Comox Valley Echo, January 22, 2016

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08.Food truck

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03.RESEARCH ON HISTORIC FIND PUBLISHED.

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ECHO

NEWS Comox Valley Weather

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Research reveals K’omoks people’s advanced fishing methods a thousand years ago

nologically Sophisticated Intertidal Fishery from British Columbia” that was recently published in the Canadian Journal of Archaeology.

The myriad of stakes visible during low tide are embedded deep in the sand and they revealed an ancient method of fishing, (Continued on page 4)

Courtenay archeologists get scientific paper published in Canadian Journal of Archaeology

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff When you look at the Comox Harbour you may notice what many would easily perceive to be simply hundreds of sticks in the mud particularly during low tide.

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Three Courtenay archaeologists, Nany Greene, David McGee and Rod Heitzmann have discovered what they are and have authored a scientific paper titled “The Comox Harbour Fish Trap Complex: A Large-Scale, Tech-

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(Continued from page 3)

one that reflects the ingenuity of the K’omoks First Nation over a thousand years ago.

Ten years ago, Greene saw the wooden stakes sticking out of the mud along the shore of the estuary near the K’omoks First Nation reserve. She was curious and wondered what they’re were all about.

As an archaeology student at Malaspina College, now Vancouver Island University, she decided to make it into a project.

“It had never been done before,” said Greene.

“Archaeology is normally done on the land. The wood stakes have been noted for many, many years by archaeologists working on the coast.

They knew they were for fishing and there were fishing structures there but there was no work done to really map and understand what these things look like, what the traps look like and when

“The Comox Harbour Fish Trap Complex: A Large-Scale, Technologically Sophisticated Intertidal Fishery from British Columbia” was recently published in the Canadian Journal of Archaelogy. (Back L to R) Archaeologist David McGee, KFN councillor Josh Frank, KFN chief Rob Everson, archaeologist Rod Heitzmann, (front L to R) archaeologist Nancy Greene and KFN councillor Barb Mitchell. they were.”

Since the stakes were in the K’omoks traditional territory, Greene sought permission from the band

council at the time, which supported the study.

There are around 200,000 stakes distributed extensively across

the tidal flats and that’s a conservative estimate said Greene.

They are the remains of hundreds of fish traps

built by ancestors of the K’ómoks people. They were large structures built with enclosures, some as large as 30 to 40 meters in

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diameter, capable of corralling immense numbers of fish to feed not just one or two families but an entire population.

“It demonstrates that if the fishery wasn’t commercial, it certainly was supportive of our population,” said K’omoks chief Rob Everson, who added that it also indicates a large permanent population of people living on the shores of the estuary for more than a thousand years.

In order to see what the original fish traps may have looked like, Greene and McGee, along with a group of hardy volunteers, mapped the positions of more than 13,000 stakes using precision surveying equipment and produced detailed pictures that indicate the First Nations fishers designed and built two different types of traps.

One type was designed to catch herring, and the second type of trap was designed to capture salmon.

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ROTARY CLUBS OF THE COMOX VALLEY EVENT CALENDAR

Comox Rotary Club & The Westerly Hotel present the

6th Annual

Join us for either or both of two featured events, with a long table Whiskey Dinner on Friday, January 29th ($60), hosted by Macallan Whiskey, and the Master Classes and Grand Tasting on Saturday, January 30th ($110).

On Saturday doors open at 6:30PM, with Whiskey tasting Master Classes start at 7PM promptly. Choose one of Whiskey Around the World, Tennessee Special, Making Scents of

Whiskey?, Scotch Malt Whisky Society 101 and Amber to Sienna. At 8PM the Grand Tasting begins and you will travel the tasting floor and explore more than 50 varieties of single malts, blends, bourbon, and rye. 2015 participating vendors included Aberfeldy, Macallan, Highland Park, Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels, Woodford, White Owl, Centennial Rye, Glenfarclas, Cutty Sark, Dewars, and more. You will also enjoy

fabulous appetizers featuring local edibles and finger foods. You can also choose a free ride home within the Comox Valley, or book a room at the Westerly Hotel at a special event rate.

All proceeds go to Rotary Club of Comox projects within the community.

Tickets can be purchased over the phone through the Westerly Hotel at 250-338-7741 x 4.

ROTARY SKYPARK EXPANSION

President of The Rotary Club Of Strathcona Sunrise, Richard Skinner is pleased to announce that as early as this spring ‘we will be adding a set of swings, one of the missing components, to Rotary’s Skypark at Courtenay Airpark. And, in keeping with the parks ‘accessibility’ theme, one of the three swings will be a new and unique ‘Expression’ swing which provides seating for both an adult and a child, allowing them to face each other, so they can watch the expression on each other’s face as they swing’.

February 18-20 Dinner theatre at Florence Filberg Theatre entitled “Meet me at the Juke box Diner” written and directed

by Gloria Herauf. Tickets $55 available at Benjamin Moore House of Color in Courtenay and Blue Heron Books in Comox.

On-going Sale of smoked spring salmon nuggets., $25/lb. or 5 lbs. for $100. Available at Eby’s Business Services, 1994 Comox Ave. in Comox 8:45 am-5:15 pm Monday to Friday. Proceeds go towards international projects of the Rotary Club of Comox.

Funds for the project were raised at Comox Valley Ribfest this past September (so, thanks to everyone who attended and supported).

The project is being spearheaded by PastPresident Wendy Lewis and President-Elect Mike Collins in conjunction with The City of Courtenay.

Rotarians of the Comox Valley wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Expression swingset to be installed in the Rotary Skypark in early 2016.

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This is the first research that indicates First Nations people living along the northwest coast of North America used such large and technologically sophisticated fish traps in the marine environment.

Each of these traps consisted of a large pole framework built by securely pounding long poles cut from small tree trunks (mostly Douglas fir saplings) into the tidal flat sediments, and removable woven latticework panels would have been lashed to the upright poles.

These panels were constructed with openings large enough for water to pass through easily, but small enough to ensure that fish could not escape. When “set to fish”, the traps would have functioned automatically with the rising and falling tides in the estuary.

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“They were very sophisticated in their designs,” said Greene. “They were designed with a detailed knowledge of fish behaviour. So the trapping methods are something that are staggering to modern science now. They had no idea this sophistication existed almost 1500 years ago.”

Radiocarbon dating of 57 wooden stakes indicates that traps designed to capture herring were built between approximately A.D. 650 – A.D. 1150, and salmon traps were built between approximately A.D. 1350 – A.D. 1850. This also demonstrates how the designs were upgraded to adjusts to a climatic shift from a relative warm and dry climate to a colder and wetter climate that led to a marked increase in the availability of salmon at Comox Harbour about 700 years ago.

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“It shows a high level of knowledge, particularly of marine resources,” said Greene.

The research also revealed how the K’omoks people ensured the sustainability of the fish.

The research was largely funded by Greene and McGee, with support for radiocarbon dating generously provided by K’ómoks First Nation, Hamatla Treaty Society, Comox Valley Project Watershed Society, Comox Valley Regional District, the municipalities of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland, an NSERC grant and special grant to Dr. Paul Horgen from the University of Toronto, and 27 individual donors (members of the Stick in the Mud Club).

“The archaeological site is an important cultural asset for the Comox Valley, and I was very pleased when the community responded by really pitching in

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6 www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016 to help us,” said Greene.

Heitzmann, a member of Greene’s team, commented “there is nowhere else on the B.C. coast where fish traps of these types have been identified in such numbers and good preservation.

“We are hoping to nominate the site as a National Historic Site of Canada.”

The research published in the Canadian Journal of Archaeology can be accessed at http:// canadianarchaeology.com/.

McGee said they are honoured to have a picture of the site of their study as the cover of the journal.

“To get on the cover means it’s pretty important,” said McGee. “It raises the profile of the whole project. Internationally this site is going to be very significant and generate a lot of interest among archaelogists and academics.”

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

7

Consultation Process for Puntledge School Closure goes before Superintendent for final recommendation to board trustees

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff

The fate of Ecole Puntledge Park Elementary is nearing a conclusion with the decision whether to act on a proposed recommendation to close the school soon to rest in the hands of the acting school district superintendent Tom Demeo.

A community fighting to keep Puntledge presented their final argument January 6 at the second last meeting for the Consolidation Working Committee cochaired by School District 71 staffers Allan Douglas and Esther Shatz.

The Puntledge Community argues the elementary school is one of a kind, an example of a harmonious education with an environment that fosters stewardship with nature and enriches the learning experience.

Situated in a forested setting adjacent Morrison Creek, students travel to and from school safely away from a busy intersection buffered by a community of homes.

These arguments are qualitative and difficult to put a quantitative value on its worth. And the reality is the final decision all comes down to the numbers.

SD71 maintains that closing Puntledge and converting Lake Trail Middle School into an elementary school will yield an operating budget savings of $594,800 and a capital budget savings o $122,500.

The savings, however,

should be looked at in context.

Numbers are a persuasive piece of evidence but, like words, can be ambiguous and need explaining.

Savings will be offset by capital expenditures to modify Lake Trail, forecasted between $114,00 and $625,000.

Labour charges to convert the middle school are estimated at $100,000.

Deferred maintenance cost for Lake Trail is estimated at $215,000.

And, there is the potential cost to move three modules from Puntledge to the overcrowded Arden Elementary valued at $180,000.

When numbers are presented in this manner, the situation appears far different. Not only will the realized saving in the first year potentially be significantly reduced, it might cost the school district in the end to carry out this proposal.

The Puntledge community understand their strength lies in numbers.

Qualitative numbers that demonstrate the same saving could be realized with another viable option than the one currently on the table.

Led by Katherine Tinmouth, the committee researched alternative options, crunched numbers and conducted a detailed cost-benefit analysis all in effort to save their school while helping the school district render a decision that best meets their financial objectives.

Russell Horswill

Plan’s recommendations and do nothing. The second option is to follow through with the recommended proposal of closing the elementary school and moving it into Lake Trail that calls for substantial reconfiguration.

Third option is to close Lake Trail Middle School rather than Puntledge.

Lastly, keep Puntledge

Parents and supporters fighting to keeping Ecole Puntledge Park Elementary open have worked steadily since November to come up with alternative solutions that will help School District 71 realize important cost savings without having to close their school. One viable option proposed during the Consolidated Working Group consultation process is reconfiguring Lake Trail Middle School into NIDES currently housed at the Tsolum Campus. The Puntledge Committee are hopeful their cost-benefit analysis of this option will find its way into the final report Acting Superintendent Tom Demeo will present to the Board Trustees in February.

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explains that this is exactly what the Board was hoping the public process would result in and that no option has been predetermined as a solution.

The consultation process, which concluded Wednesday with a review of Douglas’ and Shatz’ draft report for Demeo was designed all along to solicitude new ideas and gather input and critical information to help shape SD71’s decision.

The four options under consideration include leaving well enough alone.

In other words, discard the Long Range Facility

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reorganize and and reprogram Lake Trail to maximize the use of the resources now available.

Specifically, move the alternative programs offered through the North Island Distance Education School (NIDES) from the Tsolum Campus into the middle school facility.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JANUARY 22, 2016 (Continued from page 7)

City to start getting input on food truck pilot project

BY DEBRA MARTIN Echo Staff Courtenay council has given the goahead to staff to start a consultation process with businesses, business and tourism organizations, and the general public to seek feedback for a food truck pilot project.

Food trucks are the latest foodie fad to gain popularity in North America – and not just the good old chip-wagons that have been in use for decades, especially in Ontario. Food trucks nowadays serve ethnic and gourmet-type fare.

But in Courtenay, food trucks are severely limited on where and when they can set up business.

At the moment, the city’s business bylaw only allows food trucks to operate on private property, and only for a maximum of 15 minutes.

As Mayor Larry Jangula pointed out, brick-and-mortar restaurants in the city already pay high taxes and don’t like the idea of competition from food businesses that don’t have to pay property taxes, and may even be from out-of-town.

The consultation process arose from a motion made last August by city council asking for a staff report on the “options and implications” of amending the city’s business licence bylaw to relax the limitations on mobile restaurants.

“Food trucks have become increasingly popular in cities across North America, but there is no standard approach to local government food truck regulations,” said the report to council.

“Options range from allowing food trucks only at specific times or in specific locations, unlimited access to any street, property or special event; or a combination of the above.”

Other Island communities have started easing restrictions on food trucks: Comox – Approved a mobile vending application to one food truck vendor at Marina Park from June to September, 2015.

Parksville – Installed two concrete pads for food trucks at the Community Park. A rotating food truck schedule is coordinated by the town’s Chamber of Commerce.

Nanaimo – Working on a new food truck licensing process. If approved, select Nanaimo streets would be open to food trucks, along with several parks and public spaces.

Staff plans to get public feedback on food trucks through an online survey at the city website and social media channels.

As well, stakeholder groups such as Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association, Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Society would be contacted.

The consultation process is expected to take six weeks.

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The latter option is a radical option never considered in the long range plan, nor by SD71 staff or trustees. Still, it’s not at all unrealistic. The realized gains could results in greater enrollment into the alternative education program by the mere fact that the school is now within reach of the greater Comox Valley community and is a point made in the draft report.

But that’s a qualitative measure, an assumption that currently has no dollar value or enrollment figure attached to it. Nevertheless, an important component of critical thinking in the process of decisionmaking is the art of bringing what is subconscious into the conscious. In other words, bringing another point of view forward.

One shared and well understood point of view is that Lake Trail is currently operating inefficiently and under capacity and offers more potential than what is being realized.

With a pending seismic upgrade on the horizon, Lake Trail becomes a valuable commodity for future use.

This option entails a school closure before it can reopen as an alternative education facility. Horswill explains to do so requires another statutory school closure process similar to the Puntledge process.

Douglas and Shatz’ draft report acknowledges, however, that although difficult, it is possible to conduct a school closure process on Lake Trail School in time for the start of the 2016-17 school year and, overall, West Courtenay school utilization would result in

similar operational efficiencies and operating budget savings.

Another shared viewpoint by all parties involved is that the option of doing nothing will not improve the financial situation the school district is currently in. SD71 projects a budget shortfall for 2016 - 17 of $2.2 M. The Ministry of Education’s policy is that all provincial school districts are required to conduct long range facility planning as part of their regular capital plan development for the next five years.

The budgetary process will be underway for district trustees in the spring, heavily influenced by the financial gains or losses from the outcome of the school closure process.

If the intent of the statutory Puntledge closure process was to create enough shock and awe to force citizens to engage, and somewhere in the process a better solution will be found, then the objective was achieved.

It’s a number game and strength is in numbers. Acting Superintendent Demeo will present a final report based on the findings in the Consolidated Working Group’s report to the Board Trustees at the February Regular School District meeting. A public hearing will be held March 8 to allow all members of the general public, not just a select committee, to voice concerns a first and final time.

The fate of Puntledge will then go before judge and jury, the Board Trustees who must make the hard, un-biased decision, albeit one that will likely be predetermined by numbers.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

9

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Time to address unsafe skiers, boarders I am a sixty-year old woman with a level one Canadian ski instructors designation from 1972, I have skied annually and continuously for 53 years.

I love skiing and want to continue to until I am unable to do so for health reasons.

Today I am bedridden.

Yesterday I was hit by a snowboarder who was around 6 foot five and 250 pounds. I am five foot four and 130 pounds. I sustained minor but painful injuries. This is the fourth time in twenty years I have been run into by a snowboarder, and injured.

On one occasion, I was hit at full speed while I was stationary and lined up in a lift line.

The boarder who hit me yesterday became angry and abusive when I confronted him politely with the fact that he is responsible for avoiding all the people who are riding or skiing below him on the hill. He blamed my poor quality skiing on the incident, and shouted at and swore at me. He offered no assistance despite the fact that I was having difficulty getting up, and that both of my skiis came off. I had hit my (helmeted )head hard on the icy slope. I was hit by this individual with great speed and a great deal of force.

It appears that there is not a full understanding of a rider or skiiers

responsibility to create a safe environment for everyone on the slopes.

Unlike licensing for boating or driving, there is not a requirement to become informed about the need for responsible boarding or skiing. there is not a posted skier responsiblity code or the need to read one before boarding or skiing.

Out of control speed, collisions or near collisions, beer drinking, dropping empty beer cans on to the snow below from the lifts and smoking on the lifts, both of marijuana and cigarettes are things I observe every time I ski.

I think the local hill could do a great deal to provide a specific smoking outdoor area, and more information and additional security staff to confront people who need information and limits to create a safer experience for everyone on the slopes.

I urge you to contact Peter Gibson, the manager at the Mount Washington Alpine Resort to discuss concerns you have about unsafe skiiers and boarders, and impaired skiiers and boarders, or any other issues or concerns you have so he is aware that there is a problem at Mount Washington and that it needs to be addressed.

Libby Lang Union Bay

COMOX VALLEY ECHO A division of Black Press Ltd.

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Another Valley winter; water, water everywhere Winter again here in the Valley: more flood warnings and subsequent boil water restrictions, a big ugly tube along the bottom of Ryan road at the old Island Highway while local politicians scramble around to come up with mega tax dollars required for a deep water intake up at Comox Lake.

And how did all this come about over the past few years?

Perhaps we should reflect on how the entire east coast of Vancouver Island was once a magnificent stand of ancient Douglas fir forest.

And that today there’s only miniscule fragments left, two easily accessible ones being Goldstream Park and Cathedral Grove on the way to Port Alberni.

And if you’ve taken the time to stroll under their magnificent forested canopies you can’t help but feel and notice under your feet the incredible tangle of roots, moss, ferns, and the deep cushion of rotting organic material, the humic layer, beneath your feet.

In essence, this rich ground cover acts as a big sponge sucking up all the rain during winter storms while storing and saving much of it to release in dry spells.

Then consider what became of this deep organic layer along and its underlying mud and silts lying along the Cruikshank, Tomas Creek and Willemar lake drainages that feed Comox Lake last winter.

Well, like we saw in the photos in

The blitzed valley bottom of Tomas Creek, head of Comox Lake local papers, it was all flushed down the toilet into Comox Lake to end up coming out of our taps.

And how did that come to happen?

Well, try hitching a ride in a plane down at the Airpark and go take a look for yourself.

It’s most disturbing indeed to look down and see there was nothing left to hold it all intact since TimberWest stripped all the valley bottoms bare of not only all their 1st growth timber but the 2nd growth as well in the

past 15 years.

And how did this come to pass?

Well, we can lay at the foot of an incredibly toxic public policy while keeping in mind that all the forest land above us is all private property owned outright by TimberWest.

Back in 2003, when our current Liberal government first came to power it was quick to pass Bill 88, the Private Managed Forest Land Act.

(Continued on page 11)

10 FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

BEEFS & BOUQUETS A BOUQUET OF NASTY JABBA FLATULENCE to the owners of the Landmark cinema, who understaffed the theatre on Boxing Day and left a handful of teens in charge of a huge crowd of Star Wars fans. A dark ticket booth, crowds outside in the cold wondering where to get tickets,

long lineups, queue jumpers and confusion for all. Forty minutes later a rumour that they were sold out started circulating; sold out of popcorn, watered-down pop? No, that’s how we found out the show was sold out, along with our hopes of continuing a family tradition. yes, it stunk.

A BIG BOUQUET of liver treats to all in the valley who brought health, joy and fun to our much loved pooch, Tallulah, who crossed the rainbow bridge at the end of December: Wanda at Pooch ‘n Purr Pet Care who took such great care of our girl whenever we were away; The Crazy Dog Lady who spent a long spell with her towards the end; neighbor Susan for whom Lu felt deep affection; all the friendly dog walkers in Royston who knew Lu; and especially Joan

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com and her team at Shamrock Veterinary Clinic who helped Lu through four years of Cushing’s disease and made the end as gentle as could be.

Thanks everyone.

Many good wishes and hugs to the person responsible for the “Bear Necessities” that went out at Christmas to kids in need of some extra furry love. The warm hugs and backpack full of necessities have created many adventures for our children. Thank you for all your hard work helping to create amazing memories and snuggles.

A VERY LARGE BOUQUET to Cake Bread Bakery for coming to the rescue and making our Dinner a huge success. The generous donation of decadent baked goods were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

CONGRATULATIONS COMOX VALLEY! You managed to slither through another year without providing the homeless with anything more substantial than paperwork and platitudes. Maybe you could donate your lumps of coal to someone living under a bridge, for a fire.

BOUQUETS to Mike and Vivian for taking in my dog when he was spooked by the smoke alarm and ran away from home. He couldn’t find his way back on what was a cold night. They took very good care of YingYang! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I DON’T THINK THE ISSUE is so much that the speed limit on the Inland Island Highway is 120 km/h but the number of drivers who choose to go at 10 km/h above the limit, no matter what the speed limit is. Try driving at EXACTLY the speed limit sometime and take note of the number of vehicles that pass you. Keep in mind that the 120 km/h limit is safe for normal, dry conditions. When there is adverse weather, 120 km/h is unsafe. The highway gets dangerous when there is a fresh rainfall after a dry spell creating a layer of water mixed with grease. Many drivers fail to slow down

in such conditions like snow and fog.

BOUQUETS to Comox Council for thinking long, long, term on their water park. On the driest day, of the driest year, there is more than enough water for 250,000 green lawns in the Courtenay River.

The Comox Valley Water Committee seems to think that this is the Co-

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wichan River, continuing to be misled by the stage 3 Crowd on Comox Ave.

IT’S NOW DEFINITELY 2016 and our beloved mayor is trying to convince us that 2015 and Maple Pool is nothing but history.

However as a taxpayer I believe there is still unfinished business in regard to this matter.

First of all I think that it is the right of taxpayers to expect an accounting of the costs to settle this matter. This would be the legal costs incurred and I would think if the settlement with the owner included any financial compensation that needs to be divulged. Secondly although the mayor has been evasive but vocal on this matter there have been absolutely no public statements from the rest of council. Is perhaps the reason for that because the matter was never brought to council for a vote of approval and if that is so, how is that possible and is the agreement then even legal.

Why is it we only hear the words accountability and transparency from the

politicians around election time?

CLASSIC CHEESE BURGER bouquet to Dairy Queen in Courtenay. Thanks for sponsoring the two free burger baskets in the ECHO weekly draw from Beefs and Bouquets. To begin, I sent a bouquet to an anonymous donor of a Santa Claus in my garden. Then, I won two classic cheese baskets!

I took my wife out for a nice lunch to celebrate her 60th birthday! Then, we enjoyed a walk along the beautiful estuary.

What a fun community!

Thanks, DQ & ECHO! WE WERE HAVING A LOVELY SUNDAY DINNER at the White Spot when a large family gathering beside us received the news from their server that a kind customer had picked up the tab for their meal... they were so happy! As we finished up our dinner you can imagine our surprise to find out this very same customer treated us as well! Thank you very much for such a kind gesture! You made our night!

A BOUQUET, AND A 21 SLAP SHOT SALUTE to Canadian Tire for their recent kind help in sponsoring the Glow Ball “players association” in the way of

supplying super blades for us! We use the super blades that Canadian Tire has to repair and restore broken hockey sticks, to set them up for playing Glow Ball twice a week here in Courtenay, at the

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Lacrosse Box, in Martin Park. The sticks get set up so it is easy to “plug-nplay” because the hockey sticks we use get 2 glow sticks each — 1 high, and 1 low — so you can play in the relative darkness of the Lacrosse Box at night, each Sunday and Wednesday evening, from 6:30 to 8:30PM, pending clear weather, although we do play in the fog, but not in the rain or snow! The glow sticks we use get woven into the super blades through their “speed holes”, and plugged into holes drilled in the sticks up top, so it is quite easy to see who is on your team, as we play 1 colour against another, like green against red, for example. The hockey sticks are set up to throw sparks too, with some integrated steel screw heads on the bottom edge of the super blades, so it is quite fun to come out for some “sparks and recreation”, and some lively ball hockey action, at Martin Park’s newly restored Lacrosse Box! So thanks a million Canadian Tire, for generously supplying some of the equipment that we need to facilitate this fun winter hockey game! We tip our hats to you Bert and Keith, as the Owner and Manager of our Courtenay Canadian Tire store, because you are helping kids and the people of all ages and both genders in our community stay active — during the dark early days of “winter”. Glow Ball actually goes from the end of day-light-savings

in November (Autumn), to when it (day-light-savings) starts again in the late winter / early spring, which is around the first week of March — when we play for the “Glow Cup”! This is a win, win, for Canadian Tire and its hockey enthusiast customers, so remember Canada’s national sport has a real friend and community supporter, in this Canadian “hard ware” store, and big business!

BUYER BEWARE - Beef re seasonal massage sales kiosks in malls. Purchased an expensive massager from Christmas kiosk at Driftwood mall after being told several times that it could be returned within 10 days if person unable to use it. They did not honour this claim and I was scammed. Now I see several other complains of same behaviour by them on the internet. Don’t be scammed by them like I was and many others.

A HUGE BOUQUET to Lewis Bartholomew and James Derry for their timeless efforts in educating this community on the HMCS Alberni. This past Christ-

RUMMAGE SALE Tue-Saturday 12-4PM Looking for DONATIONS Looking for VOLUNTEERS 1668 Ryan Rd, Comox 250-339-7722

mas season, my husband and I visited the Anne Frank exhibit currently at the museum until February 27, 2016. It was very emotional and moving to us both. We also watched the 30 min video provided in the museum about Anne Frank. I highly recommend it.

BOTH SWEDEN AND NORWAY are far more advanced on vehicle accident prevention and have less than

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

11

BEEFS & BOUQUETS half the fatal accident rates as high way 19. They have much stricter limits for driving impaired(.02) and tougher penalties.

Could impaired driving be reason for the high fatality rate on highway 19 –the 6th most deadly high way in BC? THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Branch 17 Courtenay Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank the many contributors to their Christmas draw. Congratulations to all the winners.

THANK YOU to the courageous lady with the little

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com You are all angels. Without all of you I could have been there on the street all night.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to my neighbours for inviting me to share Christmas dinner at their home.

It was a special treat to meet your family and talk about places we all knew.

May you all be blessed with good health and fun together. Thank you so very much!

AN ARMFUL OF ROSES to the young lady at Johns in Comox for taking care of my wallet over the Christmas season, working on #4 till. Your efforts enabled myself and my family to enjoy the holidays. May 2016 be your special year!

Threadz from Australia Beautiful tops and tunics Mon-Sat 8:30-5 Sundays 9:30-5 www.artknappcourtenay.ca dog in the parking lot of Seascape apartments this morning. You protected two little old ladies from the verbal attacks by a big, angry man. Our hearts were pounding but you stood by till we were safely in our car.

Blessings to you for your unselfish determination.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK all the ladies who came out to celebrate my 90th birthday. Also the ladies who organized it. It was great to see. And what a surprise, everyone.

A HUGE BOUQUET to my angels who came to my rescue on Dec. 22 at 4 pm in the dark and pouring rain.

I had fallen face down on Comox Ave. with my leg caught in my walker, my arm pinned under me and a very broken umbrella. I waved like mad to traffic going by. To the men and lady who untangled me, thank you ever so much.

To the lovely lady called Bonnie who drove me and my walker and groceries home, thanks, thanks.

HEY SCHOOL BOARD! Instead of closing Puntledge Park school, close the School Board office and move the SD71 trustees and superintendent to Lake Trail School. Keep Puntledge at Puntledge!

AT THE BEGINNING of this new year we want to look back and thank the many people and organizations who have assisted and supported the Sonshine Lunch Club in our endeavour to provide lunch for the less fortunate in our community. Firstly, without your generous support, our Chef would be unable to make his hearty and tasty soups and the occasional lunch offering, and we would not be able to feed the more than 100 clients each day. We would like to especially thank St. George’s United Church for providing the facility and the amenities needed to serve the homeless and those in need. Also the

January 23

Meat Draw and

January 26

Euchre 1:30pm

help ease the needs of those less fortunate in our beautiful Comox Valley.

Thanks to all those who have made 2015 an exceptional year.

Dancing 2pm - 5pm Remembrance Day January 27

Crib and Gucci 6:30pm

January 28

Crib and Gucci 6:30pm Friday Night Meat Draw Meat Draw +Dance

January 29 January 30

Ball Cap Steak Night last Friday of the Month

two Anglican parishes of St. John the Divine in Courtenay and St. Peter’s in Comox, the Salvation Army and the Courtenay Fellowship Baptist Church, are all to be recognized and commended for their continuing support. Other organizations such as RCAF 19 Wing Comox, the Royal Canadian Legion (Comox), Tim Hortons outlets, Sieffert’s Farm, The Investors Group, the Free Masons, the Courtenay Rotary Club, the Comox Valley Food Bank, as well as Island Sews (aprons with logo), the Comox Valley Recovery Centre, Harvey and Hannah Enterprises, as well as our many private contirbutors should all be recognized and honoured for their support.

The Sonshine Lunch Club is an all-volunteer organization that includes the help of special needs individuals and members of Lake Trail School. It is a cross sectional, multidenominational social effort whose goal is to

BOUQUET to Comox Valley RCMP for taking 7 impaired drivers off the road this week –saving lives, but they just keep coming and road side suspensions don’t seem to deter drunk drivers. Perhaps the BC Government should do as Ontario does-drunk drivers over .08 also face criminal charges, as well as lose their cars. One out of three BC road fatalities involves an impaired driver. There are far too many fatalities on BC roads.

Most involve excessive speed, for conditions.

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Like the Pretty, Bright, Premier of Alberta , He seems to want to hurt her!

Kevin O’Leary Makes us very ,very , very weary.

The Left and the Right, Always want to fight.

Some where in the middle,

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: M. Mitchell, of Courtenay 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!

Canadians will solve the riddle.

Oil will flow, Off it will go, It’s all it will take, To fund cash lovin’ Kevin’s Tax break.

ALTHOUGH ICBC ARE QUICK TO RAISE Insurance rates by 5% , they are very slow at updating the 2014 and 2015 fatal and serious injury statistics-likely because the the number of serious accidents has increased with speed limit increases? “Know your limit, drive within it” does not apply to many.

ICBC needs to invest in

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technology to get bad drivers off our roads.

High way 19 was number 6 for fatal accidents, up to 2013. Being in the top six for traffic deaths is not a good thing.

Water, water everywhere (Continued from page 9) This came about following a government shift in attitude where there was no longer to be direct government oversight at all of private forest lands.

Instead management was to be left to “professional reliance.”

As a result, a Private Managed Forest Land Council was created with two members appointed by the forests land barons themselves, another two by the Minister of Forests, with council members appointing an additional person as council chair.

In essence, as one old logger so aptly phrased it, “the fox was left in charge of the chicken house.”

No longer directly responsible to the surrounding community, TimberWest felt in no way obligated to provide us peasants down here in the Comox Valley with their annual harvest rates for the past 20 years for their Oyster River Division (the old Comox Logging &

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!

Railway claim).

And good luck too with finding out from them what they’ve decided for themselves what a sustainable rotation of timber is now.

Like are the rumours coming out of the woods true? That 40 or even, gad sakes! 30-year old stands are ripe for cutting??

Well, probably so since they don’t speak of harvesting logs as such anymore, now it’s just all ‘fibre’ (For a quick look at what’s gone down google: University of Maryland Global Forest Change) And who might you ask are the actual owners of this toxic corporate entity?

Would you believe that it’s both our provincial civil servants’ pension fund, the bcIMC, along with that of the federal public sector, PSP Investments.

Most disturbing to say the least and with that being said, I would think it’s about time all our government employees got together and seriously discuss ethical investing and then move onto divestment a.s.a.p.

Rick James Courtenay

CA$H

REWARD$ CRIMESTOPPERS WILL PAY CASH REWARDS FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF PERSONS INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COMOX VALLEY.

1-800-222-TIPS VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

12

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JANUARY 22, 2016

Police Blotter Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between Jan. 12 and 18: ■ While conducting patrols, during the early morning hours on January 12th, a member of the Comox Valley RCMP conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, the constable initiated an impaired driving investigation. The driver was found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol and received a 90 driving prohibition and their vehicle was impounded for 30 days. (2016-428) ■ The Comox Valley RCMP were advised of a single vehicle roll over collision on January 12th.

A Comox Valley RCMP Municipal traffic member attended the scene.

The investigation revealed that the vehicle had been attempting to pass another vehicle in the heavy rain and began hydroplaning, hit the ditch and rolled. The driver was issued a violation ticket for speed relative to conditions.

The Comox Valley RCMP would like to remind drivers to slow down when highway conditions deteriorate. (2016-447) ■ On January 13th, while conducting speed enforcement on Lake Trail Rd, Courtenay, a vehicle was stopped for speeding. The vehicle had been coming out of the school zone, and was doing 120 Km/h as it entered the 50 km/h zone. The driver was issued a violation ticket for excessive speed and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days. (2016-482) ■ While on routine patrol, during the early evening hours of January 13th, a Comox Valley RCMP member conducted a traffic stop. An impaired by drug investigation was started during the stop. It was found that the driver

WANTED If you have any information about the whereabouts of either of these two people, call the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment at 338-1321, or Comox Valley Crimestoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (1-800-222-8477). You don’t have to give your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

Patricia Carolina ALFARO-AMAYA

David Joseph CORTE

DOB: 1986-05-13 157 cms, 59 kg, Brown hair, Brown eyes Warrants: Commit Fraud x2 Identity theft Possess forged document x5 Possess stolen property x3 Comox Valley File #201515492

DOB: 1986-09-13 175 cms, 84 kg, Brown Hair, Brown eyes Warrants:

Assault x2 Utter threats x2 Fail to appear Comox Valley File #201515327

Single vehicle MVI causes serious injuries

On January 15th, shortly before 12:30 am, the Comox Valley RCMP responded to a serious, single vehicle Collision near Beachwood Road on Hwy 19a south of Courtenay.

Investigation revealed that a Chevrolet Cavalier was north bound on Highway 19a. The vehicle went off road right, into the ditch. The vehicle then appeared to clip one tree before hitting a second tree on the driver’s side door area of the car, causing significant damage.

The Courtenay Fire department responded, and assisted in removing the 21 year old female driver, and only occupant of the vehicle. The driver was initially transported to a local area hospital for treatment of critical injuries, she has since been airlifted to larger hospital.

North Vancouver Island Traffic Services with the assistance of the Vancouver Island Collision Reconstructionist are continuing with the investigation.

had smoked marijuana before driving. The driver was issued a 24 hour driving prohibition. (2016502) ■ On the early morning hours of January 15th, a member of the Comox Valley RCMP conducted patrols and issued Auto Crime Prevention Notices along 1st St, in Courtenay.

If a vehicle was located to have been unlocked, have open windows or items in plain view, a notice, which provides tips and encouragement to

remove personal belongings and ensure vehicles are locked, was left for the owners. (2016-535) ■ During the early morning hours of January 16th, a Comox Valley RCMP Constable conducted a traffic stop which resulted in an impaired driving investigation.

The driver was found to have consumed alcohol before driving and was issued a 3 day immediate roadside prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 3 days. (2016-565) ■ During early evening patrols in Comox, on January 16th, a Comox Valley RCMP member conduct-

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ed a check on a vehicle.

The driver was found to have been smoking marijuana and was issued a 24 hour driving prohibition.

(2016-598) ■ On January 16th, the Comox Valley RCMP were advised of a scam that had occurred. It was reported that a male had attended a residence and entered into a verbal contract to have some concrete work done in the driveway.

The victim paid the male a deposit for the work, but the male never returned, and the work was never completed.

Thanks to all who came out and enjoyed Sunday, Jan 17th at the Filberg.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

TERRI ORR - $25 Gift Certificate for Courtenay Rec MAGGIE NEILSON - Chemainus Theatre Bus trip from Evergreen Seniors BETTIE FAVERO - Free ticket to PJ and Pearls from Soroptimist.

SUSAN WILLIS - Romantic weekend from Saratoga Estates and Pacific Playgrounds TED SAUVE - 2 Nights RV parking from Saratoga Estates and Pacific Playgrounds KAREN BISHOP - 10,000 Indy Key Points from Saratoga Estates and Pacific Playgrounds SUSAN WILLIS - $25 Gift Certificate from Roxanne’s Fashions.

DORIS HUGHES - 10 Punch pass to Aquatic Centre from CVRD Sports.

LYNN SPICE - 10 Punch pass from Comox Recreation.

LYNN deVRIES - Body Shop gift pack from Insights Hypnotherapy.

JENNIFER WILLIAMS - 2 for 1 Hypnosis Sessions from Insights Hypnotherapy.

LARS LARSEN - Baseball Hat from Ann Delaney Relocation and Aero Art. HILDA KEENAN - Socks from Ann Delaney Relocation and Aero Art. LORI JENSEN - Plant from Ann Delaney Relocation and Aero Art. CECOLE FROST - Premium 8 week Red or White Wine Kit brewed on premise from Rivewrside Wines.

ANA GRAHAM - Oil change and visit to Auto Spa from CV NIssan LYNN, JILL GUGER, J.CLEAR - each won a Godiva Gift Basket from Costco.

TO BE ANNOUNCED - Clarity Alarm Clock from Nexgen Hearing MAGGIE MACLEAN - Lunch or Dinner for up to 10 people in our private dining room from Berwick.

SUSAN AHLGREN - Gift Basket from RBC Royal Bank HILDA KEENAN - $50 Visa Gift Card from RBC Royal Bank ISA SAUVE - $50 Visa Gift Card from RBC Royal Bank

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

13

Downtown revitalization process continues in March with ‘charrette’

BY DEBRA MARTIN Echo Staff Courtenay council is pushing forward its downtown revitalization goals.

A series of “Design Charrette” sessions is planned in March with consultant Michael Van Hausen and his team.

Van Hausen was in Courtenay last October for a series of well attended Downtown Forum events.

“Building on this momentum, the goal for 2016 is to articulate a vision and revitalization concepts, as well as to establish revitalization tools,” according to the report from city director of development services Ian Buck.

According to Buck’s report a design charrette is “a unique planning method … an intensive workshop where members of the community and design professionals work

Don’t speed on the inland Island Highway, especially

Police Blotter

together on the vision and goals for future development”.

The Charrette will consist of a forum, discussion, and actual design work. It provides immediate feedback and allows all participants to be mutual authors of the outcomes.

All council members (and the public) will be invited to the following sessions: Monday, March 7: Community Downtown Design Ideas and Priorities Workshop (Native Sons Hall), 5:30 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 8: Council and Community drop-in session (Native Sons Hall), 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Thursday, March 10: Community Presentation and Discussion (Native Sons Hall), 5:30 pm to 8 pm One possible area of contention could be the

“Duncan Commons” idea that would turn Duncan Avenue on the art gallery end into a public space with no cars.

Mayor Larry Jangula said he had received numerous verbal and email complaints from businesses in the area. They were especially concerned, he said, about losing access to the alley for service and delivery trucks.

Buck said the “Duncan Commons” idea is one of the areas being looked at for a short list on public spaces, along with Fifth and England.

He said the consultants are also looking at the idea around having a “greater downtown area” with defined areas.

A more detailed itinerary for the March sessions is being prepared, he said.

Police raid medical marijuana grow shows On January 13th, 2016, Comox Valley RCMP Drug Section and General Investigation Section executed 3 search warrants in relation to licenced Medicinal Marijuana Grow operations in the Comox Valley.

Warrants were executed at a residence in Courtenay and at Licenced Mari-

when it’s raining ... or you could end up upside down by hydroplaning like this driver did last week. Cumberland Fire Rescue was called out, but the driver was relatively uninjured although the police issued a violation ticket.

juana Operations in both Cumberland and Black Creek.

A total of 423 plants were seized, as well as several vehicles including a motorhome, three motorcycles, a snowmobile, two automobiles and a boat, which are believed to have been purchased with proceeds of crime.

“Public safety continues to be a top priority for the Comox Valley RCMP. Our officers invest a great deal of time and effort in reducing the flow of illegal substances in our community. When we receive information that someone is operating outside of the parameters of their licence we will continue to investigate and take enforcement action”, said Inspector Tim Walton, Officer in charge of the Comox Valley RCMP. Four individuals from the Comox Valley have been arrested, and charges including Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking are being considered.

(Continued from page 12)

The Comox Valley RCMP would like to remind you to be weary of phone solicitations and door to door sales people.

Always ensure you use an accredited contractor and use written contracts for work done on your home.

Many people feel embarrassed after falling victim to these scams, and do not report them to the RCMP. It is important that these crimes are reported, for yourself, and to help others from becoming victims. If you, or someone you know, have been a victim this type of crime call the Canadian Anti-Fraud center at 1-888-495-8501 or the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.

(2016-580)

Comox Valley, BC

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Metropolitan opera 30, 10:00 am – Puccini’s Doors open 9:30Language The Royal Ballet: “The January Nut Cracker” “In TheTurandot, Heart of the Sea 3D” PG:at Coarse Sunday, December 20th at 10:00am, doors open at In theatre ##1 2-& Friday – Wednesday: CAPTIVIEW AVAILABLE IN THEATRE THEATRE #4 6:30 (8:40) in 2D & 9:30am.

9:30 (11:40) in 3D “Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D” PG: Violence In theatre # 2 - Friday Matinees: 12:00 (2:10) in 2D & Captiview Available In theatre #1 & theatre #4 In Theatre # 1 – Friday –Sunday Night’s: 2D 6:35 (9:00) 3:00 (5:10)&in 3D 2D 9:30 (11:55) We only be#open matinees on Thursday theNight’s: 24th.

In will Theatre 1 –forMonday – Thursday 3DIn5:35 & 2D 8:30 (10:55) theatre(8:00) # 2 - Saturday - Wednesday Matinees: 12:15 In Theatre # 1 – Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 3D 12:30 (2:55) & 2D 3:30(5:55) “Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D” PG: Violence (2:25) in 2D & 3:00 (5:10) in 2D “13 Hours” 14A: violence In theatre # 1- Friday - Wednesday: 6:45 (9:10) in 3D & In theatre # 2 Thursday Matinees: 12:25 (2:35) in 2D & In Theatre # 3 – Friday – Sunday Night’s: 6:45 (9:25) & 9:55 (12:35) 10:00 (12:25) in#3D 3:25(8:25) (5:35) in In Theatre 3 – Monday – Thursday Night’s: 5:45 & 2D 9:55 (11:35) InIntheatre # 4- Friday Wednesday: 6:20 (8:45) in Matinees: 3D & Theatre # 3 –- Saturday to Sunday 12:10 (2:50) & 3:40 (6:20) 9:45 (12:10)of in 3D “Alvin and the chipmunks; The Road chip” G: No “Norm the north” G: InIntheatre #1-# Friday Matinees: 12:15 (2:40) in 3D &6:55 (8:35) warning Theatre 2 –Friday-Sunday Night’s: In Theatre # 2 – Monday – Thursday Night’s: 5:55 (7:35) 3:15 (5:40) in 2D In theatre # 3 - Friday - Wednesday: 6:55 (8:30) & 9:10 Theatre 4 –-Saturday Matinees: 12:20 (2:00) & 3:50 (5:30) InIntheatre #3-# Friday Wednesday Matinees: 12:55 (10:50) In Theatre # 4 – Sunday Matinees: 12:00 (1:40) & 2:20 (3:20) in 2D & 3:50 (6:15) in 3D In theatre #(4:00) 4 - Friday - Wednesday Matinees: 1:05 (2:45) 14A:– Thursday Matinees: 12:00 In“Spotlight” theatre # 1 - Saturday & 3:20 (5:00) In Theatre # 2 – Friday - Sunday Night’s: 9:20 (11:40) (2:25) in 3D & 3:15 (5:40) in 2D In theatre # 4 - Thursday Matinees: 12:35 (2:15) & 3:35 In Theatre # 2– Monday – Thursday Night’s: 8:20 (10:40) In theatre # 3 – Thursday Matinees: 12:15 (2:40) in 2D & (5:15) “The Revenant” 14A: violence, nudity course language 3:05 (5:30) in 3D In Theatre # 4 – Friday - Sunday Night’s: 7:30 (10:15) In Theatre # 4 – Monday – Thursday Night’s: 6:30 (9:15) In Theatre # 2 – Saturday to Box Sunday Matinees: 12:00 (2:45) Office & Concession Hours& 3:20 (6:05)

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14

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JANUARY 22, 2016

Ask The Dentists!

Drs. Manny Karamanis & Brett Burry

Courtenay council bashes around ‘third crossing’ site issue while waiting for engineers to review all the studies Mayor’s attempt to have 11th St. option ruled out defeated

I’m Planning a Baby What Happens with my Teeth?

- My husband and I are planning on having a baby this year. He or she will be our first, so this is exciting for us. My teeth are in decent shape, but I need to know what I should be planning to ensure I don't need to have any dentistry performed that might harm my unborn child.

Dear Doctors

Answer - Firstly, congratulations on your decision.

Your next chapter will bring challenges and great joy – and we wish you the very best. Let's talk teeth.

Usually we suggest our patients have a checkup prior to becoming pregnant. Make sure this includes a comprehensive hygiene session (cleaning), and they will also pinpoint any other oral health issues that your dentist discovers.

Should you 'find' yourself pregnant and you haven't had a very recent checkup or any dental work – we suggest you wait until your 3rd trimester before undergoing any dental treatment (other than hygiene) unless it is an absolute emergency. nd Routine cleaning can be done in the 2 trimester, but you should postpone any of your elective treatment until after you deliver.

This cleaning appointment would be the ideal time to share with your dental office your 'expectant' state. Inform them of any prenatal vitamins or perhaps medications that you may be on. Plus, if your physician has you on any specific regimen as part of your pregnancy please share that as well. As a general rule, we avoid dental X-rays during your pregnancy. In the event of a real dental emergency, your dentist will take every step to safeguard your child. With digital technology that most offices now use, the risks are miniscule.

You can still have a checkup, and your dentist will be measuring your gum (periodontal) pockets. On the outside chance you may be consuming sweeter foods during this time, brush and floss often. It is most critical that you pledge to maintain a very high level of personal oral hygiene. The hormonal changes in a woman's body can certainly cause bleeding gums with a lapse in home care. However, expect some additional tenderness with your gums, and watch for any significant bleeding or swelling.

That would be the time to consult a dentist. There is the old wives tale that you lose a tooth with every pregnancy but with proper home care and follow up with your dentist your teeth and gums will come through this period as healthy as they were before pregnancy. Remember that your baby's teeth will st begin to develop in your 1 trimester. You are 'eating for two' so try to eat healthy foods as best you can. The food you consume provides nutrients for your child's growth and oral development too!

Call the Dental Hotline at 1-800-617-2936 and schedule a FREE implant information session.

BY DEBRA MARTIN Echo Staff A traffic consultant has been engaged to come up with some recommendations on a “third crossing” of the Courtenay River.

The consultant, McElhanney and Associates, has until Feb. 4 to complete the work which includes a review of all existing studies as well as “preparation and submission of a technical memorandum summarizing past studies, and making recommendations for confirmation of Third Crossing need and location”.

City council urged a review of the matter in mid-November when local businessman Michael Laver appeared before them asking for a decision one way or another on the possibility of 11th Street being chosen as the

I think the likelihood of us building a bridge there is zero per cent.

We’ve all made it a priority to support the downtown. The BIA is not in favour of a bridge at this location.”

LARRY JANGULA Mayor of Courtenay

preferred route for a third bridge.

Laver has been working with city staff for some time on a proposed seniors’ housing development called Riverway Square at 11th and Beckensell.

“Riverway Square has now stalled due to the lack

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of action by Council in addressing the third bridge location. Council’s position is that the City has no resources to construct a third crossing and therefore a decision on where the crossing should be is unnecessary and unwarranted. This position must be challenged,” Laver wrote in a letter to council and to the local newspapers.

He said developers and the community need certainty.

Mayor Larry Jangula agreed and drew up a motion he distributed to councillors on Friday for consideration Monday to remove 11th Street for good from any consideration as a third crossing site.

“I think the likelihood of us building a bridge there is zero per cent,” Jangula said.

“We’ve all made it a priority to support the downtown. The (Downtown) BIA is not in favour of a bridge at this location.”

Money is fluid right now, he said, and he didn’t want to take the chance of losing investment (Riverway Square, and possibly the nearby Tiger Lily seniors complex proposal).

“I did this with a lot of concern and a heavy heart,” Jangula said of his motion.

Councillor Manno Theos supported Jangula’s motion.

“The reality is if we have the opportunity to see a piece of property along the riverway be a catalyst for improvements in the downtown core … this is a reality occurring now,” he said, adding that a third bridge is something that may or may not happen many years down the

road. And, he noted, the city didn’t even have the money to repaint the Fifth Street bridge, let alone build another bridge.

Jangula also noted that the city owned the entire Airpark property and that was always an option sometime in the future.

Jangula’s motion was narrowly defeated (with Councillor Bob Wells casting the deciding ‘no’ vote) mostly because council will receive the final transportation report from staff at either the Feb. 14 or March 1 council meetings.

Both councillors Doug Hillian and David Frisch said while they weren’t fans of an 11th Street bridge, the matter wasn’t urgent enough to have a vote Monday night, especially when they’d be receiving the final report in a few weeks.

CAO David Allan also noted driverless cars “could be a real game changer” in the future.

Both city engineer Lesley Hatch and McElhanney engineer Bob Hudson explained some of the history and rationale involved in 11th Street being chosen as a third crossing site.

Three sites had been shortlisted – Eighth, 11th and 19th streets. A 26th Street crossing had been ruled out because of costs and environmental concerns.

Studies have also shown that most of the bridge traffic is moving between west and east Courtenay, not to and from Comox.

“One thing to remember is, every time we take away a crossing opportunity … we box ourselves in,” said Hatch. “I would just caution you we have very (few) options.”

Public hearing for tattoo studio rezoning Courtenay is going ahead with a public hearing Feb. 1 to consider a zoning amendment to allow a tattoo studio on McPhee Avenue.

Council gave first and second readings Monday night to the necessary bylaws to allow the studio to operate on property currently zoned I-2 (industrial).

The studio would operate out of vacant office

space at ThermoTec Mechanical Ltd., 911 McPhee Ave. The company, which mainly installs and services heat pumps, would like to take a corner of the front of their building and rent it out to Island Tattooing, currently operating out of a shop in Cumberland. ThermoTec canvassed the neighbourhood to hear any concerns or objections, and received none.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

15

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City appoints new director for Recreation, Cultural

The City of Courtenay is pleased to announce that Dave Snider has been appointed the City of Courtenay’s new Director of Recreation and Cultural Services.

Snider, who succeeds retired Director of Community Services Randy Wiwchar, assumed his new role on January 8.

Previously with the City of Chilliwack for 13 years, Snider joined the City of Courtenay in June 2014 as the Manager of Parks.

Courtenay Chief Administrative Officer David Allen said Snider will be a strong addition to the city’s senior leadership team.

“Since starting with the city, Dave has worked with closely with Randy Wiwchar and other senior staff on a variety of organizational and operational programs and initiatives,” noted Allen. “His experience and background will ensure a smooth transition while Dave takes on his new responsibilities overseeing the delivery of recreational and cultural services.”

Dave Snider

Chili contest will heat up the outdoor rink Sunday

Snider said he will draw inspiration from Courtenay’s many strengths in his new role.

“This is a community that is active, rich in arts and culture, and with strong ties to its history,” said Snider. “I’m looking forward to connecting with the many cultural organizations and volunteers in our community, and working together on fostering these important elements of our city.”

Local dignitaries and Downtown BIA representatives came out Thursday night last week to officially open the winterJAM rink in Courtenay (Fifth and England).

This Sunday at 2 pm, six downtown Courtenay businesses will be presenting their best chili in the winterJAM Chili Competition. Participating restaurants include Billy D’s Pub and Bistro, Cardero’s Rawthentic, Great Island BBQ, Mad Chef Café and Union Street Grill. After the official judging, rink visitors will be provided chili samples while supplies last. Public skating is open daily, this Saturday and Sunday, noon – 8 pm. winterjam.ca

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com

ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

All-new 2016 Honda Civic Sedan Adds IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Collision Safety Rating to its List of Benchmark-Setting Features and Capabilities Jan 14, 2016

• 2016 Civic Sedan joins 2016 Accord, CR-V and Pilot in achieving top IIHS safety ratings

• 2016 Civic Sedan sets new bar in mainstream compact class with Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies available on all models

• 10th-Generation Civic also features nextgeneration Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure

The dynamic, new-from-the-ground-up 2016 Honda Civic Sedan, 2016’s North American Car of the Year, has received the highest available rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with the Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver-assist technologies, available on all 2016 Civic Sedan models.

The 2016 Civic Sedan has earned a top rating of GOOD in five IIHS crash test modes, including the rigorous small overlap frontal crash test. The 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation is reserved for vehicles that also have an available front crash prevention system that earns an ADVANCED or SUPERIOR rating from the Institute.

“As these new safety ratings demonstrate, the 2016 Civic Sedan not only brings new value to the compact segment with its hefty upgrades to fun-todrive performance, fuel efficiency, refinement and technology, it also delivers advanced collision safety performance,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. “With its available Honda Sensing technologies, including

our first application of Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, the new Civic Sedan offers customers a suite of technologies unlike anything else in the class.”

The 10th-generation Civic Sedan offers a wide range of advanced active and passive safety and driver-assist features and technologies, including Honda Sensing™, which is available on all trims.

Honda Sensing™ technologies include:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)1 • Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – integrated with CMBS2

• • • •

Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS)3 Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)4 Lane Departure Warning – integrated with RDM5 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow6

Honda Sensing™ is available as a standalone option on LX, EX, EX-T and EX-L trims and is offered as standard equipment on the Touring trim.

The greater use of high-strength steel and advanced crash engineering features, including its next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, new crash stroke front frame structure and tailor-tempered B-pillars and rear frame structures, help better protect occupants in a collision while minimizing vehicle weight for superior fuel efficiency. In addition, standard passive safety features on the 2016 Civic Sedan include a new front passenger’s safety vent airbag, SmartVent® front side curtain airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor.

All Civic Sedan models also come standard with

Vehicle Stability Assist® with Traction Control, 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking System with Brake Assist; a highly responsive, fully independent suspension; Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering; a MultiAngle Rearview Camera; Expanded View Driver’s Mirror; indirect tire pressure monitoring system; and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat mounting system.

The 2016 Civic Sedan is the first in a series of new 10th-generation Civic variants that will include a sedan, coupe, sports-minded Si models, a five-door hatchback and the first-ever Civic Type-R model for the U.S. market, comprising the most diverse and innovative lineup in Civic’s 43-year history. The new Civic Sedan’s design and development was led by Honda R&D Americas, and is manufactured by Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario and by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana in Greensburg, Indiana, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

About Honda Safety Leadership Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies designed to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world’s most sophisticated crash test facilities, in Ohio and Japan, and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety.

Based in part on advancements to Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Honda is a leader in third-party crash test ratings within the industry. The company also is broadly applying advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies to its product lineup. All 2015 and newer Honda vehicles also come equipped with a rear-view camera as standard equipment.

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ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

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ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

Toyota Canada and Aeroplan announce New Partnership Toyota has become the only Full Line Automotive brand to offer Aeroplan miles.

Aeroplan announced it has entered into a national multi-year partnership with Toyota Canada Inc., (TCI).

In the coming months, this strategic alliance will enable Aeroplan Members to earn miles across the full automotive customer journey on all Toyota and Scion vehicles in Canada.

“We’re excited to partner with Toyota Canada to bring members an innovative program in automotive with one of the most wellknown brands in the world,”

said Kevin O’Brien, Chief Business Development Officer at Aimia in Canada.

“This new partnership will further strengthen our program offering and also enable members to earn miles during the entire ownership experience with Toyota and Scion including test drives, purchase, vehicle servicing and upgrades.”

“We are always looking for ways to add value and reward our customers,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President, Toyota Canada Inc. “We’re proud to be a part of this new partnership with Aeroplan which does

exactly that. It the entire ownership experience ever better for Canadians is a key commitment for us.”

Highlights for Toyota clients and the AeroPlan program include: Test Drive: 250 Miles (max 1 per Month, 3 Test Drives per Year), Vehicle Purchase: 5,000 Miles, Service and Parts Department: 1 Mile/$1 spent.

To Learn More about the Exclusive Partnership between Toyota Canada and AeroPlan come by Rice Toyota Scion and talk to a Product Advisor or the Service Department.

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The RAV4 Hybrid is

generously equipped with comfort, convenience and style features. From its six-speaker Display Audio System with 6.1-inch screen, to a host of sophisticated safety and convenience - focused features like SIRI Eyes-Free and voice recognition, everything you need is right there.

Comfort features include dual zone automatic climate control, an eightway power adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats, while the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats make it easy to optimise the RAV4 for up to ve adults or loads of cargo.

Intuitive operation is top of mind in the driver-focused cockpit and numerous safety systems, including unique oerings like Vehicle Proximity Notication and Rear Cross Trac Alert Systems. plus no less that 8 airbags ensure safety on the road.

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ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

Kia Ranks Second among All Industry Brands in Initial Quality; Kia Soul and Sorento Rank Highest in Segment in Initial Quality

Achieves Highest Score among Non-Luxury Brands

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The IQS measures both defects/malfunctions and designrelated problems— features that may be operating as intended but are poorly located or difficult to use. As a brand, Kia has the fewest number of design-related problems among Non-Luxury brands and improves signiďŹ cantly year over year.

The Soul, Kia’s unique multi-purpose vehicle, is the brand’s highest performing model in the 2015 IQS. With a score of 77 PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles*)—an improvement of 20 PP100 from last year— the Kia Soul ranks highest among six competitors in

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the Compact MPV segment and is among the 10 highest-scoring models industry-wide. The Soul has also received an IQS segment award three times since 2012. Additionally, the Soul outperforms the Compact MPV average (89 PP100) by 12 PP100. Furthermore, the Soul has both the fewest number of design-related problems and defect/malfunction problems in the Compact MPV segment. The Soul improves signiďŹ cantly year over year in two categories: • Exterior—10.2 PP100 improvement • Interior—7.1 PP100 improvement The Sorento, Kia’s 7-passenger midsize crossover SUV, has steadily improved its performance in the Initial Quality Study. With a score of 81 PP100 in the 2015 IQS—a signiďŹ cant 26 PP100 improvement from 2014 and 33 PP100 better than segment average—the Kia Sorento ranks highest in its segment and receives an award in the Midsize SUV segment for the ďŹ rst time.

The Sorento improves signiďŹ cantly year over year in three categories: • Audio/Communication/Entertainment/ Navigation—11.0 PP100 improvement • Engine/Transmission—6.4 PP100 improvement • Exterior—5.4 PP100 improvement Like the Soul, the Sorento has both the fewest number of design-related problems and defect/malfunction problems in its segment.

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Korean automaker Kia has made steady improvements in quality over the years and is now among the industry’s quality leaders. In addition to a strong overall performance in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), Kia produces two award-recognized models that perform particularly well. This year, Kia receives two initial quality awards: the Soul in the Compact MPV segment and the Sorento in the Midsize SUV segment.

Kia ranks second among 33 industry nameplates in initial quality. Additionally, Kia achieves the highest score among all Non-Luxury brands in the industry. Kia earns an overall score of 86 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in the 2015 U.S. IQS, which is 26 PP100 better than industry average and a signiďŹ cant 20-point improvement from 106 PP100 in 2014.

The U.S. Initial Quality Study, now in its 29th year, examines problems experienced by vehicle owners during the ďŹ rst 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reecting higher quality. The study is also an indicator of long-term vehicle quality.

The 2015 U.S. IQS evaluates eight problem categories that comprise initial quality: • Exterior • The Driving Experience • Features/Controls/Displays (FCD)

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20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JANUARY 22, 2016

18 local organizations receive grants from Community Foundation The Comox Valley Community Foundation recently awarded over $124,000 to 18 local charities and non-profit organizations.

It is the first instalment of the total $250,000 the foundation is giving out this year. It was held at the Comox Recreation Centre.

The recipients fell within one of the five areas of interest supported by the foundation. They include Arts and Culture, Environment and Parks, Health and Welfare, Education and Youth, and Seniors.

Foundation President, Dr. Norman Carruthers said they are pleased to award these grants.

“We feel privileged to be able to assist the many groups working tirelessly to improve our community,” said Carruthers.

Last week’s recipients were: • 386 Komox Air Cadet Squadron — $3000 to upgrade educational equipment in the classroom.

• Comox Valley Folk Society — $5,000 to provide shade sails for audience relief from sun or rain at all performance areas, kidz-zone and beer gardens during the Vancouver Island Music Festival.

• Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue Society — $5,000 to replace aging rapid deployment craft used on inland waters • Comox Valley Hospice Society — $4,000 to improve public engagement in advanced care planning through handouts, event materials and conversation cookies.

• Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Association — $1,985 for the Raising Readers Project: Baby board books for newborns, books for toddlers in the 1000 x 5 project, books for children

CV Community Foundation director Bert Heeringa presents cheque to representative from the Comox Valley Hospice Society, which received $4,000 to improve its advanced care planning program

for summer reading and graphic novels for distribution to young adults.

• Comox Valley Special Olympics — $24,000 to subsidize athletes to participate in local and wider events through the payment of local access fees, event registration, transporation fees and uniforms.

• Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society — $5,500 to replace an aging wooden mount and dismount ramp with a portable, wheelchair accessible aluminum structure.

• Comox Valley Transition Society — $5,800 to renovate living room at Lilli House, a shelter for women and children.

• Courtenay Recreational Association — $19,500 to deliver special needs fitness programs to

adults with developmental disabilities and to reduce cost barriers for participants.

• Cumberland Empire Events — $6,500 to replace a difficult to assemble wooden stage with an aluminum stage to host and support community events.

• Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association — $5,000 to install professional lighting for the Comox Rotary stage allowing the association to provide more opportunities for community groups to use the facility.

• Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North Society — Van replacement to support both homebuild projects and the ReStore.

• LUSH Valley Action Society — $8,000 to pur-

chase a mobile cooler to store and deliver fresh fruits and vegetables during the harvest season.

• Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society — $10,000 to install solar hot water for domestic use and infloor radiant heating at the wildlife hospital.

• Stepping Stones Recovery House for Women Society — $6,500 to replace all single-pane windows in the house, with Energy Star Rated windows.

• The Free Book Bank For Kids – $499 to purchase books and make them available to families in need.

• Village of Cumberland Recreation — $2,580 to provide universally accessible equipment for the parent and tots program • Volunteer Comox Valley Society — $1,550 to purchase a digital projector used to train volunteer coordinators to work efficiently and effectively in non-profit member organizations across the Comox Valley.

The foundation also administers a number of endowment funds for local organizations whose total awards, disbursed in late 2015, amounted to more than $63,000.

Later this year $27,500 in scholarships and bursaries will be awarded to local students. In addition, the foundation has set aside funds for new community grants that will be awarded later this year.

This brings the total amount returned to the community since the inception of the foundation to $1.75 million.

“It’s inspiring to hear first hand from the recipients how the CVCF funds impact each organization and the community as a whole,” said Carruthers.

Currently the foundation has assets totalling $11 million. All assets are invested in perpetuity so there will be an on-going source of funding for local initiatives. For further information about the Comox Valley Community Foundation, its mission and how individuals or organizations can participate in enriching life in the Comox Valley, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.cvcfoundation.org

Housing shortage requires immediate attention says NDP housing critic The Comox Valley’s acute need for affordable housing requires immediate attention from the provincial government, said NDP housing critic David Eby after spending Thursday in Courtenay meeting with service providers, homeless people and housing advocates in the Comox Valley.

“It is obvious there is a critical shortage of both affordable housing and emergency shelter beds for people in need,” he said.

“Community groups are working hard to do what they can, but they need more support from the provincial government.”

During his day in Courtenay Eby met with the Salvation Army, the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, Dawn to Dawn, the Transition Society, and directly with homeless people.

He finished off the day at an open discussion hosted by the local NDP

called “A Home for Everyone.”

Eby said he was surprised that there is no supportive housing available in the Comox Valley for people with mental health and addiction issues.

He also expressed strong support for local initiatives such as the shelter expansion at the Salvation Army and the Braidwood project.

“These kind of community-based initiatives deserve to have a strong and willing partner with the provincial government,” Eby said.

Eby said the Comox Valley is not alone is facing a severe housing crunch.

“This is a BC-wide problem, but Christy Clark and the BC Liberals aren’t taking it seriously,” he said. “BC needs a fulltime housing minister and province-wide strategy to provide affordable housing and eliminate homelessness.”

Dave Eby chats with Brent Hobden, Salvation Army community ministries director. Brent is showing him an example of the tents that the Salvation Army hands out to people without accommodation.

City gives $1,500 to help with LunarFest event Feb. 7 Courtenay council has granted $1,500 to help volunteer organizers present a one-day LunarFest on Feb. 7.

The money comes from the city’s gaming account, which holds proceeds from the local casino.

“We do have money that re-

mains unspent from previous years,” said CAO David Allan.

The budget for the LunarFest event is $3,000 so this grant will get them halfway there.

Sponsors and donations will be relied on to cover the remainder of the costs, which includes transportation of the displays

from Vancouver and rental of the Native Sons Hall.

Jin Lin, of the Comox Valley Immigrant and Support Society which is presenting the event, had asked for help at last week’s council meeting, in any amount.

The event, which runs from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday, Feb.

7, will feature family fun including yummy food and magical lanterns. Admission will be by donation.

This year is the “Year of the Monkey” in the Chinese tradition.

The lunar new year starts on Feb. 8, so this will be a timely

celebration.

Previous lunar and lantern fests have been held in Cumberland. Lin hopes that having it in Courtenay will help generate a bit of traffic for downtown businesses.

And she also hopes to make it an annual event.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JANUARY 22, 2016

Media finds new cable ferry to be smooth ride

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff

Members of the media got a taste of what’s it like to travel on the new cable ferry between Buckley Bay and Denman Island.

It was the first time for the Baynes Sound Connector to ferry passengers and their vehicles.

BC Ferries couldn’t have chosen a better time on Monday to showcase the new cable vessel as the weather was cold, windy and the waters were choppy.

Under these conditions, the consensus among the members of the media regarding the way the ship travelled was, “it was smooth.” You hardly feel the boat rock and sway from side to side against the waves.

BC Ferries Vice President of Engineering Mark Wilson said what is unique about this vessel against the traditional is the three cables.

“They’re attached to the front, to the stem and stern of the vessel,” said Wilson. “It’s almost like six springs or six dampers on it. Each of those

Cables move and guide the new ferry (More photos, video on the Comox Valley Echo Facebook page) cables are under 20 tons of tension so that does affect the rideability over the waves and through the weather. It makes the ride quite smooth.”

The new vessel, which is the first of its kind for BC Ferries, is equipped with the latest technology that includes fire fighting capabilities. The 50-vehicle vessel uses one cable to move itself and two more to guide itself.

BC Ferries expects to

save around $1.75 million annually or $70 million over its 40 year life compared to the current service.

The vessel will start to become fully operational in February. Wilson said they will be having some soft sailings to allow crew members the chance to train and acclimatize themselves on the new operation.

Wilson feels the new vessel will dispel the con-

cerns raised by Denman Island residents about its effectiveness, viability and efficiency.

“They’re going to be pleasantly surprised in terms of how modern the vessel is, what the safety features are on the vessel, and they’re going to be pleasantly surprised on how the vessel rides and how well it handles the weather conditions,” said Wilson. “I think the concerns that they’ve had will

completely disappear.”

The Baynes Sound Connector could have started servicing the region sooner but Wilson said they took their time to fully test the vessel.

“We had the fortunate ability where we had another service where we weren’t pinned in terms of time to go on full operation,” said Wilson.

“We want to make sure we’re able to be fully tasked, fully trained and

one hundred per cent ready to go. So we took the extra time to make sure that we got everything right.”

Fuel costs for the cable ferry are less than half of the current service. It is environmentally friendly as it will have lower air emissions, reduce wake, no propeller turbulence, low anti-fouling discharge, zero discharge to the marine environment.

It has a heated indoor seating area for up to 60 passengers, outdoor seating for 30 people in a sheltered area, and washroom facilities fully accessible for persons with disabilities.

With cables rising up and down the sound when the vessel is travelling, boaters and ships passing through between the Buckley Bay and Denman Island Terminals will now have to be aware of the traffic signals. If it’s red they have to wait until it turns green before they can proceed.

BC Ferries have sent out notifications, flyers and placed advertisements in local papers to warn boaters.

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Valley teens now an important component to the Alberni Museum’s Anne Frank Exhibition

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff

Fourteen Valley youths are about to join an elite group of approximately 700 students worldwide who have been trained by the Anne Frank House and Foundation to become peer guides for their traveling exhibition in countries around the globe.

The School District 71 high schoolers, ages ranging from 15 to 18, volunteered to become the official tour guides for Anne Frank: a History for Today exhibit currently on display at the HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial (HAMM).

Together they met with Julie Couture of the Anne Frank Foundation on January 15 for an intense, one-day peer guide training session to explore thought-provoking concepts that the story of Anne Frank evokes.

Since the 1990s, the Anne Frank Foundation has created several exhibits to bring the story of Anne Frank to audiences worldwide.

Julie Couture is the individual responsible for bringing the Anne Frank Exhibition to Canadian audiences, which has been showcased throughout Quebec, Ontario, Whitehorse Yukon and in

Fourteen Valley youths participated in group discussions January 15 during their training to become peer guides for the ‘Anne Frank: A History for Today’ exhibit currently on display at the HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial (HAMM).

British Columbia since November 2011.

Couture, a native of Quebec now living in the Netherlands since pursuing her studies in history at the University of Laval, explains that the philosophy at the Anne Frank House originated

with founder Otto Frank, Anne’s father.

“Otto founded the Anne Frank House to educate students and to bring her story to people around the world,” explained Couture.

“It’s very important for the Anne Frank House to have students take part in the project. Peer education is about learning by doing and is one of the mottos of the museum.”

Couture’s training syllabus is designed to give important background on the exhibition and to teach students to communicate its content through themes such as cultural differences, tolerance, human rights, and discrimination.

In her experience, students often approach the training with some degree of trepidation, not fully aware of what is expected of them or confident they can retain all the information.

“We are not asking them to be teachers and tell the story from A to Z,” remarked Couture.

“We teach them to have a discussion with their (Continued on page 24)

Julie Couture (left) of the Anne Frank House and Foundation delivered a one-day peer guide training syllabus to students at the Comox Mall and has overseen the education component and facilitation of three traveling exhibitions in Canada since 2011. The exhibits leaves HAMM at the end of February.

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24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JANUARY 22, 2016

(Continued from page 23)

peers and together we want them to discuss the themes from the story of Anne Frank that, for them, are still relevant today.”

The 14 students selected from Highland, G.P. Vanier, Mark Isfeld, and Glacier View were inspired to take the training either to learn more about the history of Anne Frank, to gain a leadership opportunity, or to improve their public speaker skills.

In the first hour of training, Couture explores the motivation to take part in order to shape the student’s understanding and individual perspectives of Anne Frank in the context of the key discussion themes with the aim of revealing its relevance today.

At the heart of the exhibition and, in essence, the peer education is the lesson that the atrocities of the Holocaust are not something that happened 70 years ago and are over.

Couture explains the focus is on making a connection today, so that the hate, the discrimination and the suffering can be identified and stopped.

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“It’s interesting to watch the students use examples for their own life to try to help the visitors understand something that was happening in the story of Anne. If you can be told a story like this by somebody who is using their daily life then there’s a connection,” explained Couture.

Connection is why James Paul, a Grade 12 student at Mark Isfeld, was motivated to volunteer for the peer guide training.

“Her story and her writing are important to me. It speaks to me on another level. Reading

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it in school as a kid, you feel connected to her. You become her friend almost,” shared Paul.

“Doing this [training] today, I hope to teach kids so it can resonate with them and they can grow up with her story.”

The 34-panel exhibition will be on display until the end of February.

Thereafter, the exhibition travels to Manitoba and will not return to the province for the foreseeable future. Currently only a few elementary school classes are signed up for a guided tour.

The fourteen high school stu-

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dents were intentionally trained to act as peer guides for SD71 elementary classes, but will now be available to give guided tours to any adult group or individuals wishing to receive the educational component of the tour.

To schedule a tour for a class or as a group or individual, contact Lewis Bartholomew, Founder & Executive Director, at 250-339-4322. HAMM, located inside the Comox Mall at 34-190 Port Augusta Street, is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.

Admission is by donation.

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Robbie Burns night with the Black Swan fiddlers at the Zocalo Come all ye lads and lassies to the Zocalo Café to celebrate the Scottish Bard Robbie Burns on Saturday January 23th.

Yes, there will be the traditional haggis with roast beef and dessert as well as poetry and a piper! What a deal for only $25. Reservations are recommended.

Traditional Celtic music will be provided by The Black Swan fiddlers. Music starts at 7:00.

If you like Celtic music and you want the pure drop, what better way to celebrate Robbie Burns Day than with traditional foot tapping Scottish polkas, jigs and reels Jackie Lambeth, our vocalist, will delight you with her rendition of soulful Scotish ballads.

The Black Swan Fiddlers consist of fiddlers, Madelaine Guimond, Raven Lees, Mya Williamson with Paul Gervais on guitar, Jeff Butterworth on mandolin and vocals.

David Stevenson keeps it all together on fiddle, flute and penny whistle.

The Black Swan Fiddlers have been keeping the traditional Celtic music tradition alive and well in the Comox Valley for 7 years.

The Black Swan Fiddlers are based at the Long and McQuade Music store.

Contact David Stevenson 250 890-0297

Electroswing Speakeasy fund-raiser for mural

Cumberland Culture and Arts Society is hosting an Electroswing Speakeasy dance at the Cumberland Masonic Hall 2687 Dunsmuir on January 23rd 9 pm to 1 am to raise money to have Gillian Brooks paint a mural in downtown Cumberland.

There will be live jazz, special guests, door prizes and legendary electroswing DJ Eliazar, get your tickets for only 10$ at Rare Bird books or Rider’s pizza in Cumberland.

FMI Call Kevin at 898 7215

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

25

26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

MONEY MATTERS

Your 2016 Financial New Year’s resolutions

Now that 2015 is behind us, many New Year’s resolutions this year involve money management. If getting your financial house in order is not your to-do list in 2016, it should be…

Here are five resolutions you should take to heart.

1. I will take full advantage of my TFSA. I strongly believe that TFSAs (tax-free savings accounts) are going to save a great many Canadians come retirement. Unlike RRSPs, which are taxable when cashed in, money in a TFSA grows and can be withdrawn tax-free. TFSA are especially beneficial to self-employed workers in lower tax brackets; many people will find their financial ‘sweet spot” in a combination of TFSA and RRSPs. As of January 2016 every Canadian is allowed to have up to $46,500 in a TFSA – set up yours by talking with your advisor.

2. I will maximize my RRSP contributions. Maximizing RRSP contributions makes sense for a lot of people, especially those in higher tax brackets. Not only do RRSPs offer immediate tax savings, but every contribution you make adds to your own personal pension. This is increasingly important since fewer and fewer people have pension plans. You can find out

your limit on your 2014 Notice of Assessment, or call Canada Revenue Agency at 1.800.267.6999. The deadline for contributing to your RRSP for 2015 is February 29, 2016. Your contribution limit is 18 per cent of your previous year’s income to a maximum of $24,930.

5. I’m going to get professional advice. Investors that consult a financial advisor are statistically more likely to outperform those that go it alone. So give yourself the best chance of longterm financial success by setting up an appointment with a professional investment advisor today.

3. Educate myself. Do one thing to improve your investment knowledge.

We believe educated investors make better decisions over time. Attending an investment seminar or taking an investment course is a great option.

Mindset Wealth is hosting a “2016 Look Ahead” educational seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at The Prime at 6:30pm. Please RSVP to Laura at laura.nickel@holliswealth.com if you would like to attend.

Robert Mulrooney is a Senior Investment Advisor and Russ Wigle is an Associate Investment Advisor, with HollisWealth in Courtenay, a Division of Scotia Capital Inc. If you don’t already have an investment advisor, or you want a second opinion on your financial situation, contact the Robert or Russ at 250.338.5222 or www. mindsetwealth.com. Please consult a professional investment advisor before acting on any information presented in this column.

4. I’m not going to stress over the stock market. If the markets have been stressing you out, you’re paying too much attention to them; the moment you let your emotions colour your investment choices, you’re already behind the eight ball. Though the markets may dip, dive, shimmy and shake, the long-term trend is growth. If the stock market is keeping you up at nigh then it might be time to make some changes – otherwise, forget it.

Did you make a financial goal for you 2016?

Are you ready to make an action plan?

Or, is it just time for a change?

At Septen Financial, we bring 67 years of experience in the investment, banking, and insurance industries and would love ƚŚĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJ ƚŽ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟ ǀĞ ŝŵƉĂĐƚ ŽŶ LJŽƵƌ Į ŶĂŶĐŝĂů ĨƵƚƵƌĞ͘

This article was prepared solely by Robert Mulrooney who is a registered representative of HollisWealth® (a division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada). The views and opinions, including any recommendations, expressed in this article are those of Robert Mulrooney alone and not those of HollisWealth. ® Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence.

Mindset Wealth is a personal trade name of Robert Mulrooney

HollisWealth and the Scotiabank companies do not provide income tax preparation services nor do they supervise or review other persons who may provide such services.

Retirement Income Security

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This FREE seminar is designed for those 55 plus in age. We will be looking at options available for securing a dependable, livable retirement income.

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hŶůŝŬĞ Ă ĚŝĞƚ Žƌ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐĞ ŐŽĂů ƚŚĂƚ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞƐ LJŽƵ ƚŽ ǁĂŬĞ ƵƉ ĞĂĐŚ ŵŽƌŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƐŽůǀĞ Ăůů ŽǀĞƌ ĂŐĂŝŶ͕ Ă Į ŶĂŶĐŝĂů ŐŽĂů ĐĂŶ ďĞ ƐŽŵĞƚŚŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƐ ƐĞƚͲƵƉ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ďĞŐŝŶŶŝŶŐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ LJĞĂƌ ĂŶĚ ĨŽƌŐĞƫ ŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ Ă ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ŵĂĚĞ ŝƐ ǁŚĂƚ ŚĞůƉƐ LJŽƵ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞ LJŽƵƌ ŐŽĂů͘ DĂŬŝŶŐ Ă Į ŶĂŶĐŝĂůůLJ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĂďůĞ EĞǁ zĞĂƌ͛Ɛ ƌĞƐŽůƵƟ ŽŶ ŝƐ ĞĂƐLJ ƚŽ ƐƚĂƌƚ͕ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞƐ ŵŝŶŝŵĂů Ğī Žƌƚ ƚŽ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ĐĂŶ ŵĞĂŶ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ ƚŽ LJŽƵ͕ LJŽƵƌ ĨĂŵŝůLJ͕ ĂŶĚ LJŽƵƌ Į ŶĂŶĐŝĂů ŐŽĂůƐ͘​͘​͘​͘

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com

27

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

MONEY MATTERS These Snowbirds should consider title insurance

By Robyn K. Thompson

Q:

We are a retired couple living in Southern Ontario, and we typically spend the winter months in our Florida condo. Friends have advised us that if we leave our Canadian home unoccupied, we could be subject to mortgage fraud (even though we haven’t had a mortgage on the house for years). They’ve advised us to buy something called “title insurance�to protect against this. Could you advise how this works and how much it costs? – Harold A., Thornhill, Ontario

A:

Title fraud is a growing problem, especially among the older demographic whose homes are typically mortgage-free, and many of whom are absent during the cold winter months.

When you ďŹ rst buy your home, your lawyer registers you at the government land registry office as the owner with title to the property. But if your identity is stolen (for example, by someone sifting through your trash for unshredded documents that contain

your personal information, stealing your mail, or by online fraud such as phishing or hacking), the thieves can use your stolen identity to fraudulently gain title to your property. And, yes, this does happen, with banks, registry offices, and mortgage companies all equally fooled.

Most provinces have a land titles assurance fund of some kind in place to compensate for ďŹ nancial losses related to title fraud and registry errors.

But this is a long, drawn-out process, wrapped up in red tape, and is unlikely to cover your losses entirely. Instead, you should seriously consider title insurance.

How title fraud works With fraudulent title to the property, the grifters sell your home or remortgage it. They have even been known to discharge an existing mortgage, transfer the title, and then use the property to gain an even bigger mortgage.

Trouble is, as soon as they have the money in hand from the sale of the property or from the new mortgage, the thieves disappear, with no one the wiser. That is, until you return from your Florida getaway to ďŹ nd creditors demanding payment or a new “ownerâ€? demanding to be let into what you thought was your house.

Those with mortgage-free homes or those who rent out their homes during their absence are particularly susceptible to title fraud. Title fraud is difficult and expensive to extricate yourself from if you’re a victim.

What title insurance covers Title insurance speciďŹ cally covers losses and legal expenses arising from title fraud. Lender title insurance covers a mortgagee until the mortgage has been repaid, while individual title insurance protects you from losses as long as you he own the home, even if there is no mortgage.

Basically, title insurance covers you against unknown defects in the title, property encroachment issues, existing undisclosed liens against the title, as well as title fraud. The insurance will also cover legal fees and offer coverage for legal errors made during purchase, as well as other riders covering such things as identity theft. Title insurance is issued by such companies as FCT, LawPRO, Stewart Title Guaranty, and Travelers Insurance, and is available through your lawyer. The cost of title

insurance varies widely depending on the property and your needs, but typically can range from $350 to over $600.

– Robyn

Robyn Thompson, CFP, CIM, FCSI, is the founder of Castlemark Wealth Management, a boutique financial advisory firm specializing in wealth management for high net worth individuals and families. Contact her directly by phone at 647-352-5735, or by email at rthompson@castlemarkwealth. com for a confidential planning consultation. Follow Robyn on Twitter and Facebook.

Notes and Disclaimer

Š2016 by the Fund Library. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without prior written permission is prohibited.

The foregoing is for general information purposes only and is the opinion of the writer. No guarantee of investment performance is made or implied. It is not intended to provide specific personalized advice including, without limitation, investment, financial, legal, accounting or tax advice.

Please contact the author to discuss your particular circumstances.

Wealth for Generations.

Providing solutions and advice on: Â’ 5563 7)6$ DQG LQYHVWPHQWV Â’ (VWDWHV DQG 7UXVWV Â’ 7D[HV and Probate fees Â’ 'LVDEOHG dependents Â’ ,QVXUDQFH and Annuity options Â’ )LQDQFLDO FRQFHUQV UHODWHG WR DJLQJ Â’ Inheritances Roy Collings Mutual Funds Representative Life Insurance Agent

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3-204 Island Hwy N, Courtenay BC • ph: (250) 338-2715 • toll-free: (877) 338-2715 • fax: (250) 338-2716 HollisWealth is a trade name and division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. Brokerage services provided by HollisWealth are provided through Scotia Capital Inc. Insurance products provided by HollisWealth are provided through HollisWealth Insurance Agency Ltd. Ž Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license.

Infinity Wealth is a personal trade name of Roy Collings, Mark Nichol and David Storrie.

28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

MADE FOR [ NEW BEGINNINGS ]

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Offer(s) available on select new 2015/2016 models through participating dealers to qualified retail customers who take delivery from January 5 to February 1, 2016. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All offers are subject to change without notice.

All pricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,725, $22 AMVIC, $100 A/C charge (where applicable). Excludes taxes, licensing, PPSA, registration, insurance, variable dealer administration fees, fuel-fill charges up to $100, and down payment (if applicable and unless otherwise specified). Other lease and financing options also available. ĭ0% financing for up to 60 months plus up to $4,000 discount available on select 2015/2016 models. Discount is deducted from the negotiated purchase/lease price before taxes. Certain conditions apply. See your dealer for complete details. Representative Financing Example: Financing offer available on approved credit (OAC), on a new 2015 Optima LX AT Sunroof (OP743F) with a selling price of $27,862 is based on monthly payments of $398 for 60 months at 0% with a $0 down payment and first monthly payment due at finance inception. Offer also includes $4,000 discount (loan credit). Other taxes, registration, insurance and licensing fees are excluded. †“Don’t Pay For 90 Days” on all models (90-day payment deferral) applies to purchase financing offers on all new 2015/2016 models on approved credit. No interest will accrue during the first 60 days of the finance contract. After this period, interest starts to accrue and the purchaser will repay the principal interest monthly over the term of the contract. Offer ends February 1, 2016. &Representative Leasing Example: Lease offer available on approved credit (OAC), on the 2016 Sorento LX 2.4L FWD (SR75AG)/2016 Forte Sedan LX MT (FO741G) with a selling price of $29,342/$17,562 (including $500/$1,300 lease credit discounts) is based on a total number of 130 bi-weekly payments of $135/$66 for 60 months at 1.9%/0%, with $0 security deposit, $1,950/$975 down payment and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total lease obligation $17,554/$8,622 with the option to purchase at the end of the term for $11,142/$6,665. Lease has 16,000 km/yr allowance (other packages available and $0.12/km for excess kilometres). **$500 Competitive Bonus offer available on the retail purchase/lease of any new 2016 Sportage and 2016 Sorento from participating dealers between January 5 and February 1, 2016 upon proof of current ownership/lease of a select competitive vehicle. Competitive models include specific VW, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Honda, GM, Ford, Jeep and Chrysler vehicles. Some conditions apply. See your dealer or kia.ca for complete details. *Cash Purchase Price for the new 2015 Optima LX AT (OP742F) is $19,995 and includes $1,545 delivery and destination fee, $6 AMVIC fee and $16 tire tax. Includes a cash discount of $6,467. Includes $467 in dealer participation. °Additional discounts available at participating dealers only. Some conditions may apply. See dealers for details. Dealer may sell for less. Other taxes, registration, insurance and licensing fees are excluded. Cash discounts vary by model and trim and are deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. ‡Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2016 Sorento SX Turbo AWD (SR75IG)/2015 Optima SX AT Turbo (OP748F)/2016 Forte SX AT (FO748G) is $42,095/$34,895/$26,695. The Bluetooth® wordmark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The 2015 Optima was awarded the 2015 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for model year 2015. U.S. models tested. Visit www.iihs.org for full details. The Sorento received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among midsize SUVs in the proprietary J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM. Study based on responses from 84,367 U.S. new-vehicle owners, measuring 244 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of U.S. owners surveyed from February to May 2015. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.

CELEBRATE LITERACY AND LIFELONG LEARNING

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

JANUARY 28TH-29TH

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

29

Families ‘Play Together’ for Family Literacy Week Comox Valley, BC, Janaury 19, 2016 – Comox Valley Family Literacy Week celebrations at the Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland libraries raise awareness of the importance of literacy and engaging in play-based literacy activities as a family.

Family Literacy Week (January 24-31) is an annual campaign that honours family literacy in BC. Family Literacy Week builds on ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Family Literacy Day, a national awareness initiative created in 1999 and celebrated annually across Canada on January 27.

Literacy is important for all British Columbians – including children and families. Families who engage in play-based literacy activities when children are young see positive effects on both the children and parents/caregivers.

Simple activities offer rich opportunities for interaction and learning. These activities help create healthy relationships and help prepare children to enter school.

Family Literacy Day at Courtenay library will be on Wednesday, January 27th, from 10-12. Interactive learning tables hosted by local organizations will be located throughout the library.

“There will be many art activities and some fantastic play opportunities”, says Danielle Hoogland,

Literacy Outreach Coordinator for Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Association, one of the partner organizations hosting Family Literacy Week. The much loved Strong Start facilitators Carlene and Colleen will do a rhyme time with kids and families from 10:15-10:30. Rhyme time is not a sit-down activity – there will be singing and dancing. After getting the wiggles out, families will have the pleasure of listening to local 9-year old singer-songwriter Stella Swanson and her mother and sister perform. “Stella is a delightful young artist who will certainly engage and inspire young and old alike,” says Hoogland. If you miss Stella on January 27th, you can catch her again on January 28th at the Comox Library branch from 10:30-11. She’ll also be playing in Cumberland from 10:30-11am at the Cumberland library. Prior to Stella’s performance in Cumberland, there will be a storytime with children’s librarian, Allison Trumble starting at 10am.

There are further incentives to attending Family Literacy Week events this year. Each family will receive a “Recipes for Healthy Beginnings” lunchbag from Success by Six which will include play, food, and song “recipes” as well as a new book! Also, at the

Courtenay library, each child/family will receive a passport that they can get stamped at the interactive learning tables. A completed passport is a chance to win one of three fantastic draw prizes.

Laughing Oyster Bookshop is also offering a 20% discount on all purchases made between and including January 27th and 30th, when a passport is shown!

If you attend the Comox event on January 28th you will receive a “badge”. If you present your badge at Blue Heron Books you will receive a 15% discount on purchases. And if you attend the Cumberland event on January 29th, Family Literacy Week participants who present their badge

will get a free honey stick at Seeds! Furthermore, Family Literacy Week participants who present their passport or badge will have free admission to the Cumberland Museum on January 29th. The museum is open from 10-5pm.

“There are multiple reasons to come out and celebrate literacy and learning. We sincerely hope to see you at one of the libraries during Family Literacy Week!” exclaims Hoogland. For more information check out the Facebook page at facebook.com/ comoxvalleyfamilyliteracyweek or CVLLA’s website at www.cvliteracy.ca. Family Literacy Week is a Raise-a-Reader funded event.

Vist cvliteracy.ca for the event calendar and more information

Physical Literacy

Proud to support the Success by 6 ‘Recipes for Healthy Beginnings’ initiative during Family Literacy Week.

Get your children running, jumping, kicking and throwing for a lifetime of being active & healthy!

Lewis Centre 489 Old Island Highway 250-338-5371 Filberg Centre 411 Anderton Avenue 250-338-1000 The LINC Youth Centre 300 Old Island Highway 250-334-8138

ALL LANES OPEN Saturdays & Sundays 10am - 6pm

www.firstins.ca www.firstcu.ca

Take in the events of Family Literacy Week and promote reading with Your Family

30 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

Stella Swanson and family perform for Family Literacy Week!

2015, Stella’s album, “I’m Not a Bunny,” was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for Children’s Album of the Year! And in May, 2015, her album was nominated alongside Raffi’s and Fred Penner’s for Breakout West’s Western Canadian Music Award for Children’s Album of the Year.

Family Literacy Week organizers are thrilled to have Stella Swanson, her mother and sister, Sophie, perform at the Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland library branches. Stella will be performing from 10:30-11am on January 27th, 28th and 29th at each of the respective branches. For more information about Stella, visit stellaswanson.com. For more information about Family Literacy Week, visit cvliteracy.ca.

Singer-songwriter Stella Swanson loves pigs and her rabbit Romeo. When asked why she loves pigs, Stella responds that when she was 3 or 4 years old, her mom read her Charlotte’s Web and she fell in love with Wilbur.

The connection between reading and music is a seamless one for 9-year old Stella, who loves to read.

“We have bookshelves all over the house so books are always around. Right now, I have 6 books on the go. I read on the couch and read to my sister. We call it Storytime with Stella. And after our tub, we come onto the couch and my mom reads to us. I love Harry Potter and I quite enjoyed Adventures of a Southpole Pig.” Stella also loves to play. In fact, it is when she is playing that tunes and lyrics come to her. ”My songs come from everyday life. I’ll be playing or doing something and then I’m singing a catchy melody! For example, the song Dazzling Day came when I was playing my ukulele on the porch for my sister Sophie who was in her nightgown.”

Stella’s ability to put stories to catchy lyrics caught the attention of local singer-songwriter Helen Austin.

Austin produced Stella’s first album, “I’m Not a Bunny,” and is Stella’s musical mentor. Her CD has since been acclaimed in the Canadian music scene. In September

Written by Danielle Hoogland, Program Manager and Literacy Outreach Coordinator for Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Association Photo credit: Cynthia Sullens Photography

EXPLORE, LEARN, GROW

Take the time on Wednesday, January 27th National Family Literacy Day to sit down as a family and read with your children some of their favourite books.

Just 15 minutes a day can improve a child's literacy skills dramatically.

Literacy opens a world of possibility.

www.nic.bc.ca

Maybe you want to complete your Grade 12. Maybe you want to begin a career. Maybe you want to read more comfortably.

NIC’s math and English upgrading courses can help you reach your goals. They are flexible, and start several times a year.

And, you can learn at the level that is best for you. Plus, NIC Education Advisors are here to help you, every step of the way.

Want to explore your options?

Call an Education Advisor at 1-800-715-0914

Courtenay 660 England Ave. • Crown Isle 444 Lerwick Rd. Customer Care: 1 800 667 8280 • thri yfoods.com

31

www.comoxvalleyecho.com In the Comox Valley 22 FRIDAY PROSE AND POETRY READINGS • Comox Valley Writers Society and the Courtenay Library invite the public to our Monthly Reading Series.

New and published writers will read their work at the Courtenay Library Events Room from 11 am to 12:30 pm on Friday, January 22nd, 2016. FMI and to sign up to read please call 338-0965.

Everyone is welcome. This is a free event, refreshments will be served.

COURTENAY LEGION • Meat draws every Friday, 5-7 pm.

COMOX LEGION • Meat draws every Friday, 3 p.m. Open to all Legion members and signed in guests. Friday is still drop in darts night 7.30 pm toe line, $2.25 per person.

23 SATURDAY THE STRATHCONA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA • Presents ‘Music Through the Ages,’ a concert which will be held in the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay on Saturday January 23rd at 7pm and Sunday January 24th at 2pm. In this performance we will play well-loved classical pieces plus a few surprises. We look forward to introducing our new conductor, Dr. Jim Montgomery, who brings a lifetime of musical experience and a passion for inspiring us to make beautiful music. Tickets $15 Laughing Oyster Books, Courtenay; Blue Heron Books, Comox. FMI 250 331 0158 COURTENAY AND DISTRICT FISH & GAME PROTECTIVE ASSN • Antler Measure Day Saturday, 23 Jan from 10 to 2pm. Bring your antlers, horns, mounts etc. for measuring and scoring. $5 measuring fee for nonmembers, members are free. The public is invited to come look and hear the tall tales! Generously sponsored

by Tyee Marine. FMI: Eric Robertson at 250-338-5080.

COURTENAY LEGION • Meat draws, music every Saturday 2-5 p.m. in the lounge.

COMOX LEGION • Meat draws are held every Saturday 3 p.m.

25 MONDAY COMOX VALLEY CLOWN CLUB • Meeting Monday January 25th, 1pm, at the Lewis Centre in the meeting room, come on out and join us if you would like to be a clown.

COMOX VALLEY FARMER’S MARKET • Presents Meet Your Maker on Monday, Jan 25th This event is focused

26 TUESDAY COMOX VALLEY WOOD CARVERS • If you are interested in any type of wood carving please join us at the Royston Community Hall every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 3 PM for a day of carving and learning about carving. No experience necessary. FMI call Al at 250-331-0156 or Jim at 250-339-5350.

28 THURSDAY BOATING DINE AND LEARN • Thursday, January 28. The Cape Lazo Power and Sail Squadron’s monthly Dine and Learn takes place at the White Spot Restaurant on Cliffe Ave in Courtenay.

This month’s guest speaker is Nick Ward.

The presentation is about his adventures sailing around the world with his wife and two children. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees pay for their own food and drink.

Dinner at 6 p.m. Or just come and listen to Nick Ward starting at 7 p.m.

Happy New Year!

LTNC COMMUNITY DINNER • Thursday, January 28th at 5 pm.

Our Community dinners are potluck style.

Our volunteers provide some yummy home made items made onsite to share.

Please feel free to bring yourself, your family, a story, a dish. Our dinners offer a free, fun, family event each month held at Lake Trail School 805 Willemar Ave. in Courtenay.

29 FRIDAY FILM “FROM THE WASTE UP LIFE WITHOUT PLASTIC” • Comox United Church will present the film on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 7 pm.

Admission is by donation.

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

Emergency coordinator position to become a full-time job CVRD struggles to recruit replacement for Fournier

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Comox Valley Regional District is still looking for a new emergency program coordinator.

Since Mike Fournier’s resignation in October, the CVRD had put out a request for proposal seeking a contractor to oversee the regional district’s emergency program.

Although 30 people requested a package, the CVRD received no proposals for the work. They were hoping to fill the position last December.

General Manger of Community Services Branch, Ian Smith, indicated they reviewed the current program and decided to make the work a full-time position. They have looked at other municipalities that moved from contractors to staff positions beginning in 2010.

Smith said Revenue Canada also examines several factors to determine if a worker is a selfcontractor or a full-time employee. They included

the scope of work, was an office provided as well as equipment such as cellphones, reimbursement of expenses and many more.

An internal analysis concluded that not only was the CVRD providing a monthly contract amount, it also reimbursed the contractor for all expenses, provided office space, supplies, materials and cell phone.

“We felt that the relationship we’ve had in the past with Mr. Fournier was pretty close to being an employee position versus a contract position,” said Smith. “That was another determining factor in going towards a fulltime position.”

Courtenay director Mayor Larry Jangula was concerned that a full-time worker will end up costing more.

“I am not sure if I agree or understand why we would go from a contract position where we don’t have to pay benefits, holi-

Libray workers have tentative agreement After a long bargaining process that included sessions with a mediator, CUPE 401 reached a tentative agreement with the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) late last week.

Details of the tentative agreement will not be released publicly until both parties review and ratify the agreement.

CUPE 401 President Blaine Gurrie said, “We were able to come to this agreement after serious and thoughtful discussions on issues that were important to our members, who care deeply about the library and the communities they serve.”

Gurrie praised the commitment and dedication of the bargaining committee and thanked members and the public for their support.

CUPE 401 members will be voting on ratification of the tentative agreement on January 24. The bargaining committee is recommending ratification.

days and medical things as opposed to an employee where we have to pay all the things I have mentioned,” said Jangula.

“What’s the actual difference in cost and how we arrive at that. Have we actually decided that yet?”

Smith said they have worked out the cost and will be presenting it in the financial plan. The 2016 personnel costs are prorated and estimated at $51,585, with a reduction in annual contract services operating costs of $49,800.

This position is cost shared on the basis of 90 per cent Comox Valley emergency program and 10 per cent electoral area rural emergency planning.

At present the CVRD is still without an emergency program coordinator but Smith said they do have an interim plan in place.

“I don’t want everyone to worry,” said Smith. “I am pretty comfortable we’re covered.”

To meet the obligations of the Emergency Program Act and the service agreements with the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland, from January to March 31, George Doerksen will serve as interim CVEP coordinator and deputy coordinators are Dave Carmichael, Scott Goodman, and Mike Fournier.

Smith is hoping the fulltime position will be filled in the next three months.

Over the years, the program has faced a number of challenges, said Smith.

They had difficulty recruiting a deputy coordinator and they don’t know why. They are now also losing some key emergency social services volunteers who are retiring this year.

Smith said one of the roles the new coordinator will be to review what the CVRD is offering as a program and look for changes and recommendations.

GROUND BREAKING THE

RISE at Crown Islee Enjoy a high standard of living at an affordable price.

Remaining lots starting at $162,500

CROWN ISLE BLVD.

WHAT'SON

on Local food purchasers meeting local food producers - Courtenay Legion FMI: www.cvfm.ca, info@cvfm.ca, or 250-2180321 EVERGREEN CLUB WHIST • This January 25th we will be having another fun night of Whist at Courtenay Recreation’s Florence Filberg Centre. Whist starts at 7:30pm. 20 hands of play, door prizes, snacks and good fun! New players welcome. Come early to sign up. $2.00 per person, members only.

CRIBBAGE • Every Monday night, 7:00, at the Royston Hall, corner of Old Island Highway and Royston Road.

LADIES AUXILIARY DROP-IN BINGO • Comox Legion Ladies Auxiliary Drop-in Bingo, upper hall. Doors open 6 pm, bingo 7 p.m. All money goes to charities.

Free coffee and tea.

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Roadwork and Lot Servicing completed, registration pending.

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New Home Construction to begin in December Call Jason Andrew at 250-207-0070 for more details.

For more info, contact

Jason Andrew Cell: 250-207-0070 399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay | www.CrownIsle.com

jandrew@crownisle.com

32 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JANUARY 22, 2016

International Baccalaureate: The Ultimate Honours Course!

For motivated students, IB is the place 2B! Highland Secondary is proud to be the only public English-speaking High School on Vancouver Island offering the internationally renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

The IB programme, founded in the 1960s and now in more than 140 countries and serving more than a million students, provides a rigorous, academically-focused education recognized at prestigious universities worldwide.

The IB Diploma Programme is for students in Grades 11 and 12 who wish to transform their high school experience and prepare themselves for success at university and beyond. Students can take a full slate of IB courses or choose a combination of regular and IB classes, earning advanced IB credit for each IB course they complete. Students also have the option to take one or more IB classes at the Honours level, enjoying the challenge of IB courses but being exempt from the IB exams in their Grade 12 year.

If you have a daughter or son who loves to learn, who needs a challenging and engaging educational environment shared with others with a similar desire to succeed, you need to learn about the IB programme.

Highland is hosting an informational evening to explain the IB programme and its many advantages on January 27th from 7 to 9 pm in our multi-purpose room.

We are very pleased

to announce that we will have a representative from UBC to explain the advantages of an IB education from the point of view of one of the best respected post-secondary institutions in the country.

FMI, please check out our school website at www.highlandsecondary. ca, our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HighlandIB, or email our coordinator, Andrew Black, at Andrew.Black@sd71. bc.ca.

Grannies gather Monday to hear talk In October 2015, hundreds of grandmothers from across Uganda made history in Entebbe. They came together for the country’s first National Grandmothers’ Gathering.

It was an unprecedented opportunity for older women diversely affected

by HIV and AIDS to voice their experiences, share their innovative strategies for responding to the pandemic, and collectively lay claim to their rights, too often denied.

They released the powerful Ugandan Grandmothers’ Statement, calling on government, the private sector, civil society, media, UN Agencies and members of the international community to support their collective vision for a future in which their grandchildren and communities are thriving, and have left the ravages of AIDS behind.

The Ugandan grandmothers were joined by grandmothers from Kenya and South Africa, as well

Ugandan Grandmothers Gathering march as by 22 Canadian grandmothers representing thousands of members of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.

Penny Lewis from Vancouver was one of those present.

On Monday January 25th, she will be sharing highlights from her trip, as well as sharing the message that the Ugandan grandmothers gave. Her talk will be hosted by the Glacier Grannies, at their regular meeting in the Comox United Church Hall at 1:30pm.

The Glacier Grannies is one of over 240 Grandmothers groups across

Canada that raise funds to support grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Members of other Grandmothers groups from Merville, Campbell River, Denman and Hornby Islands will also be invited.

Interested members of the public are invited to attend, to be inspired and find out about this dynamic organization.

Following the talk there will be time to meet members. After the break, the Glacier Grannies regular meeting will be held and potential new members are welcome to stay for this, to hear about upcoming fundraising events and

Is your child obviously bright, but struggling in school? Is he really good at “hands-on” activities, but having a hard time with written work? Does she say she’s bored or “zone out” because she is overwhelmed by what is being asked of her?

Since its inception in 1989, the 4R’s Education Centre has nurtured potential by providing specialized services to all school-age children with learning differences and/or disabilities. Dedicated and experienced teachers have helped hundreds of students succeed. All instruction is one-on-one in single rooms. Recognized successes help in overcoming low self-esteem and frustration, replacing them with confidence and enthusiasm.

All are invited on Saturday 23rd January 2016 at 3:30 p.m. in the White Spot meeting room (2299 Cliffe Avenue). A short Annual General Meeting will precede the opportunity to meet with society members, board members and teachers.

4R’s welcomes interest from potential board members – please contact the office for more information.

Visitors to the Centre (581 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay) are welcome during office hours. For more information, call 250-338-4890 or visit our website at www.4rseducation.com.

Death Cafe on Sunday

Highland IB students in one of their many special activities IB courses are roughly the equivalent of Grade 11, Grade 12 and first year university content.

As such, IB students can gain credit for university level classes during high school. In fact, some IB students earn credit for their entire first year of university!

Universities recognize IB students as excellent candidates for admission, and IB students are eligible for generous scholarships based on their IB grades.

4R’s AGM set for Saturday

volunteer opportunities.

Grandmother groups across Canada have raised over $21 million since the campaign began 10 years ago, funding some wonderful projects for improved health care, adequate housing and bedding, school fees, uniforms and supplies for orphans – and longer-term needs such as parenting and business skills, microcredit grants, bereavement counselling, HIV awareness training, counselling and grandmother support groups.

Our local Glacier Grannies group was formed in 2007 and has raised over $348,000 to date.

We have a bond now and have made a commitment to the African grandmothers we have come to know.

Our group is as determined and energetic as when it began. We have plans this Spring to organize an African fundraising dinner in April. We are booked at many craft fairs.

(Continued on page 33)

Discussions of death in an environment of tea and cake is what the Death Cafe is all about. The Death Cafe follows the model developed by Bernard Crettaz of Switzerland and refined in England. The objective of Death Cafe is to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their finite lives”. To date, there have been 2681 Death Cafes in 32 countries.

Refreshments, a comfortable seat and interesting company are prerequisites for visiting any cafe, even if the conversation is about death. The concept is straightforward enough. People meet to talk about death for a couple of hours. Death Cafes are offered with no intention of leading participants to any particular conclusion, product or course of action.

The atmosphere is an open and respectful space where people can share personal experiences of death.

The next Death Cafe is held at Serious Coffee in Courtenay on Sunday, January 24th from 2 to 4 p.m.

Visit www.deathcafe.com for more information and history of this event. Sponsored by the Salish Sea Hospice Project, www.salishseahospice.org.

Jung Society meets tonight

The Comox Valley Jung Society presents “Can you hear me now? - the impact of Smartphones on the Psyche” on January 22, 2016 at North Island College The Comox Valley C. G. Jung Society will host a presentation entitled “Can you hear me now? The impact of Smartphones on the Psyche” with Jungian Analyst John Betts on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 7:00 PM, Room 203, Tyee building at North Island College.

John takes a provocative Jungian look at how smartphone use may impact our personality, parenting styles, and child development. Many of us use smartphones to keep in touch with our family and friends, but does spending too much time on our smartphones affect our relationships? Why do we present a different persona online that is not like us in real life? Why do we get anxious when we’re away from our smartphone? Do smartphones make us less empathetic and more narcissistic?

John Betts (MA, Psychology) is a Zurich trained Jungian Psychoanalyst, who works in Victoria. He supports several Jungian Societies with his insightful lectures as well as through his online ‘Jung Podcast.’ See www.jungian.ca.

The presentation on Friday, January 22, 2016 costs $20 at the door, or $15 for Jung Society members. Email cvjungsociety@gmail.com for more info.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

FunnyFest on Tour comes to Crown Isle Resort for Jan. 29 show

Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community presents Funnyfest on tour comedy night Friday, January 29 at 7 pm in the Ballroom (Doors at 6 pm) Feature Performers: Joe King - The King of Comedy. Joe is the winner of the 2009 FunnyFest Talent Search Stu Hughes - Completely over-the-top. Every show is different; just like Stuey Enjoy great food, tasty beverages and prizes.

Tickets: $20, limited seating. So book your table in advance to get a great seat!

Tickets Available at: Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community, 399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay.

Phone (250) 703 5000 for inquiries & reservations FMI: www.facebook.com/Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community; www.crownisle.com

Bickle Theatre Original film series continues with classic High Noon

The Sid Williams Theatre Society continues a slate of classic films, the Bickle Theatre Original series, with a screening of High Noon on Monday January 25. These classic films pay tribute to the theatre’s beginnings as a cinema when it first opened as the Bickle Theatre back in 1935.

The winner of four Academy Awards in the categories of Actor, Editing, Music – Score, and Music – Song, High Noon was released in 1952 and stars Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, and Lloyd Bridges.

Former marshal Will Kane is preparing to leave the small town of Hadleyville, New Mexico, with his new bride, Amy, when he learns that local criminal Frank Miller has been set free and is coming to seek revenge on the marshal who turned him in.

When he starts recruiting

deputies to fight Miller, Kane is discouraged to find that the people of Hadleyville turn cowardly when the time comes for a showdown, and he must face Miller and his cronies alone.

Don’t miss High Noon on Monday January 25!

Doors open at 6:00 pm, and the film begins at 7:00 pm. There will be popcorn and prizes, including tickets to upcoming Blue Circle Series shows! The audience is encouraged to dress up for the evening in western attire!

Tickets for each of the Bickle Theatre Original films are $3 for Sid Williams Theatre Society members and $5 for the general public (plus applicable handling fees). Purchase by phone or in person at the Ticket Centre Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm or online at sidwilliamstheatre.com.

Nico Rhodes brings his trio to town Jan, 28

Jazz Society presents the exciting Nico Rhodes Trio at next Thursday gathering And now for something completely exciting…

Georgia Straight Jazz Society presents The Nico Rhodes Trio at The Avalanche Bar and Grill at 7:30 pm, January 28th.

The trio combines considerable individual talents, communicative abilities, and diverse musical sensibilities to take

audiences on a unique auditory adventure.

Join pianist Nico Rhodes, bassist Sean Drabitt, and drummer James McRae for a highly entertaining evening of jazz re-imaginings of great piano works, creative arrangements of jazz standards, and intriguing original compositions

inspired by, and drawing on, the music of a potpourri of legendary music greats including Ahmad Jamal, Frederic Chopin, Oscar Peterson, Claude Debussy, Art Tatum, Johann Sebastian Bach, Scott Joplin, and Gordon Lightfoot.

By his mid-twenties, pianist, woodwind player, composer, arranger, symphony orchestrator, conductor, studio musician, film composer, and music director Nico Rhodes had already drawn notice in a broad range of musical endeavours.

A multiple award-winning musician, who began classical piano studies at a very young age, eventually added saxophones and clarinet to his instrumental repertoire.

Nico’s highly eclectic piano playing style draws on a broad array of musical influences.

Known for his technical virtuosity and responsive touch, Rhode’s playing has been described as both “acrobatic,” and “heart-breakingly sensitive”.

Ever seeking new sources of inspiration and creativity, he is currently working on a variety of piano compositions, musicals, and symphonic works, in addition to directing musicals.

Twenty-five years ago Sean Drabitt left Victoria to study jazz bass in Los Angeles with mentor John Clayton.

The following decade saw him living and playing in New Orleans, where he worked with all the Marsalis family members, and then New York, working with some of the best young players on the modern jazz scene - Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Eric Harland, and Ari Hoenig among them.

Specializing in a hard-driving, hard bop informed style of playing,

33

he eventually returned to Victoria where he now divides his time between projects on both acoustic and electric bass.

Career highlights in recent years have included a western Canada tour as a member of New York trumpet luminary Terrell Stafford’s quintet, and doing a number of trio gigs with Portland pianist George Colligan.

Veteran drummer, bandleader, session musician, and songwriter/ arranger James McRae has performed or toured since the early 1980’s with a variety of jazz, Latin, Caribbean, New Orleans, funk, pop, country, and rock bands.

He has played with numerous musicians over the years including Colin James, Miles Black, Ellis Marsalis, David Vest, Jennifer Scott, Rene Worst, Ross Taggart, Mike Allen, Ken Lister, Scott White, Marc Atkinson, Connor Stewart, and James Darling.

He’s also played for a number of theatrical productions, including Chemainus Theatre’s attendance record shattering “Twist and Shout,” and has produced wellreceived tributes to Horace Silver, Carlos Jobim, Jimmy McHugh, and Jimmie Smith.

McRae is an in-demand private teacher, and mentor to a number of outstanding young musicians.

Admission is $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers. For more information about the jazz society, please visit www. georgiastraightjazz or join us on Facebook.

GSJS is committed to keeping jazz live, and allowing Comox Valley music lovers an opportunity to expose themselves local, regional and internationally-known jazz musicians.

Annual party fundraiser Saturday for Island avalanche bulletin By many measures, snow sports industry analysts and business people agree that human powered pursuits have been the fastest growing segment of the snow sports industry for a number of years now.

Anecdotally at least we can say that this is true here on Vancouver Island. One need only stand at the chairlift line up at Mount Washington doing a count of the number of people skiing on backcountry equipment or look at the hundreds of people signing up for avalanche education each winter to guess that this is the trend here on the island as well.

So where are all these people going? Well the backcountry

of course is the answer and it raises some interesting issues.

We all know that the backcountry poses risks that patrolled and managed ski areas do not.

We can all easily imagine an increased need for rescue services and the like as backcountry user numbers grow.

In addition to a reactive response to increasing numbers in the backcountry (rescue capability) it behooves us to also use a proactive approach. This typically comes in the form of education.

Avalanche Canada has done a tremendous job in spreading the gospel of avalanche education through it’ Avalanche Skills Training program. Delivered by

local providers across the country, this program has arguably become the most successful recreational avalanche education program in the world and its success can easily be seen with the numbers taking courses here on Vancouver Island.

When students leave an avalanche course they do so armed with a number of tools to manage their risk in the backcountry. A big portion of what they have learned is to focus on pre trip planning.

This planning process relies heavily on an avalanche bulletin.

Enter the Vancouver Island Avalanche Bulletin. Eight years back now, Island based guides, avalanche forecasters and ava-

lanche educators Cliff Umpleby and Jan Neuspiel saw a need for an avalanche bulletin on Vancouver Island that was not being filled.

So they started a homegrown avalanche bulletin.

This grassroots effort is supported entirely by island based businesses and users and is a unique model for a locally supported avalanche warning product.

The bulletin is supported primarily by two annual fund raising events: The Party for the Bulletin and the Backcountry Festival.

The party for the bulletin is coming up on Saturday 23 January at the Riding Fool Hostel in

Cumberland. Live music, beer from Cumberland Brewing and an amazing silent auction including a lot of fine backcountry gear are all features of this event.

Ten dollar tickets are available at Tarbell’s Deli in Cumberland, Ski Tak Hut in Courtenay and on line at Eventbrite (search for the 8th Annual Party for the Bulletin). Doors open at 8pm.

The event always sells out so getting tickets soon is advised!

View the bulletin at: http://islandavalanchebulletin.com/ Party Tickets: https://www. eventbrite.ca/e/vancouver-island-avalanche-centre-8th-annual-party-for-thebulletintickets-19068083150

34 FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

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Rae (nee Hopkins), Frances Lillian January 20th, 1920 - January 9, 2016

Mom passed away peacefully at Cumberland Lodge on Jan. 9, 2016 with family by her side. She was born in Vancouver to James and Helen Hopkins and had 5 brothers and sisters (all pre-deceased).

During the war mom was a legal secretary in Vancouver and after the war she met Al on a blind date and they married in 1946. They moved to Courtenay after marrying, where Dad became manager of Fletcher’s Furniture and in their spare time enjoyed camping & boating with family and friends until Dad’s passing in 1975. Mom enjoyed her 10 years working for the Free Press as a proof reader and then did some travelling to the East Coast, Alaskan cruises & mystery bus tours with the Evergreens.

She was part of a ladies ‘Sewing Club’ aka ‘Poker Club’ for many years which developed into great lifelong friendships. Mom’s last years were in the Cumberland Lodge where she received excellent care by a wonderful & caring staff - your dedication is truly appreciated.

Survived by her children Jim (Sandy), Patty (Richard), Heather (Jim), 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. No service by request. In lieu of owers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

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WWW PIERCYSMTWASHINGTONFUNERAL COM

Joanne Murphy

passed away on January 10th, 2016 Joanne was born in Victoria on October 21st, 1936. She grew up in West Vancouver, married CPAir pilot, Warner Wells in 1959. They had three daughters together and loved their life and young family.

Tragedy struck in 1965. Warner was First OfďŹ cer on CPAir Flight 21 which was struck by an onboard bomb explosion and crashed near 100 Mile House killing all passengers and crew. Joanne raised their girls alone for many years. It had always been Warner’s dream to travel to Australia, and in 1971, Joanne decided to realize that dream for him. Taking her three still very young children, she explored the islands of Fiji for a time before settling in Australia for a year and a half. A few weeks before she was set to return to Canada, friends introduced her to Australian, Peter Murphy.

Quickly recognizing what a catch she was, Peter gathered his own three young children, left their lives in Australia and followed Joanne and her family to Canada. Peter and Joanne were married in December 1973. Their newly blended family gave them a run for their money in the early years, but they were strong together and managed to build a loving family, the fruits of which are still evident. Peter and Joanne just celebrated their 42nd anniversary and their love is ever stronger.

Joanne was a strong woman with a clever sense of humour who traveled the world and loved the outdoors. She saw the good in everything and never complained; she only loved and spread joy wherever she was. She is an inspiration to all who loved her. She raised six wonderful children and was well loved by 13 grandchildren, and ďŹ ve great grandchildren.

Joanne, you had a beautiful life and we are grateful that your suffering is over and your beautiful soul can be at peace.

Celebration of life will be held at Comox United Church on Saturday, January 23rd at 2pm. Donations in lieu of owers to MADD Comox Valley (cheques may be sent to #210-2960 Moray Ave. Courtenay, BC, V9N 757)

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Barbara Alicia Burnham July 10, 1936 – January 17, 2016

Barbara passed away suddenly at home on January 17th 2016.

She is survived by her loving husband Lee Burnham; her children Debra (Graham) and David (Sandy); stepchildren Clint (Julie), Charlene (Glenn), Greg (Siobhan) and Teresa; grandchildren Lauren, Allison, Beth, Tony, Emily and Devon; and sister June.

Family and friends remember Barbara as a dedicated teacher, a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society, as the head librarian for 10 plus years during her stay in Yuma, a devoted treehugger and an animal lover.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 30th 1:00 pm at the Comox Legion.

In lieu of flowers Barbara would appreciate donations to Wild ARC.

Edith Lillian Smith July 16, 1930 – January 15, 2016

Edith passed away peacefully on January 15, 2016 after fighting a long courageous battle with Alzheimers. Born in Cranbrook, B.C. Ede pursued her passion of being a practical nurse. She enjoyed animals especially her beloved “Sam� the black lab and “Nibbsey� her forever cat.

Music was a big part of Ede’s life and she enjoyed many CYMC musical concerts along with other local performances. Edith had the opportunity to travel with husband Don, and enjoyed all of their excursions to many parts of the world. Edith was a long term member of St. George’s United Church, Comox Valley Celtic Club, Driftwood Mall Walking group to name a few. She volunteered countless hours to the Canadian Cancer Society in the Comox Valley over the years. Ede loved to cook, bake and entertain her many friends all of which enjoyed her abundance of great cooking.

Pre-deceased by husband Don (2008) and sister, Jean.

Survived by two sons, Richard (Kathy) Victoria, B.C. and David, Vancouver, B.C., brother Charlie (Carol) West Kelowna, B.C. and nephews. Friends and family will remember all the wonderful stories.

Charlie and family would like to extend a heartfelt huge thank you to Diane Brown who remained very dedicated and steadfast at Edith’s side throughout the 8-year journey. Thank you to the caring staff of Casa Loma/Comox Valley Seniors Campus, Dr. Eva Hemmerich, Anne Lai, Murray Presley, Leah Hryko, and others who made Edith’s journey easier.

Private cremation arrangements. “Gone from our sight but forever in our hearts�

Thank you, Ede for allowing me to be a better person, and being in my life. It has been a true honour to be a big part of your journey. I will miss you. Diane Brown

Comox Valley F H UNERAL

Your Community, Your ClassiďŹ eds.

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CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay

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Evergreen Club “Trash & Treasures Sale�

CALLING ALL VENDORS Sunday, January 31st, 2015 9:00am to 2:00pm (Upper) Conference Hall at the Florence Filberg Centre Opportunity to sell anything you like...

Individuals, Families, Businesses, or Non-proďŹ t groups Tables are $20

Call Filberg Center OfďŹ ce at 250-338-1000

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

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

DEATHS

DEATHS

SETTER, Lorna May Elizabeth Family members are sad to announce the passing of their mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, Lorna May Elizabeth Setter of Courtenay on January 18, 2016.

Predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob).

Lorna is survived by her son Ian of Victoria, BC and 3 daughters Colleen Harrison (Todd) of Courtenay, BC, Andrea Kursteiner (Kelly) of Campbell River, BC and Carla Petker (Jason) of Squamish, BC., grandchildren Amanda Carter (Bill) of Black Creek, BC and Justin Macaulay of Victoria, BC, great grandchildren Ava Carter and Jake Carter of Black Creek, BC. Lorna was a Registered Nurse, beginning her career in Victoria at St. Joseph’s Hospital, then moved to Courtenay and had a long career as a homecare nurse. After retirement she continued her nursing skills helping prepare ‘dressings’ for cancer patients.

Lorna loved spending time with her family (grandchildren and great grandchildren) on her small hobby farm. She loved to travel, such places as Eastern Canada, Africa and Europe. Vienna Austria, where her father was from, was her favourite. She took her 4 children to visit family and went again years later taking her 2 grandchildren.

As many of you know, Lorna loved reading mystery novels and watching British TV mystery crime shows. She was an excellent seamstress and would also knit and crochet.

Lorna was also a member of the BCGREA and Eastern Star – Florence Chp #53 and enjoyed an active social life at the Baptist Church in Courtenay and Christian’s Woman’s Club.

As per her wishes, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 23rd at 1:00pm at Courtenay Fellowship Baptist Church with Pastor Peter Rabey, officiating.

Should friends wish, donations in Lorna’s memory made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Association, Rheumatoid Arthritis Association, Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre in Victoria would be appreciated.

Comox Valley F H UNERAL

OME

CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay

250-334-0707

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.

LEGALS

FINAL NOTICE hereby given to liable debtor Danielle Lemire, sale of personal contents 9x10’ locker #115. View & closed bidding 1-2pm on Jan 30/16 at CV Self Storage,1566 Ryan Rd East, Comox. Call 250-339-6499.

PERSONALS

IF YOU want to drink it is your business. If you want to stop it is ours. Phone A.A. 250-3388042 Call anytime 24/7

TRAVEL TIMESHARE

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

TRAVEL

SEE POLAR Bears, walrus and whales on our Arctic Explorer Voyage next summer.

Save 15% with our winter sale for a limited time. Call toll-free: 1-800-363-7566 or visit www.adventurecanada.com (TICO#04001400)

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

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.

1-800-466-1535. info@canscribe.com.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit today: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career!

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

4HEĂ–KEYĂ–TOĂ–YOURĂ– NEWĂ–#!2%%2

www.comoxvalleyecho.com OFFICE SUPPORT CLERK

OFFICE SUPPORT CLERK

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 2Q FDOO &OHULFDO 6WDÎ?

The City of Courtenay invites written applications IRU FDVXDO FOHULFDO VWDÎ? DW WKH /HZLV DQG )LOEHUJ Centres. )RU GHWDLOV RQ TXDOLČ´FDWLRQV DQG KRZ WR DSSO\ SOHDVH JR WR www.courtenay.ca/jobs

FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

HELP WANTED • HOUSEKEEPING • FRONT DESK STAFF Come join our team, the Anco Inn is currently accepting resumes.

Drop your resume at the Front Desk at: Anco Inn 1885 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC or email: ancocourtenay@shaw.ca

TRADES, TECHNICAL

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FULL-TIME LICENSED Autobody Technician required immediately by busy Import dealership in the sunny Okanagan.

Candidate must hold a valid Autobody ticket. This is a full time, permanent position. Includes beneďŹ ts and an aggressive wage package. Resumes to Bodyshop Manager: bodyshop@hilltopsubaru.com http://www.hilltopsubaru.com/ employment-opportunities.htm

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.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

CONNECTING JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS www.localworkbc.ca HELP WANTED

THE CRA now has A DUTY OF CARE and is ACCOUNTABLE to CANADIAN TAX PAYERS.

HELP WANTED

CAMPGROUND CARETAKER(S) WANTED Responsible person(s) required to manage the Association campground from 1 May to 30 Sept. 2016. Must have own recreational unit to be placed on campground site during employment period. Salary and duties will be discussed with acceptable employee(s) when interviewed.

Send resume and contact info to the-office@courtenayfishandgame.org Attn: Admin or Mail to CDFGPA, PO Box 3177, Courtenay, BC V9N 5N4, Attn: Admin by 15 March 2016.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY TEMPORARY Summer Program Coordinator The City of Courtenay invites applications for the temporary position of “Summer Program Coordinator� in the Recreation Division.

For details on qualifications and how to apply, please go to: www.courtenay.ca/jobs

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nation

BAND MANAGER HOUSING MANAGER

The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nation is seeking an energetic and selfmotivated Band Manager who will take on a variety of challenges and opportunities and play an integral role in the continued strengthening of the vision for the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nation community.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include the following: • Have a degree in commerce, economics, public administration or similar discipline, or equivalent education and experience working with a First Nation organization; • Are an energetic person with demonstrated experience in strategic planning, inter-government relations, program management, project management, budgeting and human resource management; • Have progressive leadership abilities and can work effectively in a team environment with Council, community members and staff; • Have competent computer skills;

35

SECURITY GUARD

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Comox Valley

PLUMBING

We are seeking persons of good character (male and female) who are interested in joining Canada’s largest security guard company as Security Guards employed in the Comox Valley area. There are also opportunities to work in the St. Joseph’s General Hospital.

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.

The ideal candidates are already security guards and possess a valid OFA Level 1 First Aid certificate prior to commencing work; however, others are welcome to apply.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

Have strong knowledge of social and economic issues facing First Nations; The ability to adapt to a rural, small community.

For further information, please contact Ron Warmald, Manager Human Resources at 250 727-7755, local 110 or e-mail ron.warmald@cviy.ca

To request the full job description please email angela@gwanak.info We offer a salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Preference will be given to candidates with aboriginal ancestry or history working with First Nations Communities.

Explore this exciting opportunity by submitting your cover letter and rĂŠsumĂŠ

by February 11,2016 to angela@gwanak.info or fax to 250-949-7402

submit your cover letter and resume by the closing deadline of 12:00 noon on Monday 25 January 2016.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

REFORESTATION NURSERY Seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs, and berries for shelterbelts or landscaping.

Spruce and pine from $0.99/ tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-8733846 or www.treetime.ca

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397. Make money and save money with your own bandmill.

Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info and DVD:

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1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

RENTALS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS APARTMENT/CONDO

BladeRunners Project Delivery Facilitator Nanaimo Youth Services Association seeks a dynamic individual to coordinate an innovative program, which assists employment disadvantaged youth to find employment in the Customer Service, Tourism, Marine Host, Construction industry. The successful candidate will blend strong job development and marketing skills with sound knowledge of the customer service industry, excellent communication and conflict resolution skills, and a well-developed capacity to support and assist at-risk youth.

This is a 35 hour a week term certain position; under the direction and reporting to the BladeRunners Coordinator starting immediately or as soon as possible; which will require the incumbent to complete a successful criminal record check. Qualifications needed are a minimum of an under-graduate degree in Social Work (BSW), Counselling, Child and Youth Care, Education or related fields and related experience and training. As well strong computer skills in word-processing, data base entry, publisher and Excel spreadsheets is required, possess a valid BC Driver’s License. Competitive wage and benefits.

The program is delivered out of Courtenay.

Resumes and cover letters must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Thursday January 28, 2016 by email at reception@nysa.bc.ca, or Fax 250-754-8661 Attention: Steve Arnett CEO. No Late submissions will be accepted.

Only short listed applicants will be notified.

Job description can be viewed @ www.nysa.bc.ca

Brand New 2 and 3 Bdrm Apartments for rent Open for viewing Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm 6 major appliances Acadia on the Walk 355 AnďŹ eld (across from Best Buy) No smoking and no pets Rents starting at $950.

Free TV and Internet promo Ph. 250-926-5501 www.veyronproperties.com

GET THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO ACHIEVE THE CAREER YOU LOVE! Explore PRACTIAL NURSING • • • •

Earn and Learn 3 Days A Week Small Class Sizes Taught by Skilled Professionals Starts February

SUITES, LOWER

STEVENSON PLACE in Comox Senior’s Independent Living with Supportive Services.

Spacious 2 Bdrm, 2 Bath, 1 meal daily, weekly housekeeping and 24/7 Lifeline response with Personal Help Button. Pet friendly. Available Feb 1, 2016. Call 250-339-7012.

Attention HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS! • Put your current training and experience to work in our Accelerated Access Program • Starts February

WANTED TO RENT

SENIOR LADY wanting to rent a 2bdrm patio home or private suite in Comox or Comox Valley area. Unfurnished ground oor, n/pets and don’t smoke. Ref avail. Aiming for March 1st. 250-890-0528

Funding may be available.

98

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When you place a print classified here, it’s also posted online at Used.ca.

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36 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JANUARY 22, 2016

Robbie Burns fiddle family contra dance

‘Soviet Princeton’ book launch tonight at Cumberland

The Cumberland Museum and Archives welcomes folk singer and author duo Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat for a launch of their new book, Soviet Princeton, at 6pm on Friday, January 22.

With the help of archival photographs and song, the authors share the story of the coal miners’ strike in Princeton, BC during the depression of 1932-1933.

Learn about the clashes between mounted provincial police and picketing workers, Ku Klux Klan threats, and the kidnapping of legendary labour organizer Slim Evans.

When miners decided to unionize, due to a ten percent pay cut during the depths of the depression, they brought in Arthur “Slim” Evans from the Workers Unity League to help them.

Meanwhile, north of town, one of the federal government’s Relief Camps had opened up, and soon Canadian Labour Defence League organizers were at work there.

“Outside agitators” became the by–word as the town’s merchants and propertied establishment rallied to defeat the “Communist menace” that threatened the prospects

of their little town.

They were given voice by the colourful local paper the Princeton Star, whose archives provide the source material for much of Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat’s engrossing history.

The book also provides an interesting sidebar to Canadian labour history, as two years later, Slim Evans led the On–to–Ottawa Trek of the homeless and unemployed, protesting relief camps and their conditions.

The Soviet Princeton book launch takes place Friday, January 22, at 6pm at the Cumberland Museum and Archives.

Copies of the book will be available for sale. All are welcome.

For further details, visit: cumberlandmuseum.ca/ events

In a fantastic tribute to the spirit of Robbie Burns, on Saturday, January 23rd, the Fiddlejam Funtime Fiddlers will play for your dancing pleasure at the Big Yellow Merville Hall.

Along with the bagpipes, the fiddle is the musical instrument of choice for strapping, bare legged, kilted Scots and the local Fiddlejam Fiddlers know how to shake the thistles and spurtles to get the dancers up onto the floor.

Celtic Caller June Cannon will guide the dancers with her clear and clever instructions, always with an eye on those who might need a bit more guidance.

Nobody gets left behind and everyone will have a good time. Guaranteed.

Doors open at 7:00pm and we generally have a complimentary Contra Dance workshop right before the dance to loosen you up and to prepare you for the spins and lively steps of the Virginnia Reel and the Gay Gordon.

The dancing begins at 7:30 and families and single dancers are very welcome.

Singles can pair up with

anyone during the Contras and our Contra sets last about 15 to 20 minutes.

To strut our musical versatility, we also play old time waltzes and reels; jigs and swing; schottisches and foxtrots. There is a dance for everyone at this Highland Hoedown!!

As we toast the celebration of the poetry of Robbie Burns and the new

tradition of Scottish Contra Dances, we will have healthy helpings of “haggis” to titillate the tastebuds, along with other treats, from the contra canteen.

Kilts are great for dancing in, so wear your colours with flare and we’ll create a dance to make the Highlanders proud.

So Saturday, January 23rd, steer your Shetland

Pony in the direction of the Big Yellow Merville Dance Hall, right on the Old Island Highway, between Campbell River and Courtenay.

Doors open at 7:00, dance starts at 7:30pm.

Cost is $10.00/adults, $5.00/youth and you can come as a family for $22.00.

FMI 339-4249.

Slainte.

Take your first step to the international stage!

Take the ‘Cranium Challenge’ to help 4R’s Education Society Gather a team together and start practicing for the 11th Annual Cranium® Challenge!

This fun round-robin tournament will take place at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 30th January 2016 in the Evergreen Lounge of the Florence Filberg Centre.

All proceeds go to 4R’s Education Centre (Soc.), a local non-profit organization which has been providing specialized one-on-one teaching to children with learning differences and/or disabilities since 1989.

With prizes and the title of Cranium® Champions at stake, you won’t want to miss this. Make the evening really fun by dressing your team in costume. Snacks and bever-

ages will be available for purchase.

If you would like to participate, but don’t have a team, call 4R’s at 250-338-4890 – they might be able to connect you with others looking for a team.

Registration deadline is January 28th, so be sure to reserve your spot! Adults (16+): $15/ person or $50/team of 4. Children: $10/person or $30/team of 4. Family team (2 adults, 2 children playing Family Edition Cranium®): $40.

Registration can be done in person at 4R’s (581 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay), by phone 250-338-4890, or via email to four.rs@shaw.ca.

Applications now being accepted for Miss Teen BC, Miss BC & Mrs BC! To apply visit your community newspaper website and click on contests.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLACK PRESS COMMUNITY NEWS MEDIA

37

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

Town of Comox presents the strategic way ahead to council Enhance and maintain community vitality with continued growth in mind

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff This year will prove to be very busy for the Town of Comox with several capital projects scheduled to commence or to complete in 2016.

The capital projects were addressed in the Strategic Plan 20152018 for Town Councillors during their ďŹ rst meeting of 2016 on January 13. “We have a big year ahead of us,â€? said Richard Kanigan, Chief Administrative Officer.

The document sets the direction for the next four years and identiďŹ es signiďŹ cant changes the Town can expect as the new Island Health Hospital prepares to open

in 2017 and St. Joseph’s Hospital develops its changing role for the community.

Growth and revitalization are key themes and goals in the strategic plan.

Leading the major projects is the Marina Park Vitalization, a signiďŹ cant component to improving the downtown core, which is scheduled to begin construction tentatively in April.

The Strategic Plan is in alignment with the 2011 Official Community Plan (OCP), which recognizes the connectivity that the active residential community has with its compact commercial area and appealing waterfront and natural green-space. Keeping this in mind, the strategic plan is intend-

Croteau Beach residents continue protest over proposed pump station Over 400 letters submitted to MoTI raising strong objections to the CVRD plan

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Croteau Beach residents have collected over 400 letters from citizens who oppose the proposed location for the Comox No. 2 Pump Station.

The Comox Valley Regional District plans to build a new sewage pump station at the base of Croteau Road. It is an unopened road rightof-way with Town of Comox and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure each owning half of the property.

Residents have been protesting this plan and are strongly urging the CVRD to look for a better alternative. They are concerned the proposed pump station will impact the area such as damage to the trails, block beach access, affect ground water and disturb archaeological remains.

The outspoken group said out of the 360 letters and over 40 emails received, 242 are from Comox residents, 47 from Courtenay residents, 43 from Croteau Beach residents, 28 from other residents of Royston, Cumberland, Black Creek, Cortez, Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Minake, Ont. and Germany.

The letters have been submitted to the MOTI. They’ve informed the members of the CVRD sewage commission Manno Theos, Erik Eriksson, Maureen Swift, Barbara Price, Ken Grant and Major Trevor Fenton, as well as CVRD CAO Debra Oakman, Senior Engineer Marc Rutten, Area B director Rodney Nicol and the K’omoks First Nation.

Meanwhile, the CVRD continues the process that will pave the way for the pump station to be built at

the Croteau Beach site.

CVRD’s senior manager of engineering services Marc Ruttan said they’ve had consultations with the Town of Comox, reviewed the covenant of the MacDonald Wood Park, completed the survey work of the right of way, and have hired a hydrologist to study the groundwater implications of constructing the No. 2 pump station. “We are still in discussion with the town on the best strategy for acquiring the right of way for the No. 2 pump station,� said Ruttan, who added they plan to submit an application to the MoTI in February once they’ve received the hydrology report by CW Solutions.

Ruttan indicated they have not shared any of the new information they have with the public. They plan to make a full report next month.

A preliminary concept of the pump station was presented to the sewage commission. It reects a narrow arrangement that is designed to ďŹ t the right of way.

It will feature two underground structures, a wet well and dry well arrangement for the wastewater and the pumps, a vault that houses many of the valves, an above ground building around 1,000 square feet but just one story high approximately 19 feet at the peak of the roof. Baseline Archaeological Services has been commissioned to complete an archaeological assessment of the area.

Comox director Mayor Paul Ives made a motion that a public open house meeting for the Croteau Beach Pump Station be held some time in February upon receipt of the hydrology report and review by the commission.

Airbus Group is one of the contenders bidding to replacing the aging fleet of six de Havilland CC- 115 Buffalo aircraft based at 19 Wing Comox with its C-295. Team Spartan recently announced plans to establish a training centre at 19 Wing Comox as part of its bid for the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue project. Comox Valley Economic Development launched at campaign to promote Comox as the logical choice for the eventual location of a new FWSAR Training Centre, which the Town of Comox continues to support and promote in their strategic plan. (Source: Airbus Defence and Space) ed to set goals, establish priorities and guide work for growth in the Town of Comox that continues to maintain and enhance the community livability.

Other key initiatives underway or to be tabled for consideration during 2016 include enhancing the trail and greenway network, increase curbside organic collection, boundary extension on Hector Road and completion of Storm Water Management plan, implementation of a tree protection bylaw, disposition and repurposing of the former Comox Elementary School, continued work on the selling the attraction of Comox for the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Project, and establish an overnight moorage site for Harbour Air that could potentially invite increased oat plane service in and out of the Valley. “It’s a challenging year in terms of projects so we are not necessarily looking for more,â€?

expressed Kanigan. “We put this before you today to see if councillors would like clariďŹ cation ... or if there’s something else council would like to see added.â€?

Councillor Ken Grant emphasized the need to have good projects identiďŹ ed and ‘shovel ready’ should federal and provincial money be made available for upcoming projects.

Kanigan explained government looks for two criteria when considering funding, projects that are good investments in public infrastructure and are ready to proceed.

The Lazo Road Restoration project, valued at $1.8 million, is identiďŹ ed by Major Paul Ives as the number one priority to seek federal government funding under the Build Canada Plan.

Staff will bring forward a draft ďŹ nancial plan document to the next Committee of the Whole Meeting scheduled January 27.

At the heart of the

community

CUPE members provide public

library services throughout Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, the Central Coast, and some northern Gulf Islands – at 39 branches in 37 communities. We are frontline staff including library DVVLVWDQWV RIƓ FH ZRUNHUV FLUFXODWLRQ supervisors, IT, and drivers. We ensure RXU OLEUDU\ XVHUV JHW WKH ERRNV DQG

information they want – whether at library branches or in remote locations.

Libraries are important to the communities we serve. We invite all library lovers to visit our website.

www.loveourlibrary.ca

A message from CUPE 401, your Vancouver Island Regional Library workers.

cope 491

38 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JANUARY 22, 2016

U-16 Riptide boys display great heart

CVMHA Midget tier 1 Chiefs heat up for playoff run

Happy’s Source for Sports Midget Tier 1 Chiefs have won 3 of their last 4 games hitting their stride just in time for another exciting playoff run.

Coming off a ‘banner’ season in 2014/2015, last season the Midget Chiefs completed the island sweep, winning both the Tier 1 VIAHA regular season and playoff championship banners. Look for them proudly displayed in Sports Centre 1 during this seasons Midget Tier 1 Provincials which will be held right here in Comox from March 13 to March 17.

Playing their best hockey of the year, the Chiefs took their hard forechecking, up tempo puck pressure style down to Peninsula for their final Victoria road trip of the regular season.

Playing the 2015 Kraft Hockeyville winners, the Peninsula Eagles at the recently renovated Panorama Recreation Centre, the Chiefs found themselves up against Peninsula’s hot goaltender. Although missing their stalwart defensive standout Noah Gauthier-Gregory due to an injury acquired just days before playing with the Jr. B Comox Valley Glacier Kings, the Chiefs outplayed the Eagles, dominating the run of play and zone time but were unable to light the lamp more than twice.

Wilson Beebe barred the door in net, not allowing the Eagles to get that all important 2 goal lead, but the Chiefs were unable to take advantage of his timely netminding.

The Eagles held on for a nail biting 3-2 victory in regulation. Comox Valley goals scored by Matt Perry with assists to Captain Austin Heidt and recent acquisition Andre Sutter and to James Garrett (unassisted).

Day 2 of the weekend roadtrip brought a rematch with the Nanaimo Clippers at the NIC in the Harbour City. The Clippers who have tousled with the Chiefs on several occasions, were dominant early in the 2015 season, pummeling the Chiefs 9-1 in exhibition play in early September. But as the weather turned so did the season series, and recently Nanaimo has been

Mark R. Isfeld senior girls basketball team with their 3rd place trophy at Victoria Police Tournament

Great senior girls hoops action this weekend at Isfeld Secondary Mark Isfeld Secondary School is hosting its Senior Girls Basketball Invitational this coming Friday and Saturday, January 22/23rd at the Mark Isfeld gymnasium with games beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Friday with the host Isfeld Ice playing Nanaimo doubling as a AA North Island League game as well.

For local fans, G.P. Vanier Towhees play their first game at 1:45 p.m. Friday.

It is an 8-team tournament with Isfeld, crosstown friendly rivals Vanier (who won the Brentwood tournament this past weekend and are coached by coaches whose total ages are almost 200 years old!), B.C. # 1 A -ranked Credo Christian from the Lower Mainland, Alberni (AAA), Shawnigan Lake

(AA), Brentwood (AA), Carihi Campbell River (AA), and Nanaimo District Secondary (AA).

The Isfeld Ice Sr. Basketball girls placed 3rd in the very competitive annual Victoria Police tournament defeating Lambrick Park from Victoria, losing to host and eventual champions Saint Michael’s University school 48-41 and defeating Rick Hansen Secondary (Abbotsford) for 3rd place in another exciting game.

Grade 12 players Chelsea Lachapelle (captain, tough defence, rebounding and hitting 3’s) , Sydney Kuhnert (outside shooting and TSN highlight drives), Delaynee Skene-Pedersen (clutch shooting and team first attitude), Kyla DeWitt

(tough defence and incredible streak of treys), Maddi Eaton (inside the paint tough baskets rebounding and defence), Maggie Snider-Harris (hustle, defence and good passing) and Aleah Ashlee (all-round skills and leadership) led the Ice. Grade 11’s Emma Huechen (tough defence, rebounding capturing loose balls and improving shooting), Rachel Hesselgrave( defence and calmness under pressure), Takane Sudo (highlight reel end to end rushes), all made important contributions.

Despite two injuries (one upper body and one hand injury) the Ice rebounded from a tough loss in the semi-finals to win a close game against

a tough Lower Mainland opponent.

Aleah Ashlee was selected to the First All-Star team and coaches Ashlee and MacKinnon survived stressful games and Mall shopping by the girls.

The IsFeld Sr. Girls Invitational tournament is a great showcase for Senior girls basketball highlighting the results of all the years the girls have practised and improved their skills.

The Senior coaches would like to thank all of the previous basketball coaches the girls have had here in the valley for all that they have done for them. Thanks Coaches!!!

So, come out and enjoy some first rate entertainment at Mark Isfeld this Friday and Saturday.

no match for the surging Chiefs. Completing a regular season sweep of the Clippers, the Chiefs have recently dictated the pace of play, with their high up tempo pace.

Dominated by the Chiefs quick puck moving defensemen and smothering forecheck the Clippers have recently been no match for Comox. In December the Chiefs were victorious in Comox 3-2.

And this past weekend only built on these previous performances, with the offense coming alive lighting up the Nanaimo scoreboard with an over-

whelming 5-1 victory.

The highlight of the night came from Midget Tier 1 Chiefs returning veteran Alex Wilford who helped fellow veteran Caleb Dolman add to his team leading goal total with a precision pass from his stick in the slot. The pass and goal occurring at such pace that the Comox team was celebrating before the Nanaimo goalie even moved from his position on the post.

Anchoring the team in net, Kyle Franceschini provided outstanding goal tending, adding more 5 alarm saves to his high-

light reel. Jordan Neufeld opened the scoring with some silky moves and backhand from in close, assists to Matt Perry and Ben Alexander. Neufeld’s second point of the night came on another beautiful goal by Alex Wilford.

Not to be outdone Caleb and Alex’s linemate James Garrett tallied his second point of the weekend and the point landslide continued from Linden Lennox, Brad Teasdale, and Kevin Franceschini, getting on the weekend score sheets.

Kane O’Brien, a welcome, game changing addition to the team consistently

smothered the Nanaimo breakout and along with d-man Jacob Gaijda’s offensive zone puck pressure from the point kept the Clippers tied up in their own end all night with their strong physical checking game.

■ The Comox Valley’s own Happy’s Source for Sports Chiefs are once again hosting the Midget Tier 1 BC Hockey Championships at Comox Valley Sports Centre this upcoming March 13-17.

Top teams from across BC converge here in our beautiful Comox Valley to

As the Vancounver Island Premier League’s Under-16 Marine Harvest Riptide Boy’s Soccer Team took the field on Jan. 17 in their first game after the holiday break, the boys certainly looked focused and serious about starting the second half of their regular season with a win.

Of course, so did the players from Gorge/Lakehill. And with that, a brilliant game began at Valleyview field in Comox.

Right from the opening whistle both teams played with great intensity, hustling for each and every ball. It was a goalless game at the half.

Unfortunately some players were out with injuries and by the very beginning of the second half Dylan Robertson and Jack Crosby sustained muscle strains – putting them on the bench. With these injuries Riptide had no substitutions for the second half.

The second half continued in very much the same manner as the first with entertaining, skilled play on both sides of the field. Gorge/Lakehill made the most of a brief lapse in movement by the Riptide players and scored in the last 30 seconds of game time. Though the Riptide lost this game the outcomes of the division’s other games allowed the Riptide to remain in third place in the league behind first-place Saanich Fusion/Prospect Lake and second-place Gorge/Lakehill.

The team has a bye this coming weekend. Their next game is against the Upper Island Storm on January 31st in Campbell River. Game time and field TBD.

bring some action packed, exciting hockey to fans of all ages. Be sure to watch for more details and mark your calendars!

Come on down and support the Midget Tier 1 Chiefs in their quest for the BC provincial championships with a fundraiser burger and beer night Thursday Feb 18 at the Prime Chophouse and Wine bar ! The Chiefs thank their sponsor Tim MacDonald of Happys , their coaches Paul Mugford and Clint Perry, manager Jody Lennox and safety person Derek Luty.

GO CHIEFS!

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

Renovations for senior safety

As adults approach their golden years, the homes they once thought of as sanctuaries can become unsafe. Families wrestle with the decision to keep parents and grandparents in their homes or move them into assisted living facilities or other senior residences.

Modifying seniors’ homes to make them safer is another option. The National Institute on Aging says that families may be able to have a senior stay at home by helping older relatives remain independent but safe. The following are a few ways to do just that.

• Remove fall hazards. The NIA reports that six out of 10 falls happen at home, where people spend the most time and fail to think about their safety.

Seniors who want to be independent may overestimate their physical abilities. Because falls can be so dangerous, leading to cuts, abrasions, broken bones, and more, seniors and their families must take steps to prevent falls in homes. Improve lighting, especially at night when sight may become diminished. Install hand rails and grab bars where possible. Pick up clutter and remove tripping hazards, such as slippery rugs or electric cords. Install an electric stair climbing seat to make traversing stairs less risky.

• Improve visibility and ability to communicate. Vision loss may accompany aging, but technology can help mitigate such losses. Use big-button phones, remote controls and even keyboards so seniors can keep in touch. Voice-activated thermostats or smart home technology also can make it easier for seniors to voice their needs.

• Modify fixtures and other features.

Dexterity may wane with age, and arthritis can make grasping or turning doorknobs and faucets more challenging. Take inventory of areas of the home that present the biggest obstacles to seniors. Replace knobs in the shower or on faucets with lever handles, which are easier to maneuver. Install new cabinets and doors that freely glide open and self-close. Replace toggle light switches with easier paddle-type switches that can be pushed with a hand or even arm.

Motion-sensor lights also can be handy.

Push-button oven controls may make cooking easier.

• Prepare for medical emergencies.

Invest in medical alert systems, such as necklaces or bracelets, that can be used to contact police or emergency medical personnel directly. Make phones available in commonly used rooms in the home, such as bedrooms, the living room, bathrooms, and the kitchen.

• Install ramps and nonslip flooring.

Ramps can make it easier to reach the front door or cross over elevated doorway thresholds. Nonslip flooring also can prevent falls around the house, offering more traction for feet, walkers or canes.

• Repair cracks in walkways and driveways. Safety should also extend to the outdoors. Be sure to repair cracks or uneven pavement. Replace loose patio blocks or bricks with a more stable design or with concrete or asphalt. While outdoors, trim back bushes and make sure there are no tripping hazards outside as well.

A few modifications can make it possible for seniors to live comfortably in their homes for many years.

39

Common causes of poor vision Vision loss is a common condition, as the World Health Organization notes that more than 285 million people across the globe suffer some type of visual impairment. Many people can effectively counter their vision problems with prescription lenses, but others may have a more significant issue, such as low vision.

The Kellogg Eye Center defines low vision as a reduced level of vision that cannot be fully corrected with conventional glasses. Those with low vision have some useful sight and are not considered completely blind. However, low vision can interfere with performance of daily activities, and some people with this condition are classified as “legally blind.”

Symptoms of low vision include difficulty recognizing objects at a distance or problems with differentiating colors. Yet, not everyone dealing with these symptoms has low vision. Specialized testing can determine if a person has low vision or another condition.

Many conditions can impact sight and contribute to vision loss. Here’s a look at some of the more common ones.

• Glaucoma: A person with glaucoma may gradually lose peripheral vision. Early symptoms, such as a subtle loss of contrast, may be unnoticeable. Eventually, glaucoma may cause tunnel vision, which occurs when a person can only see through a small window.

• Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million people in the United States alone, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. The AMDF offers that

macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion, known as the macula. The macula is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, and it contributes to one’s ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors and see objects in fine detail.

• Retinal detachment: An increase of floaters or sudden flashes of light in vision may be indicative of retinal detachment or a tear in the retina.

When caught promptly, a detached retina may be repaired. However, if left untreated and the detachment reaches the macula in the center of the retina, vision loss may be irreparable. The National Eye Institute says those with extreme nearsightedness, those who have had cataract surgery or those with a family history of retinal detachment are at a high risk.

• Diabetic retinopathy: Blurring or patchy vision loss can be a side effect of high blood glucose levels. Not all people with diabetes will develop vision problems, but it is common enough to warrant attention.

• Cataracts: According to The Mayo Clinic, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eyes’ lenses. Clouded vision can make it more difficult to read or drive. Over time, cataracts may obscure vision so much that they require surgical repair.

Routine eye examinations can bring potential vision disturbances to light and facilitate faster treatment. Eye doctors also can make suggestions about lifestyle changes, including the use optical devices to improve sight.

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40 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

Exercise and arthritis

Across the country, more than 50 million people are living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. So says the Arthritis Foundation, which projects that figure will rise to 67 million by the year 2030.

Simply put, arthritis is a significant problem, one that can not only affect a person’s quality of life, but also his or her pocketbook, as the Arthritis Foundation notes that woking-age men and women (those between the ages of 18 and 64) who contend with arthritis are less likely to be employed than people of the same age who do not have arthritis.

Arthritis is not only bad for employees, but also for employers, as it accounts for $156 billion annually in lost wages and medical expenses.

Exercise may be the last thing on many arthritis sufferers’ minds, but exercise can play a vital role in reducing the often painful symptoms associated with arthritis. Among its other benefits, exercise can strengthen the muscles around arthritic joints and help men and women maintain bone strength. In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that lack of exercise can make joints feel more painful and stiff, as a sedentary lifestyle will ultimately contribute to putting more stress on joints.

Upon being diagnosed with arthritis, patients should speak with their physicians about the best way to use exercise to combat and relieve their symptoms. Some patients may require physical therapy, while others might be able to work with their physicians to develop an exercise regimen that can help reduce the severity of their symptoms and

any pain that accompanies those symptoms.

The following are some types of exercises that figure to play a strong role in managing arthritis and improving quality of life.

• Aerobic exercises: Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help arthritis sufferers alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall health.

Arthritis sufferers who have not exercised in awhile because of their pain may have gained weight as a result, and aerobic exercise is a great way to shed extra pounds. Losing excess weight is a great way to make physical activity less taxing on your joints as well.

• Range-of-motion: Range-of-motion exercises are typically simple and don’t take much time, but when done correctly, such exercises can be very effective at relieving the stiffness associated with arthritis. A physician or physical therapist might advise you to do range-of-motion exercises each day, and you may even need to do them a few times each day. Adhere to this advice, continuing to perform the exercises as long as your doctor or physical therapists deems them necessary.

• Strength training: As previously noted, arthritis sufferers may feel as though lifting weights will only exacerbate their existing symptoms. But strength training will strengthen the muscles around the joints, providing more support for those joints and ultimately reducing symptoms of pain.

Speak with your physician or physical therapist about appropriate strength-training activities and the importance of rest. If you experience any pain during strength-training sessions, stop immediately and report the pain to your physician.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids For Brain Health

By Debbie Bowman, RHN On-Staff Nutritionist For Edible Island Whole Foods Market We all have those days when it seems our brains aren’t working to capacity.

Unfortunately, as we age, those sub-par brain days happen more than we’d like to admit. The good news is that researchers are aggressively searching for ways to slow down age-related cognitive decline. Specifically, research points to the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA and their brain protective properties.

Omega-3 fatty acids are clinically proven to be potent anti-inflammatories, cholesterol regulators and heart health supporters - good things at any age.

But there are also several studies that show omega-3 fatty acids as particularly important to the health of our brain throughout our entire life, but especially as we age.

A study published in the February 2014 edition of Neurology concluded that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids correlated with larger brain and hippocampal volume eight years later.

Essentially, those with higher omega-3 levels in their blood experienced less brain atrophy than those with lower levels. This makes sense, since omega-3 fatty acids comprise eight percent of our brain’s weight and are the building blocks of one hundred billion neurons.

So what can you do to protect the in-

tegrity of your brain as you age? Omega 3 fatty acids are found in most oily fish, such as salmon, trout and sardines, as well as some plant based sources, such as walnuts and flax seeds. However, the body has to do some converting to get the important EPA and DHA from these plant sources. The most efficient way to raise one’s blood level of omega-3 to a protective level is to eat wild caught oily fish, such as salmon or a serving of sardines, twice a week and to take an omega-3 fatty acid supplement every day.

There are many quality fish oils on the market that will boost your blood levels of omega-3, but a better way to supplement omega-3 is to take krill oil. Krill oil is special because the omega-3 fatty acids found in krill are attached to phospholipids - and phospholipids are what comprise our cell walls, particularly the cells of our brain. In addition, krill oil has fifty times more naturally occurring astaxanthin than what is found in fish oil.

Astaxanthin is a powerful anti-oxidant that protects the krill oil from oxidative damage, making it two hundred times more resistant to oxidative damage than fish oil. As an added bonus, astaxanthin is incredibly effective at protecting your eye sight.

So the next time you forget where you put your keys or why you walked into a room, try to remember the omega-3 fatty acids. Your brain will thank you.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 22, 2016

41

So you’ve made your will And named your executor.

BUT IS YOUR ESTATE

PREPARED?

Living Well - Leaving Well Seminar to Benefit Executors Most executors, when asked if they would ever take that task on again, answer with a resounding “No”. Although honoured when first appointed Executor, many quickly realize they lack the knowledge to properly administer an Estate.

Most Canadians are either named as Executor in a Will or have a Will of their own in which they have named an Executor. As Executor, certain duties must be performed, within a certain timeframe and in a specific order. Vehicle ownership must be transferred, terminal tax returns filed, taxes paid (including the possibility of capital gains tax), property transferred, accounts closed and accurate records kept. The average estate in Canada takes 18 months to settle. Even a little planning by the testator (writer of the will) now can make a big difference to the executor later.

“Executors, need to complete a complicated task they may have never done—or did once twenty years ago.

They are required to find and gather specific documentation, know who to contact and where the government offices are, pay for numerous fees…for many, it is daunting,” says Dennis Richardson, seminar presenter and Canada Purple Shield Representative.

“That’s why we are pleased to be able to

provide this important information; information that can save families unnecessary headaches and estate settlement cost. I think what Toneff Funeral Services is doing to educate and empower the public is very commendable.”

Eric Toneff owner of Toneff Funeral Services, is enthusiastic about the seminar’s content. “It is important for the average person to walk away from the seminar with some real understanding and tangible steps they can take to make their executor’s job easier. That’s exactly what these seminars provide, and they are presented in simple English so even the most ‘rookie’ testator or executor will benefit.”

Everyone is invited to attend. Topics include an understanding of the executor’s responsibilities along with a realistic expectation of costs and timelines, time-saving and money-saving tips, concerns of joint ownership, definition of probate, capital gains tax overview, funeral pre-planning information as well as cremation options.

Wednesday, February 3rd 1:30pm at the Comox Legion

to register call:

250-338-4463

BC has the highest PROBATE fees in the country • Pros and cons of Joint Ownership • Simple strategies for relieving your executor’s stress • Benefits to family of preplanning your cremation/burial

The Living Well – Leaving Well Seminar will be presented on Wednesday, 03 February 2016 at 1:30 PM, at the Comox Legion, Main Hall; entrance on Comox Ave. Reserve a seat by contacting Toneff Funeral Services at 250-338-4463.

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Adult Programs 50 and over

RELOCATING FEB 1 TO OUR NEW LOCATION at 220 444 Lerwick Rd in the Thrifty's Crown Isle Shopping Centre

Dr Colleen Clancy & Dr. Ann Lu Family dentistry, implants, cosmetics, and dental hygiene.

Looking forward to seeing our current patients in our new location, and accepting new patients Feb 1.

Like us on facebook to see progress of our clinic construction: Dr Colleen Clancy and Associates

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