Vernon Morning Star, December 12, 2012 by Black Press Media Group

SPECIAL HONOUR | Armstrong resident recognized nationally for Search and Rescue efforts [A13]

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012

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“It is poor policy to allow contractors to stir the public and bring forThere are concerns that a com- ward petitions that influence decision ponent of democracy has makers and staff,” he said. been cast aside at Vernon That argument didn’t go city hall. over well with Nicol. Coun. Patrick Nicol “We’ve been influenced by wanted to give a resident so many benefitting parties the ability to present a over the years,” he said. 1,670-name petition on C ou n . Ju l i e tte the future of Okanagan Cunningham supported Landing firefighters. But Sawatzky’s original move not a majority of his colto allow a delegation. Patrick Nicol leagues denied the request “I looked through the sigMonday. natures and many were not “We’ve always received petitions,” city residents. Many did not know said Nicol, adding that residents what they were signing,” she said. should have the right to appear before Once again, Nicol protested the their elected officials. discussion. The issue arose after Mayor Rob “We had people giving input who Sawatzky decided that a resident didn’t live in the city and we accepted could not present the petition Nov. it,” he said of the last official commu26. nity plan review. The petition calls for the reversal Nicol only garnered support from of a decision to cancel a service con- Coun. Bob Spiers. tract with the Landing firefighters. “I see nothing wrong with receivSawatzky stated the petition dealt ing the petition of an interested party. with in-camera matters of labour and We’ve received them before. We legal contracts and permitting a pre- should have received this one,” said sentation would leave people with the Spiers. false impression that they can overCoun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe was absent turn a council decision. Monday. RICHARD ROLKE

Morning Star Staff

DAWN MACE/MORNING STAR

Mrs. Claus can’t resist the kissable cheeks of little Ridge Brockwell during the annual Community Christmas Celebration in Enderby Friday.

City chooses cultural sites, discussion ensues GVAC, which is responsible for culture, asked the city to determine locations for new facilities. Locations have been identified Before sites are agreed to, for cultural amenities but it’s not Garlick wants to hear from the guaranteed they will go there. Greater Vernon Museum and The Greater Vernon Advisory Vernon Public Art Gallery. Committee will take an active role “We have to go to the users and now that the City of Vernon has get their feedback and how they supported the concept of an art can use them,” he said. gallery at the former flower shop Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor, on 31st Avenue and expansion of supports the decision of his counthe existing museum to address Jim Garlick cil on locations. ongoing space constraints. “It’s a logical, thorough analy“We will listen to the reasons behind them,” said Jim Garlick, a GVAC sis,” he said, adding that while some residents have suggested both agencies be on director. “Then we will make a decision to confirm one property, that isn’t viable. “They (groups) don’t want that and are them or not.” RICHARD ROLKE

Morning Star Staff

on different timelines.” Sawatzky isn’t sure what will occur if GVAC doesn’t support the sites proposed by the city. “The process will be more difficult reaching a successful conclusion,” he said. Greater Vernon Museum officials are disappointed with city council’s actions. “They say we can get a 30,000-squarefoot building on this site and I’m not sure how we will do it,” said Ian Hawes, museum president, of the requirement for exhibit space, storage and climate control. “No matter what we do with this site, we won’t have a class A facility. If it’s not a class A facility, why are we doing it?” Hawes is also frustrated council made a decision without input from his group.

“This community needs a vision. Where do we want to be 15, 20 or 30 years from now?” he said. VPAG already has plans for the flower shop site. “It’s in GVAC’s hands to decide where we go from here,” said Dauna Kennedy Grant, executive director. Kennedy Grant would like a spring referendum so a new gallery can be ready for a major print event in 2015. “There’s still a chance we can do that,” she said. It’s been suggested that an art gallery could cost $5 million whereas a stand-alone museum could be up to $10 million. No costs for expanding the present museum have been provided.

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Police release robbery suspect photo ROGER KNOX Morning Star Staff

Vernon RCMP have released video surveillance photos of a robbery suspect in hopes the public can help identify him. The suspect entered Quality Greens in the 4800 block of Anderson Way Nov. 30 at closing time, 7 p.m., produced a bag on the counter and told the clerk to give him the cash. Police said he also opened his jacket and showed the clerk what appeared to be the handle of a gun. “The images are a bit grainy in showing the facial features but we’re hoping somebody knows something about the clothes he was wearing,” said RCMP spokes-

person Gord Molendyk. As the suspect fled, an employee of the store chased after him, caught him but was hit on the head by the suspect, who fled on foot northbound on Anderson Way. The employee suffered a minor injury. The suspect was described as a Caucasian man, mid-20s, clean-shaven, wearing a red or orange jacket with black sleeves and black on the shoulders, lighter blue jeans, black toque and gloves. Anybody with any information on the suspect can call the Vernon detachment at 250-5457171, Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or leave a tip on the local Crime Stoppers’ website,

www.nokscrimestoppers.com. The robbery was one of four attempted on the same night. There were robbery attempts made in Enderby, at Enderby Jewellers, and in Armstrong at the Anchor Inn Liquor Store. Police are still trying to see if those two robberies may be connected. “There are photos available from those robbery attempts but police do not wish to taint potential witnesses, so they are not being released,” said Molendyk. A lone man also tried to hold up the Pizza Factory on 43rd Avenue but was chased off by the knife-wielding owner of the store. RCMP PHOTO Molendyk said they had no Vernon RCMP have released an image of a man who is the suspect in an leads in that case. attempted robbery Nov. 30 at Quality Greens on Anderson Way.

Closing arguments given in fatal accident trial ROGER KNOX Morning Star Staff

Chase Donaldson’s fate now rests with Supreme Court judge Frank Cole. Donaldson, 29, of Coldstream, is facing counts of dangerous driving causing death and failing to remain at the scene of an accident in connection with the death on April 30, 2010 of Kiera-Leigh Carlson, 22. Carlson was struck by a car driven by Donaldson as she walked to work along Aberdeen Road in Coldstream shortly before 9 p.m. Crown argued that Donaldson had been racing along the road and lost control rounding a final corner on Aberdeen. Crown said a

car driven by a Coldstream couple that had just turned onto Aberdeen Road from Highway 6 had to go into the northbound lane to avoid Donaldson’s car coming right at them in their southbound lane. Defence contends that Donaldson saw headlights of a car coming right at him or in his lane, and he accelerated and swerved left to avoid a head-on collision. The nine-day trial held over the course of three weeks wrapped up Monday afternoon as lawyers handed in closing submissions to Cole. In written copies given to the media, Crown lawyer Iain Currie said the evidence proves beyond a reasonable

doubt “not only that the accused drove too fast on Aberdeen Road so that he could not and did not maintain his lane and stop for the red light, but also that he did so intentionally, knowing of the danger his speed would create. “The Crown also submits that the evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused did not stop, provide his name and offer assistance, and did so in a state of at least wilful blindness that he had struck a person.” Referring to the better part of the three days Donaldson spent testifying on the witness stand, Currie said “the accused’s account (of what happened

that night) is inconsistent and profoundly illogical.” In response to Currie’s submission, Donaldson lawyers Glenn Verdurmen and Paul Danyliu wrote that “evidence relied upon by the Crown contains significant inconsistencies and much of it is highly unreliable.” Defence also said evidence presented before Cole has “been consistent with Donaldson’s version of events,” and that the Crown did not prove the charges against Donaldson beyond a reasonable doubt. “Mr. Donaldson should be acquitted of the charges,” wrote his lawyers. In concluding their 45-page submission, Verdurmen and Danyliu

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the scene of an accident with the intent to escape liability.” Cole told both sides he would give his judgment on Tuesday at 10 a.m. unless he was able to finish his reasons for judgment early. If he did, said Cole, he would notify both parties on Thursday, and the decision would be read Friday at 9 a.m.

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Vernon gives blessing to parks structure richard rolke Morning Star Staff

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fied a memorandum of understanding Monday with Coldstream and the Regional District of North Okanagan that will restructure the parks service. “This was an agreement that everyone brought the right spirit to and it’s better than what we had going in,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol, referring to years of fighting among the participants. The new structure will see some parks remain regional in scope while others will become the responsibility of individual jurisdictions.

“We’ve given up our right to go to RDNO.” — Bob Spiers

Vernon will hand ownership of Kal Beach and Marshall Field to the regional district while the city gets 10 regional district lots on Lakeshore Road. The city will become completely responsible for Polson Park. Opposition came from Coun. Bob Spiers. “Why do we have to transfer vast tracts of

land?” he said, adding that ownership of parks could have remained with existing jurisdictions while contracts allowed other jurisdictions to use them. Spiers is also concerned Vernon taxpayers will be left with upwards of $10 million in upgrades to Polson Park over 10 years. “We’ve given up our

right to go to RDNO to ask to participate.” However, Spiers’ colleagues downplayed the transfer of land titles. “The city is part owner of anything the regional district owns. I don’t agree that we just sold out the farm,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. While there has been some suggestion that Kal Beach is valued at $20 million, Cunningham says that is only possible if the property is developed. “I’d never want to see Kal Beach turned over for that,” she said, adding that the agreement

ensures the site remains park. Mayor Rob Sawatzky insists compromises were needed among all participants as a way of bringing the dispute to an end and fostering cooperation. “The agreement has warts and flaws but we’re looking for something to move forward with,” he said. With the MOU now signed, the regional district will begin drafting bylaws to formally change the structure of the parks service. Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe was absent Monday.

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A costly plan to make a downtown Vernon property attractive to developers has been abandoned. Vernon council has supported a staff recommendation to not relocate utility lines underground at the city-owned Coldstream Hotel site on 31st Avenue. “We don’t have the money,” said Coun. Brian Quiring of council’s goal to tighten

“If a developer purchases the land, they can do that.” — Brian Quiring

expenditures. It was projected that the project could cost the city $570,000. “It’s not a priority. If

a developer purchases the land, they can do that (remove power poles) and gain more usable square footage,” said Quiring. In September, council endorsed a staff proposal to apply to B.C. Hydro for funding to move overhead utility lines underground. The goal was to prepare the property for an eventual sale to developers. “The removal of the works changes the site development potential

and options for multiple development,” stated a report at the time. However, staff advice to council has now changed. “Administration and staff have been working through the initial 2013/2014 budget. Through this process, the real estate manager and the manager of engineering development have concluded that this requested upgrade to the city property is not advisable given the current spending limitations and core services review,” said Brent Bandy, real estate manager, in a memo to council Monday. The city purchased the Coldstream Hotel site in 2004 and the plans at that time called for development of a cultural complex.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star A7

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Vernon RCMP recovered more than $27,000 in cash plus a Glock handgun and bullet clip from three allegedly unruly hotel guests on the weekend.

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RCMP arrest hotel guests RogeR Knox

Morning Star Staff

The Lower Mainland trio started out staying at a Vernon hotel. They ended up with beds at the Vernon RCMP detachment. Officers were called Saturday at 4 a.m. to a report of three guests causing a disturbance by banging on doors and being loud in the hallways at the Holiday Inn Express in the 4700 block of 34th Street. “Just before our officers arrived, a second report came in with the caller stating that two males had just pulled the fire alarm (at the hotel),” said Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk. “The description was they were dressed in dark clothing and they had just left by the west doors.” Police officers located the two men carrying bags. The pair turned away from police and began walking away. When officers told the two they were under arrest, they began to run, but were chased down and arrested. “The investigation learned that there were three males associated to the hotel room and their

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associated vehicle was located in the parking lot,” said Molendyk. “The third suspect was found hiding in the vehicle. At first he refused to provide his identity.” All of the men were searched incidental to their arrest and more than $27,000 in Canadian currency was located on them. Also located was a 22-calibre Glock pistol and an altered Glock magazine (where the bullets are kept). “All three men were under the influence of alcohol at the time,” said Molendyk. A Dodge Avenger was towed in for investigation purposes. The three men, aged 26, 22 and 20 are all from the Lower Mainland area, and Molendyk said “one or two of them” are known to police in that area. Charges being forwarded to Crown counsel for consideration include causing a disturbance, mischief, breach of probation (one of the suspects), possession of firearm, possession of a prohibited device (the magazine clip), obstruction and resisting arrest. The trio was expected to appear in court Monday.

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Stabbing victim taken to hospital RogeR Knox Morning Star Staff

A family dispute resulted in one Vernon woman being taken to hospital. Just after 11 a.m. Sunday, RCMP rural officers received a call that a victim had been stabbed by her brother in the 9000 block of Winchester Road, off of Westside Road. “The police were able to call the suspect out of the house with the aid of a loud-hailer (a portable loudspeaker with built-in microphone and amplifier), and they were aware of him being in possession of a weapon,” said RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk. “The suspect exited his residence and, at first, would not obey commands and kept one hand behind his back.”

After extensive verbal coaching, the 59-year-old suspect obeyed police and was arrested without incident or harm. The victim, a

62-year-old woman, was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital for treatment of injuries to her left arm. A weapon was found in the home by police.

The suspect was held for court Monday to face potential charges of assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and uttering threats.

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A8 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star

Opinion

Council should hear concerns

Ian Jensen – Publisher Glenn Mitchell – Managing Editor

4407 - 25th Ave. Vernon, B.C. V1T 1P5

The North Okanagan’s Community Newspaper Published Sunday, Wednesday, Friday The Morning Star, founded in 1988 as an independent community newspaper, is published each Sunday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Submissions are welcome but we cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited material including manuscripts and pictures which should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. EnTIRE ConTEnTS © 1988 MoRnInG STAR PuBLICATIonS LTd. ALL RIGhTS RESERVEd

Switchboard: 250-545-3322 E-Mail: newsroom@vernonmorningstar.com Web site: www.vernonmorningstar.com Mailing Address: 4407-25th Ave., Vernon, B.C., V1T 1P5 Fax: 250-542-1510 Publisher Ian Jensen 250-550-7906

Managing Editor

Glenn Mitchell 250-550-7920

Sales Manager Alan Tomiak 250-550-7927

Concept lacks vision

here doesn’t appear to be much creativity at Vernon city hall. Council has unanimously endorsed a staff recommendation to expand the existing museum instead of constructing a purposebuilt structure in the downtown core. “Maintaining the museum in its current location and adding on to the building would serve to further anchor the area as a cultural centre,” states a staff report. The report goes on to say that “expansion of the building at its present location means creating an additional 18,000 square feet to meet its desired 30,000 square feet.” As a result, precious parking could be lost to the rear of the building, and given the always contentious issue of parking downtown, does that make sense? Also, staff suggests the footprint could be moved towards 32nd Avenue, eating into already limited open space. Richard Rolke The other question that arises is one of visual impact. A larger box, possibly with higher walls, could diminish the park-like setting of the civic complex. Remember, $860,000 was spent in 2010 to create the urban oasis known as Spirit Square. Nowhere in the staff report is there any discussion about the actual needs of the museum to preserve and promote the community’s heritage. Besides more exhibition space, room is required for an always growing collection of artifacts, as well as for programs that are highly in demand. Much like the art gallery, the museum could benefit from 16-foot ceilings if it wants to attract major travelling exhibits to town. And then there is the matter of climate control, something that is absolutely critical for ensuring the integrity of artifacts, many of them aging and fragile.

BEyond thE hEAdlinES

Circulation Manager Tammy Stelmachowich 250-550-7901 Creative Co-ordinator Michelle Snelgrove Accounts Manager Brenda Burgess Classified Supervisor Carol Williment 250-550-7900 Editorial Staff Graeme Corbett Kristin Froneman Roger Knox Kevin Mitchell Katherine Mortimer Richard Rolke Jennifer Smith Lisa VanderVelde

550-7903 550-7923 550-7922 550-7902 550-7924 550-7921 550-7913 550-7909

www.vernonmorningstar.com

At no point does the staff report indicate what expansion of the existing museum will cost. It would be interesting to know how that option compares to constructing a stand-alone building, which could possibly be upwards of $10 million. Retrofits and expansion may be less but is that the best use of limited tax dollars? Some people at city hall will point out that museum officials have previously suggested they could make do with an expanded structure. But those comments were a sign of desperation, a fear that they would never get anything. During an interview Tuesday, museum president Ian Hawes expressed disappointment with council’s actions. That indicates that the museum’s wishes were either not understood or were ignored. The argument can be made that the public already owns the museum site and that will save money. But the city holds title to many lots downtown, so why not one of them? Also, the city purchased property for the art gallery so why is the museum being treated differently? There’s also another bureaucratic component to consider. The Regional District of North Okanagan is responsible for culture and Vernon’s partners have been clear that there must be collective ownership of property used in the function. Is council ready to relinquish a chunk of land right next to city hall to ensure Coldstream and electoral area taxpayers fund the museum? If they are not, why is the current site in the mix? Now that Vernon council has recommended a site, it will be up to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to determine the next steps for the museum. Let’s hope that unlike their Vernon colleagues, the other members of GVAC will actually provide some vision and leadership. Clearly, now is the time to think outside of the box.

It’s difficult to understand why a majority of Vernon council is so opposed to receiving a petition about the Okanagan Landing firefighters’ contract issue. No one is asking council members to break confidentiality and disclose labour and legal details in a public venue. They are also not being asked to enter into a debate with the person presenting the petition. While the petition calls for council to revisit its decision to end the firefighters’ contract, the politicians have complete control over that. All that’s actually being requested of council is to listen to a constituent, and in our democracy, that is a basic right. Residents should be permitted to appear before their elected representatives. In fact, making presentations to council is something Rob Sawatzky did several times prior to being elected mayor. It’s also unfortunate that the integrity of the petition is being undermined. “I looked through the signatures and many were not city residents. Many did not know what they were signing,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. Those concerns could be raised about every petition that has come before city hall, including possibly some that Cunningham agreed with. It’s likely that the bulk of the 1,670 names were from Vernon, and what actually counts is that people took the effort to organize a campaign and take pen to paper. Once again, that is part of our democratic tradition. And perhaps that is the bottom line, if council members are confident that ending the contract was best for the community, then there is no need to hide or belittle the actions of residents taking a stand.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star A9

www.vernonmorningstar.com

Letters

Editor: GlEnn MitchEll

PhonE: 550-7920

❙

E-Mail: letters@vernonmorningstar.com

Changes are needed

am writing this letter in response to Judie Steeves' article of Nov. 23, entitled "UBCO wastewater study causes concern." Many of us have been ringing the alarm over estrogenic compounds in water for years and have repeatedly been told by the Ministry of Environment as well as by some biologists not to worry, that the amounts were too minute to cause problems and that dilution was the solution to pollution. The study is now proving, along with numerous other studies done in Europe, that this is not so. As a director of SENS (Sustainable Environment Network Society) I represented SENS on the Vernon Liquid Waste Management Committee. We made it clear to the consultants hired by the city, as well as to Vernon council, that we strongly advocated different solutions than discharging effluent to Okanagan Lake. The first thing Vernon should be looking at is reducing the amount of water that is used, which of course would reduce the amount of sewage effluent that needs to be treated. We are living in the driest valley in Canada and are using more water than most Canadians.

no solutions Carole James, the NDP Critic for Social Development, outlined what she called her solution for increased food bank use in a recent letter to the editor. [1] Her stated solution is to "improve poverty rates by addressing issues of affordability such as housing, education, and skills training." That's all very well, but those are not solutions to poverty. Food Banks Canada identified the problem quite succinctly: "There is no shortage of lowpaid jobs in Canada…It is not so much the job sector that is important; what is important is the fact that 18 per cent of employed Canadians earn less than $17,000 per year." [2] Education and skills training are important, but they do nothing by themselves to create high-paying jobs and bring people out of poverty. Low cost housing, for its part, simply makes poverty slightly more bearable. Ultimately, as Food Banks Canada (and common sense) suggest, high-paying jobs are the only viable solution to poverty.

❙

The second thing we should do is installing small independent sanitation systems in all areas that are not already hooked centrally, and in all industries that use large amounts of water. This means that the treated effluent would be re-used where it was produced, for irrigation or various industrial tasks, saving enormous amounts of water and reducing the

All the training in the world won't help if there are no good jobs - we'll simply be using our taxpayers' money to train people to go to Alberta where good jobs actually do exist. We have a huge opportunity in the Northern Gateway Pipeline to put hundreds of people to work in highly paid, highly skilled jobs - the most modern, most regulated, most scrutinized pipeline in Canadian history. A conservative estimate suggests that it will create 4,100 person-years of work in the initial stages and 58,000 person-years of work in ongoing jobs - yet both the Liberals and the NDP are busy throwing roadblocks in front of it. The pipeline won't solve all our economic problems, but it's a start. B.C. needs real positive change in the way we approach business in this province. We have to stop tying our farmers up in unnecessary red tape and driving them out of business, and we have to stop saying no to potential economic development. Otherwise we'll be forever stuck in the NDP/Liberal para-

WANNA

WIN?

GET ON-LINEM& E!

GET IN THE GA /contests

@ VernonMorning Star.com

digm - well educated, well-trained people scraping by in subsidized housing because there are no decent jobs. The poor in this province shouldn't have to choose between Alberta and food banks. scott Anderson BC Conservative candidate Bullying How many kids have to end their lives before bullying stops? The majority of us will say the answer to this question is zero. Generally, people want bullying to stop so we do our best to prevent it, but are we doing enough? Do the lectures received in elementary school about the effects of bullying truly make a difference? Does anti-bullying day really change a kid’s attitude? After the suicide of a young girl, I feel it is necessary to remind everyone of the individual roles they play in bullying and what they can do to prevent it. The first role is the victim; it’s important for victims to realize that no one is ever alone. If you’re a victim of bully-

demand on the central sewage treatment system. These "eco sanitation" systems are no longer risky. They work in buildings, cities, and rural areas all over the world. UBC's new CIRS building is using one, as is the Port of Portland building, the San Francisco Public Utility building and Barriere, B.C. just got awarded $6.7 million to build an eco sanitation system, and Bear River, Nova Scotia has been using one for years. Hurricane Sandy has given us a little taste of the disasters awaiting us due to climate change and aging infrastructure systems. Decentralizing sewage treatment systems is one of the recommended ways to protect public health against the water pollution that can result from storms or earthquakes and power outages, to say nothing of the millions of dollars that are saved in maintenance fees. It is unfortunate that important decisions such as how to handle wastes and how to conserve water, often follow the recommendations of expert companies that benefit from the status quo instead of from innovative solutions that are much less costly, more environmentally sound, and certainly safer than the alternative. Huguette Allen

ing ask for help and I guarantee you will receive it; people should never be afraid to make a difference in their own lives. Secondly there are the bystanders. The truth is: to witness someone get bullied and not say anything is just as bad as being the bully. If you are one of the people who so willingly answered, “zero”, to my initial question then never be a bystander; stand up for anyone and everyone. Finally we have the bullies themselves. There is no excuse for bullying; bringing other people down for whatever reason is no way to live, learn some respect. Before a bully can learn how to respect others they will have to learn how to respect themselves. Many kids have committed suicide as a result of being bullied; it’s sad that it takes an event like this to remind us of the extremes of bullying. In writing this letter I hope to remind everyone that they can make a difference. If you think your voice doesn’t matter you are wrong.

In the case of bullying, your voice can potentially save someone’s life: that is worth fighting for. nikita Efimoff

■ The Morning Star is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

Enter Online for a chance to win 2 FREE tickets to a Vernon Vipers game!

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Click on “Contests” on the top right of our website. Select the Vipers Contest and click “Enter Now” to submit your best Viper Game photo! Deadline Date: 12pm Dec. 20/2012

A10 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star

www.vernonmorningstar.com

News

submitted photo

Coldstream and Lavington firefighters extinguished a fire that started from a hot tub on Aberdeen Road Saturday afternoon.

Weekend blaze destroys hot tub Jennifer Smith Morning Star Staff

A Coldstream family’s home was saved despite their hot tub going up in flames Saturday. Firefighters from both Coldstream and Lavington were called out to the blaze around 1:30 p.m. Saturday at 9300 Aberdeen Road. The fire started from a hot tub next to the home and is believed to be electrical or mechanical in nature as it was sparked near the base of the tub where the pumping system and motor is. “We managed to protect a large, heavy timber

building where a family resided and there was a tenant on the other side,” said Shane Code, Coldstream fire chief. “Very fortunate...we were lucky.” Firefighters just happened to be on hand at the hall that day and with the home being just a kilometre from the hall, firefighters had the blaze under control within 10 minutes of notification. “The public notified quickly via 911 and coming down to the hall themselves,” said Code. “We responded in minutes due to members being at the hall.”

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star A11

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A12 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star

www.vernonmorningstar.com

News

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Jennifer Smith/morning Star

Clarence Fulton leadership students (clockwise from driver’s seat) Jolene Denham, Jonathan Kohut, Ryan Cunningham, Quinten Ayers, Sydney Hofer, Kayla Ayers and Katie Prosak invite the community to help fill the bus with donations of food and clothing in the Buy-Low Foods parking lot Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The annual tradition will help less-fortunate families in the area and the Salvation Army food bank.

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A West Kelowna woman has prompted Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP to provide yet another reminder for motorists to slow down. On Thursday, at around 2:15 p.m., a North Okanagan Traffic Services member checked a motorist traveling 148 kilometres an hour on Highway 97 south of Vernon. “That’s 58 kilometres an hour over the posted

“Motorists need to adjust their driving habits.” — Gord Molendyk

speed limit,” said RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk. The 48-year-old woman had been drinking so she was given a roadside test where she provided breath samples that were just below the legal limit. The woman was issued a $368 speeding ticket, and given a

three-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) which carried with it a $200 penalty and her vehicle was impounded for seven days. “With winter driving conditions upon us, motorists need to adjust their driving habits,” said Molendyk. “Slow down, increase your fol-

NotificatioN of Road closuRe This is a public notification that East Vernon Road will be closed in both directions at the BX Creek crossing for repairs and upgrading of infrastructure as a result of flooding damage which occurred earlier this season. Detours are available via BX Road and Tillicum Road as per signage. The closure is expected to begin 8am Monday October 22nd and is estimated to last until Friday December 14th. We apologize for the inconvenience of this closure and appreciate your understanding as these necessary repairs and improvements are made. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these works please contact the Vernon district Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure office at 250-503-3664. Area Manager, Roads Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Okanagan Shuswap District

lowing distance, leave your cell phone alone, and especially don’t drive if you’ve had too many drinks.” Members of NOTS and the Integrated Road Safety Unit conducted a pair of CounterAttack road checks over the weekend in the North Okanagan. Four motorists were issued 90-day IRPs for failing their tests. Two people were given IRP warnings, one motorist was taken off the road for 24 hours for being impaired by drugs and there were three minor drug seizures. Police also issued 22 speeding tickets during the road checks, wrote three seatbelt violation tickets and there were 23 other violations. A total of 25 written warnings were also handed out. Over the past week in the North Okanagan, there were five 24-hour prohibitions (three for drugs, two alcoholrelated), five threeday IRPs and the four 90-day IRPs. There were no impaired drivers and eight vehicles were impounded.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star A13

www.vernonmorningstar.com

News

Search and Rescue volunteer awarded for service “I don’t know where he finds the time to do all of this.” Blakely credits his parents for instilling community service in him, and he insists that

richard rolke Morning Star Staff

An Armstrong man has been recognized nationally for his commitment to helping those in need. Don Blakely, a member of Vernon Search and Rescue, has been presented with the award for exemplary service from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, which is part of the federal government. “It came as a surprise because awards are not the motivation for doing this,” said Blakely, a lawyer. “Helping people is the motivation.” Blakely has volunteered with SAR for 24 years, including search responses, leading strategic planning through numerous committees and panels, developing teaching and revising training courses and assisting in the development of the national SAR insurance program. “Without Mr. Blakely’s energetic,

mom gives you a big hug,” he said. “And in the worst cases and a person is not alive, bringing them back to their family is valuable too.”

No One Dares Come Close®

VEHICLE REMOTE START… winter will never be the same photo submitted

Armstrong’s Don Blakely receives the award of excellence for exemplary service from Geraldine Underdown, National Search and Rescue Secretariat executive director, at a ceremony in Toronto. determined, thoughtful and detailed approach, the SAR service throughout Canada and particularly in B.C. would not be what it is today,” states a secretariat release. Blakely has earned the respect of his local colleagues.

Lumby hatching chicken bylaw richard rolke Morning Star Staff

he gets far more out of volunteering than those he assists. “You have no idea of the feeling you get when you bring someone back alive and their

Proposed zoning changes are giving Lumby residents something to crow about. About nine people attended a public hearing Monday to provide input on a bylaw that would permit laying hens on any lot that contains a singlefamily dwelling and is zoned rural or residential (except the residential manufactured home park zone). “An entire family showed up to support chickens,” said Mayor Kevin Acton. Kevin Acton “One woman was concerned about feed being stored in backyards and attracting rodents.” The main goal behind urban hens is to promote food sustainability. Roosters would not be allowed as a way of reducing noise conflict. The proposed bylaw also would permit secondary suites and no one spoke about that at the hearing. “Secondary suites are a way of providing people with affordable places to live,” said Acton. “It also helps young families get started with a home with a mortgage helper.” Council gave third reading to the bylaw Monday and adoption will be considered at a future date.

“Don is more than deserving of this award. He puts thousands of hours into SAR local-

ly, provincially and nationally,” said Pete Wise, Vernon SAR president.

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A Community That Cares ...

I’ll Be Home For Christmas is a new community initiative involving a group of caring business who wanted to help a deserving person or family in need, especially during the Holiday Season as costs for most households increase. It is designed for those who might be considered the ‘working poor,’ who have had a setback due to medical reasons or other life situations that make it tough to get through the month of December. Here is how it works! Each year in time for Christmas, a group of locally-owned businesses willing to sponsor the event will be looking for referrals of deserving persons or families to be awarded the gift of FREE RENT, to a maximum of $750. The person or family will not apply. This will be a surprise gift! “ We understand the value of having a home,

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” ~ William James

and very much wanted to be part of this community building initiative.” “Nixon Wenger is thrilled to support such an obviously worthwhile initiative.” “Vernon is such an amazing community and gave to my family in our time of need, so I feel it is important to give back to Vernon!”

“Vernon is still a small town. I believe it is important for local businesses to help out local people when they can.”

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give...” ~ Winston Churchill

I’ll be home for Christmas “ The idea of helping a local family in need, especially at Christmas, was very appealing. It’s just the right thing to do!”

“It’s not just about building homes….it is about building communities.” “We know how financially demanding this time of year can be and we are pleased to help support a family in our community.”

If you would like to get involved in the 2012 I’ll Be Home for Christmas initiative, please contact Darcy Griffiths at Re/Max 250.549.4161.

A14 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star

Arts

www.vernonmorningstar.com

Editor: Kristin FronEman ❘ PhonE: 250-550-7923 ❘ E-mail: entertainment@vernonmorningstar.com

Local talents team up to celebrate the season Kristin Froneman Morning Star Staff

Their stories are not too dissimilar. Both found their voices and musical ability at a young age in their hometown of Vernon. Their community watched them grow up on local stages. Both went off to kick-start their music careers: one going east to the Big Smoke, the other south to Music City. And neither has ever forgotten where home lies — especially as Christmas time nears. Singer-songwriter talents Jodi Pederson and Raquel Warchol are about to join up for a Christmas concert on Dec. 19. It’ll be the first time the two young women have performed exclusively together. “Ever since I met Jodi, I have wanted to play a show with her. I thoroughly enjoyed Jodi’s Christmas concerts in the past, so I asked her if she wanted to do one again this year with me. So here we are! I can’t wait to share the stage with such a talent,” said Warchol. A Kalamalka Secondary School grad, Pederson, kicked off her career with a chance meeting with Toronto-based producer Jack Lenz when she was just 17. In 2009, she released her first album, Seasons, which was produced by Asher Lenz (son of Jack.) The album did well and some of the songs were featured on radio and used on the TV series Crash and Burn and Men with Brooms as well as on the feature film, Waiting for Summer. However, it was her 2010 holiday single, Christmas With You, produced by Vernon’s John Newton, that earned her the most success, hitting No. 33 on the Top 20 Hot AC (adult contemporary) charts. Last year, Pederson embarked on her cross Canada Much Love tour with her accompanist and cousin Joel Pederson. The

Photos submitted

Vernon singer-songwriters raquel Warchol (above) and Jodi Pederson stage An Old Fashioned Christmas at the Powerhouse theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 19. travel bug officially set in, and she made her way to Australia soon after to continue performing and writing music. Now residing in Vancouver, Pederson is currently working on her second album and says she is happy to be home with her family and is looking forward to this year’s holiday concert with Warchol. “Raquel and I first met years ago when we both performed at Polson Park. I couldn’t believe this tiny girl was just rockin’ out on stage — amazing talent,” said Pederson. “We began performing at the same events such as Canada Day in Vernon. She and I are just two girls in a sea of male musicians in this town, so we were bound to get together for some songwriting and performances.” Also a talented guitarist, Warchol has been writing songs and performing since she was a child. At 12 years old, she took home the Best New Artist of the Year award at the

Scorpion Music Awards (now known as the B.C. Interior Music Awards.) She made her first trip down to Nashville when she was a young teen, and turned the heads of major players in the music industry, including the vice president of

the world’s largest talent firm, the William Morris Agency, who labeled her a “professional songwriter.” While studying at Vernon Secondary, she had the opportunity to travel back and forth to L.A. and Nashville to write with songwriters and artists that ranged from writers with No. 1 hits. “Writing songs has always been an outlet for me,” said Warchol. “You have to be vulnerable to write a song. The more your lyrics and melodies reflect who you are as a person, the more likely someone else will be able to relate to it too.” Along the way she has performed on the Great Wall of China, as well as opening for the likes of country star Aaron Pritchett and rock legends Foreigner. She has also been invited to perform twice at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival, and more recently gave a live performance at Kelowna’s Streaming Cafe, which was broadcast internationally online. Aside from her numerous trips to Nashville and L.A., a contagious feel-good buzz transferred from stage to students this past September when Warchol opened for the band Hey Ocean at UBC Okanagan. Now 19, she has recently recorded new material that she believes portrays her raw and organic simplicity of tasteful guitar riffs infused with vocals that capture the breathiness and soulful touch of her voice. She is ready and ecstatic to perform her newly recorded tunes live and share them with local audiences. Audiences can also expect a few Christmas duets when Pederson and Warchol stage An Old Fashioned Christmas at Powerhouse Theatre. The concert, sponsored by Kiss FM and Wentworth Music, takes the stage Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. Special guest Windmills will open. Tickets are $20 at the Bean to Cup, Butcher Boys and Wentworth Music. Proceeds go to the Canadian Diabetes Association

Sound of Music a peak performance

could use the same cliché for every time I have written about The Sound of Music. You know how it goes. It has to do with the first song you hear performed by Kristin Froneman that flibbertigibbet girl who lives in the Abbey. Staged at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre this past Friday and Saturday, this amateur production of The Sound of Music saw hills, make that mountains, come alive once again. I have been an admitted fan of the 1965 movie since I was a young girl. So much so that I remember going up to a couple of long-haired boys wearing KISS T-shirts in a record shop and

TheaTre review

suggesting they get a copy of The Sound of Music soundtrack. Their reaction, dumbfounded. But hopefully, they gave it a listen! Produced by Sparkling Hill Resort (fitting considering the Austrian roots of the resort’s owners), as well as local soprano/vocal studio owner Melina Moore, this production was based on the 1960 musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The musical had superb orchestration and pacing and used simple staging (including projected scenes of Salzburg on the performing arts centre’s giant screen) to its effectiveness. At a cool two hours and 15 minutes, it managed to tell the story and include all those beloved songs without leaving one feeling empty. This production also had the added bonus of the Okanagan Symphony performing the score and accompaniment. Led by an enthusiastic Rosemary Thomson on the baton, who could be seen

mouthing all the words and smiling at the youngsters on stage, the musicians and vocalists were superb, and really brought the show to life. (Kudos especially to the small, unseen chorus in the pit who added to the heavenly voices of the nuns, and later could be seen accepting the second and third place awards at the Salzburg festival. Brava, ladies!) And where they found all those incredible talents to play the seven von Trapp children right here in this little, old valley of ours is beyond me. From the youngest, Alexa MacDougall (Gretl), to the oldest, Ella Kuntz (Liesl), the kids were on top of their game –– even when some distortion on their microphone headsets arose. Let’s just say, the future looks bright for these youth to take on more stage roles as they grow older. And then came this age-old question. Just how do you solve a problem like Maria? Well, you get

the truly blessed voice of Melina Moore to take on the role. Moore, known for directing local productions of Les Miz, The Producers and Pirates of Penzance, came out from behind the scenes to show not only what her voice can do, but her acting chops. What can you say? She is the total package. Her Maria was extremely likeable. Her chemistry, especially with the children, was believable, and her voice, well, magical. Every song was pitch perfect and keyed to hit high notes not tangible for most humans. Not only did she match beautifully with her “brood” of seven in numbers such as Do-Re-Mi and The Lonely Goatherd (the required yodelling in that song alone is enough to trip up the tongue), her duets with the Captain (Paul Rossetti) were subtle enough so that she didn’t drown out her costar’s light and agile tenor. And although he obviously

is not a guitar player, Rossetti’s performance of Edelweiss in the Salzburg Festival scene was absolutely beautiful. Just like in the film, with Christopher Plummer performing the role, he had many in the audience with a big ol’ lump in their throats. Don Cecile and Susan Currie also did their best with their stuffy and sly characters (Max Detweiler and Elsa Schraeder) bringing much comic relief. As Mother Abbess (Susan Evans) sang so beautifully: “Climb every mountain... ‘til you find your dream.” I think the cast and crew of this production of The Sound of Music found their peak performance. Sparkling Hill Resort is staging The Sound of Music as part of its New Year’s Eve two-night celebration package at the resort. To find out more, visit the resort’s website at sparklinghillresort.com or call (877) 275-1556.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star A15

www.vernonmorningstar.com

Arts

Jazzing up the holiday season Kelowna vocalist and Jazz Café Band get into the spirit at VJC

Sammy Davis Jr. A popular VJC regular, Gamble appeared recently with Sandy Cameron and the Sax Trio plus Three. Gamble was named the B.C. Interior Music Award’s 2006 Musician of the Year. Special guest Chad McLeary, a talented vocalist and guitarist, will open the evening. McLeary’s performance is sponsored by Wanda and Gary Fisher. Anna Jacyszyn and the Jazz Café Band take the stage at the Vernon Jazz Club (3000-31st St. upstairs) Saturday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the Bean Scene or Bean to Cup coffee house or order them online at www.vernonjazzclub.ca.

Dvoira YanovskY For The Morning Star

Catch the season’s spirit with fabulous jazz vocalist Anna Jacyszyn and the Jazz Café Band at the Vernon Jazz Club this Saturday. Jacyszyn and the band have a festive evening planned for the fans. “We will be performing some James Bond classics and some fun Christmas songs that Julie London and Dean Martin fans will recognize. The rest of the evening will consist of original songs and arrangements taken from the likes of Duke Ellington, Horace Silver, and Arlen & Mercer,” said Jacyszyn. Winner of the 2010 Okanagan Arts Award for music, Jacyszyn pours life into the lyrics and stories she tells, describing herself as “someone who cares about the stories of the songs I sing.” Jacyszyn and the band ground their music in the jazz standards of the Great American Songbook with a twist, adding unique spins like pairing a swing with a bossa nova. “From bebop, to modern, to ‘60s soul jazz, this band loves taking a classic and giving it the freedom of exploration,” said Jacyszyn. Jacyszyn began her career singing backup for dance music artists like Yazz, Marshall Jefferson, and Cher, but her true love is jazz. “Jazz is my life career. I have been blessed through this genre of music to travel around the world, from Monte Carlo to Singapore, Europe to Oman and the Emirates, and now back in Canada where I continue to promote world class jazz in Kelowna,” said Jacyszyn.

presents… Photo submitted

kelowna jazz vocalist anna Jacyszyn is joined by the Jazz Café Band at the vernon Jazz Club for a performance of great standards and season favourites, saturday. Jacyszyn founded the popular Jazz Café, voted Best of the Best in Okanagan Life Magazine. Recent highlights include a featured live performance last year on CBC’s Hot Air. Jacyszyn is also well known for her contribution to music and charity works in the Okanagan, receiving a Spirit of Kelowna Award and a citation from the Okanagan Institute. The Jazz Café Band is a “who’s who” of the Okanagan’s best jazz musicians including

Craig Thomson on sax, Loni Moger on guitar, Bernie Addington on bass, and Scott Gamble on drums. Music educator Thompson teaches jazz and concert band at Mount Boucherie Secondary School. He recently released the CD Bright Beginnings and is heading up the Live After 5 jazz jams at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna. A talented and versatile musician, Moger earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston’s

prestigious Berklee College of Music where he studied guitar, voice, and arranging. Recent highlights include performing an all James Bond movie theme gig at the Jazz Café. Freelance jazz musician and recording artist Addington has played with everyone from Michael Bublé to Harry Connick Jr. to Rita Chiarelli. He has been touring Western Canada with the Rat Pack, a Las Vegas tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and

FOR ADVANCE TICKETS GO TO

cineplex.com

POLSON PLACE MALL

**NO PASSES

#275 - 2306 HIGHWAY #6, VERNON

TEL: 250-542-1107

MET OPERA - Tickets Now On Sale!

ShowtimeS for friday, deCemBer 7, 2012 to thurSday, deCemBer 13, 2012

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (G - May frighten young children) Saturday 10:20, 12:10; Sunday 12:10. RISE OF THE GUARDIANS 3D (G - May frighten young children) Friday to Sunday 3:10, 6:05, 9:10; Monday to Wednesday 6:05, 9:10; Thursday 5:50, 8:00. WRECK-IT RALPH (G - Violence) CC Friday 4:15, 7:20, 10:00; Saturday 10:40, 1:10, 4:15, 7:20, 10:00; Sunday 1:10, 4:15, 7:20, 10:00; Monday to Wednesday 7:20, 10:00; Thursday 5:55. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2 (14A - Violence) CC Friday 4:05, 7:10, 10:15; Saturday and Sunday 1:00, 4:05, 7:10, 10:15; Monday to Wednesday 7:10, 10:15; Thursday 7:00, 10:05. LIFE OF PI 3D (G - May frighten young children) CC Friday 3:55, 7:00, 10:05; Saturday 10:10, 12:50, 3:55, 7:00, 10:05; Sunday 12:50, 3:55, 7:00, 10:05; Monday to Wednesday 7:00, 10:05; Thursday 6:50, 9:55. SKYFALL (PG - Coarse language, violence) CC Friday 3:45, 6:50, 9:55; Saturday and Sunday 12:40, 3:45, 6:50, 9:55; Monday to Wednesday 6:50, 9:55; Thursday 6:40, 9:50. PLAYING FOR KEEPS (PG - Coarse language) Friday 3:05, 6:10, 9:15; Saturday and Sunday 12:05, 3:05, 6:10, 9:15; Monday to Wednesday 6:10, 9:15; Thursday 7:10, 9:45. **THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY 3D () Thursday 10:00. KILLING THEM SOFTLY (14A - Frequent coarse language, violence) Friday and Saturday 4:25, 7:25, 10:10; Sunday 1:20, 4:25, 7:25, 10:10; Monday to Wednesday 7:25, 10:10; Thurday 10:15. THE METROPOLITAN OPERA: UN BALLO IN MASCHERA LIVE () Saturday 9:55.

Anna Jacyszyn “Jazz tunes infused with seasonal classics”

Saturday, Dec. 15th at 8 pm TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT

www.vernonjazz.ca OR BEAN SCENE & BEAN TO CUP 3000 - 31 st St., Vernon • Tickets: $20 (Member rebate at door)

A16 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - The Morning Star

www.vernonmorningstar.com Wednesday, December 12

Arts

6:00

3 Rewind (Taped) Å

CHBC

CTV BC

CBUT

KIRO

GLOBAL

KNOW

KOMO

SPK

A&E

CNN

19 Mistletoe” (2006, Drama)

YTV

Photo submitted

Bells ring for Christmas Morning Star Staff

The Vernon Handbell Choir is one of the hidden jewels in the local music scene. Directed by Winfield’s Dwight Holmberg, the choir performs on unique bronze bells and chimes that have a visual appeal and diverse sound. The public can hear for themselves when the choir gives two performances in Vernon for the Christmas

season. The first one takes place on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, located at 15th Street and 32nd Avenue. The choir will be accompanied by flutist Devon Muhlert and the First Baptist choir. The second performance is at Canterbury Court on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. The public is very welcome to attend these two performances.

For the record: Tapestry choir www.powerhousetheatre.net

Sunday’s story on the Tapestry Women’s Choir had the wrong time for the second show taking place this Sunday, at Centennial Theatre in Armstrong. The second concert will take place at 4 p.m.; not 4:30 p.m. as reported. There is also a 1:30 p.m. show. The Morning Star apologizes for the error.

NEWS SHOW DISC SLICE KAYU TLC BRAVO FAMILY TBS OUTDR HIST AMC SPVSN KCTS KING VISION

6:00

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CTV BC

CBUT

KIRO

GLOBAL

8 9

A&E

CNN

19 Carol” (2007)

YTV

NEWS

SHOW

DISC

SLICE

KAYU

TLC

BRAVO

FAMILY

TBS

OUTDR

HIST

Coming in FEBRUARY Lots of laughs…

AMC

Becky’s new car

SPVSN

Coming in APRIL Find the humour in a midlife crisis…

KCTS

KING

VISION

Adults: Matinee Adult: Students: Terrific Tuesday:

$25 $22 $19 $18

TOTAL

($50 total) ($44 total) ($38 total) ($36 total)

Tickets may be available at the door, one hour before curtain.

THe LasT OF THe reD HOT LOVers

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Evening 7:30

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