys the strong volleyball program we have in the Comox Valley wouldn’t be anywhere close to where it is now.

I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE a beautiful colorful bouquet, to the lady in a red mini van, on a cold Saturday morning. I would like to thank her because she paid for my coffee in the Tim Hortons drive thru.

I’ve never had this happen to me and I thought this was a tremendous act of kindness. This just shows how welcoming and kind the Comox valley is.

I have heard other family members of mine do this kind act, so let’s keep it up. If you have a few extra dollars change just sitting in your car maybe think about buying someone’s coffee, it makes their day!

I’D LOVE TO SEND a bouquet to the fine people at Mr. J’s pizza, for some of the most excellent pizza in town.

Always producing great pizza, no matter how busy they may be at a reasonable price. While arguably not as fancy as the other guys, everything is prepared in shop (in comparison to being sent in

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pre-made), while still being made in a timely matter.

So next time you get the hankering for pizza, I’d highly recommend giving Mr. J’s a shot if you haven’t already.

A BIG BEEF to the woman in the white Ford Escape seen driving on Ryan Rd, with “Icesis” vanity plates!

Even if you are a supporter of Isfeld athletics, that is still a rather boneheaded move. We saw your plates merely a day after the Paris attacks, so my family took great offense to your choice of lettering. Not to mention the fact that you were wearing a militarystyle jacket. Regardless of whether or not you are a Canadian Forces member, you should not be driving on our streets with such license plates, whether you meant them in a terrorist fashion or not. You should count yourself lucky that bill C-51 has not yet passed, as you likely would’ve spent a cold weekend in jail, had the officers at the nearby RCMP detachment taken notice.

You ought to be ashamed.

I HAVE A BOUQUET for those

I see in the community helping others simply because they can. The good Samaritan who alerts someone if they dropped some money without noticing, or the passer by who helps grab something off the top shelf of a grocery store for those who are not able. These simple acts of kindness may not seem like much to you at the time but it is things like these that makes all the difference. Your community thanks you; keep up the good work.

A BEEF to all the people in the Comox Valley who feel the need to leave their cars running unattended for extended periods of time.

When the car is parked, waiting outside of a store for example is just one situation where completely turning off your car is a safe and easy alternative.

Although I realise that the impact your car has on the overall health of the planet is almost inconsiderable, the beauty and ecological wealth of the Comox Valley is our responsibility. To sustain our natural expanse we have to be conscious of our local decisions. Turning off your cars is only one example of ways we need to step up but, it’s an easy and happens constantly. We should all care about our environment and its issues since, it affects all of us.

BOUQUETS to the Vancouver Island salt company for bringing a new Industry to the Valley. Interesting and very Positive that they find our local waters clean and suitable. Good news for those who have been concerned about failed septics. It seems that septic owners have become more responsible at looking after their liquid waste.

I HAVE A BEEF for “Vapers”.

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: Emily Childs, of Comox Winner of two classic cheese baskets from Dairy Queen Winners, you may pick up your prize certificates at the front desk of the Echo, 407-D Fifth Street, during regular business hours. Thanks to everyone for the great submissions- keep ‘em coming!

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ALTHOUGH THIS SECTION is normally pretty funny, we all know that the only reason it exists is for the old or grumpy (sometimes both) people of Comox to publicly whine about small issues of little to no importance. Also the chance that the person you are complaining about will read this is extremely slim and even if they did they will likely not even think that they are the person in question. A large percentage of these having some-

699 Aspen Rd. at Guthrie in Comox (250) 339-1955 www.comoxvalleycoop.ca

Yes you with snapback and oversized pullover sweater, I’m talking about you. When I’m waiting for the bus, wanting nothing more than to be at home in my pajamas I do not want to be attacked by a cloud of your gross, fruity, skittles scented vapour. I don’t know if you think it makes you look cool, but it doesn’t. If you really need

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thing to do with the driving or parking in Comox.

Yes we get it, and we all agree, many drivers here are horrible. This is why people need to keep their whining to themselves, if you want a problem solved do something about it.

IT SEEMS that the Denman cable Ferry will close down Baynes Sound to boaters travelling this fine route. Are the cables really a hazard to boaters? This was never discussed as a downside of the cable service. Now it will be more than just Denman Island folks upset, if Baynes Sound marine traffic is shut down 50% of the time.

that bit of nicotine to get through the day, please choose a less fruity flavour, which gives people awful headaches. - Sincerely, your disappointed parents

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS! Our weekly feature, Beefs and Bouquets, is intended to be a light-hearted forum for you, our readers, to express brief views on issues and events in your lives.

It’s not intended to hurt people or make unsubstantiated and libelous comments.

Names won’t be published with the beefs and bouquets; however, we do need your full name, mailing address and telephone number for verification purposes.

Each week someone will win a 2 Classic Cheese Basket Meals from Dairy Queen.

Have fun with this!

BOUQUETS TO THE BEEFER who rightly points out the need for compassion to the victims of vehicle accidents. Two Hundred and Ninety Fatalities last year,in BC. No guarantees that we may not be the next grieving family. Minister Stone raised highway speeds despite the advice of professional organizations concerned about road safety. He can change the limits back and the Minister of Justice can address excessive speeders-too fast for road conditions. Most are responsible drivers, but the fatalities continue. It’s time to address the problem.

10

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25 2015

Above: A Comox Valley Christmas-time charity, above. We have no idea who these ladies are but they were obviously collecting toys to hand out to needy children.

Left: The now-defunct Comox District Free Press delivery truck drivers in a wintry scene

The city used to put its Christmas tree in the middle of Fifth Street

Shoppe Talk December 2015

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Our health is the single most precious asset that we possess, but the “gift” of health is not one that all of us are blessed with. Some of you have incredibly challenging regimes that you have to live with in order to enjoy what most of us take for granted. Life is often not the way it is supposed to be. It is the way that it is. The way we cope with it is what makes the difference. Our mission at the Medicine Shoppe is not only to help you cope with “it” or manage your circumstances but also to provide information and guidance to help stave off future challenges.

Normally I like to impart specific pharmaceutical wisdom in my Shoppe talk article.

This month however I simply want to thank all of our current patients for their patronage during the past 15 years. There are many choices in health care providers out there and we are glad that you have chosen us. We hope that by entrusting your health to us we have made your lives better in one way or another. For those of you who do read the Shoppe Talk regularly but have not yet made us part of your health care team, I personally invite you in to meet our staff and discover the services we offer.

-

On behalf of our staff I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year.

Best Regards, Tim

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

11

Santa brightens up CV Family Services Christmas Party

Santa Claus came to town and spread that ho, ho, holiday feeling at the Comox Valley Family Services Association’s annual Christmas Party.

The event was held at the Native Sons Hall and it drew over 150 parents, children, community guests, volunteers and agency staff.

Santa provided children an opportunity to sit on his lap and got to listen to them make their wish for Christmas. He had some gifts for them too. Nathan Spence donated professional photos with Santa, for every family attending.

Those that attended also enjoyed Christmas carols sung by local performers and also savoured a very scrumptious turkey dinner with all the trimmings, beautifully planned and prepared by the congregation from the Living Hope Christian Fellowship Church.

Organizers consider the event a community get together. It receives boundless support from many individuals, organizations and donations from local businesses. They want to extend a huge thank you to all these sponsors, for without their substantial help, the party would not be a success. They are: Booster Juice, Bulk Barn, Rialto Theater, Rexall Pharmacy, Dairy Queen, Gone Hollywood, Garden Gate, Hot Chocolates, Kradles, Podlings, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Comox & Courtenay Thrift Foods, Courtenay Costco, John’s Independent Grocer, Quality Foods Comox & Courtenay, Superstore, Starbucks, Fran & Joe Thibodeau & Family, Ron O’Rielly, Walker Maximick, Brad & Benjamin Hoffman, Val Walton, Sandy Slovack and Jacquie Finney

Olivia Zheng, 4, and Abel Zheng, 2, meet Santa Claus at Comox Valley Family Services Association’s annual Christmas Party.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25 2015

Wasn’t that a party?

Centennial year wraps up with thank-you event

Retired fire chief Lawrence Burns and centennial committee chair Ron Webber sample some snacks at the Dec. 1 thank-you gathering

BY DEBRA MARTIN Echo Staff Fast away the old (centennial) year passes ... so it was time Tuesday night, Dec. 1 to have a final wrapup thank-you gathering for all those who supported, sponsored, volunteered for and organized this year’s City of Courtenay centennial festivities.

Courtenay was incorporated in January 1915, so 100 years later this event was marked by a free pancake breakfast party for all at the Filberg Centre on New Year’s Day. Since then there have been numerous special events and projects from a football tailgate party to art shows to expanded July 1st festivities to fireworks.

There was a tinge of sadness in the air, though, at the informal, but classy, wrap-up party in the upper hall of the Filberg Centre.

K’omoks First Nation chief councillor Rob Everson put his finger on it during his traditional greeting to the guests.

“Volunteers are a dying breed,” he said. “It seems that all of our volunteers are getting greyer and greyer.”

(Continued on page 13)

Edwin Grieve gives one of his final performances as Century Sid

“Can you hear those sleigh bells jinglin’?”

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13

(Continued from page 12)

Everson noted that it’s important to have volunteers to make sure the community is well taken care of. He said his parents and grandparents instilled those values in him.

Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula said this 100th year “has been one for the ages.”

“The people in this room represent the heart and soul of the community,” he said.

Master of Ceremonies councillor Doug Hillian said that many of the events were made possible by a $94,000 grant from the federal government’s department of heritage and noted that former MP John Duncan played a strong role in getting that money.

The centennial committee chair Ron Webber thanked all the people who made the year-long celebration a success.

“It’s been a lot of fun, a lot of hard work, but what a blast.”

Webber had a special thank you for Randy Wiwchar, the city staff community services department head who wrangled everything into place, and is now recently retired and battling a rare and serious

Centennial committee members celebrate a great year; city staffer, now retired, Randy Wiwchar is on the far left

Final addresses: l. to r., K’omoks chief Rob Everson, Mayor Larry Jangula, MC councillor Doug Hillian

AFTER MAKING HER DONATION, St. Joseph’s Hospital volunteer Barb Hoskins adds her customized ornament to the Hospital Foundation’s Christmas tree on December 21. The Comox Valley has sent in over 1,000 donations so far in support of St. Joseph Hospital Foundation’s 2015 Christmas Campaign, many along with cardinal ornaments with family names or name of a loved one written on them. Donations for this year’s Christmas campaign can still be made to the Hospital Foundation through January. Tax receipts for 2015 will only be issued if donations are made by December 31 (Source St. Joseph’s Foundation).

illness.

“He was my rock. He was my right hand throughout this whole year. He never panicked,” Webber said.

“He went beyond the call of duty.”

Webber’s feelings were echoed by Mayor Jangula who said Wiwchar was “the most humble, shyest person I’ve ever met. You were the most loved and respected employee of the City of Courtenay”.

Wiwchar was able to attend Tuesday night’s affair for a short time.

All of the sponsors re-

GAMES AND GROUNDS NEW LOCATION, LAST STOP BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Christmas is a special time for many, and YANA is a local charity that provides support to families who need to travel for the medical care of a child, throughout the year. Keeping this sentiment in mind, local musicians are teaming up with Games and Grounds Coffee House to put on a fundraiser on Christmas Eve day.

The Figments (Tom Walton, Blair Bentley) with guest Alan Jossal will be playing a mix of rock, coutnry and Christmas

ceived one of the centennial banners that hung in downtown Courtenay throughout the warmer months.

And the Comox Valley Community Foundation received $3,561 for its centennial legacy fund that was started this year from Hot Chocolates and three local wineries - Beaufort, Coastal Black and 40 Knots - who all donated proceeds from their products.

Edwin Grieve, as “Century Sid”, finished the evening off with his Sid Williams impersonation, singing “I was born about 100 years ago.”

carols from 2 - 4pm. “I approached Alex a while ago about playing at their new location, and suggested that we do a fundraiser. As Christmas has a focus on families, we felt that YANA was a great choice” explains Blair. A number of other local musicians have also been invited to come down and sing a tune or two.

“People will be rushing around doing some last minute shopping. We want to provide a little break for them... time to grab a warm drink, sit down, enjoy the music and have some fun.” states Alex Greenwood, co-owner of Games and Grounds Coffee House at 331 4th Street.

Musicians volunteer time to play at Naswell Christmas dinner The Great Plains Saskia and Darrel - are hosting and sharing music during the Earl Naswell Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day at the Fil-

berg Center in Courtenay.

Guest appearances by the very talented local musicians Mary Murphy and Paul Keim, plus a beautiful set by artist and song

writer Sue Pyper. Every year volunteers and businesses in the Comox Valley come together in a huge way by donating time and tons of food to

serve Christmas Dinner to guests from all walks of life who would like to come and enjoy a free dinner and share in the joy of Christmas.

14

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25 2015

My Tech Guys are proud to announce a ‘secret’ YANA fundraiser they held Sunday Dec 20th. “Because of the strict rules Disney has for Star Wars we were not allowed to talk about the event except to those that were invited. It made it even more exciting!!” says Bob Wells, owner of My Tech Guys.

The event started as a discussion at a staff meeting for all the staff to go to the first showing of Star Wars.

As it turned out, the opening show would be the evening after Bob Wells’ daughter Megan was scheduled to have dental surgery, after she had over a dozen visits to specialists in 2015.

“Bob then asked if we could rent the theatre for a private showing for Sunday Dec 20th. I called Landmark Cinemas and the smallest theatre held 115 people, so we asked if we could make it a fundraiser. They said as long as we didn’t advertise it to the general public it was fine. So we got busy working on a list of people to invite secretly”, says Bryan TIsdale, Regional Manager for My Tech Guys.

“YANA has been amazing to our family and even my staff who have had emergencies with their children. I feel so supported which has meant the world to our families in our time of need. It just made sense to use the event as a fundraiser for YANA” says Bob. One of the surprise stars of the event was a dresser Michelle Wells painted to look like R2-D2. “It was my dresser when I was a kid and I gave it to my sons for their bedroom. With their excitement around the new Star Wars movie and it being the same height as R2-D2 I decided to give it a fresh coat of paint”

Above: A full house for ivitation-only Star Wars viewing for YANA Top right: The My Tech Guys crew in costume Right: Bob and Michelle Wells in Star Wars garb with their specially painted dresser

A secret Star Wars party for YANA

Merry Christmas from the staff at...

s a m t s i r h yC

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Thank you for your generosity this year.

With your donations, we are able to provide struggling families in our community a hand up with homeownership.

on s a e S e estiv r. a F e a Y u o w e Y N h s e i h t. to t r o t We w r p p a t u s s ls u a o u l n u i t b a on c F r a u o y & or f u o Y Thank

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Telephone scam via parking ticket calls The City of Courtenay has received reports that members of the public have received phone calls from someone claiming to be from the city, and requesting payment for parking tickets. These calls are not coming from us. The City of Courtenay does not call about parking tickets, and would never request banking information over the phone.

If you receive a similar phone call, please report the call to the City of Courtenay at 250-3344441, the Comox Valley RCMP non-emergency line at 250-338-1321, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495- 8501.

Don’t be a victim to phone scams or other scams. Get more information and educate yourself and your loved ones on the various types of frauds explained at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through www.canada.ca.

15

5th annual carol walk a success despite weather

Helen Austin received the 2015 ‘Wonderful Unicorn Award’ presented on December 18, 2015. The prestigious award was given in appreciation of Austin’s concerts over many years for St. Joseph’s Hospital patients, staff, physicians and volunteers.

Photo credit: Steve Hill

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In full rain gear an intrepid group of carolers gathered in the shelter of “The Tides”” underground parking garage.

The singing was blended with the heavy falling rain and wind. It was definitely special.

Dan Bowen, Project Watershed Board member was introduced by carol coordinator Betty Donaldson to talk about the history of the Estuary and the recent projects of restoration including the Airpark Breach, salt marsh planting and the proposed restoration plans for the Fields Sawmill site.

Joanna Finch, song-bird extraordinaire, inspired the group to brave the elements and sing their way along the Courtenay Riverway to Locals Restaurant. Here they met up with Bill Heidrick and another group of singers where they had been caroling under shelter around the wassail bowl graciously provided by Ronald and Tricia, owners of Locals Restaurant. The

Betty Donaldson receives a thank-you gift two groups joined forces for several more carols, including some beautiful harmony from the more talented voices, before heading into the restaurant for some great holiday fare. Approximately 40 carolers participated this year, despite the very

wet and windy weather, and over half of them stayed on for dinner.

Bill made a presentation of an Andy Everson print entitled “Stillness” to Betty in recognition of her organizing the popular 5th annual Carol Walk on behalf of Project Watershed.

16

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25 2015

Mount Washington’s Outback opens for the ďŹ rst time in two years Free Pepsi Torchlight Parade and Fireworks also scheduled for Boxing Day Mount Washington Alpine Resort has received over 300cm of snowfall since the beginning of December, and the snow continues to fall and accumulate making this the snowiest Christmas season in the past several years. The resort is taking advantage of the snowfall by scheduling the opening of The Outback for this coming Saturday, December 26th.

The Outback is 400 acres of terrain designated as black diamond and double black diamond meaning it is only suitable for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. Because of the steepness of the terrain and the number of obstacles such as rocks, trees and cliff bands, it requires more snow than the rest of the mountain to open.

George Trousdell, Di-

Mount Washington is inundated with snow (Photo: Mt Washington staff)

We value your business and hope that all your dreams come true this holiday season and beyond.

Thanks!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

rector of Mountain Operations, noted “The snowpack is at a point now that we can start running the Boomerang chairlift and grooming the run-outs to make the area ready for our guests. It’s nice to have this amount of snow because Mount Washington has a lot of good skiers and riders among our clientele, and we haven’t been able to open that area for the past couple of years.�

Trousdell explained that the terrain in The Outback is in a north-facing bowl stretching from the ridge at Little Mount Washington to McKay Lake. Because of the north-facing aspect and the high walls of the ridge, the bowl does not get direct sunlight so the snow stays colder and more powder-like. Trousdell added, “The more advanced skiers like the steep and deep, but the only downside to the deep snow is the extra threat of avalanches. We will take the next few days to perform avalanche control work in The Outback before opening it all up on the 26th. �

With more snow in the forecast through the holidays, the rest of Mount Washington Alpine Resort is also ready for a festivityďŹ lled Christmas period. (Continued on page 17)

Wishing you and a New Year fil a joyful holiday season led with p eace and prosperity.

FROM YO U R CROWN ISL

E R E A L E S T AT E T E A M

and to all a Goodnight!

To all of our dear customers, go our sincere thanks for visi ng this year.

We wish you and yours the very best this h iday season, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

17

Police investigating fatal accident on Highway 19

A 45-year-old Fanny Bay resident was fatally injured when his vehicle lost control and rolled over on Highway 19 at Rosewall Creek near Fanny Bay. Speed, bad weather and slipper road conditions are believed to have been contributing factors in the single vehicle accident that occurred on Dec. 18 at 8:17 p.m.

BC Ambulance Service, Deep Bay Volunteer Fire Department, Comox Valley RCMP and Central Vancouver Island Traffic Services, Traffic Analyst and BC Coroner responded.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a northbound Toyota 4-Runner lost control, crossed the grass median strik-

ing the bank and went rolling over several times before coming to a halt in the southbound shoulder lane. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 27-year-old passenger from Nanaimo was seriously injured and was airlifted to Victoria General Hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Investigation is continuing. No names are being released at this time pending next of kin notification.

Police would like to acknowledge and thank all motorists and volunteers who rendered assistance during this tragic event as well as remind drivers to adjust their driving to road and weather conditions.

Help for holiday domestic violence

The Comox Valley RCMP Domestic Violence Unit would like to remind everyone of the services that are offered in the Comox Valley, to assist people dealing with crisis.

As much as the holiday season brings families together, added stress and tension occurs in some homes.

Also during Christmas, children are home from school, and able to sense the added stress and tension in the home.

We would like to encourage those feeling these pressures to access the services available to the community.

These resources would include the fol-

lowing: The Crisis line at the Lilli house 250338-1227, Community Based Victim Services 250-338-7575, Police Based Victim Services 250-334-5979 and the local RCMP Detachment 250-338-1321, or 911 in the case of an emergency.

There are currently a number of detachments across “E” Division who have a dedicated Violence in Relationship unit/dedicated investigator including the Comox Valley.

The Comox Valley RCMP Domestic Violence Unit would like to wish everyone a peaceful Holiday Season.

Fireworks are set for Boxing Day at Mt. Washington (Photo credit: Mike LeBlanc) (Continued from page 16) “It’s a Winter Wonderland up here,” Sheila Rivers, a spokesperson for the resort, declared.

“There is no better place to bring the family to get into the holiday spirit. We have a number of familyfriendly events and activities planned, like the annual Pepsi Torchlight Parade and Fireworks on December 26th starting at 7pm. We also have a tubing party and great entertainment for all ages on New Year’s Eve.” Younger children will enjoy laughter and fun

with clowns Poco and Betty on December 31st. The clown-duet performance consists of music and magic through a lively interactive show. Older kids can check out the 9pm countdown at the Tube Park where New Year’s Eve novelties will be provided. For the adult audience, Baby Jane will bring Top 40 dance music to Ted’s Bar + Grill leading up to the traditional New Year’s Eve countdown at midnight. “This snow is great news for the Island’s skiers and snowboarders,” explained Peter Gibson, the General Manager of

Mount Washington Alpine Resort. “This holiday season, we will have all of our Alpine terrain open as well as all 55 kilometers of our Nordic trails, plus the tubing park. We haven’t had that in a couple years, so we are creating a weeklong celebration in keeping with the holiday spirit for skiers and riders to enjoy with family and friends.”

For all events, ticket prices and resort information for the holiday season at Mount Washington, visit www.mountwashington. ca or call 250.338.1386, or toll free 888.231.1499.

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Comox Valley Nature team ready to organize big provincial environmental conference to celebrate 50th anniversary

CVN set to celebrate 50th Anniversary with big provincial conference Comox Valley Naturalists are gearing up to celebrate a big 50th birthday bash by bringing some much needed economic stimulus, and encouraging everyone to participate in changing how we think about the environment and “natural capital” after COP21.

Between May 12th and 15th CVN will be hosting BCNature’s

AGM, which should draw about 250 naturalists, environmentalists and environmental scientists from across the province to the Comox Valley.

The organizing committee has pitched high, and will be show-casing the very best that the valley has to offer in its organic agricultural and artisan production and culture, as well

as its many natural assets.

The conference will include workshops on child nature education, birding by ear, nature photography for beginners, Comox Valley rare and endangered species, and watershed restoration. It will also bring both local speakers and scientists from from across North America. The conference will be kicked off by

a lecture on the climate change future of the Comox Valley by Dr. Richard Hebda, followed by a variety of speakers on wideranging topics from environmental economics to wetland conservation and tree diseases.

Canadian conservation history and the role of Mack Laing will be specially addressed

by Dr. Briony Penn, whose new

book is already a nominee for the Governor General’s prize.

Dr Steven Price, Chair of Bird Studies Canada will be flying in specially for this event. And Dr. Val Schaefer, will close the conference with a lecture on climate adaptation and environmental restoration.

(Continued on page 20)

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25 2015

(Continued from page 19)

Christmas Cheer from the Courtenay office of Vancouver Island InsuranceCentre, was made a little bit brighter by a visit from Jeff Hampton from the CV Food Bank. The 8th St staff gathered festively wrapped grocery times and raised $740.00 for their annual CV Food Bank Campaign.

Cold water and family fun with the Boxing Day Polar Bear Swim

The Comox Community Centre hosts another fun and frigid Polar Bear Swim at Goose Spit, December 26 at 12 noon. Registration starts at 11:30am “The Polar Bear Swim is such a great event,” said Recreation Director Mandy Johns, “there is no better way to get the family out and active after Christmas.” Comox Fire Rescue will be there for everyone’s safety.

A service club will be serving hot chocolate to warm up swimmers after their ocean dip.

Special thanks to Caffe Amantes, Selah Surf Company, Smitty’s Restaurant Comox, Benino Gelato,

Blackfin Pub and Twisted Dishes Cafe for their donations.

Recreation programmer Amy Bauman said, “Local businesses have been so supportive of the Polar Bear swim; they deserve such kudos for stepping up to help”.

There will be prizes for youngest and most senior swimmer, most spirit, biggest family participation as well as door prizes eligible to anyone who braves the cold water, so get the whole family out of the house and down to the beach on Boxing Day! Staying warm is always a challenge. Amy has some effective tips to safe and fun, “Children 6 years and

up may participate and must be accompanied by an adult; drink coffee, tea or hot chocolate but not alcohol as it accelerates hypothermia; don’t stay in the water longer than 10 minutes.

Body heat is lost 25 times faster in water than in air. And bring layers of clothing to warm up with as you drink the hot chocolate!”

This is a free, community event.

Please bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Comox Valley Food Bank.

For more information on the Polar Bear Swim call the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255.

Wishing you and you family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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The conference will also offer field trip to some of the some of the valley’s rarely accessible nature hotspots, at bargain rates.

Information on the conference can be found at (http://comoxvalleynaturalist. bc.ca/category/bc-nature/ bc-nature-agm2016-news/ ).

The conference is partially funded by local grants (CVEDS generously contributed $1500).

In appreciation of local support, CVN is making the conference specially accessible to Comox Valley residents by offering a discount.

Anybody who buys a CVN membership, and registers for the conference by January 17th only pays $115 ( instead of $155 in March) In recognition of the great community support that CVN has enjoyed in the Comox Valley, CVN is offering a community special for local registrations which amounts to a free annual membership (or $20) off for community members

who register for the conference and “buy a membership” before January 17.

Details and registrations can be found at: http://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/ Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature.

It fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing free weekly guided hikes for members, and undertaking a variety of environmental projects.

Aside from its main activity as a non-profit, Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups ( Birding, Botany, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists Club) which have separate monthly activities.

Membership in BC Nature and Comox Valley Nature is $30 per adult and $40 for a family.

Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at the website http:// comoxvalleynaturalist. bc.ca/ or Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

21

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Ray Crossley Youth Achievement Awards presented

Councillors Barbara Price and Hugh MacKinnon presented Logan Kvisle and A.J. Gray with their award that pays recognition to their dedication in championing the Aspen Park Elementary school recycling program.

Seven youths were recognized at Comox Council meeting December 16 for their distinguished contribution to their community in sport, advocacy, volunteerism, or in leading change.

The annual awards give recognition to youth accomplishments, no matter how big or small, achieved despite obstacles or challenges and are examples or inspiration for other youths.

The Ray Crossley Youth Achievement Awards were presented to Natallia Gagne, Logan Kvisle, A.J. Gray, Hayden Scheck, Adam McKillican, and Hannah Galway.

Named in memory of Ray Crossley, the award initiative was created by the encouragement of Councillor Hugh MacKinnon to honour the late Town of Comox councillor (2002-2009) who had a passion for advocating for youth in the community.

First elected to Council in 2002 and re-elected in two subsequent elections, Councillor Crossley dedicated many years to serving his community focusing on improving recreation facilities, providing more opportunities for youth and promoting environmental initiatives.

During his tenure, Councillor Crossley was instrumental in the construction of the Comox/Courtenay Skateboard Park, the gymnastics facility at the Comox Recreation Centre and was very supportive of the 2010 expansion of the Centre. Crossley also founded Ambassador Shuttle Service.

He passed suddenly in his home in October 2010.

In December 2012, Comox Council presented the first round of Ray Crossley Youth Achievement Awards.

Hannah Galway’s father took receipt of the Youth Achievement award on her behalf from Councillor Russ Arnott. Galway was recognized for her dedication to train away from home and excel with the National School of Ballet (Toronto), an achievement that afforded her the opportunity to perform as part of the 70th year commemoration of the Liberation of Holland.

Hayden Scheck and Adam McKillican were nominated by their baseball coach in recognition for their athleticism and significant contribution that helped the Parksville Royals Baseball Club win the 2015 Western Canadian Championship. Councillors Maureen Swift and Ken Grant presented the athletes with their awards.

Nominated by Highland Secondary School for her participation in and advocacy for social justice, Natallia Gagne was awarded the Ray Crossley Youth Achievement presented

by Councillor Marg Grant

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25 2015

THE SUPPORT AND ENTHUSIASM OF THE COMOX VALLEY TIM HORTONS OWNERS and staff make the New Year’s Eve free family swim and skate at the Comox Valley Regional District’s (CVRD) sports centre a huge success each year. Shown from left to right are Tim Hortons’ Jennie Brocklehurst, Lynda Brocklehurst and Stephen Caissie presenting funds to Robyn Butler, CVRD’s marketing specialist. The CVRD has partnered with Tim Hortons for the past eleven years to allow families to glide and splash into the new year for free. This year’s event runs Thursday, December 31 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the CVRD’s sports centre.

COMOX VALLEY LIONS Treasurer, Lion Ernie Neal, has been busy with recent donations to the following groups: Comox Valley Food Bank $2,000 with Jeff Hampton Sharing Christmas Spirit, Christmas Hamper Program sponsored by Royal LePage $1,500 with Annette Bowdon and Audrey Stewart Santas Work Shop, left, $1,000 with Donna Kennedy

Pantuso Dance principals with collected donations

Pantuso Dancers have two fundraisers to help neighbours, locally and abroad Pantuso Dance is known for its creative spirit, but this year, the students and families showed us that they also have amazingly generous hearts as well.

Pantuso Dance held two Christmas fundraisers this year for our neighbours, both locally and globally.

A food drive was held for the local Food Bank and an entire pick-up truck load of food was collected. This is the second year that Pantuso has held the food drive and they hope to continue it as an annual tradition.

They also had a “giv-

ing tree” to fund a young Ugandan teen, Kizza, to go to school for a year through the organization Renew Humanity. Kizza hopes to become a doctor in a few years and the families at Pantuso were happy to support his efforts.

A Christmas tree was setup and students could buy a paper ornament to put on the tree. The students raised enough money to fully fund Kizza for a year, so Pantuso Dance decided to follow in the footsteps of their caring students and fully fund a second youth, a teen girl named Noeline, as well.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

23

Ask The Dentists!

Drs. Manny Karamanis & Brett Burry

What to Get a Dentist for the Holidays?

- I am very satisfied with my young dentist. She is polite, listens to me, and is gentler than anyone I have experienced. I would like to get her a gift for Christmas, but don't want to just drop a box of chocolates off at her office. What do dentists most appreciate?

Dear Doctors

Answer - At the risk of sounding trite, what a

Christmas Food Hamper Drive

Oyster River Fire Rescue members shown donating food and over $800 from our Christmas food hamper drive at Discovery foods. Excepting on behalf of the Bread of Life Food Bank are Chad and Tanya Hooker and representing Discovery Foods are Chris Nicholas, Adrian Farmer and Martin Jager. We would like to thank all the people who donated to our food hamper drive and to Discovery foods for allowing us to have the event at their store.

NORAD celebrates 60 years tracking Santa

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey!

The NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org, launching December 1st, features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, activities, and more. The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese.

Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are also available in the Windows, Apple and Google Play stores, so parents and children can countdown the days until Santa’s launch on their smart phones and tablets!

Tracking opportunities are also offered on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+. Santa followers

just need to type “@noradsanta” into each search engine to get started.

Also new this year, the website features the NORAD Headquarters in the North Pole Village, and highlights of the program over the past 60 years.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. MST (2:01 a.m. EST) on Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make preparations for his flight. NORAD’s “Santa Cams” will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations. Then, at 4 a.m. MST (6 a.m. EST), trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.

Dec 18th – 24th Dec 25th 18th-–31st 24th Dec CAPTIVIEW AVAILABLE IN THEATRE #1 &ofTHEATRE The Royal Ballet: “The Nut Cracker” “In The Heart the Sea 3D”#4 PG: Coarse Language Sunday, December 20th at 10:00am, doors open at In theatre # 2 - Friday – Wednesday: 6:30 (8:40) in 2D & “Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D” PG: Violence 9:30am.

9:30 (11:40) in 3D In Theatre # 1 - Friday - Thursday: 3D 6:45 (9:10) & 3D #10:00 (12:25) In theatre 2 - Friday Matinees: 12:00 (2:10) in 2D & Captiview Available In theatre #1 & theatre #4 In Theatre # 1 - Saturday - Thursday Matinees: 3D & 2D 3:15 (5:40) 3:0012:00 (5:10) in(2:25) 2D We will only be open for matinees on Thursday the 24th.

In theatre # 2 - Saturday - Wednesday Matinees: 12:15 “Daddy’s Home” Coarse “Star Wars: The Force PG: Awakens 3D”Language PG: Violence (2:25) in 2D & 3:00 (5:10) in 2D InIntheatre # 1Friday Wednesday: 6:45 (9:10) in 3D & 2 - Thursday Matinees: 12:25 (2:35) in 2D & Theatre # 2 - Friday - Wednesday: 6:55 (8:40)In&theatre 9:40# (11:25) 10:00 (12:25) in 3D 3:25 (5:35) in 2D& 3:05 (4:50) In Theatre # 2 – Saturday- Thursday Matinees: 12:15 (2:00) In theatre # 4- Friday - Wednesday: 6:20 (8:45) in 3D & 9:45 (12:10) in 3D “Alvin and the chipmunks; The Road chip” G: No “Joy” PG: In theatre # 1 - Friday Matinees: 12:15 (2:40) in 3D & warning In Theatre # 3 - Friday - Wednesday: 6:25 (8:40)In&theatre 9:30# (11:45) 3:15 (5:40) in 2D 3 - Friday - Wednesday: 6:55 (8:30) & 9:10 Theatre 3 - -SaturdayThursday Matinees: 12:25 InIntheatre # 3 -# Friday Wednesday Matinees: 12:55 (10:50) (2:40) & 3:25 (5:40) (3:20) in 2D & 3:50 (6:15) in 3D In theatre # 4 - Friday - Wednesday Matinees: 1:05 (2:45) the Chipmunks; The12:00 Road Chip”&G: No(5:00) warning In“Alvin theatre #and 1 - Saturday – Thursday Matinees: 3:20 (2:25) in 3D & 3:15 in 2D- Wednesday: 6:35 (8:15)In&theatre 4 - Thursday Matinees: 12:35 (2:15) & 3:35 In Theatre # 2 (5:40) - Friday 9:20# (11:00) InIntheatre # 3 –#Thursday Matinees: 12:15 (2:40) inMatinees: 2D & (5:15)(2:45) & 3:35 (5:15) Theatre 4 - Friday - Wednesday 1:05 3:05 (5:30) in 3D

BoxBox Offi ce & Concession Hours Office & Concession Hours Friday – –Wednesday: 5:50– –10:10 10:15 Friday Wednesday: 5:50 Closed Friday day Closed Thursday night 11:30 – 4:10 FridayFriday-Thursday - WednesdayMatinees: Matinees: 11:30 – 4:10

com. Any time on Dec. 24, Windows Phone users can ask Cortana for Santa’s location, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa.

NORAD Tracks Santa is truly a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors.

It all started in 1955 when a local media advertisement directed children to call Santa direct - only the number was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the Crew Commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center. Thus began the tradition, which NORAD carried on since it was created in 1958.

dentist most appreciates is a smile on patients' faces. Being in the “smile business” it's amazing what it can do and how it can positively affect people this time of year. We need nothing more than that when a patient wants to express their gratitude. During the practice of dentistry many dentists and patients build meaningful relationships with each other and its natural for patients to want to “send the best of the season” to them. Many dentists have received 'thank you' and 'seasons greeting' cards for the holiday season.

Some patients bring holiday chocolates or cookies which are always a big hit. You could make a discreet call to a trusted dental staff member and ask their advice. We aren't suggesting this, but we know of a gentleman who operates a Greek restaurant who rewarded his favourite dental team with a scrumptious feast delivered to their office on a designated day so that nobody would be foolish enough to bring their own lunch that day! Cards are always appreciated – in fact we make it a point to read every one of them. Cards are going the way of the dodo bird, but there is something nice about a personally penned card that never falls out of fashion. Your dentist is a young practitioner, and you really admire her style and gentle nature. She will appreciate, more than anything else – another patient just like you! Our profession has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Many of our colleagues started their practices back in the 1970's and 1980's. There was much less competition, no advertising, and just about everything revolved around 'word of mouth'. There was no internet to source dental information (ever hear of the internet steering you 'wrong' on something?). Any information on anything dental came from your family dentist. Today it is a much different climate.

Everyone is busy – too busy. Advertising is expensive. Most young doctors don't know which way to turn, so they do their own 'trial and error' hoping to grow their business. Nothing ever works as well as 'friends telling friends'. Many people are long overdue for a checkup, simply because nothing hurts 'yet'. Send her a patient. You'll be doing both of them a favour. That would be your kindest 'Merry Christmas' gift of all!

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24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25 2015

Holiday celebrations in the Air Force

BY JOANNA CALDER For DND/RCAF As do all military organizations, the Royal Canadian Air Force treasures and maintains a number of special traditions associated with the holiday periodFrom Christmas dinners to “sticky oorsâ€? to New Year’s levees, many of these traditions are shared with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army.

The highlight of holiday celebrations is a Christmas dinner that features all the usual trimmings: turkey, dressing, gravy and dessert. But in the Canadian Armed Forces, the most senior personnel serve the most junior.

The officers and the senior non-commissioned members don cook’s hats and aprons and serve the junior non-commissioned members who keep unit activities humming along on a day-to-day basis.

During the dinner, and perhaps for the whole day, the most senior and most junior members of the unit trade places. This means that a wing or squadron commander will switch jobs and ranks - including exchanging tunics - with one of the newest or most junior members of the unit. The wing or squadron chief warrant officer also trades with a junior member - although in some cases he or she trades with the oldest non-commissioned member. The handover of responsibilities may even be formalized with the signing of certiďŹ cates recognizing the honorary - and very temporary - appointments.

The officers and non-commissioned members often mix and mingle during the holiday season during what are called “at homes�.

Normally, officers, senior non-commissioned officers and junior non-commissioned members socialize and dine in their own messes.

But during the holiday season, messes may invite the members of another mess to visit them. Protocol is relaxed a little and aviators of all ranks have a chance to see how the other half lives.

Up in the far North, the world’s most northerly supply section at Canadian Forces Station Alert in Nunavut has a secret mission - supplying Santa Claus. While Santa and his

Before the start of Christmas Dinner at the 19 Wing Comox, junior ranks mess on December 14, 2006, (left to right) Chief Warrant Officer Hodgins, Warrant Officer Schruyer, Colonel Jon Ambler, acting wing chief warrant officer (Corporal) Kerry Andrews and acting wing commander (Private) Shannon Chunn contribute to the food hamper.

PHOTO: Sergeant Joanne Stoeckl The officers and senior non-commissioned members serving the junior non-commissioned members with their Christmas dinner is a long-standing military tradition. In this photo taken on December 28, 1942, at 425 Squadron, Group Captain J. Plan serves Corporal M. Demers.

PHOTO: DND

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elves work feverishly to create toys and other gifts, the raw materials have to come from somewhere. Although no-one talks about it much, those raw materials come through Alert - which is after all only 817 kilometres from Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home at the North Pole. A sign has been spotted at Alert that reads â&#x20AC;&#x153;We supply Santa Clausâ&#x20AC;?. Could it be true?

Santa Claus himself often comes to call during the days leading up to Christmas. He may visit serving members in their workplace or spend time with their families - often at the local Military Family Resource Centre.

Or the jolly old elf may show up during a unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;sticky ďŹ&#x201A;oorâ&#x20AC;?. The origins of â&#x20AC;&#x153;sticky ďŹ&#x201A;oorsâ&#x20AC;? are murky, but the tradition may have started in the 1970s at Building 155 at Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe in Ottawa.

(Building 155, which was demolished in 2003, was home to the Director General Aerospace Equipment Program Management organization and the logistics centre for the forcesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aircraft ďŹ&#x201A;eet.)

In that more free-wheeling era, contractors would show up near Christmas with lashings of liquor to celebrate the holiday and express their appreciation - a practice that is distinctly frowned upon today. The name probably refers to the condition of the tiled ďŹ&#x201A;oor after beer, liquor and other libations were spilled on it.

This is not to be confused with sticky buns - any kind of sweet roll or pastry covered in icing, syrup or sticky sweetener - although sticky buns could be served during a sticky ďŹ&#x201A;oor.

Nowadays, a sticky ďŹ&#x201A;oor is generally a stand-up social gathering during the holiday period that is convened by or sanctioned by a senior officer. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a chance for folks to get to know one another better and share a glass of Christmas cheer. Mini-golf, played on a course that snakes through various section locations, may be a feature of sticky ďŹ&#x201A;oors.

Sometimes participants pay a fee to play, and the funds collected go to charity.

The Royal Canadian Air Force shares a unique tradition with their colleagues in the United States Air Force - tracking Santa on Christmas Eve. Members of NORAD in both the United States and Canada follow Santa on his journey around the world, using hightech surveillance equipment - including Santa Cams. Canadian ďŹ ghter pilots vie for the honour of escorting Santa as he makes his journey through Canadian airspace.

Once Christmas festivities have passed, the next big event is New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. In addition to parties and celebrations on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve, military personnel partake of another tradition on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day - the levee. On January 1st, messes open their doors to visitors, both military and civilian, who greet each other, accept refreshments and wish each other the best of the New Year.

Although the tradition of levees began in Europe, holding a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s levee is almost exclusively a Canadian phenomenon.

(Continued on page 25)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015 (Continued from page 24) Dating back to the 17th century, Canadian levees began as receptions hosted by government officials. As representatives of the Crown, commissioned officers were also expected to host callers. Today, however, officersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; messes, senior non-commissioned officersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; messes and junior non-commissioned membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; messes may all hold levees.

Government officials from the Governor General to town mayors still host levees, although these civilian levees are often held in the afternoon - or even shortly after January 1st - while military levees are almost always held on the morning of New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moose milkâ&#x20AC;? may be served at the levees or during other holiday occasions. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a distinctly Canadian festive drink served in military messes across the country and around the world. It deďŹ nitely overshadows eggnog and is a revelation to non-Canadians who

Now thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a cake!

This Christmas cake of unique design was made by a cook in 425 Squadron while the squadron was in the United Kingdom.

Photographed in December 1942, the cake weighed 834 pounds or more than 378 kilograms. PHOTO: DND

encounter it. The recipe varies from unit to unit, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always prepared by the gallon and contains key ingredients such as rum and/or whisky, coffee liqueur, cream, milk, vanilla ice cream, sugar and nutmeg. The exact recipe

may be a closely guarded secret, but the result will be thick and frothy - and deadly. Go to any Christmas or New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebration at an air wing, and someone will have mixed up a batch of this memorable concoction.

Notice to be theadvised City of Courtenay and Town Residents!

Please that Emterra will not of beComox operating on Please be advisedChristmas that Emterra willDay not beor operating Christmas Day or New Years Day. New on Years Day. t 5IPTF 3FTJEFOUT XIP XPVME OPSNBMMZ IBWF ("3#"(& :"3%8"45& TFSWJDF GBMM PO $ISJTUNBT %BZ y Those Residents who would normally have GARBAGE & YARDWASTE service BOE /FX :FBST EBZ XJMM CF QJDLFE VQ PO .POEBZ %FD UI .POEBZ +BO fall on Christmas Day and New Years day will be picked up on Monday Dec t 5IPTF $PNPY 3FTJEFOUT XIP XPVME OPSNBMMZ IBWF 3&$:$-*/( TFSWJDF GBMM PO 'SJEBZ %FDFNCFS UI 28th 2015 & Monday Jan 4, 2016 XJMM CF QJDLFE VQ PO y Those Comox Residents who would normally have RECYCLING service fall on th Friday December 25 will be picked up on: Monday Dec 28, 2015 t .POEBZ %FD y Those Courtenay Residents who would normally have RECYCLING service fall t 5IPTF $PVSUFOBZ 3FTJEFOUT XIP XPVME OPSNBMMZ IBWF 3&$:$-*/( TFSWJDF GBMM PO 'SJEBZ +BOVBSZ TU on Friday January 1st will be picked up on: Monday Jan 4, 2016.

XJMM CF QJDLFE VQ PO All other days of service will have no changes during the holiday period, and regular t .POEBZ +BO th

service resume on during Jan 8the2016.

AllFriday other days of servicewill will have no changes holiday period, and regular Friday service will resume on Jan 8th 2016.

To help with your excess garbage during the holidays, Emterra will collect extra on To help with your excess garbage during the holidays, Emterra will collect extra on your collection day from Dec 21rd 2015 to your collection day from Dec 21rd 2015 to Jan 8rd 2016.

JanPlease 8rd 2016.Note: Xmas trees will only be taken from the curb if they are cut in 3 foot Please Note: Xmas trees will only be taken from the curb if they are cut in 3 foot sections. sections.

Please have all out atall theout curb at by 8:00am Please have the curb by 8:00am

Happy Holidays from all the staff

A division of

As well-loved as these holiday traditions are, Christmas during operational missions may be very different, of course.

But efforts are made to spread holiday cheer and serve holiday meals no matter where Canadian

Armed Forces members are deployed. Whether at home in Canada, in the deserts of the Middle East, or in the frigid snows of Canadian Forces Station Alert in Nunavut, the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air

25

Force do their best to relax and enjoy holiday festivities - even if for only a few minutes.

All members of the Royal Canadian Air Force wish you and yours the very best of the holiday season.

Thanks to BrigadierGeneral (retired) Terry Leversedge, Colonel (retired) Mel Dempster, and Colonel (retired) Dave Peart for their recollections of sticky ďŹ&#x201A;oors at Building 155.

Did you know?

On December 25, 1944, 402 Squadron was stationed in Belgium. The squadronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SpitďŹ res were out on a late mission when the pilots realized that they would not be back in time for Christmas dinner.

Returning late in the evening, the pilots went to the mess hall, expecting to ďŹ nd cold leftovers. To their amazement and delight, they found the entire squadron waiting for their arrival. The dinner did not begin until everyone in the squadron was there.

Special Thanks to the following for supporting & donating to this event: Glacier Kings

Grains Bakery

CRA Board

6LHÎ?HUWV )DUP 0DUNHW

Youth Unlimited

Onethirtythree

Hot Chocolates

Dominos Courtenay

Lush Valley

Subway Comox Valley

&LW\ RI &RXUWHQD\ 6WDÎ?

A & W Ryan Road

Courtenay Recreation

& You for coming . . . courtenay.ca/rec Lewis Centre 250-338-5371 The LINC 250-334-8138

26 FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

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Browse more at:

To advertise in print:

Call: 1-855-310-3535 Email: cclassifieds@comoxvalleyecho.com Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

A division of

30

$

GET IT RENTED! BUY ONE WEEK, GET SECOND WEEK FREE!* *Private party only, cannot be combined with other discounts.

#OMOXĂĽ6ALLEYĂĽ %CHO &RIDAYĂĽ%DITIONĂĽ $EADLINES 8PSE "ET 7EDNESDAYx xPM %JTQMBZ "ET 4UESDAYx xPM -!*/2ĂĽ#!4%'/2)%3ĂĽ).ĂĽ /2$%2ĂĽ/&ĂĽ!00%!2!.#% &!-),9x!../5.#%-%.43 #/--5.)49x!../5.#%-%.43 42!6%,x #(),$2%.x%-0,/9-%.4 0%23/.!,x3%26)#%3 "53).%33x3%26)#%3x 0%43x x,)6%34/#+ -%2#(!.$)3%x&/2x3!,% 2%!,x%34!4% 2%.4!,3 !54/-/4)6% -!2).%

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRAVEL

DEATHS

DEATHS

IN MEMORIAM

INFORMATION

TIMESHARE

MEDICAL/DENTAL

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.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Patricia Bernadette Farnsworth Feb 11, 1948 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dec 15, 2015

The Party is over. Triciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebration of life came to an end on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. In her own words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Goodbye. I have no regrets and I am so thankful to you all for your kindness. It has been a very special time for me being able to connect with so many of you as I enjoyed sharing my celebration of life over the past few months. Life was good. And now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m gone.

In lieu of ďŹ&#x201A;owers please donate to the Red Cross Supplies, Puntledge Road, Courtenay. The wheel chair allowed me to cruise around the airpark with family and friends and I really appreciated the time.â&#x20AC;?

As per Patriciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request there will be no service.

!'2%%-%.4

)Tx ISx AGREEDx BYx ANYx $ISPLAYx ORx #LASSIĂ&#x2122;EDx !DVERTISERx REQUESTINGx SPACEx THATx THEx LIABILITYx OFx THEx PAPERx INx THEx EVENTx OFx FAILUREx TOx PUBLISHx ANx ADVERTISEMENTx SHALLx BExLIMITEDxTOxTHExAMOUNTxPAIDxBYx THEx ADVERTISERx FORx THATx PORTIONx OFx THEx ADVERTISINGx OCCUPIEDx BYx THEx INCORRECTxITEMxONLYxANDxTHATxTHEREx SHALLx BEx NOx LIABILITYx INx ANYx EVENTx BEYONDxTHExAMOUNTxPAIDxFORxSUCHx ADVERTISEMENT x 4HEx PUBLISHERx SHALLx NOTx BEx LIABLEx FORx SLIGHTx CHANGESx ORx TYPOGRAPHICALx ERRORSx THATxDOxNOTxLESSENxTHExVALUExOFxANx ADVERTISEMENT BCCLASSIĂ&#x2122;ED COMx CANNOTx BEx RESPONSIBLEx FORx ERRORSx AFTERx THEx Ă&#x2122;RSTx DAYx OFx PUBLICATIONx OFx ANYx ADVERTISEMENT x.OTICExOFxERRORSxONx THEx Ă&#x2122;RSTx DAYx SHOULDx IMMEDIATELYx BEx CALLEDx TOx THEx ATTENTIONx OFx THEx #LASSIĂ&#x2122;EDx $EPARTMENTx TOx BEx CORRECTEDx FORx THEx FOLLOWINGx EDITION BCCLASSIĂ&#x2122;ED COMxRESERVESx THExRIGHTxTOxREVISE xEDIT xCLASSIFYxORx REJECTx ANYx ADVERTISEMENTx ANDx TOx RETAINx ANYx ANSWERSx DIRECTEDx TOx THEx BCCLASSIĂ&#x2122;ED COMx "OXx 2EPLYx 3ERVICEx ANDx TOx REPAYx THEx CUSTOMERxFORxTHExSUMxPAIDxFORxTHEx ADVERTISEMENTxANDxBOXxRENTAL

$)3#2)-).!4/29 ,%')3,!4)/.

!DVERTISERSx AREx REMINDEDx THATx 0ROVINCIALx LEGISLATIONx FORBIDSx THEx PUBLICATIONxOFxANYxADVERTISEMENTx WHICHx DISCRIMINATESx AGAINSTx ANYx PERSONxBECAUSExOFxRACE xRELIGION x SEX x COLOUR x NATIONALITY x ANCESTRYx ORxPLACExOFxORIGIN xORxAGE xUNLESSx THEx CONDITIONx ISx JUSTIĂ&#x2122;EDx BYx Ax BONAx Ă&#x2122;DEx REQUIREMENTx FORx THEx WORKxINVOLVED

CHRISTMAS CORNER

CHRISTMAS CORNER

TRADES, TECHNICAL

Dorothea (Doris) Cameron January 6, 1943 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 22, 2013 Forever Loved Forever Missed Allan Susan, Allan (Charlene) Donna (Marcus) Matthew, Ashley (Steve) Dustin, Dorothea (Robert) Haley, Courtenay, Tim Trenton & Taylor Hanna Ryleigh Molly

CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabeneďŹ t.ca/free-assessment OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS every Wednesday 7pm-8pm, Courtenay Sports Centre, Aquarium Room More Info: 250-334-0096.

PERSONALS IF YOU WANT TO DRINK it is your business. IF YOU WANT TO STOP it is ours.

Phone A.A. 250-338-8042 Call anytime 24/7

In loving memory â&#x20AC;˘ Christmas Lights

HOTEL, RESTAURANT, FOOD

9/52Ă&#x2013;#/--5.)49 Ă&#x2013;9/52Ă&#x2013;#,!33)&)%$3

HOTEL, RESTAURANT, FOOD

Guest Service Supervisors

Tim Hortons is now seeking Guest Service Supervisors to join our team at 4 of our Comox Valley locations! Applicants QYWX LEZI E žI\MFPI WGLIHYPI )\TIVMIRGI MR KYIWX WIVZMGI XIEQ QEREKIQIRX TVSFPIQ WSPZMRK EFMPMX] XS JSPPS[ HMVIGX TSPMGMIW

WXERHEVHW MW VIUYMVIH

COVER - SIGNATURE ADS AdSize:2 x 504.00 7353972 O:\DISPLAY_ADS\DROPBOX\7353972.pdf

'SQTIXMXMZI [EKIW ERH &IRI½XW Please apply in person to any Comox Valley locations or email ':XMQWNSFW$KQEMP GSQ 2451 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay 789 Ryan Road, Courtenay 394 Lerwick Road, Courtenay 727 Anderton Road, Comox ACCOUNTING/ BOOKKEEPING

#/092)'(4

#OPYRIGHTx AND ORx PROPERTIESx SUBSISTx INx ALLx ADVERTISEMENTx ANDx INx ALLx OTHERx MATERIALx APPEARINGx INx THISx EDITIONx OFx BCCLASSIĂ&#x2122;ED COM x 0ERMISSIONx TOx REPRODUCEx WHOLLYxORxINxPARTxANDxINxANYxFORMx WHATSOEVER x PARTICULARLYx BYx Ax PHOTOGRAPHICx ORx OFFSETx PROCESSx INxAxPUBLICATIONxMUSTxBExOBTAINEDx INxWRITINGxFROMxTHExxPUBLISHER x!NYx UNAUTHORIZEDxREPRODUCTIONxWILLxBEx SUBJECTxTOxRECOURSExINxLAW !DVERTISEĂ&#x2013;ACROSSĂ&#x2013;6ANCOUVERĂ&#x2013; )SLANDĂ&#x2013;ANDĂ&#x2013;"RITISHĂ&#x2013;#OLUMBIAĂ&#x2013; INĂ&#x2013;THEĂ&#x2013;BEST READ Ă&#x2013;MOSTĂ&#x2013;TRUSTEDĂ&#x2013; COMMUNITYĂ&#x2013;NEWSPAPERS

your private party automotive ad with us in SELL IT IN 3 Place your community paper for next 3 weeks for only OR IT RUNS the $30. If your vehicle does not call us and we'll run it FOR FREE!* sell, again at NO CHARGE!

Call 250-334-4722

Visit us Online

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

ACCOUNTING/ BOOKKEEPING

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HIP OR knee replacement?

Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dressing? Disability tax credit $2,000 tax credit $20,000 refund. Apply today for assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

WATKIN MOTORS Ford, Vernon, B.C. immediately requires an experienced Ford Diesel Technician. Go to watkinmotors.com About us, Employment, to apply and review required qualiďŹ cations.

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES

HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Contact us now to start your training day. www.canscribe.com.

Call 1-800-466-1535. Email: info@canscribe.com.

INCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reassessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 1250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: r.gallen@shaw.ca C- 250-938-1944

START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765

#,!33)&)%$3Ă&#x2013;7/2+Ă&#x2013;(!2$

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo â&#x20AC;˘ 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-E 5th Street, Courtenay EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTES NEEDED FOR VARIOUS AREAS

EAST COURTENAY Rt. 375 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hurford Ave, Qunsam Pl., 12th St E, Hobson Ave, Hitchen Pl. HOUSE VALLEY ECHO Rt. 363 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;COMOX Hawk Dr, Whiskey Jack Way, Swallow Cres.

AdSize:2 COMOX x 288.00 7124485 Rt. 526 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Merino Pl, Cougar Cres, Linshart Rd. O:\DISPLAY_ADS\DROPBOX\7124485.pdf

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Earn extra $$$$ for all that fun stuff that mom won't buy!

CONNECTING JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS www.localworkbc.com

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

27

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

Somebody’s in the river having a swim while spectators line the shore of the Courtenay River in this undated winter photo

HAVE YOU been denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefits?

The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal.

Call 1-877-793-3222 www.dcac.ca info@dcac.ca

Christmas Memories

PLUMBING 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.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.

TEXT YOUR TIP ANONYMOUSLY Text

CVCSTIPS

To CRIMES

Tell us

Two unknown staffers at the old Courtenay City Hall in this undated photo

what you know,

not who

you are.

TBGF t TFDVSF t BOPOZNPVT www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ComoxValleyEcho

Former premier Mike Harcourt officially opens the Sunrise quad lift in December, 1992 at Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Comox Valley, BC

We don’t know who’s playing Santa Claus and we don’t know who the little boy is, but the photo was taken in the Comox Valley

28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

1

The Annual Mammoth Crossword Puzzle 2

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31 Wanderer (5) 32 Canada’s largest city; abbr. (2) 33 The Peach State; abbr. (2) 35 Current version of this board game is 80 (8) 36 Baseball equipment (3) 38 Released from S. African jail 25 yrs ago (6,7) 40 Game show turned 40 (5,2,7) 43 Co. predicting 3D-printer sneakers (4) 45 A supreme being (3)

106-501 4th Street

338

360

433

488

250.331.0813

337

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Merry Christmas M Ch and Happy New Year

336 350

370 381

480

483

ACROSS 1 Movie of Von Trapp family turned 50 (3,5,2,5) 9 Football controversy of the year (11) 15 First Triple Crown winner since 1978 (8,7) 23 A short laugh (2) 25 Symbol for chemical element chlorine (2) 26 Paris-based mag attacked (7,5) 29 Late-night sketch show turned 40 (8,5,4) 30 Mr. Spock actor passed away (7,5)

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il unt d e 5 end 1/1 Ext Dec.3

46 Remote control; abbr. (2) 48 Member of an upper house; abbr. (3) 52 Cry loudly (3) 54 Conglomerate that sold finance arm (2) 57 New chamber suspected in this king’s tomb (3) 60 A highly volcanic moon of Jupiter (2) 67 Kate and William’s new princess (9) 68 Spacecraft that reached Pluto (3,8)

72 This crisis intensified in Europe (11) 76 Superbowl’s halftime act (4,5) 81 Legendary baseball catcher passed at 90 (4,5) 83 One of his paintings sold for $179 million (7) 86 Highest earning basketballer (6,5) 87 UN adopts resolution 2199 to combat this (9) 89 A computer’s ‘address’ (2) 91 A volunteer org. for young people; abbr. (3) 93 A tiny metric unit of volume (2) 94 Counterintelligence; abbr. (2) 96 Raggedy __ turned 100 (3) 97 An Adobe visual software package; abbr. (2) 98 High, deep ball in tennis (3) 100 Justin __ hit the U.S. legal drinking age (6) 102 Amusement park opened 60 yrs ago (10) 105 Chicago team won its 6th Stanley Cup (10) 108 Country whose maple leaf flag turned 50 (6) 109 Infomercials, for example (3) 110 Cameron __ married Benji Madden (4) 111 Delight (5) 113 Miranda’s ex (5) 115 Julio’s son, who turned 39 (initials) (2) 116 Perform or complete an action (2) 117 Potassium hydroxide (3) 118 Relative of a gator (4) 120 Ridiculously (7) 123 Sew up (4) 125 Sets of medical symptoms (9) 129 Encounter (4) 132 Give the cold shoulder (6) 134 A prefix meaning two (2) 135 U.K. character, Mr. __, debuted 25 yrs ago (4) 138 Small American state (2) 141 A preposition, referring to location (2) 142 Persia, today (4) 143 Hairless (4) 144 Nicaraguan prez turned 70 (6) 145 Chowed down (3) 147 Organ for breathing (4) 150 Colors or shades (4) 152 Soccer star turned 40 (7) 156 __ Campbell got Oscar nom. for best song (4) 157 Lie in wait (4) 158 __-la-la (3) 159 Wages (8) 161 Water found on this planet (4) 163 Animal den (4) 165 Belonging to them (5) 166 Worked the soil (4) 167 Speak or converse (4) 168 Emmy’s best reality series (3,5) 169 A woman’s leg (3) 171 Origin of an idea (4) 173 Follow closely (4) 175 Earned run average; abbr. (3) 176 Sheep cries (4) 177 Low-__ diet (4) 178 Before, in poetry (3) 182 Floral necklace (3) 184 Trot or canter (4) 186 Atmosphere (4)

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

29

The Annual Mammoth Crossword Puzzle Continued 188 Pepper’s partner (4) 189 Dog’s sound (4) 190 He released summer hit Cheerleader (3) 194 Presentation, esp. on stage (11) 197 Drop from the eye (4) 199 Legal wrong (4) 201 Designed for flight (4) 202 Sister-in-law; abbr. (3) 203 Doled out (11) 206 A preposition, indicating a position (2) 207 Assist (3) 208 N.Y.C. clock setting (3) 210 Hammer or screwdriver (4) 212 Public processions (7) 214 Lass (4) 215 Dried legume, in Indian cooking (3) 216 Electric fish (3) 217 Negative response (2) 219 Gov’t agency with another anti-tobacco campaign (3) 221 Name of deadly Mar. cyclone (3) 222 Stated (4) 224 City that hosted Expo 2015 (5) 225 Wedding ring (4) 226 Auction action (3) 228 A layer or thickness of a material (3) 230 Sweeping story (4) 231 Container for ashes (3) 233 Radio host Rick __ turned 65 (4) 235 Silent, or tight-lipped (3) 236 A piece of music (4) 237 Automobile (3) 238 __ Schumer: comedy’s new ‘it’ girl (3) 239 U.S. re-established diplomacy here (4) 240 Johnny Depp did this for a second time (3) 241 U.S. beat this country in women’s World Cup (5) 243 Without a date (4) 245 Piece of cloth, symbolizing a country (4) 246 Uninterested (5) 247 Hibernation site (3) 248 Ill-mannered (4) 249 Diner sandwich (3) 250 Movie released about this service dog (3) 251 There are 1.6 million of these in Google Play (4) 252 Dock (4) 253 Scoundrel (3) 254 Wild blue yonder (3) 255 A minor planet was named after __ Pitt (4) 256 High card (3) 257 Pig pen (3) 259 Part of the mouth (4) 261 Twins, queens and kings (4) 263 A parent-teacher group (3) 264 Metal singer __ Zombie turned 50 (3) 265 Indian bread (4) 266 B&B (3) 267 Promise to pay (3) 268 Depend on (4) 269 Low card (3) 271 Hit (4) 273 A large ornamental fish (3) 274 Pen filler (3) 275 Grizzly (4)

386 Actor __ Perry turned 49 (4) 276 A light run (3) 387 Addiction support group turned 80 (2) 278 African antelope (3) 388 At the end of a pencil (6) 279 Millinery (4) 391 Spoon-bender Geller (3) 280 Fleece (5) 393 Fizzy drink (4) 282 Soil (4) 395 Relax (4) 284 Birthday (3) 397 His engagement to Charlize Theron ended 286 Rule out (3) (4) 287 Part of the psyche, said Freud (2) 399 Network with second highest no. of 290 Average (3) viewers (3) 292 City cleaning its Olympic waters (3) 400 Jewel (3) 293 __ Bunny first appeared 75 yrs ago (4) 401 Unit in Indian numbering system (5) 294 Announced her bid for prez (7) 403 This Friends star got hitched (7) 296 Bull’s-eye hitter (4) 405 Video sharing site turned 10 (7) 298 A U.S. intelligence group (3) 407 Gets up (5) 300 Carried out (3) 409 Rapper Dr. __ turned 50 (3) 302 Replaced answering machine; abbr. (2) 410 Captain’s journal (3) 303 Independent (4-7) 411 European Commission; abbr. (2) 305 Citrus fruit (4) 416 Home to Nashville; abbr. (2) 306 French reality show singing star (4) 417 Action figure __ Joe turned 51 (2) 307 A circular band of metal (4) 419 Food container (3) 309 Apple or cherry baked items (4) 422 Seattle’s home; abbr. (2) 311 Education award (11) 423 Her name used to be Bruce (7,6) 313 Genetic fingerprint (3) 424 This Doctor Zhivago star died (4,6) 314 Floats with the waves (4) 426 This soap opera debuted 50 yrs ago 315 Celeb chef Bobby __ divorced (4) (4,2,3,5) 317 Helgenberger joined Dome show (4) 431 To share a Tweet (2) 319 Trudge (4) 433 Where surgeons work (2) 321 Chinese principle (3) 435 This martial arts expert actor turned 75 325 Soaked (3) (5,6) 326 Shark movie released 40 yrs ago (4) 436 Microsoft founder turned 60 (4,5) 327 She & Timberlake had a son (4) 441 Precursor of this fast food giant opened 75 328 To relax in a mindless way (3) yrs ago (9) 330 Alek Skarlatos became one (4) 443 Sonny & Cher released this hit 50 yrs ago 332 Grease (4) (1,3,3,4) 334 Not amateur (3) 444 Free the Children’s youth event: __ Day (2) 339 Installments of a TV series (8) 445 A person proficient in a sport (7) 341 Dogs and cats (4) 447 A support group for compulsive eaters (2) 342 Vista (4) 454 Casual form of hello (2) 343 UN said it was int’l year of these (5) 461 This world peace-promoting org. turned 345 Expected golf scores (4) 70 (2) 347 Popular Easter Egg dye co. (4) 467 Drug given before surgery (10) 349 Postulated series of events (8) 468 Pillsbury’s mascot turned 50 (8) 351 Anger (3) 469 Rocker __ Stewart turned 70 (3) 352 Luxurious (4) 470 Desperate (8) 353 Fifty percent (4) 354 Old-fashioned women’s head coverings (7) 472 Having light-colored locks (4-6) 473 Lithuania’s country code (2) 356 Broad valley (4) 476 Ballet attire (4) 358 __ Peaks debuted 25 yrs ago (4) 477 Board game about drawing turned 30 (10) 360 To sunbathe (3) 478 New pre-human species discovered (4,6) 361 Almost (6) 480 He beat Pacquiao (10) 362 The rise and fall of a voice (4) 481 Beatles drummer turned 75 (5,5) 363 Quiet street (4) 483 Symbol for dysprosium (2) 364 Opposite of NW (2) 485 The Hawkeye State; abbr. (2) 365 He, in French (2) 487 He created first web server 25 yrs ago 367 __ of the Flies turned 51 (4) (3,7-3) 369 Essential (4) 488 This American Idol had a son (6,9) 371 Circuits (6) 489 This Hollywood Wives author passed (6,7) 372 Beatles hit released 50 yrs ago (4) 373 __ Winslet turned 40 (4) Down 374 Canvas cover (4) 1 U.S. Open was played near this Puget Sound 377 Goad (4) city (6) 379 French cheese (4) 2 Pre-VEEP, Julia Louis-Dreyfus played her (6) 381 Execute perfectly (4) 3 Yellow-flowering Eurasian primroses (6) 383 Death notice (4) 385 She won Grammy for Tony Bennett duet (4) 4 Used in sewing (6)

5 __ Wilson released three movies this year (4) 6 4th movie released in former-Mel-Gibson franchise (3,3) 7 Mag that put Muhammad Ali on Oct. cover (2) 8 Talk (4) 10 Spookily (6) 11 To deceive (4,2) 12 Ground-dwelling S. American bird (7) 13 Offering something as a guarantee of good faith (archaic) (6) 14 Gave a name to a book (6) 15 Thomas Edison’s middle name (4) 16 __ Sheeran won People’s Choice for best album (2) 17 Wild goats (6) 18 Membrane covering an embryo (6) 19 To remove contaminants (6) 20 East Timor town with a sister city of Madison, WI (6) 21 A metal in the platinum group (6) 22 Nashville actress __ Panettiere got Teen Choice nom. (6) 24 Make amends (5) 25 Stogie (5) 27 __ Marley would have turned 70 this year (3) 28 Cheerios grain (3) 34 This health org. said rubella was gone from the Americas (3) 37 Strongest (9) 39 Dire fate (4) 41 Judge who didn’t return to Dancing with the Stars (3) 42 Bachelor’s new villain: __ Bailey (3) 44 A proposed space time capsule (3) 47 Spy agency faced lawsuit (3) 49 Yellowfin tuna (3) 50 A deliberate fire (5) 51 Home to La Paz (7) 52 A Caribbean percussion group (5,4) 53 __ Affleck divorced Jen Garner (3) 55 Intelligence exhibited by machines; abbr. (2) 56 Company; abbr. (2) 57 Poet __ Eliot died 50 yrs ago (2) 58 Seventh note of scale (2) 59 For example; abbr. (2) 61 A mistress (5,5) 62 Emmy’s lead actor __ Hamm (3) 63 Justified (9) 64 The results of cross-breeding plants or cars (7) 65 Actor __ Tyler Ferguson turned 40 (5) 66 A good buddy (3) 69 Drifted (6) 70 Zero gravity simulator; abbr. (3) 71 Important, or nota bene; abbr. (2) 73 Colored glass spheres; toys (7) 74 Not guilty (8) 75 To stretch for something (5) 77 A test or practice (3,3) 78 The __ Yorker turned 90 (3) 79 A standard, or a point of reference (9) 80 These disastrous events spread, due to drought (9) 82 Short word used in similes (2) 84 Crafty (3)

Happy Holidays!

With thanks for your business at this festive time of year.

www.courtenaymortgage.ca

30 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

You have made a difference by shopping at our INDEPENDENT local business!

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Merry Christ mas! hours: Monday to Friday 9 am-5pm 1070 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay BC 250.338.0903 www.theHomeMedicalShop.com

The Annual Mammoth Crossword Puzzle Continued

85 Mozart’s L’__ del Cairo (3) 87 Tunisia’s Internet code (2) 88 Horror director who died (3,6) 90 Hawaiian dish (3) 92 Nile Kinnick’s hometown (4) 95 It’s no big deal; abbr. (4) 96 Inquires (4) 97 Much __ About Nothing (3) 99 Flags with slogans (7) 101 Computer-delivered messages (1-4) 103 Lecherous look (4) 104 Comic Hughley goes by these initials (2) 105 Home of the Whopper; abbr. (2) 106 __ Rock released his 10th album (3) 107 Beloved and admired (6) 109 Element no. 33 (7) 112 Cassia trees; natural laxatives (6) 114 Stomach muscle (2) 119 Physically weak (5) 121 Element with atomic no. 70; abbr. (2) 122 Better Call __ debuted (4) 124 Pen point (3) 126 Sweet potato (3) 127 Angers (5) 128 14th letter of alphabet (2) 130 Caribou kin (3) 131 Desire (5) 133 Exchange-traded note; abbr. (3) 136 Huh? (2) 137 Orderly (4) 139 Be in pain (4) 140 Actor __ LaBeouf was arrested again (4) 143 A tulip sprouts from this (4) 144 Metal in rocks (3) 146 Breakfast food (3) 148 An expression that is a pause in speech (2) 149 Diver __ Louganis turned 55 (4) 151 Thailand, once (4) 153 French word for ‘and’ (2) 154 AK ghost town, destroyed by ‘64 tsunami (4) 155 Little Rock’s home; abbr. (2) 156 Bearded animal (4) 157 Shenanigan (4) 158 Definite article (3) 160 A light lunch choice (5) 162 Airplane assignment (4) 164 Run amok (4) 166 Angel’s disk of light (4) 167 Road goo (3) 168 Hackneyed (5) 170 Restroom sign (3) 172 Count calories (4) 174 Roller coaster feature (4) 176 Nightclubs (4) 177 Ring up (4) 178 Dash lengths (3) 179 Barbie’s beau turned 54 (3) 180 Opposite of on (3) 181 American Sniper star turned 40 (7,6) 183 Rocks, to a bartender (3) 185 New Mexico art community (4) 187 A small drink of a spirit (4) 188 Past participle of see (4) 189 Wren or hen (4)

190 Price dropped of this black gold (3) 191 Legendary female jazz singer born 100 yrs ago (6,7) 192 Men’s formal wear (3) 193 Japanese money (3) 194 Holy leader visited U.S. & Cuba (4,7) 195 Mamma __ closed on Broadway (3) 196 Psychic power (3) 198 Highway (4) 200 Quick haircut (4) 201 __ Levine did his 9th season of The Voice (4) 202 Make music via voice (4) 203 Father (3) 204 Number of times a weight is lifted (3) 205 Apprentice star running for prez (6,5) 209 Quentin __ released 8th film (9) 211 Empty promises (4) 213 Former graduate (4) 214 Jets or Sharks, for example (4) 215 One __: the year’s biggest selling group (9) 218 Oscar’s best picture (7) 220 Country legalized same sex marriage in ntl vote (7) 223 Particulars (7) 225 Got on a train (7) 226 Tavern (3) 227 Banned on cross-country flights 25 yrs ago (7) 229 A group of 4 musicians (7) 232 Grammy’s best new artist __ Smith (3) 234 Excessively sentimental (5) 236 Siesta (5) 237 Atlantic fish (3) 242 Short snooze (3) 244 A navigation system (3) 245 Little lie (3) 246 Embargo (3) 258 Second person pronoun (3) 259 Allows (4) 260 __ Stefani split from her husband (4) 262 Slipped (4) 263 Peas grow in this (3) 268 Anger (4) 269 Skinny (4) 270 Pledge (4) 272 Snare (4) 277 Girl (3) 278 Unpleasant person (British term) (3) 279 Low, steady continuous sounds (4) 280 Murder (4) 281 Capacity (4) 283 Excursion (4) 285 Business support systems; abbr. (3) 286 Nothing (3) 288 Morning moisture (3) 289 Roswell sighting (3) 291 Carnival attractions (5) 292 Ribonucleic acid; abbr. (3) 293 Napkins tied around the neck (4) 294 A combustible dark ‘rock’ (4) 295 __ Galloway finished 3rd in Dancing with the Stars (4) 297 Confess (4) 299 Do film work (3)

300 Entrances to rooms (5) 387 Conjunction (3) 301 Egyptian cobra (3) 389 Indefinite article (2) 302 By way of (3) 390 Stock symbol for a big audit firm (2) 304 Industrious insect (3) 392 Footnote note (4) 305 Highs and __ (4) 394 Dream on (2,2) 306 Multitude (4) 396 Turncoat (7) 308 Get ready (4) 398 Immediately (3) 310 Daytime TV offering (4) 402 Reunite with a group (6) 312 Don Johnson’s new character (3) 404 Brazilian dance (5) 314 Shower alternative (4) 406 Prefix meaning one (3) 315 Feudal estate (4) 408 As much as needed (6) 316 Blood-carrying body part (4) 412 CNN misidentified __ Reagan (5) 318 One who completes school (4) 413 This stretchy fabric turned 57 (5) 320 Dang (4) 414 Abominable snowman (4) 322 This Love Bug actor passed (4,5) 415 Question answered with ‘because’ (3) 323 Shipwreck discovered 30 yrs ago (7) 418 Belonging to me (2) 324 When water heats up (5) 420 Moves briskly (5) 325 Diminutive (3) 421 A bowler hat (5) 326 To joke around (4) 425 To and __ (3) 327 Digestive juice (4) 427 Competent (4) 328 She and Tiger Woods split (4) 428 Middling; nothing special (2-2) 329 TV show about high-school singers ended 429 Now obsolete video format (3) (4) 430 High-pitched woodwind instrument; abbr.

331 Spoken (4) (2) 333 This NASA probe reached dwarf planet 432 Dynamite (3) Ceres (4) 434 __ and flow (3) 335 Halloween month; abbr. (3) 436 To exist (2) 336 Pester (5) 437 Calif. city with worst heat wave in a century 337 A salty, doughy treat (7) (2) 338 Weapon first used on large scale, 100 yrs 438 Opposite of stop (2) ago (6,3) 439 Thanks, in baby talk (2) 340 Arid (3) 440 Silence! (2) 341 __ and paper mill (4) 441 New hit: Love __ Like You Do (2) 342 Windmill blade (4) 442 A common abbreviation for Germany (2) 343 Peter Gabriel’s fifth album (2) 444 Measurement side to side (5) 344 Abbreviation of saint or street (2) 446 Kings of __ worked on seventh album (4) 346 Untidy person (4) 448 Vienna’s home (7) 348 Van Gogh’s mistress (4) 449 Rug (6) 350 Body part Van Gogh sliced off (3) 450 A video camera that streams into a 352 Purple flowering shrub (5) computer (6) 353 Despise (4) 451 Clothing (6) 354 A round, flattish cap (5) 452 35th anniversary of this Beatles’ death (6) 355 Knight’s title (3) 453 A reflective surface (6) 357 Makes a mistake (4) 455 Sticky (5) 359 Approaches (5) 456 Enemies of the Inca (6) 362 Table part (3) 457 Earl Anthony was one (6) 363 Body of water (4) 458 A First Nations gathering (6) 364 Where you find Cape Town; abbr. (2) 459 Italian-style ice cream (6) 366 Uncouth person (4) 460 Greek spirit of forgetfulness (5) 368 Fashion icon Christian __ born 110 yrs ago 462 Italian sandwich (6) (4) 463 Dreadful (6) 370 Expire (3) 464 __ & Gretel (6) 372 Lunch meat (3) 465 Asian mountain sheep (6) 373 Malay dress: baju __ (6) 466 Trims or embellishes decor (6) 374 A martial art: __ chi (3) 471 Take to court (3) 375 Conformity to established standards of 474 U2’s The __ fell off a stage (4) behavior (9) 475 __ Ruth hit his first career home run 100 yrs 376 Common ship prefix (2) ago (4) 377 Prolongs (9) 479 Praiseful poem (3) 378 A medicine (4) 482 __ Pacino celebrated 75th birthday (2) 380 Newsroom boss (6) 484 State with extensive auto racing history; 382 Psychedelic drug (3) postal abbr. (2) 384 U.K. broadcaster that fired Top Gear host (3) 486 Rockers __/DC did another world tour (2) 385 Receiving (7) Puzzle copyright: Monica Zurowski 386 __ and behold (2)

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

31

Make free New Year’s Eve swim and skate part of your holiday plans The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and Tim Hortons have been busy organizing some active fun on New Year’s Eve with the annual free family swim and skate at the CVRD’s sports centre from 5 to 8 p.m. on December 31, 2015.

“Having Tim Hortons’ continued support of this event allows our residents to ring in the new year with friends and family in a healthy, active way,” said the CVRD’s marketing specialist Robyn Butler.

“We always look forward to giving back to our community,” added Lynda Brocklehurst, owner of the Comox Valley Tim Hortons. “We hope members of our community will fit this

into their new year’s plans to kick off a very festive evening.”

As in previous years, attendees can enjoy complimentary Timbits, hot chocolate and coffee, plus a number of fabulous door prizes. There will be limited skate rentals available so it’s recommended to arrive early. Also, donations to the Comox Valley Food Bank will be gratefully accepted.

Come prepared to snap a photo at the “selfie station” on the ice and hashtag it #CVswimandskate for your opportunity to win additional prizes. For more information, visit www. comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec or follow comoxvalleyrd on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.

Everyone is welcome to join the free swim and skate at the CVRD’s sports centre this New Year ’s Eve.

It doesn't take much alcohol to impair your driving: Just because you've only had a couple of drinks doesn't mean you're okay to drive.

B.C.'s drinking-driving laws are saving lives Two years after B.C. introduced Canada's toughest provincial impaired driving law, an estimated 104 lives have been saved and impaired driving has dropped significantly.external link

Have a Safe Holiday Season Thank you for another Great Year

Police in B.C. can issue an immediate roadside prohibition external link to an impaired driver with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .05 or higher. (The BAC is based on a breath sample into a roadside screening device.)

The vehicle the person is driving can also be immediately taken off the road and impounded for three to 30 days.

Costs related to these offences can add up to an estimated $600 to $4,060—even if it’s the first time a driver is caught.

Make the smart choice — tips on getting home safely • Choose a designated driver before the first drink is poured. A true designated driver is the person who has no alcohol to drink. Period.

• Keep money aside for a bus or taxi, or call a sober friend.

Be Safe on the Roads this Holiday Season

• Don’t get in a car with an impaired driver. Ask to get out of the car if necessary.

• Just say no. Don’t let people who are drinking alcohol drive.

REQUEST A QUOTE ONLINE @ viic.ca

HOME

AUTO

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Make the right choice...

DON'T

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• Remember that drinking and driving starts with your first drink. Alcohol affects your judgment, reaction time, coordination and visual function; your ability to steer, track moving objects and brake appropriately; and ability to control your speed and lane position.

TRAVEL

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The information in this publication is intended to provide general information only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice. We have used plain language to help you understand your optional policy or some of the laws related to the topic of this publication. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. You should follow the more detailed wording and requirements of current applicable statutes and regulations or policy, even if they contradict the wording and requirements set out in this publication.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

33

Buy Local grants money for Valley’s largest winery

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff Comox Valley’s largest winery has secured a healthy sum of funding this year thanks to the BC Government, enabling the popular tourism designation to increase in popularity and awareness.

40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery has become another successful recipient of the provincial government’s Buy Local Program.

Owners Layne Robert Craig and Brenda Hetman-Craig received funding of $22,250 Friday from Comox Valley MLA Don McRae, on behalf of BC’s Agriculture Minister.

Under the The Buy Local Program businesses and organizations can apply for matching funding from the provincial government for projects that promote local foods.

Hetman-Craig used funds to launch a ‘buy locally within Comox’ campaign through traditional print advertising and with her online presence, making improvements to

40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery owners Layne Robert Craig (left) and Brenda HetmanCraig received a funding grant for the Buy Local program. Comox Valley MLA Don McRae presented the government’s half of the funding Friday on behalf of BC’s Agriculture Minister. the winery’s website.

Additionally, funds will allow the winery to have a presence at trade shows and events to increase cross-promotion with agri-tourism in the

region.

“Buy Local took us from zero to inventory sellout within one year.

We have gained loyal customers who appreciate our traditional and lo-

cally crafted wines 100% from our vineyard,” shares Hetman-Craig.

“Buy Local allowed us to employ local community members and participate in charitable

fundraising, achieving our business objectives.”

The team at 40 Knots, in addition to its coowners, includes four employees, many local seasonal workers, and an array of farm animals that patrol the grounds under the lead of the family dog Ziggy, a whippet named after the Siegerrebe grape.

Fittingly, Ziggy is the name of the winery’s own Siegerrebe, launched in 2014.

Uniquely named wines, all with a personal connection to the owners and staff are just some of the elements that gives these upscale wines its down-home appeal.

Apart from the welcoming ambience reminiscent of a Tuscan hill town, albeit in a seaside setting, there is something special about 40 Knots.

The proof is indeed in the wines, but the exceptional make-you-feelat-home atmosphere on exquisitely landscaped grounds and in a relaxed, cozy tasting room will have you coming back time and again.

“The 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery is a great example of a successful locally owned business that not only offers wines that highlight the flavours of the Comox Valley but is also promoting the region and bringing dollars into the local economy,” expressed Minister of Environment Norm Letnick.

“The Buy Local Program is a huge supporter of those companies that connect British Columbians with local products.”

The Buy Local program has received $6 million in B.C. government funding since 2012 to increase sales of locally grown and processed agrifood and seafood products within the province.

Over the holiday season the tasting room, located at 2400 Anderton Road, will remain open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and January 1.

Perhaps that hard-tofind Christmas gift for someone special awaits at 40 Knots Winery.

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Paderno Belle Fleur fry pans feature a completely PFOA free, non-stick coating (interior & exterior) that is safe on all cooktops including induction.

22cm/8.6” Belle Fleur non-stick fry pan.

List: $99.99. Now $24.99!

26cm/10.5” Belle Fleur non-stick fry pan.

List: $109.99. Now $29.99!

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SPECIAL! 71% OFF! Our 10pc Professional cookware set features stainless steel, TryPly construction for fast even heating. Etched interior

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measurements and durable riveted, ergonomic handles. Suitable for all cooktops, including induction. Set includes: 1.5L, 2L & 3L saucepans, 5L Dutch oven, 2L steamer insert, 24cm/9.5” non-stick ceramic coated fry pan (PFOA/PTFE free), and 4 tempered glass covers. List: $699.99.

Paderno vegetable spiral slicer - makes spiral cuts for many of your favourite vegetables and fruit.

Comes with three interchangeable stainless steel blades, no-slip suction bottom, and makes perfect cuts in just seconds.

List: $41.99.

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Central Builders Supply Ltd 610 Anderton Avenue Information & dealers: 1-800-A NEW-POT or www.paderno.com. Not all locations open Sunday. Quantities limited, please be early. Sale items may not be exactly as shown.

34 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

Santa visits Mount Washington Alpine Resort!

Santa rips at Mouont Washington.

With over a metre of fresh snow in the past week and a metre forecasted for this coming week, Santa took time away from his busy schedule to get in a few fresh turns at Mount Washington.

Photo credit: Darcy Friesen

SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB3 LITE 7''

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**For every $50 spent on video game accessories (excludes video game consoles, console bundles, and toys) before applicable taxes and after all other coupons or discounts are deducted, In a single transaction at any participating store location you will earn the points indicated. Product availability may vary by store. We are not obligated to award points based on error or misprints. Offer valid from Saturday, December 26th to Tuesday, December 29th, 2015. While quantities last.

Selection varies by store. While quantities last.

Prices and coupons effective from Saturday, December 26th to Tuesday, December 29th, 2015 unless otherwise stated.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

35

The Comox Ladies and guests took part in an amazing Christmas Party at the Comox Golf Club. The theme for this year was “The Outrageous Hat” Party. Of course everyone went to their closets and found something to wear on their head. Winners were guest Norma Leakey, member Janice Nicklin and member Jean Kirby with her full ensemble. We celebrated our new members and guests from Thursday night with an awesome dinner served

by Adrian from the Tee Box. Following dinner a gift exchange with a lot of pretty entertaining themes was held.

Jesse and Nadine from the Pro Shop have some great gift ideas for sale and are promoting the 10 green fee punch cards again as a great gift or stocking stuffers.

- Submitted by Nancy Riva

Island Biathlon Club offering new programs

The Vancouver Island Biathlon Club (VIBC), operating out of the Mt. Washington Nordic Centre, will be offering a number of opportunities this season to get involved in the exciting sport of Biathlon.

Programs offered by VIBC will include the Biathlon Bears for younger children and youth aged 10-14 years, as well as a masters program for ages 15 through adult.

VIBC is also offering visitors to Mt. Washington the chance to Give Biathlon a Shot! On December 27, visitors will be able to try this challenging Olympic sport at the club’s range, located just beyond the Raven Lodge.

In another exciting development, Vancouver Island Biathlon Club has joined forces with Strathcona Nordics Ski Club to offer Nordic sport aficionados the chance to hone their skills in skiing and shooting. While the clubs remain separate entities, this cooperative effort means that winter sport enthusiasts can enjoy seamlessly integrated programs.

All programs are taught by instructors trained to the standards of Biathlon

Canada. The focus is on safety, but the fun is guaranteed.

You can register for all courses online through Zone 4. For more information, you can send an email to vibiathlonclub@ gmail.com, or visit the

website at vibiathlon.ca If you would like to get more involved with the club or just find out more about us please join us for our AGM at 4 pm on Dec 27th at the Vancouver Island Mountain Centre opposite Raven Lodge.

Comox Legion Darts Turkey Shoot results After the feathers had settled (be assured that no birds were hurt) Hap Hanson, Arnie Morrison. Shane Dennis, Peter Andrews, Ken Hayes and Joanne Penny were recipients of a turkey, while Chad Trouton and Norma Hanson settled for a ham.

28 players (14 pairs) turned out for the event and played a full round robin with the top 8 doubles going to a best of 3 knock out round. Once the top 4 had been decided, Hap and Arnie Played Shane and Peter for first place bragging

rights while Ken and Joanne played Chad and Norma to see if it was going to be a turkey or a ham.

Men’s high score went to Chad with his 180, while (tongue in cheek) Shane registered the only Men’s double out of 36! Ladies High score and high out went to Jennifer Harrison with a 140 and a 74 out.

The dart scene slows down as most local leagues head into the festive season, next tournament at the Comox Legion will be the Ladies Open on February 13th.

Weekly 10-6 Season 112-112

Weekly 8-8 Season 120-104

36 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 25, 2015

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