Penticton Western News, January 02, 2013

NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

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School district tackled some tough issues in 2012

news

VOL. 47 ISSUE 1

12

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2013

14

3 page

Looking back at the top stories of 2012

entertainment Concerts that kept us

sports Vees RBC Cup win the highlight of 2012 sports in Penticton

rocking until the new year

NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

FAMILY AFFAIR — Jennifer Rawecki and two-year-old daughter Ella spend a quiet moment together at the Penticton Community Centre aquatic centre pool this week.

The pool and fitness centre are open regular winter hours with the exception of New Year’s Day when the public can access the services from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mark Brett/Western News

NEW YEAR BRINGS CHALLENGE Steve Kidd

Western News Staff

One of the major news stories for 2012 in Penticton is apt to be back in 2013 as one of the top challenges facing the city.

That would be the Challenge Penticton longdistance triathlon. In August, the city announced that the 2012 Ironman, the 30th, would be the last and the city would now be hosting the first North American Challenge Family race.

“There is some risk being taken by the community and by the city to make sure we can establish the Challenge here, which we are very sure we can,” said Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton. “Once we get through year one, year two, I anticipate there is going to be a substantial buildup as has happened in other communities.”

The difference, Ashton said, is that the race, a major event on Penticton’s tourism schedule, is once again owned by the community, as it

was originally, with the majority of the revenues staying in Penticton and the South Okanagan-Similkameen.

“Nobody has the ability to put on a top triathlon race in all of Canada as Penticton and the South Okanagan-Similkameen do. We have done it for 30 years,” said Ashton. “I think Challenge is going to be a very large competitor in the triathlon business in North America a lot quicker than people think.”

On the economic front, Ashton is hoping 2013 is the start of a turnaround after stagnating for the last few years.

“I am looking to a better year. From what I am reading, America is starting to get some traction and that is going to help us,” said Ashton. “We’re starting to see it in lumber again, homes are picking up, people are starting to build homes again. We are a resource area, if it wasn’t for tourism and resources, there wouldn’t be a lot here.”

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According to Ashton, the new prison, planned for OIB lands near Oliver, will also have an effect on Penticton. There is going to be 250-300 jobs there, he said, which means 250-300 families looking for homes and places to spend their money.

“I think it is going to be very positive for Penticton. We have, by far, the best amenities in the South Okanagan,” said Ashton, referring to the pool, convention centre, South Okanagan Events Centre, the school system and other facilities. “My gut feeling is we will be a community of choice to live in.”

Though it won’t hit till later in the year, management of the SOEC will also be an issue next year, as Global Spectrum’s contract runs out on Dec. 31, 2013. Ashton said the city will not actively search for a replacement, but plans to put the contract out under a request for proposals.

See ASHTON - Page 2

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Ashton hints there are a couple of large projects on the drawing table to come forward early in the new year, but adds that there are already some housing projects on the go for 2013.

“Sendero Canyon will be full on stream, which allows a whole bunch more building lots in Penticton,” said Ashton. But what is going on in neighbouring communities, like the Penticton Indian Band, can’t be overlooked, he continued. “(Chief) Clarence Louie (Osoyoos Indian Band) has been incredibly progressive, look what’s taken place there. And I know (Chief) Jonathan Kruger (PIB) and his new council are going to carry that on their work,” said Ashton. “They are starting to spool up and that will make a difference. When I take a look at the Arrowleaf project, which is 300 homes on the west side of the valley, those people are going to shop locally, become involved in the community.”

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

news

School district tackles tough issues in 2012 Joe Fries Western News Staff

Mark Brett/Western News

Holiday readiNg — Brothers Zach (front) and Max Macintyre check some of the titles on the shelves at the Penticton Public library this week. With the exception of New year’s day, the library is open on the regular winter schedule, including Sundays from 1-5 p.m.

ASHTON - New contract needed for SoeC “Those contracts were signed when the world was a different place. To Global’s credit, they have got on board, they’re making the changes. They know that the contract is coming up in 2013,” said Ashton. “To me, the SOEC is on the right track. It’s a phenom-

enal building that is going to have huge opportunities in the decades to come.”

However, Ashton expects the SOEC contract will generate considerable interest once it becomes available.

“I am quite sure that alter-

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nates will be searching us out. It is a cherry facility, and then you throw in the convention centre and Memorial Arena,” he said. “I am quite sure there is going to be a multitude of people responding to an RFP for that particular property.”

Allegations of inappropriate conduct against a teacher and the elimination of its sex-education instructor’s position were among the challenges that faced the board of the Okanagan Skaha School District in 2012.

Still, board chair Ginny Manning said she’s pleased with staff and elected officials’ continued focus on students.

Voters elected four new members to the seven-person board in late 2011 and Manning said the new personalities have brought refreshing insights but kept kids at the forefront.

“Everybody is really open to conversation and discussion and everybody certainly has different opinions and is coming from a different place,” Manning said. “However, we all are able to come to the table and we’re heading in the same direction.”

She said those efforts were validated

by December’s superintendent’s report on achievement that showed local students are finishing school at a rate unseen for at least five years.

The six-year completion rate stood at 84 per cent in 2012, up from 81 per cent in 2008. The rate, which looks at the number of students who graduate within six years of entering high school, also reached at an all-time high of 66 per cent for Aboriginal students.

Also of note are results from standardized tests of Grade 4 and 7 students that showed local kids are outperforming their B.C. peers in six key categories.

“The success of our district is a team effort, and thanks really go out to the terrific employees who work so hard to make education a great experience for our students,” Manning said.

Such successes, however, took a back seat at times to some of the issues that popped up in 2012.

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When the school board in May approved its 2012-13 budget, it opted go forward without a family life teacher.

With the district’s longtime sex educator, Brenda Kroschinsky, due to retire, the board decided not to replace her and instead find different ways to teach kids about sexual health. That prompted pleas to the board from a student and parent, who were unable to convince trustees to change their minds.

Manning said the district has managed to cover off the family life learning outcomes by having regular school staff cover the subject matter and by bringing in experts from outside agencies.

“If we had all the money in the world, it would have been great to be able to retain that position, however, within budgets such as we have we weren’t able to do that.”

Less money, more problems

Faced with an $1.8-million gap between what it wanted to spend and what it had available to spend, the school board made some tough choices when it approved the 2012-13 budget.

Trustees chose to eliminate the equivalent of 7.8 full-time jobs and take $1 million from savings and reserves to make the $57-million operating budget.

Manning said board members tried to “keep (cuts) as best we could away from the classrooms, which is a positive.

Hopefully we will continue to be able to do that.”

And the budget looks to be the biggest issue facing the school district next year. Manning said she’s expecting another 1.5 per cent decrease in provincial funding due to a continued decline in enrolment, plus the usual increase in staff costs and utility bills.

Offshore accounts

To help bring in additional money, the school district has renewed efforts to attract international students.

With a new fee structure that would see a visiting student pay $12,000 per year for tuition, almost double what the district receives in government funding for each domestic student, the return could be significant.

“We’ve been talking about it for a number of years; the time was right to do it this year and to be able to do it the right way. We’re moving cautiously,” said Manning, adding the availability of classroom space and staff interest were also factors in the decision.

Parlez vous Francais

Besides the expansion of its international reach, the district is also contemplating a new early French immersion program that would accept students in kindergarten and Grade 1.

That program would complement the late French immersion program already in place for students in Grade 6 and up.

District staff has hosted parent meetings in Penticton and Summerland and learned there are nearly 60 kids whose guardians are interested in enrolling them if, and when, the program starts in fall 2014.

Manning said a committee studying the feasibility of EFI will report out to the board in May, at which time trustees will decide whether or not to invest another year in planning before making a final decision in February 2014 based on actual applications.

Not much to say

The public learned in October that KVR Middle School teacher Miko McGrady was facing a disciplinary hearing with the B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch due to nine allegations of inappropriate conduct in his classroom between December 2009 and June 2010.

McGrady admitted three of the counts of professional misconduct, had the other six quashed, and accepted a two-week suspension. Former students rushed to his defence when the allegations were made public and McGrady later told the Western News he felt pressured by both the TRB and his unionappointed lawyer to take the deal.

The school district remained tightlipped throughout because it claimed it was a personnel matter and confirmed only that it had investigated the matter and referred it to the TRB. Manning said it remains a personnel matter.

“There’s not much I can say about that issue,” she said.

“It was not us that made that decision. It’s very difficult for me to comment on that.”

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

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news

Looking back at top stories of 2012 Penticton landmark going up in flames tops the list of online stories Western News Staff

Stories that hit a nerve with readers of the Penticton Western News for 2012 ran a gamut from fires, tragic deaths, business stories to the conclusion of the Ironman Canada legacy in Penticton and the birth of the Penticton Challenge.

Using statistics that give the total page views on individual stories on the website PentictonWesternNews. com, below are the top stories that generated the most attention from readers.

1 — Gathering the most page views for news stories on the website for 2012 was a fire in early February that left an iconic building reduced to nothing but rubble.

Although it only took a few moments to take down when fire ripped through Slack Alice’s in February, taking with it The Valley Motor Inn, Bubblee’s Beer and Wine Store and the Chinese Laundry, some walls in the building had been standing since the B.C. Hotel was first constructed in 1905.

When Penticton firefighters arrived on scene, a small plume of white smoke coming from the rooftop quickly turned to black smoke and despite their efforts to keep the flames at bay, the fire broke through and spread quickly through the historic building. Investigators probing the cause of the fire came up emptyhanded.

Stories on the blaze generated more than 10,000 visits to the website, with a single article topping 7,300 views.

2 — Nearly every city has its own iconic event that becomes a part of its community’s identity and for several decades Penticton had Ironman Canada. However, all of that is about to change. With the 30th annual Subaru Ironman Canada ending its run in Penticton and the ushering in of Challenge Penticton, readers chimed in on the pros and cons of each.

After hearing presentations from

Fred Lambright of Westbank (above) is cheered on to the transition area by volunteers after finishing the swim portion of the Subaru ironman Canada race in Penticton in august. it was the 30th and final ironman in Penticton. Firefighters (right) battle the blaze that destroyed Slack alice’s pub in February.

both World Triathlon Corporation and Challenge Family, city council decided it was time for a change and to put the emphasis back on the athletes.

As well, Mayor Dan Ashton said it would provide a greater boost to the city’s economy. Challenge Penticton will take place Aug. 25, 2013 and is slated to be a week-long festival with twice the size of prize purse. Ironman decided to take its race to Whistler on the very same date as the Challenge will race in Penticton.

Four separate stories on the final Ironman and new Challenge race were all among the most read online stories, combining for more than 10,000 views. This put the story in second spot for most read online.

3 — A tragic story of a 12-yearold girl drowning on Skaha Lake was the third most-read story on the Pent-

icton Western News website, with more than 4,200 page views.

In July, dive teams found Ida Marie Holt-Scherer’s body about 60 metres out from where she was last seen by family members playing with her cousins in the water just west of where the Okanagan River Channel dumps out into the lake.

That specific area of the beach followed Transport Canada guidelines, placing yellow buoys to mark a danger area at the drop-off where the girl slipped under.

The City of Penticton reviewed safety standards immediately following the death and two weeks later put up additional signage and extended an existing fence near the hazardous waterway. In addition, the city put new signage down the river channel waterway near the exit point.

See 2012 - Page 4

Community sites set up to drop off Christmas trees Western News Staff

It filled your home with a fresh scent, provided a festive backdrop for photos and sheltered gifts under its delicate boughs, but now it’s time for your Christmas tree to meet its maker.

Don’t feel bad though, because you can still give it a dignified send-off.

Community groups and local governments throughout the region have once again organized a raft of pickup dates and drop-off sites to make sure your Christmas tree gets the retirement it deserves. Services are offered for clean, natural trees that have been stripped of fake snow and tinsel so they can be chipped up and then used for compost, mulch or animal bedding.

Penticton

Until Jan. 16, members of the Penticton Fire Fighters union will collect trees by donation. Proceeds will go to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Association Burn Fund and Muscular Dystrophy charities. To schedule a pickup, phone 250490-2315.

If you’d like to take one last ride with your tree, you can drop it off at Fire Hall No. 2 at 285 Dawson Ave. across from the Western News office. Trees will be accepted until Jan. 31.

Osoyoos

From Jan. 15-19, volunteers from the Naramata Citizens Association will be picking up trees for residents there. To schedule a curbside pickup, call Craig Henderson at 250-4965222 or email editor@mynaramata.com. Cotter’s Bin Rentals will be helping with collection.

Everywhere

You can put kids to work and get rid of your tree at the same time by arranging pickup through the fire hall at 250-494-7211 ext. 3. Students from Summerland Secondary School will then collect the trees on Sunday, Jan. 6, and Sunday, Jan. 13. Donations will help fund the school’s dry grad celebrations.

Everything else

Naramata

Summerland

Oliver

Only until Jan. 4, residents can drop off their trees at the south gate of the Oliver Public Works Yard at 5971 Sawmill Rd. Local air cadets will then haul away the trees to the chipper.

There are two places to drop off your tree until Jan. 11. The options are the boulevard adjacent to the washrooms at Kinsmen Park, or at the northwest corner of the parking lot below the Sun Bowl Arena sign.

All landfills within the Regional District of OkanaganSimilkameen area will take your Christmas tree or any other wood waste free of charge, up to 500 kilograms per load.

Landfills are located in Penticton, Summerland, Osoyoos, Oliver, Princeton, Keremeos and Okanagan Falls.

Don’t forget that just about everything can be recycled nowadays, including electronics that were nudged out of service by this year’s gadgets or ugly Christmas sweaters that are no longer fit for public display.

And the Recycling Council of B.C. has now made it easier than ever to find a new, guilt-free home for your stuff by visiting the Recyclepedia website at www.rcbc.bc.ca/recyclepedia or downloading the new smartphone app or calling 1-800667-4321.

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members oF the rcmP and Penticton search and rescue teams prepare to begin the search for a 12-year-old Kamloops girl who drowned in skaha Lake in July.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2012 - Flashmob creates a buzz 4 — Generating a buzz with the January announcement of adding regional flights to their schedule, WestJet found a suitor in Penticton. Using the power of social media, residents of the South Okanagan were joined by the City of Penticton in courting the company through Facebook and Twitter.

The campaign kept flying in March with a flashmob video filmed at the Penticton airport and posted on YouTube for the world to see. The video has generated almost 15,000 views and was acknowledged by WestJet president and CEO Gregg Saretsky.

Since then, the city has presented their case to WestJet at their headquarters in Calgary and also have lobbied Air Canada executives for a Calgary air connection. As of November, WestJet said they would be announcing part of the schedule for their regional carrier, WestJet Encore, on Jan. 21, 2013. Air Canada announced in late December they would be adding one additional flight from Penticton to Vancouver as of May 1, 2013.

5 — An embattled Penticton teacher said he admitted three counts of professional misconduct only to put the matter behind him and protect his family. Miko McGrady was originally cited for nine allegations of inappropriate conduct between December 2009 and June 2010 while teaching French immersion at Penticton Secondary School.

He told the Western News he felt pressured by the B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch and his unionappointed lawyer to take a deal and avoid a hearing. McGrady claimed the allegations were brought forward by a single female student who had an axe to grind. The first of three stories posted on the Penticton Western News website generated 14 comments and more feedback rolled in as some of McGrady’s former students showed their support for him on our Facebook page.

McGrady was given a two-week suspension by the B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch and returned to work at KVR Middle School in November.

6 & 7 — The sixth and seventh most-read stories on our website dealt with new business in the

Dancers From okanagan Dance studios lead the charge for a march dance mob at Penticton airport, with about 500 people gathering to show how happy they would be if WestJet came to Penticton.

community with the opening of the Real Canadian Superstore and the Landmark Cinema 7 theatre respectively.

It was in October of 2011 when the owner of the Penticton Power Centre announced a Loblaws store would be moving into the site where Zellers was.

In November of this year the Real Canadian Superstore opened its doors to the public.

Landmark Cinemas declared the home of their new Landmark Cinema 7 would be the property that was occupied by Liquidation World in September of 2011. The Pen-Mar closed its doors just over a year later, ushering in a new era of movie theatre experience to the city with seven new state-of-theart screens.

8 — An announcement by the Penticton Hospitality Association confirming the Jehovah’s Witnesses have chosen Penticton as a conference site for the next few years took the number eight spot with nearly 1,800 views. The convention to be held in June is expected to draw 2,500 attendees. The convention is just part of what Dean Clark, general manager of the South Okanagan Events Centre, said looks be a banner year for the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

9 — A Summerland businessman helped round out the Top 10 stories read online with his idea for a combined heat and power technology. Jai Zachary, president of ElectroMotion Energy Corpo-

ration, came up with the idea after a particularly cold day in December of 2008 and after discussion with the chair of Fortis about energy costs and the idea of peak demand. Zachary’s invention consolidates hot water heating, space heating, air conditioning and backup electricity in one unit.

10 —It was a tragic year for cyclists in the area. In July, Penticton cyclist Adam Larsson who was an avid member of the Penticton cycling scene lost his life after being struck by a car on Tucel-Nuit Drive in Oliver. Then in August, 60-year-old Guy Du Vent of Kaleden lost his life from injuries he suffered during a mountain biking accident on the rugged Three Blind Mice trail above Naramata in August.

Our number 10 story was the tragic story of another life lost in the spiderweb maze of trails.

Dr. Robert Allan Mason was remembered as a gentle, caring man whose compassion touched all who knew him. The internationally recognized internal medicine specialist worked at the Lindsey Veterinary Hospital and spent much of his free time training as a triathlete with close friends.

Other top stories that each generated more than 1,200 page views include the story of the RCMP issuing a warning on a high-risk sex offender locating to Penticton; a proposed hockey dormitory being put on ice; and a woman found frozen to death on Apex Mountain. oWner WaDe WagstaFF of grizzly excavating Ltd. surveys the idle construction site where a proposed dormitory was to be built.

He and other contractors who performed substantial work there placed liens against the city-owned properties totalling $1.6 million. an attempt to find a new developer for the nine lots failed and the city has since cleaned them up and graded them with a gravel surface.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

opinion

Published Wednesdays and Fridays in Penticton at: 2250 Camrose St., Penticton B.C. V2A 8R1 Phone: (250) 492-3636 • Fax: (250) 492-9843 • E-mail: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com

EDITORIAL

Year gave Penticton plenty to cheer about

T

he onset of a new year is traditionally a time for reflection, both looking back and looking forward. For some reason, though, all that reflection seems to culminate in the creation of top 10 lists. Lists of resolutions for the new year, the best and worst dressed of the past year or, our favourite, the top 10 news stories of the year.

This year’s list was compiled based on what you have been talking about and reading on our website. As we assembled the list, we were a little surprised at how it was shaping up.

Perhaps predictably, tragedy tops the list; a pair of dramatic events that shook the community, with the fire that razed a Penticton landmark, Slack Alice’s, to the ground topping the list, followed by the tragic drowning death of 12-year-old Ida Holt.

And the group trying to lure Westjet to the community got another tribute to the effectiveness of the campaign, as that story fell into third place.

Our first surprise came with what we might have ranked as the top story of the year, the end of the city’s 30-year relationship with the Ironman race, and the start of a new relationship with the Challenge Family long-distance triathlon. However, it’s important to note while the article on Penticton’s final Ironman landed in fourth spot, a few hundred views shy of the second place entry, three other stories on Ironman and the Challenge more than doubled the number of views and pushed the story to the number two spot on the list.

But what’s more surprising than the Ironman story not coming out on top of the pack is the stories that didn’t make it into the top 10, like the Vees’ amazing record-setting streak of 42 wins.

PENTICTON WESTERN That certainly takes the top spot on our list of surprises. Perhaps people were too awed watching the team win game after game on their way to a national championship to talk about it?

Whatever the reason, the Vees’ incredible season gets a top spot on our list of things we will remember 2012 for.

NEWS NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

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Is gas the enviro-villain of 2013?

They’re well on the way to stopping the expansion of oil exports to Asia. Now will B.C.’s American branch-plant environmental machine turn on natural gas?

A couple of weeks ago I described the dispute between the Haisla Nation and the rest of the Coastal First Nations group over the pioneering of liquefied natural gas development on Haisla territory at Kitimat. Powerful chiefs of the Heiltsuk, Gitga’at, Haida and others in the so-called Great Bear Rainforest oppose the idea of kicking off a new LNG export industry without extending the hydro grid to support renewable power for the region.

LNG is shaping up as B.C.’s largest-ever industrial project, if it gets built. And there are signs the American-directed environmental attack is swinging to our gas boom.

Some in the Canadian media insist no such U.S. influence exists, or that it is trivial and benign. They mock federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver’s description of “foreign radicals,” pretending this applies to everyone opposed to oil pipelines.

There weren’t many reporters with me when I covered the negotiations for the Great Bear Rainforest in 2006. To the Van-

Tom Fletcher

B.C. Views couver media it was just a big forest deal up in the middle of nowhere. Along with B.C. cabinet minister Pat Bell, Coastal First Nations and forest companies, the Sierra Club, ForestEthics and Greenpeace muscled their way to the table.

How they did so became clear in early 2007. Behind these big three eco-propaganda groups was a $60 million war chest from an obscure outfit called Tides Canada.

Another front group, as it turns out. The actual source of the money was the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the Wilberforce Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Rockefeller Broth-

ers Fund.

Most made their billions in computers and software in San Francisco or Seattle. They’ve funded scientifically suspect campaigns such as “Yellowstone to Yukon” and “boreal forest” aimed at turning more than a third of Canada into parks. Increasingly, they are partnering with aboriginal people in B.C. and across Canada.

Some in B.C.’s major media have since grudgingly credited independent B.C. researcher Vivian Krause with filling in the blanks. She has shown that starting in 2002, these foundations began formally organizing against Canadian fossil fuel production.

When the B.C. and Canadian governments matched the $60 million Great Bear Rainforest fund for “ecosystem-based” forest management, they didn’t realize they were reinforcing a blockade against oil exports. Tides and its backers have continued to fund and create new protest groups, which are quoted as they pop up by credulous B.C. media.

Their argument against oil exports centres on the sexy but false premise that Alberta’s “tar sands” somehow uniquely threaten the global climate. Lately, as the size of B.C.’s gas development has

become clearer, the protests have started to refocus.

Now we hear dire claims about the decades-old technique of “fracking” in gas development, and previously obscure groups are springing up to protest gas projects.

Hollywood is about to gas us with an anti-fracking movie starring Matt Damon. Previews suggest that Promised Land works the usual evil-greedy-capitalist themes, in the Avatar tradition.

ForestEthics, Sierra Club and Greenpeace, meanwhile, are campaigning against their original forest preservation deal on B.C.’s Central and North Coast. Sustainable development solutions aren’t good for their business model. If people think a problem is solved, they stop sending money.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is surging ahead with its own shale oil and gas boom. Plans are underway for LNG exports from the U.S. to Asia.

I think 2013 would be a good year for Canada to start making its own decisions on energy development.

Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews. com. tfletcher@blackpress.ca

To d a y ' s L a u g h

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 7

letters

Minister responds to article on Okanagan jail I’m writing to correct the record about the Okanagan Correctional Centre and the use of the public-private partnership model to deliver the project (NDP critic questions costs for Okanagan jail, Dec. 21).

British Columbians have seen many projects delivered under the PPP model — on or ahead of time, and on budget. The ongoing expansion of the award-winning Surrey Pretrial Services Centre is continuing this successful approach. Just last year, it was recognized with a Gold Award for Project Financing by the Canadian Council for Public Private Partnerships. The Okanagan Correctional Centre project is likewise on schedule at this stage, with the construction cost estimated to be about $200 million — a lower estimate despite adding an 18-cell women’s unit.

An open, competitive process will harness the experience

Things I didn’t know about charities

Last year was my first stint as a volunteer director on a non-profit charity board. I always thought non-profits provided much needed services in our communities; services which would not exist otherwise. This is continually reinforced for me.

I am most amazed at the arduous struggle for existence faced by non-profits. Securing donations requires time but also skill and knowledge.

I have an expectation that my taxes, and all our taxes combined, help cover the cost of community services, yet most small non-profits, which form the majority of all non-profits, do not receive one cent from government ministries. Larger charities even find ministry funding inadequate and they must raise additional funds. There is much competition for the precious donor dollar, yet non-profits do not all have the same resources to compete.

Many small non-profits also lose out when it comes to community gaming grants. Although managed by the B.C. government, these grants differ from ministry funding.

Community gaming grants are not available for seed funding.

In the first year of operations, a non-profit must find seed funding often from community donors and local businesses. Donors and businesses are inundated by hundreds of requests each year and can only respond to a lucky few.

Community gaming grants do not cover full program costs. Additional funds must come from elsewhere, other than government ministries. In the case where a non-profit is successful at raising funds one year, community gaming rules stipulate that a non-profit must not have more than 50 per cent of the previous year’s operating costs as cash on hand. This in essence penalizes their fundraising efforts.

These community gaming grant rules and fundraising requirements serve to keep community service non-profits in continual hardship, much like the causes and people they serve.

I imagine that if community gaming funding provided to community service providers was what was originally promised to the people of B.C., things would be different. In 1999 this amount was $125 million. While gaming revenues increased, almost exponentially, the amount provided to charities decreased.

According to the MOU, today’s gaming revenues of $1.1 billion would provide nonprofits with over $300 million annually. What a difference that would make to community services and the non-profits providing these services.

Judith Bernard, board director South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre Society

of qualified bidders and maximize value for money. In the past year, we’ve seen unprecedented interest in partnership projects, with upwards of 11 teams responding to RFQs — most of them Canadian.

As a holistic approach incorporating not only construction but also operations and maintenance, the PPP process typically goes further, providing the contractor with incentives for meeting deadlines, incorporating state-of-the-art efficiencies and ensuring a lasting, quality facility. At the same time, the PPP model ensures government maintains control over services, owns the asset, and uses an amortization schedule that is standard for any large capital project.

We also want to point out that our stated offer to pay the two unsuccessful, shortlisted bidders a small portion of their Okanagan bid-related costs is not unique in the development industry.

Concert strikes a chord

Thanks for the awesome story you put in the paper on the South Okanagan Musicians Unite charity concert at the Shatford Centre on Dec. 14.

It was well attended by all the folks that signed up to play. There were no cancellations, even a couple from the Penticton Pipe Band showed up, and Shannon and partner piped in Mayor Dan Ashton We had a small crowd but with big hearts as the food donations were not your typical one or two cans but a selection of things that will be appreciated by those in need.

The sound was flawless for the listening audience as Chris Stones never left his post on the sound board for the eight hours straight through.

The set changes were fast and flawless and a lot of the entertainers were dressed to the nines, the oldest performer was an 81-yearold gal.

The side room had guitar jams and the like that was entertaining as well as colourful as Al and Brett of the Pentictones jammed for hours with strangers that they had just met.

The folks at the Shatford were the best and opened the doors to all our performers and all felt at home. The pot luck went over well as did the drawing of door prizes shared with the artists that attended .

We did not do many 50/50 draws or intended raffles with the public as they seemed to be more interested in the variety show that the evening presented. As well as limited attendance, with so many acts there really wasn’t much time.

There were trophies presented for various acts in the green room for oldest musician, youngest, farthest travelled, best costume, oldest instrument, etc. The door prizes, provided through the donations from the good folks that sponsored us, were drawn for and distributed amongst the performers present ,which was thoroughly appreciated by the performers.

There were embroidered hats, T-shirts, etc. with a treble clef musical design and the word band with SOMU 2012 that were distributed to the 50-plus entertainers that took the stage.

Some of the acts cancelled paying venues to volunteer their time in this one very special cause. Even though the attendance was small, the performers played and sang their hearts out as if they were playing to a packed house.

The question asked by many of the performers was: maybe we should do Christmas in July? As the need is always there.

We are deeply moved and indebted to all who volunteered their talents honed over many years to make the event a success even with the small attendance due to this busy time and perhaps treacherous roads. The applause was shared by all and we applaud those who attended in heart, spirit and person that made

The construction cost and length of agreement contemplated are considerable and warrant an in-depth process toward final bidder selection. This is just one more step that will protect taxpayers’ interests and maximize value-for-money for more than a generation to come.

The community and citizens of Oliver signalled their interest in hosting this new secure custody centre, and the Osoyoos Indian Band site had community support and met all of the project criteria. We look forward to working with the Osoyoos Indian Band during the facility’s construction phase, which will create up to 500 direct and 500 indirect jobs. When it’s finished, the centre will employ around 240 workers and many others in B.C.’s interior, including nurses, doctors and trades personnel.

the night a success and one not to miss should the SOMU group decide to join forces again and show the size of there hearts to the public.

We wish to thank all the folks that made this happen and maybe, just maybe, we’ll see you in July!

Gordon Cunningham South Okanagan Musicians Unite

Stamp club set to meet

The year 2012 was a good year for our membership as we maintained our roster at just over 30 members. We had regular meetings once a month and managed at each of these meetings to raise funds for our designated charities: The Moog House and cancer research. We are proud that with the help of all the donations our club received, our club will be able to present larger cheques this year to these charities.

We encourage your readers to gather any and all incoming mail and keep the stamps affixed on it — yes we can use even the common ones. Those who have collections they wish to divest themselves of, we encourage you not throw it out but to give us a call — a member of the club will gladly help you in ascertaining the market value of your collection to see what if anything you could or should do with the collection. No collection, large or small, should be lost. For information please call Gus Boersma at 250-492-3875 or email him at: gboersma@telus.net.

Starting Jan. 6, our club will have their regular meetings at The Penticton United Church, 696 Main St. in Penticton from 2–4 p.m. This will be an auction meeting where paid-up members may enter up to four items for sale. The general public is always welcome to attend our meetings and even bid on items for sale. New members are always welcome, and at $10 per annum, it’s quite affordable.

Gus Boersma, president Penticton & District Stamp Club

Going to the dogs

So often it is easy to point out shortcomings of our municipal council on many major issues. This time I applaud council on the foresight of identifying the needs of dogs and their owners. The recently established dog-oriented parks are well used and well accepted by both owners and dogs alike. Very seldom is there a dog park without some activity. The parks seem to be well used.

The recent expansion of the park near the City Yards is a case in point. Recently, a light was added to give more visibility at night thereby increasing the usage.

The addition of a run area for small dogs is also appreciated. It seems that some of the smaller dogs in with some of the larger dogs were getting playfully bowled over uninten-

Shirley Bond Minister of Justice and Attorney General

tionally by the larger dogs. Hence, the area for small dogs is a good idea. However, having said that, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that some larger dog owners seem to think that the small dog area is a free-for-all area even though there is a small dog sign and a gate.

Many times I have passed the area and have seen small dogs in the large dog area and large dogs in the small dog area. One might surmise that the small dog area has no dogs in it at the time so it is “open sesame” for any dogs. Common sense, begs the question be asked as to why there is a gate between the two areas and why is an area designated for small dogs?

The human animal is somewhat strange at times. It seems to interpret posted signs in its own way. For instance, areas designated as loading zones are parked in by drivers with the logic that there is nothing being unloaded at the time so I can park there. Designated parking spots for drivers with disabilities seem to be a favourite as well, as many physically able drivers occupy these spots because it happens to be convenient for them and they are presently unoccupied.

Most larger dog owners are considerate of the sign, gate and small dog area irrespective of the fact that area might be devoid of small dogs. It’s a small group of unthinking, self-indulgent, selfish large dog owners that I am referring to. Show some consideration for your fellow dog owners, be they large or small dog owners. Remember, the parks were designed to accommodate all dogs, not just a few, and that they were set up with a definite pattern for use.

Ron Barillaro Penticton

We want to hear from you The Penticton Western News welcomes letters to the editor for publication. We suggest a maximum length of 400 words and reserve the right to edit letters for length, brevity, clarity, legality, abusive language, accuracy and good taste. All published letters remain the property of the Penticton Western News, which is the sole judge of suitability for publication. Letters must include the writer’s address and daytime phone number, which will not be published.

Letters should be signed with the writer’s full name and be sent by e-mail to letters@pentictonwesternnews. com; mailed to the Penticton Western News, 2250 Camrose St., Penticton, B.C., V2A 8R1; or faxed to 250-492-9843.

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Bird-control efforts bring benefits to crops Joe Fries Western News Staff

Close to 500,000 nuisance birds have been permanently grounded through a program launched to help protect the region’s agricultural bounty.

Between 2003 and 2011, the Okanagan Similkameen Starling Control Program trapped and killed 442,197 birds, according to its own statistics, and is on track to hit the half-million mark once the numbers for 2012 are tallied.

Knocking those pests out of the sky has prevented untold crop damage and resulted in fewer complaints about the noise associated with other bird-scare methods like propane cannons, said Greg Norton, who helps oversee the program.

Norton, a director of the Okanagan Kootenay Cherry Growers’ Association, touted those

benefits last week during a funding pitch to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

The RDOS and two regional districts to the north each provide $25,000 annually to the starling program, which had a $115,000 budget last year and is administered by the B.C. Grapegrowers’ Association. Agricultural producers chipped in about $36,000 for 2012, up from $28,500 in 2008.

“It’s a bit of a tough sell sometimes, but we are continuing the pressure on specific producers. There’s still a couple of big players out there we still want to get at,” Norton said.

Producers are not obliged to contribute, but are asked to donate $10 per planted acre.

Funds help pay four trappers to capture the starlings and dispatch them using carbon dioxide gas, Norton explained, and most of the bird carcasses are then provided to falconers and an

Board approves transit contract

owl rehabilitation centre.

Grant money from higher levels of government is also being sought to continue with research to identify from where local starlings originate.

“We really want to zero in on where they come from and it may dramatically change where we go after them,” Norton said.

He added that a graduate student working for the program on an expired, two-year term developed a method to analyze isotopes found in starlings’ feathers and was able to determine about 20 per cent of the starlings in this region come from the Quesnel area.

The program is also hoping to enlist the help of the area’s urban residents to wipe out starling nesting sites at homes and businesses in larger centres by setting up a service people can call to have someone remove nests free of charge.

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Joe Fries

Western News Staff

Searching for greater cost certainty could see B.C. Transit steer away from the competitive bid process and instead grant contract extensions for existing operators.

But that philosophical shift has left at least one local politician concerned that increased certainty might not produce increased value for taxpayWhat we’ve ers.

“I’m just wondering found when why we wouldn’t put (a request for proposals) out we’ve gone out there and see if there are to RFP is a huge other people interested,” said Allan Patton, who rep- spike in costs. resents rural Oliver on the — Steve Harvard board of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

Patton questioned the plan at an RDOS board meeting last week, shortly before his colleagues agreed to go along with a three-year contract extension for Berry and Smith Trucking to continue running the transit service between Naramata and Penticton.

Naramata residents chipped in about $70,000 to operate the route last year, which covered half the cost.

The balance was funded by system revenue and provincial taxpayers.

Historically, B.C. Transit every seven years has put out to tender the contracts to run some of its transit systems, but the Crown corporation now thinks it can keep costs lower and more certain by going the contract-extension route, regional manager Steve Harvard told the RDOS. “What we’ve found when we’ve gone out to RFP is a huge spike in costs,” he said, because it’s “not as easy as it would appear” to break into the business of public transit.

Harvard said the specialized equipment required, plus legislated safety standards, are sometimes too onerous and costly for new operators to meet at a competitive price.

In a separate letter to the RDOS, Harvard noted that Berry and Smith, which also operates Penticton Transit, school buses and commercial trucks, enjoys economies of scale from its holdings that help lower costs for the transit system.

The proposed three-year contract extension for Naramata, which would take effect when the current deal expires at the end of March 2013, includes annual 1.5 per cent increases for fixed costs and hourly costs, respectively, plus two per cent bumps for mechanics’ wages.

While the RDOS was asked for its opinion of the extension, the final decision rests with B.C. Transit’s board of directors.

Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino suggested the program also reminds people that getting rid of starlings, which destroy other species’ eggs and take over their nests, could help more desirable bird species get themselves re-established.

“People don’t realize that our songbirds are gone and… much of that is because of the starling,” she said.

“And I think if the education was, ‘If you get rid of this, you’ll get these back,’ I think that would be a huge educational piece that the public would be pleased to know.”

RDOS directors expressed support for continued funding of the program, which Norton said requires a buy-in from all three regional districts. He said the Central Okanagan Regional District has already pledged its support, while a presentation to the North Okanagan Regional District is scheduled for January.

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TITAN PREPARES to take a drink as two-year-old Nixon Chadburn fills another bucket at the Dartmouth Road municipal off-leash dog park. At the time, Penticton council was considering other areas for similar parks.

Mark Brett photos

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PILOT PAUL DUMORET looks over his shoulder at the Harvard warbird flying at his wingtip During a practice flight for the Princeton International Airshow in July.

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SEARCH AND RESCUE technician Master Cpl. Nathan King drops from the rear hatch of the Canadian Forces Buffalo aircraft over Osoyoos during a training exercise by members of the CFB Comox 442 Squadron.

BRANDON JOE of the Lower Nicola Indian Band (left) works on one of his pieces of art at the second annual Potluck and Aboriginal Craft Fair at the Okanagan College Centre of Excellence in November.

Freemason Melvin Sherwood (below) pays his respects at the grave site of Masonic brother Geoffrey Aston at Fairview Cemetery following a memorial concluding ceremony in March, 100 years after the provincial police officer died of a gunshot wound while escorting a prisoner.

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Sports Editor: Emanuel Sequeira • Phone: 492-3636 ext. 224 E-mail: sports@pentictonwesternnews.com

National champion Vees top story Ken Sommerfeldt.

South Okanagan teams On the slopes, Summerand athletes enjoyed various land’s Kristi Richards decidsuccesses in 2012. ed to retire from the Canadian The biggest story in the national mogul team. Penticsporting landscape here was ton’s Andi Naude enters the the Penticton Vees capturfold on the B team. ing the 2012 RBC Cup in Summerland’s Claire Humboldt, Sask., against the Boothe is another athlete Woodstock Slammers. Joey who comes to mind. She Benik hammered home the competed in the Junior Pan 4-3 winner with 51.3 sec- Emanuel Sequeira Am Games for karate in onds left in the third period.

On the Sidelines Cancun, Mexico Aug. 30 to It’s the franchise’s second Sept. 1. Boothe was joined national championship and

by Sukhresh Kaloty. While first since 1986. One connection between those two teams is that John neither won their respective matches, they DePourcq helped the Penticton Knights gained valuable experience. Boothe is the win, while his son Cody cracked the roster reigning Canadian champion in the girls as a 16-year-old and earned his own ring. 16/17-year-old 48-kilogram sparring diviThe 2011-12 Vees were a stacked roster sion. She also represented Canada in the Juthat set a BCHL record with 30 wins in a nior Olympics and U.S. Open.

Returning to team achievements briefly, row, then set a Canadian Junior Hockey League record at 42 and was talked about the Princess Margaret Mustangs junior boys throughout the country. The most impres- volleyball team earned a bronze medal dursive quality about that team was that they ing provincials. They defeated Langley didn’t quit on many plays. In fact, they Christian this past fall.

There are other athletes who have scored in situations they had no business capitalizing on. It was an impressive group achieved a lot. Space prevents me from to watch. Getting there came with adversi- giving them their due justice. To those who ty. A 25-game suspension at the beginning received recognition in these Western News of the season to Logan Johnston, season- sports pages, I say congratulations for what ending injury to Connor Reilly, injury to you achieved, reached and continue to strive their first-string goaltender as playoffs for.

Last year also marked a change in the were about to begin and losing the opening two games at the national tournament. triathlon landscape. Penticton hosted its fi“We went through our fair share of nal Ironman Canada and most will say it stuff and every time there was a big game was a great 30 years. Feelings are mixed our guys found a way to get through it,” as some are attached to the Ironman brand, said Vees coach-GM Fred Harbinson at but those who I spoke to feel it’s a positive change, especially how it impacts their the time.

They weren’t the only team to win a community. Those involved look forward championship. On the soccer pitch, the to a new challenge — Challenge Penticton.

South Okanagan Youth Soccer Asso- Germany’s Christian Brader, who comciation Pinnacles captured a provincial peted in the final Subaru Ironman Canada, title from the under-16 girls, while the summed it up best during the pre-race pro under-13, -14 and -17 boys returned with press conference.

“It’s just another label,” he said of bronze medals. It’s a rewarding payoff for the players, coaches and management in- Ironman. “I don’t think it’s less attractive volved in the process of developing better than before. They (Challenge Family) do a good job. I know them from Germany. I’m players.

There was also the first-ever Saratoga sure it will be a good race. I would also Cup win by the Penticton Harlequins rug- come back if it is not an Ironman.”

With 2013 now here, Penticton gets a by club. The Harlequins defeated the Brit Lions from Delta 26-10. Harlequins cap- strong start by hosting the World Financial tain Brad Martin was elated by the victory Group Continental Cup. Curling lovers will be glued to their seats in the South and proud of his teammates.

“Joy, elation, a little bit of exhaustion Okanagan Events Centre and watching on after all the hard work,” said Martin in TV as the worlds top curlers show off their skills.

September.

What a year. I look forward to “I thought it was probably one of the best games that I’ve seen our team play in the what 2013 brings and the athletic last five to 10 years,” said Harlequins coach accomplishments people reach.

sports

File photos

PENTICTON VEES FORWARD Joey Benik blew away any hopes the Woodstock Slammers might have had of being champs when he scored the RBC Cup clinching goal in May. Middle, Penticton Harlequins captain Brad Martin celebrates with the Saratoga Cup. Below, the Pinnacles under-16 girls returned to the Okanagan with provincial gold.

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Mogul skier focused on developing Emanuel Sequeira Western News Staff

Andi Naude isn’t concerned with padding her Federation International Ski World Cup resume with early stellar performances.

“My goal is to do my best, and no matter what the result is, I will be happy,” Naude wrote in an email prior to competing in Krieschberg, Austria Dec. 22.

Naude, 16, made her debut with the Canadian national mogul team last April, placing 16th after spending the season with the Whistler Academy team. She’s now making the full transition to the B team. Naude earned her fifth-place finish in Finland, then placed 16th in Austria.

Naude said she felt good about her performance in Ruka, Finland on Dec. 15.

“I never would have dreamed of getting fifth at my second World Cup,” said Naude, the 2012 NorAm Grand Prix winner. “There is always something to work on and improve, but I am very happy with the way I skied.”

She enjoyed consistent runs throughout the competition and that has given her a confidence boost going into the duals.

“It allowed me to focus on pushing the speed a little bit more and not having to worry about putting down a full topto-bottom run, which, in duals, is very valuable,” she said.

The former Apex Freestyle Ski Club member is confident she has prepared herself for the season.

She spent the majority of the spring, summer and fall attending training camps is Argentina, Switzerland, Quebec, Whistler and Apex Mountain Resort.

The work she put in allowed her to build skills and progress.

At home, she focused on maintaining and building her fitness level at the gym or from mountain biking, road biking and other activities. Keeping fit is important to her to

Mike Ridewood/Canadian Freestyle Ski Association

PENTICTON’S ANDI NAUDE is having fun absorbing everything possible on the mogul course as a member of Canada’s national B team.

avoid injury.

Naude’s coach Jean-Paul Richard said that she had a great training camp so her results are not really surprising.

“For sure she has a lot of talent and we right away saw something special from her and we’re really lucky that she was able to stay focused in Ruka,” Richard wrote in an email.

Being on the national team has been amazing for her.

Surrounded by the best skiers in the world all the time inspires her to try harder at everything she does.

“I have learned so much by watching my teammates ski and just listening to what they have to say,” said Naude, who was born in Regina, Sask. “The team is amazing, we all get along really well. It is such a positive and healthy atmosphere to train in. I am extremely fortunate to be on such a strong team and I am honoured.”

Canada’s coaches want to see Naude remain focused on the process of competing because good results come with expectations.

“We don’t want to

see her go in that direction. We want her to stay focused on having fun and following her plan without thinking about the outcome too much,” Richard said.

As long as Naude stays the course, they know the results will be there.

“That’s easy to say but hard to learn,” he said. “We have to remember that she’s still a rookie and she has a lot to learn.”

Prior to competing in Austria, Naude only wanted to work on the little things. She added that the experience in Finland would help her continue improving. Richard said she is “really coachable and during competi-

tion she can put everything together.”

“When it’s time, she raises her game which is what you want to see in an athlete,” he said. “She’s young and new on the team but she has a really good relationship with us and with the other girls. She’s very respectful and kind of funny, too.”

When not taking her bumps on the mogul course, Naude is dedicated to school. She puts in time completing her work through South Central Interior Distance Education (S.C.I.D.E.S).

“My teachers at S.C.I.D.E.S are extremely supportive

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and help me whenever I am stuck on a question,” said Naude. “It is definitely a different way of learning and a lot of work. I basically teach myself, however, it is working out really well. My grades are looking good right now (90 per cent and higher) and I am really hoping that one day, when I am finished skiing, that I will become a sports physician and help athletes return to their top level of performance.”

During the national team’s trip in Europe, Naude had time with her family to experience different cultures and ways of life.

“Travel has also made me realize how fortunate I am to live in such an amazing country and how great my home is,” said Naude. “I have also learned many life lessons through travelling, such as time management, coping with stress, and keeping the big picture in mind. You never know what to expect when you travel. I even got to pet one of Santa’s cute reindeer in Finland.”

960 Railway St., Penticton Ph: 250-492-3576

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Lyndzie Caron of the KVR Express Grade 8 girls basketball team has been key to their early success. She leads in points, rebounds and shot blocks. She is focused on improving her three-point shooting and layups. Caron’s coach describes her as a true role model/student athlete. While being an outstanding student, Caron always puts in her best effort and demands it of her teammates as well.

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960 Railway St., Penticton 250-492-3576

NEW HOURS: Mon. to Wed. 9am - 7pm • Thurs. & Fri. 9am - 8pm Sat. 9am - 6:30pm Sun. 9am - 5:30pm

Gar Distribution Service Agent

Winter meter safety To keep your utility meters accurate, accessible and safe this winter: • brush snow away by hand • don’t use a snowplow or blower near your meters • clear a path for the safety of our meter readers Never kick or hit the meter if ice builds up. Call us for assistance.

Gas meter inquiries? Call 1-888-224-2710.

South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services

Penticton 508 Main Street 250-492-6299

Oliver 6239 Main Street 250-498-4900

13

Electric meter inquiries? Call 1-866-436-7847.

Or visit fortisbc.com/safety.

FortisBC uses the FortisBC Energy name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (12-336.2 11/2012)

14

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

a&e

A&E Editor: Kristi Patton • Phone: 492-3636 ext. 228 E-mail: kpatton@pentictonwesternnews.com

Kristi Patton and Steve Kidd photos

EVENTS THAT MOVED THE CITY — (clockwise from top left) B.B. King at the SOEC in May, Cesar Millan Trust Your Insticts tour at SOEC in November, Gator Beat at the Pentastic Jazz Festival in September, George Thorogood at the SOEC in May and Shayne Koyczan at the Dream Café in March.

Events that kept us rocking to the new year

Kristi Patton Soundbytes

If you think there is nothing to do on the weekends in Penticton, then you must be living in a cave.

One click on our TGIF section on our website (or look in Friday’s paper) would show you ample events, concerts and plays happening around the city and South Okanagan. Lots of these happening at smaller venues, with little to no cover charge at that.

While a number of great bands and events roll through those venues, it was the Dog

Whisperer, Cesar Millan, that charted the most page views on our website. His wellattended seminar included some local dogs and their owners along with a dose of Millan’s charming and lighthearted humour.

For me, two of my favourite moments while covering A&E had to be an interesting interview with George Thorogood. He sang me the Canadian national anthem on the phone and when he came to the South Okanagan Events Centre in May with the Destroyers, the 62-yearold proved he could still rock the stage. Nevermind the bra that was tossed on stage from the audience proving he still had it, Thorogood flashed his toothy grin, belted out his signature raspy voice and still could thump on his guitar like he hadn’t missed a step.

My second favourite event this year was in the comfy confines of the Dream Café where the world outside seamlessly felt to stand still

as Penticton’s own Shayne Koyczan and his band, The Short Story Long, left many of us in the audience in awe of his word play and got goosebumps from his verbal dexterity. His body of work continues to grow and be loved, as well as educate. The piece Instructions For A Bad Day should be seen by everyone.

If you haven’t ever caught a concert at the Dream Café, you are truly missing out on the intimate atmosphere that is unparalleled by anything else once those lights dim for showtime.

Another top story, according to our website stats, was when the King of the Blues came to the SOEC in May. Although it was my co-worker who attended this concert, I heard nothing but amazing things about the performance the 86-year-old bluesman gave. Despite having dropped a few lyrics here and there, the audience was eating out of the palm of his hand and

he extended his stay on stage because of it — running his concert a little longer than he normally does.

Other hits this year included the awesome lineup for Peachfest in August which included Canadian legends Lighthouse and 54-40 who packed Okanagan Lake Park.

Sunshine Cabaret packed the park across the street, as live acts performed at the Gyro Bandshell including critically acclaimed Michael Burgess and the trio of classically trained singers Romanza. Also in the summer, Global Spectrum took a risk trying to test the demographic and while it wasn’t the best attended concert, the electronic dance music crowd were treated to Avicci on Canada Day. Not helping the cause was it was an early show as Avicci sprinted off to Alberta for a late evening performance.

Audiences in Penticton were also treated to the 16th annual Pentastic Hot Jazz

festival with musicians from around the world, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, and the Contenders. And seconds before pop darling Carly Rae Jepsen exploded onto the scene, she opened for Hanson amongst the strong acts at the Cleland Theatre. The Shatford Centre also saw its fair share of great artists.

Locally it was also a great year for music as 20 choir members from Penticton high schools got a chance to perform with Simple Plan at the SOEC in January and Nikita Afonso opened for Paul Brandt. Penticton band Oceans & Lights released a CD and hip hop collaborative Mad Melody Records launched their label. They also released a CD and introduced the art of the rap battle competition to the city.

Misses of 2012

One of the most read stories online in the Entertainment section included the announcement of Blake Shel-

ton cancelling his date at the SOEC. The country superstar broke a lot of hearts when it was announced his Aug. 4 concert would not be happening due to his commitments to the television show The Voice, which he is a judge on.

Rock The Peach also was a miss, not for lack of bands but perhaps for the pricey tickets that many said is what kept them away from the three-day festival. The expansive festival grounds at Lions Park proved to be a bit too large, making the so-so crowds that eventually came out for the headliners look much smaller.

One hit from Rock The Peach happened during the lead up to the festival. The Battle to Rock The Peach invited Okanagan bands out to the Barking Parrot for a chance to earn a spot on the opening day roster for the festival. It provided a great chance to hear local upcoming musicians.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

15

destinations

J & C Bottle Depot at 200 Rosetown Avenue (behind McDonalds)

250-492-5144 We take used Computers, TV’s, Printers, Fax Machines, Scanners, Keyboards and Paint Cans.

Sunwest Tours Call our Tour Coordinator today at 250-492-7488 For more information visit

www.sunwesttours.com

SIGHTSEEING AND ADVENTURE TOURS

San Diego Stay Put .................. Jan. 31, 2013 ...... 14 or 18 Days ... $2,685 Book by Jan. 1st and save $200 per couple - best value for a long distance tour from BC!

Northwest Flower & Garden Show ..... Feb. 20, 2013 .....4 Days ...... $405 Tulalip and Tulips ...................................Apr. 14, 2013 .....3 Days ...... $259 New Mexico .............................................. May 4, 2013 ...13 Days ... $2,625 Book by Feb. 1st and save $300 per couple

Alaska and The Yukon Revised & Updated ... Jul. 3, 2013 ...11 Days ... $3,145 Book by April 1st to receive an EXTRA $100 off plus your early booker discount

Dave heath/tourismBC Downhill skiing in the snow ghosts with views of the valley at Red Mountain Resort near Rossland. The communities of Rossland and Nelson were voted best ski towns in Powder Magazine recently.

B.C. ski towns named best in continent Western News Staff

Nelson and Rossland have been named by a popular ski enthusiast magazine as the best ski towns in North America.

Powder Magazine chose the two communities located in the Kootenay Rockies region that is known as much for its printing rivers, lakes, mineral hot springs as it is for its snowcapped mountains. Four of British Columbia’s, seven national parks are located there.

The communities were chosen

by Powder readers in an online contest where towns went head-to-head in voting. Some of the other towns Rossland/ Nelson beat include Whitefish, Mont., Crested Butte, Colo. and Sandpoint, Idaho.

It is no wonder why, considering during the winter the Kootenay Rockies offers some of the continent’s finest powder skiing and snowboarding, from head-rushing descents to great expanses of groomed cross-country trails.

Rossland is set on an ancient volcanic valley deep in the Monashee Mountains and is an outdoor adventure mecca.

Rossland may be a small city ( population: 3,278) but it’s pret-

travel around the world from the comfort of your chair

ty big on activities. It was also voted Canada’s No.1 Outdoor Town in 2007 by Canadian outdoor magazine Explore.

With the Monashees towering the area, they boast spectacular views, varied terrain and exceptional skiing, snowboarding, nordic skiing, backcountry skiing and catskiing at nearby Red Mountain Resort which also boasts 88 runs. The resort is just a two-minute drive from town and its high elevation affords a reliable snowfall each winter.

Groomed beginner and inter mediate runs, a ski/snowboard terrain park, rentals, lessons and plenty of other winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing offer families a lot to do. Those looking to push themselves further will find phenomenal advanced and expert runs with a vast amount of open glades, chutes, tree-lined and backcountry-style runs that twist and turn down steep lines covered in champagne powder.

The town itself is just 10 km west of Trail and Rosslanders are a sociable and communityminded lot, welcoming to visitors who share their passion for the outdoorsy lifestyle. There

are, blissfully, no traffic lights or malls in town, just friendly owner-operated shops and boutiques that help contribute to Rossland’s small-town charm. Ski and snowboard season at Red Mountain runs from early December to mid-April depending on the weather conditions.

Nelson is a small city with a big personality and is situation in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains. Home to an eclectic mix of old Nelson families and urban refugees, the vibrant Victorian town also boasts hundreds of well-preserved heritage buildings, a crazy number of good restaurants, bustling coffee shops, retail stores and no shortage of sidewalk cafés.

While the mountains, lakes and rivers provide many activities in the summer, in the winter the focus shifts to a community ski hill known for its deep champagne powder. People move to Nelson to ski Whitewater Ski Resort, located just a half hour from downtown.

Whitewater also has crosscountry trails and for extreme adventurers, local suppliers offer private help-skiing tours.

Receiving over 12 metres of

Western News Staff

The Okanagan Chateau will begin an ArmChair Travel program in January.

Are you interested in traveling and learning about different cities around the world? Well this is possible without even leaving the Okanagan Chateau in Kelowna.

The retirement living resort on Benvoulin Road in Kelowna will present an experience of virtual touring. Starting with the first session on Jan. 29, at 2:30

light, dry, powder snow each season beneath the ski resort’s majestic Ymir Peak, the high quality of snow and uncrowded hills offer guests an unforgettable winter adventure.

Powder Magazine gave the area fourth overall in its powder per person rankings. The Nelson Nordic Ski Club has groomed skate and cross-country ski trails throughout winter that cater to all levels of ability.

Whitewater hosts many events, but the most popular is the annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest — a celebration of everything to do with backcountry skiing and snowboarding, combined with a photojournalism competition. The seventh annual event is being held Feb. 22 to 24.

When back in Nelson you will find the downtown in compact, walkable and packed with unique boutique style stores that reflect the diversity of the community. Performing arts, artists and artisans are part of the downtown streets cape.

With its end-to-end Victorian heritage buildings, Baker Street houses numerous art galleries and craft stores and is punctuated with street musicians for most of the year.

p.m., participants can take a seat in their armchair and spend a day in a specific city, starting with New York City.

The hour-long tour of the city that never sleeps goes from the tourist attractions, to life on the busy New York streets, going for a taxi ride and visiting some of the many popular restaurants.

For more information about this program, which will carry on every three months throughout next year, contact the Okanagan Chateau retirement resort at 250-862-9088.

EXCLUSIVE GETAWAY SALE!

Silver Reef ..... Jan.13, Feb. 24, Mar. 10 ... 4 Days .. Save $20 ....NOW $269 Tulalip .... Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 11, 25 ...4 Days ..Save $15....NOW $314 Silver Reef....... Jan. 30, Feb. 10, Mar. 20 .. 3 Days ..Save $15....NOW $199 Tulalip ............................... Feb. 4, Mar. 4 ... 3 Days ..Save $15....NOW $224 EXCITING ESCAPES - BOOK EARLY TO SAVE!

27th Anniversary............................... Jan. 12, 2013 ...11 Days ...... $765 Coeur D'Alene & Northern Quest Jan. 27, Mar. 18 .....4 Days ...... $319 Add-on Broadway's Tribute to the Beatles' "Rain" - Jan. 27 only

Wendover ................................ Feb. 9, Mar. 23, Apr. 20 .....7 Days ...... $379 Coeur D'Alene ........................ Feb. 12, Mar. 4, Apr. 15 .....4 Days ...... $249 Reno ....................................................... Feb. 23, Apr. 6 .....8 Days ...... $349 Coeur D'Alene 'Singles Special' ................. Feb. 27 .....3 Days ...... $225 Coeur D'Alene .................................... Feb. 27, Apr. 22 .....3 Days ...... $179 Don't Miss Out! Join us on our Customer Appreciation Tour at Northern Quest ... Mar. 22, 2013 .....3 Days ...... $389 Mill Bay - Jan. 1, 15, 29 Omak - Jan. 6 & 20 Bold dates are guaranteed tours.

HOURS: MON-FRI, 9AM-4PM • CLOSED 12:30-1:30

101- 929 LAVAL CRESCENT, 250-493-5757 KAMLOOPS

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SEASONS GREETINGS FROM ALL OF US AT SUN FUN TOURS! LUXURY & SCENIC DESTINATIONS ARIZONA WINTER ESCAPE • 19 Days, Feb. 2* .............. $3299 - *Book by December 31 and save $200 per couple PALM SPRINGS & LAS VEGAS • 14 Days, Mar. 7 .......... $1639 DISCOVER NEVADA • 11 Days, Mar. 19............................ $899 BEST OF WASHINGTON & OREGON • 8 Days, Apr. 27 .... $829

JANUARY SIDEWALK SALE SILVER REEF • 3 Days, Feb. 3 ............................................ $199 SILVER REEF • 4 Days, Jan. 22*......................................... $274 TULALIP • 4 Days, Jan. 15* & 28*..................................... $334 TULALIP • 3 Days, Jan. 23* & Feb. 6* ............................... $244

SHORT SCENIC GETAWAYS TULALIP • 3 & 4 Days, Weekly Departures ............... From $259 SILVER REEF • 3 & 4 Days, Weekly Departures ........ From $214 RENO • 8 Days, Feb. 9, Mar. 9*, 16 & 23* ................ From $339 SKAGIT VALLEY TULIPS • 4 Days, April ................... From $339 - Multiple Departures

Call us for details or visit our website for more information on these and all of ourFOR other exciting tour destinations.

WATCH YOUR COPY OF OUR 2013 COLOUR BROCHURE AVAILABLE JANUARY. Watch for your copy ofEARLY our 2013 Colour Brochure available early January.

TOLL FREE – 1-877-786-3860 / WWW.SUNFUNTOURS.CA BC REG 3016-6 *INDICATES GUARANTEED DEPARTURE. HOLIDAY HOURS: SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON DBL OCC. DEC. 27WITHOUT AND 28NOTICE, - OPENPRICES TILL 4:30PM WITH DISCOUNTS IF APPLICABLE. DEC. 31ALL - OPEN TILL INCLUDED NOON • CLOSED JAN. 1 PHONE CALLS ALWAYS WELCOME! PRICES BASED ON DOUBLE. ALL DISCOUNTS INCL. IF APPLICABLE. H.S.T. ON CANADIAN TOURS ONLY. SUBJECT TO CHANGE. B.C. REG: #3016-6 *INDICATES GUARANTEED DEPARTURE

TOLL FREE: 1-877-786-3860 / www.sunfuntours.ca

16

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2013 Penticton Western News

HAPPY NEW YEAR! From all of us at the Penticton Western News

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 17

Your community. Your classieds.

250.492.0444

INFO

Classified

• CHECK YOUR AD! Notice of error must be given in time for correction before the second insertion of any advertisement. The publisher will not be responsible for omissions or for more than one incorrect insertion, or for damages or costs beyond the cost of the space actually occupied by the error.

• 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, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

• Readers: In ads where ‘male’ is referred to, please read also as ‘female’ and where ‘female’ is used, read also as ‘male’.

Word Classified Advertising Deadlines: WEDNESDAY PAPER TUESDAY 10 A.M. FRIDAY PAPER THURSDAY 10 A.M. OPEN EARLY 8 AM MONDAY MORNINGS TO SERVE YOU BETTER!

250-492-0444

Regular office hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Announcements

Announcements

Funeral Homes

Coming Events

Credible Cremation 24 Hours “No Hidden Costs” Pre-Pay and Save www.crediblecremation.com 559 Ellis Street, Penticton, BC

SMOKING CESSATION CLINIC. Shoppers Drugmart (3417 31st ave) in downtown vernon will be hosting an all day clinic where interested parties can book a FREE one on one appointment with our pharmacists to discuss the available options to help you break the habit and give up smoking for good. The clinic will run from 9a to 6pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013.

Additional appointments can be made for those unable to attend. to book an appointment, please call 250 542 3371 ext. 3-3.

The South Okanagan’s

Information

Direct Cremation

Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits or Other Insurance?

Services Ltd. Basic Cremation $990 + taxes

Sensible prices for practical people

250-493-3912

LOWEST COST Cremations done locally

Licensed Staff

If YES, call or email for your

FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

and protect your right to compensation. 778.588.7049 Toll Free: 1.888.988.7052 Julie@LawyersWest.ca www.LawyersWest.ca

250-488-4004

www.simplicitycare.com

Announcements

Employment

Employment

Employment

Employment

Lost & Found

Career Opportunities

Career Service / Job Search

Career Service / Job Search

Career Service / Job Search

Lost, Victorian pin, oval in shape, silver with photo of gentlemen on one side and a woman on other side, pair of earrings with small heart shaped red stone on a loops, reward offered, please email sue_squires@hotmail.com

Travel

TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 32 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-6658339, 604-681-5456.

Travel HAWAII ON the Mainland, healthy low-cost living can be yours. Modern Arenal Maleku Condominiums, 24/7 secured Community, Costa Rica “friendliest country on earth”!

1-780-952-0709; www.CanTico.ca.

Employment Business Opportunities GIFT BASKET franchise needed in your area. Start before the Christmas Season.

For more information go to www.obbgifts.com and click on “own a franchise”. Any questions? Email head office directly through website or call (778)-753-4500 (Kelowna).

OWN A COMPUTER WORK FROM ANYWHERE. Two step process. Request online info, review. Set-up phone interview. Serious people Only: Call : 250 558 9231 PYRAMID CORPORATION is now hiring! Instrument Technicians and Electricians for various sites across Alberta. Send resume to: hr@pyramidcorporation.com or fax 780-955-HIRE.

Obituaries

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking Class 1 Drivers to haul dry vans Western Canada & US. Only drivers with 2 years exp. & US border crossing capability. Dedicated tractors, paid drops, direct deposit. No phone calls Fax 250-546-0600

21 WEEK HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Prepare for a Career in Heavy Equipment Operation. Introducing our new Apprenticeship Program which includes:

In Memoriam

In Loving Memory

BRIAN R. MERKLEY Jan. 10, 1948 to Jan. 3, 2012 Loved and Missed Darlene, Family and Friends

“Gone Fishing”

Job Options BC Penticton | 250.486.5383 | www.MyJobOptionsBC.ca

Education/Trade Schools

ITA Foundation ITA HEO Theory Multi Equipment Training (Apprenticeship hours logged) Certificates included are: • Ground Disturbance Level 2 • WHMIS • Traffic Control • First Aid Reserve your seat for January 14, 2013.

Taylor Pro Training Ltd at 1-877-860-7627 www.taylorprotraining.com

Education/Trade Schools

Education/Trade Schools

CREATING BRIGHTER FUTURES SINCE 1903

Obituaries

PEACOCK

Lost & Found

In Memoriam

Call us at 250.486.5383 to see if you are eligible!

• • •

Alcoholics Anonymous, if your drinking is affecting you and those around you, call 250-490-9216

Found, prescription glasses in case, at Eckhardt and Pickering call to identify, (778)4764108 Lost: Black iphone 4S, lost Sat 15th at the Mule. Reward $50 for safe return. 250-328-1633 or 250-493-2090

- Penticton Job Options BC Penticton is a placement and training program. Our next start date is coming up in January, and we are looking for individuals who are 18 or older; unemployed, and not eligible for EI. Job Options BC Penticton offers a full range of services tailored to meet your individual needs, including: Classroom Training, Short Term Certificate Training, Work Experience and Job Placement.

Education/Trade Schools

Personals

By Appointment

#5-230A Martin St., Penticton

fax 250.492.9843 email classieds@pentictonwesternnews.com

BUSINESS Business Management Accounting & Payroll Administrative Assistant Business Administration International Trade Legal Assistant Marketing & Sales Sales Professional

Myrna Eleanor (nee Thompson)

Born in Chilliwack on Feb. 2, 1936 Died in Penticton on Dec. 24, 2012 She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Susan Douglas; sons, David (Grace) and Glen (Jenna); grandchildren, Shalina, Kieran, Corissia and Maxwell; brother Doug Thompson; sisters in law, Betty-Rose Harrington and Elaine Peacock; as well as extended and adopted family and many friends.

Myrna was a teacher, a singer and an avid quilter who created memories with her artistry. Her warm smile and open heart brought light to everyone she touched. Service to celebrate her life will be held mid-March in Penticton. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to CNIB or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

EVERDEN RUST FUNERAL SERVICES 250-493-4112

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

International Hospitality Tourism & Hospitality Food & Beverage Hotel Management Conference Management

HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT Practical Nursing Community Support Social Services Assisted Living Health Care Assistant Health Unit Clerk Live-In Caregiver Pharmacy Assistant Spa Body Therapy

TRADES Construction Electrician Levels 1, 2 & 3

EDUCATION Early Childhood Education Basic & Post Basic

FIND YOUR BEST FIT Before embarking on a sucessful career, you need to know what industry and general position you are interested in.

Speaking with one of our career advisors will help you outline your career goals and what fields are best suited to you. You can even tour the campus, speak with current students, and find out where our graduates are now.

A new career and life path is only a meeting away.

CALL PENTICTON: 250-770-2277 OR VISIT SPROTTSHAW.COM

18 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2013 Penticton Western News

Employment Education/Trade Schools

4 OUT OF 5 PEOPLE WITH DIABETES DIE OF HEART DISEASE.

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.

Weekly start dates. Job board!

Funding options.

SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

Help Wanted ARE YOU EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL DISTRESS? Relief is only a call away!

Call 250-979-4357 to set up your FREE consultation in Penticton.

Donna Mihalcheon CA, CIRP 33 years experience.

BDO Canada Limited.

Trustee in Bankruptcy.

200-1628 Dickson Avenue, Kelowna , BC V1Y 9X1

5-6 full time seasonal workers, 40-60 hours per week, $1214/hr depending on experience, duties include: pruning, thinning, farm work, picking fruit, 250-493-6523 A career with Sutco. We have positions open in our Chip Division, dedicated schedules, Merritt, Chilliwack, West Kootenays and Creston. Hiway Canada Only Super B or Step Deck, assigned unit. Satellite dispatch, e-logs, Pension Plan and Extended Benefits. If you have a clean abstract and verifiable mountain experience, check us out www.sutco.ca or Fax 250-357-2009 more info: 1-888-357-2612 Ext:230

Employment

Services

Help Wanted

Alterations/ Dressmaking

An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators. Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilfield road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required. Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051.

Required for an Alberta Trucking Company. One Class 1 Driver. Must have a minimum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta. Fax resumes to: 780725-4430 THE OSNS Child Development Centre is hiring for the permanent, part-time position of Secretary/Receptionist. This position performs a variety of clerical duties including receiving visitors, answering telephones, typing, filing and data entry. For more information please visit www.osns.org/about-us/careers. Submit applications to Judy Sentes, Executive Director by emailing judy.sentes@osns.org

TIM HORTONS

426889 BC Ltd. Now Hiring Store Front Position, Full Time/ Part time/ Flex Postion, All Available Starting at $10.28 hr., Health Benefits/ Meal plan/Wage incentives/ Bonuses, 8907 Main Street, Osoyoos, #15034017 Hwy 97, Oliver, 7710 Prairie Valley Rd, Summerland, Apply now to b.sym@shaw.ca, Fax: 1.778.476.5991

Sex and the Kitty A single unspayed cat can produce 470,000 offspring in just seven years. Sadly, most of them end up abandoned at BC SPCA shelters or condemned to a grim life on the streets. Be responsible - don’t litter.

Renovate your wardrobe, do you require mending or sewing? for info call, Coco, (250)493-0620

Health Products GET 50% off - Join Herbal Magic this week and get 50% Off. Lose weight quickly, safely and keep it off, proven results! Call Herbal Magic today!

1-800-854-5176.

Financial Services IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple.

Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

M O N E Y P R OV I D E R . C O M . $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

Home Care PLATINUM Care, for all your home care needs. I offer care for you or your loved ones in their own homes, care facility etc, Long/Short term, to/from appointments, light housekeeping, meal prep Other services available, Special offers for month of December. Licensed, registered and Insured. Call Platinum Care today for your better future tomorrow.

Kirsty 250-4620120

Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

Home Improvements Are you looking to do RENOVATIONS? No job too big, or small, 25 years exp. with solid references. Update your home with peace of mind, call Ted Lund, 250-490-7991

BELCAN Painting & Reno’s

over 15 years in business licensed, insured, WCB

painting, tiling, ooring, kitchen/bath reno’s, carpentry nishing,

www.spca.bc.ca

Hotel, Restaurant, Food Services

Hotel, Restaurant, Food Services

Len (250)486-8800 lenmass@gmail.com

Hotel, Restaurant, Food Services

Services

Home Improvements Rob Hurren Carpentry, renovations big and small, kitchen and bath remodeling, doors trim work, finishing and more, professional design available, call Rob 250-809-7131

WWW.MBHOME IMPROVEMENTS.COM

Renovations - Start to Finish Serving Penticton since 2003 TOTALLY CUSTOM CABINETS & FURNITURE kitchen & bathroom cabinets entertainment centers wall units,home offices www.totallycustom.ca one call does it all (250)486-0767

“Happy Holidays from our family to yours”

Moving & Storage FAMILY Movers. Moving?

Anything, anywhere. Local and long distance trips. Packing service available, weekly trips to Vancouver, Alberta, full and partial loads. Cheapest rates in the valley. Free Estimates, 250-493-2687

Painting & Decorating Dave Barnett Painting & Decorating, interior/exterior house painting, cabinets, wall-paper, faux & decorative wall finishes, drywall repairs, carpentry repairs, free estimates & consultation, negotiable pricing. “Protecting your investment & adding real value to your home” (250)497-7912 WWW.PAINTSPECIAL.COM

(1) 250-899-3163

3 Rooms For $299, 2 Coats Any Colour

(Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls. Cloverdale Premium Quality Paint. NO PAYMENT, until job is completed!

Rubbish Removal PENTICTON Junk Removal!

Anything goes!

Household waste, furniture and appliances to the dump 250-770-0827

Pets & Livestock

Feed & Hay HAY FOR SALE; Grass or Grass Alfalfa mix, Large square bales, 3x3x8, $160/ton.

Round bales $70. each, approx. 800lbs. Delivery avail. on larger orders. 250-8386630 cell 250-804-6720

Livestock Premium Wood Shavings New supplier of Animal bedding, starting at $250 for 54 cubic yards delivered, (250)770-0214

Shavings

Sun Rivers Golf Course

Better your odds.

Visit getserious.ca

Friendly service from Summerland since 1972 Les Porter 250-490-1132

Merchandise for Sale

DYNAMIC INDIVIDUAL - DYNAMIC CAREER Are you dynamic? Do you love working with a team where you get to experience something new and challenging every day?

Do you want to express your creative side, while focusing in on the little things that make your guests experience exceptional?

As our Food and Beverage Manager, you will have the opportunity to tap into all that you are: dynamic, creative, system focused, and passionate about service. You will be responsible for a wide variety of service experiences from restaurant dining, running events, corporate meetings to elaborate celebrations. A minimum 2 years previous experience in a food and beverage supervisory capacity is required. In return for your skills and drive, Sun Rivers offers a competitive salary and benefits, including golf incentives.

For details and to apply visit sunriver.com/about and click on job postings.

No phone calls please. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Auctions Western Star Auctions, the Okanagan’s Premier Auction Houses 161 Ellis Street, weekly auctions every Tuesday @ 6pm Always accepting consignments. 250-492-3203

Firewood/Fuel FREE BROKEN PALLETS!!

Pick-up at the Penticton Western News.

2250 Camrose St.

Furniture BEAUTYREST King and Queen Mattress and boxspring sets gently used pillow top!

Only $300/set Located at 161 Ellis Street Penticton Western Star Auctions 250-492-3203 moving, must sell, beautiful Colonial couch & chair, $200, large computer, $4000 new, $1000 w/desk, oak dining table & chairs, $200, coffee table, $75, misc items, call (250)490-3037 Western Star Auctions, the Okanagan’s Premier Auction Houses 161 Ellis Street, weekly auctions every Tuesday @ 6pm Always accepting consignments. 250-492-3203

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Merchandise for Sale

Heavy Duty Machinery Will pay cash for oversized scrap steel, cats, yarders, saw mill equipment, farm equipment, etc. All insurance in place to work on your property. 250-260-0217

Misc. for Sale AT LAST! An iron filter that works. IronEater! Fully patented Canada/U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, smell, manganese. Sine 1957. Visit our 29 innovative inventions; w w w. b i g i r o n d r i l l i n g . c o m .

Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON. BIG BUILDING sale... “”This is a clearance sale. You don’t want to miss!”” 20x20 $3,985.

25x24 $4,595. 30x36 $6,859.

35x48 $11,200.

40x52 $13,100. 47x76 $18,265. One end wall included. Call Pioneer Steel at: 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca Queen bed, boxspring & mattress, $100, double bed, $100, twin bed, $100, washer & dryer, $150 (set), s/s fridge, $100, dishwasher, $75, stove, $125, hood range microwave, $100, all white, can be delivered & set up, 250-770-0827 STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca WANTED: Vintage paintings, postcards, fishing rods, reels, tackle, old knives, Native baskets, old guns, saddles & gun rigs, military medals, pocket watches, etc. Silver & gold coins. Honest & Confidential!

Cash Paid!

250-308-7342, 250-260-8069

Misc. Wanted I like to buy $100 coins, coin collections & specialty foreign coins. Todd 250-864-3521 Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Accumulations, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins + Chad: 250-499-0251

Musical Instruments GUITAR, BASS, AND Drum Lessons,Classic Guitars 465 Main St. Introducing Jennifer Lauren,Vocal Instructor ,All Style All Ages. 472-5007

Merchandise for Sale

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 19

Rentals

Rentals

Transportation

Rentals

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent

Apt/Condo for Rent

Sporting Goods

Apt/Condo for Rent

Rooms for Rent

Cars - Domestic

Boxing Week Specials in Effect: Norinco M14 308 cal incl.

520rds of ammo $833 tax in.

Norinco AR-15 223 cal incl 1600rds of ammo $1299 tax in, other tax in specials at Weber & Markin Gunsmiths The Best Little Gunshop Around 4-1691 Powick Rd Kel 250762-7575 Tue-Sat 10-6

FURNISHED or un-furnished apt for rent in Princeton Avail. now, need excellent ref’s & DD. No pets. Call 250-2951006 leave a message.

Lrg. 2bdrm $850, & newly reno’d 1bdrm, $750, avail. now.

40+ building (250)-487-1136

ROOM, quiet person wanted, ND, NA, NS, no guests, $395, (250)493-5087

LOOKING FOR A DEAL ON A NEW VEHICLE? Save up to 40% OFF your next new vehicle...

No games or gimmicks, deal direct with local dealerships. www.newcarselloff.com

Commercial/ Industrial

1-800-222-TIPS Shared Accommodation

Real Estate For Sale By Owner Bright, charming, 3bdrm, 1.5ba, 2 story, no strata duplex, no age limit, pets welcome, lots of storage, walking distance to buses, recreation, beach, new price, $234,900, #101-415 Maurice St., 250490-0992 ******* OKHomeseller.com View Okanagan properties for sale by owner. Selling? No Commission. 250-545-2383, 1-877-291-7576

Mobile Homes & Parks ✰

Mr. Mobile Home Certified Factory Outlet.

Featuring SIERRAS family community, or single and multi-section homes for your property.

250-769-6614 www.accenthomes.ca

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent

BROCKTON COURT

241 Scott Avenue

1 Bedroom from $750 2 Bedroom from $850 Cable Included, 40+ Building, No Smoking, No Pets, Secure Building, Parking, Balcony

485 Warren Ave E, 2345 sq.ft., high profile corner building, shop, new lighting, new offices, 3 phase power, 10x10 overhead door, shop w/ 1 tonne center pole jib crane, etc. Pent. (250)490-9016, dana@trucktransformer.com PRIME Commercial Spaces: 2300sqft. in busy Plaza, ample parking, also 770sqft., in OK Market for food-related retail business, Barb 250-492-6319

Duplex / 4 Plex 2bdrm suite, adult oriented, $1000/mo, util. incl., avail. immed., (250)492-2637 4- 2bd West Kel., units. 2 avail 15th Dec. others avail 1st of Jan. Each reno’d. 5 appls.incl new w/d., prkg, NS. NP. $750$975 +utils. 250-767-6330 Spacious 3bd, 3ba, master bdrm & walk-in closet, lg deck, walking distance to DT & lake, f/s/dw/w/d. small pet w/dd, $1200+util. avail. Jan. 1, 250809-9970

Homes for Rent

Room for rent in my home, $450-500, includes everything.

(250)492-2543

Townhouses Avail. Feb. 1, 3bdrm, 1ba, Baskin Gardens, close to school/shopping, small pet ok, $1100+util., (250)276-3115

Transportation

Auto Accessories/Parts Used Tires, Huge Selection of used tires and wheels in stock.

We might have what you need. Prices vary according to size and quality. Starting at $25.00. Call us or drop in to Larsens Excel 555 Okanagan Ave East 250-492-5630 Penticton

Auto Financing

4bdrm house on Valley View Rd in Penticton, nice view and privacy. Avail. Immed. 250492-6754 or 250-492-4658 6bdrm 3bath, fully fenced, garage. Brand new W/d, F/s, D/W. Avail Jan1. $1600/mo + utils.

N/S, N/P. Vernon (250)864-2786

Scrap Car Removal 1AA SCRAP CAR REMOVAL Up to $100 cash for full size vehicles. 250-899-0460 1AAArmour Towing & Scrap Removal. Will meet or beat all competors pricing.250-801-4199

Adult Escorts Allow Skyler to give you what she knows you need one last time, 24/7, out/in, Penticton, (250)809-3733, final day January 12 BEACH BUNNIES Be Spoiled At Kelowna’s Only 5 Star Men’s Spa #32-2789 Hwy 97 Blue Heights www.beachbunnies.ca 250-448-8854 Erocitc Swedish Massage by beautiful woman. 778-3631074.

MALE 4 Male Erotic Massage $95, waxing, intimate grooming & skin care. Winfield, 9-9 Daily 250-766-2048 SOOO SEXY SANDY The Original K-Town Girl. 38D, 29, 34.

Come Play! 878-1514 Vernon’s Best! Upscale new location. Lily 24, Jasmine 28, Jina 47, Paris 22, Ginger 25.

For your safety & comfort, in/out calls 250-307-8174.

Save 40-50% of your rent Own your own home!

With as low as $0 down.

Call today 250-809-5004 Charlie Brooks

Royal LePage Locations West

Winfield, 3 bdrm, 2 bath house, quiet area, $1295 + util., n/s, n/p, 250-548-3378.

Motels,Hotels

No qr code reader?

Text info: 778.786.8271

DreamTeam Auto Financing “0” Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

REALTY EXECUTIVES VANTAGE APARTMENTS: $625/ Bach, 1 and 2 bdrm apts. near library/downtown, elevator, $750 cov’d parking, f, s, a/c, balcony, cat ok. Avail. NOW (EFR) $650 2nd & 3rd flr walk up, reno’d, 1 bdrm, with laminate, freshly painted, f, s, coin up laundry. Avail. NOW (KBD204/304) $725 2 bdrm, grd flr, h.w. flrs, newer kitchen, f, s, a/c, covered parking, extra storage. Avail. NOW (A447) $725/ 2 bdrm 55+ 1 bath, f, s, includes heat and hot water and $795 cable. Avail. NOW (WT104/ 105/306) $750 Skaha Place, 2 bdrm condo, large patio, f, s, a/c, elevator.

Avail. NOW (A323) $800 2 bdrm suite, 1 bath, 5 appl, near Columbia school.

Avail. Feb. 1 ( H656-1) $1100 Near downtown, top flr, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 5 appl, sec’d parking, balcony, elevator, 1 year lease req’d.

Avail. NOW (OT563) $1600 2 bdrm 2 bath at Lakeshore Towers, Exec condo, 6 appl, sec’d parking and lots of amenities. Avail. NOW ( OT567)

HOUSES: $650 $900 $1000 $800 $1250 $1500 $2000

1 bdrm duplex, fridge, stove, surrounded by orchards/ vineyard, patio area, work shed. Avail. NOW (OT566) Near Pen Hi, top half of duplex, 2 bdrm and den, 5 appl, hardwood floors, lease req’d. Avail. NOW (H710-2) Near Pen Hi, 2 bdrm house, with rec room in basement, fenced yard, h.w. floors. Avail. NOW (H699) Near OK College and Canadian Tire, 2 bdrm, 1 bath home, fenced yard. Avail. now to June 13. (H679) 3 bdrm, 2 bath in Uplands 5 appl, h.w. flrs, freshly painted, 6 or 7 month lease only. Avail. NOW (OT560) 3 bdrm + 2 down, near Wiltse School, 2. 5 bath, finshed bsmt, carport, large deck fenced yard. Avail. NOW (OT561) Reno’d 3 bdrm 3 level home with 1 bdrm inlaw suite, incredible lake and valley views, all appl incl., no pets no smoking. Avail. NOW (OT565)

TOWNHOUSES: $900

Reno’d 3 bdrm 1.5 bath, townhouse in 4 plex, near school, 4 appl, fenced yard, carport. Avail. NOW ( th500) $1300 Naramata, new 3 bdrm, f, s, d/w, washer/dryer hookup, unfinished bsmt, garage. Avail. NOW ( th496-6/7) Prospective tenants must complete an application form at:

280 MAIN STREET, PENTICTON, B.C. V2A 5B2 PHONE: 250-493-4372 - www.rentalspenticton.com

classifieds work!

250-488-2881

MOTEL ROOM and RV pad to rent, $480 up. Penticton and Sum-

merland 250-487-0268

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

Fatten up your piggy.

g , ws 0 100 ; 39 250 India te, chains Young Diiscretion Windo suitte Call 25 ative $499. e $ 2 HAPPY16 room leafss, 5 2428.

Old N ock or ston - 558-0 s . g u : p petite. ut Calls. 24/7 in o u D e tore in E n r S c D a o 3 NT a g ll A n e m t, O e in e , w tt c d W ir & e In Kelo 62-3204. Ve 0 Mis s, incluols, beaded jackets, Bass , china cabinaptains cha 0.

4 2 s e 4 r m 2 2 ic e ja 8 8 v 2 It r g 0 e 25 309 utch 1 c ther , 2,50 , to th St. annin scort S mauls , gloves, lea tem poles . hchairs and ondition $ n 01 - 27 quart c 2 e 5 Hour E ymates” n 4 a o to s c 2 tc . r I , e LX s llent py.

12 doz 50-542-9694 “Pla Discreet. Fo 71. casinen baskets dolls oods CompleteBO. 250 will exce-494-1446 s, 2 v W 2 2 o . le , .

7 s b w , h 2 ’. ll s 9 ta s a 1 u e 0 a c c ut - 250 ton 0-3 offee ll. 250- $ 1-16c Beaumont $500. O In & o hiring. soapsctor paying s 250-499 call 25 air, 2 c ov a zers: lo eo ng. good time , le. Colle uch, chs - $50 for 2 Free 1 apt. size d set $100 b m o a e C r il e a v K Couch /end t le a e ; b b 0 l.

2 ta 3 e 6 le s 1 v 2 d rini- Always b e n tra en buf- $ 10; 1 dou 250-558-4 coffe uter de datio 67. . e 1- Accommo Ok Valley. p d Pine 244 $1 545-51 ances er 6pm 7x7H, Com et. $10 the 0 t - Soli ew, counttry li x ft il p 6 a ts u p 1 c ll B e A a r, p depth Will travel in c e n e x m 0 b r, il e e a ic 6 a o to k c if d s r o 1 tr li .2 r n u d , c fo C ta SER April ARGO hutch t. $400 ramp 0. Sa discree ple looking hoto ALES & fet and Paid $125 95 2002 C axle, rear ic brakes, boa S Clean, p u E o C C C d N .

52 DIS O en ndem 500. electr d APPLIA VICE er freezer - style5. 250-260same. 30-45. S tact. Reply t l e, soli s taide door, of vent - $6 ante c p 2 w C n 4 e le 9 r o g ll $ a N e c Ca htiona fem $250, - $150, Dry 50, m set,plus captain a s pare tire, ro . ns of The Mornin o a e a o r c e m u g g d 0 1 s $ /o 5 Frid Washer 89 extr inin plus 5, 3 e party, pl #24 c le. D ak, 1930’s, er seats, 2 inet - 250-765-9 to $12 80, o Box to Range very Availab o s $25 pieces 16” a our cataal u- $1 00, cab ath x le e le a o s p , in li s h in r e y . e r Sttaar. chair , Buffet, c 133. or $1arranttiiees, D . , spec, ork ffo 3 pow of plywood = 37 sheets S es 5-1 2 Tanttrra liin w v 4 W 4 a e t 5 ts 0 v DON’S e g le i iv e n 6 ll n 0 s ll e a l5 a u 9 d Excllu es/o woo g p 6”, each p 545-9014 h cha - 250-54 LS!! an be $1900. 2 th or hea r healt l / A t, E e S D u 3 in i s T 0 h 0 is to m o 5 5 ffo tc s al is GREA & stove. C ition.

RIOUS OBO 2 work g Roo E nd ma Dena 2 Repairrsi yerr, ond Dinnin /6 chairs, a0 ; 549-9153 $200 EPLAC healing More iinfo. 03 3851 YOU her dr Good c 781 F T levis 5 EW FIR

With more classified options than ever before watch your old stuff go and your piggy bank get fed.

=FL

Call Call250-492-0444 338-5811

20

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

calendar Wednesday January 2

65-plus singles Coffee Club meets at 10 a.m. at the Penticton Golf and Country Club. For info call 250-492-0459 or 250770-1018. seniors’ reCreation and Wellness Centre at 439 Winnipeg St. hosts euchre every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Call Betty at 250-490-0468 for more information. f alls o kanagan seniors’ Activity Centre has exercise classes at 8 a.m., music and coffee hour at 9 a.m. followed by carpet bowling at 1 p.m. al-anon for friends and family of alcoholics at 7:30 p.m. at United Church, 696 Main St. Call 250-490-9272 for info. iode thrift store on 464 Main St. has weekly specials and is open Monday to Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., and re opens Jan. 3. the breastfeeding Café will be held the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Penticton and District Community Resource Society at 330 Ellis St. Moms, babies and toddlers are all welcome to join. Contact Kaili at 250-

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 2, 2013

404-4299 for info. foster Care info sessions every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at MCFD Resource Office. For info call Moe at 250-770-7524 or visit www.fosterbc.ca or www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster. pentiCton Quilters meet on the second Wednesday (Jan.9) of the month at the Salvation Army hall at 9 a.m. Check their website at www.pentictonquilters. com. kiwanis Club has a lunch meeting every Wednesday at noon at 390 Brunswick St. alCoholiCs anonymous night group meets in the Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. at 1498 Government St. The Summerland group meets at 8 p.m. at 13204 Henry Ave. in the basement. Nooners meetings are Monday to Friday noon at 361 Wade Ave. pentiCton seniors Dropin Centre has beginner line dance at 9 a.m., a coffee social and Medical Qi Gong at 10 a.m., and easy to intermediate line dance and cribbage at 1 p.m. and card games at 7 p.m. Call 250-493-2111 to confirm line dance activities. pentiCton aCademy of Music String orchestra rehearses at the Leir House under the direction of John

Suderman from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. New members welcome. For information please call 250-493-7977. elks Club on Ellis St. has a lodge meeting downstairs at 7:30 p.m. oliver senior Centre at 5876 Airport St. has afternoon dance with Paul and friends at 1:30 to 4 p.m. with 50/50 draw and refreshments.

Thursday January 3

fitness friends meets at 10 a.m. in the Legion Hall at 502 Martin St. Come get in shape.

Everyone is welcome. peaCh City toastmasters meet from noon to 1 p.m. at the Penticton United Church.

Toastmasters improves speaking abilities and leadership skills. Call 250-492-2362 for info. tops (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Centre on Power Street.

Call Merle at 250-7708093. tops b.C. 1640 meets from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Bethel Church basement at 945 Main St. Phone Beverley at

250-493-5968 or Liz at 250-493-7997 for more information. s outh o kanagan i mmigrant and Community Services is offering free English classes. For more info, stop by the office at 508 Main St. or call 250-4926299. al-anon for friends and family of alcoholics meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Summerland United Church. Call 250-4909272. pentiCton seniors Drop-in Centre has Spanish conversation and carpet bowl at 10 a.m., bingo at 1 p.m., with doors open at 12 p.m., improver line dance at 12:30 p.m. p.m. and crafters meet at 1 p.m. Call 250-493-2111 to confirm line dance activities. alCoholiCs anonymous night group meets at 8 p.m. on 150 Orchard Ave. in the Outreach Centre. The Okanagan Falls group meets at 8 p.m. at 5328 Hawthorne St., and the men’s book study group runs at 7:30 p.m. at 102 1825 Main St. anavets has pool at 7 p.m. and 269 Dart Club. elks Club on Ellis St.

has darts at 7 p.m. All skill levels welcome. l adies a uxiliary branCh 40 has a lunch bunch meet at Boston Pizza at 11:30 a.m.

Friday

January 4 seniors singles lunCh Club welcomes 65-plus each Friday. For location call 250-496-5980 or 250770-8622.

890 wing of South Okanagan Air Force Association gets together at 4 p.m. at the clubhouse at 126 Dakota Ave. Care Closet thrift Store at 574 Main St. has weekly specials and silent auctions. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers always welcome. senior Computer dropin Sessions are held every Monday and Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. These sessions are for members to help solve problems other members may be experiencing with their computers. al-anon meets at the Oasis United Church at 2964 Skaha Lake Rd. from 6 to 7 p.m. For info call 250-490-9272.

alCoholiCs anonymous big book, 12x12 thumper group meets at 7:30 p.m. at 102 1825 Main St. Naramata group meets at 8 p.m. at 3740 3rd St. In Summerland, the step study meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at 13204 Henry Ave. Nooners meetings are Monday to Friday at noon at 361 Wade Ave. anavets has karaoke at 7 p.m. elks Club on Ellis St. has drop-in darts/pool starts at 6:30 p.m. funtimers ballroom danCe Club holds a dance most Fridays upstairs at the Elks Club at 343 Ellis St. at 7:30 p.m. There is ballroom and Latin dancing. Nonmembers welcome.

Details at www.pentictonfuntimers.org or call Brian on 250-492-7036.

COMinG eVenTs graCie barra is running a women’s self-defence workshop. The women who want to participate must bring something for the women’s shelter (toothpaste, hair shampoo, even perfume or hair elastics), anything at all

V T n o e e s t ’ n o d u o y ing

to participate on Jan. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. at 153 Estabrook Ave. f ire p entiCton department is having its Christmas tree pickup event in support of muscular dystrophy.

Residents are encouraged to call 250-490-2315 to arrange pick up during the firefighters off-time.

Residents can also drop off trees at Fire Hall No. 2 at 285 Dawson Aven.

This service will operate until Jan. 18. s outh o kanagan newComers Group is for those who are 50-plus and new to the area in the last couple of years.

They welcome individuals and couples new to Oliver and provide them with useful information about the area and meet in friendship with other newcomers and provide social events for members. The first meeting is Jan. 10 with future meetings on second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Oliver Senior Centre at 5876 Airport St. For more info contact Max or Janet Uhlemann at 250498-2121 or janetuhlemann44@gmail.com, muhleman@uvic.ca.

Being there live means the excitement of multiple games unfolding simultaneously before your eyes. Enjoying complimentary admission to a post-game party where you can grab a bite, a drink, a dance… even a few autographs and a chance to meet the athletes. All inclusive in your admission ticket.

Everyth vailable from $15! is now a

The Skinny – $109 vs

Can`t be there for all four days? This mini pack gives you two days of high energy action, including the final, all-important Skins matches.

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The Meal Deal – $65 Make a whole day of it on championship Sunday. Get a ticket for both draws with a buffet-style meal served in between in the Patch.

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Community Partner

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Media Partners

January 10-13, 2013 • South Okanagan Events Centre • Penticton, BC The Continental Cup is a property of the World Curling Federation, operated jointly with the Canadian Curling Association as part of Canada’s Season of Champions.

Diamond Sponsors