Alberni Valley Times, April 13, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

Port Alberni Men’s Basketball Spring League tips off Sports, Page 5

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Monday, April 13, 2015

MUNICIPALITY

$35K reno to change look of city hall Mayor Ruttan says exterior facelift for local government building will ‘update the image’ of Port Alberni ERIC PLUMMER ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES

The new look for city hall was unveiled last week, an exterior facelift needed to update Port Alberni’s image to potential investment and residents, says Mayor Mike Ruttan. The renovation will bring cedar panels to the outside of the building using wood harvested from the Toquart Bay area at the mouth of the Alberni Inlet. Now city council is tasked to select from two options of either covering the municipal building’s grey cement blocks or blue panels with the cedar. The panels are expected to be installed by the fall at an estimated cost of $35,000 through the work of city employees. “Whatever is done will dra-

matically change the look of City Hall,” said Ruttan when the designs were displayed on Thursday. “We want to update the image of our city to present a slightly different place.” The wood is being donated by Coulson Forest Products, which has manufactured the cedar for the last three years at its local sawmill that employs approximately 80 people. CEO Wayne Coulson believes the upgrade is needed to better sell Port Alberni to investors, and the cedar siding joins other improvements city hall is undergoing this year, including a completed paint job for the mayor’s office and new carpet throughout the building. “These are the changes that have to take place in Port Alberni

in order for us to sell who we are,” said Coulson. “I want to be able to bring people here to city hall to meet the mayor instead of having to meet him off site because of the ripped carpet, broken furniture and the stains at the top of the ceiling in the mayor’s office.” City hall’s facelift has met some opposition from the Heritage Commission, the group that oversees the preservation of the community’s history. The 1959 building has served the city since before the amalgamation of Alberni and Port Alberni, and in recognition of its historical importance city hall is among the handful of structures listed on the Port Alberni Heritage Register. See CITY HALL, Page 9

The current city hall exterior (left), and an artist’s depiction of the soon to be altered exterior with cedar donated by Coulson Forest Products (right). [CITY OF PORT ALBERNI IMAGES]

POLITICS

Elizabeth May opposed to coal mine, LNG fracking ‘not a good technology’ KRISTI DOBSON ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES

How-To in 45 Fest returns for 2nd year Parks and Recreation is making it easy for the public to learn new skills, get some exercise and meet new people this weekend during the How-To in 45. » Living Well, 10

New Alberni brand idea: ‘Ultimate Playground’ Business owner Kevin Wright has been thinking of his branding idea for the community for some time, to promote Port Alberni’s broad array of outdoor adventure. » Alberni Region, 3

» Use your smartphone to jump to our Facebook page for updates on these stories or the latest breaking news.

Green Party leader, Elizabeth May made a visit to Port Alberni on Saturday morning. With her was Federal riding of Courtenay-Alberni candidate Glenn Sollitt. The two made their first stop at the Starboard Grill for a breakfast presentation and question and answer session. The full house had a chance to hear the main issues of the Green Party. The main issue, May said, is real democracy that works for Canada. “We need more responsible discussion and debates in parliament to work for Canada,” she said. “We need leadership that works for the people. I will stand up and defend Parliament. What’s killing democracy in Canada is people who do what they are told in politics and read from scripts, so there will be no scripts in the Green Party.” May said, if elected as a group, she will break down the idea of leader-centric thinking and position MPs as equals. She said by working together for a common goal everything will reinforce itself, including environmental policies helping economic policies. She said the government needs to position Canada to take advantage of investing in renewable energy and clean technology more than in fossil fuels globally. She wants to fight to bring economic development to Vancouver Island. May had few comments on local issues. She said she wanted to see a way to maintain and protect sustainable industry, including the forests and watershed. “The Green Party is completely opposed to the [Raven coal mine]

Green Party of Canada leader, Elizabeth May and local candidate Glenn Sollitt were in Port Alberni on Saturday morning for a public meet and greet and took a Speeder to McLean Mill. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

proposal,” she said. “It is a huge risk to the Fanny Bay oysters, for example. But it looks like they’ve decided to pack it in anyway.” When asked about the Steelhead LNG project, May was cautious in her words. “It is on First Nations territory and we respect that, so I don’t want to say too much, but fracking is not a good technology at all,” she said. May is hopeful that clean energy will lead the way for further economic development on Vancouver Island. “It can be a hub for innova-

tion here if we work with First Nations to create longterm jobs and prospects for Vancouver Island,” May said. She said the Island can become known as a centre for innovation for clean technology and green ideas. “The potential for the port here is huge,” she said. “With better development there is potential for container shipping. There would also be jobs created for retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient.” May is also hopeful of wind power and manufacturing technology

in her own riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands. “Voting Green is the most powerful way to fix the country and put it back to the way it is supposed to be,” May said. “When the dreadful nine years of the Harper era is over this year, we will start to put things back to how they should be.” May and Sollitt went from the Starboard Grill onto the McLean Mill in a Speeder car, where they had a tour of the grounds and salmon hatchery. KDobson@avtimes.net

Inside today What’s On 2 Alberni Region 3

Opinion 4 Sports 5

ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES VOLUME 66, NUMBER 70

Alberni Album 6 Scoreboard 7

Comics 8 Classifieds 9

On the Island 12 Living Well 10

$1.25 newsstand (GST incl.)

ALBERNITODAY 2

Monday, April 13, 2015 | Contact the newsroom 250-723-8171 | news@avtimes.net | STORY UPDATES: www.avtimes.net

» Today’s weather and the four-day forecast TODAY

9/1

TOMORROW

Cloudy with light rain with 90% probability of precipitation. High 9, Low 1.

VANCOUVER ISLAND Port Hardy 8/2/r

Pemberton 9/2/r Whistler 8/0/r

Campbell River Powell River 9/2/r 9/2/r

Squamish 8/2/r

Courtenay 10/3/r Port Alberni 9/1/r Tofino 8/3/r

Ucluelet 8/3/r

BRITISH COLUMBIA WEATHER REGION

TODAY HI LO

Lower Fraser Valley Howe Sound Whistler Sunshine Coast Victoria/E. Van. Island West Vancouver Island N. Vancouver Island Ctrl. Coast/Bella Coola N. Coast/Prince Rupert Queen Charlottes Thompson Okanagan West Kootenay East Kootenay Columbia Chilcotin Cariboo/Prince George Fort Nelson Bulkley Val./The Lakes

11 8 8 9 10 8 8 7 9 8 16 15 17 16 12 8 9 10 8

4 2 0 2 5 3 2 2 4 4 3 3 3 2 1 -3 -2 -1 -1

TEMPERATURE Hi Lo Yesterday 10°C 0.4°C Today 9°C 1°C Last year 20°C -1°C Normal 13.6°C 2.7°C Record 24.4°C -3.3°C 1989 1970

Canada

SUN WARNING

SKY

HI LO

13 13 8 11 12 11 10 9 8 8 13 12 11 7 8 6 6 8 5

5 4 0 5 6 6 6 0 5 7 0 0 -1 -4 0 -3 -1 -2 -1

SKY

showers p.cloudy rain/snow p.cloudy showers showers showers showers rain showers showers showers showers rain showers p.cloudy p.cloudy flurries p.cloudy

Today's UV index Low

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset Moon rises Moon sets

6:31 a.m. 8:08 p.m. 3:44 a.m. 2:04 p.m.

CITY

TODAY TOMORROW

Dawson City Whitehorse Calgary Edmonton Medicine Hat Saskatoon Prince Albert Regina Brandon Winnipeg Thompson Churchill Thunder Bay Sault S-Marie Sudbury Windsor Toronto Ottawa Iqaluit Montreal Quebec City Saint John Fredericton Moncton Halifax Charlottetown Goose Bay St. John’s

4/-8/rs 4/-3/pc 14/1/pc 14/3/s 17/4/pc 13/2/s 12/0/s 12/3/s 12/-3/s 14/1/s 9/-2/pc -5/-15/sn 15/2/r 8/2/r 12/0/r 20/7/t 20/3/t 21/5/s -6/-25/sn 20/7/s 18/4/s 10/2/s 16/2/s 13/3/pc 10/1/pc 8/2/pc 6/1/s 1/-3/pc

5/-7/pc 7/-2/sf 7/-1/r 9/0/r 17/1/pc 19/2/pc 17/2/pc 20/3/pc 17/4/pc 18/8/pc 6/-1/pc -13/-14/pc 15/2/s 8/-2/s 12/0/rs 15/4/pc 15/3/s 14/3/pc -14/-22/s 14/3/pc 11/0/r 9/0/r 13/-1/r 11/0/r 9/1/r 6/1/r 8/-6/r 9/2/s

Mainly cloudy with 80% chance of scattered showers.

World

CITY

TODAY

Anchorage 2/0/pc Atlanta 22/20/r Boston 16/10/s Chicago 19/7/r Cleveland 21/6/r Dallas 23/16/t Denver 21/8/s Detroit 20/5/r Fairbanks 5/-4/r Fresno 30/11/s Juneau 7/2/r Little Rock 21/15/r Los Angeles 24/13/s Las Vegas 32/18/s Medford 18/4/pc Miami 27/25/pc New Orleans 27/22/t New York 17/12/pc Philadelphia 22/13/pc Phoenix 32/18/s Portland 13/5/r Reno 22/6/s Salt Lake City 23/12/s San Diego 20/16/s San Francisco 15/10/s Seattle 11/6/r Spokane 17/4/c Washington 25/15/pc

Whitehorse

TOMORROW

HI/LO/SKY

4/-3/pc

HI/LO/SKY

Amsterdam Athens Auckland Bangkok Beijing Berlin Brussels Buenos Aires Cairo Dublin Hong Kong Jerusalem Lisbon London Madrid Manila Mexico City Moscow Munich New Delhi Paris Rome Seoul Singapore Sydney Taipei Tokyo Warsaw

Time Metres Low 1:55 a.m. 1.5 High 7:55 a.m. 2.8 Low 2:47 p.m. 0.7 High 9:24 p.m. 2.7

» Calendar: What’s on //

Tofino Tides TOMORROW Time Metres Low 3:13 a.m. 1.3 High 9:13 a.m. 2.8 Low 3:48 p.m. 0.7 High 10:18 p.m. 2.9

TODAY Low High Low High

Time Metres 2:10 a.m. 1.7 8:09 a.m. 3 2:54 p.m. 0.9 9:33 p.m. 3

6/1/s

-1/-8/sf

TODAY TOMORROW HI/LO/SKY

TODAY

Goose Bay

Yellowknife

16/8/pc Churchill Prince Rupert -5/-15/sn 18/11/s 9/4/r Prince George 19/10/pc Quebec City 35/27/pc Port Hardy 9/-2/r 18/4/s 8/2/r 24/11/pc Saskatoon Edmonton 13/2/s Winnipeg 15/7/pc Montreal 14/3/s Halifax 14/1/s 20/7/s 10/1/pc 17/8/pc Calgary Regina Toronto 26/16/c Thunder Bay 14/1/pc Vancouver Boston 20/3/t 12/3/s 15/2/r 23/13/s 10/5/r 16/10/s Billings 16/6/s New York Chicago 20/9/s 17/12/pc Detroit 25/21/s 19/7/r Boise 20/5/r 15/9/pc Rapid City 24/7/s Washington, D.C. 18/5/s <-30 21/13/r 25/15/pc San <-25 19/8/pc Francisco St. Louis Wichita <-20 21/11/r 19/9/r 15/10/s Denver 24/13/pc <-15 Las Vegas 21/8/s 34/25/pc 32/18/s <-10 Atlanta Oklahoma 24/14/r Los Angeles 22/20/r City <-5 24/13/s 18/11/r 9/0/r 0 Phoenix Dallas Tampa >5 18/5/c 32/18/s 23/16/t 29/23/r >10 32/22/s Miami >15 LEGEND New Orleans 21/9/pc 27/25/pc 27/22/t s - sunny w - windy c - cloudy >20 21/10/pc fg - fog pc - few clouds t - thunder >25 18/8/s sh - showers fr - freezing rain r - rain >30 sn - snow sf - flurries rs - rain/snow 31/27/pc >35 hz - hazy 24/18/pc 23/18/pc 17/11/pc SUN AND SAND MOON PHASES 10/5/pc CITY

Port Alberni Tides

13/6

THURSDAY

CANADA AND UNITED STATES

United States HI/LO/SKY HI/LO/SKY

9/5

Cloudy with 80% chance of light rain.

HIGHLIGHTS AT HOME AND ABROAD

TOMORROW

rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain showers showers showers p.cloudy showers rain/snow showers sunny rain/snow

WEDNESDAY

ALMANAC

PRECIPITATION Yesterday 0 mm Last year 0 mm 4.2 mm Richmond Normal 10/5/r Record 25.6 mm 1982 Month to date 5.6 mm Victoria Victoria Year to date 343.2 mm 10/5/r 10/5/r

Nanaimo 8/3/r Duncan 9/4/r

10/2

Variably cloudy.

TOMORROW Time Metres Low 3:29 a.m. 1.5 High 9:27 a.m. 3.1 Low 3:59 p.m. 0.9 High 10:27 p.m. 3.2

Acapulco Aruba Cancun Costa Rica Honolulu Palm Sprgs P. Vallarta

32/24/s 31/26/pc 32/24/t 28/21/r 24/22/r 34/18/s 28/20/pc

HI/LO/SKY

32/24/s 31/26/pc 32/24/pc 29/21/c 25/22/r 33/18/s 28/20/pc

e-mail: news@avtimes.net // fax: 250-723-0586 // phone: 250-723-8171

Apr 18

May 3

Apr 25

May 11

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» Lotteries

Arts

For March 23:

Folk Song Circle meets Tuesdays, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Fir Park Village. Info: 250-723-7945.

649: 05-08-22-23-27-37 B: 11 BC49: 05-09-18-20-22-29 B: 25 Extra: 16-21-30-67

Sports & recreation

For March 18:

Valley Cloggers meet Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Arrowsmith Baptist Church. Beginners welcome. Info: 250-724-2137. Kingsway Pub meat draw on Tuesdays, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and 50/50 raffle to benefit the Alberni Valley Hospice Society and Ty Watson House. Board Games social on Tuesdays, from 4 to 10 p.m., at Char’s Landing.

Lotto Max: 07-08-16-18-24-25-46 B: 37 Extra: 40-58-68-73 Numbers are unofficial

Child and youth Mothers Uplifting Mothers group meets Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lighthouse Church. Info: 250-724-9733. Youth Clinic services at ADSS (around the left front corner) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Info: 250-731-1315 or 250-720-9591. Play & Learn Library at Kiwanis Hilton Children’s Centre on Mondays, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays, 9 to11 a.m. and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: 778- 421-2244.

Service groups Literacy Alberni, drop-in times Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: 250-723-7323.

Special interest Genealogy Club meets the last Tuesday of every month at the Family History Centre in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members can visit on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday evenings, from 7 to 9 p.m. Special twice a week fitness class designed for new moms and their babies. To register drop into Echo Centre or phone 250-723-2181.

Support and help

Literacy Alberni, drop-in times Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: 250-723-7323. Urgently needed: volunteers to help at Red Cross Loan Cupboard for fourhour shifts, once per week. Info: 250723-0557 on Wednesday or Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Alberni Valley Hospice Society’s Dementia Support Group meets third Tuesday monthly 10:30am-noon at 3088 3rd Avenue. This group is for individuals dealing with Early On Set Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other Neurological Denegerative Disorders. 250-723-4478

April 13 - May 13, 2015 Schedules are subject to change without notice.

VANCOUVER ISLAND - LOWER MAINLAND NANAIMO (DEPARTURE BAY) - HORSESHOE BAY

Entrepreneurial ﬂair Candra Holmes bought some Epicure products from Christina Eckhart while checking out the Jump into Spring Business Fair at Cherry Creek Hall on Saturday. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

4918 Napier St., Port Alberni, B.C., V9Y 3H5 Main office: 250-723-8171 Office fax: 250-723-0586 Publisher Rick Ma or 250-723-8171 RMa or@avtimes.net News department 250-723-8171 EPlummer@avtime s.net

7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Leave Horseshoe Bay 6:30 am 12:30 pm 8:30 am 3:00 pm 10:30 am 5:00 pm

7:00 pm 9:00 pm

NANAIMO (DUKE POINT) - TSAWWASSEN Leave Duke Point

Walk and Talk grief support group meets Tuesday mornings. The goal of this group is to offer bereavement support in an informal and comfortable way that combines exercise and companionship. Call Ruth at 250-723-4478 to register. Somass Toastmasters meet Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at 3088 Third Ave. for speaking, leadership and fun. Info: 250-724-0976 (Shirley Maxwell). Meals on Wheels program needs volunteer drivers. Info: 250-730-0390. First Open Heart Society of Port Alberni support group. Info: 250-723-2056 or 250-724-2196. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and other kinship care providers are welcome to call a province-wide information and support line toll free at 1-855-474-9777 or e-mail grg@parentsupportbc.ca. KUU-US Crisis Line, plus mobile outreach support services. If you, or someone you know, is having difficulties, please call 250-723-2040.

Addictions The Christian Intervention Program runs Tuesdays, from 6 to 8 p.m. Info: 250-

» How to contact us // Alberni Valley Times

Leave Departure Bay 6:30 am 12:30 pm 8:30 am 3:00 pm 10:30 am 5:00 pm

724-3688 (Pastor Ron Nickle) or 250730-0397 (Terry MacDonald). Port Alberni Friendship Center offers free counselling on addictions, mental health, relationships and other issues. Info: 250-723-8281. Everybody welcome. Narcotics Anonymous, Port Alberni. Info: 1-800-807-1780. Alcoholics Anonymous, Port Alberni. Info: 1-800-883-3968.

Bellyfit fundraiser for North Island Recovery Centre, April 25 at 11:45 a.m. at Slammers Gym. No membership necessary. Beta Sigma Phi Founder’s Day Dinner, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Barclay Hotel. Members at large welcome. Contact Lynne at 250-723-6403 by April 22.

5:15 am 7:45 am 10:15 am

12:45 pm 3:15 pm 5:45 pm

Leave Tsawwassen 12:45 pm 5:15 am 3:15 pm 7:45 am 5:45 pm 10:15 am

8:15 pm 10:45 pm

Except Sat. Except Sun. SWARTZ BAY - TSAWWASSEN Leave Swartz Bay 7:00 am 68:00 am 9:00 am 11:00 am D12:00 pm

What’s coming Alberni Valley Curling Club “Awards Banquet & Election of Executive Officers”; doors open at AVCC 5:00pm April 11/15. Info: www.albernicurling.com or call 250-723-3111. Coffee Day for all former Sproat Lake loggers/employees, April 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Steel Worker’s Hall. For info: Harvey at 250-724-2578. Pot Luck Ceramics Clearance Sale, April 18 and 19 at 4011 Cowley Road. Hospice Training Course, 12 weeks from April 9 to May 21. For info: 250-7234478 or theresa@albernihospice.ca. Rock with Elvis at the Royal Canadian Legion April 18 at 7 p.m. Info: 250-723-7125.

1:00 pm z2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm

Leave Tsawwassen 7:00 am 1:00 pm 9:00 am D2:00 pm 610:00 am 3:00 pm 11:00 am z4:00 pm z12:00 pm 5:00 pm

z6:00 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

6:00 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

D Fri, Sun & Apr 23 only. z Fri & Sun only. Thu, Fri & Sun only. 6 Apr 25 only. For schedule and fare information or reservations: 1 888 223 3779 • bcferries.com

Parks, Recreation &He ritage online: www.avtimes.net

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Publisher: RickMa or.Administration:TamieMacey.Advertising: ChristopherFinlayson,PattiHall,KrisPatterson,JenniferPley.Circulation:ElaineBerringer.Editorial:KristiDobson,Eric Plummer,Martin Wis smath. Production: Cindy Donovan, Phil Littlewood.

Echo Aquatic Centre 250-720-2514 Echo Centre 250-723-2181 Alberni Valley Multiplex 250-720-2518 Alberni Valley Museum 250-720-2863 Go to portalberni.ca and click on the Parks, Recreation & Heritage tab to see daily schedules, facility hours and special events. Twitter: @cityportalberni Facebook: City of Port Alberni Local Government OR call 250-723-INFO (4636).

ALBERNIREGION 3

Monday, April 13, 2015 | Contact the newsroom 250-723-8171 | news@avtimes.net | STORY UPDATES: www.avtimes.net

MARKETING

Alberni is Canada’s ‘Ultimate Playground’

Local business owner reveals his idea for city brand showcasing the ‘broadness’ of activities in the Valley KRISTI DOBSON ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES

Kevin Wright thinks Port Alberni is the Ultimate Playground. The business owner (and last year’s mayoral hopeful) has been thinking of his branding idea for the community for some time. “Port Alberni has always been known as a town that works hard and plays harder,” he said. “Playing hard is part of the mind-set of the community and we can literally walk out the front door and do anything.” Wright’s main strategy is to highlight what makes Port Alberni unique. He is not opposed to other suggestions that have been proposed but feels they do not sell the community’s amenities to tourists. “What makes us unique is the broadness we offer,” he said. “We do recreation to the raggedy edge. We have thousands of kilometres of walking trails and hundreds of kilometres for biking and quadding. We have fishing, baseball, wrestling, hockey, drag strips, golf and watersports.” He said Port Alberni is a place that has everything for recreation all in one small area. “Whistler has amazing mountain biking, but can you wind surf there?” he asked. “We are pretty close to being exceptional on all levels. So I came up with the concept of Canada’s Ultimate Play-

“Playing hard is part of the mind-set of the community and we can literally walk out the front door and do anything.” Kevin Wright, Alberni entrepreneur

ground. I believe we fit to the very edge of all those things. “With the Ultimate Fishing Town, it’s not that we are not, but it doesn’t showcase all that Port Alberni has to offer,” he said. “If you say Port Alberni is the heart of Vancouver Island, it makes sense geographically and conveys warmth but other communities believe they are the same. You’re not convincing everyone that you’re unique.” Wright has gone as far as coming up with marketing material, including T-shirts with what he feels are the three strongest local pursuits, including fishing, hiking and biking. “But the brand model allows me to add all the other things,” he said. “We can sell the town as having everything. On a scale of one to ten I would rate us a solid seven or eight for recreation on most things but there are definitely things I would rate a 10, like hiking and

Kevin Wright believes the design of his tshirt fits his idea of branding Port Alberni as Canada’s Ultimate Playground. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

mountain biking.” Wright also thinks that by promoting the community’s recreation, Port Alberni can become a hub between the West Coast and central Island. He thinks that since Tofino and Qualicum Beach have high class hotels, spas and resorts, families with different interests can spend the day doing what they want, where they want.

“If one person wants to go to a spa and the other wants to do some hardcore mountain biking, they can meet in the middle and it is only a short drive either way,” he said. “Tofino has surfing and the beach, but if you want to go fishing or mountain biking, it’s limited.” He said visitors would be able to stay in Port Alberni, fill up the hotels and realize there is more to

do than drive through town. “It allows for marketability and cross promotion,” he said. Wright believes recreation is an easy sell for Port Alberni. “If you believe the model, you sell the model and most people believe we are the ultimate playground,” he said. KDobson@avtimes.net

MUNICIPALITY

City updates strategic plan, aims for ‘regional equity’ in services ERIC PLUMMER ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES

At a public meeting tonight city council is set to adopt an update to Port Alberni’s strategic plan, a document developed by elected representatives recently to guide the municipality until 2018. The new draft of the plan lists the same principles for the city as last year’s update to the municipal strategy, describing Port Alberni as “a vibrant waterfront community” whose “mission is to enhance the quality of it’s residents.” As before, priorities listed in the document speak of fostering a “sustainable and environmentally responsible community,” a safe and welcoming place with a “robust and diverse economy” that is “actively creating its future.” The strategic plan is the result of two days of brainstorming by city councillors. Although there are no major differences from the plan assembled by the last elected team, the collaborative effort focused the seven members of city council – five of which are newly elected – on what the city needs, said Coun. Ron Paulson. “We took the old strategic plan and kind of used that as a benchmark, delved into that fairly deeply to see if there were changes that we wanted to make or additions,” he said, adding that major

“I certainly had my eyes opened...how far behind we are in infrastructure upgrade and maintenance.” Ron Paulson, city councillor

infrastructural improvements are unavoidable in the coming years. “I certainly had my eyes opened in that regard, how far behind we are in infrastructure upgrade and maintenance.” The updated plan identifies Port Alberni’s strengths as being volunteers, a new council, the community’s location on the Inlet, experienced municipal staff and strong local facilities, including the RCMP detachment, high school and West Coast General Hospital. Existing problems that were listed include a stagnant population, declining tax revenue from industry and increasing costs facing the municipality, such as wages and electricity rates. New language introduced to the new version of the plan makes reference to the unequal sharing of services that are provided by the city, but used by residents elsewhere in the Alberni Valley.

A goal stated in the new strategic plan is to “achieve regional equity by increasing regional participation in existing services” by reviewing the city’s fees and charges. The unequal usage of municipal services among Valley residents has been identified during budget presentations this winter, including the city’s heavily subsidized parks and recreation facilities. According to estimates made by

the parks and rec department, city residents are paying more than their fair share of services used by residents throughout the area. The ACRD gives a grant to the city each year to help with the Echo Aquatic Centre, converting into a per capita contribution of $11 from the outlying communities of Sproat Lake, Beaver Creek and Cherry Creek. But the pool is costing each Port Alberni resident $120 a year in public funds.

Other initiatives cited in the new strategic plan are to acquire publicly accessible waterfront land as it becomes available, investigate sponsorship opportunities and lobby other levels of government to give the City of Port Alberni more control over it’s watershed, land that is currently being logged by forestry companies. EPlummer@avtimes.net 250-723-8171

EDITORIALSLETTERS 4

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» Another View

Oil bust: Alberta is nothing like Texas T

here is a lesson for British Columbia and for the rest of Canada in the sad story that is Alberta. As Albertans prepare to head to the polls next month, a year earlier than they were supposed to, they are still coming to terms with how quickly their wealth disappeared and how fast their economy went down the toilet. Big dollars and good times hid how their lifestyle was built on a lie. The fraud, of course, is oil and the idea that high prices were permanent. When a provincial economy is built on a single natural resource, with prices set internationally, that province does not control its own destiny and is dependent on others for its success. When the price crashes, as it has in the last year, the fairweather residents make their way home to other provinces, taking their expertise, their spending and

their tax income with them. Alberta likes to brand itself as Canada’s Texas. Both jurisdictions, and their residents, like to live large, talk loud, work hard and play harder. They are both fiercely independent but socially conservative and traditional in their views. Both despise government in general and their meddlesome federal governments in particular, regardless who is in power. Once the surface is scratched, however, it turns out Alberta is nothing like Texas at all. After oil, Alberta dabbles in agriculture, forestry and tourism. In other words, it’s mostly a onedimensional economy. Meanwhile, in Texas, oil is just one of a number of lucrative industries propelling its powerful economy. Along with traditional sectors, such as agriculture and tourism, Texas is a global player in aeronautics, telecommunica-

tions, military equipment and computer technology. Silicon Valley near San Francisco gets all the press but Dell, AMD and, of course, Texas Instruments are all based in the Lone Star State. The Texas economy continues to hum along, just like the many computers, software programs and microprocessors it produces, despite the drop in world oil prices. In fact, Texas is making matters worse for Alberta. Like Saudi Arabia, Texas is not cutting production. Its oil companies are continuing to send their product to market and apply pressure on high-cost-per barrel operations like the Alberta oil sands. Unlike Alber ta, Texas also refines much more of its oil. Texas learned its lesson from the boom-and-bust cycles of oil prices but Alberta has yet to have that lesson sink in. Alberta could have been Texas.

Alberta chose not to diversify its economy by plowing the tax proceeds from oil into education, infrastructure, research and development the way Texas did. Instead, it has kept taxes ridiculously low (Texas hasn’t) and refused to introduce a sales tax (Texas has one, ranging from 6.25 to 8.25 per cent, depending on the county and region). Texas knows consumptive taxes are the most fair form of taxation for residents and the most consistently lucrative form of tax revenue for governments but Alberta still hasn’t figured it out. In other words, Texas invested in its future and is now reaping the rewards while Alberta, both its governments and its residents, spent like there was no tomorrow. Tomorrow has arrived and Alberta is receiving its just desserts. Premier Christy Clark’s LNG dream is already showing signs of

being more dream than reality and maybe that’s a good thing. Rather than making B.C. into a clone of Alberta, with a prosperous economy mostly based on a single natural resource, the slow increase in LNG capacity in B.C. will keep the province pursuing other development opportunities. B.C. should be trying to emulate Texas, not Alberta, meaning that if the LNG gamble pays off for B.C., that will just be a bonus for an otherwise healthy and diverse economic base. “That’s right, you’re not from Texas, but Texas wants you anyway,” sings its proud native son, Lyle Lovett, about a state certain of its past, present and future. To borrow a cowboy phrase, our neighbours to the east with their oil economy appear to be all hat and no cattle. In B.C., we’d be wise to seek better examples to follow.

anti-hate laws, conveniently passed in parliament to crush all opposition? Democracy is a fragile system of government, and is sometimes very susceptible to abuse from those who wish to enforce their views by force of law upon others. Lunney’s protest is just the tip of the iceberg.

the balance of the population, mixed, integrated, The Ports and the Imports, multiracial, multicultural, in the stunning support of this various community to rally to those in need, the human commitment of time and cash to a thousand good causes, week after week, after week, in astonishing decency, compassion and the plain old reality of wanting to help each other. And no logo, no brand, will make any real difference at all. Few of us will be able to cite the purchased brands of any city in the country, let alone those of the Island. A small group has come from within the city to express a love and a joy for what they know to be true about Port Alberni. It is what we all, who live here, know, appreciate and understand. We do not need others to tell us what we love, what we lack and what we hope for. No one else is required to “brand” us. The heart is real, it has its rhythms, its own beat. Check out “The Heart of the Island” on Facebook. Every post is lovely, heartfelt and engaging, every post from young people who simply love living here. Young people. Those who see more than we will ever know. And they have only just begun. Let’s let them walk us all into the future of this town, as they delight in their moments of beauty, joy in their thrills and adventures, flourish in their chosen community. The Heart of the Island: They are living it, feeling it and embracing it. I am deeply glad that they speak to that heart with every heartbeat of their own.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Information about us Alberni Valley Times is operated by Black Press Group Ltd. and is located at 4918 Napier St., Port Alberni, B.C., V9Y 3H5. This newspaper is a member of Alliance for Audited Media, Second Class Mail Registration No 0093. Published Monday to Friday in the Alberni Valley, the Alberni Valley Times and its predecessors have been supporting the Alberni Valley and the west coast of Vancouver Island since 1948. Publisher: Rick Major rmajor@avtimes.net News department: Eric Plummer eplummer@avtimes.net General Office/Newsroom: 250-723-8171 Fax: 250-723-0586 Business manager: Angela Kephart Production manager: Cindy Donovan ads@avtimes.net

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» Your Letters // e-mail: letters@avtimes.net Lunney’s opinions don’t belong in Parliament Mr. Lunney wasn`t elected to be a Christian, he was elected to represent us in parliament, conducting the daily business of running the country. He is certainly entitled to his religious opinions, but they have no place in the House Of Commons.

Online polling Friday’s question: Should convicted sex offender John Seward be allowed to live where he pleases? P\j ('

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Ted Maurice Port Alberni

‘Lunney’s protest is just the tip of the iceberg’ Regarding your story, “Lunney’s stand: newly independent MP seeks respect for Christian faith (Apr. 8, 2015), I would like to respond. As a Christian I applaud Lunney’s stand, and I agree with his suggestion that in North America Christians are receiving a rough ride from their many opponents. The point is that there is much more riding on this issue than whether or not someone believes in creationism rather than evolution. In a democracy people have a right to believe or disbelieve in anything they choose, without the fear of political interference. After all, this country fought a world war to protect that right, and it is now engaged in another war in the Middle East, presumably to defend our democratic rights against a people who would steal from us, by means of violence, those very rights. But perhaps the real enemy is within our own borders, and not across the sea. In a democracy people have the right to believe in a flat earth, if they so wish. Furthermore, these

Brian McGregor-Foxcroft Victoria

‘The Heart of the Island’ shows Alberni’s heart Today’s question: Are you worried about water restrictions in Alberni this year because of a low snowpack? Answer online before 5 p.m. today:

same people have the right to join a Flat Earth Society, and to propagate their beliefs to others, without political interference. And Christianity and Christian ethics have a much greater historical claim on society than flat earth advocates do. It is when government starts legislating its own brand of righteousness to the detriment of the beliefs of others that problems develop. Consider the case of legalized euthanasia in Canada, which may force dissenting doctors into legal and ethical dilemmas that will attack and undermine the very principles of their medical oaths to uphold life by all means possible. Will Christian doctors who believe in maintaining life over against doctor-assisted suicide be silenced? And if they, or other Christians, speak out against it, will they be slapped down with

The branding of Port Alberni is a matter of concern for a certain segment of the city’s population. With all due respect to Stacey Gaiga, I do not see how an outside consulting team needs to be a part of this process. In spite of a $30,000 price tag, the “Bear Tracks and Lumber Jacks” brand was a clear waste of money, a failure of the corporate imagination. The city brands itself in many ways: some positive, some wonderful, some laughable, some truly tragic. No purchased logo will mask the derelict storefronts, the appallingly low literacy rates, the socioeconomic challenges, the lack of good jobs, or the ache for the glory days. No purchased logo will echo the humour evoked by the erection of a phallic salmon at the visitors center, the plan ahead for yet another bigger one to come. No logo will make Canal Beach, a nice enough little park, bring tourists on their way to the Pacific Rim, to change their minds at the sight of a log boom and a clear cut mountain, to spend their two weeks vacation here in PA. No purchased logo will change

Cheryl Church Port Alberni

SPORTS Monday, April 13, 2015 | Contact the newsroom 250-723-8171 | news@avtimes.net | STORY UPDATES: www.avtimes.net

BASKETBALL

Tseshaht nets 83 points in win over Ladybird Port Alberni Men’s Basketball Spring League underway with three games; Raptors, Magic and T-wolves win NEELAM PARMAR FOR THE TIMES

The Port Alberni Men’s Basketball Spring League started their eight-week season last Thursday, April 9. The league has expanded to six teams from four teams last year. Three games are played each Thursday night at Alberni District Secondary School. The first five weeks of action are league play, followed by three weeks of playoffs.

Dave Ralla Magic 69 Slammers Gym Warriors 55 The season’s opening game saw the Dave Ralla Magic storm out the gates to take a 12–3 lead within the first five minutes. This forced the Slammers Gym Warriors to play catch up for the entire game. The Magic were able to push their lead by half time to 46–29. The Warriors fought back early in the second half to get within 10 points but that was as close as they would achieve. Magic 69 – Warriors 55. High scorers for the Magic were Mike Lange – 37 points; and Brenden Lundy-Sam – 17 points. Warriors leaders were Josh Kurucz – 20 points and Daniel Dyck – 8 points.

Tseshaht Market Raptors 83 Ladybird Engraving Heat 78 The second game was close even though it did not start that way. The Tseshaht Market Raptors roared to a 24–12 lead before the Ladybird Engraving Heat woke up to claw back by halftime only trailing by four points 42–38. The second half was a seesaw battle with the Heat getting within one point 64–63 midway through the period.

The final two minutes saw the Raptors, holding an 80–78 advantage, clamp down defensively on the Heat’s final possessions to earn a hard fought 83–78 victory. Raptor scoring leaders were Sam Moncur – 26 points and Jayme Charleson – 23 points. Heat leaders were Connor Van Vliet – 22 points and Bobby Rupert – 20 points. Co-op Timberwolves 81 Concrete Impressions Construction Rockets 67 The final game of the evening saw a very close first half with multiple lead changes and the Rockets taking a 39–35 halftime lead. The Co-op Timberwolves went on a 10–0 run to start the second before the Rockets responded to stay within one point 47-–6. However, the Timberwolves went on another big run of 11–0 midway in the half and never gave up control to finish with a 81–67 win. Timberwolves scoring leaders were Ryan Broekhuizen – 25 points and Coby Felsman Jr. – 22 points. Rockets scoring leaders were Adam Yaredic – 29 points and Eddie Fred – 12 points.

Tristian Jensen with the Ladybird Engraving Heat chases down a ball during a Port Alberni Men’s Basketball Spring League game against the Tseshaht Market Raptors in the ADSS Armada gym on Thursday. [SUBMITTED PHOTO]

SAILING

Two Nanaimo sea cadets qualify for national sailing champs NANAIMO DAILY NEWS

Two Nanaimo sea cadets have qualified for the national sailing championships after placing in a recent provincial event held in Victoria. Casey Kent and Adam Mikus from 136 AMPHION Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps in Nanaimo were in the capital April 3 to 5 for the 40th annual National Qualifying Regatta. Kent and Mikus were both skippers of their two-man teams and placed first and fourth respectively, to earn a ticket to nationals this

summer in Kingston, Ont. Casey sails with cadet Ian Curran from 347 RCSCC in Ashcroft and the two won the contest, while Mikus, who sails with cadet Elizabeth Hemlin from 47 RCSCC out of Vancouver, finished fourth overall. Twenty cadets and 10 teams of two from across made up the NQR contest and selection camp, all of whom had qualified by sailing at the provincial qualifiers this past October in Esquimalt. The top four who placed at the NQR were selected as the strongest eight sailors who will now make up

the Pacific National Team in Kingston. “I feel we have a strong team for the national regatta this year,” said Lt. (N) Tracy Terry, water operations officer for the cadet program in B.C. “These top sailors have a drive to win, know the racing rules of sailing, are committed to practicing and can work together in a team environment to sail the boat fast in a variety of wind conditions.” The NQR was held in partnership with the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and all of the participants received tips from experience coaches both while

Cadet Adam Mikus (left) drives the Club 420 Dinghy at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club during a practice race of the National Qualifying Regatta.

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they were competing on the water and afterwards as a debrief. “The Cadet Sailing Program runs in line with the Royal Victoria Yacht Club goals to bring

together competitors from all parts of Western Canada to train together to develop racing, race management and coaching skills, sportsmanship and friendship,” said Steve

McBride, head coach at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. “Every cadet who competed this weekend has an increased connection to sailing as a sport for life.”

ALBERNIALBUM 6

Monday, April 13, 2015 | Contact the newsroom 250-723-8171 | news@avtimes.net | STORY UPDATES: www.avtimes.net

Debra Luecke and Norelle Ritchie, left, and Paula Sogge were dressed in their best vintage wear for the Centennial Belles fashion show on Saturday at Echo Centre. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

Shelly Sevigny of Shelebrations was at the fair on Saturday. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

Carolyn Beres had a number of colourful birdhouses for sale at the Jump into Spring Business Fair at Cherry Creek Hall on Saturday. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

Livi DeRooy took a break during the fair to try out a chair massage by Marnie Grimes. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

Shauna Laughlin had a look through an essential oils catalogue during the Jump into Spring Business Fair at Cherry Creek Hall on Saturday. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

Pat Bouchard helped Thalia Knoll get ready for the Centennial Belles annual fashion show.. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

Krystal Crompton sold leggings at the Business Fair. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

Rianna Crompton enjoyed a cool drink while at the business fair on Saturday. Hannele Talkio modelled for the fashion show on Saturday. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

[KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

SPORTS

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES |

SCOREBOARD HOCKEY NHL

Final standings Eastern Conference Atlantic GP W L OT GF GA Pts y-Montreal 82 50 22 10 221 189 110 x-Tampa Bay 82 50 24 8 262 211 108 x-Detroit 82 43 25 14 235 221 100 x-Ottawa 82 43 26 13 238 215 99 e-Boston 82 41 27 14 213 211 96 e-Florida 82 38 29 15 206 223 91 e-Toronto 82 30 44 8 211 262 68 e-Buffalo 82 23 51 8 161 274 54 Metropol’n GP W L OT GF GA Pts z-NY Rangers 82 53 22 7 252 192 113 x-Washington82 45 26 11 242 203 101 x-NY Islanders82 47 28 7 252 230 101 x-Pittsburgh 82 43 27 12 221 210 98 e-Columbus 82 42 35 5 236 250 89 e-Philadelphia82 33 31 18 215 234 84 e-New Jersey 82 32 36 14 181 216 78 e-Carolina 82 30 41 11 188 226 71 Western Conference Central GP W L OT GF GA Pts z-St. Louis 82 51 24 7 248 201 109 x-Nashville 82 47 25 10 232 208 104 x-Chicago 82 48 28 6 229 189 102 x-Minnesota 82 46 28 8 231 201 100 x-Winnipeg 82 43 26 13 230 210 99 e-Dallas 82 41 31 10 261 260 92 e-Colorado 82 39 31 12 219 227 90 Pacific GP W L OT GF GA Pts y-Anaheim 82 51 24 7 236 226 109 x-Vancouver 82 48 29 5 242 222 101 x-Calgary 82 45 30 7 241 216 97 e-Los Angeles82 40 27 15 220 205 95 e-San Jose 82 40 33 9 228 232 89 e-Edmonton 82 24 44 14 198 283 62 e-Arizona 82 24 50 8 170 272 56 Playoffs incl. Wildcards z-Clinched conference title y-Clinched division x-Clinched playoff spot Saturday’s results NY Rangers 4, Washington 2 Ottawa 3, Philadelphia 1 Winnipeg 5, Calgary 1 St. Louis 4, Minnesota 2 Los Angeles 4, San Jose 1 Columbus 5, NY Islanders 4 Detroit 2, Carolina 0 Montreal 4, Toronto 3 Florida 3, New Jersey 2 Pittsburgh 2, Buffalo 0 Tampa Bay 3, Boston 2 Dallas 4, Nashville 1 Anaheim 2, Arizona 1 Colorado 3, Chicago 2 Vancouver 6, Edmonton 5 (OT) Saturday at Rogers Arena

Canucks 6, Oilers 5 (OT) First Period 1. Edmonton, Yakupov (14) (Derek Roy) 9:45 2. Edmonton, Eberle (24) (Pouliot) 9:56 3. Vancouver, Daniel Sedin (20) (Edler, Henrik Sedin) 13:10 Penalties: Roy Edm (Hooking) 11:00; Lander Edm (Tripping) 16:26 Second Period 4. Vancouver, Kevin Bieksa (4) (Vey, McMillan) 2:15 5. Edmonton, Taylor Hall (14) (Pouliot, Klefbom) 3:44 6. Edmonton, Benoit Pouliot (19) (Marincin, Hall) 7:47 7. Vancouver, Baertschi (1) (Vrbata) 8:01 8. Vancouver, Purcell (12) (Musil) 19:30 Penalties: Stanton Van (Hooking) 4:54; Musil Edm (Interference) 19:50 Canucks 6, Oilers 5 (OT) (Cont’d) Third Period 9. Vancouver, Hansen (16) (Horvat, Edler) 5:56 10. Vancouver, Baertschi (2) (Bonino, Vrbata) 9:53 Penalties: No penalties Overtime 11. Vancouver Edler (8) Assists: (Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin) 2:29 Penalties: No penalties Shots on goal 1st 2nd 3rd OT T Edmonton 10 10 5 3 28 Vancouver 6 9 7 0 22 Goaltending summary: Edmonton: Scrivens (22/28); Vancouver: Miller (23/28) Att: 18,870 (100.3% of capacity)

Playoff Schedule Round 1, Games 1-4 All series best-of-seven Wednesday, April 15 (Games 1) Ottawa at Montreal, 4 p.m. NY Islanders at Washington, 4 p.m. Chicago at Nashville, 5:30 p.m. Calgary at Vancouver, 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16 (Games 1) Detroit at Tampa Bay, 4:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at NY Rangers, 3 p.m. Minnesota at St. Louis, 6:30 p.m. Winnipeg at Anaheim, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17 (Games 2) Ottawa at Montreal, 4 p.m. NY Islanders at Washington, 4 p.m. Chicago at Nashville, 6:30 p.m. Calgary at Vancouver, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18 (Games 2) Detroit at Tampa Bay, noon Minnesota at St. Louis, noon Pittsburgh at NY Rangers, 5 p.m. Winnipeg at Anaheim, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19 (Games 3) Washington at NY Islanders, 9 a.m. Nashville at Chicago, noon Montreal at Ottawa, 4 p.m. Vancouver at Calgary, 7 p.m. Monday, April 20 (Games 3) NY Rangers at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m. St. Louis at Minnesota, 5 p.m. Anaheim at Winnipeg, 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 (Game 3) Tampa Bay at Detroit, 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 (Games 4) Washington at NY Islanders, 4:30 p.m. Nashville at Chicago, 6:30 p.m. Vancouver at Calgary, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 (Games 4) Montreal at Ottawa, 4 p.m. NY Rangers at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m. St. Louis at Minnesota, 6:30 p.m. Anaheim at Winnipeg, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23 (Game 4) Tampa Bay at Detroit, 4 p.m.

League leaders Regular season, final stats Points GP G A PTS 1 Jamie Benn (DAL) 82 35 52 87 2 John Tavares (NYI) 82 38 48 86 3 Sidney Crosby (PIT) 77 28 56 84 4 Alex Ovechkin (WSH) 81 53 28 81 4 Jakub Voracek (PHI) 82 22 59 81 6 Nick Backstrom (WSH)82 18 60 78 7 Tyler Seguin (DAL) 71 37 40 77 8 Jiri Hudler (CGY) 78 31 45 76 8 Daniel Sedin (VAN) 82 20 56 76 10 Vlad Tarasenko (STL) 77 37 36 73 10 Rick Foligno (CBJ) 79 31 42 73 10 Claude Giroux (PHI) 81 25 48 73 10 Henrik Sedin (VAN) 82 18 55 73 14 Steve Stamkos (TB) 82 43 29 72 14 Tyler Johnson (TB) 77 29 43 72 16 Ryan Johansen (CBJ) 82 26 45 71 17 Joe Pavelski (SJ) 82 37 33 70 17 Svgeni Malkin (PIT) 69 28 42 70 17 Ryan Getzlaf (ANA) 77 25 45 70 20 Rick Nash (NYR) 79 42 27 69 Goals GP G 1 Alex Ovechkin (WSH) 81 53 2 Steven Stamkos (TB) 82 43 3 Rick Nash (NYR) 79 42 4 John Tavares (NYI) 82 38 5 Tyler Seguin (DAL) 71 37 5 Vladimir Tarasenko (STL) 77 37 5 Joe Pavelski (SJ) 82 37 5 Max Pacioretty (MTL) 80 37 9 Jamie Benn (DAL) 82 35 10 Zach Parise (MIN) 74 33 10 Corey Perry (ANA) 67 33 Plus-Minus GP Pts +/1 Max Pacioretty (MTL) 80 67 38 1 Nikita Kucherov (TB) 82 64 38 3 Tyler Johnson (TB) 77 72 33 4 Ondrej Palat (TB) 75 63 31 5 Jonathan Toews (CHI) 81 66 30 6 Rick Nash (NYR) 79 69 29 7 Vladimir Tarasenko (STL) 77 73 27 7 Jason Garrison (TB) 70 30 27 9 Blake Wheeler (WPG) 79 61 26 9 Derek Stepan (NYR) 68 55 26

Seattle Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz celebrates after hitting the game winning home run Sunday in Oakland, Calif. [AP PHOTO]

Cruz homers in 10th inning in Mariner win JANIE MCCAULEY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

OAKLAND, Calif. — Rickie Weeks stayed ready on the bench and Nelson Cruz kept his power stroke going. The Seattle Mariners left Oakland with a pair of extra-inning wins and showed off some nice pop from their slugging newcomers in the process. On a rare off day by ace Felix Hernandez against the Athletics nonetheless. On a day they were no-hit through five. Cruz connected for the second straight game, hitting a tiebreaking solo drive in the 10th inning, and Weeks had an earlier pinch-hit, three-run homer that helped send Seattle past the A’s 8-7 on Sunday. “On several different accounts today we probably should have lost that game,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “It’s the type of game where it’s easy to lay down and say, ’OK, we’ll get them tomorrow.”’ Hernandez left after five innings as a precaution because of tightness in his right quadriceps that made it tough to push off and generate momentum from his legs. He felt that in the third inning after tweaking his left ankle in the first. He said he “100 per cent” will make his next start and has no concerns. “No I’m not, not at all,” he said. “I believe in these guys. This offence is pretty good. I know it’s going to click. It’s a different look. We’re a different team. We can score different ways. We can score with a homer, we can score with speed. We look pretty good.” Seattle took a 7-3 lead into the ninth before Oakland rallied to tie it against closer Fernando Rodney. Cruz connected off new A’s closer Tyler Clippard (0-1) for his second homer this season. Cruz led the majors with 40 home runs last year for Baltimore, then signed with the Mariners. “That’s what we’re here for, to pick up one another.”

Western Hockey League Playoffs All series best-of- seven *=if necessary Yesterday’s result (Game 2) Medicine Hat 3, Calgary 2 (Series tied 1-1) Today’s schedule (Game 3) Medicine Hat at Calgary, 7 p.m. Saturday’s results, Games 2 Brandon 5, Regina 2 (Brandon leads series 2-0) Portland 4, Everett 3 (2OT) (Series tied 1-1) Kelowna 4, Victoria 3 (OT) (Kelowna leads series 2-0) Saturday at Prospera Place

Rockets 4, Royals 3 First Period 1. Kelowna, Baillie 4 (Morrissey, Draisaitl) 18:44 (PP) Penalties: Gagnon Vic (checking to the head) 2:31; Magee Vic (slashing) 3:43; Brown Vic (slashing), 7:13; Morrissey Kel (cross checking) 9:40; Brown Vic (cross checking) 18:25; Chase Vic (game misconduct) 18:44 Second Period 2. Kelowna, Soustal 3 (Martin, Braid) 4:11 3. Kelowna, Quinney 3 (Draisaitl, Bowey) 11:16 (PP) 4. Victoria, Magee 7 (Carroll, Hicketts) 18:02 (PP) Penalties: Goulbourne Kel (high stick) 1:05; Hicketts Vic (roughing) 4:45; Walker Vic (hooking) 7:16; Brown Vic (delay of game) 10:32; Goulbourne Kel (holding) 12:16; Fushimi Vic (cross checking) 16:27; Baillie Kel (slashing) 16:27; Merkley Kel (interference) 17:04 Third Period 5. Victoria, Forsberg 2 (Hicketts, Carroll) 7:31 (PP) 6. Victoria, Magee 8 (Carroll, Walker) 18:26 Penalties: Braid Kel (cross checking) 6:35; Walker Vic (embellishment) 8:48; Gatenby Kel (interference) 8:48; Reddekopp Vic (checking from behind) 18:56 Overtime 7. Kelowna, Baillie 5 (Draisaitl, Merkley), 0:58 Penalties: No penalties Shots on goal 1st 2nd 3rd T Victoria 14 11 16 0 41 Kelowna 7 9 10 1 27 Goaltending summary: Victoria: Vollrath (12/14), Paulic (11/12); Kelowna: Whistle (38/41) Power Play Summary (PPG / PPO): Victoria: 2 of 5, Kelowna: 2 of 8 Att: 5,473 Tuesday, April 14 (Games 3) Kelowna at Victoria, 7:05 p.m. Brandon at Regina, 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 (Games 4) Kelowna at Victoria, 7:05 p.m. Brandon at Regina, 6 p.m. Kelowna at Victoria, 7:05 p.m. Thursday, April 16 (Game 3) Everett at Portland, 7:00 p.m. (Everett leads series 1-0) Friday, April 17 (Games 5) Regina at Brandon, 7:30 p.m.* Victoria at Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.* (Game 4) Everett at Portland, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18 No games scheduled Sunday, April 19 (Games 6) Brandon at Regina, 6 p.m.* Kelowna at Victoria, 7:05 p.m.* (Game 5) Portland at Everett, 4:05 p.m. Monday, April 20 No games scheduled Tuesday, April 21 (Games 7) Regina at Brandon, 7 p.m.* Victoria at Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.* (Game 6) Everett at Portland, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday , April 22 (Game 7)* Portland at Everett, 7:05 p.m.

Frozen Four U.S. NCAA Hockey Championship Final game (Saturday) Providence 4, Boston University 3

American Hockey League Eastern Conference Atlantic W L OT SL GF GA Pts Manchester 48 16 6 3 233167 105 Providence 40 24 7 2 200176 89 Worcester 40 27 4 2 213187 86 Portland 37 27 7 2 193181 83 St. John’s 31 33 8 2 176228 72 Northeast W L OT SL GF GA Pts Hartford 41 23 5 4 214207 91 Syracuse 41 23 9 0 210204 91 Springfield 37 28 8 1 185202 83 Albany 34 28 5 6 185197 79 Bridgeport 27 38 7 1 206239 62 East W L OT SL GF GA Pts Hershey 44 21 5 3 209174 96 W-B/Scranton 43 23 3 4 202154 93 Lehigh Valley 32 32 7 1 186222 72 Binghamton 32 33 7 1 229250 72 Norfolk 26 38 6 4 160212 62 Western Conference North W L OT SL GF GA Pts Utica 45 20 6 2 208172 98 Toronto 36 27 9 0 191196 81 Hamilton 33 28 12 0 190195 78 Adirondack 34 31 6 2 223228 76 Rochester 28 39 5 1 202240 62 Midwest W L OT SL GF GA Pts Grand Rapids 44 21 6 2 238173 96 Rockford 44 22 5 2 212173 95 Chicago 39 27 6 1 201186 85 Milwaukee 33 28 7 6 201211 79 Lake Erie 33 28 8 4 197228 78 West W L OT SL GF GA Pts San Antonio 45 21 6 1 241212 97 Texas 37 22 13 1 232209 88 Oklahoma City 39 26 5 3 214205 86 Charlotte 30 36 6 1 163221 67 Iowa 23 46 2 2 168233 50 Yesterday’s results Charlotte 4, Rockford 3 Manchester 4, Bridgeport 0 Utica 2, Syracuse 1 Hartford 4, Providence 1 Albany 3, Worcester 2 W-B/Scran 3, Portland 1 Lake Erie 4, Adirondack 1 Chicago 1, Iowa 0 Saturday’s results Toronto 5, Rochester 1 St. John’s 5, Hershey 1 Hartford 2, Albany 1 Lake Erie 5, Adirondack 2 Manchester 5, Bridgeport 3 Providence 3, Worcester 0 Springfield 3, Syracuse 1 Binghamton 3, Utica 2 (SO) Rockford 2, Charlotte 0 Norfolk 3, Lehigh 2 (OT) W-B/Scran 5, Portland 2 Texas 5, Hamilton 0 Grand Rapids 2, San Antonio 1 (OT) Oklahoma 5, Chicago 0 Today’s schedule No games scheduled Tuesday, April 14 Hershey at Lehigh Valley, 4:05 p.m. Hamilton at Oklahoma City, 5 p.m. Texas at San Antonio, 5 p.m. Toronto at Iowa, 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 Syracuse at Albany, 4 p.m. Utica at Binghamton, 4:05 p.m. Charlotte at Rockford, 5 p.m.

CURLING

B.C. Hockey League Fred Page Cup Playoff Best of Seven series Saturday’s result Nanaimo 2, Penticton 1 (OT) (Nanaimo leads series 2-0) Today’s schedule (Game 3) Penticton at Nanaimo, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 (Game 4) Penticton at Nanaimo, 7 p.m.

Grand Slam of Curling, Players Championship Mattamy Athletic Centre, Toronto. Yesterday’s results Men’s semifinals Mike McEwen, Winnipeg, def. John Epping, Toronto 7-5 (7 ends) Brad Jacobs, Sault Ste Marie, Northern Ont., def Brendan Bottcher, Edmonton 6-5 Final Jacobs def. McEwen 4-3

Thursday, April 16 (Game 5*) Nanaimo at Penticton, 7 p.m. Saturday at South Okanagan Events Centre

Clippers 2, Vees 1 (OT) First Period 1. Penticton, Cody DePourcq (Gabe Bast, Connor Chartier) 13:05 (PP) 2. Nanaimo, - Sheldon Rempal (Corey Renwick, Nicholas Gushue) 18:43 Penalties: Coghlan Nan (Roughing) 5:15; Brosseau Nan (High-sticking 4 Min) 9:26; Sexton Pen (Holding) 13:51; Maier Nan (Cross-checking) 13:51; Forbes Nan (Boarding) 19:09 Second Period No scoring Penalties: Bast Pen (Blow To The Head, Misconduct) 10:01; Hanlon Nan (Holding) 15:32; Hannoun Pen (Roughing) 17:01 Third Period No scoring Penalties: Jost Pen (Boarding) 1:52; Brosseau Nan (Boarding) 6:00 Overtime 3. Nanaimo, Brett Roulston (Nicolas Carrier) 0:20 Shots on goal 1st 2nd 3rd OT T Nanaimo 6 6 10 1 22 Penticton 20 7 11 0 38 Goaltending summary: Nanaimo: Guillaume Decelles (37/38); Penticton: Hunter Miska (20/22) Power Play Summary (PPG / PPO): Nanaimo: 0 of 3, Penticton: 1 of 6 Att: 2,203

SOCCER MLS Eastern League Club PTS GP W L DC United 10 5 3 1 NY Red Bulls 8 4 2 0 Orlando 8 6 2 2 N. England 8 6 2 2 Chicago 6 5 2 3 Columbus 5 5 1 2 NY City FC 5 5 1 2 Philadelphia 5 6 1 3 Toronto 3 4 1 3 Montreal 2 4 0 2 Western League Club PTS GP W L Vancouver 13 7 4 2 Dallas 10 6 3 2 San Jose 9 6 3 3 Salt Lake 9 5 2 0 Sporting KC 9 6 2 1 Houston 8 6 2 2 Los Angeles 8 6 2 2 Seattle 7 5 2 2 Colorado 6 5 1 1 Portland 6 6 1 2 Yesterday’s results Orlando 2, Portland 0 Los Angeles 1, Seattle 0 Saturday’s results Columbus 0, N. England 0 Philadelphia 2, NY City FC 1 Houston 3, Montreal 0 Salt Lake 0, Sporting KC 0 Vancouver 0, San Jose 1

T 1 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 0 2

GF GA 5 4 7 4 6 5 4 6 5 7 5 5 4 4 7 10 6 8 2 6

T 1 1 0 3 3 2 2 1 3 3

GF GA 9 7 7 8 7 7 6 4 6 6 5 3 6 6 6 4 4 2 6 7

The Masters April 9-12, Augusta National, Georgia. Par 72, 7,435 yards. Purse: $9,000,000. Leaderboard, Round 2 Golfer Par R1 R2 R3 R4 1 Jordan Spieth -18 64 66 70 70 T2 Phil Mickelson -14 70 68 67 69 T2 Justin Rose -14 67 70 67 70 4 Rory McIlroy -12 71 71 68 66 5 Hideki Matsuyama -11 71 70 70 66 T6 Ian Poulter -9 73 72 67 67 T6 Paul Casey -9 69 68 74 68 T6 Dustin Johnson -9 70 67 73 69 T9 Hunter Mahan -8 75 70 68 67 T9 Zach Johnson -8 72 72 68 68 T9 Charley Hoffman -8 67 68 71 74 T12 Rickie Fowler -6 73 72 70 67 T12 Ryan Moore -6 74 66 73 69 T12 Bill Haas -6 69 71 72 70 T12 Kevin Streelman -6 70 70 70 72 T12 Kevin Na -6 74 66 70 72 T17 Sergio Garcia -5 68 74 71 70 T17 Tiger Woods -5 73 69 68 73 T19 Henrik Stenson -4 73 73 70 68 T19 Louis Oosthuizen -4 72 69 71 72 21 Russell Henley -3 68 74 72 71 T22 Mark O’Meara -2 73 68 77 68 T22 Keegan Bradley -2 71 72 75 68 T22 Patrick Reed -2 70 72 74 70 T22 Bernd Wiesberger -2 75 70 70 71 T22 Angel Cabrera -2 72 69 73 72 T22 Ernie Els -2 67 72 75 72 What they won Top 10 finishers and their official Masters winnings. 1 Jordan Spieth $1,800,000 T2 Phil Mickelson $880,000 T2 Justin Rose $880,000 4 Rory McIlroy $480,000 5 Hideki Matsuyama $400,000 T6 Ian Poulter $335,000 T6 Paul Casey $335,000 T6 Dustin Johnson $335,000 T9 Hunter Mahan $270,000 T9 Zach Johnson $270,000 T9 Charley Hoffman $270,000 Upcoming events

PGA Tour RBC Heritage, April 16-19 Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, South Carolina. Par 71, 7101 yards. Purse: $5,900,000. 2014 champion: Matt Kuchar

Lotte Championship, April 15-18 Ko Olina Golf Club, Kapolei, Hawaii. Par 72, 6,383 yards. Purse: $1,800,000. 2014 champion: Michelle Wie

Champions Tour

English Premier League W D L GF GA 22 7 2 64 26 20 6 6 63 32 19 8 5 59 30 18 7 7 65 34 17 5 10 44 22 16 6 9 45 36 16 6 10 50 46 13 8 11 38 40 11 10 11 42 40 12 7 13 36 40 11 9 12 42 43 9 11 12 40 43 9 8 14 33 49 8 9 15 30 46 8 8 17 24 45 5 14 13 25 48 6 10 16 29 45 7 5 21 38 59 5 11 16 26 50 6 7 18 32 51

GOLF

LPGA Tour

Wednesday, April 15 Chicago at New England, 4:30 p.m.

Position/Club 1 Chelsea 2 Arsenal 3 Man United 4 Man City 5 Southampton 6 Liverpool 7 Tot Hotspur 8 Swansea 9 West Ham 10 Stoke City 11 Crystal Pal 12 Everton 13 Newcastle 14 West Brom 15 Aston Villa 16 Sunderland 17 Hull City 18 QP Rangers 19 Burnley 20 Leicester

Women’s semifinals Anna Sidorova, Moscow, Russia, def. Val Sweeting, Edmonton 5-3 Eve Muirhead, Stirling, Scotland, def. Rachel Homan, Ottawa, 8-7 Final Muirhead def. Sidorova 4-2

Pts 73 66 65 61 56 54 54 47 43 43 42 38 35 33 32 29 28 26 26 25

Yesterday’s results QPR 0, Chelsea 1 Manchester United 4, Man City 2 Saturday’s results Swansea 1, Everton 1 Southampton 2, Hull 0 Sunderland 1, Crystal Palace 4 Spurs 0, Aston Villa 1 West Brom 2, Leicester 3 West Ham 1, Stoke 1 Burnley 0, Arsenal 1 Today’s schedule Liverpool v Newcastle, noon

English FA Cup - Semifinals Saturday, April 18 Reading vs. Arsenal, 9:20 a.m. Sunday, April 19 Aston Villa vs. Liverpool, 7 a.m.

TENNIS ATP US Men’s Clay Court Championship Houston, Texas. Surface: Clay. Purse: $488,225 Singles - Final Jack Sock (USA) def. (8)Sam Querrey (USA) 7-6 (7), 7-6 (2) Grand Prix Hassan II Casablanca, Morocco. Surface: Clay. Purse: €439,405 (1€=$CDN1.36) Singles - Final Martin Klizan (2), Slovakia, def. Daniel Gimeno-Traver, Spain, 6-2, 6-2. Doubles - Final Rameez Junaid, Australia, and Adil Shamasdin, Pickering, Ont., def. Rohan Bopanna, India, and Florin Mergea (1), Romania, 3-6, 6-2, 10-7.

WTA Family Circle Cup April 6-12, Charleston, South Carolina. Surface: Clay. Purse: $731,000 Singles - Final Angelique Kerber (5), Germany, def. Madison Keys (7), United States, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. Katowice Open April 7-12, Katowice, Poland. Surface: Hard. Purse: $250,000. Singles - Final Anna Schmiedlova (8), Slovakia, def. Camila Giorgi (3), Italy, 6-4, 6-3. This week’s tournaments

ATP Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Surface: Clay Purse: €3,288,530 (€1=CDN$1.33)

WTA Claro Open Colsanitas Bogota, Colombia. Surface: Clay. Purse: $250,000

Greater Gwinnett Championship, April 17-19 (54 holes), TPC Sugarloaf, Duluth, Georgia. Par 72, 7,259 yards. Purse: $1,800,000. 2014 champion: Miguel Angel Jimenez

Web.com Tour El Bosque Mexico Championship, April 16-19, El Bosque Golf Club, Leon. Par 72, 7,701 yards. Purse: $700,000. 2014 champion: Carlos Ortiz

European Tour Shenzhen International, April 16-19 Genzon Golf Club, Shenzhen, China. Par 72, 7,145 yards. Purse: $3,000,000.

AUTO RACING Formula One Grand Prix of China - Final results Driver, Country, Car, Time, Laps 1 Lewis Hamilton, England, Mercedes, 1 hour, 39 minutes, 42.008 seconds, 56 laps 2 Nico Rosberg, Germany, Mercedes, 1:39:42.722, 56 3 Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:39:44.996, 56 4 Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Ferrari, 1:39:45.843, 56 5 Felipe Massa, Brazil, Williams, 1:39:50.552, 56 6Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Williams, 1:39:51.893, 56 7 Romain Grosjean, France, Lotus, 1:40:01.016, 56 8 Felipe Nasr, Brazil, Sauber, 1:40:04.633, 56 9 Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Red Bull, 1:40:14.125, 56 10 Marcus Ericsson, Sweden, Sauber, 1:39:44.091, 55 11 Sergio Perez, Mexico, Force India, 1:39:47.032, 55 12 Fernando Alonso, Spain, McLaren, 1:39:47.779, 55

NASCAR Duck Commander 500 Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth. 334 laps, 501 miles, Saturday, April 11. Race Statistics Avg Speed of Winner: 140.500 mph. Time of Race: 3 hours, 33:57 Margin of Victory: 1.107 seconds. Caution Flags: 8 for 40 laps. Lead Changes: 29 among 9 drivers. Top finishers (Start number in parentheses) 1. (5) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet 2. (2) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet 3. (25) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet 4. (6) Joey Logano, Ford 5. (3) Brad Keselowski, Ford 6. (10) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet 7. (12) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet 8. (4) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet 9. (15) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet 10. (16) Carl Edwards, Toyota 11. (18) Denny Hamlin, Toyota 12. (7) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet 13. (30) David Ragan, Toyota 14. (1) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet 15. (22) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford 16. (21) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet 17. (19) Greg Biffle, Ford 18. (23) Trevor Bayne, Ford 19. (32) Aric Almirola, Ford 20. (14) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet 21. (26) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet 22. (27) Clint Bowyer, Toyota 23. (17) Matt Kenseth, Toyota 24. (11) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet 25. (9) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet 26. (29) Sam Hornish Jr., Ford 27. (20) Casey Mears, Chevrolet 28. (38) David Gilliland, Ford 29. (36) Brett Moffitt, Toyota 30. (40) Chris Buescher, Ford 31. (39) Michael McDowell, Ford 32. (33) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet 33. (34) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet

BASEBALL

Mariners 8, Athletics 7 Seattle

B.C. Premier League Opening Weekend Team W Victoria Eagles 3 Okanagan Athletics 3 Nanaimo Pirates 2 Whalley Chiefs 1 Langley Blaze 0 Parksville Royals 0 Abbotsford Cardinals 0 Coquitlam Reds 0 North Delta Blue Jays 0 Parksville Royals 0 Victoria Mariners 0 North Shore Twins 0

L 1 1 1 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pct GB 0.750 0.750 0.667 .5 0.250 2 0.000 1.5 0.000 2 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 -

Yesterday’s results Whalley 11, Okanagan 8 Vic Eagles 5, Parksville 3 Nanaimo 7, Langley 3 Okanagan 5, Whalley 3 Vic Eagles 13, Parksville 3 Nanaimo at Langley (postponed) Saturday’s results Vic Eagles 20, Nanaimo 8 (5 inn) Nanaimo 7, Vic Eagles 2 Okanagan 13, Whalley 3 Okanagan 12, Whalley 2 Langley 7, White Rock 0 Langley 9, White Rock 8 Tuesday, April 14 Abbotsford at Whalley, 7 p.m.

Boston

Saturday April 18 Whalley at North Delta, 11 a.m. Abbotsford at Parksville, 12:15 p.m. Okanagan at White Rock, 1 p.m. Vic Eagles at Langley, 1 p.m. North Shore at Vic Mariners, 1 p.m. Whalley at North Delta, 1:30 p.m. Abbotsford at Parksville, 2:45 p.m. North Shore at Vic Mariners, 3:30 p.m. White Rock at Okanagan, 3:30 p.m. Vic Eagles at Langley, 3:30 p.m. MLB PCT .667 .667 .500 .500 .333 PCT 1.000 1.000 .333 .333 .167 PCT .500 .500 .429 .429 .333

GB 1.0 1.0 2.0 GB 4.0 4.0 5.0 GB 0.5 0.5 1.0

Strk L1 W1 L1 W2 W1 Strk W6 W6 W2 L3 L2 Strk W1 W2 L2 L1 L3

PCT .833 .500 .500 .333 .167 PCT .667 .600 .600 .333 .167 PCT .667 .571 .500 .500 .429

GB 2.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 GB 0.5 0.5 2.0 3.0 GB 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.5

Strk L1 W1 L1 W1 L2 Strk L2 W2 W2 W1 L1 Strk L2 W3 L1 W1 L3

Yesterday’s results Detroit 8, Cleveland 5 St. Louis 7, Cincinnati 5 Tampa Bay 8, Miami 5 NY Mets 4, Atlanta 3 Toronto 10, Baltimore 7 Washington 4, Philadelphia 3 Chicago White Sox 6, Minnesota 2 Pittsburgh 10, Milwaukee 2 Houston 6, Texas 4 Kansas City 9, LA Angels 2 Seattle 8, Oakland 7 Chicago Cubs 6, Colorado 5 LA Dodgers 7, Arizona 4 San Diego 6, San Francisco 4 NY Yankees 14, Boston 4 Saturday’s results Boston 8, NY Yankees 4 St. Louis 4, Cincinnati 1 Chicago Sox 5, Minnesota 4 Seattle 5, Oakland 4 (11 innings) Detroit 9, Cleveland 6 Tampa Bay 2, Miami 0 Baltimore 7, Toronto 1 Philadelphia 3, Washington 2 (10 inn) Atlanta 5, NY Mets 3 Milwaukee 6, Pittsburgh 0 Texas 6, Houston 2 Arizona 6, LA Dodgers 0 Kansas City 6, LA Angels 4 Today’s schedule Philadelphia at NY Mets, 10:10 a.m. Harang (0-0) vs. deGrom (0-0) Detroit at Pittsburgh, 10:35 a.m. Sanchez (0-0) vs. Cole (0-0) Washington at Boston, 12:05 p.m. Zimmermann (0-0) vs. Porcello (0-0) Kansas City at Minnesota, 1:10 p.m. Duffy (0-0) vs. Nolasco (0-0) Milwaukee at St. Louis, 1:15 p.m. Garza (0-1) vs. Wainwright (1-0) Colorado at San Francisco, 1:35 p.m. Butler (0-0) vs. Heston (1-0) NY Yankees at Baltimore, 4:05 p.m. Pineda (0-0) vs. Chen (0-0) Tampa Bay at Toronto, 4:07 p.m. Karns (0-1) vs. Dickey (0-0) Miami at Atlanta, 4:10 p.m. Latos (0-1) vs. Miller (0-0) Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 5:05 p.m. Leake (0-0) vs. Lester (0-1) LA Angels at Texas, 5:05 p.m. Shoemaker (0-0) vs. Detwiler (0-0) Oakland at Houston, 5:10 p.m. Kazmir (0-0) vs. Feldman (0-0) Seattle at LA Dodgers, 7:10 p.m. Paxton (0-1) vs. Greinke (0-0) Arizona at San Diego, 7:10 p.m. De La Rosa (1-0) vs. Cashner (0-0)

Blue Jays 10, Orioles 7 Toronto

Seattle 000 004 300 1 8 Oakland 000 300 004 0 7 HR: SEA - R. Weeks (1),N. Cruz (2). SB None. GIDP: sea Morrison; oak Semien, Butler, B. Team Lob: sea 3; oak 8. DP: sea 3 (Zunino-Hernandez, F, Miller, BCano-Morrison 2); oak (Zobrist-SemienDavis, I). E: sea Jackson, A (1, fielding); oak Semien (3, throw), Reddick (1, fielding). Seattle IP H R ER BB SO F Hernandez 5.0 8 3 3 2 1 D Farquhar 2.0 2 0 0 0 2 C Furbush 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 F Rodney (W, 1-0) 1.0 4 4 4 2 0 Y Medina 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 Oakland IP H R ER BB SO J Hahn 5.2 3 4 1 2 2 E O’Flaherty 1.1 3 3 3 0 2 E Scribner 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 R Alvarez 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 T Clippard (L, 0-1) 1.0 1 1 1 0 0 Time: 3:11. Att: 32,282.

Yankees 14, Red Sox 4

Thursday, April 16 North Shore at Coquitlam, 7 p.m.

American League East W L Boston 4 2 Toronto 4 2 Baltimore 3 3 Tampa Bay 3 3 NY Yankees 2 4 Central W L Detroit 6 0 Kansas City 6 0 Chicago Sox 2 4 Cleveland 2 4 Minnesota 1 5 West W L Houston 3 3 Seattle 3 3 Oakland 3 4 Texas 3 4 LA Angels 2 4 National League East W L Atlanta 5 1 NY Mets 3 3 Philadelphia 3 3 Washington 2 4 Miami 1 5 Central W L Cincinnati 4 2 Chicago Cubs 3 2 St. Louis 3 2 Pittsburgh 2 4 Milwaukee 1 5 West W L Colorado 4 2 San Diego 4 3 Arizona 3 3 LA Dodgers 3 3 San Francisco 3 4

Oakland

ab r h bi ab r h bi Jackson CF 4 1 0 0 Fuld CF 4122 Smith DH 3 0 0 0 Canha LF-1B 5 1 1 0 Weeks PH-DH 2 1 1 3 Zobrist 2B-LF 4 0 0 0 Cano 2B 5 1 0 0 Butler DH 4 1 3 0 Cruz RF 4 1 1 1 Davis 1B 3110 Seager 3B 5 0 1 1 Ross PH-LF 1 0 0 0 Morrison 1B 4 0 0 0 Sogard PH-2B1 0 1 1 Ackley LF 4 2 2 0 Vogt C 5121 Zunino C 3 2 2 0 Lawrie 3B 5 0 2 0 Miller SS 3 0 0 1 Reddick RF 5 1 2 1 Totals 37 8 7 6 Semien SS 4 1 0 0 Totals 41 7 14 5

Baltimore

ab r h bi ab r h bi Reyes SS 5 1 3 1 De Aza LF 5 1 1 0 Pompey CF 4 2 1 2 Pearce 1B 3 2 1 0 Bautista RF 4 2 1 2 Davis DH 5 1 1 1 Encarnacion 1B 4 1 1 0 Jones CF3 2 2 3 Smoak 1B 0 0 0 0 Snider RF 3 1 1 3 Donaldson 3B4 0 1 0 Young PH-RF 1 0 0 0 Navarro DH 4 1 1 1 Machado 3B 4 0 1 0 Martin C 3 1 0 0 Cabrera SS 4 0 0 0 Pillar LF 4 1 1 1 Flaherty 2B 3 0 1 0 Travis 2B 4 1 0 0 Lavarnway C 4 0 0 0 Totals 36109 7 Totals 35 7 8 7

Toronto 214 100 020 10 Baltimore 202 030 000 7 HR: TOR - D. Pompey (1),K. Pillar (1),J. Bautista (1) BAL - A. Jones (2),T. Snider (1) SB - TOR R Martin (1) (1); BAL M Machado (1) GIDP: bal Lavarnway. Team Lob: tor 6; bal 5. DP: tor (Hutchison-Travis-Encarnacion). E: bal Snider (1, fielding). Toronto IP H R ER BB SO A Hutchison (W, 2-0) 4.1 7 7 7 1 5 A Loup (W, 1-1) 1.2 0 0 0 0 1 R Osuna 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 B Cecil 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 M Castro 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 Baltimore IP H R ER BB SO C Tillman (L, 1-1) 2.2 6 7 3 3 1 K Gausman 1.1 2 1 1 2 0 B Matusz 2.0 0 0 0 0 1 B Brach 1.2 0 1 1 1 1 D O’Day 1.1 1 1 1 0 2 HBP: Pearce (by Hutchison). Time: 3:17. Att: 32,522.

NY Yankees

ab r h bi ab r h bi Betts CF 5 0 1 0 Ellsbury CF 3 2 1 0 Pedroia 2B 4 0 0 0 Gardner LF 5 1 2 2 Holt 2B 1 0 1 0 Beltran RF 4 2 2 1 Ortiz DH 3 1 0 0 Young RF 1 0 1 0 Nava PH-DH 1 0 0 0 Teixeira 1B 2 2 1 1 Ramirez LF 3 1 1 2 Jones PH-1B 1 0 0 0 Sandoval 3B 4 1 2 0 McCann C 5 3 2 1 Leon 3B 0 0 0 0 Rodriguez DH2 1 1 4 Napoli 1B 2 1 1 0 Petit DH-3B 1 0 1 0 Craig 1B 0 0 0 0 Headley 3B 5 1 3 3 Victorino RF 4 0 0 0 Davies P 0000 Bogaerts SS 4 0 2 2 Drew 2B 3112 Hanigan C 4 0 0 0 Gregorius SS 4 1 1 0 Totals 35 4 8 4 Totals 36141614

Boston 000 310 000 4 NY Yankees 700 303 01x 14 HR: BOS - H. Ramirez (3) NYY - C. Headley (2), S. Drew (1), B. McCann (1) SB: NYY - J Ellsbury (2). GIDP: bos Bogaerts; nyy Headley. Team Lob: bos 8; nyy 6. DP: bos 2 (Betts-Bogaerts, Holt, B-Bogaerts-Craig); nyy (Drew-Jones, G). E: bos Napoli (1, fielding); nyy Drew (2, throw). Boston IP H R ER BB SO C Buchholz (L, 1-1) 3.1 9 10 9 2 3 C Breslow 1.2 0 0 0 3 1 T Layne 1.0 4 3 3 1 0 A Varvaro 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 E Mujica 1.0 2 1 1 0 0 NY Yankees IP H R ER BB SO M Tanaka (W, 1-1) 5.0 4 4 3 3 4 D Carpenter 1.2 1 0 0 0 0 H Davies 2.1 3 0 0 0 2 Time: 3:24. Att: 43,019.

MLB leaders All teams AB Adrian Gonzalez (LAD) 18 Jose Iglesias (DET) 15 Adam Lind (MIL) 17 DJ LeMahieu (COL) 21 Yonder Alonso (SD) 17 Ian Kinsler (DET) 22 Nolan Arenado (COL) 20 Anthony Gose (DET) 20 Miguel Cabrera (DET) 21 Salvador Perez (KC) 19 Paul G’schmidt (ARI) 17 Troy Tulowitzki (COL) 22

HR RBI Avg 5 7 .667 0 1 .600 1 4 .529 0 2 .524 0 1 .471 0 7 .455 2 7 .450 1 5 .450 0 4 .429 2 6 .421 2 6 .412 0 4 .409

BASKETBALL NBA Eastern Conference Atlantic WL y-Toronto 48 32 Boston 38 42 Brooklyn 37 43 Philadelphia 18 62 New York 16 64 Central WL y-Cleveland 51 29 x-Chicago 48 32 x-Milwaukee 40 40 Indiana 37 43 Detroit 31 49 Southeast WL z-Atlanta 60 20 x-Washington 46 34 Miami 35 45 Charlotte 33 47 Orlando 25 55 Western Conference Northwest WL y-Portland 51 29 Oklahoma City 43 37 Utah 37 43 Denver 30 50 Minnesota 16 64 Pacific WL z-Golden State 65 15 x-L.A. Clippers 54 26 Phoenix 39 42 Sacramento 27 53 L.A. Lakers 21 58 Southwest WL x-San Antonio 55 26 x-Memphis 54 26 x-Houston 54 26 x-Dallas 48 31 New Orleans 43 37

PCT .600 .475 .463 .225 .200 PCT .638 .600 .500 .463 .388 PCT .750 .575 .438 .413 .313

GB L10 - 6-4 10.0 7-3 11.0 7-3 30.0 1-9 32.0 2-8 GB L10 - 7-3 3.0 6-4 11.0 6-4 14.0 7-3 20.0 5-5 GB L10 - 7-3 14.0 6-4 25.0 3-7 27.0 3-7 35.0 4-6

PCT .638 .538 .463 .375 .200 PCT .813 .675 .481 .338 .266 PCT .679 .675 .675 .608 .538

GB L10 - 6-4 8.0 3-7 14.0 6-4 21.0 4-6 35.00-10 GB L10 - 8-2 11.0 9-1 26.5 1-9 38.0 2-8 43.5 3-7 GB L10 - 10-0 0.5 5-5 0.5 7-3 6.0 4-6 11.5 6-4

Playoffs and Wildcards z-Clinched conference title y-Clinched division x-Clinched playoff spot e-Eliminated from playoffs Yesterday’s results Milwaukee 96, Brooklyn 73 Boston 117, Cleveland 78 Detroit 116, Charlotte 77 Denver 122, Sacramento 111 Washington 108, Atlanta 99 Indiana 116, Oklahoma City 104 Houston 121, New Orleans 114 San Antonio 107, Phoenix 91 Dallas 120, LA Lakers 106 Saturday’s results New York 80, Orlando 79 Toronto 107, Miami 104 Chicago 114, Philadelphia 107 L.A. Clippers 95, Memphis 86 Utah 111, Portland 105 Minnesota at Golden State Remaining NBA schedule Today’s schedule Detroit at Cleveland, 4 p.m. Houston at Charlotte, 4 p.m. Milwaukee at Philadelphia, 4 p.m. Chicago at Brooklyn, 4:30 p.m. New York at Atlanta, 4:30 p.m. Orlando at Miami, 4:30 p.m. New Orleans at Minnesota, 5 p.m. Portland at Oklahoma City, 5 p.m. Dallas at Utah, 6 p.m. LA Clippers at Sacramento, 7 p.m. Denver at LA Lakers, 7:30 p.m. Memphis at Golden State, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 Toronto at Boston, 4:30 p.m. Washington at Indiana, 5 p.m. LA Lakers at Phoenix, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 Charlotte at Toronto, 4 p.m. Atlanta at Chicago, 5 p.m. Boston at Milwaukee, 5 p.m. Detroit at New York, 5 p.m. Miami at Philadelphia, 5 p.m. Oklahoma City at Minnesota, 5 p.m. Orlando at Brooklyn, 5 p.m. Portland at Dallas, 5 p.m. San Antonio at New Orleans, 5 p.m. Utah at Houston, 5 p.m. Washington at Cleveland, 5 p.m. Indiana at Memphis, 6:30 p.m. Denver at Golden State, 7:30 p.m. Sacramento at LA Clippers, 7:30 p.m.

COFFEEBREAK

8 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

ZITS by Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman

TODAY’S CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Quiet 5 Cal Tech rival 8 Oil-lamp cord 12 Diva’s tunes 14 Mongolian desert 15 As to (2 wds.) 16 Daybreak 17 Entree choice 18 Long stopover 19 Of Henry VIII’s church 21 Mammals’ epoch 23 Youngster 24 Body part 25 Took by the hand 26 Greeted the dog 30 Rap sheet info 32 Severity 33 What a sand dollar is (2 wds.) 37 Wednesday’s god 38 Sorbonne site 39 Waikiki’s island 40 Very slim (hyph.) 42 Edible bulb 43 TV’s -- Gillis 44 Punks 45 Passport datum 48 Frankenstein milieu 49 Good times 50 Long overcoat 52 Circling the globe 57 One of a sinkful 58 Reputation 60 Auto-safety advocate 61 Hunch 62 Volt or watt 63 Troll’s cousin 64 Dispatched 65 Gym pad 66 Traffic sign

BLONDIE by Young

HI & LOIS by Chance Browne

ONE BIG HAPPY by Rick Detorie

1 2 3 4 5 6

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE by Chris Browne

PREVIOUS PUZZLE

7 Captain James -- Kirk 8 Madison loc. 9 PC chip maker 10 I-beam lifter 11 Entered data 13 Volleyball player, at times 14 Not sad 20 Medieval hero El -22 FitzGerald’s poet 24 Delon of film 26 Freighter front 27 Verdi opus

DOWN Home, to Jose Make -- -- for it Duck tail? Heavy hammer Ghostly noise “Big Blue”

28 Letters of relief 29 Firmed up 30 Hawk’s refuge 31 Tea cake 33 Bwana, in India 34 Salon’s concern 35 Flapjack chain 36 Wimple wearers 38 Circus man (2 wds.) 41 Cameo, maybe 42 Holding the deed 44 Round container 45 Autobahn vehicles 46 Coast along 47 German industrial center 49 Fume 51 -- does it! 52 Not mention 53 Ecru and beige 54 Elvis, to some 55 Verne captain 56 Got taller 59 Santa -- winds

HOROSCOPE by Jacqueline Bigar ARIES (March 21-April 19) You might be more challenging than you realize. If you use your creativity, you’ll be able to cut costs and find a better solution to a financial problem. A brainstorming session is likely to serve you well, as it could point you in the right direction. Tonight: Follow a friend’s lead. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You might not be aware of how angry you have become. You could find yourself losing it at an inappropriate moment. This is a pattern you won’t want to continue. Consider expressing your frustration earlier, before it erupts. Everyone will be happier, including you. Tonight: Out late. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) If you feel anger or irritation developing, it might be best for you to express these feelings as they occur. Others most likely will become more responsive and helpful as a result. A friend might surprise by you forcing you to think outside the box. Tonight: Where the action is. CANCER (June 21-July 22) You could be at your wits’ end when dealing with a friend who seems to be on the warpath.

ARCHIE by Henry Scarpelli

BEETLE BAILEY by Greg & Mort Walker

CONCEPTIS SUDOKU by Dave Green

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

Unscramble these four Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

CROPH

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

Difficulty: Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

RAVLA

5 4

b i l

5 1 2 5 4 6 1 7 3 9 2

PREVIOUS PUZZLE

DIRALA

9 3 2 1 7 6 8 5 4

7 6 1 5 8 4 9 3 2

5 8 4 9 3 2 7 1 6

3 9 6 8 1 7 4 2 5

2 7 5 4 6 3 1 9 8

1 4 8 2 5 9 3 6 7

4 2 3 6 9 8 5 7 1

6 5 7 3 4 1 2 8 9

8 1 9 7 2 5 6 4 3

Check out the new, free JUST JUMBLE app

2 7 9 4 8 3 9 5 1 7 8

Understand that this person’s anger is not directed at you. Resist having a knee-jerk reaction, and don’t hold a grudge. Allow your sensitivity to emerge. Tonight: Your treat. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Others seem determined to express their feelings, and they want you to hear them loud and clear. Don’t neglect to express your thoughts in addition to acknowledging theirs. You’ll gain a new perspective as a result. Tonight: Be available, and know that anything can happen! VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You could feel as if you’re on top of the world when discussing an imminent change. You need to be direct and caring with a friend whom you see often. At this point, you might need some alone time, without the clutter of your day-to-day life. Tonight: Happiest at home. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You could be quite sorry that you reacted to someone in such a volatile way. This person can be needy at times, which might be overwhelming. Remember this occasion so that you will not repeat this performance.

Let your creativity open you up. Tonight: Fun and games. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Say little and respond in a more positive way. Your ability to read between the lines with a very angry person will help you find a way to get through to this person. You could feel as if an associate tends to be too forgiving of this individual. Tonight: Off to the gym. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You could be put off by the hectic pace of your day and by the many requests from others. Pull back some and consider what must happen in order for you to complete what you must, then follow through. Tonight: Work with a loved one who often is erratic. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be aware of what you must do in order to promote a necessary change in your life. Financial security is always important to you, and you can’t compromise on this level. A loved one could be challenging, as he or she tends to have different ideas from you. Tonight: Pay bills first. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You will be all smiles, even in the face of an emotional storm. You might want to revise your schedule in order to bypass someone who seems to be creating a lot of uproar. A dear friend or loved one will support you in your ideas and your desires. Tonight: As you like it. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You will be in a position where you need to take strong control of your assets and your work. You could have a surprise presented to you, yet you might seem somewhat scattered and unable to appreciate what is happening. Tonight: Treat a dear friend to dinner.

WORDSY Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

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MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES |

ON THE ISLAND

Ferries president touts increased trafﬁc SPENCER ANDERSON NANAIMO DAILY NEWS

BC Ferries vehicle traffic and passenger levels were up five and four per cent respectively in March, with even larger gains of 11 and 10 per cent in February, the corporation said Friday. CEO Mike Corrigan says the increase in traffic shows the corporation is well-positioned to enter a new period of inflationlevel fare increases, thanks to major operating cost reductions, lower fuel prices and a low loonie - and despite a looming $3-billion capital program over the next 12 years that will see several ships replaced. He sat down with the Daily News Friday in a wide-ranging interview that focused on the ferry service’s future, the challenges of running the service and the public perception problem he says has dogged the corporation. He pointed to a recent report from the B.C. Ferry Commissioner (www.bcferrycommission. ca), the independent regulator that caps fare increases across the system. The report cites reduced costs in executive compensation $1.2 million each year since 2009.

By the end of this year, BC Ferries expects to have cut costs by approximately $84 million over four years. Fares are also capped at 1.9 per cent from 2016 to 2020. “From our standpoint, we’re seeing a real rebound in ferry traffic and talking to tourism associations across the Island and chamber of commerce and others, we’re all expecting a pretty strong summer, so I think that’s positive,” he said. “We’ve got some challenges with ferry traffic over the years and you’ve got to get more than a couple of months in a row to say that you really turned a corner, but we believe that we have a few things working in our favour now,” he said. Corrigan acknowledged fare increases continue to top the list of concerns from users of the ferry system. Ferry users in small coastal areas have said that rising fares threaten the viability of their communities. Price increases were capped 4.15 per cent in 2012, followed by 4.1 per cent in 2013, four per cent in 2014 and 3.9 per cent this year. But Corrigan said reducing

fares or holding them flat was not realistic “when you’re running the most complex ferry system in the world like we are and the challenge we have with costs that are rising without our control.” When asked what he felt the biggest misconception he hears from ferry users was, he replied: “We like everything about B.C. Ferries, but the fares are too high.” “It’s all about fare affordability. It’s the number one issue. .. it’s an easy story to cover in the media, it’s very simple,” he said. “I know that ferry stories are always at the top of... the most-read stories, we always get top billing. Because we’re always going to be near and dear to people’s hearts because there’s a million people in B.C. who are totally dependent on the ferry system.” However, Corrigan said ferry fares are “decent value” and said more needs to be done to promote the ferry service, adding that negative coverage may drive away visitors. “Just think, if you’re somebody from Europe or even from the U.S. and you type in ‘BC Ferries,’ and the first four stories you read are ‘fares, fares, too expensive, killing

traffic.. .’ I mean, what are people going to do?” he asked. “Absolutely (fares) have (gone up),” he said. “But what I’m proud of is the fact that we’ve been able to get the fares in line going forward. There’s fare certainty now.” BC Ferries has been compared to the Washington state ferry service, cited by some as a stripped down, cheaper mode of sea travel that B.C. should emulate. However, Corrigan said the comparison is not a fair one. “From our perspective, it is an apples to oranges comparison for a number of reasons,” he said, adding a better comparison would be to the Swartz Bay-to-Tsawwassen run. “To put it another way, we operate and serve an area of 1,000 nautical miles,” he said. “Washington State serves a area of 80 nautical miles.” BC Ferries also operates independently and is responsible for covering its own costs and capital needs, as opposed to Washington State, which operates within the state Department of Transportation. To that end, Corrigan said on-

ship amenities like cafeterias, gift shops, lounges and vacation packages bring much-needed revenue into the system, despite some criticism from customers. BC Ferries is a privately managed company under the Coastal Ferry Act of 2003. It operates under a 60-year contract with the province, which also sets service levels and is the sole shareholder. It’s a complicated arrangement that escapes many ferry users. However, it’s a system that he wants ferry users to understand as the corporation enters its next performance period. He also said the ferry system will be looking to modernize its fleet in the coming years as well as modernize how customers pay for and reserve tickets. “We have to rebuild our entire reservation, point of sales systems, we need to have a new booking, ticketing and check-in system, and on top of that, we need to start doing things like providing more e-commerce solutions, better websites and better pricing opportunities for customers, which we can’t do right now; our systems are so rigid today.”

Cedar siding for city hall contrary to heritage recognition CITY HALL, from Page 1 The cedar siding will require a change to this document, and concerns were brought up during a Heritage Commission meeting on March 4 that changing city hall’s exterior contradicts the heritage register’s purpose of encouraging the preservation of historic buildings in their original state. “While no formal motion was passed, the general feeling was that cladding all or portions of the building in cedar would significantly change the documented appearance of one of the city’s heritage buildings, contrary to the reasons for recogni-

“It speaks to a different story that we’re trying to get out about the community.” Mike Ruttan, mayor

tion,” read a recent report for council on the issue by Scott Kenny, director of parks, recreation and heritage. Ruttan emphasized that the alteration to city hall’s appearance is needed to progress Port Alberni. “It speaks to a different story that we’re trying to get out about the community,” he said. “We are open

for people to visit, we’re open for people to move, invest, live, all of those things. We need to grow as a community, we need to change and provide additional opportunities for the people that want to come here.” The cedar product is also planned to spruce up the unoccupied 90,000-squarefoot building on Third Avenue, which Coulson bought in 2013 after Zellers closed. “This summer we’re going to be doing many features around the big building trying to enhance it as well,” he said. EPlummer@avtimes.net 250-723-8171

Mayer Mike Ruttan (left) and Wayne Coulson, head of Coulson Forest Products, stand in front of the soon to be renovated city hall. Coulson has donated cedar harvested from the Island’s west coast to the city for panels to give the municipal building an updated exterior. [ERIC PLUMMER, TIMES]

COMMUNITY

10 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

LIVING WELL EDUCATION

Enjoy a Fresh Slice Daily! Read TASTE every Tuesday!

Take 45 to learn something new KRISTI DOBSON ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES

arks and Recreation is making it easy for the public to learn new skills, get some exercise and meet new people. The How-To in 45 Fest is making a come-back for the second year this weekend. Small, bite-size sessions are designed for all ages and a variety of interests. A number of community members will be leading workshops aimed at healthy living, creativity, safety and more. They all take place in 45 minutes and participants can take part in one, two or all 20 sessions. Organizers Nathan Kwan and Maggie Hodge Kwan said there are new presenters and some repeats from last year. “This year the pool is involved,” Kwan said. “Miki Schwarz, the aquatic programmer, will be teaching reaching and throwing assists so if you are out anywhere and find yourself in a situation where you need to rescue someone, you will have experience.” Hodge Kwan is also a new presenter and is looking forward to launching her new venture. As an entrepreneur, her creative consultation service was something she had on the back burner for awhile. “It was something that came up on the radar and I had the opportunity to use my skills while working at the library,” she said. “Now I am ready to work with other groups and share my knowledge.” Her session, Unleash Your Creative Side, will unravel the first

Daryl Chase will be showing the basics of bike maintenance. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

steps in this creative process. “It is an easy way to connect with the basics of what I am doing,” she said. Desja Walker, owner of Haven Living, is a first-time presenter. “This is a cool way to see what is going on in the community,” Walker said. Also a creative individual, Walker will share her artistic side with participants. In particular, she will teach the basics of decorating with an easy-touse, environmentally friendly paint. “Ce Ce Caldwell has no volatile organic compounds and there is no priming or sanding needed on furniture before painting,” Walker said. Walker will demonstrate how to use the paint, how to distress furniture and share tips on how to upcycle from thrift

shop finds. Participants will also have the chance to try out themselves. Tashia Potter and Kama Money will have a session of interest to parents on internet safety. As internet-savvy users, they will discuss the importance of privacy in social media and best practices for staying safe online. “Privacy online is an ever growing concern for people of all ages, and it’s important the risks are fully understood,” Potter said. “Cyber bullying is a serious issue that younger generations are facing and everyone is susceptible to fraud, scams, and hacking. It’s important to know your privacy options, settings, and best practices for keeping your information safe so you can enjoy all the benefits that social media has to offer.”

Organizers of the How-To in 45 Fest, Maggie Hodge Kwan and Nathan Kwan, are excited for all of the new and returning presenters who will be sharing their knowledge at the event on April 18. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]

Also new to the event is yoga practitioner, Livi De Rooy, who will touch on yoga for less stress and better sleep. It will include a physical 15 to 20 minute practice and a hand-out to take home. “Stress and sleep deprivation are a vicious cycle,” De Rooy said. “Yoga helps lower stress levels, calms the mind and relieves tension within the body. The soothing 15-20 minute short practice we will be covering is an effective natural sleep remedy. Certain poses can be particularly helpful for combatting restlessness and insomnia,

especially when practiced in the evening or before bed.” Other sessions include lessons on bike tune-ups, photography, tuning into your own health, salving fry, gardening, Magic the Gathering card games, golf, parkour, music and meditation. The Lime’N food truck will also be on-site for the first time this year. It all takes place at Echo Centre on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to the public. KDobson@avtimes.net

RECREATION

Trainer encourages getting outside for exercise A

s the days get longer, sunnier, and warmer, it becomes increasingly difficult for me to want to be indoors doing anything let alone my workout. The one thing I might stay inside for at this time of year is to weight train but even with that, there are so many resistance exercises you can do with little or no equipment that you can easily keep it outdoors spring and summer. Some of my favorite reasons to be outside can be summarized these ways: 1. Happiness is made outside Research shows that time outdoors is a proven stress reliever, within minutes of being outside stress levels drop. Research by the University of Michigan has also shown that just after an hour of being outside that your attention span and ability to remember things is improved by 20 percent. When you pair that with proven memory building cardio, you get a

Susan Fox The Happy Life Project double brain boost. On a nice sunny day put on your sunscreen, be sun safe, and head outdoors for a natural full dose of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps build strong bones, decreases diabetes, heart disease and other illness being out in the sun means you benefit without having to take a pill. 2. No membership or hours The great outdoors is yours to access as you please, with no fee attached. In Port Alberni, there are numerous trails that range in accessibility and intensity options. There is something for everyone, from your yard work, your garden work or a local walk or hike.

It’s time to start thinking outside of the box, get creative with a workout and find some peaceful space for yourself. Summer is coming and extended hours are coming soon! 3. Adventure I get a great sense of satisfaction in heading into an outdoor adventure. Creating my own challenge and gaining confidence from conquering a climb or a new distance. The opportunity to enrich my relationship is priceless as we spend hours discovering and exploring the Valley. Go outdoors, and you’ll have a chance to see breathtaking scenery, and hopefully take a few trails or peaks off your bucket list as you do it. You will probably gain some bragging rights along the way too! 4. Hiking is body friendly! I don’t get very far in web searches these days without

something popping up about ‘how to get your best booty’. Want your best booty without any special secrets? Go hiking up the steepest incline that works for you, and you have your outdoor stair climber, perfect for building glutes and toned legs. Is a hard steep hike good for “leg day”? You bet! If you have a knee issue, the best part of a hill climb is that it is low impact, while still getting your heart rate up and an unreal sweat. Depending on your knee, the only thing to watch is easing up on the decline, just take your time coming down if needed, and don’t worry…it’s the uphill that’s the best calorie burn anyways. You don’t have to conquer a mountain to be outside. Be in your yard mowing, or gardening, or walking in your neighbourhood. I’m a big fan of trails as they are very exciting and beautiful. I

would encourage you to get out and try one of the Valley’s amazing trails. You can find some local trail maps on the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District website at www. acrd.bc.ca/trail-maps, or see the Chamber of Commerce for the local trail guide. There are new trails being built all the time, such as the City’s new Roger Creek foot path and bridge connector. Or just ask people who love being outdoors, as they are very enthusiastic about sharing what they know. Go have fun! » Susan Fox, BCRPA Certified Fitness Professional and Personal Trainer, believes in positive change and enhancing quality of life through fitness. Her goal is to collaborate in creating a vibrant, healthy community where all ages enjoy engaging in movement and daily activity. She can be reached at 250-730-0008 or susanfoxfitness.ca.

Enjoy a Fresh Slice Daily! Read ENTERPRISE every Wednesday!