Arrow Lakes News, December 04, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

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Mirror’s Panto takes off

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Vol. 90 Issue 49 • Wednesday, December 4, 2013 • www.arrowlakesnews.com • 250-265-3823 • $1.25 •

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Nakusp family helps rebuild after Philippines’ super typhoon Claire paradis Arrow Lakes News

It was unlike anything Ed and Ruth Wiebe had ever experienced in their years in the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan’s 200 to 300 kilometre per hour winds tore through the small village of Ocam Ocam on the island of Busuanga, ripping roofs from houses and bending trees over until they broke. The devastation to the small town of roughly 200 was huge, driving people to flee together from house to house as roofs were stripped away, leaving them vulnerable to the elements. It was only when it was all over that the full extent of the damage could be seen. And although the Wiebes had weathered their share of typhoons, this level of destruction was something completely new. Ed and Ruth Wiebe began working in the Philippines ten years ago when they came to the island with the pastor of their church and his wife who is originally from Ocam Ocam. Seeing a need for a school in the town where more than half the population are children, the Wiebes decided to build a school, which now teaches kids from kindergarten to grade fou. With sponsor funds, they have been able to build the school as well as hire three teachers. To encourage parents to send their kids to the school rather than help work in the fields, sponsorship money also provides each family with a bag of rice. Dan Wiebe, Ed and Ruth’s son, has been to the town himself and has seen many changes over the past decade. Due to irresponsible fishing practises involving dynamite and poisons by some fishers, the local coral reefs had been destroyed, which also dried up the sea-

food trade. Ed Wiebe was determined to help the residents to help themselves, and brought chickens, goats and bananas to be cultivated, as well as a tractor, a rice mill, and water pipelines that have allowed Ocam Ocam citizens to feed themselves. “They’re pretty much self-supported now,” Dan told the Arrow Lakes News. “They grow their own food at local plantations.” Typhoon Haiyan’s destruction has meant efforts are now aimed at rebuilding farms and buildings as well as feeding people right now. Fortunately, many of the buildings are made with things that grow locally, although even those supplies were destroyed in the storm’s onslaught. “Most houses are made out of bamboo and grasses, so the building supplies are on hand,” said Dan. The Wiebes have bought rice and tarps, and are slowly trying to get places for people to live, Dan told the Arrow Lakes News. The next step is helping farmers get their fields back in shape. “It’s just a matter of getting them up and running again,” Dan emphasized. Ed has been in touch with Dan about once a week; because the storm wiped out cell phone towers, Ed can only call when he goes to Coron, a three- or four-hour drive from the town. Still, any roads are an improvement: not long ago, the only access to the rural village was by boat. Because Ocam Ocam has so few people, post-typhoon relief has been slow to come. Ed Wiebe took on the initiative immediately and has been trucking food and supplies from Coron, his efforts funded by donations through the Alliance Church in Nakusp. This

Nakusp planning curbside recycling Claire paradis Arrow Lakes News

Now that the MMBC deal has been accepted by RDCK, Nakusp residents will be seeing changes to how recycling is collected. With requirements that all facilities be fenced and staffed, RDCK’s Mike Morrison told the Arrow Lakes News, the big green bins stationed near the Nakusp Arena will be no more. Folks who have their trash picked up by the village will also have their recycling picked up too, although exactly how that will work is still being worked out.

“There are a lot of logistics to be worked out between now and May,” said Nakusp CAO Linda Tynan. Part of what needs to be worked out is whether blue boxes or bags will be used in collection. Another part will be informing Nakuspians about the new requirements for recyclables, such as what needs to be done to reduce “contaminants” – unseparated recyclables, like labels on bottles and cans. Glass will still need to be dropped off, as will out-of-town recycling, which means those who don’t have garbage service will have to wait for the waste management site to be open.

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micro-relief effort means that 100 per cent of the donations get to where they’re intended, say organizers of the relief effort, and people are welcome to drop by and give what they can. Ed and Ruth Wiebe will be back home in

their own Canadian town for Christmas with family, but Dan said they are planning on returning to the Philippines after the holidays are over to continue to help. Their generosity is a gift that gives no matter what time of year.

Winter access to Wensley Trails nonmotorized only

Signs like this have been posted at access points to the Wensley Creek Cross Country Ski Trails to alert users that motorbikes, ATVs, vehicles and snowmobiles are prohibited between Dec. 1 and March 31. Courtesy Kathy Smith Contributed by ALCCSC

Motorized vehicles are restricted from using the Wensley Creek trails between Dec. 1 and March 31, and new signs have been posted at access points to the trails letting users know. “The reason for the restriction is to protect the integrity of snow on the trail systems,” Kathy Smith, president Arrow Lakes Cross Country Ski Club told the Arrow Lakes News. “Snowfall begins in early December and it is critical to allow the snow to build up, prior to setting ski tracks. For many years now, there has been repeated problems with the ski trails being damaged by other people accessing the trails with motorized vehicles.The ALCCSC works hard to set track and maintain the trails over the ski season. There have been occasions that the damage to the ski tracks cannot be repaired during the ski season.

“It’s important for people to understand that this area has been managed for many years now, for cross country skiing in the winter time,” said Smith. “There has been a lot of hard work and money spent in maintaining and upgrading the trail system to facilitate the winter ski activity.” The new informational signage has been installed in an attempt to inform unauthorized users about the restricted access. The ski trail area is managed by the Arrow Lakes Cross Country Ski Club, who have a signed recreational agreement with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. This agreement gives the ski club rights to maintain and use the ski trail during this time line. If anyone has questions about the restricted motorized access to this area, they can contact Kathy Smith at 250-265-4950 or Justin Dexter, Recreation Officer at 250825-1212.

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2 n Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013

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Mailboxes mauled out of town

Is mailbox tipping the contemporary low-effort version of cow tipping? both Nakusp RCMP and the Canada Postal Service are investigating. Anyone with info is asked to call the RCMP or Crimestoppers.

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Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013 n 3

Nakusp council notes Nov. 25: ALR, financial plan and staff recognition Claire paradis Arrow Lakes News

Village staff recognition Nakusp council and mayor recognized the years of service that some of the staff have put in for the Village. Mike Pedersen, Director of Operations, has been with the Village for 20 years. Noel Ballard, Tammy Herridge, Wesley Coleman, Malcolm McInnes, Warren Leigh and Anna Marie Hogg have all been with the Village for five years, and Terry Warren has been working since March 1, 2004.

Preserve farmland The Agricultural Land Reserve and Agricultural Land Commission have made news lately, with proposed changes to the 40-year-old institution being discussed in provincial halls of power. Those discussions reached Nakusp council on Nov. 25. After some talk around the

table about the importance of ensuring farmland be kept for agricultural purpose, as well as whether methods such as aerial surveys used to designated lands for the ALR are the best way to do so, a motion was proposed and passed. The motion states that Nakusp council affirms and supports the preservation of farmland, and council will work with other municipalities to enhance the viability of farming. Council also stated that if another review of the ALR and ALC is to occur, a longer period for public input be ensured, and that communities should be included in the consultation. It was also noted that the issue should be raised at UBCM.

Get on the bus

Nakusp council voted to amalgamate paratransit services with Nelson, Kaslo and Kootenay Lake West Transit services. The change in costs to taxpayers without amalgamation would result in an increase from the current rate from $0.170 per $1,000 tax dollars to $0.2020 per $1,000 tax dollars, while amalgamation will increase the

rate to $0.179 per $1,000 tax dollars. Without amalgamation, outof-service vehicles would mean there would be no service available unless additional vehicles were purchased. With the four transit services together, vehicles can be shared as they are needed.

Getting the figures The 2014 Financial Plan will be presented to the public at the end of January, with the tentative date being Jan. 29. Last year’s presentation was very well attended for a firsttime event, and mayor Karen Hamling said she hoped there would be an equal number or more attending this winter. Each department prepared a visual display summarizing what they had done over the year and their part of the budget, and every manager was on hand to answer questions. Another great chance to see how money is spent and how things work in Nakusp.

Be leaf your

Village of Nakusp opts out of RDCK service Claire paradis Arrow Lakes News

Nakusp has opted out of RDCK’s sustainability service that they signed onto in 2009, and they’re not alone. Six more directors have decided not to participate in the service, and there may be more, said Nakusp mayor Karen Hamling. Taxation for the service began in 2010, and involved the creation of a parttime coordinator position for green initiatives and services in the area, Hamling told the Arrow Lakes News. A report this summer caused the mayor some concern that the projects being tackled by the service were not relevant to the municipality, and so the decision

was made by the Village to serve notice to withdraw from program. A surplus of $160,700 was reported last year ($92,000 of which was from a grant received just before March 31), said the Nakusp mayor, and if the money isn’t being spent, let alone on projects that are relevant locally, there is no point in continuing to feed the kitty. Although Nakusp’s contribution is somewhere between the three- and four-thousand dollar mark, Hamling is convinced the money would be better spent closer to home. “Our council is already active and we’d like to choose our own initiatives,” said Hamling, who pointed to the Kootenay Lake Partnership, the Fortis Kootenay Energy Diet and mosquito control as three projects run through the

SPECIAL EVENTS AT HALCYON HOUSE

All Seniors in the community welcome to attend all Activities Any questions call Judy at 250-265-3056 (eve.) or 250-265-3692

ROTARY VILLA LOUNGE

Monday: BINGO 7:00 pm at the New Lounge Thursday: SOUP & BUN DAY 12:00 Noon at the New Lounge

eyes New blue spruce trees have been planted between the skatepark and gazebo, and the Village crew has replaced the rotten cedar logs with concrete barricades around the parking lot.

New newsletter

You have probably seen it, if

Council meetings will continue to be held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, unless of course there is a stat holiday, when it will be held on the following Tuesday. Lots of chances to come see your local government in action.

SeaSon’S GreetinGS from HoSS, Jill, BetH and la at Cut rite meatS!

❄ Fresh Homemade Sausage out ❄ of the Smokehouse! ❄ Garlic Sausage, Farmer Sausage ❄ and Turkey Kielbasa ❄ Come check out our daily soup ❄ and lunch specials!

NEW HORIZONS

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF

MINTO HOUSE ACTIVITIES

Exercises/Birthday Teas – Elaine Social Time – Dawna, Karen Bingo – Delorus, Jean Cards – Caroline, Ileen Tai Chi – Barb Time Wise – Simon Church – Hilary, Bea Burton Church – Gale Always welcome new student/adult volunteers! Contact: Karolina Moskal at 250-265-3692

Monday: Bingo 10:30 am Ice cream 1:00 pm Tuesday: Piano 10:00 am Junior Volunteers 3:30 pm Wednesday: Minto Medical Bus to Vernon Departs ALH 7:00am - Arrives Vernon 10:30 am Departs Vernon mid pm - Arrives Nakusp 6:00 pm Thursday: Church 10:30 am Friday: Exercises 10:30 am Gentlemen’s Afternoon 1:00 pm

HALCYON HOUSE ACTIVITIES

you’re a citizen of Nakusp. An attractive Village of Nakusp newsletter was sent to all residents outlining what has been happening in the municipality.

Come to a Historical plaques Monday meeting There are now nine historical plaques installed on buildings in the downtown core, so keep your eyes peeled.

service that do not affect Nakusp. There are overlapping programs, such as the wood stove exchange and BearAware, but Hamling said the Village is either already involved independently or can take them on independent of the regional district. Because a 24-month notice is required to opt out, Nakusp will be taking part in the sustainability service for the next two years. However, if there are more directors who decide to leave, that may change and the service may have to be reorganized, said Hamling. “There’s a trend of pulling back from areas that maintain services where there’s a surplus,” the Nakusp mayor said, who believes no more taxation should be collected if there is a surplus year after year.

Arrow & Slocan Lakes Community Services

Village staff were recognized for their years of service at the Nov. 25 council meeting. Courtesy Linda Tynan

(Located at the Arrow Lakes Hospital)

To contact the Recreation Dept. or to book a seat on the Minto Medical Bus for Vernon phone 250-265-3622 ext. 259.

Open 7 Days a Week

250-265-3263

212 Broadway, Nakusp

MEALS ON WHEELS

AVAILABLE THROUGH HALCYON HOUSE Meals On Wheels provides tasty, nutritious hot meals that are delivered to your home by volunteers between 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The cost for this service is $7.00 per meal. To arrange for Meals On Wheels please call Anne at Community Services 250-265-3674 ext. 213 between 8:30am & 4:30pm.

FROZEN MEALS

AVAILABLE AT COMMUNITY SERVICES 16 professionally prepared meals for $100. Orders are to be taken on the 1st & 3rd Monday by 10 am. Pickup is 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. SEVERAL MENU CHOICES! Meals must be prepaid. Call 250-265-3674.

4 n Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Meter rates too much Editor, Open letter to Greg Reimer, Executive Vice-President Transmission and Distribution, B.C. Hydro. Definitions: Coercion: The use of force to obtain compliance. Extortion: 1. The crime of obtaining money or some other thing of value by the use of office; 2. Oppressive or illegal exaction, as of excessive price or interest; 3. Blackmail. Mr. Reimer: I am signing this consent form for smart meter installation not because I agree to this action, but because of coercion by BC Hydro. I would like to keep my old meter, but as a pensioner cannot afford the outrageous $35 per month added cost that Hydro is blackmailing us with. This qualifies under the definition of extortion, and I think a class action suit should be brought against Hydro in the highest courts in the land. And now we hear that we are to be slapped with a rate hike of 28 per cent over five years! About five times the current rate of inflation. Perhaps you should be looking to slash the sixfigure salaries that you and the other

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opinion

17 Vice-Presidents are helping themselves to. The rate hikes are said to be necessary to upgrade the system. Why wasn’t the money for this saved from the years of Hydro’s massive income? Instead the money was sucked off with forced payments to the BC Treasury. Our rates still among the lowest in North America? The people of B.C. own the rivers, the dams and BC Hydro itself. Without mismanagement and political interference, our Hydro rates should be by far the lowest in the world! The people in this, the Arrow Lake valley, have been shoved aside, expropriated and seen thousands of acres of productive land taken from them by the raising of the Arrow Lake due to the Keenleyside dam. And this is how they are rewarded: a pittance is dribbled back to them through the Columbia Basin Trust. The people affected should enjoy free, or token, hydro rates! BC Hydro a public utility? More like Public Enemy No.1 from our viewpoint. Frank M Appleton Edgewood, B.C.

Choose to speak up about agricultural land Editor, Imagine that you might, someday, want to farm for a living. Or imagine your kids might want to farm, or your grandkids. All over the world such dreams become harder and harder to achieve as land capable of supporting crops is paved over for roads or built into shopping centres or houses or is used for industry. In B.C. during the 1960s and early ‘70s, we lost 6,000 acres of farmland every year to subdivisions and other non-farm activities. In 1972 there was a provincial election and farmers came together to ask all of the parties to do something about the preservation of farmland before it was all gone. Every party responded to those concerns by talking about various solutions they might enact should they win the election. In 1973 the new government created the Agricultural Land Reserve to protect land capable of producing food. The new law was tough, and owners of land who wanted the right to sell it for subdivision or some other use were surprised and angry. Surprised because such zoning laws are

rare in the whole world, and angry because if they ever decided to stop farming, they would only be able to sell their land as farmland (not to developers from whom they could make much more money). But the people of B.C. liked the idea of protecting farmland and, surprisingly, the law has remained on the books and functioning for four decades. Thus, if you or your kids or your grandkids want to farm someday, or if you want to be able to buy food from people who live and farm near you, B.C. is a good place to live to make those dreams come true. The outfit responsible for supervising the Agricultural Land Reserve is called the Agricultural Land Commission and it is a group of people appointed by whoever is the Government of the day. They have the very hard job of receiving applications from owners of farmland for various uses and deciding what is good for the protection of farming and what is not. Provincial ministers charged with representing the interests of the Crown are, under any administration, frequently skating on the edge of real

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conflict in their dealings with the Commission. But it cannot be otherwise. The Agricultural Land Commission is charged with doing the work of the angels in protecting land capable of producing food from development. Conversely, the government of the province is charged with doing the work of the devil in trying to make development happen in order to sustain an economy and employ people and get themselves re-elected. When I had the honour to serve as Minister of Agriculture of B.C. I received separate visits from farmers from Ontario, Alberta, Tennessee and New Mexico who traveled all the way to our province to ask our advice. They all wanted to know how they might develop a similar law to protect their livelihood, threatened as it was by various forms of encroachment into farmland by other interests. In every case I had to tell them that I did not know how they could enact such legislation in the face of modern pressures that would oppose them. Such is the debt that we, British Columbians, owe to those who made the ALR in the 1970s. It was possible then to consider such a vision, policy and law. It is almost unfathomable today to imagine a government, anywhere, achieving a similar objective. A few years ago, a B.C. organization that speaks for corporatist values, the Fraser Institute, commissioned a report calling for an end to the Agricultural Land Reserve. The report disparages both Canadian farmers and consumers of food who desire to purchase food produced locally. That report is called “The BC Agri-

cultural Land Reserve: A Critical Assessment.” Following the publication of that 2009 report, we had an election in B.C. While the issue of the future of the Agricultural Land Reserve was not an issue in the election, the government that won the election appears to have decided to support the ideas of the Fraser Institute. That is why it is time for all of the people in the Province who produce or eat food to rise up and defend the Agricultural Land Reserve. If we weaken it now, it will die. Although the Land Reserve may have been visionary and, therefore, hard for some people to accept way back in 1973, I think its time may have finally come. Everywhere I go people are beginning to talk about food and the quality of food and where it comes from and how it is produced. Young people, for pretty much the first time in my 65 years, are talking about wanting to learn to farm for a living. Village, town and city people are often even more interested in food issues than my neighbours in the rural area. This might be the moment when both urban and rural people could build a coalition of consumers and producers to defend farmland and support farmers that would define public policy in B.C. for decades to come. This is not a partisan issue. New Democrats wrote the law in 1973. It was sustained by Socreds for a quarter century. When John van Dongen rose to defend the Commission in the ‘90s he was a Liberal. I know lots of farmers and discerning consumers who vote Green. One of the stron-

gest voices in defence of the ALR in the Legislature, Vicki Huntington, is an Independent. This issue isn’t about your politics, it is about your values. Either your values, or those of the Fraser Institute. Let’s choose to speak. Loud and from everywhere, with no urban/rural difference, in support of the Agricultural Land Reserve and in support of the producers who work that land. And if you are moved to speak I have thoughts about how you might go about it. First, send this or some writing of your own to everyone you know who eats, gardens or farms to let them know what’s happening. Second, take an old-fashioned pen and some paper and write your thoughts in a letter to the Premier of British Columbia. Your own thoughts. Do not bother with the Ministers whose names have been attached to this issue. Ministers are supposed to try “trial balloons” to see if they are accepted by the public. They will not be the ones who decide whether or not to mess with the Land Reserve. The Premier will make that call. Do not bother sending her an email. Emails do not make a stack on anybody’s desk. Emails are not given the weight of a letter that you write yourself. A big stack of letters will not go unnoticed. This issue will be resolved, one way or another, by the spring. Now is the time to choose to speak. Corky Evans Winlaw, B.C.

The Arrow Lakes News is published by Black Press. Mailing address: P.O. Box 189, Nakusp, B.C. V0G 1R0. Street address: 106 Broadway St., Nakusp. Publisher: Mavis Cann

NEWS

www.arrowlakesnews.com

Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013 n 5

Report card released on Kootenay hospitals Black Press

Nakusp’s Arrow Lakes hospital, which is 38 years old, is facing repairs of about $4.3 million, an Interior Health facilities study concludes. The report summary, received last month by the West Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital District and made public today, looks at acute and residential care facilities throughout the region. It uses a formula called facility condition index to assess each building, an industry standard that measures the physical state of a building and its systems, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing. The total cost of repairs or renovations is divided by the cost of replacement. The lower the number, the better condition the facility is in and the lesser the

need for renovations. Kootenay Lake hospital, which is 56 years old, has an estimated replacement value of $63.3 million, and a facility condition index of 0.48, meaning a thorough overhaul would cost about $30 million. By comparison, Kootenay Boundary regional hospital in Trail is 60 years old, has a replacement value of $83.6 million, and a condition index of 0.53, so it could use a $44 million investment. Nelson mayor John Dooley, who is also the city’s hospital district representative, said he wasn’t surprised that there are big infrastructure deficits, but learning the actual costs was “a wake-up call” and “like a sledgehammer.” He also said that despite the amount of work required, it’s not as though Kootenay Lake hospital has been neglected, pointing to the

new emergency room that opened last year. Two smaller hospitals fared better in the assessment: Arrow Lakes hospital in Nakusp, which is 38 years old, has a replacement value of $14.1 million and an index of 0.31, so the price tag on repairs is about $4.3 million. Boundary hospital in Grand Forks, which is 50 years old, is worth $36.4 million and had an index of 0.32, suggesting it requires $11.6 million in capital improvements. Castlegar’s community health centre had a replacement value of $32.6 million, and a facilities index of 0.41, which works out to a wish list of upgrades worth $13.4 million; Slocan community health centre in New Denver was pegged at a value of $16.3 million and a facilities index of 0.37, equal to $6 million in poten-

tial work; and Kaslo’s Victorian community health centre is worth $12.4 million and has an index of 0.49, so it would also cost $6 million to fully renovate. The numbers do not include things like taxes, architectural fees, equipment, or furniture. The study, completed in September, also looked at long-term care facilities: those in the best shape include Hardy View Lodge in Grand Forks, which was rebuilt five years ago, and Talarico Place in Castlegar. On the other end of the scale, Poplar Ridge Pavilion in Trail had an index of 0.61, indicating that it needs up to $11.6 million in renovations. Although intended to help guide capital investment decisions, the summary does not make any explicit recommendations around which facilities should

be repaired or replaced first, nor about where new facilities should be built. “The demand for capital needs will continue to outweigh funding levels,” it reads. “The [facilities condition index is] only one component of a process used to determine capital investment priorities.” Other factors include whether a facility is providing the right services; whether it’s able to accommodate current volume and growth; whether it’s adaptable to current standards; and whether it’s able to meet clinical and program needs, the summary stated. The hospital district is responsible for paying 40 per cent of approved capital projects while the provincial government and hospital foundations pick up the rest.

Articulate Elaine Lindsay wins Toastmasters award Contributed by Mayumi Van Der Pol

Elaine Lindsay received the Competent Communicator’s Award from Toastmasters International on Nov. 26. Presenting the award was Presi-

dent, Reta de Wit. Congratulations, Elaine! The Articulators Toastmasters meets at 7:15 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Selkirk College in Nakusp.

January 1 to December 31, 2014 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE: COUNCIL MEETINGS

6:30 pm in Council Chambers (91 1st Street NW)

Toastmasters International president Reta de Wit presents Elaine Lindsay with the Competent Communicator’s Award on Nov. 26. Courtesy Mayumi Van Der Pol

Konanz withdraws Conservative nomination Contributed by Helena Konanz

Helena Konanz has withdrawn from the race just two weeks after announcing she would be seeking the Conservative nomination for the 2015 federal election. Konanz’ announcement and withdrawal are both in advance of any dates being set for the Conservative nomination race for the new South Okanagan West Kootenay riding, which comes into being with the next election. “At least I haven’t signed any papers or anything,” said

Konanz, who is currently a City of Penticton councillor. “I really enjoy my job at council and want to continue.” She explained that after taking time to consider, she decided holding the position of federal MP would not be in the best interests of her family. “It became apparent what I was signing up for,” she said. “I reflected on what day to day life as an MP would be like and realized it was going to be really onerous on my family and myself.” Konanz said the possibility

of other long-time Conservative hopefuls, like Marshall Neufeld, coming forward to run for the Conservative nomination didn’t figure into reversing her decision. “I think there is going to be a lot of candidates coming forward. It’s going to be an interesting nomination campaign,” she said, adding that she will definitely be supporting the Conservatives in 2015, but it will take a special person to handle the entire riding, which will stretch from Penticton to the U.S. border and east into the Slocan Valley.

PLAYING DEC

THE HungEr gamEs: CaTCHIng FIrE Rated PG

For 24 hour recorded movie info or for general info please call

250-265-3703

Theatre Passes On Sale until Dec 24th

6 Adult Passes $45.00 (18 and over)

6 Student Passes $35.00 (14 to 17)

SHOW TIMES

6 Children Passes

Weds Dec 04 at 7:00pm Thur Dec 05 at 7:00pm Fru Dec 06 at 7:00pm

or 6 Senior Passes

(13 and under) (65 and over)

$30.00

Gift Certificates also available

come out and check out our new digital system! RENT YOUR FAVORITE T.V. SERIES ON DVD. NEW SEASONS ARE IN!!

Monday, January 13, 2014 Monday, January 27, 2014 Tuesday, February 11, 2014 Monday, February 24, 2014 Monday, March 10, 2014 Monday, March 24, 2014 Monday, April 14, 2014 Monday, April 28, 2014 Monday, May 12, 2014 Monday, May 26, 2014 Monday, June 9, 2014 Monday, June 23, 2014 Monday, July 14, 2014 Monday, August 25, 2014 Monday, September 8, 2014 Tuesday, October 14, 2014 Monday, October 27, 2014 Monday, November 10, 2014 Monday, November 24, 2014 Monday, December 1 - Inaugural Meeting Monday, December 8, 2014 Committee of the Whole Meeting will be scheduled as needed. The Village of Nakusp may change the meetings location to the Emergency Services Building at 300 8th Ave. NW, such meeting changes will be advertised. The Council of the Village of Nakusp invites public consultation in the preparation of the Village’s 2014 Five Year Fiscal Plan. Council has begun holding budget meetings and welcomes public input from member of the community with regards to items of concern they would like to see addressed in the budget. No Meeting Scheduled: July 8 and August 11 - Council break September 22 - UBCM December 22 - Christmas 2014 Conferences Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Government April 9-11, 2014 in Creston, B.C. Federation of Canadian Municipalities May 33, 2014- June 2, 2014 in Niagara Falls, Ontario Union of BC Municipalities September 22-26, 2014 in Whistler B.C.

6 n Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013

community

Overwaitea Foods presents our Annual Christmas Movie Event

www.arrowlakesnews.com

In Pictures: A Celebration of Light

Alvin and the Chipmunks Saturday December 7th 2:00pm Arrow Lakes Theatre Admission by donation to the Nakusp Food Bank

THANK YOU With November 11th just passed I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Nakusp for their attendance to the Remembrance Day Service, Parade and Cenotaph. Thanks to the generosity of the businesses and the general public for the contributions to our poppy campaign which made it very successful. Did you know that the money raised through the Poppy Campaign and other fundraisers does not stay within the Legion? All money generated goes directly back to the community. I would like to thank Alice Smith, Marilyn Swanson, canvassers, the community choir and Talasa Larder. As well, we had four students who shared their poetry and essays during the service: Talasa Larder, Kylie Waterfield, Claire Jackson and Maya Watson who were greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank Gerry Conway, Richard Cann, the students who participated in the Poppy, Poster and Literary contest as well as the teachers that made it happen. A big thank you, to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary for the luncheon. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the six members of the “408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron”. They made our Remembrance Day a special day. On behalf of our veterans and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as Royal Canadian Legion Branch #20, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the people of Nakusp and District for supporting us and showing respect during this time of year. We hope to see you throughout the year for other activities we are hosting. Respectfully, Poppy Chairperson, Cheryl Truax And the Royal Canadian Legion of Nakusp

Builders Lien Act (Section 7 (4)) Notice of Certification of Completion Anderson Point Public Access Facilities NOTICE: Re Anderson Point Public Access Facilities

649

Take notice that on November 28, 2013 a certificate of completion was issued with respect to a contract between

08 09 15 23 40 48

In connection with an improvement on land described as follows:

for the provision of construction services related to the 2013 portion of the construction of public access facilities at Anderson Point on the Arrow Lakes Reservoir (the “2013 Anderson Point Contract”). All persons entitled to claim a lien under the Builders Lien Act and who performed work or supplied material in connection with or under the 2013 Anderson Point Contract are warned that the time to file a claim of lien may be abridged and Section 20 of the Builders Lien Act should be consulted. Note: The Anderson Point boat launch project will require additional work in 2014, pending suitable water levels, and will be performed under a separate contract. This notice relates solely to the completion of the 2013 portion of the project.

BC49

Winning Numbers Drawn for Wednesday, November 27th

Columbia Power Corporation and Dawson Construction Ltd.

District Lot 5817 Kootenay District along the Deer Park forest service road, 42 kilometers north west of the city of Castlegar, B.C. on the east side of Lower Arrow Lake Reservoir.

Lotteries

Bonus Number: 19

04 13 19 30 43 46 Bonus Number: 14

Extra: 01 22 25 96

Firewood Fundraiser for Ross Zeleznik

to help cover some of his medical expenses Logging truck load of birch firewood for sale by sealed bid. Highest bid gets the load. Open until 5 pm Monday December 9th. Please mail to Box 40 Nakusp, B.C. Sponsored by: The Wolf Pack Slo-Pitch Team For more info: call Gord 250-265-3326 Many thanks to NACFOR for the donation of wood and delivery up to 15 km from the log storage.

Winning Numbers Drawn for Saturday, November 30th 02 18 22 25 37 39

Bonus Number: 01

649

04 11 16 27 32 37

Bonus Number: 22

Extra: 15 29 70 87

BC49

K2 ROTOR LODGE 515 Broadway St., Nakusp • 250-265-3618 Prime Rib every Friday Wing Night every Monday

LIQUOR STORE

Open 7 days a week 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Formerly the Kuskanax Lodge

www.arrowlakesnews.com

entertainment

Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013 n 7

Panto of the Opera storms the stage at the Bonnington

Packed full of puns, the Panto of the Opera was Mirror Theatre’s seasonal hijinx staged for the interactive pleasure of Nakuspians. Both the audience and the cast were generous with hilarity.

Notice of Waiver of Public Hearing Pursuant to Section 890 of the Local Government Act, the Village of Nakusp has waived the holding of a public hearing in relation to proposed Bylaw 614-13, 2013 which is an amendment to the Village of Nakusp Zoning Bylaw 614, 2008. The purpose of Bylaw 613-13, 2013 is to amend the Village of Nakusp Zoning Bylaw No. 614, 2008 by making various changes to regulations as follows: 1.The following Sections of Zoning Bylaw 614, 2008 be deleted in their entirety: a. Section 4.8(d) The minimum height of the underside of a floor system of a principle building; b. Section 4.9(a) Minimum Floor Area of single family dwelling; and c. Section 4.9(b) Minimum Floor Area of a two family dwelling. 2. That the words “Minimum Floor Area” be removed from the title of Section 4.9 and that section be retitled “Width to Length Ration of Dwelling Units” Section 890 provided for the waiving of public hearings in relation to zoning bylaw that are consistent with the Village of Nakusp Official Community Plan Bylaw 612, 2007. Council will consider third reading and adoption of Bylaw No. 614-13, 2013 at its regular meeting to be held December 9th, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Hall, 91 1st Street NW, Nakusp, BC.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE COUNCIL & STAFF OF THE VILLAGE OF NAKUSP Please note the following holiday schedule: NAKUSP SPORTS COMPLEX:

Closed Dec. 25, 26 & Jan. 1st. Public Skating: Admission: Adults $2, Youth $2, under 5-free

HOLIDAY ICE SCHEDULE:

Athletes of the Week

Fundraiser for Jennifer Scott

Regular ice schedule from December 23 to January 3 except closures on December 25 -26 & January 1. Junior Hockey 8:30 am-10:30 am $2 Public Skating 10:45 am -12:30 pm $2 Hockey 12:45 pm- 2:00 pm $5 3:00-5:00 - Private Rentals Available - $36/hr Please check with Arena Staff 250-265-4500 or 250-265-1171 for more information.

VILLAGE OFFICE: (91 1st Street NW):

The Village office will be closed at noon on Tuesday, December 24th and Reopen on Monday, December 30. The office will be closed on January 1st, 2014.

PUBLIC WORKS:

Garbage pick up for December 25 will be moved to December 27 all other garbage pick up remain on regular scheduled days. Emergencies Only- 250-265-3861

HOT SPRINGS

December 23 – normal winter hours 10:30 am to 9 pm December 24 – open at 10:30 am to 5 pm only December 25 – open at 10:30 am to 5 pm only December 26- January 1 open regular hours of 10:30 am to 9:00 pm

Caroling flash mob

Winter Wednesday - November to March excluding Statutory Holidays (December 25, Jan 1)

Sponsored by

LE N A GCA ONTRACTORS LTD. INCORPORATED SINCE 1970

Tel: 250.265.1729 or 250.265.4100 www.galenacontractors.com

NAKUSP FIRE DEPARTMENT:

Manager Rick Olmsted (right) and Keith Scott of Parker Chrysler in Penticton donate $1000.00 to Sandra Scott to assist Jennifer Scott with her medical travel etc. while battling her cancer.

The Nakusp Fire Department wishes everyone a Merry Christmas. Please be holiday safe: be careful with candles and electrical overloads. Remember to change smoke detector batteries IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 911.

8 n Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013

www.arrowlakesnews.com

lifestyle

Dance on the Kusp of Nakusp with Cassia STephanie Dieterman Arrow Lakes News

They say when you’re cold, keep moving to stay warm, and what’s a fun way to move? Dance! And now Cassia Parent is giving people of all ages the opportunity to have fun and learn to dance at the same time in Nakusp. Cassia, originally from Port Coquitlam, has been dancing since she was ten and has been involved in music and the arts long before that. She has been a student as well as a teacher for tap dancing and ballet at Diamonds in the Rough Stux 3”competitive Mellado dio as well as at the 2.8” highly

Deadline coming Jan. 9!

SOCIAL GR ANTS PROGR AM APPLICATIONS AvAILAbLe Deadline to submit: January 9, 2014, noon PT/1 p.m. MT

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Join us:

Students are jumping up and down to be part of Cassia Parent’s “Dance on the Kusp” classes, seen here at NaCoMo. Courtesy Stephanie Dieterman

Royal Canadian Legion Br. #20 Nakusp _________________________________

What’s happening in NAKUSP LEGION? Come out and Support our Meat Draws which are held every Saturday at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Nakusp Figure Skating is sponsoring the Meat Draws in November. The Legion will sponsor the Meat Draws in December.

The Ladies Auxiliary is available for Catering. Call Liza for information, 250.265.3240 Our Christmas Craft Fair was an amazing success, thank you for the donations to the Bake Table and the response from the Community THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED! Did you know that you can purchase all your lottery tickets in the Legion? Includes 649, BC49, Lotto Max etc! Our lounge opens at: 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. 2 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday

All Members and Guests welcome!

Dance Elite Studio in the TriCities area at the coast. She has deep roots in Nakusp however; her grandparents grew up here, but moved to the Lower Mainland where they had their children and then returned to Nakusp in 1984. Cassia has been coming here every year since she was a kid and made the big move to live here in September 2011. She said she and her boyfriend were tired of life in the crazy city. “I wanted to find a way to stay here, and you need to find work to stay,” Parent said. As Nakuspians know, there isn’t a ton of usual work to choose from. And this in combination with the fact that Parent “gets bored easily and quick,” she decided to share her talent and “to build up the community and

support the arts.” So she is doing just that down at the NACOMO (standing for Nakusp Collective for movement) centre on Fifth Avenue near the credit union. There are dance classes for everyone, from musical theatre and intro to jazz for three to five year olds, hip hop jazz for ages six to eight, nine to 11, 12 to 14 and 15 to 17. A student teacher, Sydney Bone, helping out with the younger classes, and Cassia is always looking for youth interested in gaining skills or work experience. “I would love to develop more mentorships,” she told the Arrow Lakes News. Parent is also the Youth Coordinator for the new youth centre located next to Cut Rite Meats

SMILE of OF the THE W EEK Smile Week

on Broadway Street. Cassia has also started a “dance sampler” class for adults back in October, an eight-week session with introductions to basic jazz, tap and ballet and will have another session beginning next year. Drop-ins are always welcome for the adult classes and it’s never too late to enrol your children. On top of her dance classes and the youth centre, Cassia is headed to Greece this summer to train for a month and a half to be a yoga teacher. This time next year she is hoping to add yoga to her schedule and perhaps a Burlesque class if there is enough interest. If you or your child would like to join a class or have any questions go to www.danceonthekusp.com.

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WEEKLY SPONSOR: Selkirk Realty Kelly Roberts (250) 265-3635

Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013 n 9

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10 n Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013 A10 www.arrowlakesnews.com

Wednesday, Decemberwww.arrowlakesnews.com 4, 2013 Arrow Lake News

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St. Mark’s Anglican Church December 8 10 am Morning Prayer Lay Readers

Information ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis

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HOME BASED Embroidery Business for less than $10,000. Get started in the promotional products industry. Work from home on your schedule. Call Nicolle at 1866-890-9488.

Travel

Timeshare

Anyone with information regarding the break in at Fauquier Golf Club contact the R.C.M.P.

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

In Memoriam

• Labourers • Tradesmen • Class 1 Drivers

TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager online! Graduates get access to all jobs posted with us. 33 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

Call 24Hr. Free Recorded Message 1-888-213-2854

Obituaries

Heavy Duty Mechanic Wanted

Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Kootenay) Ltd. is looking for Mechanics for our New Denver & Creston facilities. Applicants will need to hold a valid TQ for Heavy Duty or Commercial Transport, class three driver’s licence and Motor Vehicle Inspection licence would be an asset. Resumes can be faxed to 250-352-2172 or e-mailed to kootenay@yrb.ca

Community Newspapers

Trades, Technical JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician(s) in Hanna Alberta. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. offers competitive wages from $32/hour, negotiable depending on experience. Bright, modern shop. Full-time permanent with benefits. Friendly town just 2 hours from major urban centres. More info online at: www.hannachrylser.ca Fax 403-854-2845; or email us: chrysler@telusplanet.net SHEETMETAL AND CRANE OPERATORS WANTED WKM is currently looking for journeymen and/or registered apprentices We offer competitive wage packages and LOA Please send resumes to Box 225, Trail BC V1R4L5 or email davidfontaine@shawcable.com or phone 250-364-1541 for more information

We’re at the heart of things™

Remembering

Help Wanted

6238397

YRB Yellowhead Road & Bridge Heavy Duty Mechanic Wanted

In memory of

Harold Command December 11, 2003

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Resumes can be faxed to 250-352-2172 or e-mailed to kootenay@yrb.ca

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

Francis Ferguson (Frank) 1923 - 2013

Frank was born in Scotland on May 1, 1923. His family emigrated to Canada when Frank was just a toddler. The majority of Frank's life was spent in the Vancouver BC area where he worked for Canron Steel at False Creek. After retirement, Frank moved to Harrison Hot Springs and in 2010, he relocated to Nakusp to be near family.

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

Frank struggled with declining health and dementia over the past two years. He went to reside in Minto House in 2012. On November 10, 2013, with family by his side, Frank's battle with illness finally ended.

ON THE WEB:

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the Doctors, Nurses and Support Staff involved with Frank's care. A special thank you to those at Minto House who showed such amazing respect for Frank and his family during his final days. If heaven wasn't so far away we'd pack up the family and come for the day! Think about you all the time!

Help Wanted

YRB Yellowhead Road & Bridge

Employment

Norma & John, Jeanine & John, Tyler & Meron, Vanessa, Grant, Nevaeh & Jayden.

Frank's closest surviving relatives are his two sisters, Nan McIntosh and Mary Palmer. One of Frank's favorite expressions was "love you much". Uncle Frank, we did indeed love you much! Janis Palmer and Ron Watson

request for qualifications CBT requires experienced graphic designers, website designers, videographers and photographers who can offer quick turnaround and deliver to high professional standards. For more information, visit: www.cbt.org/opportunities. Deadline for submission: 3 p.m. PT, December 12, 2013. www.cbt.org

Endless Job Opportunities

No Limits.

Join us:

www.arrowlakesnews.com Arrow Lake News Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Services

Merchandise for Sale

Psychics

Misc. Wanted

PSYCHIC MIRACLES by Luna.com. Call and get a free reading by phone. Love money job family, restores broken relationships, solves all problems permanently. 1-866-2295072

Local Coin Collector Buying Collections, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins etc 778-281-0030 Small, garden tractor with front blade or snowblower. Must be in good condition. Call June or Diane at 250 265-3866.

Financial Services GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Medical Health

Rentals Homes for Rent Crawford Bay House Rental, 3.5 bdrm, dbl garage, new appliances, $1200 + utilities (rent negot. for upkeep) 250-3651005

Transportation

Auto Financing

VIAGRA 100mg or CIALIS 20mg. Generic. 40 tabs + 10 Free all for $99 including Free Shipping. Discreet, Fast Shipping. 1-888-836-0780 or metromeds.net

Merchandise for Sale

Misc. for Sale Affordable Steel Shipping Containers for sale/rent 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122; & 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Kootenay Containers Castlegar 250-365-3014 HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper? STEEL BUILDINGS/Metal buildings 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca STEEL BUILDING. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The big year end clear out!â&#x20AC;? 20x22 $4,259. 25x24 $4,684. 30x34 $6,895. 35x36 $9,190. 40x48 $12,526. 47x70 $17,200. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca

entertainment

Arrow Lakes www.arrowlakesnews.com News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013A11 n 11

Nelsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mint Literary Agency takes on e-publishing Greg nesteroff Black Press

a leg up on the digital marketplace. As with the rest of his business, he takes a 15 per cent commission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to work with writers and help them help themselves,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Opportunities for authors are dwindling in terms of where they can get published in Canada. A great many are looking at self-publishing and doing it on their own.â&#x20AC;? With recent bankruptcies and mergers in the Canadian publishing industry, Mint expects fewer new titles in print. However, he predicts tremendous growth in electronic self-publishing, noting that e-books already account for up to 25 per cent of Simon & Schusterâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s U.S. sales. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt that e-books are a lot cheaper to produce than their print counterparts. (Mint points to one author who spent $22,000 self-publishing through an Ottawa company.) Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not abandoning the business of finding publishers for manuscripts, nor is he going to be less choosy about who he takes on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to use the same selective judgment. Will I accept everybody? No.â&#x20AC;? Mint already has some writers and titles in mind, including one he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sell to a publisher. In addition to new works, he says e-publishing is

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Local literary agent Morty Mint is expanding into selfpublishing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but not the traditional kind. Mintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agency, whose Kootenay clients include Anne DeGrace, Holley Rubinsky, and Cindi Sand-Eveland, will be the first in Canada acting for authors of e-books and print-on-demand works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m feeling like a kid again,â&#x20AC;? the industry veteran says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m having an absolute ball learning all of this. I think the potential is awesome.â&#x20AC;? Before moving to Nelson in 2004, Mintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long publishing career took him to the top of Penguin Canada, where in six years he increased sales fivefold. He also had his own publishing firm and distributed books that sold millions, like the Guinness Book of Records and Ripleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Believe it or Not! All along heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a staunch advocate for Canadian authors and books â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and in recent years, a benefactor to the Kootenay literary scene. As part of his latest venture, Mint will match authors with editors and cover designers, and help them with marketing. But on top of that he has an arrangement with eBOUND Canada, a non-profit wing of the Association of Canadian Publishers, giving his clients

Nelsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Morty Mint is poised to become the first literary agent in Canada for authors self-publishing electronically. Courtesy Greg Nesteroff a good way to resurrect out-ofprint books whose rights have reverted to the author. Once he accepts a writer, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll work with them to decide if a given manuscript is better suited to seeking a publisher or self-publishing as an e-book and print-on-demand. Authors determined to self-publish in larger quantities heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll steer elsewhere. Mint says some self-published authors might not see the benefit to having an agent, but others find navigating all the steps by themselves overwhelming. Furthermore, individual writers wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to

access eBOUND. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Authors want to do it on their own, but the time and energy [required] is crazy,â&#x20AC;? Mint says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be a publisher or a distributor in the conventional sense. I want to continue to be an agent.â&#x20AC;? While heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s embraced electronic publishing, Mint admits heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a books-and-mortarÂ kind of guy. He has them all over his house â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â both the ones he reads and the ones he distributes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The only things I read electronically are manuscripts at night on the iPad before I fall asleep. But boy, the world is changing.â&#x20AC;?

Community Calendar Misc. for Sale

Put your listing here and online for free Email newsroom@arrowlakesnews.com and check out the calendar at www.arrowlakes.com

Wednesday, Dec. 4

WINTER WEDNESDAY AT NAKUSP HOT SPRINGS

$3 drop-in, $45 for the season. Beginners are welcome. Bring a racquet and non-marking shoes.

no need to know how to read music, just come to Saddleback Community Church (59 3 St. NW, Nakusp) at 1 p.m. For info: Marilyn Massey 250-265-4087.

At NaCoMo (90 5th Ave. SW, Nakusp): returning student class from 10-11:30 a.m., beginnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class 4:45-6:00 p.m. for $15/ drop-in, $10 pre-paid. Call 250265-0177 to reserve a space or for more info.

at 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 8

NAKUSP YOUTH CENTRE

women murdered at the Ecole Polytechnique, at 6 p.m. outside Overwaitea.

Silverton from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Details at christmasbythelake.ca

PUBLIC SKATING

Nakusp takes on Castlegar 1 at 11 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 6 'RQŇ&#x2039;W WDNH \RXU PXVFOHV LIGHT UP THE HOSPITAL PUBLIC SKATING Pledges for WiFi and a trauma At the Nakusp Arena 3:30-7 p.m. IRU JUDQWHG 2YHU stretcher for the Emergency DeLOONIE HOCKEY Be there or be square! DROP-IN HOCKEY partment can be made 9 a.m.-3 Drop in and play between 11 At the Nakusp Arena for one BURTON FIRE p.m. at the Broadway Deli. a.m. and 1 p.m.&DQDGLDQV ZLWK PXVFXODU whole dollar. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. DEPARTMENT LOONIE HOCKEY PUBLIC SKATING For info call 250-265-4500. CHRISTMAS At the Nakusp G\VWURSK\ WDNH WKHP YHU\ Arena 3-5 p.m. Be Drop in and play between 11:30 The parade kicks off the party at BRIDGE a.m. and 1 p.m. there or be square! Have a hand at the Seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CHRISTMAS BY THE LAKE 3:30 p.m., and a whole lot more ALCOHOLICS ANONYCentre 1:15-3:30 p.m. VHULRXVO\ is lined up. The festivities start in Silverton MOUS Soak at the Springs for only $5.25. Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat that with a stick!

Firewood Fundraiser for Ross Zeleznik

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Meeting starts 7 p.m. at Terra Pondera 97 2nd Ave. in Nakusp.

All are welcome! No try-outs and no need to know how to read music, just come to Saddleback Community Church (59 3 St. NW, Nakusp) at 7 p.m. For info: Marilyn Massey 250-265-4087.

7D: H;9;?L; =H;7J :;7BI ED IJK<< JE :E" FB79;I JE ;7J 7D: J>?D=I JE I;;

Thursday, Dec. 5

BCDaily

BADMINTON

Opens at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 10 In remembrance of the 14 /HDUQ PRUH DW PXVFOH FD Crafts, music and more in

COMMUNITY CHOIR REHEARSAL

PUBLIC SKATING

At the Nakusp Arena 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Be there or be square! At Nakusp Secondary 7-9 p.m.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

At the Nakusp Arena 3:00-7 p.m. Be there or be square!

Saturday, Dec. 7

CHRISTMAS BY THE LAKE

Crafts, music and more in Silverton from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Details at christmasbythelake.ca

COMMUNITY CHOIR REHEARSAL

All are welcome! No try-outs and

CHRISTMAS BY THE LAKE

ATOMS HOCKEY

PUBLIC SKATING

At the Nakusp Arena 3:30-5 p.m. Be there or be square!

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Meets at 5 at Terra Pondera. For info 250-265-4604.

Monday, Dec. 9 WISE YOGA

At the Nakusp Arena 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Be there or be square!

SHOTOKAN KARATE

Kids at 4:30-5:30 p.m. and adults 5:30-6:30 at Nakusp Elementary. For information call Chic at 250-837-4884 or email chic sharp@gmail.com

BADMINTON

At Nakusp Secondary 7-9 p.m. $3 drop-in, $45 for the season. Beginners are welcome. Bring a racquet and non-marking shoes.

12 n Arrow Lakes News n Wednesday, December 4, 2013

www.arrowlakesnews.com

lifestyle

Birding is turned upside down in Australia

New Holland Honeyeaters are the Land Down Under version of hummingbirds. Courtesy Gary Davidson Birding in some parts of Australia is a completely different experience to birding in most of Canada. Australia has more large birds and many more colourful birds. Many of the bird families are also very different. Birds like warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers and hummingbirds are commonplace for us, but entirely non-existent in Australia. Instead, they have honeyeaters, parrots, thornbills, gerygones, and the list goes on. During our recent 17-day bird tour we saw 25 different species of honeyeater, 12 parrots,

Gary Davidson

total, there are 70 species of honeyeater in Australia. Different species are adapted to feeding on different flowers. This has resulted in a wide range of both body size and shape, and bill size and shape. The smallest honeyeater is the Scarlet Honeyeater. At just 10-11 cm in length, it feeds high in the trees on relatively small flowers. The entire head, breast and back is bright red, the wings are black, the belly is white. It is a spectacular looking little bird, but can be quite difficult to see well. The largest of the honeyeaters is the Yellow Wattlebird. At over 40 cm in length, it is about the same size as an American Crow. Our tour was restricted to northeastern Queensland, so many of the honeyeaters were out of range for us. But the 25 species we did see provided a good cross-section of the family. We did see the delightful little Scarlet Honeyeater, but not the large wattlebird. Some of the honeyeat-

two thornbills and three gerygones. They are families, however, which occur both here and in Canada, but the diversity is very different. For example, Canada has just one species of kingfisher, whereas Australia has nine; Canada has four species in the pigeons and doves family, Australia has 16. In contrast, Australia has just three species of gulls, whereas Canada has 20, and Australia has just 12 species of ducks compared to 30 in Canada. One of my favourite families is the honeyeaters. As the name suggests, these birds are largely nectar eaters and therefore fill the same niche as the hummingbirds in North America. One of the factors that accounts for the low number of hummingbird species in Canada, is the limited availability of nectar producing flowers. By contrast, a great many of Australia’s native trees produce showy flower. The diversity of flowering trees has lead to a diversity of nectar eating honeyeaters; in

ers are nomadic. Since most of Australia has a desert climate, water is the driving force behind bird distribution. Many of the dry country species, (not just honeyeaters), must adjust their breeding times and locations to match the availability of water. At present, much of the northern interior part of Australia is undergoing a drought. As a result some of the dry country species have moved out of the interior and toward the coast. One of these nomads is the banded Honeyeater. We saw a small group of four or five of these near a town called Mt Carbine. Like the Scarlet Honeyeater, this is a very small bird. It is entirely black and white: black above, white below with a black band across the breast. The honeyeater pictured here is a New Holland Honeyeater. We did not see one of these on our tour, but the black, white and yellow colours in this bird are typical of the colours found in a great many of the honeyeaters.

Snowmobile safety videos available online Contributed by Mary Clayton

In the high-octane world of mountain snowmobiling, it takes a lot to get the attention of riders. Images of gravity-defying climbs, steep descents and massive jumps are common, as snowmobiles get increasingly powerful and nimble. These machines allow anyone, no

matter their experience, to access complex alpine terrain. High in the mountains, lives depend on riders being aware of avalanche danger, skilled in safe travel techniques, and trained to handle an effective rescue. The Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) has released a new video series available on online

which was made for and by mountain snowmobilers that highlights the need for avalanche education. Throttle Decisions features spectacular footage shot in some of Western Canada’s best mountains riding areas, with production values that reflect the quality of other action videos from this fast-paced sport.

With strong messages from trained and experienced riders, the series takes the viewer through eight chapters that loosely follow the curriculum of a two-day Avalanche Skills Training course. Each chapter touches on essential points from the training, with a strong central message that Avalanche Skills Training is required before heading

Store Closing Sale After more than 20 years in the business, Greg and Joan are retiring and Gregory’s Fine Jewellery is closing forever!

Massive Markdowns

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into avalanche terrain. “We’re very pleased with Throttle Decisions and look forward to getting it in the hands of riders,” said CAC Executive Director Gilles Valade. “The videos are engaging, informative and exciting to watch. And just as importantly, they showcase the depth of skill and training in the snowmobiling community.”

EXTENDED HOURS Sunday, Dec. 8 Friday, Dec. 13 Sunday, Dec 15 Friday, Dec. 20 Sunday, Dec. 22

10 am to 4 pm Open ‘til 8 pm 11 am to 5 pm Open ‘til 8 pm 11 am to 5 pm