Issuu

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2023 | VOLUME 38 | NO. 6

■ NEWS Live-savers honoured Four individuals who saved the life of a person in distress at the Comox Community Centre were formally recognized for their actions at a Comox council meeting Feb. 1. 3

Meeting new friends A virtual meet and greet was held Wednesday, Feb. 1 between the Comox Valley Afghan Sponsorship Team and its sponsorship family currently in hiding from the Taliban. 4

Please welcome to the stage... The initial roll-out of musical acts for Vancouver Island MusicFest has been announced, and it’s as diverse as fans of the festival have come to expect. 6

Valley filmmaker gets grant Comox Valley filmmaker Chukwumuobi Obasi is one of a few creators chosen to launch his short film as part of the first Black Creators Edition from Telus Storyhive. 9

Bird on a wire... fence

The next generation of farmers The Young Agrarians organization offers farmer-to-farmer programming to grow the next generation of farmers, and supports farmers to access education, training, land, business mentorship and resources. 16

■ FEATURES Letters Sports Classifieds A&E

Steve Kane was at the Comox Marina when he spotted this kingfisher “sitting there waiting for lunch to show up below.”

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Four individuals who saved the life of a person in distress at the Comox Community Centre were recognized for their actions at a Feb. 1 Comox council meeting. Photo submitted

Individuals recognized by Comox council after saving a life at community gym Erin Haluschak Record staff

Four individuals who saved the life of a person in distress at the Comox Community Centre were formally recognized for their actions at a Comox council meeting Feb. 1. In early January, a customer at the town’s fitness centre saw someone who was found to be not breathing and without a pulse. The town credited the quick actions of an off-duty paramedic and Comox Community

Centre staff with saving the person’s life. A publicly accessible AED was used, along with CPR. Acting Mayor Ken Grant presented Justin Fleming, Ryan Casselman, Jenny Leakey and John Dove with certificates of appreciation. Comox has more than 50 AEDs publicly available in a variety of locations. Many have been purchased through a partnership program with the Comox Firefighter Association that will cover approximately half the cost of an AED for a business or group.

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Local Afghan sponsorship team meets family it is helping via Zoom Terry Farrell Record staff

There was barely a dry eye at the end of a 20-minute Zoom call between the Comox Valley Afghan Sponsorship Team (CVAST) and the family it has been helping to get to Canada. A virtual meet and greet was held Wednesday, Feb. 1 between CVAST and its sponsorship family currently in hiding from the Taliban. The family of four is in the process of gaining entry into Canada, and ultimately, the Comox Valley, where the father, his sister, his wife, and their three-year-old son will immerse themselves as members of the community. The meet and greet, held at Off Main, was the first chance for most of the CVAST team to meet and speak with the family they are sponsoring.

The Anglican Diocese of British Columbia is the sponsorship holder, and Sherry MacLeod, of CVAST, is the principal applicant for the family. MacLeod spent a year in Afghanistan 12 years ago, as a military member, and during that time made a personal connection with a member of the family CVAST is now sponsoring. “When the Taliban took over, (the family) went into hiding… the whole family was at risk. Then through Facebook, my various military friends reached out to me, saying… they need help. So I had originally just written a letter of support for (their) refugee application. Then, as time went on, I got involved with CVAST. Because of the fall of Afghanistan in August of 2021, a lot of citizens in the Valley became very concerned and wanted to do something to help. The group

Members of the Comox Valley Afghan Sponsorship Team meet the family they are helping via Zoom. Photo by Terry Farrell initially had a different family picked out, but that family got picked up by Australia, so I said ‘Hey, I know this family.’” The family was first approved by the Anglican Diocese, then by the Canadian government, and now the file has been forwarded to Abu Dhabi for processing. (Abu Dhabi is the regional processing venue for everyone in Pakistan.) “The Abu Dhabi processing

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centre will set them up with medical checks, do a security check/criminal record check, and then they will be coming to Canada,” said MacLeod. The sponsorship team is responsible for all aspects of the family’s well-being for the first year after arrival. “Once they arrive in Canada, we have an obligation for a full year to provide housing, food, clothing, dental, medical - all of it, for that first year, while they work on becoming independent,” said MacLeod. “This is part of the Government of Canada’s private refugee sponsorship program.” The team is anticipating the family’s arrival sometime between March and July.

“We will be given very little notice. I know another group that was given 48 hours’ notice of their sponsor family’s arrival, so if that happens, they will be living in our spare room,” said MacLeod. The father of the Afghan family is already fluent in English, and the other family members are continuing to improve their English skills. The three adults are all professionals (two doctors and one lawyer) and they hope to find employment in the Comox Valley upon arrival, pending any federal/provincial qualifications being met. CVAST is currently looking for appropriate accommodations for the family - a two- or three-bedroom home would be ideal. Anyone with the ability to assist in that regard can email sherrymacleod@hotmail.com

Ways to help There are various ways to get involved with the process. To become a member of CVAST, email CVASTinfo@gmail.com The team also has a private Facebook group: Comox Valley Afghan Sponsorship Team (CVAST). Donations of clothing and

furniture are also being accepted. Email sherrymacleod@hotmail.com for further information on what is needed. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Cash donations can be made (tax receipts will be provided) by emailing the team (CVASTinfo@gmail.com). Someone will pick up the cash. Cheques can be written payable to Refugee Fund - Anglican Diocese of BC with CVAST in the memo line; email CVASTinfo@gmail.com for pick-up. One-time or monthly donation plans are also available via CanadaHelps.org Go to St. Philip-by-the-Sea Anglican Church charity, and select “Refugee Sponsorship - Comox Valley Afghan Sponsorship Team” on the church’s drop-down fund menu that reads “Apply your donation to a fund set up by this charity.” CanadaHelps automatically issues tax receipts. The group also has an account set up at the Courtenay Return-It Depot (Account #667). MacLeod can also arrange the pick-up of bottles. Email sherrymacleod@hotmail.com for more information.

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First set of MusicFest lineup announcements features diverse selection Terry Farrell Record staff

The initial roll-out of musical acts for Vancouver Island MusicFest has been announced, and it’s as diverse as fans of the festival have come to expect. From Americana legends Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Canadian multi-instrumentalist and vocalist extraordinaire Angelique Francis, to returnees Nikki D (this time with the Sisters of Thunder), Emma Björling (& Skye Consort), and B.C.’s own Daniel Lapp (LappElectro), MusicFest executive producer and artistic director Doug Cox is once again laying down the roots for an incredible weekend of music. “We’ve got about 30 acts booked so far, but this announcement kind of gives people a sense of the depth of what we are doing,” he said. “We have some other ones that are coming down the line that are worthy of the ‘headliner’ tag, but they are yet to be confirmed. So there is a lot of really exciting stuff still to announce. This is just the tip of the iceberg.’” As for this round of announcements, there is no shortage of star power.

es, but this will be the first time they will feature this project at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. “They played Rifflandia last summer and it was a huge success,” said Cox. “I’ve had people ask since there if there was any chance LappElectro would play Musicfest, so we (made it happen).”

Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore Dave Alvin has been in performing for more than 40 years, from fronting the rockabilly group The Blasters (which he and his brother, Phil, formed) to a long solo career dating back to the mid-1980s. His 2000 release, Public Domain: Songs From the Wild Land, earned him a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. He and Gilmore teamed up for the album Downey to Lubbock in 2018 and have been touring together ever since. “Dave truly is one of the most prolific singer/songwriters in the Americana scene,” said Cox. “And Jimmy Dale Gilmore, for people who are really into the Texas music scene, he is one of the kings of that scene.” This is the MusicFest debut for both artists.

Angelique Francis Another artist coming to MusicFest for the first time is Angelique Francis, who is up for a 2023 Juno Award for Blues Album of the Year, for her latest release, Long River. She has also won two Maple Blues Awards (Bassist of the

Nikki D and the Sisters of Thunder Nikki D returns just one year after her MusicFest debut. She was part of the phenomenal Her Majesty collaboration in 2022. This year, she brings her own band with her.

Skye Consort & Emma Björling The first round of lineup announcements for the 2023 Vancouver Island MusicFest includes 2023 Juno Award nominee Angelique Francis. Photo supplied year, and New Artist/Group of the Year), and has been nominated for a 2023 Canadian Folk Music Award, for Contemporary Singer of the Year. “She is one of the hottest things going in the Canadian music scene right now,” said Cox. “She is being nominated for awards every time she turns around.

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LappElectro Daniel Lapp and bassist Rick May created LappElectro more than 20 years ago, playing in the Greater Victoria area. Lapp and May have made several MusicFest appearanc-

The Blue And Gold Another group whose musicians have played the festival before, but not together, is The Blue And Gold - a musical collaboration between Juno-nominated and WCMA Blues Artist Of The Year Ndidi O and folk-roots guitarist/banjo player Trish Klein (The Be Good Tanyas, Frazey Ford, Po’ Girl) which celebrates the musical artistry and legacy of pioneering female Blues musicians. Announcements will be coming out online, at IslandMusicFest.com “approximately every other day” for the next couple of months, as well as further major announcements to be published by the Comox Valley Record. Tickets for the festival which runs July 14-16 at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, can be purchased at islandmusicfest.com Editor’s note: This article has been trimmed due to space constraints. For the full article, as well as videos of each of the performers, visit comoxvalleyrecord.com

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“She is just a wonderful performer, and a great musician.”

Björling has twice brought her Swedish a cappella group, Kongero, to MusicFest and this time she returns with her latest project: Skye Consort. “This is quite a different thing for Emma,” said Cox. It still features Emma’s beautiful singing, with a lovely mix of Francophone, Swedish, and other styles of music on really old folk instruments. It’s almost like Baroque folk with an Eastern European tinge to it. I thought it was important to make this part of the first

line-up announcements, just to show some of the diversity of the festival.”

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Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A9

Valley filmmaker chosen for inaugural Black Creators Edition Storyhive grant grate back into their respective communities. He drew upon local crew and cast within the Valley to create the film, and used a casting director in Nanaimo for the main character. On Feb. 16, Obasi will screen the film at the Sid Williams Theatre as part of a presentation entitled A Night of Short Films, where he will include his other film Family Fortune (about a man who attempts to reunite with his family 30 years after he deserted them when he finds out he is terminally ill), and part one of Senior

Chukwumuobi Obasi received $20,000 in production funding, training and mentorship Erin Haluschak Record staff

Comox Valley filmmaker Chukwumuobi Obasi is one of a few creators chosen to launch his short film as part of the first Black Creators Edition from Telus Storyhive. The funding project, supported by the Black Screen Office, celebrates Black excellence on screen from projects filmed and produced across B.C. and Alberta by emerging Black content creators. He received $20,000 in production funding, training and mentorship for his film Lights. Obasi previously received a $20,000 Storyhive grant in 2019 to create a pilot for his web series drama, Home Stay. The Nigerian-born, Valley filmmaker began making films about five years ago while balancing his career working in youth services. “I like writing stories … and this is a fictional movie based on a real event,” he explains and added Lights is about a teenager living in a group home who craves to be noticed despite dealing with mental and emotional challenges. Obasi said he drew upon his work experi-

Mates, Obasi’s next project which he hopes to turn into a feature film. “I wrote part one of it, and it’s about two seniors who lost their mates and are now roommates while dealing with their grief,” he described. Tickets for the screening are available on the Sid Williams Theatre website (www.sidwilliamstheatre.com/events) and Lights is available for viewing on Telus Optik TV channel 707 and on Storyhive’s YouTube channel.

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Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A11

Vancouver Island Violet predicts another six weeks of winter Erin Haluschak Record staff

With a solid track record so far, Vancouver Island Violet saw her shadow this morning on Groundhog Day, giving the Island another six weeks of winter. According to the Marmot Recovery Foundation, Violet - a certified groundhog - also got a quick health check after her wintry prognostication, and regrouped. Marmots are paired to maximize genetic diversity within the very small population of the endangered species, the foundation noted. Adult marmots that emerge from hibernation together are more likely to breed than if they are introduced after they have already woken up. The Island marmot is endemic to Canada and one of only a small handful of mammals to occur in the country and nowhere else. In 2004, less than 30 remained in the wild. The population has been recovering since the species nearly went extinct, but thanks to the foundation, their population

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Van Isle Violet managed to see her shadow early on Groundhog Day morning, meaning another six weeks of winter for Vancouver Island. Photo via Marmot Recovery Foundation Facebook page has risen. The Marmot Recovery Foundation works with the Toronto and Calgary zoos for their captive-breeding programs in addition to their facility on Mount Washington. As for Violet’s accuracy, she has a 100 per cent accurate track record, however, she only

assumed Groundhog Day duties in 2022, when she predicted six more weeks of winter. “We were still skiing on Father’s Day 19 weeks later last year, arguably making Violet 300 per cent correct. Beat that, weather models!” wrote the foundation on its social media page.

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Comox Valley Record

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Notice of Alternative Approval Process (AAP) Parkland Disposition Bylaw No. 3050 An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) has launched in Courtenay to gain elector assent for the City of Courtenay to dispose of a 232.6 square metre area of undeveloped parkland behind Harbourview Boulevard in "The Ridge" subdivision. The disposition would be for the purpose of facilitating strata road access from Harbourview Boulevard to a proposed 12-lot subdivision at 4070 Fraser Road. Public access would continue on the disposed parcel to the remaining park land.

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3375

Voter consent: Council may adopt “Parkland Disposition Bylaw No. 3050” unless at least 10 per cent (10%) of the electors of the City of Courtenay sign and submit elector response forms to the City by Friday March 24, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. If at least 10 per cent of electors sign and submit elector response forms by the deadline, Council may not adopt the bylaw unless the assent of electors is obtained through a referendum. The number of eligible Courtenay electors has been determined to be 22,656. Therefore, the number of forms that indicates the bylaw does not have elector assent is 2,266.

If you oppose the bylaw: If you oppose the bylaw, complete the Elector Response Form and return it to Courtenay City Hall. Elector response forms are available at courtenay.ca/AAP or on request at Courtenay City Hall, 830 Cliffe Avenue. Completed forms may be submitted in person at City Hall, by mail (City of Courtenay, 830 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, V9N 2J7) or email election@courtenay.ca Elector response forms must be given in the form established by the Council, and received by Friday March 24, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

If you support the bylaw: If you support the bylaw, no action is required.

Who can participate in the AAP: The AAP applies to the City of Courtenay and all City of Courtenay electors. The only persons entitled to sign elector response forms are the electors of the City of Courtenay.

Get more information: Copies of the proposed bylaw and related documents are available for public inspection at City Hall during regular business hours, or online at courtenay.ca/AAP For further information please contact: Adriana Proton, Corporate Officer 250-334-4441 election@courtenay.ca

Nancy Gothard, Acting Manager Development Planning 250-703-4839 planning@courtenay.ca

Legislative Services

This notice is pursuant to Community Charter Sections 27 and 86

courtenay.ca/AAP

Comox Valley to host National Retriever Championship The 2023 National Retriever Championship is coming to the Comox Valley this fall. Each year, a member of the National Retriever Club of Canada (NRCC) hosts an annual championship in a different region of the country. The Vancouver Island Retriever Club (VIRC) – the longest standing club of its kind on the Island – will host the next event from Sept. 17-23 in Merville and Black Creek. The event was last held on Vancouver Island in 1987. This will be the first time the Comox Valley has hosted the championship. Throughout the year, handlers and their dogs compete in Canadian Kennel Club retriever field trials to qualify for the championship. Qualifying dogs then compete for the prestigious title of national field trial champion and national amateur champ. The event draws the

best teams the sport has to offer from across Canada and the U.S. The week-long championship will be held at various locations throughout the Merville and Black Creek areas, including the nationally recognized retriever grounds of the Swamp Dog Farm. The Merville Hall will serve as the championship headquarters. Interested sponsors or volunteers can contact VIRC president and championship chair Lorne Parker at president@viretrieverclub.ca For more information, visit the VIRC website and Facebook pages: •Vancouver Island Retriever Club – Promoting CKC Retriever Field Trials on Vancouver Island since 1964 (viretrieverclub.ca) •Vancouver Island Retriever Club | Facebook

RCMP seeking truck following 4-vehicle hit-and-run Erin Haluschak Record staff

Four parked vehicles were damaged in an overnight hitand-run on a Courtenay street Wednesday (Feb. 1). Around 12:45 a.m., Comox Valley RCMP received a report from a witness who had heard a crash on the 1900-block of Fitzgerald Avenue, said Const. Monika Terragni, a spokesperson with the detachment. “The witness reported that they looked outside in time to see a white pickup truck fleeing the scene. The pickup truck has been described as a white Chevrolet, newer model, with an amber light on the roof. The truck likely sustained significant front-end damage,” she noted. In total, four parked vehicles were left damaged at the scene as a result of the hit-and-run.

In total, four parked vehicles were left damaged at the scene as a result of a hit-and-run Feb. 1 in Courtenay. Facebook photo Anyone with information is Terragni added frontline members patrolled the area asked to call Comox Valley extensively, however, they did RCMP at 250-338-1321 and not locate the truck. refer to file 2023-1633.

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Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A13

CVRD seeks input on draft aquatic strategy Actress Pamela Anderson arrives at an awards ceremony in Paris in May of 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Francois Mori

Pamela Anderson joins Food Network Canada Pamela Anderson is bringing her passion for plant-based food to Food Network Canada. Corus Studios says the model, actress and animal activist serves as host and sous-chef on a new series with the working title, “Pamela’s Cooking With Love.” Production is set to begin this summer, with eight episodes of the hour-long show scheduled to premiere in 2024. The show will see Anderson work with a variety of chefs to develop plant-based menus, gather diverse ingredients, and prepare meals for friends and family. Meanwhile, Corus Studios says they’ve also ordered a second season of “Pamela’s Garden of Eden” for HGTV Canada. Eight new episodes are in production and will continue to follow Anderson’s efforts to

renovate her grandmother’s legacy property on Vancouver Island. The new season will also follow Anderson commute to Los Angeles to help her son Brandon Lee renovate his newly purchased house. Corus Studios will distribute both series internationally, and both are produced by the Los Angeles- and Vancouver-based Fireworks Media Group. Lee, Jesse Fawcett and Robert Hardy serve as executive producers for both projects, while Anderson is executive producer on the cooking show. The announcements come amid a busy return to the spotlight for Anderson, who last month released her memoir, “Love, Pamela” and Netflix documentary, “Pamela, A Love Story.”

A draft Comox Valley Aquatics Strategy commissioned by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and the City of Courtenay has been presented to city council and the Comox Valley Recreation Commission, and is available to the public for review. The Comox Valley is served by three publicly-funded aquatics facilities: CVRD Sports Centre Pool, the Courtenay and District Memorial Outdoor Pool, and the CVRD Aquatic Centre. The draft strategy recommends strategically investing to increase the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of existing aquatic facilities, and proposes service levels and operational requirements over a 25-year horizon. “We know from the response to the engagement process last year how strongly residents and community groups in the Comox Valley value their access to aquatic services,” said Melanie McCollum, chair of the Rec Commission and Courtenay councillor. “These facilities and programs contribute to our quality of life, whether it’s for recreation, skill development, fitness, physical therapy, or social connection. We look forward to hearing what our community has to say about the draft strategy.” Key Recommendations Include: •Supporting equitable access to facilities and services for all residents; •Increasing capacity and participation in water sports and activities; •Efficient and effective use of resources such as reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions; •Aligning facilities with the changing trends in pool use to provide better service; •Additional capacity for aquatic services in the Comox Valley will not be required for at least two decades;

•Planning for long-term investment in public aquatic facilities will require co-operation between all local public entities and agencies. The draft strategy considers various aquatic facility options, including maintaining or reconstructing these pools at their current locations; relocating one or both facilities to the site of the Aquatic Centre; or relocating the outdoor pool or indoor/outdoor pools to a new location elsewhere in the Valley. The report and its analysis will inform the long-term planning process that is underway for the Rec Commission, as well as future considerations for recreation services operated by the City of Courtenay. Potential scenarios and costs presented in the draft strategy are for consideration only. Before any decision is made on specific future upgrades to aquatics services, comprehensive community consultation would occur. The draft was developed with input gathered through extensive community-wide consultation beginning early last year. Households, organizations, and community partners contributed through surveys and conversations. Consultation in 2022 included postcards distributed to households throughout the Comox Valley with a link to an online survey. All feedback will be reviewed and considered as the strategy is finalized. The final version is expected to be presented to the City and the CVRD in the spring. Review the draft Aquatics Strategy and provide feedback by March 6. Hard copies of the draft are available for review at the Lewis Centre, Florence Filberg Centre, The LINC Youth Centre, Courtenay City Hall, Comox Valley Sports Centre, Comox Valley Aquatic Centre, and the Vancouver Island Regional Library (Courtenay Branch).

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Comox Valley Record

VIEWPOINT

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Why I unfollowed 500 social media accounts Social media was depressing me, so I did something about it A division of Black Press Ltd. 407D Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 www.comoxvalleyrecord.com The Comox Valley is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact: editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com or call Terry Farrell directly at 778-225-0029. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. All original content in this publication is copyright material belonging to Black Press. Any re-use or reproduction without the expressed, written consent of the copyright owner is strictly prohibited.

Editorial

Congenital heart defects not uncommon in babies

sk anyone about special days in February and the most common response will be “Valentine’s Day.” Perhaps it is fitting then that February is Heart Month in Canada, and the week of Feb. 7-14 is Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect, affecting one in 80 to 100 Canadian newborns. CHDs are present at birth and can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and the way it works. They can affect how blood flows through the heart and out to the rest of the body. CHDs can vary from mild (such as a small hole in the heart) to severe (such as missing or poorly formed parts of the heart). Approximately 25 per cent of babies born with a CHD will require surgery and/or other procedures in the first year of their life. The good news is, whereas a CHD at one time was considered a terminal disease, with life expectancy limited to weeks or months in most cases, the progress made in the medical industry over the past half-century has resulted in adults now accounting for more than 50 per cent of people living with CHDs. It is also estimated that now more than 90 per cent of children born with a CHD will survive to adulthood. Depending on the type of CHD, signs and symptoms vary. Some defects may have no visible symptoms. Other, more serious defects, may cause a baby to have blue-tinted nails or lips, fast or troubled breathing, tiredness when feeding, or sleepiness. The causes for most CHDs are unknown, although genetics and a mother’s diet can play roles. Pre-existing obesity or diabetes, as well as smoking while pregnant, have been linked to heart defects in babies. The Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance has a wealth of information regarding CHDs, including support programs and educational resources. For more information on CHDs, visit cchaforlife.org/ (Sources cchaforlife.org; cdc.gov)

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PHONE : 250.338.5811 CIRCULATION : 250.338.0725 CLASSIFIED : 1.855.310.3535 COMOXVALLEYRECORD.COM

■ Marc Kitteringham GUEST COLUMN

ast month I did an experiment. Over the past few months, I’ve noticed that I’ve been disappearing into my phone for longer and longer periods, endlessly scrolling Instagram and Reddit (I don’t have Facebook) and it wasn’t doing me any good. I’d be scrolling while doing chores around the house, during the small amount of time I have off with my wife, and even right before bed I’d be crouched over by the charger flipping past dumb videos. It was pretty bad. I wanted to do something about it. The first thing I did was turn on a time limit for those apps on my phone. I wanted to limit myself to one hour per day per app. I also removed the apps from my home screen, and made it harder to find them on my phone. That worked for about a week. Then I realized how easy it was to ignore the limits I set for myself and I realized I was back up to like two hours per day on each app. At the same time, I set out to unfollow the same amount of accounts as that day’s date. So on Jan. 1, I unfollowed one account. On Jan. 14, I unfollowed 14

I either wasn’t getting any actual meaningful interaction out of it, or I was being overwhelmed by how bad the world was. I felt hollow as I scrolled. When I first had the idea, I got a bit ahead of myself and unfollowed one big batch. In all, I’ll unfollow about a quarter of the accounts with which I started. It’ll hopefully make a big difference. Now, I mentioned putting a time limit on my apps, but said that it was really easy to ignore. I had to find another solution. Now I know just downloading another app is just a techno-fix, and that’s another conversation, but that’s what I ended up doing. I found an app that redirects the user to a calming pause screen, asks the user “is this important?” and basically Certain apps can make users more mindful of their disrupts the brain’s neural pathway social media use. that makes it so easy to get sucked into scrolling on apps. Instead of getting the instant gratification from social media, I’m given the accounts. Like that. Based on my poor math, that’s about 496 accounts. The idea chance to take a deep breath, reevaluate and change my mind — and therefore my was that most of the 2,000 accounts I followed were either big companies, influ- behaviour. I like it. It’s helped a lot. encers or other businesses, and not real I’ll be starting this year following over people. 500 fewer companies on social media, and Essentially, Instagram was acting like severely limiting how much I use it. a big advertising platform and I was just A digital detox can help all of us. Next consenting to get 2,000 corporate advertime you scroll, ask yourself if you’re actisements every day. The other type of content I was getting tually happy doing it. There are ways to take back some of your attention and get was political. I followed a lot of news, non-governmental organizations and ac- some of your life back. tivists. The thing was, being bombarded Marc Kitteringham is a reporter at the with content showing how many things were wrong with the world wasn’t helping Campbell River Mirror, a Black Press publication my mental health.

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Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A15

LETTERS to the Editor Send your letter to editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com. Please keep letters to a maximum of 350 words and sign with your name

and hometown. We reserve the right to publish and to edit for space/clarity. Please keep letters topical. We will not

Email: editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com

run letters advocating for or against individual businesses (those associated with published news articles notwithstanding).

Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are the sole opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper.

Denman Island group opposes application for geoduck aquaculture Dear editor, Mac’s Oysters Ltd., a local shellfish grower and processor, has applied for an amendment to their shellfish tenure, to allow geoduck aquaculture using PVC pipe and netting. Comments will be accepted until Feb. 18. We encourage anyone who has concerns to submit comments and make their voices heard. (https:// bit.ly/3WERRBe Crown Land File #0278767) The Association for Denman Island Marine Stewards is submitting a comment, asking that this amendment

be denied. Growing geoducks using PVC pipe is new to this area, so this is precedent-setting. It should not be allowed to get established for these reasons: 1) PVC is one of the most toxic substances humans have ever manufactured; polyvinyl is listed as a toxic substance by the federal government, as are the heavy metals like lead, which stabilize this plastic. There are no safe levels for vinyl chloride or lead. 2) PVC pipe is sewage pipe, meant to be buried. In geoduck aquaculture, the pipes are cut up and exposed

This photo, taken in June of 2016, shows a PVC pipe geoduck tenure on Denman Island at low tide. Photo supplied to UV light and abrasives, causing them to weather. In

this process, the PVC tubes shed microplastics and leach

chemicals, which will cumulatively contaminate Baynes Sound and the local marine food web. 3) Geoduck aquaculture using PVC pipe is not remotely “sustainable” and, therefore, the shellfish growing industry lacks the “social licence” needed to use our intertidal areas so intensively. PVC is so toxic no recycling facility in B.C. can deal with it, so our local landfill would be the final destination for all of this toxic material. Would this be safe? 4) Experience on Denman and in Puget Sound shows

that the PVC pipes get loose and end up circulating in the ocean for many seasons, despite growers’ intentions. The netting used to cover the PVC pipes also gets loose, breaks down into microplastics, and entangles marine mammals, fish, and birds. Since there are already hundreds of acres of nets in the Sound, we know that many will wash up in local salt marshes and creeks, harming sensitive habitat. We don’t need more nets, we need less. Dorrie Woodward, Association for Denman Island Marine Stewards

Contrary to Comox resident’s concerns, there is nothing to fear from cell towers Dear editor, I read with a sense of dismay the letter from Suzanne Schiller regarding her groundless fears of harm from cell tower radio frequency radiation and other sources of radio frequency transmission. Here, I thought, is yet another person who has fallen prey to fringe ideas and is suffering needless distress over them. With a little practice, you can learn to spot fringe science claims. Don’t just accept that there is peer-reviewed research about this or that claim. Check. Is there really such research? If there is, was it considered valid

and persuasive? I could, for example, find no peer-reviewed papers on negative effects of RF radiation by Dr. Devra Davis. Instead, she took her ideas to the court of public opinion by writing a book and founding an organization called the Environmental Health Trust, which publishes screeds on the subject but no peer-reviewed papers. Dr. Martin Pall, another person cited by Ms. Schiller, is considered a specialist in this area and he did publish a paper on the subject: “Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health”, Environmental Research, Vol. 164,

July 2018, pp. 405–416. He received this comment from his peers: “This is an example of his work that received a comment due to its low scientific quality.” Apparently, his peers didn’t think much of his research. Whenever people are pointed to instead of research, you can be sure you are in the presence of the logical fallacy known as the “argument from authority”. Something isn’t valid or true just because someone with scientific credentials says so. Unless there is evidence to support the claims, scientific credentials are meaningless.

There is no known mechanism for non-ionizing radiation to damage DNA or cause cancer nor any evidence that it does. There is evidence for the heating of tissues when exposed to a sufficiently powerful source of RF energy. Where cell towers are concerned, you would have to be up at the antenna level and within 20 or 30 feet for any such effects to occur. The cell phone in your pocket puts out so little power, no such effects are seen. Ms. Schiller, there is nothing to fear from cell towers. Scott Goodman, Courtenay

In B.C., it’s now lawful to carry around enough fentanyl to kill 2,500 people Dear editor, I am a recovered drug addict, gratefully. I received a liver transplant 22 years ago that saved my life. I personally know that drugs kill, especially the drugs that have recently been decriminalized by the B.C. government.

I noticed something very alarming after the announcement that the decriminalization includes opioids (heroin and fentanyl). I just researched and did a little calculation because something does not seem right. I hope this information will sound a life-saving alarm.

Is the B.C. government aware that 2.5 grams of fentanyl equal 2,500,000 micrograms (mcg) or 2,500 lethal doses? Most medical and scientific sources agree that 1,000 mcg dose of fentanyl is likely to be a fatal amount. That means that the B.C. government has just given users the

right to possess enough fentanyl to kill 2,500 people. Something has to be done about this immediately; there is a huge story here. Murray Coulter, Courtenay

There must be a better way to battle the opioid crisis than the path we are taking Dear editor, Regarding the Jan. 31 announcement concerning the three-year drug trial, I have this thought. I just have been informed of a colleague of mine from work has passed from a suspected drug overdose. Sadly, this will not be the only death today from a drug overdose, nor will it be the last such experience tomorrow or any of the days that follow. I know good intentions aside this attempt on behalf of the government will not put a dent

into the epidemic of drug addiction and corresponding deaths related. What it will do is free up the courts and some policing, but the bottom line will still be people will continue to die. The truth is, 2.5 grams of these substances will still be enough to die from overdoses. Deaths will continue to rise, families and friends will continue to suffer and deal with the loss of those they love, colleagues will mourn and spaces once filled with a living being will be empty. There are those who look upon those inflicted with the grip of addiction

to be not quite people who deserve remorse because they chose the life within addiction. From experience, no one chooses that life. Addiction becomes a darkness laying across one’s soul. Most people know from personal experience how difficult it is to quit smoking or say dieting. Usually there are multiple failures before one gets success. With drug addictions, failure can and often does result in death, usually alone, usually hidden from view left for someone to find them long after anyone could help.

Governments and society as a whole need to find a much better way than legalizing or semi-legalizing drug access. They need to remember drug addicts are someone’s son or daughter, wife or husband. They need to find the humanity and treat addiction as the illness it is. Many things in life are viewed as cancerous; why do we not, as a society, view the loss of these people as something that can, with proper treatment, be cured? Kevin Broughton, Courtenay

A16 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

CAMPGROUND HOST WANTED FOR 2023 FOR COURTENAY AND DISTRICT FISH & GAME PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION SPEND TIME ON THE shore of Comox Lake! Our campground is set up with your dedicated site for your RV with utilities and a campground office. Host duties would include: greeting and registering members, assigning sites, daily cleanup of pit toilets, maintenance and security of a 54- site campground, boat launch and picnic area. Effective 15 Apr 2023 thru to 30 Sep 2023. If this fits you (preferably a couple), please send a resume and contact info to the-office@courtenayfishandgame.org or deliver by hand to Courtenay and District Fish & Game Protective Association office (Mon-Fri) no later than March 1, 2023. Complete job description and salary will be provided to interested applicants. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

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Growing the next generation of farmers Scott Stanfield Record staff

The farming population in Canada has been decreasing as fewer young people are entering the sector, according to the Young Agrarians. The organization offers farmer-to-farmer programming to grow the next generation of farmers, and supports farmers to access education, training, land, business mentorship and resources. “The context for farming is dire,” Young Agrarians executive director Sara Dent said in a presentation to the regional district board Jan. 24. “We continue to see that farmers are aging, and there are less and less young farmers, 35 and younger in the country.” Over the last decade in B.C., she said the number of farms has dropped from 19,000 to 15,000. “We are working on supporting the next generation to come into agriculture,” Dent said, noting land and production costs create entry barriers for young people. “Everyone is aware of how expensive the land is.” Young Agrarians delivers a Land Matching Program (BCLMP) that addresses the high cost of land. There is no cost to participate, and it provides services to farmers and landholders of all ages. The BCLMP was adapted by a program in Quebec, which has 44 land matchers. B.C. has six. “We’re helping to de-risk the access to land component,” Dent said. On Vancouver Island, Young Agrarians has made 71 land matches on 198 acres. Since 2018, of the 71 matches, 12 are in the Comox Valley, and 80 of the 198 acres matched are in the valley. Thanu Eagalle, 32, owns Wild Bee Florals in Dove Creek. She says the program helps people determine if they want to pursue a career in farming. “We really appreciate our landlords and being able to grow on their property,” she said. “Without access to this leased property, we wouldn’t be able to farm.” She and her partner, Aaron Brown, are determining which revenue streams will be their focus and how to build the business in a way that they can transport it and adapt easily, if need be. Pendleton Farm owner Sarah Wilson said the Young Agrarians helped her set up a lease after she had found a property in Merville. “They walked us through every step of the agreement, got us to consider aspects that would never have occurred to me, or the land-

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owners,” said Wilson, who is in her fourth year we were getting into.” She built a solid base thanks to input from at the property. “It involved a lot of back-andforth, and in the end it left both the landowners YA, and hopes to continue to farm at the propand myself much more comfortable with what erty for the foreseeable future. The BCLMP is funded by the provincial government, local governments and other funders. The Young Agrarians requested an assessment of financial capacity for the CVRD to help expand the program’s reach on Vancouver Island through a North Island Land Matcher role.

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Comox Valley Record

SPORTS

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A17

Email: editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Mt. Washington Ski Club hosts U14 zone race Mount Washington welcomed 120 athletes from the coast zone — including Whistler, Grouse, Cypress, Mt. Seymour and Sasquatch — Jan. 21 and 22 to race giant slalom and slalom in the Teck U14 Zone Series Race. Saturday featured two runs of giant slalom. In girls racing, Danica Williams of Comox finished 13th and Yamuna Young of Cumberland was 36th. For the boys, Mount Washington racers included Katsunosuke Kagasaki of Japan/Comox, who placed 39th, and Charlie Yule of Comox, who came 52nd. In Sunday’s slalom ski racing, Williams placed eighth and Young was 21st for girls. Yule was 34th in the boys division. “It was a fantastic weekend of racing” said Ryan Williams, race chairman. “A big thank you to the Mount Washington Ski Resort for working with our requirements for a safe venue. An even bigger thank you to all the volunteers that were needed before, during and after the race. And the biggest thank you to the athletes for the smiles, the quality racing and positive attitudes. In the end, the Mount Washington Ski Club is very proud in the quality of the event they hosted.” The Mount Washington Ski Club is celebrating its 41st year. Athletes can be as young as six in the Nancy Greene Ski League, and up to 18 to race on the interprovincial FIS race circuit. Charlie Yule of Comox was among the locals competing at the Teck U14 Zone Series Race, Jan. 21 and 22 at Mount Washington. Photo supplied FMI: www.mtwashingtonskiclub.com

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A18 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

Send waste to a better place.

James Dubois,53, returned to rugby Jan. 28 after beating cancer twice. Photo via comoxrugby.ca

Kickers player returns to rugby pitch after beating cancer twice

Participate in Your Local Food and Yard Waste Program

From the hospital bed to the rugby pitch: The story of James Dubois

Everything you need to know: cswm.ca/compost

Food and Yard Waste Program Comox Strathcona Waste Management is expanding the curbside Food and Yard Waste Program — to help you send waste to a better place!

Your Kitchen and Collection Bins

Why Compost? Food waste accounts for 30 per cent of total waste in your local landfill. It creates harmful greenhouse gas when it decomposes. Participating in this program helps reduce waste in the landfill and lessens environmental impact.

Kitchen bins will be delivered in early 2023 to collect household food waste. Empty your kitchen bin into your food and yard waste collection bin at the curb the morning of collection day. Find your schedule and sign up for reminders and service alerts through your local municipality.

CITY OF CAMPBELL RIVER

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PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY: CITY OF COURTENAY TOWN OF COMOX

Comox Valley Kickers player James Dubois has defied all odds. In 2020, he was diagnosed with cancer in his spleen which he subsequently had removed. A spleen usually weighs less than a pound, but his was so enlarged that it weighed about seven pounds when removed through surgery. Shortly thereafter, Dubois found out the cancer was aggressive and was attacking other organs, namely his kidneys and his heart. The latter is made of connective tissue and muscle cells that do not turn over very fast, which is why heart cancer is rare with an incidence rate of 0.002 per cent. Dubois underwent several rounds of chemotherapy. His body reacted well to the treatment, and he was in remission. A year ago, he was again in a hospital bed at Royal Jubilee in Victoria, now in a cancer coma with a brain tumour that was attempting to spread. He was on death’s doorstep. With a strong will, Dubois began chemotherapy again and eventually had a stem cell transplant in June 2022. On Saturday, Jan. 28, everyone at Cumberland Village Park witnessed something special. Dubois, 53, stepped onto the pitch and played his first rugby game after beating cancer twice. Lo and behold, as he wore the black and maroon for the Comox Valley Kickers, he played against Richmond RFC, the club from his hometown where he had played 20 years. It was a beautiful day for rugby and the camaraderie shown by both teams was a sight to be seen.

Good start to season

VILLAGE OF CUMBERLAND

The women’s and men’s Kickers teams had a successful season debut on Jan. 28, dominating their Richmond RFC opponents. The womehad participated in regional play on the Island in the fall, so this was the start of the B.C.-wide regular season. The return to play showcased a mix of veteran players and new recruits, and resulted in a 50-12 win over Richmond. Karli MacFarlane, Tyra Schaad and Sienna Stigant each scored two tries, while Jenn

Lund and Chloe Speed each scored one. Stigant and Christina Green-Speck each added two converts, and Jess Nikkel one. “We came out strong and put Richmond under pressure right from the start,” said coach JP Lussier. “Our defence was sound, and we made our tackles. We were able to string together plays on offence with support and that made a big difference.” “This is a good start to our season, but we gave up a lot of penalties,” added co-captain Natalie Nguyen. “There is definite room for improvement. We have a solid foundation to work with and will continue to build on it as the season progresses.” The spring rugby season marks the continuation of the fall rugby season. The fourth-ranked Kickers men upset the top-ranked Richmond in a landslide victory, 61-21. Brandon Hudson scored three tries, Nate Bice had two, and Steve Tien, Jimmy Robertson, Joe Barker and Sebastian Lambert each scored one for the Kickers. Kyle Hall added eight converts. “I’ve been putting off playing with the lads and I’m glad that they convinced me to do it. It was an absolute blast and the team showed excellent skill across all phases of the game,” said inside centre Jimmy Robertson. Saturday, Feb. 4 in Cumberland, the men beat the Nanaimo Hornets 48-5. Playing conditions were difficult due to weather. The rain and wind resulted in a tighter field of play, with more tackles and simpler set plays. However, the game plan didn’t change. Bice scored a pair of tries, while Hudson, JB Nikkel, Barker, Steve Hextall, Robertson and Joe Goldes each scored one. Hall and Nikkel added two conversions each. “I’ve very proud of the heart the men showed today,” team captain Hudson said. “Nanaimo really challenged us in the first half and we rose to the occasion. In the second half, we possessed the ball for a good majority of it which resulted in being able to put more points up on the board. We have been getting more consistent players out which has helped us gel as a team. Excited for the season ahead.” Next game day is Saturday, Feb. 11. The men play the Scribes in Vancouver and the women host Langley RFC.

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A19

GET READY FOR GAME DAY Offers in effect February 6 - 12, 2023

TRY IT!

WESTERN CANADIAN - AAA - AGED 21 DAYS

Chipotle Cheese Strip Loin Steak Sandwiches Get the recipe at qualityfoods.com or on our app

Black Angus

Strip Loin Grilling Steak AAA • Western Canadian • Aged 21 Days Family Pack, 3 x 10oz

Try this spicy chipotle steak sandwiche recipe with fresh smashed avocado Mexico Fresh Large Hass Avocados

Corona Sunbrew

Alcohol Free Beer 6x330ml

3$ for

LICABL PP

Mitchell's Gourmet Foods

Heritage Thick Sliced Bacon 1kg

499

Hot House, 6.59 per kg

EES EF

PLUS A

Also available in a case of 16

Mexico

Orange, Red or Yellow Bell Peppers

SAVE $ 11

Saputo Cheese Slices 160-180gr

2$ for

Armstrong

Natural Cheese 1.35kg

Cheese Buns 6 Pack

99 per lb

Go to My Deals, choose any "select save and win" deal and you could win that product! February 6 - 12, 2023

A20 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

PRODUCE

S h o w You

r Red

Lo v e P e a r

Washington

Red D’Anjou Pears

Washington

Green D'Anjou Pears 4.39 per kg

Mexico On the Vine Red Tomatoes Hot House, 5.93 per kg

69 per lb

per lb

California Sumo Mandarin Oranges 8.80 per kg

1 99 599 OR

per lb

3lb Bag

4.39 per kg

99 per lb

Chile Fresh Blueberries 18oz

Ataulfo Mango

The World's Best

for

Mexico

6 3$

California/Washington Green Giant Baby Cut Carrots for 1lb Bag

fall in love with California/Mexico Broccoli Crowns Asian Cut, 5.93 per kg

69 per lb

Washington Envy Apples Extra Fancy

169

Washington/Idaho Jumbo Red or White Onions 3.73 per kg

4.99

per lb

2lb bag •••••••

2.69 per lb 5.93 per kg

California/Arizona Romaine Lettuce

2$ for

CHANCE TO WIN $100 GIFT CARD WITH PURCHASE OF ENVY APPLES!

California/Mexico Cal-Organic Organic Bunched Red Chard

2$ for

Shop online at theflowerstand.qualityfoods.com

5 Stem Cut Tulips

499

Mixed Bulb Pan

12 99

Blooms for You Bouquet Designs may vary by store

16 99

6" Calla Lily

1899

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A21 MEAT & SEAFOOD

Enjoy a cozy night in this

Valentine's Day

Sunrise Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Fillet Removed, Family Pack, Avg. 800gr

Locally Raised BC Poultry Grain Fed Free Run

SAVE $ 2/lb Black Angus Lean Ground Beef Family Pack, Avg. 1kg

Center Cut Single or Double Loin Pork Loin Chops Family Pack, 8.80 per kg

WESTERN CANADIAN - AAA - AGED 21 DAYS

99 per lb

Black Angus Outside Round Oven Roast AAA • Western Canadian Aged 21 Days 15.41 per kg

Locally Raised BC Poultry

Sunrise Farms Chicken Wings or Drumettes Family Pack, Avg. 1kg

Grain Fed Free Run

SAVE $ 4/lb

WESTERN CANADIAN - AAA - AGED 21 DAYS

99 per lb

Steelhead & Shrimp Taco Bowls Belmont Meats Beef Burgers 852gr

Fort Hardy Fully Cooked Pork Back Ribs 568gr

Maple Leaf Prime Chicken Wings 695gr

999

Fresh Steelhead Fillet

399

TRY IT!

per 100gr

Steelhead & Shrimp Taco Bowls

Quality Foods Raw Shrimp 16/20 EZ Peel, 340gr

Click here for the recipe or visit our website or app

Local BC Oyster Meat 8oz

999

7 99

Frozen or Previously Frozen 4 oz Portion Ahi Tuna

Grimm's Naturally Smoked Sausage 375gr

for

Wild Sockeye Salmon Cold Smoked Trim

1199

299

per 100gr

Comox Valley Record

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A23

LICABL PP

EES EF

PLUS A

A22 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

PLUS A

LICABL PP

EES EF

25% OFF

Glassware

Some restrictions apply. See in store for details.

Dr. Oetker

Pizza Selected, 300-785gr

Saputo

Shredded Cheese 320gr

Saputo

Mozzarellissima 340gr

Saputo

Ricotta 500gr

750ml

2$ for

Hellmann's

Mayonnaise 340-445ml

Hellmann's

Dressing 250-475ml

Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dip 250gr

for

Old Dutch Cheese Pleesers 265gr, Crunchys 290gr, Pretzels Selected, 250-400gr or Humpty Dumpty Snack Mix 250gr

2$ for

Mott's

Clamato 1.89lt

SAVE $ 4

Cashews Selected, 200gr

3$ for

Unico Tomatoes 796ml

for

Unico Pasta 700-900gr

for

8 Planters

Unico Beans 540ml

Campbell's Soup Selected, 500-515ml or Chili 425g

Martinelli's

Sparkling Juice

Kettle Brand Potato Chips 220gr

Saputo Feta or Cheese Curds 200gr

SAVE 450

Planters

Peanuts Selected, 275-300gr

SAVE $ 3

Foster's Pickled Asparagus Spears 500ml

699

5 Island Farms Vanilla Plus, Country Cream or Premium Plus Ice Cream 1.65lt or Cups 12x100ml

Smucker's Sundae Syrup 428ml or Topping 205gr or 334ml

399

SAVE $ 4

Island Farms

Classic Ice Cream 1.65lt

499

WIN 1 of 6 Official NFL Team Jersey’s! Use your Q Card with the purchase of any Pepsico product for your chance to win

Selected, 907gr

Handfuel

2$ for

Christie Cookies Selected, 223-303gr

Bubly Sparkling Water 12x355ml

Pepsico Carbonated Beverage 1lt

2$ for

Tostitos Tortilla Chips 205-300gr or Salsa 416-423ml

LICABL PP

Pepsico Carbonated Beverage 6x222ml

3$ for

Christie

Bits & Bites or Crispers 145gr

Jack Link's

Beef Jerky 80gr

499

399

LICABL PP

Montellier Slim Can Carbonated Water 10x355ml

LICABL PP

EES EF

for

Cadbury Chocolate Bar 90-100gr

LICABL PP

EES EF

Pepsico Carbonated Beverage 12x355ml

120-150gr

EES EF

Christie Crackers Selected, 175-386gr

EES EF

PLUS A

Lay's Potato Chips Selected, 177-235gr or Poppables 130gr

Hand Roasted Nuts

LICABL PP

PLUS A

Lundberg

Rice

PLUS A

167-168gr

PLUS A

Lundberg

Organic Thin Stackers

EES EF

156-164gr

PLUS A

Lundberg

Traditional Italian Risotto

SAVE 3 50

Hungry-Man Dinners 360-455gr or XL Bowls 386-397gr

Cheemo Perogies 815-907gr

Minute Maid 100% Orange Juice 295ml

for

Comox Valley Record

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A23

LICABL PP

EES EF

PLUS A

A22 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

PLUS A

LICABL PP

EES EF

25% OFF

Glassware

Some restrictions apply. See in store for details.

Dr. Oetker

Pizza Selected, 300-785gr

Saputo

Shredded Cheese 320gr

Saputo

Mozzarellissima 340gr

Saputo

Ricotta 500gr

750ml

2$ for

Hellmann's

Mayonnaise 340-445ml

Hellmann's

Dressing 250-475ml

Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dip 250gr

for

Old Dutch Cheese Pleesers 265gr, Crunchys 290gr, Pretzels Selected, 250-400gr or Humpty Dumpty Snack Mix 250gr

2$ for

Mott's

Clamato 1.89lt

SAVE $ 4

Cashews Selected, 200gr

3$ for

Unico Tomatoes 796ml

for

Unico Pasta 700-900gr

for

8 Planters

Unico Beans 540ml

Campbell's Soup Selected, 500-515ml or Chili 425g

Martinelli's

Sparkling Juice

Kettle Brand Potato Chips 220gr

Saputo Feta or Cheese Curds 200gr

SAVE 450

Planters

Peanuts Selected, 275-300gr

SAVE $ 3

Foster's Pickled Asparagus Spears 500ml

699

5 Island Farms Vanilla Plus, Country Cream or Premium Plus Ice Cream 1.65lt or Cups 12x100ml

Smucker's Sundae Syrup 428ml or Topping 205gr or 334ml

399

SAVE $ 4

Island Farms

Classic Ice Cream 1.65lt

499

WIN 1 of 6 Official NFL Team Jersey’s! Use your Q Card with the purchase of any Pepsico product for your chance to win

Selected, 907gr

Handfuel

2$ for

Christie Cookies Selected, 223-303gr

Bubly Sparkling Water 12x355ml

Pepsico Carbonated Beverage 1lt

2$ for

Tostitos Tortilla Chips 205-300gr or Salsa 416-423ml

LICABL PP

Pepsico Carbonated Beverage 6x222ml

3$ for

Christie

Bits & Bites or Crispers 145gr

Jack Link's

Beef Jerky 80gr

499

399

LICABL PP

Montellier Slim Can Carbonated Water 10x355ml

LICABL PP

EES EF

for

Cadbury Chocolate Bar 90-100gr

LICABL PP

EES EF

Pepsico Carbonated Beverage 12x355ml

120-150gr

EES EF

Christie Crackers Selected, 175-386gr

EES EF

PLUS A

Lay's Potato Chips Selected, 177-235gr or Poppables 130gr

Hand Roasted Nuts

LICABL PP

PLUS A

Lundberg

Rice

PLUS A

167-168gr

PLUS A

Lundberg

Organic Thin Stackers

EES EF

156-164gr

PLUS A

Lundberg

Traditional Italian Risotto

SAVE 3 50

Hungry-Man Dinners 360-455gr or XL Bowls 386-397gr

Cheemo Perogies 815-907gr

Minute Maid 100% Orange Juice 295ml

for

A24 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

DELI For many, putting your order in at the deli counter is a timeless tradition at the grocery store. Grimm’s has been part of this tradition since 1951.

A Great Game Play Napoli Style 12" Pizza 502-550gr

99 Grimm's Classic Oven Roast Ham

269

per 100gr

Grimm's Montreal Smoked Beef

369

per 100gr

Smokehouse BBQ Pork Back Ribs Full Rack

12 Schneiders Garlic Sausage Avg. 350gr

Made Fresh Instore Seven Layer Dip Large, Avg. 600gr

Schneiders Fat Free Turkey Breast

349

per 100gr

SAVE $ 2

8 Freybe A Taste of Europe German-Style Charcuterie Salami 100gr

Solterra Salami 250gr

Chinese Kitchen HOT

fresh & delicious Medium Dry Garlic Wings

1525

9 50

Medium Fried Rice

Crispy Roll SP 254gr

9 49

Fire Tuna Roll SP 198gr

7 49

BULK

Quality Foods Corn Chips with Flax Salted

per 100gr

Quality Foods Chocolate Almonds or Coffee Beans

49 per 100gr

Quality Foods Salted Toasted Corn 175gr or Asian-Style Rice Cracker Mix 125gr

2$ for

Quality Foods Milk Chocolate Drops 375gr or Raw Macadamia Nut Halves 150gr

7 99

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A25

BAKERY

Sweets for your Sweetie 6 Pack Pace

Cookies 8 Pack

Original Cakerie

Cake Square Selected

Cake Donuts 6 Pack

Two Layer

Black Forest Cake

Gardein Meat Free Products 255-390gr

599 15

399

Raisin Bread

Wonder Bread 570gr

Multigrain Bread

2 99

Que Pasa Organic Tortilla Chips 300-350gr, Salsa 420ml or Taco Shells 130gr

6 Pack

Wonder Hot Dog or Hamburger Buns 12's

2$ for

Beyond Burger Plant-Based Burgers, 226gr

Walter Craft Caesar Mix 946ml

7 LICABL PP

SAVE $ 3

Two Bears

Frothed Oat Latte 207ml

2$ for

LICABL PP

EES EF

Yoggu Plant-Based Cultured Coconut 450gr

Villaggio Italian Style Bread 510-540gr or Toscana for Buns 6-8's

EES EF

SAVE $ 3

399

499

Muffins

PLUS A

Amano Organic Miso 400gr

469

349

PLUS A

Large White or 60% Kaiser Buns

DAIRY

Olympic Greek 2% Yogurt 650gr

Avalon Organic Probiotic Yogurt 650gr

Avalon Triple Cream Probiotic Yogurt 500gr

2$ for

Olympic Natural Yogurt 650gr

299

A26 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Happy Valentine's Day All items advertised below are on sale until Tuesday, February 14

4" Sully Ceramic

Fresh Happiness Bouquet Designs may vary by store

Duet of Roses

6" Pink Calla Lily Butterfly Pot

2999

1699

6" Tickled Pink Tulips Pot

Luxe Bouquet Designs may vary by store

3499

Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Hearts 40gr

Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate 60gr

Reese's Heart 141gr

2 99

499

Nestle Aero Truffle Gift Box 210gr or Kit Kat 30 Mini Bars 375gr

Lindt Lindor Strawberries & Cream Chocolates 150gr

Lindt Lindor Chocolate Hearts 108gr

699

10 99

AVAILABLE STARTING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2023

Offers in effect February 6 - 12, 2023 We reserve the right to limit quanities. Photos for presentation purposes only Qualicum Foods - 705 Memorial

752-9281

One Dozen Roses with Filler

3 Rose Budvase

Triple Rose Bouquet

3999

2499

1699

Port Alberni - 2943 10th Ave. Nanoose Bay - 2443 Collins Cr. Parksville - 371 319 Alberni E. IslandHwy Hwy. Campbell River - 465 Merecroft Rd.

723-3397 468-7131 954-2262 287-2820

Powell River – 4871 Joyce Ave. (604)485-5481 Nanaimo – Beban Plaza – 2220 Bowen Rd. 758-3733 Nanaimo – Harewood – 867 Bruce Ave. 754-6012 Nanaimo – Northridge Village – 5800 Turner Rd. 756-3929

Comox Valley – 2275 Guthrie Rd. Courtenay - 1002 -2751 Cliffe Avenue Westshore – 977 Langford Parkway View Royal – Unit #110-27 Helmcken Rd

890-1005 331-9328 (778)433-3291 (778)265-7012

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A27

Tom Munro still going strong at Cobble Hill 10k Comox Valley Road Runners athlete Tom Munro got his start in running by attending the CVRR’s 5K Running Clinic in his 60s. His first road race was the Pioneer 8K in 2009. This is the first race of eight in the annual Vancouver Island Race Series. Over 14 years later Munro, now 81, is still ‘toeing the start line’ in the VI Race Series. On Sunday, Jan. 22, the Cowichan Running Club (CEEVACS) hosted the Cobble Hill 10 K Race, the second event in the series. The Comox Valley was well represented with Munro and 34 other runners distributed between the CVRR and the ‘Run to Beer’ crew representing the area. In total, there were 566 runners and walkers who completed the scenic, rolling hill 10-kilometre course in Cobble Hill. Conditions were near perfect - cool, dry, no wind, with just a trace of black ice at the outset. The first runner to cross the finish

line, in a new course record of 30:17, was Solen Wood from Triathlete Canada. The top woman finisher was Colette Reimer, who also represented Triathlete Canada, in 37:17. On the local front, Munro showed his experience and grit, earning a bronze medal in his category. The fastest local was Derek Brenchley (CVRR) crossing the finish line in 40:18, good enough to earn a silver medal in the 65-69 division. Close on his heels, hitting the tape at 40:51, was Laura Weston (RTB) who took fourth in the women’s 30-34 and fourth overall women’s finisher. CVRR’s Danny Keyes had a strong race finishing third in 41:51 in the 60-64 division, just ahead of teammate Brian Steward in 42:57, fourth in 60-64. Tanya Ansley (RTB) ran a new personal best in 46:30, which earned her a gold medal in the 50-54 division. CVRR’s Roz Smith once again proved to be invincible by winning her age category (75- 79) and

setting yet another course record of 48:19. Strong CVRR showings were also made by Brandon Reeder, Cindy Blackmore, Laura Wyatt, Charlie Bridges, and Sheila Van Gisbergen. Complete results can be found at www.startlinetiming.com The 5k Running Clinic is ongoing, but registration is still open. The clinic is a great way to start running or get back into running for people of any fitness level. It includes weekly talks from a variety of talented local speakers and a weekly Saturday run for 10 weeks. On March 19, one of the biggest running events on Vancouver Island takes place - our very own Comox Valley RV Half Marathon. This is a fun-filled event, and there are many opportunities to volunteer for those not inclined to race. And don’t forget that Early Bird registration for The Cumby opens Feb. 9. For more information on all of these local 81-year-old Tom Munro of the Comox Valley Road Runners finishes strong at the Cobble Hill 10k. Photo by Joe Camilleri events, go to cvrr.ca

New photo book chronicles 20+ years of Forbidden Plateau freestyle camp SUBMITTED Black Press

The JumpCamp crew can add a new feat to its long list of accomplishments; publishing. JumpCamp is an all-ages and abilities freestyle camp on Forbidden Plateau for snowboarders who want to progress their skills, especially in the park and backcountry.

For over two decades, the JumpCamp crew has taken the abandoned mountain and created a private shred training facility rivaling other resorts. “Yes, after 20 years we thought it would only make sense to compile all the greatest photographs into one book,” said coach Olaf Larsen. JumpCamp is Forbidden documents the adventures these friends

have had in this snowboard paradise. It is a photographic tale of what can be achieved when you band together and force fun. The book can be purchased at Blue Toque Sports and Moons Records. JumpCamp Is Forbidden is a must-have for any shred dog enthusiast.

OPEN HOUSE Saturday - 11am to 1pm 5- 2800 Arden Road, Courtenay Hosted by Erin Easy Horsfall Real Estate Group

Saturday & Sunday 11am - 1pm 4033 Buckstone Road, The Ridge, Courtenay Hosted by The Rice Team

Saturday & Sunday 11am to 1pm 3386 Eagleview Crescent, The Ridge, Courtenay Hosted by The Rice Team

http://www.oceanpacificrealty.com

Jump Camp Is Forbidden is a photographic compilation of the 20-plus-year history of JumpCamp freestyle camp at Forbidden Plateau. Photo supplied

A28 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Yetis third in VIJHL North division Scott Stanfield Record staff

After losing a pair of games to the Campbell River Storm on the Jan. 21/22 weekend, the Comox Valley Glacier Kings thumped Nanaimo 11-0 in a Jan. 26 road game. Two nights later, Comox Valley lost 7-1 at home to Lake Cowichan. The Yetis lost 5-2 Feb. 3 at Oceanside Place, but won 6-0 over Nanaimo Feb. 4 at home. The Glacier Kings continue to hold down third spot in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League North division with 53 points. Oceanside leads the entire league with 72 points. Campbell River is second overall with 64 points. With five games remaining in the regular season, head coach Mike Nesbitt likes his team’s chances in the playoffs.

“I really do believe, if we put it all together here, we could drive all the way,” Nesbitt said. “We’ve got the parts, we just need to get it all together. We’ve been having a bit of disciplinary problems with penalties, but once we get it under wraps, we’ll be good to go…We’re looking for a March 1st battle, four out of seven with Campbell River, right off the hop.” If the Yetis beat the Storm, Oceanside will be waiting for them. Beyond that looms the South Division-leading Victoria Cougars. “You’ve got the three-headed monster standing in front of us, and I hope we’re ready to do it,” Nesbitt said. The Glacier Kings next game is Friday in Nanaimo. On Saturday, the Yetis host the Storm at the Comox Valley Sports Centre. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m.

Isfeld wins North-North Zone Championship CANADA CALLS FOR LIAM On Jan. 31, Canada Soccer named Comox midfielder Liam Mackenzie, 15 (left), to the 23-player squad for a men’s Under-17 pre-tournament camp in Guatemala in the buildup to the FIFA U17 World Cup in Peru. The camp will lead straight into the Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) Men’s U-17 Championships Feb. 9-27 in Guatemala. Canada’s first game is Feb. 11 against Trinidad and Tobago. Four Concacaf nations will qualify for the U17 World Cup later in the year. Photo courtesy Vancouver Whitecaps

Opportunity for Review and Comment BC Timber Sales - Strait of Georgia Business Area Proposed 2023-2028 Forest Stewardship Plan Members of the public are invited to review and provide written comment on BC Timber Sales Strait of Georgia Business Area’s proposed 2023-2028 Pacific Maritime Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) #943, which will replace the current 2018-2023 Pacific Maritime FSP. An FSP is the main operational or strategic-level planning document under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA). The FSP proposes how BC Timber Sales (BCTS) will meet government’s regulatory objectives for forest management. Once approved, the new plan will have a five-year term.

The host Isfeld won the first round of junior girls basketball playoffs, the North-North Zone Championship, on the weekend. Along with three local schools, participating teams were Port Alberni, Brooks from Powell River, and Carihi and Timberline from Campbell River. Vanier beat Highland 55-10 to start the tourney Thursday. League leaders Isfeld had a first-round bye, and a second-round advance due to a ferry cancellation that kept Brooks from attending. Vanier lost a semi-final 51-33 to Alberni, who Isfeld met in the final. Vanier needed to beat Carihi and Brooks to secure the third spot to advance to the North Island Championships at Wellington next weekend. They did just that with a 50-17 win over Carihi and a 62-21 win over Brooks. Highland finished their season on a thrilling

note, giving up a late basket to Timberline in a 33-32 loss. The team improved in leaps and bounds over the course of the season. Isfeld came out full of energy, especially on defence, in the final. Alberni competed hard early to keep the score close at 16-11 in Isfeld’s favour after one quarter. But Isfeld clamped down on defence in the second and 10 players hit the scoresheet, outscoring the Armada 25-2. In the end, all 12 players scored, shared floor time and supported each other in the second half as the Ice cruised to a 64-31 win and the North-North title. Isfeld opens North Islands Thursday at 5 p.m. against the host Wellington, Nanaimo’s number four seed. Vanier plays Nanaimo District Secondary School, Nanaimo three seed, at 6:30 p.m.

Now Accepting New Clients

Please be advised, in response to the Provincial Government’s 2020 Old Growth Strategic Review, BCTS is committed to following the provincial old growth guidance related to strengthening the protection of old growth forests. The draft FSP may be viewed at: http://ow.ly/8Qh150MvkR2 The draft FSP may also be viewed in person by appointment at these locations: •

BC Timber Sales Strait of Georgia Office, 370 South Dogwood Street, Campbell River, B.C.

•

BC Timber Sales, 4885 Cherry Creek Road, Port Alberni, B.C.

BC Timber Sales Strait of Georgia has initiated a 60-day public review and comment period. Adjustments to the draft FSP may be made as a result of comments received during this period. To be considered prior to the final submission of the FSP, written comments must be received on or before April 14, 2023. Written comments may be submitted by mail to the Campbell River address listed above or by email to BCTS.TSG.Planning@gov.bc.ca, and should be addressed to the attention of Glenn Piggot, RPF, planning forester.

Dewald Diedericks

Sue Bloxsome

Simo Simic

Physio Services For: • Muscle & Joint Pain • Sports Injuries • Pre & Post Operative Rehabilitation • Balance & Dizziness • Prostate Related Urinary Incontinence

• Headaches • Personalized Exercise Therapy • Decreased Mobility & General Weakness • And More

We accept WorkSafeBC, ICBC, MSP, and direct bill most insurers.

Online Booking Now Available!

www.cvphysio.ca

https://www.cvphysio.ca/ #104-1350 England Ave., Courtenay • 250-338-8121 Dewald Diedericks Physiotherapist Corporation

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record

BUSINESS

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A29

Email: editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Locals at the Old House Hotel stays local SUBMITTED Black Press

After cementing the restaurant scene with their passion for local foods grown and produced in the Comox Valley, Chef Ronald and Tricia St. Pierre have passed their legendary Locals Restaurant to new, local, experienced owners who will continue their tradition of elevating the dining experience. Chef Jonathan Frazier, Darren Howlett, Sean Poole and Erin Kenny all grew up in the Comox Valley and the north Island, and all have strong backgrounds in food and hospitality. Aside from being a celebrated chef of the Comox Valley for over 20 years, Frazier started the Edible Valley podcast 10 years ago to get to the heart of the food he featured in all of his dishes, and the people behind that food. Howlett quickly joined with his perspective as a hospitality-centered entrepreneur. Between the two of them, they have run, operated, and owned many key Comox Valley hospitality and food-based establishments. Poole made his mark in Vancouver Island hospitality by running the largest dining and entertainment venue in Victoria, and other successful restaurants for nearly a decade. His wife and partner is a marketing, branding, and design professional, with experience in both the public and private sectors, including

The new owners wish Ronald and Tricia all the best in their retirement – although they won’t be straying too far. Regulars can expect to see their familiar, smiling faces around the restaurant from time to time. Once a local, always a local. They invite you down to the restaurant to meet them yourself – or make a reservation today at 250-338-6493. www.heathermossauer.com

https://heathermossauer.remax.c Heather Mossauer.com YOUR REAL ESTATE RESOURCE

Thinking of

BUYING or SELLING? Chef Ronald and Tricia St. Pierre have passed their legendary Locals Restaurant to new, local, experienced owners who will continue their tradition of elevating the dining experience. File photo hospitality. All four are eager to ply their trades and talents to further Locals’ reach. With a love of the menu, the atmosphere, and the culture, the new owners have no intention of changing anything, except to present the best and most polished version of Locals that it can be. With a touch of modernization, a little exper-

imentation, and the introduction of a market sheet – featuring new items that highlight the best of what is available a la minute - Locals will be the same but better. The St. Pierre’s started Locals 13 years ago and created an esteemed reputation for the restaurant which has been established as the heart of Vancouver Island.

call me direct

250-897-6535 I’m ready when you are! ocean pacific realty

2230A Cliffe Avenue, COURTENAY, BC 250-334-9900

Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated

info@alitis.ca www.alitis.ca

A30 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

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A customer-first strategy will improve retention, loyalty, and revenue A study by Zendesk report❝ ed that 87 per cent of customers revealed that a good customer experience changed their future buying behaviour from either recommending the products or services to others to using or purchasing more of what that company offers.

■ Joe Smith IT’S YOUR BUSINESS

ith all the new technology that is out there to help make things easier for businesses, such as chatbots, and the race to make AI an integral part of marketing strategies, it is important to remember that it is essential to keep in mind that the customer comes first. Many of today’s successful companies are focused on creating a culture within their organization and developing marketing strategies that are designed to deliver customer-centric outcomes. Put simply, this customer-first concept revolves around the idea that every strategic decision takes into consideration how the company will meet and even better, exceed the customers’ needs. The key to these companies’ success is that they have recognized the importance of developing their business around what the customer needs rather than building the business around products. Perhaps the greatest example of a product that was born out of the customers’ need to communicate more effectively was the telephone. As Peter Fader, a marketing professor, put it, “Customer-centric companies don’t make products they think customers will want, they make products they know their customers will want.” There are numerous studies out there that

❞

with respect to their goals, needs, aspirations, or lifestyles? 3) Are you delivering proactive customer experiences by anticipating their needs or problems rather than reacting to them? With this shift over the past few years that puts the customer in the proverbial driver’s seat, a customer-first strategy is no longer an A well-executed customer-first strategy not only helps in the overall experience of dealing with your company optional marketing tool. Numerous studies but at the end of the day will help improve customer retention, promote loyalty and ultimately lead to have indicated that 65 per cent or more of increased revenue. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE customers will change to a different brand your business, whether you are a single per- or company because of a poor experience. point to how a customer-first strategy can A well-executed customer-first strategy son or have a large staff, to ensure that you improve the bottom line. For example, a are delivering a positive customer experience not only helps in the overall experience of study by Zendesk reported that 87 per cent dealing with your company but at the end of customers revealed that a good customer at all levels. of the day will help improve customer retenThe best place to start is by asking three experience changed their future buying betion, promote loyalty and ultimately lead to haviour from either recommending the prod- questions. increased revenue. 1) Are you focused on how your products ucts or services to others to using or puror services can help your customers or do chasing more of what that company offers. Joe Smith is a communications consultant you place more emphasis on the actual prodWhile it may seem logical in today’s busiand an accomplished fine artist. He can be ucts or services? ness environment to be customer service 2) How well do you know your customers reached via email at joesmith@shaw.ca oriented it is also logical to look inwardly at

WE SPECIALIZE IN HAPPY CUSTOMERS!

Congratulations to Ken on the purchase of his new 2022 Tremor F350. Pictured with Ryan, one of our sales professionals. Thanks for your business! DL 10773

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TAKE ACTION AGAINST

GRAFFITI AND VANDALISM IN OUR SCHOOLS AND OUR COMMUNITY

http://www.sidwilliamstheater.com/

Submit ANONYMOUS crime tips by Phone 1-800-222-8477 or by P3Tips App

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

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Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A31

Comox photographer publishes second book about Vancouver Island A new photography book — Photography of Vancouver Island, Parks and Trails in the Central Region and West Coast — is an 82-page, soft cover book with images from 21 parks and trail locations. The author, Chuck Burdick, wrote a brief description of each park or trail to go with the pictures. The book is available for purchase at various locations throughout the Comox Valley: the Comox Valley Visitors Centre in Cumberland, the Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Courtenay, Mid Island Gifts at the Comox Valley Airport, and Blue Heron Books, the Pearl Ellis Art Gallery, and Kiki’s Compass Gallery gift shop in Comox.

During the last two years, Burdick has been fortunate to have a close friend who has lived on the Island since the early 1970s and was a scout master for 10 years. The friend’s knowledge of numerous trails and parks from scouting, and their shared visits to these locations, have greatly expanded Burdick’s photography portfolio. Burdick is a self-taught photographer working in multiple genres including macro, landscape, and abstract photography. He takes pictures of the world around him, and tries to capture Chuck Burdick has written a new book: Photography of Vancouver Island, Parks and Trails in the Central Region and West Coast. Photo by Murray its beauty in shapes, colours, and textures. Davidson

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1 When you replace your home’s oil or propane primary heating system with natural gas and pre-qualify for space and water heating system rebates between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, and install eligible natural gas equipment by June 30, 2023. Terms and conditions apply. Visit fortisbc.com/upgradetogas for full details. 2As per January 2023 residential natural gas rate. Rates are subject to change quarterly. For current information visit fortisbc.com/fuelcost. 3Renewable Natural Gas is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create Renewable Natural Gas (also called biomethane).

FortisBC Energy Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (22-066.28 12/2022)

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Comox Valley Record

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Eyewitness report killer whale attack on humpback in Quatsino Sound DEBRA LYNN Contributor

On a calm and cloudy Christmas Eve last year, at around 10:30 a.m., Quatsino resident Alan Johnson was in his home preparing for an unexpected quick trip down-Island. When he looked out his window, he saw a humpback whale cruising east to west about 300 feet off the beach. He didn’t make too much of it because he often sees whales from his house on a point at the western end of Quatsino village, located on the northwest corner of Vancouver Island. Five minutes later, as he headed to the wharf to get on his boat, he noticed “all this commotion” on the water. Johnson saw three killer whales “in a frenzy in one area.” He added, they were “coming partially

out of the water, diving down, partially out of the water, diving down.” He then noticed that a humpback was part of the commotion. He saw the humpback was on its side, just barely above water. A flipper came up and it sank under the surface while “these three killer whales were just right on top of it.” He said it was hard to see clearly, because “there was so much churning and foam and everything,” and that there were no pauses or delays. “It was very intense. I mean, there was no slacking off with these,” because as soon as they came out of the water, they were, “Bang! Back down on top!” While the two smaller killer whales kept attacking the humpback from the side,

the largest orca—which he describes as one of the largest he’s ever seen — would breach straight up and then fall straight down on the humpback. This happened about four or five times. “I would suggest that they were just trying to force it down into the water,” Johnson said. He watched the scene for about 15 minutes but had to leave. His wife, Heather, continued to watch from their house. She saw the flipper of the humpback a couple more times and then, “Everything went quiet, absolutely quiet.” There was no sign of the humpback or the killer whales thereafter. Although Johnson has seen plenty of whales in his life, this was the first time he has seen a whale-on-whale encounter.

“ The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks. That’s why my children are vaccinated.” Dr. Danièle Behn Smith Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous Health Vaccination helps prevent serious illness and hospitalization. Designed for children’s immune systems, pediatric vaccines deliver a smaller dose than the adult dose. They are tested and safe.

Book your child's COVID-19 vaccine today. gov.bc.ca/vaccineforkids

Orcas often visit Neroutsos Inlet near Port Alice. (Regan Hickling photo)

“It’s one of those things that off our coast. It is important you…go through a lifetime to realize that humpbacks are without ever seeing, even if you formidable. were on the water all the time.” “They are ‘fight whales.’ Analysis by The Marine Detective Instead of trying to flee such When contacted by the encounters like faster baleen Gazette, Jackie Hildering, a whales, they typically hold humpback whale researcher their ground, and even adfrom the area’s Marine Edu- vance toward the orcas. This cation and Research Society can lead to VERY intense in(MERS), provided the follow- teractions as described by Alan ing insights, requesting that her and Heather. “What would be needed comments be published in full: “We have records of over 60 to confirm a death is photos interactions between hump- showing which humpback backs, and both resident whale was involved in the (fish-eating) and Bigg’s killer interaction and that whale’s body. Even for a humpback whales (mammal-eating). “While it is certainly possi- who comes back to feed in a ble that a humpback could be specific area year after year, killed by Bigg’s killer whales, if that whale does not return, especially if young, injured, it is not conclusive that the and/or skinny at the beginning whale died. The whale could of the feeding season, to date be somewhere else. In the inthere is no confirmed death of tense interactions we (MERS) a humpback whale being killed have witnessed, and where we

were able to identify which humpback(s) were involved, the humpbacks survived. One humpback whale, Freckles, has even been documented in intense interactions more than 10 times. Other humpbacks have scars (rake marks) from the teeth of killer whales, as a testament to surviving attacks. “Considerations in striving to interpret what Alan and Heather witnessed too are the size of most humpbacks at this time of year, and that ‘everything went quiet.’ “After Bigg’s killer whales make a kill, they very often ‘mill’ at the surface, socializing near the kill. We cannot know, but the interaction may have continued underwater and out of the range of what could be witnessed. Further clues about kills can be that when killer whales bite into blubber, a slick of oil appears at the surface and birds often take an interest in scraps. Note that it is normal for humpback whales to be alone and still off our coast in the winter. Some leave much later for the migration. All this underlines the great value of eyes on the water such as Alan and Heather’s and in knowing who the whales are through the submission of photos taken outside 200 metres.”

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Comox Valley Record

Valentines Day

WINNER Congrats to Michelle Carty and Kaven Tremblay who have won two 60- Minute Relaxation Massages courtesy of Oh Spa! We had 27 entries and over 700 votes in 4 weeks!

Megan Geisler and Meren Holmberg presenting the Valentine's Contest winners: Michelle Carty and Kaven Tremblay the Oh Spa package, with the CV Record publisher, Artur Ciastkowski on the right. Congratulations to our winners. Happy Valentine's everyone!!!

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A33

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Comox Valley Record

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Valentine's Day

word search

Scattergories!

"Valentine's Day Edition"

Fill in the blanks with words the begin with each letter

Something Red Valentines Day Gift Romantic Movie Romantic Gesture Something sweet Date Night Ideas

Kiss | Gift | Flower | Love | Chocolate

Valentine's Day Brownies Ingredients 125g unsalted butter, chopped 125g CADBURY Baking Dark Chocolate, chopped 3 eggs, lightly whisked 335g (1 1/2 cups) white sugar 115g (3/4 cup) plain flour 30g (1/4 cup) Dutch cocoa powder 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt

Method 1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease a 20cm square cake pan and line with baking paper. 2. Place butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (don't let the bowl touch the water). Stir with a metal spoon until melted. Remove from heat. 3. Quickly stir in egg, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt until just combined. Pour into prepared pan. 4. Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out with moist crumbs clinging. 5. Set aside to cool completely.

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crownisle.com

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Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A35

Valentine's Day Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients For red velvet dough: 1 package red velvet cake mix, regular size 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast 2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour 1¼ cups warm water For filling: ¼ cup butter, melted 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ½ cup brown sugar For topping: 4 ounce cream cheese, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup butter, softened Valentine's sprinkle, optional

Method To make topping: 1. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy 2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until combined 3. Spread topping over warm rolls & Sprinkle with Valentines sprinkles To make filling: 1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, set aside 2. After dough has risen place dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out into a large rectangle about ¼ "thick 3. Spread melted butter over the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar mixture 4. Start from the farthest edge and carefully roll the dough into a log 5. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 equal pieces 6. Place cinnamon rolls in a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper 7. Cover with kitchen towel and let rise for another 1 hour 8. Preheat oven to 350° & Bake 15-20 minutes

I Love You

Around the World

Match the language to the corresponding words for

I 1. Kocham Ciebe 2. Ya Tebe Kaha Yu 3. I love You 4. Graim Thu 5. Ik Hou Van Jou 6. Ti Amo 7. Jag Alskar Dig 8. Je T Aime 9. Tha Gaol Agam Ort 10. Ich Liebe Dich 11. Inhobbok 12. Te Amo 13. Eu te Amo 14. Miluji Te 15. S'agapo 16. Mina Rakastan Sinua 17. Duset Daram 18. Aloha Wau La Oe

love you

A. English B. Irish C. Greek D. Scottish E. German F. Portuguese G. Persian H. Dutch I. French J. Czeh K. Polish L. Italian M. Maltese N. Finish O. Spanish P. Hawaiian Q. Ukrainian R. Swedish

To make red velvet dough: 1. In a large bowl, combine red velvet cake mix, yeast and 1 cup flour 2. Add warm water and beat on medium speed 2 to 3 minutes 3. Add additional flour and knead with a stand mixer or by hand to form a soft dough 4. Spray a large bowl with non-stick cooking spray and place dough inside 5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for an hour until doubled in size and let rise for another 1 hour

Have a Heart proudly presents:

ATTEND THE YANA DINNER & AUCTION VIRTUALLY Tickets are by DONATION!

FEB 9, 10 & 17 @ 7PM | Feb 11 & 18 @ 2PM

COMOX UNITED CHURCH

Livestream ticketholders receive access to: Feb. 14-24 - Massive online auction filled with hundreds of fantastic items. Friday Feb. 24 - View the full gala event via livestream. Presentations, prize draws, LIVE auction and more!

strangers. - Canci O

RAFFLES AND DRAWS 50/50 Draw - Tickets available in singles or packs. HUGE jackpot to be won! WestJet Flight - $20/ticket, only 999 available! Good for one round trip flight for two guests to any regular scheduled and marketed WestJet destinations. (*See raffle site for details).

“A humorous look at the adventure and journey of living, and the musical soundtrack that we all shared through the years. With music you will remember from Classical to Rock, from County to Gospel, from Hee-haw to Sinatra!”

Please join us in supporting local families! Purchase your tickets ONLINE NOW at yanacomoxvalley.com BC Gaming Event Licence #139249

Know your limit, play within it.

BC Gaming Event Licence #139124

A36 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

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Valentine's Day Checklist to a perfect plan

BAKE SOMETHING SWEET

MAKE OR BUY VALENTINE'S CARD

PLAN A HOMEMADE DINNER

PREPARE ACTIVITIES

DECORATE THE HOUSE

LIGHT UP CANDLES

WATCH A MOVIE TOGETHER

MAKE A HEART SHAPED FOOD

Ingredients

GET A PRESENT

Cupids Float

1 Scoop Vanilla Ice cream

Instructions

8oz Cherry Soda

Add scoop or two of vanilla ice cream to a drinking cup or mug

1 piece red licorice

Fill the cup with cherry soda Cut the ends off the licorice, then place into the cup and use as a straw Drink & Enjoy!

Carriers Wanted! TOWN OF COMOX Rte #517 - Stadacona, Pemberton, Shamrock & Anderton (58 papers) Rte #520- Guthrie Rd & Plateau Gardens (52 Papers) Rte #525 - Bolt, Linshart, Marten, Cheetah & Anderton (80 Papers) Rte #526- Cougar, Linshart & Merino Pl. (50 Papers) Rte #531 -Noel & Holly Pl. (42 Papers) Rte #533- Lancaster, Hornet, Tiger Moth & Expeditor Pl. (95 Papers) Rte #570 - Robb, McKenzie & Thistle Crt. (72 papers) Rte #600 - Balsam, Birch, Cedar, Bryant, Cypress, Stewart & Pritchard (84 Papers)

VILLAGE OF CUMBERLAND Rte #708- Kendal, Rydal, Grizedale & 1st. (72 Papers)

For More information please contact: Terry Marshall 250-338-0725 circulation@comoxvalleyrecord.com

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Comox Valley Record

KidStart mentoring program needs volunteers

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A37

Ask The Dentists! Drs. Manny Karamanis & Brett Burry

SUBMITTED Black Press

Can you share a joke? Skip rocks? Eat ice cream? Then you can help support a child in the Comox Valley. The John Howard Society of North Island is looking for volunteer mentors for KidStart. KidStart is a mentoring program that connects children and youth ages 6-12 with carefully screened, trained, and supported adult volunteer mentors. Through role modeling and encouraging kids to participate in activities that build their confidence, mentors help children become more resilient and successful in the face of challenges. Many friendships continue into the teen years and beyond. “KidStart is fun for both the mentor and the mentee,” said KidStart co-ordinator Lee Manson. “We match kids with adults who have similar interests. So, if you like cycling or basketball, we’ll match you with a child who also likes being active. If you are artistic, we’ll match you with someone who likes drawing, painting, or other creative activities. That way, you’re both having fun.” Each child in KidStart has experiences that indicate their need for extra support. The loss of a family member, challenges at school, or stresses at home are all reasons that a child may be identified as needing a supportive adult buddy. Kids may be referred to the program through family members and friends, school staff, or other care providers they are working with. Currently, there are more than 40 kids waiting for mentors in the Comox Valley. The benefits of mentoring are even more relevant now due to the social, mental health, and academic impacts that the pandemic has had on youth. Becoming a volunteer mentor with KidStart is a great way to be involved in the Comox Valley community. Mentor/mentee duos spend three hours a week together, deciding as a pair

Vaping and Oral Health

The John Howard Society of North Island is looking for volunteer mentors for KidStart. Photo by Bluetree Photography on donations, fundraising, and gaming funds to operate. You can help support mentoring in the Comox Valley by becoming a KidStart Champion. KidStart Champions choose from three levels of monthly sponsorship: Gold = $100/month, Silver = $50/month, and Bronze = $25/month. KidStart Champions can be individuals or groups. KidStart also welcomes one-time or annual donations, as well as discounts or coupons for Can’t volunteer? Consider recreational activities and local eateries. donating To find out more, contact Manson at 250Do you believe in the power of mentoring 898-4842 or lee.manson@jhsni.bc.ca or visit but lack the time? KidStart depends entirely jhsni.bc.ca/index.php/kidstart/ how they want to spend their time. Mentors encourage their mentees to develop their own interests, support learning and skill building, and open doors for them to participate in the community. Mentors with varied interests and experiences are needed for this program’s success. At the moment, KidStart is especially seeking mentors who are men, Indigenous people of all genders, and people who are active and enjoy the great outdoors.

When the Time Is Right For You Ask for Phil Edgett cell 250-897-5089 phile@island.net

http://www.philedgett.com

I support the Branch #17 Courtenay Legion! February 9th - Bingo in the Upper Hall. Doors open at 5. Bingo starts at 6:30 -9:30 *Kitchen will be open for food sales

February 11th - Earyl Duus & The Core in the Lower Lounge from 2-5pm. Meat Draws. Music Band Jam 5:30 -8pm *Kitchen will be open for food sales

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Ask your Realtor to get you the information For this 90’ Walk-on-Waterfront Home. It is 3,692 sqft 3 beds / 3 baths / den & loft Walk out basement + Sunroom & Garage.

Remodeled one level home, in Comox. 3 beds, 2 bath. Has separate living & family rooms. There are 3 gas fireplaces. Double garage and circular driveway. Just a delight to show. Have your realtor make an appointment to view.

289 A & B Nim Nim Place - $1,095,000 For Rental Investors Both sides of a Duplex Ask your Realtor to get you more info. On this 3 or 4 bed/ 2 bath with a garage per side. Both sides rented, income producing.

Dear Doctors: My boyfriend has quit smoking finally, but his solution has me worried as well. He began vaping as an alternate to cigarette smoking, and seems to think he has it ‘beat’. He claims it is harmless, and I am dubious. I accept that perhaps the lack of nicotine is an improvement, but I’m skeptical that it does not harm to his health or his teeth. What is the truth? Answer: Your letter provokes a very long answer, the title of it should read ‘Where to Start?’ Some believe this alternate is harmless, and they couldn’t be more incorrect. It is less harmful than smoke, but far from safe. These E-cigarettes don’t contain nearly the massive quantity of chemicals normal cigarettes do, but they do contain an aerosol that one inhales with some unknown chemicals, flavorings, and nicotine extracted from tobacco. Some modified vaping products contain THC and other products. One such product is vitamin E acetate which is a thickening agent used in THC vaping products, and it was found in all lung fluid samples of EVALI patients (E-cigarette or vaping use associated lung injury). The USA Center for Disease Control and Prevention examined 2,807 cases with 68 deaths in February 2020. This Center recommended to avoid informal sourcing on vaping devices, as well as online suppliers. They also stated no additional substances should be added to any vaping device. Subsequent testing in 2021 by researchers from the Johns Hopkins University found thousands of chemical ingredients in vape products, most which have not been identified. Of the known products, they found caffeine, 3 chemicals never previously found in e cigarettes, a pesticide, as well as a couple of flavorings linked with respiratory irritation and other possible toxic effects. The potential damage is greater when users choose the extra strength cartridges which have a higher concentration of nicotine, or have a setting to allow a higher voltage ‘hit’ from the vaping device to achieve a greater effect. As far as oral damage, the largest group increasing in size for vaping are middle school and high school aged youngsters. Many are using them because of the taste of the flavorings, and we can expect greater dental health problems to surface. There have been injuries and even deaths from vape pens exploding as a result of lithium batteries overheating, primarily as a result of improper charging or linking to a device called a mechanical mod with no internal safety mechanism. Nicotine results in connective tissue problems, which result in gum disease and tooth loss. The increase in ‘dry mouth’ results in more cavities, and gum disease. In short – this solution for quitting smoking may be worse than the original problem!

Acreview Dental 4635 A MADRONA PL. - $13.50 / SQ FT.

3400 PRIMROSE ST - NOW $749,000

5,043 sq ft of lease space available. Plus Triple Net/ Operating Costs. Have your Realtor ask for the info.

New Home, Ready for you on a large lot in the Village of Cumberland. 3 beds / 2 baths. Appliance package. Detached garage with alley way access. Ask your realtor FMI.

250-334-3124

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750 Comox Road, Courtenay, BC

250-338-9085 Accepting New Patients

www.AcreviewDental.com Services are provided by General Dentists

A38 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

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T hrive at a Golden Life Village

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES

OPENING INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Full-time, part-time and flexible hours are just some of the ways we ensure your job fits your lifestyle, not the other way around.

Full-time RNs and LPNs working at Ocean Front Village during the opening and transition period may be eligible for a lump-sum payment of $2,500 every 13 weeks! Part time RNs and LPNs may be eligible for a pro-rated lump sum based on full-time equivalency.

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Our comprehensive benefits package includes a voluntary retirement program with company contributions for eligible employees.

With our Golden Life Leadership Program, over 80% of management are promoted from within. We offer opportunities for growth and advancement from day one!

It’s time to start something new! Call (250) 331-0340

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Comox Valley Record

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Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A39

OVER 25 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL MORTGAGE INVESTING

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PEACE OF MIND In December of 2014, the Courtenay River flooded its banks and spilled into Lewis Park. The city declared a state of emergency. File photo

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CVRD among 49 recipients of provincial funding to mitigate disaster risks By Record staff

The Comox Valley Regional District is one of 49 First Nations and local governments throughout B.C. that will receive provincial funding to help reduce risks from future disasters related to natural hazards and climate change. The CVRD is receiving $129,850 in funding for the Comox Road Flood Mitigation Process project. “No one wants or expects to deal with natural disasters but investing in our infrastructure early means we can save time, money, and people, when problems arise,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “This grant will help the Comox Valley plan and prepare for flooding disasters, to keep our community safe.” “The climate crisis will continue to increase the risk of natural disasters in British Columbia over the years ahead,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Local governments and First Nations are important partners

in ensuring that communities are prepared for what will come and we’re taking action to support them in this critical work. The projects enabled by this funding will make a big difference for First Nations and communities throughout B.C. in their efforts to keep lives and livelihoods safe from potential disasters.” A total of $23.4 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) will support communities to better prepare for, mitigate and respond to climate-related emergencies, such as floods and extreme temperatures The Disaster Risk Reduction Climate Adaptation stream under the CEPF supports the Province’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. The CEPF is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) and funds projects that strengthen the resilience of First Nations and local governments in responding to and preparing for natural disasters and climate change.

CURRENT NET RATE OF RETURN

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JORDAN FAIRLIE 1-877-475-2669

Member of Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association Local 276

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FERRY SCHEDULES NANAIMO to VANCOUVER Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay

VANCOUVER to NANAIMO Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay

NANAIMO to VANCOUVER Duke Point to Tsawwassen

SHE WON’T ANSWER YOUR TEXTS. BUT SHE READS THEM.

7.15%

VANCOUVER to NANAIMO Tsawwassen to Duke Point

COMOX to POWELL RIVER Little River to Westview

POWELL RIVER to COMOX Westview to Little River

Effective January 3, 2023 to March 31, 2023 6:15am, 8:25am, 10:40am, 1:00pm, 3:20pm, 5:55pm, 8:45pm

Effective January 3, 2023 to March 31, 2023 6:15am, 8:25am, 10:40am, 1:00pm, 3:45pm, 6:35pm, 10:10pm

Effective January 3, 2023 to March 31, 2023 5:15am*, 7:45am, 10:15am, 12:45pm, 3:15pm, 5:45pm, 8:15pm, 10:45pm

Effective January 3, 2023 to March 31, 2023 6:15am, 9:55am, 3:25pm*, 7:10pm Daily except January 7, 14, 21 Effective January 3, 2023 to March 31, 2023 8:05am, 11:50am, 5:15pm*, 8:45pm Daily except January 7, 14, 21

Fresh Oysters are the Food of Love! Pick yours up today! Open Daily 9am-5pm

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Comox Valley Record

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LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1989

Victoria Suite displayed in rustic stain

The Victoria Suite by MAKO furniture Come take a look at our newest suite on display in our Nanaimo & Courtenay showrooms! This suite is solid pine and accents with new black hardware. Available in queen or king size beds with or without storage drawers. Other case goods available shown above include 2 drawer night stand, 9 drawer dresser, mirror and 3 drawer/2 door chest!

Why I don’t carry brand name mattresses. Why I design my own by John Rogers The sleep industry today is promoting 2 things that I think are foolish. “You need to have a good night’s sleep” implying that if you buy our mattresses that’s what will happen, 15+ years warranty”. #1. I know I’m not the brightest crayon in the box but I do know if I don’t have a decent night’s sleep I’m snarky (my wife’s term) and not performing at my best. Do I really need somebody to tell me to “get a good night’s sleep”? Have we really given up all common sense and need this sage advice? #2. This is the one that really gets me. The warranties are “visible height loss” warranties. Here’s why this is a scam. We’ve all sat on a couch that the cushion is shot. Sit down and your knees are at eyeball level, the cushion has lost all its ability to hold you up, it hasn’t however lost any height. So how is this a warranty when it’s almost impossible to make the mattress lose the 1.5-2” of height? I gave up on mainstream mattresses years ago but I still continue to look at them in the hopes that maybe they actually will produce something that would live up to my standards. In researching this article I find it interesting that they don’t actually tell you the warranties, you have to contact a retailer to find the fine print, and they don’t tell you what quality of foams they are using. At John’s I make it simple to see what you’re actually getting in both warranty and quality. Our warranties are simple they are 5 years prorated on most of our mattresses, 10 years prorated on our latex mattresses and here’s the fine print. Warranties cover excessive softening. Some softening is normal and unavoidable. Because you can flip our mattresses and potentially replace the pillow tops the softening will be minimal. In our mattresses we use only foams that are made in Canada or the U.S. All our foams either meet or exceed CertiPUR-US® standards. This is one of the highest standards in the industry today. That means safe, clean mattresses for you and your family. Our Talalay Latex mattresses contain the best, cleanest latex we can get. 92% pure latex by volume makes this one of the premier products in the market. Our foams have never been compacted either, many mattresses come machine rolled into a box way to small. This damages the mattress. Our mattresses are simple with very few components. Simple is better less components to fail, most of our mattresses are zippered so that on the rare occasion a component fails it can be easily replaced without buying a whole new mattress. This construction also allows for us to be able to build your mattress differently from side to side. If you’d like firmer/softer than your partner this is easy to do and at no extra charge.

www.johnsbedrooms.com 1707 Bowen Road, Nanaimo 250-741-1777 841 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay 250-897-1666

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Comox Valley Record

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In loving memory of Pauline Pilkington (Long)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR

Linda Magnuson (nee MacLeod) August 14th, 1940 – February 11th, 2022

You are forever in our hearts.

1937 - 2023 It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother Pauline on January 7th, 2023. Born in Alberta, she was the fourth in line of six children belonging to Percy and Ada Long. In 1941 the family moved to Courtenay, B.C. It was there they settled and planted roots on 21st Street. At the young age of 7, Pauline was enrolled in gymnastics. From that point on sports played an active role in her life. As a teenager, Pauline worked at “Hobbies” diner on 5th Street. It was there she met her sweetheart, Barry Pilkington. They were married in November of 1956, and when Barry got a job at Elk Falls Mill a few months later. The young couple soon moved to Campbell River. They started out on Dahl Rd., where they began raising their family. In 1965, they moved to Shelter Bay where Barry and Pauline resided for 25 years. Pauline, not one to sit still for long, wore many hats, each intertwined with the other. She was a wife, mother of 2 children, and a volunteer gymnastics instructor for the C.R. Athletics Assoc. at Willow Point Hall. Later, she also became the head coach for the C.R. Gymnastics Club. Once her two children were in school, Pauline returned to the workforce. In 1969 she was hired by S.D. #72 as a part-time secretary/receptionist/teacher’s aide at Evergreen School. There she would also take any opportunity she had to help the P.E. teachers with school sports. She remained at Evergreen for 5 years and then moved to Rockland School where she remained for another 17 years. Eventually moving on to Phoenix Jr., and a couple of others; her final assignment was at Timberline where she retired in 2000, after 32 years of service with S.D. #72. During the summer months beginning in 1968, for about 5 years, Pauline took on the role of supervisor/head lifeguard at the Centennial Pool. She was also Charge Officer and Examiner representing the Royal Life Saving Society. Due to her community volunteering and sporting activities, she was awarded C.R.’s first-ever Sports Citizen of the Year in 1971. Shooting as a sport was an afterthought, she’d say. Starting out, she saw it as a way to spend more time with her husband. Soon she found herself shooting, scoring, and instructing young gun enthusiasts in gun safety and marksmanship. Her role as an official scorekeeper in the club opened new doors. Pauline volunteered locally for several years. Then in 1973 while judging at the Summer Games in Burnaby, she was approached by the Canadian Shooting Federation of Canada and asked if she’d be interested in becoming an International Judge. She accepted, and began extensive training in Mexico City and Switzerland, with the aim of becoming a judge at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Pauline’s work during several National and International events eventually led to her being recommended as a judge with an “A” License in 1981, As a result, she was certified to judge at the Olympics and other World Events. Mom felt honoured to be representing her country alongside many Canadian competitors, including several of our very own Campbell Riverite Shooters. Pauline didn’t stop there. She was a founding member of the I.S.U. Women’s Committee, which was formed to improve shooting competitions for women. She was proud to have played a part in the creation of 3 shooting events for women at the 1984 Olympics in L.A. and she had the thrill of being at the range officiating when Canada’s Linda Thom won the gold at the first-ever women’s shooting event! Pauline was the first woman to ever officiate at an Olympic shooting match. After 37 years, in 2010, she retired from Judging (at age 73!). During her time as a shooting official, mom had opportunities to travel the world. Even after retirement, she continued to travel with family and friends. In 2010, she moved to N.Z. to join her partner Graeme. They travelled extensively around the North Island. Mom loved the warm weather and the beautiful flowers that dotted the landscape. Gardening was another one of mom’s passions when she found the time. In 2015, Pauline returned to her home in Campbell River, to reunite with her family. Mom was full of life and humour. A born leader, fiercely independent (a “Long” family trait), very conscientious, confident, and personable. She put a lot of air miles under her belt and made many friends along the way. Pauline was predeceased by her son Daniel; her ex-husband Barry; her parents Percy and Ada Long; and sisters Eleanor, Betty, and Doreen. She is survived and cherished by her daughter Valerie; daughter-in-law Sharon, both of Campbell River; her siblings Patricia Molland of C.R. and Harold Long of Courtenay; also left to mourn her loss are a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends. I’d like to thank Dr. Sutherland for looking out for mom for many years, and the staff at Yuculta Lodge. And a special thanks to Dr. Eckford and the nursing staff on 3B at C.R. Hospital, for the excellent care and compassion mom received in her final days. A C.O.L. will be held Sunday, May 28th between 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Dolphin’s Resort in Campbell River. Flowers are graciously declined. In lieu, you could donate to the C.R. Gun Club, M.A.R.S., or a charity of your choice.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you Home again.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A41

ASK YOUR ONLY LOCALLY OWNED CANADIAN INDEPENDENT FUNERAL HOME

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A42 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

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WE’VE MOVED Same Caring Service, Better Facilities

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We are the sole representative of Memorial Society of BC for the Comox Valley and thus offer caring service at a reasonable cost.

106 - 2100 Gurthrie Rd, Comox BC

250-338-4463

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In loving memory of Alma Therese Marie Beaudry It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother and devoted wife Alma Therese Marie Beaudry with her adoring family by her side. Alma was the beloved wife to Reginald Beaudry. Loving mother to Tina Beaudry (Paul), LeeAnn Beaudry, and KaraLee Silvestri (Dan), adored grandmother to her pride and joys Zackorie, Mikenzie, Justine, Jeremy, Kristian, and Isabelle. When Alma wasn’t enjoying the company of her family and beloved husband she was busy out in her flower gardens or crocheting gifts for others. Her presence will always be with us. Rest easy. Continue shining down on us. A celebration of life will be planned for the spring. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the amazingly wonderful staff at the North Island Hospital and especially to Dr. Micheal Neufeld for going above and beyond in his tender care right up until the end.

In loving memory of Graham Douglas Head

In loving memory of Rusty Phillip Buck (Rusty) Rusty passed away on January 29, 2023. Born in Pasadena California on November 12, 1924, Rusty was the second son of four boys, he served his country in WW2 in the Canadian Navy. He came back to Vancouver at the end of the war to attend the University of British Columbia. There he met the love of his life Myrtle, they were married August 27, 1947. They had 2 children. Shirley in 1948 and Pierce in 1950. In 1995 Rusty and Myrtle retired and made the move to Courtenay to be closer to family. After the passing of Myrtle in 2009, Rusty adopted a furry dog friend named Reggie who brought great joy in Rusty’s later years. Rusty will be greatly missed for his kindness and his silly “Dad Jokes”. “We love you Papoo!” He was predeceased by his loving wife Myrtle in 2009 and son Pierce in 1988. He is survived by his daughter Shirley Wyndham and his five grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

August 8, 1971 ~ January 6, 2023 It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of Graham of a sudden heart attack at the age of 51. Graham was born to Douglas Kenneth Head & Jennifer Claire (nee Jones) Holt on August 8th 1971 at St. Josephs General Hospital in Comox BC. Graham is pre-deceased by his dad Doug and his step-father Gary Holt. As well as his grandparents; George & Ellen Head and John & Lillian Jones, as well as several aunts and uncles. Graham is survived by his mother Jennifer, his brothers; Larry (Lawrence), James and sister Brandi as well as his two children Brandon and Katrina, his fiancé Olivia and several relatives and extended family. Graham attended school in Comox where he grew up. He was a very kind and thoughtful man who went out of his way to help others, especially the Indigenous people. He loved hockey and football. He loved to joke and tease people. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him. A Celebration of Life was held in Duncan BC on January 14, 2023.

Rest in peace my son, we shall meet again. Love Mom.

In loving memory of Johnson, Scott Handley 1949 - 2023 Born in Oakland, CA to Evie & Scott Sr., Scott Jr. passed away from heart disease January 23, 2023 in Victoria, BC with his family by his side. He will be missed by his wife Leslie and their dog Molly; daughters Anna (Mike and their sons Cameron & Evan) and Lindsay (Craig and his daughter Nina); sister Vicky (Dan and children Ben, Ashley and Stephanie). Scott was a lifelong learner and casual renaissance man with many passions. His appreciation of art, avid curiosity for the world around him and sense of humour framed how he lived his life and are how he will be remembered. No service will be held. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com

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Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A43

LET US HELP

Even the most straightforward estates can present unique challenges and complications, be it acting as an executor, or challenging an unfair will. Let our experienced estate lawyers help you.

Steve Allardice

Karina A. Carson

https://www.crlawyers.ca/

ELEL^EPHMb Bh_EU MEV Place your condolences online. (Visit your local newspaper website, obituary page)

In loving memory of John Rowland Smith

In loving memory of Shane Cattrall

June 6, 1929 – January 27, 2023

February 28th, 1929 - November 21st, 2022

John, fondly known as Jack, was born to Arthur Smith and Gertrude Bradley on June 6, 1929 in Comox, B.C. The family of nine brothers and one sister grew up in the Comox Valley farming community on a potato, turnip and dairy farm. Jack learned the value of thriftiness and repurposing in his early years, while on the Back Road farm. Jack was a talented amateur athlete, playing soccer, basketball and softball. After graduating from Comox High School in 1948, Jack spent the next 3 years working in the plastering/stucco trade. That was followed by a few years of logging before starting at Elks Falls Pulp and Paper Mill in 1956. He retired after many years as a ship-loading foreman. In 1972 Jack received an award for bravery for rescuing a fellow worker taken overboard by a runaway ship-loading crane. Jack met his wife Mary during a badminton evening in Comox and they married in Vancouver in 1956. They settled in Campbell River, built their own home, raised 4 children, and as a couple curled, square danced and enjoyed many social evenings with their longtime friends of Beta Sigma Phi. He was a lifetime supporter of local efforts and his involvement in service clubs included the Campbell River Fish and Game Club, and the Knights of Columbus. As a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, he tended the gardens at the new church for many years. Retiring in 1992 allowed Jack more time to pursue favourite past-times which included hunting, fishing, golf, woodworking and gardening. He was always at the ready to share his knowledge (and his supply of repurposed items) and often helped family and friends with their projects. He was a respectful, patient-natured grandparent sharing his quiet humour, along with the bounty of his garden. He introduced his grandchildren to the driving range and the game of Crib. He and Mary

travelled throughout Canada and abroad, but if you asked about favourite trips, he’d start reminiscing of the many successful moose hunts he’d enjoyed with his son and grandson. A Founding resident of Berwick from 2014 to the present, he enjoyed connecting with old and new friends and appreciated the cheerfulness of the staff. Jack was predeceased by his wife Mary of 57 years, seven of his siblings and his son-in-law Rick Lebeuf. His presence and quiet manner will be deeply missed by his children, Shirley, Kathy (Sandy), Brad (Jean) and Barb (Rick) and 6 Grandchildren, Cam (Shona), Carlene, Erin, Megan, Caroline (Shane) and Alison, his brothers Adrian, Ray, and many nieces and nephews. A mass will be held for Jack at St. Patrick’s Church Friday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m. If friends so desire, donations may be made directly to the Knights of Columbus Hamper Fund in Jack’s memory.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Shane Cattrall on November 21st, 2022, at the age of 93. Shane was born on February 28th, 1929, in Liverpool, England. She was the eldest daughter of Marion and George Baugh. Shane lived through WW2 and was eternally grateful to have been evacuated to Wales where she lived with the local headmistress. Leaving the confines of the city, for a world of books and nature was a revelation and started Shane on the road to wanting a better life. Shane returned to Liverpool at the end of the war and began working at a factory to help the family at the tender age of 14. A huge regret for Shane was not being able to finish school. Shane was always an avid reader. She loved all genres but particularly history books. She was a walking encyclopedia of world events and a force in Trivial Pursuit. In her 20s, Shane modelled for department stores and developed a love of fashion. She was an elegant woman who wore clothes beautifully and shopped at Winner’s, regularly. With her pearls, many hats and beautiful smile, she always garnered attention. Shane married Dennis Cattrall in August 1953 and had two daughters before immigrating to Canada. The family arrived in Montreal in the winter of 1956 and once again, the city girl had to reinvent herself to manage the Canadian winter and the cross-country trek to B.C. Once settled in Little River, Shane had two more children, a son and a daughter. In later life, Shane spent many happy years at Berwick. She made many friends but always had a special place in her heart for Lee and Ann. We would like to thank all the people who helped Shane in the last few years. Many thanks to Dr. MacLeod and Dr. Crowe for their kindness and skill, VIRL for the audiobooks, the

nurses, support workers, O.T.’s and Pam at VIHA and the staff at both Berwick and Ocean Front. Shane’s spirit continues to live on through her children; Cherry (Rick), Kim (Russ) and Lisa, her cherished grandchildren; Kate, Alec, Ben, Teagan and her precocious great-grandson, Elliot, her beloved sisters, Marj, Dorothy, Jean and Hilary. She is predeceased by her husband, Dennis and son, Chris. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the CNIB in supporting those with Macular Degeneration.

Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.

A44 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

BCClassifieds. BC Classifieds.com com

Hal Hicks February 7, 1925 ~ February 14, 2022 I hold back my tears when I say your name But the pain in my heart is still the same. Although I smile and may seem carefree There’s no one who misses you more than me. Love always, Di

In loving memory of Bonnie Gail Voeltz

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February 12, 1959 – December 27, 2022 It is with great sadness that we announce that Bonnie passed away on the morning of December 27th after dealing with many health issues over the past 10 years. Bonnie was predeceased by her father and mother, two brothers and two sisters. Bonnie is survived by her children Michael and Hannah, two sisters and four brothers. Bonnie will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

In loving memory of Simms, Marilyn Mae April 29, 1938 – January 19, 2023

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ON THE WEB:

(behind Courtenay Country market) Open Friday & Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Vintage furniture, tools collectibles and live edge.

Personals

All our Love forever Love Papa & Adina Call us any time

AL-ANON & ALATEEN Affected by someone’s drinking? Contact: 1-888-425-2666 www.al-anon.org

Happy 15th Birthday

Abby Carlos We like you forever We love you for always As long as we are living Our granddaughter you will be. Love Papa & Adina Call us any time.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Call Day or Night Anytime 250-338-8042 Lost & Found Lost Gold Necklace

ANNOUNCE YOUR NEW ARRIVAL! ce We joyfully announ the birth of

OLIVER JACKSON

With salmon trinket on February 1st in the Thrifty Foods parking lot. Had it for 30 years. missed terribly. Will pay for return.

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COPYRIGHT Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassifieds.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the Publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recouse in law.

The Little Vintage Shop

Abby & Drayden Carlos

Advertisers are reminded that provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, age, and physical or mental disability, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother (Nina). Marilyn is survived by sons Graham (Fiona Narod), Ted (Erika), and grandchildren Duncan (Emma), Alasdair (Petra), Carolyn and Wes. She was predeceased by her brother Ronald Jones. She will be remembered as a loving and caring person whose wry sense of humour and passion for her Kye Bay home brightened our lives. A Celebration of Life will be held later this year in the Comox Valley. To leave condolences or share memories, please visit www.korucremation.com/obituaries/marilyn-simms/

New Shop Open Now!

5352 Island Hwy North

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Coming Events

January 3, 2023 9lbs 10oz ieson Chelsea and Joe Jam

2 column (2.83 inches) x 3 inch ad Includes photo Any Black Press publication.

Per publication

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Business Services Carpentry/ Woodwork 250-650-1333 Skilled Carpenter. Licensed & certified. Free estimates, Call Doug. suncrestholdings.ca

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Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 A45

Hauling & Salvage

Career Opportunities

Hauling & Salvage

& WASTE REMOVAL (Large & Small Loads)

Quick & Friendly Service 7 Days a Week!

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Town of Comox is now accepting applications for

Comox Community Centre invites applications for the following positions:

PARKS SUMMER STUDENTS

• SUMMER DAY CAMP LEADERS • SUMMER CAMP COORDINATOR • HANDS ON FARM SUPERVISOR • HANDS ON FARM ATTENDANTS

(Temporary, Full-Time) Visit comox.ca/employment for more information

YOUR COMMUNITY Your Classifieds

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)HWFK D 'RJ )URP WKH 6KHOWHU

√ Appliances √ Construction debris √ Tenant leftovers √ Garage/Shed cleanouts

anythingjunk.com Legal Notices

√ Basement cleanouts √ Furniture & Mattresses √ Yard Waste √ and Demolition hing!!!

... Almost Anyt

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"#30#!

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Legal Notices

More than 1.5 million Canadian families are in need of affordable housing. Your contributions provides Habitat with the resources it needs to help families.

Warehouseman’s Lien Act Under the terms of the Warehouseman’s Lien Act, goods and personal property of the person/s listed below and stored at Valley Self Storage, 1697 Ryan Road East, Comox, B.C., have been seized and will be sold on or after February 16th, 2023, to recover the cost of unpaid storage rent. Rodney Nutt Sean Snowden

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Pets Employment

Merchandise for Sale Employment

Contractors

Pets

Firewood/Fuel

Misc. Wanted

COLIN’S PAINTING

CKC Registered German Shepherd Male 12 months, short coat, Shots UTD Ross German Shepherd Both parents are OFA, good hips & elbows. Cowichan Bay. e-mail:rossgs@shaw.ca 1-250-743-9475.

Black Creek Fire Wood For Sale

Get ready for next winter.

Purebred Merle Standard Poodle

Misc. Wanted

WANTED SASQUATCH SKULL - Also purchasing SILVER & GOLD coins, bars, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, 999+ BULLION, maple leafs, bulk silver, pre-1969 coins. Coin collector BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS, old $ & Royal Canadian Mint coins. TODD 250-864-3521.

Interior / Exterior Book your spot now! Free Estimates

35 years experience Excellent References

Cell - 250-465-1662

Handy Persons 250-941-6068 Home Repair & Renovation Service. Interior or Exterior. Call Les. Free Estimate.

Painting & Decorating Interior painting, specializing in kitchen / bath cabinets. Call Virginia for a quote 250-941-6068 Conveniently call the classified department to place your ad...

WHILE AT WORK BC

com

1-866-865-4460 1.604.575.5555

puppies, ready to go to their fur ever home February 28th. Loving and loyal to all family members. Vet checked, 1st shots and de wormed.

Fir, Alder, Maple & Balsam mix. $300.00 a cord delivered. Call 250-201-0115

Building Supplies INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. sales@integritybuilt.com. 1-866-974-7678. www.integritybuilt.com

PLANET...

Transportation Employment

Recreational/Sale

250-286-8855

Merchandise for Sale Employment

PROTECT OUR

Campbell River

FIREARM BUYER LOOKING FOR ANY TYPE, ANY CONDITION! Whole estates to single. Fair market VALUE PAID! Licensed Firearm Buyer. 250-667-4862

2006 Ford Winnebago For Sale

Low mileage & lots of mechanical updates. Asking $32,900 Price negotiable. Contact Tim Fluter 250-203-0525

Reliability. That’s classifieds.

RECYCLE THIS NEWS PAPER.

A46 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

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prices in effect THURSDAY february 9-15

Large Avocadoes

s t h g i l t Weekly spo

BC local que pasa

continental

tortilla

maple whiskey ham

chips 312g organic white corn variety only

Grape Tomatoes

/lb

/ea

2pk

Red Onions

big 2lb box!

3 52

regular price $5.49

fresh Produce Asparagus

frozen 1lb bag

All butter r palmier

$ For

bogo

/100g

shrimp

ntina n

aa beef

ribeye steaks

/lb

calabrese buns

6pk

/ea

99 /ea

chocolove

chocolate bars 90g

/ea

Eggplant

Sumo oranges

bonne maman

you gotta try these!

35.25/kg

jams

99 /ea

kettle chips 198-220g 198-220g

250ml

2 3

for

/lb

3pk

2pk

ics

organic romaine hearts

organic organ celery hearts

/ea

2 7

preferisco

island local Phillip's

pizza sauce 398ml

royal gourmet

pesto & pesto hummus 227g

dips asst. varieties

150g

227g

/ea

$ /100g

/ea

bc local northern gold

granola 630g-675g

/ea

99 /ea

bc local gathering place

spices

asst. 3g-50g

2 7 99

soda

for

asst. 4x355ml

$ arbutus farms

for

/ea

/lb

/ea

boursin

15% OFF

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Email: editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com

CVAG’s Youth Media Project screening films Feb. 9 SUBMITTED Black Press

“Perspectives” is a free screening of local youth films that will take place at the Sid Williams Theatre Feb. 9. The screening will feature original films created through the Comox Valley Art Gallery’s Youth Media Project. This is a free, all-ages event, open to the general public. The films explore a wide range of themes that brainstorm future ways we can all work together to strengthen community resilience. Participants have had an opportunity to work collaboratively with the Tsolum River Restoration Society, the Jordan River Restoration Society, Eureka Support Society and the Comox Valley Transition Society’s Girl’s Group to explore

how people come together in these spaces to find solutions to some of the upcoming challenges we might face. One film explores how climate change is impacting our local Tsolum River and what we might be able to do to mitigate this in our community. Another film explores what it might take to bring salmon back to the Jordan River. The film screening will also feature two original music videos, and a computer animation piece created by local artist and past participant Dan Béaule. The CVAG Youth Media Project is aimed at connecting young creative individuals to employment opportunities while training them in the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. The program includes multiple workshops and ample opportunities to build con-

nections within the community. It runs over the course of 13 weeks and is open to young people ages 16-30. “I enjoyed being able to participate in all of the different films, and making lots of new connections and friends,” says Mathew Nobert, a CVAG YMP participant. “Perspectives” will be screening at the Sid William Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for people to mingle with the budding filmmakers of the Comox Valley. Patrons are encouraged to book their free tickets through the Sid Williams Theatre by phone or online in advance. Mask-wearing is encouraged but not required. For more information, contact Krista.cvagymp@gmail.com or phone the Comox Valley Art Gallery at 250-338-6211.

“Perspectives” is a free screening of local youth films that will take place at the Sid William’s Theatre at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. Photo by Mackai Sharp

Vancouver Island Symphony offers matinée performance SUBMITTED Black Press

Join the musicians of the Vancouver Island Symphony under the direction of Cossette Justo Valdés on Feb. 12 for a magnificent musical ride as they travel 200 years of music with Chants d’Auvergne – a collection of folk songs from the Auvergne region of France by Canteloube (1923) to Beethoven’s 7th Symphony (1813) – a work he conducted and the audience demanded an encore of the famous “Allegretto” second movement. Then they skip forward 100 years to a premiere by Jennifer Butler with text by Tina Biello and performed by Marion Newman. Continuing with the introduction of VIS artistic director candidates, February’s Winter Song performance will feature the second candidate, conductor Justo Valdés.

knew she wanted to be a conductor. “Conducting is more than making music,” she said. “It is a great honour. For me, it is about connecting with others - my colleagues and the audience. I decided to become a conductor because I love people and how they become their best when they are led with love. I have found my purpose in this career despite all the difficult obstacles I have had to overcome. “Coming from a communist country that is truly a dictatorship (although they try to make the world think otherwise) made me believe that conducting was going to be just a local experience, and that I was never going to have the opportunity The Vancouver Island Symphony presents Winter Song, with artistic director candidate for an international career. But here Cossette Justo Valdés conducting. (Stock photo) I am! I am incredibly grateful that I Justo Valdés was born and raised in phony performance until the age of have made it to this beautiful country Cuba and did not see her first sym- 18. It was at that concert that she that has now become my home. Here

I have found my people: some of my best friends and my most beloved colleagues.” Justo Valdés is excited to be in Courtenay for this performance and she is already immensely thankful for this opportunity. When asked what being the successful candidate would mean to her, she shared her thoughts. “I can only imagine how I will feel if I become the artistic director of the VIS. It would be such an honour, and the possibility to dream big for this fantastic group of people and of course for myself along with them would be a dream come true.” The concert takes place at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12. For tickets, visit sidwilliamstheatre. com. For more information, check www.vancouverislandsymphony.com

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Laugh it up with comedienne Andrea Jin at the Sid The Sid Williams Theatre Society presents stand-up comedienne and writer Andrea Jin to the Sid Williams Theatre stage. The comedy act is part of the theatre’s Blue Circle Series season, taking place on Saturday, Feb. 18. Jin’s comedy is funny, charming, unique and relatable. She has performed at JFL Northwest, SiriusXM’s “Top Comic,” Seattle International Comedy Competition, CBC’s “The Debaters” and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. Her debut album, Grandma’s Girl, was reviewed as the number one Canadian Comedy Album of 2021 in Now

Magazine and won the 2022 Juno Award for Best Comedy Album. “We can’t wait to see Andrea Jin perform as her unique comedy style is sure to light up the stage,” said general manager Deborah Renz. “The Sid Williams Theatre Society is driven to bring a variety of performances to the Comox Valley that celebrate diversity in performers and event styles.” In 2021, Jin was selected as a New Face at Just For Laughs’ Montreal Festival. The following year, she made her late-night TV debut on The Late Late Show with James

Corden. Her writing has appeared in Vice, CBC Comedy and the Vancouver Sun, among other publications. Born in Shanghai, Jin immigrated to Vancouver when she was 10 years old and currently lives in Los Angeles. Jin shares her experience as a Chinese immigrant, and through her wit, timely delivery and surprising punchlines, she will keep you laughing. For more information about Blue Circle Series or to purchase tickets, visit www. sidwilliamstheatre.com.

Andrea Jin will be performing her stand-up routine at the Sid Williams Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 18. Photo supplied

Sweet SantaFe taking to the stage at the Little Red Church Malcolm Holt Special to the Record

There are many new strains of music emanating from the Little Red Church in Comox these days. After the past three weeks in which Georgia Straight Jazz Society has presented big band music, a Juno Award-winning quartet and a wonderful Ella Fitzgerald-style songstress, it’s time this Thursday (Feb. 9) to change the beat entirely as we bring exciting Cuban music back to our concert series, for the first time in more than three years. Sweet SantaFe, a duo featuring Michel Rivero from Havana, Cuba,

Sweet SantaFe, the duo of Christine Baxter and Michel Rivero, play the Little Red Church for the Georgia Straight Jazz Society on Thursday, Feb. 9. Photo by Janice Hayward and Christine Baxter from Alberta, will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. “Sweet SantaFe combines rich warm vocal harmonies, Caribbean

rhythms, and Canadian folk-style songwriting, to transport audiences to a sunny beach with a gentle breeze drifting off the azure ocean,” said Baxter. “We spread our infectiously

upbeat vibe in both Spanish and English, offering a live music show that brings joy to each of our audiences. “And, to make it even more special, we will be joined on Feb. 9 by Cynthia Rodrigues on piano, Hector Ramos on conga and a surprise guest on trumpet.” So, if a Caribbean cruise is not in your cards this winter, Feb. 9 is your opportunity to enjoy a warm experience in a safe, social and friendly atmosphere with other jazz music lovers. Oh yes, we chat – but not while the music’s playing. One of the delights for our performers is discovering that people attend the concerts in order

to listen to, and appreciate the jazz. That’s our goal: keeping live jazz alive in the Comox Valley. Admission is $15 for members, and $20 for non-members. 2023 memberships ($20) will also be sold at the door. Since we don’t serve beverages or food, you’re welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks. Please join us in the delight of live music. We look forward to welcoming you. Visit georgiastraightjazz.com to see the wonderful remaining season between now and the end of May. Malcolm Holt is the president of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society

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Former Juno nominee from Comox making music once again Scott Stanfield Record staff

When she was a teenager growing up in the Comox Valley — back when the Loft Cabaret was in full swing — Christina Southern convinced the band, Bowser Moon, to let her onstage to sing Bruce Springsteen’s Pink Cadillac. She was too shy to sing lead, and didn’t even know the words, so she sang backup. That night provided a glimpse into her future as Chrissy Steele, who went on to embark on a music career that took her and her bandmates to places like Madison Square Garden in New York, and opening for Jethro Tull and Bryan Adams. By 1992, she had been nominated for a pair of Juno Awards — Most Promising Female Vocalist and Hard Rock Album of the year for Magnet to Steele. Alanis Morissette won the former and Rush the latter for Roll the Bones. Before entering the world of rock ’n roll, she had attended Tsolum School and later Vanier Secondary. Her father, Bill Southern, was a Cumberland alderman and school principal who remained in the Comox Valley. Southern would regularly visit her father until 2015 when

Chrissy Steele was nominated for two Juno Awards in 1992. Photo supplied he passed away at age 91. “My connection with the Valley will always be a fond memory,” said Southern, now a Victoria resident. “I still consider Comox to be my home. The music program was amazing in the 1970s.” Back then, she majored in voice and classical guitar at the Courtenay Youth Music Camp at Vanier, which she describes as a “fantastic experience.” She would spend the summer studying music and playing classical guitar, which her

older brother Phil taught at the time. Another brother, Bryan, wrote most of the lyrics of songs she recently released. “Bryan and I used to put on lunchtime concerts in the library at Vanier,” she recalled laughing. Southern retired from music in the early-1990s, and pursued other lines of work, namely graphic design, and marketing for non-profits. But a chance meeting with Glen Willows of Harlequin fame prompted a return to music. Together with Bryan, the trio started writing and recording songs. “It just kind of fell in my lap,” she said. “It turned into a revisit of my career. I didn’t really like the way my career ended before. I wanted to re-write the ending so it’s a bit more positive. We took a shot at it, and what came out was the first song, Insidious, in October 2021.” She recently released a second song, Unrequited (Remember Me), which can be heard on all streaming platforms. Southern is finding that life as an independent musician requires a great deal of work but does not yield a lot of money. “You have to do it for the love of it,” she said.

It’s so different now because ❝ there’s really not any gatekeepers now to what’s good and what’s not on the airwaves. You have to cut through the noise to get noticed, and labels don’t sign anyone that’s not already got a huge following. So you have to build your own following now to make it as an artist.

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CHRISSY STEELE

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Strathcona Symphony Orchestra ‘Going for Baroque’ with concerts in Courtenay and Campbell River ALISTAIR TAYLOR Black Press Media

The Strathcona Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is “Going for Baroque,” and will feature some of the most popular composers of the period, including works by G. F. Handel, Vivaldi, and J. S. Bach. Audiences love the timeless and universal sound of the genre, characterized by ornate melodies, complex harmonies, elaborate ornamentation, and elegant nuances written by European musical masters from the early-1600s to the mid-1700s. In addition to performing at Courtenay’s St. George’s United Church in March, the orchestra is playing in Campbell River at the Trinity Presbyterian Church. “The emotions and feelings conveyed in Baroque music are universal, and can speak to people of all ages and cultures, and continue to remain one of the

most popular categories of classical composition,” said Helena Jung, the SSO’s music director. “One of the pieces in the program, ‘Brandenburg Concerto No. 2’, is a beautifully crafted work of art that exhibits Bach’s masterful compositional skills,” said Jung. “He showcases the violin, flute, oboe, and trumpet in several solos throughout the piece, demonstrating his expressive range and versatility.” Solo passages throughout the program will feature SSO section leads, showcasing their musical prowess and dexterity. The orchestra members are looking forward to sharing their passion for the musical style with concertgoers. Members from the SSO brass section will start the show with a flourish, playing George Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks” fanfare. The symphony will keep the

momentum going until the grand finale of the “Brandenburg Concerto No. 2.” The SSO’s Opera Night, held just before Christmas, was sold out and the orchestra hopes to continue offering exceptional performances to the Comox Valley and potentially other Vancouver Island locations. Tickets for Going for Baroque can be purchased at strathcona-symphony-orchestra.tickit. ca/, or at the door if available. Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 for children 12 years and under. Concerts are on March 11, at 7 p.m., St. George’s United Church, 505 6th Street, Courtenay, and March 12, at 3 p.m., Trinity Presbyterian Church, 145 Simms Road, Campbell River. For more information about the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra, visit the website, www. strathconasymphony.ca.

The Strathcona Symphony will be ‘Going for Baroque’ in a pair of concerts — one in Courtenay, and one in Campbell River — in March. They will feature some of the most popular composers of the period, including works by G. F. Handel, Vivaldi, and J. S. Bach. Photo contributed

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Courtenay gallery goes back to the future with Steampunk’d exhibit SUBMITTED Black Press

Martha Ponting, Pat Acton, Wilma Millette, Jeff Hartbower and Daniel Needham are up-cycling the past to create a future that never existed with Steampunk’d - the current exhibit at Artful : The Gallery. Steampunk’s origins lie in a nostalgic form of science fiction that takes Victorian-era esthetics and imagines a future reliant on steam power rather than electricity. Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are credited with the origins of the steampunk ethos. More recent iterations attesting to its staying power include Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events or Will Smith’s Wild Wild West. All those Victorian elements are fertile ground for imagination, creative artistry, and cosplay complete with gears, goggles, vests, corsets, and lots of pipes and fittings for utilizing all that steam. Steampunk’d includes a wide array of sculpture, assemblage, and collage - all artistic methods which elegantly lend themselves to inventive steampunk creation. Oscar Wilde suggests, ‘The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it.’ As steampunk has hit a new wave, re-makers continue recreating accoutrements from the past into a wide variety of art and gadgets (functional or not) through the ‘antiquifying’ of our disposable materials of mass production. Modern depersonalizing consumer technology is a favourite target, and steampunk fans consider it a form of technological disruption and social protest to envision this parallel ex-

Martha Ponting, Wilma Millette, Jeff Hartbower, Daniel Needham and Pat Acton are up-cycling the past to create a Steampunk’d future that never existed. Photo supplied istence. to wonder at, and rendering the first wave of urday, noon-5 p.m. Steampunk continues alongside its latest iter- a steampunk future now officially nostalgic. Follow Artful : The Gallery on Instagram ation, dystopian cyberpunk. Our technological Steampunk’d runs at Artful : The Gallery at @artfulthegallery or visit www.artfulthefuture has once again reached into the past, until Feb. 18. gallery.com. creating yet another parallel universe for us The gallery is open Wednesday through Sat-

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Comox Valley Nature hosting two webinars, AGM in February Comox Valley Nature is hosting two live, online webinar presentations, as well as the online CVN annual general meeting in February. The first webinar, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., will look at the effects of goose grazing in the Salish Sea estuaries, with presenter Stefanie Lane. Land managers may assume that no human disturbance will preserve ecological quality, and that nature will “take care of itself ” to recover to a “pristine” state after a disturbance. Lane will discuss trends of biodiversity loss in an unmanaged Wildlife Management Area in the Fraser River Estuary, and significant increase in exotic species following goose grazing on Vancouver Island. Lane is a PhD candidate at UBC studying estuarine habitat around the Salish Sea. She is most interested in plant community stability and succession in tidal marshes. Lane is currently working to understand vegetation and seed bank resilience following goose herbivory in small estuaries on Vancouver Island. This is an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about disturbance and trends in biodiversity loss. Registration for the webinar, titled “High marsh plant communities and response to Canada goose grazing in Salish Sea estuaries,” is The first webinar will look at goose grazing in the Salish Sea estuaries. Registration for the webinar, titled “High ongoing, at https://bit.ly/3HMjqVi marsh plant communities and response to Canada goose grazing in Salish Sea estuaries,” is ongoing, at https:// bit.ly/3HMjqVi Photo supplied Feb. 15 - AGM On Feb. 15, 7-9 p.m., CVN is holding its the nomination and election of directors. In https://bit.ly/3jpq3n4 annual general meeting. addition, CVN members will be voting on a Feb. 19 - Rights of Nature movement The agenda includes reports by the vice-presi- proposed change to membership. This is an Rights of Nature (RoN) is a global movement dent, the treasurer, short group reports (birders, excellent opportunity for the public to learn that recognizes nature as a subject with inherbotany, wetlands, Tree of the Year, Airpark more about CVN activities. restoration, Vanier Garry oaks project), and Registration for the AGM webinar is at ent rights to exist, regenerate vital cycles, and

be restored when damaged. With deep roots in Indigenous world views, world religions and human rights, RoN is now law in over 140 Indigenous nations, national and state constitutions, and local communities around the world. This talk (7 p.m.), hosted by Kai Sanburn and Dr. Robin Reid, will describe the history of RoN, the initiatives in progress today, and then focus on the efforts to recognize the rights of the Salish Sea in both Canada and the U.S. Sanburn believes the Rights of Nature movement offers a way to address the complex whole of ecosystem health, both here and elsewhere, via the recognition that natural entities are rights-bearing. That is, they possess the right to survive, thrive and regenerate. From this recognition, the creation of legal frameworks to assert and defend those rights follows. This is a direct challenge to existing legal and cultural paradigms. More information: https:// rightsofthesalishsea.org/about-us/ Reid is a professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (ESS) at Colorado State University. She teaches sustainability science and how to transform science so it is a catalyst for social change to sustainability. Reid also leads and participates in trans-disciplinary teams working on linked social-ecological systems, collaborative research methods, education and engagement in the drylands of East Africa, Mongolia, Colorado, Alaska and elsewhere. She also has a strong interest in linking and fostering learning about collaborative conservation initiatives in the American West. Registration for the webinar is ongoing at https://bit.ly/3DxjXrA

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YANA Big Love Gala sells out in seconds; livestream options available SUBMITTED Black Press

YANA is excited to host the upcoming Big Love Benefit Gala, to be held on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Florence Filberg Centre. This community event will bring together supporters of YANA families, in person and online, to celebrate and show their support. This year’s gala promises to be a night of entertainment, great food, and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the local families YANA supports. The event will be livestreamed for those who missed the ticket sales or wish to attend virtually. Tickets went on sale on Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. and were sold out almost immediately, prompting questions from prospective ticket buyers as to whether there was a glitch in the system. “We started getting messages right away,” said YANA executive director, Kelly Barnie. “Our YANA website crashed momentarily from the traffic, and a few tickets were released from carts, and purchased by others still in the cue. We posted the official notice at 10:39 a.m. that all 336 seats were sold out. It was definitely exciting!” YANA is actively working on connecting people on the wait list with people who have extra tickets available. “All the adjustments we were forced to make over the last two years now have made it possible for everyone who wants to be a part of YANA’s Big Love Benefit to join the fun,” said Barnie. The 350 attendees and volunteers at the

We are so grateful to be in the ❝ incredible position that historically, our biggest ‘problem’ with the Big Love event is that it sells out too quickly. There were always so many people who ended up being left out. The pandemic was far from fun for anyone, but the ability for more people to come together to raise funds to help Comox Valley families needing to travel to access medical care for their children and pregnant mothers is one outcome we are very grateful for.”

❞

KELLY BARNIE

event in person will be joined by countless more YANA supporters, as the event will be livestreamed from the Signature Venue at the Filberg Centre. Livestream tickets are by donation and include access to the massive online auction from Feb. 14-24, and virtual access to the full gala event on Feb. 24, featuring Karen McKinnon’s feature presentation, prize draws, extraordinary live auction, and more! “Everyone who makes a donation for their livestream ticket receives a tax donation for the full amount,” said Barnie. “We have seen donations of $10 and donations of $1,000 for these tickets. Some people will be viewing alone

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One of the highlights of the YANA Big Love Gala is always Karen McKinnon’s heart-felt photo presentation tribute of a local YANA family. Photo submitted comfy in their PJs, and some will be creating a lavish at-home gala. We love that they can make a night that suits them best.” In addition to the in-person event, livestream and auction, people can also help the fundraising total by purchasing 50/50 and WestJet raffle tickets online. “These are a chance to win, but a guarantee of extra support for YANA families,” said Kelly Barnie. New this year for those attending the event virtually, there are two more exciting chances to win. Anyone hosting or attending a livestream viewing party on Feb. 24 can get entered to win “Pre-Sale Access” to purchase up to eight tickets to the 2024 in-person gala event. To be eligible, the viewing party must include four or more people who are all registered to bid in the online auction, and at least one group selfie photo of the party-goers enjoying the livestream together must be posted on Facebook or Instagram with the #YANABigLove. Each party-goer can enter to win.

In addition, every person who registers in the online auction and places at least one bid will be entered to win a 30-minute flight-seeing or charter flight from BC Air for up to three people to experience Vancouver Island like never before. The team of staff and volunteers at YANA are looking forward to sharing the magic of this marquee event with an unlimited number of guests. “We are so grateful to be in the incredible position that historically, our biggest ‘problem’ with the Big Love event is that it sells out too quickly,” said Barnie. “There were always so many people who ended up being left out. The pandemic was far from fun for anyone, but the ability for more people to come together to raise funds to help Comox Valley families needing to travel to access medical care for their children and pregnant mothers is one outcome we are very grateful for.” To purchase tickets and to view event information, see yanacomoxvalley.com.

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Wednesday, February 8, 2023 B7

animal talk SPCA’s Pet Calendar Contest now accepting entries Everyone thinks their pet is the cutest. Here’s a chance to prove it. Share your beloved pet with the world by winning them a page in the BC SPCA’s 2024 Calendar. The Calendar Contest, presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, launched on Feb. 1, with more prizes than ever and a limited-time bonus. “We can’t wait to see all the animals who have left paw prints on their guardians’ hearts,” says Alina Wilson, senior officer of digital giving for the BC SPCA. “When you enter your pet’s photo in the contest, you share that joy with the people around you while also raising urgently needed funds for vulnerable animals.” Participants are invited to upload their pet’s photo and story to the Calendar Contest website, and then invite friends and family to donate in support. The 13 animals (12 months and one cover) with the most votes at 10 p.m. on Feb. 18 will win a spot in the 2024 BC SPCA Calendar. On Feb. 1, donate $25 or more during registration and Hill’s will give you 25 bonus votes (50 votes total). It’s the perfect way to kick-start your fundraising and put you in the running for one of the many prizes. Brand new this year, one lucky pet will win a bonus half page in the calendar. There are also 36 greeting card spots up for grabs. The popular Hill’s Honourable Mention is

also back. Contestants who raise 50 votes or more will have a chance to be selected by the presenting sponsor, Hill’s. Hill’s generously provides all the food for the cats and dogs in BC SPCA care, and is excited to return as the sponsor for the Calendar

Contest fundraiser. “Every year contestants are so passionate in their love for their special animal and for animals everywhere. We can’t wait to crown one lucky pet as the Hill’s Honourable Mention,” says Frances Cheslo, engagement specialist,

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada. “It’s such a fun way to come together for animals in need.” Calendar Contest funds care for animals across B.C. Last year, animal lovers made it possible for the BC SPCA to help more than 118,000 domestic, farm and wild animals. To register and learn more visit spca.bc.ca/ calendar, or contact the BC SPCA at events@ spca.bc.ca or Generosity Services at 1-855622-7722.

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MEET FRESA

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Fresa came to us after living most of her life outdoors. Her rough beginning has only made her more appreciative of love and care. She is the sweetest girl with lots of hugs and kisses to give. Contact the Comox Valley SPCA at 250.339.7722 or please fill out an application at

MEET LEONARD

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Leonard is a very sweet and loving young cat looking for an experienced forever home. He loves everyone, is playful with dogs, and would likely love a cat savvy canine friend to play with in his new home!

Contact the Comox Valley SPCA 250-339-7722 SEARLES SHOES 250-5th St., Downtown Courtenay

250-334-3178

MEET JAVA

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This sweet group of rabbits came to us after their owner was no longer able to care for them. Wait till you see how happy and excited they get for a good salad! Please Contact the Comox Valley SPCA 250-339-7722

comoxvalley@spca.bc.ca

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WOOFY’S PET FOODS 2400 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay 250-338-0455 Comox Centre Mall, Comox 250-339-2272 #12-795 Ryan Rd., Courtenay 250-338-0424

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A repeat warning on Black Death virus ■ Leslie Cox DUCHESS OF DIRT

A number of years ago, I wrote an article warning of looming doom and gloom. It was a report on the relatively new disease attacking hellebores ominously called Black Death. Or to be scientifically correct: Helleborus net necrosis virus, HeNNV for short. In the winter of 2015–2016 I had come across an article by the Royal Horticultural Society about this viral disease. No date on the article but further research revealed this virus was first declared in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe in the 1990s. I also found another reference article noting there were a few hellebores that tested positive for HeNNV in a nursery somewhere in Washington state in the year 2000. This was the only mention I could find of the virus in North America and it did not give a specific location in Washington. New Zealand identified the virus in the Waikato region in 2009 where some hellebores in a home garden were exhibiting black streaks on their leaves and stems. No mention of whether these hellebores had been imported from overseas or if the virus “just appeared.” But six years ago, when researching the initial article, I could not find any mention of Black Death anywhere in Canada. Fast forward to present day and a fresh, exhaustive search has still not turned up any mention of this viral disease in our country. Good news for now, but will it always remain so? As we have learned with COVID, viruses do have a habit of getting around. So far, scientists have not been able to deter-

Helleborus x ballardiae ‘HGC Pink Frost’ will typically show early buds in February. Photo by Leslie Cox

mine how this virus developed in the first place but they do know it is specific to hellebores. And it usually develops in older plants; not so much in young plants. When it comes to the garden, I try to be proactive… getting ahead of any potential problem, if I can. Part of that philosophy is knowing what may be coming, when it may come, and what to look for. Remember those little white pupae I wrote about in a June 2021 column that turned out to be black vine weevils when they emerged? I now keep a watchful eye for them when I am moving plants because those pupae are typically amongst plant roots. (The ones I found just happened to be nestled in the roots of a hosta.) Jumbo Crispy

This time of year, I am keeping a close watch on my hellebores for any telltale signs of HeNNV. One symptom to watch for is any black- or brown-coloured new growth that is stunted and brittle-looking. Also, keep an eye on older leaves that may develop black streaks along the veins, or any stems with black or dark brown streaks, or black streaking on any of the flower bracts. But do not be fooled! Black Death has been known to develop a pattern of rings, rather than streaks, which can confuse a gardener into thinking their plant is afflicted with the much less deadly disease, black spot. Regardless of which disease is causing the black, or dark brown, spots, promptly remove infected leaves

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and destroy them. If the streaking is spreading, dig up the plant and destroy it. Over the years, it has been determined some hellebore species and cultivars are more susceptible than others to HeNNV. Most vulnerable seem to be Helleborus x hybridus and H. orientalis, along with their named cultivars. Less susceptible species are Helleborus niger and H. argutifolius. Forewarned is forearmed, I always say! Special note: I will be offering my workshops starting in late February. The list and details are on my website at duchessofdirt.ca. Leslie Cox co-owns Growing Concern Cottage Garden in Black Creek. Her website is at www. duchessofdirt.ca

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SUM MER

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 B9 FINDING HER OWN LANE

FROM RUST TO RICHES

Valley race car driver aims for the fast track

It's a work of love for Keith Pistell restoring BMX bikes

INFLUENCERS Top Guns of the Comox Valley supplement inside

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Cumberland Museum explores the village’s Black community Erin Haluschak Record staff

This story is part of the Comox Valley Record’s winter edition of Trio Magazine, published quarterly and available throughout the Comox Valley. The winter edition is available at the Record office (407D Fifth St.) and at businesses throughout the Comox Valley. ••• There is an empty case in the Cumberland Museum and Archives building when it comes to the history of the Black community in the village, and its executive director is glad it is there. “(The empty case) is actually part of the exhibition is sort of to say … we don’t have the information or artifacts to fill it. And I think that’s something that’s happening a lot within the museum community right now,” explained Rosslyn Shipp earlier this year. Shipp says it’s important to learn and share stories – or find more information – about the Black community in Canada and locally, particularly in Cumberland. “I think we’re really coming to learn that my history is different from your history, and everybody experiences things in a different manner. And maybe we need to shed more light on other areas and other people’s histories.” Shipp says around the turn of the century, there were between 15 to 40 people in the village’s Black community who lived in a small area down Camp Road. Heading toward Comox Lake, there is a cairn that is a placeholder for where the community once

stood. She doesn’t believe the community lived in the area for an extended period of time, perhaps for about 10 years. From oral history perspectives, the Black community came into Cumberland with mules and showed others how to care for them. There are a few photographs of Black individuals working in the mines, but not many. Shipp notes it is a unique perspective for the community and museum to say they don’t know the history or that they don’t have the full picture of Cumberland’s Black community – it’s not something even five or 10 years ago an institution like a museum might admit. Being open, transparent and willing to learn is a good perspective for the museum to have to take on a part of history that needs more information, she adds. “I think it’s important for places of learning and places for the community to say we have lots of information here, but we aren’t always the experts on everything. And that it’s OK to not be an expert in everything, and that so much of our local history is told to us through community members, and we want to make sure that the community also knows that we may have gaps in our learning as well … and that’s how we can gather more information.” To get more information on Cumberland’s Black community and the village, visit the Cumberland Museum & Archives at 2680 Dunsmuir Ave. from 11 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Tuesday to Saturday.

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A cairn that is a placeholder on the way to Comox Lake marks where the village’s Black community once stood. Photo by Ali Roddam

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B10 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

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New Habitat for Humanity home is ‘quite the weight’ off owner’s shoulders he said. “Not having to worry about you know, if a landlord is gonna put your place up for sale or anything like that is an unreal feeling.” Part of the Habitat for Humanity process is for new homeowners to put in volunteer hours either on build sites or in the Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations. Babchuk, who has experience working in construction, put his talents to use on the build site. “I’ve always been a sort of the blue-collar type,” he said. “So I

MARC KITTERINGHAM Black Press Media

On Wednesday, Feb. 1 family, friends and neighbours braved the cold to welcome Sean Babchuk home. Babchuk was accepting a key for his new Habitat for Humanity home in Campbell River, where he will be living with his two sons. After being out of the housing market for years, Babchuk was thrust back into a difficult and precarious situation after going through a divorce. Through that process, he was unable to hang on to his house and ended up moving back in with his parents. “I slowly built myself up and got out on my own into this rental market,” he said. “It seems to be tanking a lot of people these days. It was sort of in desperation that I came across Habitat for Humanity. “It’s quite the weight off my shoulders.” The key ceremony included speeches from Habitat for Humanity representatives, local government and Babchuk himself, who also received ceremonial gifts of a book, bread, salt, and tools. Babchuk’s friend and

From left are Jason, Sean and Owen Babchuk at their new home. Photo by Marc Kitteringham/Campbell River Mirror new neighbour Afton Frost gave Bab- able to have a place to live over the chuk a large wooden ceremonial key, holidays. “They pulled a lot of strings and formally welcoming him and his famthere was a lot of, you know, paperily to their new home. Babchuk actually moved into his work guys to cross, and they made it new place in December, but the key their goal to get me and my boys in ceremony was postponed due to snow here for Christmas, and we were in at the time. He said it was nice to be mid-December and it was perfect,”

grabbed my hard hat and tool belt, and headed down there and I actually had an awesome time.” Babchuk’s home is one of the units in the Habitat for Humanity complex on Hilchey Road, where a little community is starting to establish itself. He said one of the best things about having a permanent place to call home is being able to settle in. “I plan to live here for some years now,” he said. “I can put that picture on the wall.”

Sean Babchuk holds up a painting that he can finally hang in his new Habitat for Humanity home. Photo by Marc Kitteringham/Campbell River Mirror

Parcel Tax Assessment Roll

Parcel Tax Review Panel Letters detailing changes in taxable frontage values for City property owners have now been mailed. Generally, these letters have only been forwarded to residents in new subdivisions, aﬀected boundary extension properties, or areas with new services. The parcel tax roll may be discussed by e-mail, phone or in person from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except statutory holidays or by dropping off your questions in the mail slot at Courtenay City Hall, 830 Cliffe Ave. A person who owns a parcel included on the parcel tax roll may request that the roll be amended*, but only in relation to the person’s own property.

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The first sitting of the Parcel Tax Review Panel will be held at the Comox Valley Regional District Civic Room located at 770 Harmston Ave, on Monday, February 22nd, 2023 at 3:00 pm to consider complaints against the 2023 Parcel Tax Roll. Written notice of appeal must be received at Courtenay City Hall, Finance Department, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay BC, V9N 2J7, at least 48 hours prior to the first sitting of the Parcel Tax Review Panel.

Adam Langenmaier, BBA, CPA, CA Director of Financial Services *As per section 205 (1) of the Community Charter [complaints to review panel]

Questions? Email finance@courtenay.ca Tel. 250-334-4441

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Comox Valley Record

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 B11

Campbell River passes ban on public drug consumption ahead of decriminalization launch Lone dissenting councillor says action made with not enough consultation ALISTAIR TAYLOR Black Press Media

The City of Campbell River prepared itself for changes to federal drug laws that decriminalize small amounts of drug consumption in B.C. by passing a bylaw making it illegal to consume drugs on public property. “I’m in favour of maintaining the status quo, which is to not have public consumption in the areas which the city has some interest in – the parks and our facilities – particularly because a lot of these places are where children are frequent,” Coun. Susan Sinnott said at city council’s Jan. 26 regular meeting where the bylaw was passed. Health Canada last May announced that as of Jan. 31, 2023, British Columbians aged 18 and older will be allowed to carry up to 2.5 grams of street drugs – including cocaine and fentanyl – without fear of penalty or seizure, provided the drugs are for personal use. The bylaw city council passed Jan. 26 says: “1. THAT Public Nuisance Amendment Bylaw No. 3884, 2023 (consumption of illegal drugs on public property) be adopted. “2. THAT Ticketing for Bylaw Offences

Amendment Bylaw No. 3885, 2023 (consumption of illegal drugs on public property) be adopted.” The purpose of the bylaw is “for the protection and enhancement of the well-being of the community by prohibiting the consumption of controlled substances at any city facility, highway park or public space.” Prior to this item coming up on the agenda, council voted against receiving a letter from Island Health about the bylaw. North Island medical health officer Dr. Charmaine Enns asked Campbell River city council to hold off for six months before passing a bylaw making it illegal to consume drugs on public property. “This would allow staff to monitor the situation to determine if there is, in fact, an increase in public drug use and give council the time to seek sound public health advice,” Enns says in a Jan. 25 letter to city council. “At this time, we are not anticipating an increase in public drug use in communities as this has been a long-standing issue and the status quo hasn’t served as an effective deterrent. Council’s haste with due consideration of the evidence, impacts and other tools to address the issues of public substance use will not serve the community or its citizens well,” Enns says. “It is important to recognize that enforcement activities can drive people to use drugs alone and can elevate risk of death. The preference is to emphasize referral to health and social supports including overdose prevention sites.”

The letter came in late, and thereby was not in the agenda. Coun. Tanille Johnston is opposed to the bylaw, saying it’s too hasty and that adequate consultation on how to proceed in this area has not been done. “We have a pretty thorough letter from Island Health that we voted against receiving but we did receive it in our email yesterday that provides a pretty solid landscape for how our decision-making should be guided in this area,” Johnston said. “It feels tonight like there’s been some insinuation that kind of everyone in the city of Campbell River is terrified of downtown, just judging by some of the questioning asked for people that want to actually develop our downtown and invest in it. (But) when we look back at our vital signs survey, over half of the city feels very safe downtown. The other quarter has no opinion either way.”

The 2022 Vital Signs report was produced by the Campbell River Community Foundation and provides information about 13 different issue areas that influence community well-being. “So I think insinuating that the 25 per cent should drive all of our decision-making is just not a good place to pull decision-making from,” Johnston said. “We haven’t consulted our chief medical officer. We haven’t consulted Island Health on how to do this. There is no information coming from the CDC (B.C. Centre for Disease Control), it’s just not ready yet, that’s going to guide how municipal governments can make these decisions and put things in place that are actually going to help our community. So I feel like we’re making a decision without the adequate information. And I just don’t think it’s a good one.” She was the lone dissenting voice.

Notice of Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel Baynes Sound, Electoral Areas B and C Parks and Greenways Service Black Creek/Oyster Bay Water Local Service Area - 771 Black Creek/Oyster Bay Water Local Service Area - 772 Comox Valley Water Local Service Area Courtenay Flats Drainage Service England Road Water Service Parcel Tax Greaves Crescent Water Service Jackson Drive Sewer Service King Coho Wastewater Service Parcel Tax Royston Water Service Sandwick Water Service Union Bay Water Service The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has prepared the 2023 parcel tax assessment roll as required by section 202 of the Community Charter. Owners of properties located in the above service areas may view the roll after February 8, 2023 at the CVRD office in Courtenay during regular office hours or on the website at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/parceltax. The parcel tax roll review panel will meet to hear requests that the roll be amended on February 22, 2023 at 9:30 am in the CVRD Civic Room, 770 Harmston Avenue, Courtenay, BC. In order for a request to be considered by the panel, it must be in writing in accordance with specific criteria (see link below) and received at the address below at least 48 hours prior to the sitting of the parcel tax roll review panel. For more information visit the CVRD website at: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/parceltax. Enquiries can be made by calling Eleni Hibberd, Financial Accounting Technician, at 250-334-6033. Lucy Wiwcharuk, Collector Comox Valley Regional District 770 Harmston Avenue Courtenay, BC V9N 0G8

B12 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comox Valley Record

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