Summerland Review, February 13, 2014 by Black Press Media Group

SUMMERLAND REVIEW THE VOICE OF OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1908

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Enrolment stagnant NO.

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S U M M E R L A N D,

Total student population unchanged, but high school shows decline by John Arendt

While Summerland’s two elementary schools are operating close to cap-

B.C.

• T H U R S D AY,

acity, enrolment is sparse at Summerland Middle School and Summerland Secondary School. The enrolment at the end of January showed the full-time equivalent of 1,322 students, exactly the same as at the end of January, 2013. Linda Van Alphen,

FEBRUARY

13,

2014

one of two Summerland school trustees, said the school enrolment level in Summerland will remain near its present level for around the next 10 years. “We are holding steady. We are flatlining in Summerland,” she said. While the overall num-

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PA G E S

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$1.15

bers are steady, the enrolment at Summerland Secondary School has been declining. The January 2014 enrolment was 446 students, down from 471 in the same month a year earlier. Slight enrolment increases were observed

INCLUDING

GST

at Summerland Middle School and Giant’s Head Elementary School, while Trout Creek Elementary School has a slight decline. The schools at present could accommodate around 350 additional students. See YOUTH Page 7

Science device

A Summerlander has designed and built a special scientific measurement device.

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Text messaging

This month, police are watching for motorists who text while driving.

Page 6

Riding the bus

S u m m e r l a n d ’s transit service has a solid ridership base, according to the latest statistics.

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Ready to ski

A talented Summerland cross-country skier is ready to compete at the B.C. Winter Games for the first time.

Page 13

Book launch

A Summerland author and illustrator have completed a children’s book.

Page 16

YOUR SMILE I don’t have a solution, but I sure admire the problem.

Land rally

John Arendt Summerland Review

Despite cold temperatures, Summerlanders attended a rally on Monday to urge the preservation of agricultural land near the core of the community. Organizers of the rally estimate at least 300 people were present. The rally is in response to Summerland’s proposed Urban Growth Plan. See related story on Page 3.

Out-of-town names on petition Farm land is a provincial issue, organizer says by John Arendt A petition urging the preservation of farm land in Summerland has around 1,800 signatures, but not all are Summerland residents or property owners. Erin Carlson of Stop the Swap, a campaign

to keep the farm land in the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve, said signatures are still being collected and as a result, details have not yet been compiled. However, she added that not all names are those of Summerland residents. Because the petition is online, names can be added by people from outside the community.

Carlson said Summerland’s proposed Urban Growth Plan is an issue of provincial importance, not a Summerland issue exclusively, since it involves the removal of land from the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve. “This is about the farm land. The farm land is precious,” she said. Petition forms are also available at several

downtown businesses and have received considerable local support, she added. Mayor Janice Perrino said the Urban Growth Plan is an issue for the community. “This is not a provincial issue,” she said. She added that the input for the plan came from numerous community meetings, workshops and other public input

sources. “It was a very involved and intense process, done by the community,” she said. The proposed growth plan, which was presented to council on Tuesday evening, calls for the removal of 80.34 hectares within the land reserve near the core of the community. See EXCHANGE Page 7

2 www.summerlandreview.com

Thursday, February 13, 2014 Summerland Review

Growth plan passes first reading Document would bring changes to direction of development

by John Arendt After numerous consultations and discussions, Summerland’s proposed Urban Growth Plan passed first reading at the municipal council table on Tuesday evening. “This has been the culmination of the better part of a year in the planning department,” municipal planner Ian McIntosh

said as he presented the plan. Work on the document began in February 2013 when municipal staff set a goal of receiving input from at least 1,000 residents. Around 1,300 people participated, making this the most extensive public exercise held in Summerland. The plan is a significant departure from Summerland’s existing growth plan, which was part of the 2008 Official Community Plan. The 2008 plan sets

out a portion of the North Prairie Valley area for Summerland’s future growth. At the time the community plan was created, the Summerland Hills Golf Resort was in the plans. The golf resort proposal was later withdrawn and no other development proposal has come forward for the same area. The growth plan now in the works would call for 75.8 hectares in the Prairie Valley area

YOur COmmunitY COnneCtiOn 13211 Henry Avenue 250-494-6451 • www.summerland.ca

MAYOR: Janice Perrino COUNCILLORS: Lloyd Christopherson, Robert Hacking, Bruce Hallquist, Orv Robson, Marty Van Alphen, Peter Waterman

Summerland’S Financial Plan 2014 - 2018 The budget can be viewed on the front page on our website www.summerland.ca under Community Updates. A Town Hall meeting will take place Monday, Feb.17th at 7pm in Council Chambers to discuss Summerland’s budget. It will be a question and answer session. Please submit questions in advance to Municipal Hall or by email to etownhall@ summerland.ca. Questions can also be submitted in writing at the meeting. For more information, please contact Lorrie Coates, Director of Finance at 250-404-4045.

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! o t o h p r us you

The Summerland Review will be publishing our Spring “Wedding Planner” supplement on March 6th. We want your Wedding or Engagement photos to be highlighted in this special feature.

Readers can submit a photo of the happy couple along with information on where and when the ceremony took place or will take place, the couple’s hometown, as well as any other pertinent details. The Summerland Review will run the announcement free of charge. Announcements should be sent to the Summerland Review by Friday, February 21st, 4 pm. Summerland Review, Att. Editor, 13226 N. Victoria Road or by email to news@summerlandreview.com

north of Highway 40 and 15.9 hectares between Highway 40 and McLellan Road to go back into the Agricultural Land Reserve while a total of 80.34 hectares closer to the town core would be removed. McIntosh said the proposed growth plan is around half the size of the former growth area. He added that it will meet Summerland’s growth needs for years to come. “It provides growth 30 to 50 years into the future,” he

said. The first reading of the bylaw was carried with Coun. Peter Waterman opposed. Coun. Bruce Hallquist, who owns land in the affected area, was absent for this item and Coun. Lloyd Christopherson, who also owns land in the affected area, was not present at the council meeting. Several steps remain before the plan can be adopted. A public hearing will be held at a special council meeting on March 3.

Comments postponed until March 3 hearing While the public gallery was full for the first reading of Summerland’s proposed Urban Growth Plan on Tuesday evening, council did not receive public comments on the plan during the discussion or after the meeting. The room was filled to capacity, with several standing at the rear of the crowded space. Mayor Janice Perrino said public comments should be made at a special meeting at the Arena Banquet Room on March 3 at 7 p.m. “Everyone will have their point of view fairly heard,” she said, but added that applause and cheering will not be tolerated at the public hearing, in order not to intimidate any of the potential speakers present. Perrino’s comments were made following a round of applause for statements by Coun. Peter Waterman, in opposition to the proposed growth plan. Following the council meeting, during a public question period, Mike Holler said the applause was misinterpreted. “These people did not come here to intimidate anyone,” he said. “They were just showing support for a viewpoint.” The public hearing on March 3 will begin with an open house from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by the public hearing at 7 p.m. Written submissions and comments submitted by email will also be received until the public hearing.

Dinner & Show “Bonnie & Clyde” Feb. 12-15 & 19-22

In support of the SSS Dry Grad Class of 2014 and in conjunction with the Summerland Secondary Theatre production of “Bonnie & Clyde”, gift certificates for Zia’s Restaurant are being sold. With the purchase of a $20 gift certificate the buyer is entitled to redeem the certificate toward dinner at Zia’s the night of the show. Show nights are Feb. 12-15 & 19-22 at 7pm. Gift Certificates are available for all nights except for Valentines Day, Feb. 14 and Sat., Feb. 15. Reservations are recommended for dinner (5pm) at Zia’s. There is a limit on the number of gift certificates sold each night. Weekends are a busy time, so if you’re looking to buy gift certificates for a Friday or Saturday night, make sure to get them early and don’t forget to make reservations. 50% of the gift certificate sales goes to the Dry Grad Fund, 2014 Ticket sales for the production “Bonnie and Clyde” are also available at Zia’s, and Summerland Secondary School office.

Any Questions, please call Erin Detchkoff at 250.462.9577

Council will then consider second and third readings of the bylaw, possibly as early as the March 10 council meeting. Once the bylaw passed third reading, it must be forwarded to the provincial Agricultural Land Commission and other provincial

government agencies for approval. Council cannot adopt the bylaw until it has received approval from the land commission. “It’s not law until it’s adopted,” said municipal administrator Tom Day. “Any council can amend it thereafter.”

PoLice rePort Building entered

On Feb. 5 at 3:30 a.m., police were called to a break-in at Peacock’s Perch Neighbourhood Pub. The thieves forced their way into the building and attempted to open a bank machine, but appear to have been scared off by the alarm. There was minor damage to the building, but no loss of money, police say.

cash taken

On Feb. 5 at 4:50 a.m., a man entered Summerland Waterfront Resort and asked the night clerk to call for help as his vehicle had broken down. When the clerk left to make the call, the cash drawer was entered and money was taken. The man is described as a slim white male, around 40 years of age, 173 centimetres tall and weighing around 73 kilograms. He was wearing a beige jacket and a hoodie. Police are continuing their investigation.

Break-in attempted

On Feb. 7 police were called to an attempted break-in at a downtown business. Thieves attempted to force open the back door, but were not able to enter the building.

License suspended

On Feb. 7 at 10:15 p.m., police stopped a Ford Windstar van on the Princeton-Summerland Road. The driver, a 49-year-old Abbotsford man, was showing signs of impairment. The driver blew a Warn on a roadside screening device. His license was suspended for three days, but his vehicle was not impounded. Instead it was picked up by a friend.

For the record A headline on a letter in the Feb. 6 Summerland Review was inaccurate. David Gregory says he did not suggest a referendum be used for growth plans.

Summerland Medicine Centre Pharmacy - Doug Mailey, Pharmacist - Al Fabbi, Pharmacist - Ron Little, Pharmacist The after-hours clinic is changing its hours. To serve you better so are we. Our new hours effective Saturday, February 15th are: Monday to Thursday, 9am-7:30pm Friday, 9am - 7pm Saturday, Sunday & Holidays, 12pm - 4pm

FREE DELIVERY 250-494-0531 #100-13009 Rosedale Avenue

Summerland Review Thursday, February 13, 2014

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Rally calls for protection of farm land Event held in response to land exchange proposed in growth plan by John Arendt

while the land to be added is of a lesser value. “This is prime agricultural land in a province where prime agricultural land is at a premium,” said Fred Steele, one of the speakers at the rally. “If we do not protect the land — the foundation of our food supply — we will not be able to supply our domestic market.” Coun. Peter Waterman, a retired agrologist who has been a vocal opponent of the proposed growth plan, said the land reserve was set up for

Supporters of Summerland’s existing Agricultural Land Reserve boundaries participated in a rally on Monday. Organizers estimated at least 300 people were present for the noon demonstration. The rally is in response to Summerland’s proposed Urban Growth Plan, which calls for the removal of around 80 “This is prime agrihectares from the Agricul- cultural land in a tural Land province where prime Reserve near agricultural land is at the town a premium.” core and the Fred Steele inclusion of 91 hectares in the Prairie Valley farm use. “It is not a housing area. Supporters of the reserve. It is a food existing land reserve production reserve,” boundaries have said he said. “We must the land eyed for make certain there removal is high qual- is good agricultural ity agricultural land land for future gen-

Penticton

erations.” In his comments, Waterman stated he was speaking on his own behalf, not as

said the province’s farm land. Agricultural Land The growth plan Reserve was needed came before council when it was formed for first reading on in the early 1970s. Tuesday evening. “Before It will be the subthe Agricul- ject of a public hear“It is not a housing tural Land ing at a special counreserve. It is a food Reserve, we cil meeting at the were losing Arena Banquet Room production reserve. hec- on Monday, March 3 We must make certain 6,000 tares a year at 7 p.m. there is good agricul- to developThe provincial ment,” he Agricultural Land tural land for future said. Commission, which generations.” He added oversees the land Peter Waterman that it makes reserve, must give good eco- its assent before the a representative of nomic sense to con- growth plan can be municipal council or tinue to preserve adopted. any individual councillor. Erin Carlson, a farmer who has A public service message from Bell, Jacoe & Company organized the Stop the Swap campaign, said the opposition to the plan should not be seen as opposWith the housing market being a little slower than it has ition to development. been in years past homeowners are looking for ways to She said the calls for increase their properties appeal to purchasers. One such the preservation of way is to “stage” your property. Experience has shown farm land have been that professionally staged properties sell quicker and for more money. Developers have been using this technique ignored. with their “show homes”for many years. “We’re raising our voices because we Staging, simply put, is using selected furniture and haven’t been listened accessories to highlight the architectural details of to,” she said. your home, creating an attractive environment which Former agriculstimulates the prospective purchaser. The buyer views ture minister Corky your home as a warm, inviting space. Anyone who has Evans, who now watched HGTV on television has seen what a difference farms near Winlaw, this can make in the appearance of a home. Many

Gallery

LEGALLY SPEAKING...

Home Staging

purchasers are now viewing properties online first before they decide to go further. If those pictures create that spark of interest, then staging has been well worth it. Designers can assist a homeowner by providing recommendations for those who wish to make the changes themselves or they handle all the details. As with most things, your budget dictates what can be done!

A Kitchen Stove Film Presentation presentation

PHILOMENA February 20

at 4 & 7 p.m. at the Landmark 7 Cinema

• LAWYER

**** At once, heartbreaking, entertaining & humbling ****

The value of farm land

Former provincial agriculture minister Corky Evans calls for the preservation of agricultural land during a rally in Memorial Park on Monday.

We have a WINNER!!! Congratulations to Darell Becker Monthly winner of a $100.00 gift certificate. Drop into our Summerland office and enter to WIN.

During the 1950s, Irish Catholic authorities shamed thousands of “fallen” women into giving up their children for adoption. Philomena Lee was one of these women. After 50 years of fruitless searching, she solicits the help of a recently unemployed and unapologetically cynical BBC journalist, Martin Sixsmith, to help her find her son. The odd-couple drama perfectly complements wry, delicate humour and aching heartbreak as the devout, determinedly positive, middle class Philomena meets Sixsmith’s arch, sour intellectualism head-on. Tour-de-force performances, a brilliant script and deftly balanced direction combine to craft a film of insightful complexity, comedy, compassion and faith. Director: Stephen Frears; Cast: Steve Coogan, Judi Dench, Sophie Kennedy Clark; Rated: PG. Also screening: The Tape ~ A charming short film by Matt Austin Sadowski on the universal need to remember. Other features in the Spring Series: Mar 13: The Past (France); Apr 3: Gloria (Chile); Apr 24: The Lunchbox (India). Series Tickets: $38 Gallery members and students; $44 Non-members; Pre-purchased Single Tickets: $13 each. Tickets are available at the Penticton Art Gallery - 199 Marina Way (250-493-2928) and The Book Shop – 242 Main Street (250-492-6661). All movies are screened at the Landmark 7 Cinema, 250 Winnipeg Street, Penticton. Limited single tickets $15 may be available at the door.

Our next draw is February 28, 2014

Johnston Meier Insurance 10102 Main St., Summerland Ph: 250-494-6351 • Fax: 250-494-8500

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Support the food bank Your contributions will make a difference in our community.

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Bell, Jacoe & Company Box 520, 13211 N. Victoria Rd. (250) 494-6621

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PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don Kendall EDITOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Arendt OFFICE MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nan Cogbill SALES MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jo Freed SALES ASSISTANT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Lindsay news@summerlandreview.com sports@summerlandreview.com ads@summerlandreview.com class@summerlandreview.com

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Published by the Summerland Review P.O. Box 309, 13226 North Victoria Road, Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0 (250) 494-5406

Thursday, February 13, 2014 Summerland Review

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Authorized as second class mail by the Canada Post Office Dept., Ottawa and for payment postage in cash. Publications mail registration no. 0147 The Summerland Review reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial submission at its discretion. Material submitted by columnists does not reflect the opinions of the Review or its employees.

EDITORIAL

our pick

The effects of low growth A look around Summerland will show what can happen if a community experiences little or no growth. For years there have been requests to stop or at least limit growth in Summerland, in order to keep the community’s small-town charm. Today, the effects of those efforts are clearly visible. Summerland has seen little increase in its population, but the median age is much higher than it was even a few years ago. The number of students at Summerland Secondary School is on the decline. Downtown retail businesses are closing and there are too many vacant and under-utilized downtown buildings. Housing prices in Summerland are significantly higher than in the rest of the South Okanagan and Similkameen region. By themselves, any of these facts are cause for concern. Seen together, they should be seen as a serious problem for the entire community. Instead of exuding smalltown charm, Summerland is showing signs of stagnation. If present business trends continue, the community can expect to see the continued decline of the downtown business sector. If the population remains at its present level and continues to age, the number of students will decline to the point where questions must be asked about keeping Summerland’s schools open. These losses alone could transform Summerland from a community on its own to a collection of high-priced homes. The Urban Growth Plan under consideration is one attempt to address some of these problems. Other plans are also needed. But one fact should remain clear: We need to take action now. There is a critical need for some positive change within this community.

The latest transit statistics show passengers are using Summerland’s transit service. The bus service was introduced in late October and fares took effect at the beginning of this year. Passengers are on the bus each day the service operates. From the number of riders, it is clear this is a service wanted and needed by many in the community.

Prescription pot pretense ending VICTORIA – On April 1, medical marijuana growing licences expire across the country, and only licensed commercial growers will be able to legally fill a prescription for pot. Ottawa is moving to clean up the mess it created by issuing medical licences all over the country. Since then, Tom Fletcher municipalities have complained that smallscale medical licences have been greatly exceeded, with many used as fronts for a criminal drug trade that has made B.C. infamous around the world. How big is the problem? There are about 38,000 Canadians licensed to carry marijuana for medical purposes, and half of them live in B.C. Their permission to grow their own or buy it from designated small-scale growers is withdrawn in a couple of months. Here’s a look at the community level. Police in the Fraser Valley suburb of Maple Ridge estimate that it alone has 500 properties licensed to grow pot. No, Maple Ridge is not a world hotspot for glaucoma or arthritis. It is historically known for its secluded properties and as a base for B.C.’s prison system and the province’s Hells Angels. Police have only an estimate because Ottawa’s bungled medical pot scheme conceals

the location of licensed growers from provincial and local governments. RCMP Insp. Dave Fleugel told Maple Ridge council last week that his detachment will first target medical growers they know are linked to organized crime. But it’s difficult to determine which are legal and which are not. “This has the potential to cripple the courts,” Fleugel said. “Something is going to have to take a back seat if we are going to go after all of them.” The police and fire department have proposed an amnesty or grace period, allowing people to disclose their location and have it properly dismantled without penalty, to help deal with the volume. This mess was created by Ottawa in response to a court ruling that forced them to make medical pot available. The Harper government remains trapped in a failed war-ondrugs mentality that prevents any innovation or even common sense. Then there is the circus in Vancouver, where self-styled princes of pot exploit the confusion of the medical marijuana law to run an Amsterdam-style retail trade. Cannabis Culture, the pot and propaganda empire built by Marc Emery before he was jailed in the U.S., rants about the government’s “war on patients,” amid garish ads for “pot by post” and exotic weed varieties.

“By Health Canada’s own estimate, the cost will increase from $5 per gram to $8.80 per gram – going up by nearly 400 per cent,” its website warns. Apparently smoking lots of weed really is bad for your math skills. Dana Larsen, who spearheaded the ill-conceived and failed decriminalization petition last year, heads up the serious-looking “Medical Cannabis Dispensary.” It has done so well at its location in the drug bazaar of East Hastings Street that it’s got a branch office on Vancouver’s west side. Its official-looking forms have a long list of conditions where only a confirmation of diagnosis is required. In addition to genuine conditions such as side effects of chemotherapy, it includes anxiety, psoriasis, spinal cord injury and even “substance addictions/withdrawal.” And did you know you can get a vet’s note to buy medical pot for your pet? Larsen has boasted about the exotic offerings of his stores, including “watermelon hash oil” at $150 for 2.5 grams. Wow man, that’s like 400 million per cent higher! Fittingly, this farce goes back underground on April Fool’s Day. Medical users can only order shipments from an approved commercial producer. Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @ tomfletcherbc Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca

bad apples Texting while driving is a bad idea. When a driver is looking at the screen of a smart phone or other commu n i c a t i o n s device, he or she is not concentrating on the road. Such behaviour puts all other road users at risk. For everyone’s safety, please concentrate on your driving. If you must send or check a message, please do so only if you are parked safely, not while you are driving.

your views

If you wish to comment on anything you read in the newspaper, or any concern affecting Summerland, write a letter to the editor. We welcome diverse views and opinions. Letters must include your name and a telephone number where you can be reached. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. The Review reserves the right to edit letters for length, content or taste as well as the right to refuse publication of any letter. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Summerland Review Thursday, February 13, 2014

www.summerlandreview.com 5

Land decision will be permanent Dear Editor: “Debating the best way to do something we shouldn’t be doing in the first place is a sure way to end up in the wrong place.” — David Suzuki So many excellent points have been made countering the

land swap proposal that Summerland mayor and council are trying to push through that is to be, ostensibly, good for all of us. In spite of public consultation, it seems to me that too few are going to come to a decision that is going

Demand exists for local meat Dear Editor: In a recent interview, Mayor Janice Perrino said, “Farming isn’t just orchards and vineyards. It is also raising cattle, pigs, sheep.” She is absolutely right. Meat production is probably the most economical way to produce high quality protein for human consumption. There is a large demand for healthy, locally grown freerange meat. Years ago, lots of that meat was produced here in Summerland. Then the provincial government brought in some new (and some ridiculous) regulations for

abattoirs. Upgrades to the slaughterhouses proved to be too expensive and one after the other closed their doors. Today, we don’t have any in the valley. Not so long ago, a butcher wanted to start a small, upto-date abattoir in the Summerland industrial area, but council denied the request. Too bad. It would have created jobs and business opportunities. In my experience, it is very frustrating to produce meat in Summerland. Joe Bienz Summerland

Dear Editor: I am writing to advise that a recent survey of the southern boundary of the Adams Bird Sanctuary has revealed that a large swath of land, apparently within the bounds of the sanctuary, has been decimated. Two of the members of the current council are well aware that the Summerland Rotary Club spent an incredible amount of time, effort and resources to make an attractive and functional entrance to the sanctuary. As a result of

the clear-cut in the area mentioned, the entrance now can only be described as an ugly mess. When this property was donated to the municipality for park purposes, it assumed stewardship of this land and it is therefore ultimately responsible for its protection. I assume that council will make all necessary enquires to determine who is responsible for this outrage and do what is necessary to rectify the problem. Brian Adams Summerland

Land around bird sanctuary an ugly mess

to affect all of us forever. If the Agricultural Land Reserve committee involved allows the soul and the intrinsic rural beauty of this little town to be interfered with, the end result will be something resembling so many

other small communities in this valley that have sold out. When townfolk live shoulder-toshoulder with farmers, we are privy to some knowledge of what it takes to put food on our tables. That realization may be one of the

things that keeps this town real and makes it special. Instead, council could be working to better support the remaining businesses in our downtown. They could be giving tax breaks to businesses that may want to start up in one

of our many empty storefronts. They could be courting new businesses for one of our industrial areas relating to agriculture. John Deere? Lee Valley? McKenzie Seeds? Dream big. Jobs for young people are what is

needed, not more housing projects that will, if they sell, lead to Summerland becoming merely a bedroom community with an empty downtown core. This just cannot be allowed to happen here. S. Cooper Summerland

The early years

An apple a day

Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum

February is Apple Month; so named in 1960 because apples were brought out of cold storage in February, replenishing our supply of fresh local fruit. In 1919 Gwen Harris and her friend, Gertie, seemed to subscribe to the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” and judging by the boxes piled behind them, they were set for the year. A versatile fruit, apples are great fresh, dried, baked or cooked; in pies, turnovers, muffins, fritters, pancakes, sauce, cobblers, coffee cake, salads and… well, you get the idea. Pull out your favourite apple recipe and celebrate Apple Month with taste.

Proposed urban growth plan shows short-term thinking Dear Editor: There are many supporters for Summerland’s growth strategy which represents very good short-term thinking, as it allows a compact town with minimal infrastructure

costs. However, we should be thinking long-term (meaning 40 or 50 years) in which case this strategy is very poor as it assumes that we will always continue to import food.

For example, with droughts and depleting aquifers, I would not count on California continuing to export food. Therefore, we must save our prime agricultural land and densify our down-

town core by eliminating barriers such as building height restrictions and infill-

ing wherever possible. George Brake Summerland

Practice road safety Watch for pedestrians at crosswalks and around playground zones.

6 www.summerlandreview.com

Thursday, February 13, 2014 Summerland Review

Police to watch for texting drivers by John Arendt

This month, police across the province will watch for motorists on the phone or texting while driving. Sgt. Stephane Lacroix of the Summerland RCMP detachment said tex-

ting motorists are a concern in all B.C. communities. In the past, members of the detachment have issued warnings to motorists who have been texting while behind the wheel. “When you’re driv-

ing, your attention should be on driving, not on texting,” Lacroix said. “Driving is hard enough that you don’t need anything else to distract you.” This month police will have patrols in place to watch for

texting motorists. The penalties can be significant. Under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act, using an electronic device while driving results in a fine of $167. Emailing or texting while driving nets a fine of $167 and three

points on the driver’s license. According to the provincial Ministry of Justice, roughly onequarter of collisions can be attributed to driver distraction. Under provincial regulations, a driver must not hold, oper-

ate or use hand-held phones and other electronic communications devices and handheld electronic devices while driving. Hands-free communications devices, global positioning systems and certain other electronic

devices are permitted, but restrictions apply. Lacroix urges motorists to concentrate on driving and not on other devices. “Any time you’re doing something other than paying attention to the road, it’s dangerous,” he said.

Electricity rates and billing explained From understanding the residential conservation rate and interim rates, to questions about your electricity bill, we’re here to help. The residential conservation rate explained kWh

Two level structure

Flat rate structure

2,500 2,000

Block 2 13.54 cents/kWh

1,500

10.56

cents/kWh

1,000 500

Block 1 9.09

cents/kWh

0 Interim rates as of January 1, 2014.

This new, two level rate structure was designed to encourage you to save energy where possible. You’re billed at a lower rate (9.09 cents) for the first 1,600 kWh. Your use above this amount is then billed at a higher rate (13.54 cents). Under this new structure, about 71 per cent of our customers pay the same or less than they would under the previous flat rate structure. Learn more at fortisbc.com/electricityrates.

Equal payment and other options We offer a variety of billing service options to meet your needs.

Understanding interim rates Each year we go through a rate setting process with the BC Utilities Commission. Interim rates are set before the process is completed and can change. If they do, your bill can be credited and adjusted accordingly.

Equal Payment Plan: for a predictable bill Payment options: • preauthorized payment (Direct Debit Plan) • cheque • online banking • financial institution • credit card fortisbc.com/billoptions

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Billing schedule Your electricity use is billed every two months instead of every month. Have energy saving questions? Visit fortisbc.com/powersense.

How can we help? Our customer service representatives work locally at our Trail contact centre. They’re members of the very communities we serve. They understand you may have questions about your bill and are here to help. electricity.customerservice@fortisbc.com 1-866-436-7847

Based on average 2012 electricity use for customers in FortisBC’s South Interior service area. FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (13-372.4 1/2014)

Summerland Review Thursday, February 13, 2014

Exchange increases farm land

www.summerlandreview.com 7

Continued from Page 1

merland would increase by 0.4 per cent. However, the members of Stop the Swap have said the land area should not be the sole consideration. Carlson said the land considered for removal is Class 2 and 3 farm land, with some Class 1 farm land included. “The land we’re talk“The land we’re talking about is good for ing about almost every kind of is good for agriculture you can do almost every kind of agriin the Okanagan. Erin Carlson culture you can do in the Okanagan,” the Agricultural Land she said. Reserve in SummerThe land is good land would increase for orchards. Carlby 11 hectares, from son said 0.04 per 2,824 hectares to 2,835 cent of British Colhectares. umbia’s land is suitThe agricultural able for tree fruit land base in Sum- production. In exchange, 91.7 hectares in the Prairie Valley area would be added to the land reserve. The provincial Agricultural Land Commission would have to approve the land exchange. If approved, the amount of land within

Board of directors

NeighbourLink, an interfaith service organization, installed its board of directors at its annual general meeting earlier this month. From left are treasurer Betty Ann Xenis, May Lalonde, vice-chair Terry Sotir, chair Marj Plitt, community coordinator Mirjana Komljenovic, secretary Linda Green, office coordinator Marj Ericson and pastoral advisor Armand Houle.

Youth population has declined Continued from Page 1

Because the enrolment figures are lower than in past years, the effect is a loss of programming for students, especially at the high school level, Van Alphen said. “Hopefully, some-

thing will happen that will break the logjam we are in,” she said. The student enrolment trends also reflect census data for the community. While Summerland’s population

increased by 4.2 per cent between the 2006 census and the 2011 census, the community has been aging in recent years. According to figures from Statistics Canada, the number

of children 14 years of age and younger decreased by 6.2 per cent from 2006 to 2011. Children 14 and younger made up 12.8 per cent of Summerland’s population in 2011, compared with 16.7 per cent

nationally. The median age in Summerland has been increasing and in 2011, it was 52. The largest age groups in the community are those between 45 and 64 years of age.

SUMMERLAND WEALTH CENTRE

ESCAPE THE WINTER FOR FREE Today in the Valley of the Sun, Arizona the temperature is 22 degrees. Today in the Valley of the Sun, Arizona you can buy a single family home for $75,000. Today in the Okanagan you are thinking about being somewhere warm… Wouldn’t it be nice to be a snowbird? So what’s stopping you? Make this dream a reality without spending a cent. Sounding too good to be true? Well the good news is it isn’t. Why not attend the joint Verico/HomEquity Bank seminar on Thursday, February 20th to see how you can become a property owner in Arizona (or elsewhere) without dipping into any of your savings, registered or otherwise and without making any payments.

Thursday, February 20th @ 1:00 P.M. Light refreshments will be served Show up and we will show you how Call John 250-808-1508 or Brian 250-212-7255 or John 250-460-0594 to book your place for this free no obligation information seminar taking place right here at the Summerland Wealth Centre.

9322 JUbiLEE RoAD EAST (NExT To YAki’S PizzA). SEATiNg iS LiMiTED So givE US A CALL To RESERvE YoUR SPoT.

8 www.summerlandreview.com

Scientific device has local connection by Carla McLeod Special to the Summerland Review

Scientific design

John Bennest designed and built a fluxgate magnetometer for use on the Canadian Space Agency’s hybrid satellite.

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Thursday, February 13, 2014 Summerland Review

John Bennest has a very scientific mind which he has used to design and manufacture specialty scientific instruments. Born and raised in Summerland and valedictorian for the 1965 graduating class, Bennest said, “It’s useful to get a feel for what you are good at. I am, and have the track record to prove it, really good at certain kinds of electronic design and the hands on manufacturing of such.” With a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia and in association with Dr. B. Barry Narod, the two men have built hundreds and hundreds of magnetometers in their own basements for observatories worldwide. Bennest designed and built MGF, a fluxgate magnetometer, for the Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (ePOP) on the Canadian Space Agency’s

hybrid satellite Cassiope. The sensors measure the magnetic field, while the satellite’s mission is to observe space weather. He also invented a new pressure period counter, improving on the standard period counter, used in the oceans to measure water pressure. “I came up with a very clever scheme on how to measure

“I came up with a very clever scheme on how to measure this signal for a tiny amount of power and very precisely and it is very quiet. My machine is still the best in the world for doing this.”

John Bennest

this signal for a tiny amount of power and very precisely and it is very quiet. My machine is still the best in the world for doing this,” he said. Ocean Networks Canada uses these instruments in their observatories, laying them on the ocean floor off the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

Practice road safety

Call for pricing Call Jo Freed or Pat Lindsay at 250-494-5406

Bennest explained that by measuring the water pressure through these sensors they were even able to receive data “in stunning detail” on the 2004 great Sumatra earthquake and tsunami. Although Bennest says his electronic career started in his early teens, by hauling old radios out of the dump and bringing them home and

Watch for pedestrians at crosswalks and around playground zones.

getting them working again, he is now able to make the following claim. “I am one of very few people on the planet who can honestly say that I have electronic systems that I have designed and built, functioning simultaneously, in orbit and on the floor of the ocean.” If you know a positive story about someone in our community, contact Carla McLeod at carlamcleod@shaw.ca or contact the Summerland Review newsroom at 250-494-5406.

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Summerland Review Thursday, February 13, 2014

Investment and relocation guide launched One of the key areas where the Summerland Chamber of Commerce is at work is in Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction. We do this through networking, partnering with other organizations, effectively promoting the community and through partnering with the District of Summerland on various economic development initiatives. For some months, chamber staff, with additional support from district staff, has been working on a specific economic development item. This is the new Investment and Relocation Guide for Summerland. Information available on the chamber and district sites required updating and there was a great deal of new information to be added in order to provide potential investors and families with the information they need to make a relocation decision. This new guide is now available on the chamber site and covers everything about our community from information about our municipality, population and climate to employment, major industries, development opportunities, housing and infrastructure, and transportation. Families want to know about education, recreation, cultural and community support options and that’s in the guide as well. As this is an online document, we can

www.summerlandreview.com 9

Chamber Corner

Community funding Arlene Fenrich make regular updates to keep it fresh. A guide of this kind is a tool that every community needs and it is widely used. It will be available to the agencies that promote the Okanagan to international or outof-province investors, to neighbouring communities with whom we do joint presentations to investors and we will be actively making people aware that this information is available and that Summerland is a great choice. Recent closures on Main Street are discouraging but it’s important to remember that work continues on all fronts to shine a positive spotlight on Summerland and encourage people to choose our community as their own. We always appreciate your feedback. Please contact me at president@summerlandchamber.com or Christine Petkau at manager@summerlandchamber.com. Arlene Fenrich is president of the Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism. All of the members of the board of directors serve as volunteers.

The annual 911 and Friends Dinner and Dance raised $5,000 for community organizations. From left are Simon Carter of the Summerland Middle School breakfast program, Rob Robinson of the Summerland Fire Department, Tammy Carter of the Summerland Middle School breakfast program, Tara Hollas of the Summerland Food Bank, Dale Belvedere of the Red Cross, Tom Ratcliffe of B.C. Ambulance in Summerland, Brenda Ingram of KidSport, Cst. Jacques Lefebvre of the Summerland RCMP detachment, Cpl. Bruce Haley of the Summerland RCMP detachment, Trudy Hanratty of the South Okanagan Women in Need Society and Rick Leardo of the Summerland Fire Department, Missing are organizers Merv and Liz Minty and Chris Leardo, as well as a representative of the Giant’s Head School (MJHP TZY \JJPQ^ Ć^JWX breakfast program.

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TELL US WHAT INSPIRES YOU!

Do you know of a minor hockey team who deserves to attend the 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, Sunday, March 2 in Vancouver? Anyone can enter on behalf of their favourite BC minor hockey team.

10 lucky minor hockey teams from BC will each receive 25 tickets… Submit an entry by telling us how hockey, your team or a favourite player has inspired you.

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Encourage everyone to enter and increase your odds of winning in the random draw. Include a photo if you want – perhaps from your own hockey days, or a team photo or show us how excited your team would be to win 25 tickets to the Heritage Classic. Players, coaches, friends and family can enter on behalf of a BC minor hockey team.

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231 Athletes, 50 Coaches, and 31 Officials from the Thompson - Okanagan (Zone 2) will be at the Mission 2014 BC Winter Games February 20 - 23.

GOOD LUCK !

10 www.summerlandreview.com

What’s up Summerland and region

Thursday

Al-Anon offers help to families and friends of alcoholics. Summerland Serenity Group meets Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the United Church hall. Call 250-490-9272 for more information. Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers meet at the Harold Simpson Memorial Youth Centre on Thursday evenings. Beavers meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Cubs meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Scouts meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Venturers meet from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For details call Trent at 250-

494-1990. Come try your hand at an old art made new. The traditional Rug Hookers of the South Okanagan meet every Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Summerland Art Gallery on Main Street. Visitors always welcome. Lots of supplies available. Try your hand at this timeless art. For more information phone Marilyn at 250-494-6434 or Juliet at 250-494-1278. Euchre is played every second and fourth Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors Drop-in

SUMMERLAND

Ministerial Association

Church Page anglican church of st. stephen 9311 Prairie Valley Rd. (Stone Church in Summerland)

Sunday Services - 8:30 am & 10 am Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - 9 am - 1 pm

250-494-3466 The Reverend Rick Paulin

www.summeranglican.ca modern clean banquet facility available

summerland baptist 10318 Elliott Street Two Services each Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am SBC Kids In Both Services Lead Pastor: Larry Schram Associate Pastor: Del Riemer For info or help call 250-494-3881 www.summerlandbaptist.ca

summerland pentecostal

9918 Julia Street Worship with us, Sunday at 10:30 am Loving God, Loving People Transitional Pastor: Rev. Dave Laity

250-494-8248 summerland united church

Come Join The Circle

13204 Henry Street Minister: Rev. Armand Houle 10:00 am Sunday Gathering with Children's Program Diversity, Respect, Community Service, Compassion. www.summerlandunited.bc.ca

summerland alliance

Real Life... Right Now! Morning Worship: 10:00am Children's Church & Nursery Be.Free Christ-centered 12-Step: Thurs @ 7 pm Pastor: Rev. Rick Gay Church Office: 250-494-9975

Centre, 9710 Brown St. Lyme Disease support group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at the A&W in Summerland. Everyone welcome. Pe a c h City Toastmasters meets Thursdays noon to 1 p.m. in Penticton at the United Church on Main and Eckhardt, Room 202. Call 250-486-5313. Seniors’ volleyball at the Youth Centre beginning at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. For additional information call Jane or Frank at 250-494-4666. Summerland Material Girls Quilt Guild meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from September to May at 9 a.m. at the Harold Simpson Memorial Youth Centre, 9111 Peach Orchard Rd. For more information call Doris Flynn at 250-494-7262 or Annie Smirmaul at 250-4942286. Summerland Sportsmen’s Association meets every third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Summerland Legion.The SSA focuses on fishing, shooting, hunting, archery and conservation and is affiliated with the B.C. Wildlife Federation. New members welcome. The Rug Hooking Circle meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month from noon to 3 p.m. at Leir House Arts and Cultural Centre, 220 Manor Park Ave., Penticton. Practice a traditional Canadian art form in a group setting. Host is certified teacher, fibre artist and published contributor Angela Possak. 250767-0206 or online rughookingteacher.ca. The Summerland Multiple Sclerosis Group meets on the first Thursday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at the MS office, 3373 Skaha Rd., Penticton. Everyone welcome. For more information call Sherry at 250-493-6564. TOPS BC #725 Summerland meets every Thursday in the lower level of the Seniors’ Drop-in Centre, 9710 Brown St. Weigh-in is from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and is followed by a meeting. For more information call Marlene Vancha at 250-494-9565.

Friday

Bridge is played every Friday at 1 p.m. at the Seniors’ Drop-In Centre, 9710 Brown St. Phone 250-494-8164.

Cribbage is played every Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors’ Drop-in Centre, 9710 Brown St. Pleasure Painters meet every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harold Simpson Memorial Youth Centre, 9111 Peach Orchard Rd. Come and enjoy or check it out. Drop-ins welcome. Tai Chi at the Seniors Drop-In Centre, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Contact Nancy at 250-494-8902. The 890 Wing of the South Okanagan Air Force Association of Canada have a gettogether every Friday night from 4 p.m. at the clubhouse at 126 Dakota Ave. in Penticton. New members are welcome. For more information, phone Fred Monteith at 250-497-8490.

Sunday

DivorceCare is for all who are suffering from the difficulties resulting from separation or divorce. Meeting at Summerland Baptist Church just inside the Victoria St. entrance on Sundays 5 to 7 p.m. A free course is offered. Please call 250-4943313 or just walk in. Vintage Car Club, South Okanagan Chapter, meets the last Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Youth Centre on Peach Orchard Road. Anyone interested in vintage cars (those 25 years or older) is invited to attend. For more information on the club phone 250-494-5473.

Monday

Beginner Tai Chi on Mondays at 2 p.m. at the Summerland Legion. Continuing classes at 2:30 p.m. All proceeds go to the Legion. Dabber Bingo is played at the Senior Drop-in Centre, 9710 Brown St., every Monday at 1:30 p.m. 16 regular games, Lucky 7, Odd/Even, Bonanza. Everyone is welcome. License #832873. Join us for Pickleball, a tennis-like game, fun for all ages, at the Summerland Baptist Church gym, Victoria Road entrance, Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. Paddles provided. Wear comfortable clothes and gym shoes. For more information call 250-494-3881. Men — Love to Sing? Okanagan Christian Men’s Choir. This nondenominational choir invites you to join us, have fun, sing unto the

s Lord and enjoy the fellowship of other singers. Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. at Summerland Baptist Church, Fireside Room. For more information contact Hans at 250-494-7127. The South Okanagan Orchid Society meets the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Shatford Centre in Penticton. The group meets September to June. For more information, contact Joan at 250-494-4293. The Summerland Crokinole Club meets Monday nights at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Summerland Seniors Centre. Contact Darlene at 250-4949310.

Tuesday

Bridge games at St. Stephen’s Church Hall on Tuesdays beginning at 1 p.m. New players are always welcome. Refreshments served. Call 250-494-6116 or 250-494-5363. Dementia Caregiver Support Group — Are you providing care or support for someone dealing with Alzheimer’s or another dementia? Please join us at our Summerland meeting to explore how we can assist you. The meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Summerland IOOF Hall, 9536 Main St. Call Laurie Myres at 250-493-8182 or email lmyres@alzheimerbc. org. South Okanagan Genealogical Society is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Penticton Library Museum building. Contact Nola Reid at 250-492-0751. Summerland Caregiver Group meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Summerland Health Centre. Call Julie Steele at 250-404-8072 for further information. Penticton Concert Band practices Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. New members welcome. Intermediate to advanced players. Call Gerald at 250-8092087. Quest Society of Summerland meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at 9700 Brown St. (Parkdale Place). For more information phone Marilyn Topham at 250-4946434 or Joan Lansdell at 778-476-0596. Summerland Kiwanis Club meets the first and third

Thursday, February 13, 2014 Summerland Review Tuesday of each month at the Kiwanis Lodge on Quinpool at 6 p.m. New members are welcome. Contact Tom Jacques at 250-494-4339. Summerland VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) members and friends meet the second Tuesday of the month at Parkdale Lounge. The Mental Wellness Centre, Summerland Branch, will be open the first, third and fourth Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon at the Summerland United Church. Inquiries welcome. The Summerland Multiple Sclerosis Group joins the Penticton MS Group every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. for a coffee social at the Cherry Lane Mall Food Court. Whist is played on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. at the Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9710 Brown St.

Wednesday

Be.Free, a 12-step Christ-centred recovery program that is not addiction specific, meets every Wednesday at Summerland Alliance Church at 7 p.m. For more information contact the SAC office at 250-494-9975 and ask to speak to Pastor Rick. Beginner bridge at the Summerland Dropin Centre Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Learn the fundamentals. Summerland Air Cadets parade Wednesday nights, 18:15 to 21:30 hours at Harold Simpson Memorial Youth Centre, 9111 Peach Orchard Rd. All youth aged 12 to 18 welcome. Call the Air Cadet office at 250494-7988. Summerland Art Club meets every Wednesday, September to June, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Summerland Library on Wharton Street. Painters of all levels are welcome. Workshops available. For information call Mary at 250-494-5851. Summerland ATV Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Summerland Library lower level. The club promotes responsible ridership including registration, insurance, safety certification and scheduled pleasure rides. Membership includes orchardists, farmers, ranchers and fun seekers of all ages including those with disabilities. The Summerland

Badminton Club plays every Wednesday at 7 p.m. all year. Shaun at 250-494-1513.

Upcoming

Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week, Recope Society of Summerland offers medically supervised water therapy and land exercise programs helpful to clients with various medical conditions, such as joint replacements, stroke, back problems, arthritis, to name just a few. A medical referral is required. Call Maureen at 250-494-9006. O Perfect Love hymn sing sponsored by Summerland Baptist Church and Lakeside Presbyterian Church Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 5505 Butler St. Oldtimer Hockey Group for ages 55 to 85+ plays Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8 to 9:30 a.m. For registration and details contact Wayne at 250-4947460. One-to-one dietitian and nurse appointments at Summerland Health Centre, 12815 Atkinson St., are available for people with diabetes or heart disease. The sessions can provide extra help with issues including learning about diabetes or heart health and how to manage the condition; understanding medication and starting or adjusting insulin; meter certification and how to use meter results; setting small, specific goals; tobacco dependence counselling and support in quitting; and solving problems with chronic conditions. To make an appointment call 250-770-3530 or 1-800-707-8550. Recorder ensemble — Just for fun new group starting up in Summerland. Helpful if you can read music. Contact Erna Schram at 250-494-8549. SADI Drop-In Program Monday to Thursday 3 to 6 p.m. for students in Grades 6 to 12. Play pool, ping pong, chill out or chat. Summerland Bakers is a new, fun baking club where it doesn’t matter if it didn’t turn out perfectly; we’ll eat it anyway! We meet monthly to share our creations, eat, laugh and take home heaps of leftovers. Email Sophia at pleasebringcake@ gmail.com for more information or join Summerland Bakers on Facebook.

Summerland Review Thursday, February 13, 2014

www.summerlandreview.com 11

Passengers use transit service Passengers have been riding Summerland’s newly launched transit service. The bus service began in late October and offered free rides until the end of the year.

In January, the service had a total of 1,428 passengers, or an average of 65 every day it was in operation. The service runs Monday to Friday during the day.

The busiest day was Jan. 15, with a total of 100 passengers. Julie McGuire, climate action coordinator for the community, said people have been offering suggestions for future

improvements to the service. These include an earlier start to the daily service and more stops in Penticton. At present, the first bus of the day leaves the

Summerland Library at 7:15 a.m. The city of Penticton recently passed a motion to create a transfer system between Penticton and Summerland for a oneyear trial period.

Under the agreement, passengers from Summerland can get a transfer to connect to a Penticton bus. A similar agreement was reached between Penticton and Naramata.

Air Cadets host speech competition

Speech competition

Air Cadet Lily Eggert finished second overall in the Effective Speaking competition in Penticton. At right is Effective Speaking coordinator Joan Irvine.

The 902 Summerland Air Cadets hosted their squadron Effective Speaking Competition on Wednesday, Jan. 29. They were judged by Mary Beth Rutherford from the Apex Ski Patrol, Sean Wurz of the Penticton Toastmasters, and Julia Cox of the Penticton Public Library. Each cadet presented a prepared five-minute speech on topics ranging from “Skills I have learned in Cadets That Will Help me in Life” to “Chris Hadfield, Space Explorer”. The cadets also gave a two-minute impromptu speech which they had only a few moments to

prepare. The judges complimented the cadets on their poise and their ability to regroup and overcome nervous moments. It was a great learning experience for the cadets and they were relieved to have participated successfully. Cadets organizers are grateful for the three volunteer judges for their support and assistance in making the squadron competition a success. The two winning

cadets, AC Lily Eggert and FSgt Rachel Smith, went on to compete at the regional Effective Speaking Competition Feb. 2 in Penticton. Smith had some difficulties with the timing lights as there was a lot of glare and she could not see them. Eggert finished second overall. The first-place winner was Savannah Groot from Penticton. She was also a national Effective Speaking competitor.

Visit us online

Keep up with all the news about Summerland, in print or online. The online edition of the Review can keep you up to date on what’s happening in the community.

www.summerlandreview.com

Residential Construction Guide Februa ry 2011

Residential Con struction Performance Guide For New Homes C overed b y Home wa rraNty I NsuraNC e IN brIt IsH Colu mbI

Know When to Make a Home Insurance Claim Owners of homes with home warranty insurance can search the Residential Construction Performance Guide to find out whether concerns they have with the quality of their homes may be covered by home warranty insurance. View the Guide to find: • the minimum required performance of new homes • more than 200 performance guidelines, and • criteria to help consumers self-evaluate possible defects in 15 major construction categories.

Homeowners have a new tool at their fingertips to help them better understand how their new home should perform and how their home warranty insurance works. The Residential Construction Performance Guide is available on the Homeowner Protection Office website www.hpo.bc.ca. It explains the basics of a well constructed home and how warranty providers evaluate claims for possible design, labour or material defects in new homes. Every new home built for sale by a licensed residential builder in B.C. is protected by mandatory third-party home warranty insurance. It’s the strongest system of construction defect insurance in Canada. This simple, practical guide outlines more than 200 possible defects that are searchable online. This includes the most common defect claims that might be submitted under a home warranty insurance policy – from windows that malfunction, to driveway or interior concrete floors that have cracked, to siding that has buckled. Designed primarily for conventional low-rise, wood-frame homes, the guide also provides some helpful guidelines for the common property of multi-unit buildings.

This Guide can be viewed on the B.C. government’s Homeowner Protection Office website.

www.hpo.bc.ca

It’s free, easy and available online.

Toll-free: 1-800-407-7757 Email: hpo@hpo.bc.ca

13-042 / final artwork Publication: Black Press Community Papers Homeowner Protection Office

10.31” wide X 6” high 300dpi black and white

12 www.summerlandreview.com

Thursday, February 13, 2014 Summerland Review

Bonnie and Clyde

Mackenzie Vandertoolen and Mitch Murphy play the roles of Bonnie and Clyde in Summerland Secondary School’s musical production. The musical opened yesterday and continues until Feb. 15 and Feb. 19 to 22 at Centre Stage Theatre.

Arts council holds annual meeting The Summerland Community Arts Council will be holding its annual general meeting on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Arts Centre on Main Street. If you are interested in promoting and encouraging the arts in Summerland please consider

attending. The Summerland Community Arts Council is always looking for volunteers either to assist with the many activities and programs offered or to sit on the board. The arts council operates the Summerland Art Gallery

which has six shows each year and the work of choosing those shows, organizing and hanging those shows is done by volunteers. Volunteers are also key to ensuring that the Gallery is open

for visitors. So if you have a few spare hours please consider being a gallery volunteer and making sure our art gallery stays open for residents and tourists alike. In addition to the

art gallery, the arts council offers workshops for kids, youth and adults on drawing, painting and a host of other topics. One of the most popular annual programs is the Summer Art Program for

Summerland Youth Centre Association

Annual General Meeting on Thurs., Feb. 20, 2014, 7:00 pm in the Harold Simpson Memorial Youth Centre

www.summerlandyouthcentre.ca

Summerland Minor Baseball Registration Tuesday, February 25 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Summerland Arena Registration forms also available at the Recreation Aquatic Centre

www.summerlandminorbaseball.com

GO M EA T ! S GO

Music recital

Perry Music Studio students performed a Valentine’s Recital at The Summerland Senior’s Village on Feb. 8 to a warm and appreciative audience. In the back from left are Evelyn Krieger, Paulina Steinberg, Annika Carlson, Allister Gilman and Lukas Gerzen. Seated are McKenna Carlson (back) and Saskia Carlson (front).

kids. Drama, pottery, painting, and whittling are just some of the popular classes offered during this six week program in July and August. Probably the most visible program of the Summerland Community Arts Council is the popular street banner project. Now in its 16th year the project is responsible for more than 160 brightly coloured banners being hung in downtown Summerland and in Lower Town. Kids and octogenarians crowd into the Adams Room in March to create these wonderful banners that are, after hanging in Summerland all summer, available for purchase. All these projects make our community more interesting and beautiful for resident and visitor alike. If you would like to find out more about the arts council visit their website at summerlandarts.com or

GAME ON!

David Finnis drop by the arts centre at 9533 Main St. and pick up a copy of the latest newsletter, Eye on the Arts. While you are there have a look at Fiona Neal’s paintings in the Main Gallery and check out the Gift Gallery for some beautiful pottery, paintings, photography and gift cards. The Arts Palette column is written by David Finnis, publicity chair and president of the Summerland Community Arts Council, P.O. Box 1217, 9533 Main St., Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0.

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Summerland Review Thursday, February 13, 2014

www.summerlandreview.com 13

Shanner ready for first Winter Games by Emanuel Sequeira Black Press

Rachel Shanner has mixed emotions about competing in her first B.C. Winter Games in Mission Feb. 20 to 23. “I am extremely nervous, but also kind of excited,” said Shanner, 14, of the Nickel Plate Nordic Club. “I just kind of feel out of my league. I think it’s an amazing opportunity. I don’t really know what to expect.” The Summerland

Secondary School student is enjoying a good cross-country season in which she placed third in the first Okanagan Cup event in Revelstoke at the end of December and earned the same result in Okanagan Cup 2, held at the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre at Apex Mountain Feb. 1. “I definitely improved my skiing technique a lot this year,” she said. In Revelstoke, where she qualified for the B.C. Winter Games, Shanner said she had a

good day. “I felt really good, finished strong,” she said. Shanner’s coach, Jerome Jang, said she’s a tremendous all-around athlete (basketball, swimming) who has not specialized in any one sport. “As one of the top juvenile girls skiers in the Okanagan zone, she will meet tough competition from the other zones,” said Jang. “I hope that she will finish in the top quarter of the pack in her events and realize that if she wants to

move to the podium, that she needs to start dedicating herself to just two sports (a summer sport and cross-country skiing in the winter) as her competitors are training from four to six days a week in crosscountry skiing (to her three days a week).” Shanner enjoys the sport because it’s fun and she gets great workouts. There are other aspects she likes as well. “It’s a really technical sport. There is a lot of stuff to learn and improve upon,”

said Shanner. “I have a great group of friends that ski with me. I have an amazing coach. Jerome is so dedicated and he’s a fantastic coach.” Jang said because she has competed against her fellow athletes, she will know what to expect as far as results. More time with her fellow athletes may be the catalyst she needs, added Jang. “She is already one of the most improved skiers on the team in terms of improved technique,” he said.

with a 7-2 win. The scoring started early for the Steam, just eight seconds into the game, as Daylan

Robertson took a pass from Paulsen Lautard on the right wing and roofed one over the shoulder of Grizzlies’ goaltender Matt Mitchell. It would be the first of three on the night for the captain, and Michael Winnitoy drew the second assist. Just over two minutes later Reid Brown took a pass on a two on one from Josh Dacosta and lifted the puck over Mitchell to bring the lead to 2-0 just shy of three minutes into the contest. Lautard extended the lead to 3-0 after banking a puck off the goalie and in from the corner. Still in the first, the Grizzlies got a goal on the power play from Kenny Batke

before Robertson tallied his second of the night moving around a sprawling Matt Mitchell and slipping it into the back of the net. Braden Saretsky rounded out the first period scoring, bringing the score to 5-1 in favour of the Steam. Jaxon Nohr replaced Mitchell for the second period, and was very good. The only goal allowed was with 24 seconds remaining in the period when Shane Bennett and Reid Brown found themselves on a two on one break that saw Brown finish after a good pass across from Bennett. Sam Nigg drew the second assist on the goal and the Steam headed to the third

with a 6-1 lead. Nohr stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced in the second period, but left with an injury and Matt Mitchell was back in the Revelstoke goal for the third. In that third period, as tempers continued to flare, Steam captain Robertson completed his hat trick just 29 seconds into the period on a nice move across the net front. Matt Lucero added another for Revelstoke to bring the score to 7-2 with just 1:29 to go in the hockey game. Brett Huber started for the Steam against the Grizzlies and only faced 13 shots on the night in the 7-2 victory.

Steam defeat Grizzlies on home ice On Friday night, the Summerland Steam played host to the Revelstoke Grizzlies and came away

Scoreboard Curling Summerland Curling Club Results: Feb. 3 to 7 Monday morning senior men: Bob Ezart defeated Paul Cowen, Hector Cartier defeated Doug Steinke, Stan Green tied Dale Abrey. Monday evening men: Stan Green defeated Gary Raymond, Steve Clement defeated Mike Lemke, Dale Abrey defeated Rick Drewnisz, Ken Rae defeated Brian Hodgson. Tuesday morning mixed: Barb Ezart defeated Hector Cartier, Bob Ezart defeated Ev Gillespie, Jerry Lidin defeated Bill Penman, Bill Moffat defeated Jim Hunt. Tuesday evening ladies: Diana Leitch defeated Bev Skinner, Judy Beck defeated Gail Ostaficiuk, Harlene Knorr defeated Wendi Archer, Lil Blashko defeated Betty Raymond. Wednesday morning senior men: Stan Green defeated Bob Ezart, Lionel Coleman defeated Paul Cowen, Doug Cade defeated Hector Cartier. Wednesday evening men: Rick Drewnisz defeated Dave Tether, Glen Brennan defeated Bob Walker, Gary Wingerak defeated Ken Rae, Gary Raymond defeated Louie Costa. Wednesday late evening: Dave Gartrell defeated Eric Cooper. Thursday morning ladies: RoseMarie Fenrich defeated Betty Raymond, Bev Skinner tied Diana Leitch, Diane Krancenblum defeated Ev Gillespie. Thursday evening open: Glen Brennan defeated Ken Rae, Jerad St. John defeated Russ Lemke, Gary Raymond defeated Dale Abrey, Clem Beaulac defeated Tony Blashko. Thursday late evening: John Egyed defeated Doug Patan. Friday evening mixed: Bob Wareham defeated Sue Woods, Bonnie Young defeated Louie Costa, Steve Favel defeated Val Utigard. Friday late evening: Allen Tower defeated Gavin Griffiths, Dan Laktin defeated Blair Stuckey, Patty Eldridge defeated Ian Rogers, Dave Hood defeated Tracy Waddington. Tip of the week: Because of dust, lint, hairs from brooms and other debris on the ice, the stone should be cleaned before every delivery. Debris on the ice can cause the stone to change its directional path.

Skiing

Rachel Shanner of Summerland will compete in cross-country skiing at the B.C. Winter Games in Mission later this month.

Summerland Steam Junior Hockey Club www.summerlandsteam.com

FEATURED PLAYER OF THE WEEK

#4 Piers Egan

Piers Egan (nicknamed Eags) is 5’9” and weighs 170 lbs. His hometown is Kelowna. He was born in 1995 and started playing hockey in 1999 at the Novice B level. Eags is in his second season with the Summerland Steam. Piers’ favourite hockey memory is winning Provincials in Midget. His favourite pre-game meal is pasta and garlic toast. His favourite movie is Gladiator and his favourite song is Country Girl by Luke Bryan. His favourite saying is,”for the boys.” In addition to playing hockey, Piers likes to spend time cliff jumping and ATVing. He thinks the best thing about Summerland is the rink and the Steam. HOME GAME SCHEDULE

February 14, 2014 @ 7:30pm vs KELOWNA CHEIFS February 16, 2014 @ 2:00pm vs NORTH OK KNIGHTS February 22, 2014 @ 7:30pm vs OSOYOOS COYOTES

Curling champions

The Summerland Curling Club hosted the B.C. Police Provincials Feb. 8 to 10. The eight teams are Dave Williams (Chase), Dale Hockley (Chilliwack, with Summerland’s Glen Brennan), Peter Koutsoumbos (Vancouver), Chris Cottrill (Penticton), Sean McGowan (Vancouver), Dick Sather (Vancouver), Terry Jacklin (Kelowna) and Keith Hildebrand (Prince George). The game was close until the ninth end when Hockley scored three. Winners from Chilliwack are skip Dale Hockley, third Glenn Brennan, second Randy Nelson and lead Dean Cross. Runners up from Penticton were skip Chris Cottrill, third Bob Lee, second Brad Sullivan and lead Wayne Ross. The winning team will compete at the Canadian Championships in Winnipeg March 15 to 22.