Keremeos Review, October 08, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

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Review Vol.17

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Number 41

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Thursday, October 8, 2015

Serving the communities of Keremeos, Cawston, Okanagan Falls and Kaleden

Mother, two cubs killed near Olalla Tara Bowie Review Staff

Tara Bowie

The federal candidates from Central-Okanagan Similkameen Nicola were all smiles before an all candidates debate held Friday night in Keremeos. Left to right, Green candidate Robert Mellalieu, Liberal candidate Karley Scott, Conservative candidate Dan Albas, NDP candidate Angelique Wood.

Almost all cordial at all-candidates Tara Bowie Review Staff

In stark contrast to Federal leader debates, local candidates from Canada’s four major parties actually expressed a mutual like for each other at the all-candidates debate Friday in Keremeos. To watch them one might almost think they were members of a political Partridge Familyesque rock band on tour, not four people going head-to-head in what will probably be the longest job interview of their lives. Repeatedly during opening remarks and throughout the debate Liberal candidate Karley Scott, NDP Angelique Wood and Green Robert Mellalieu expressed that they respected their opponents and at times even made remarks leaning towards wanting to stay in touch and possibly form future committees to collaborate on ideas that could help everyone in the new riding.

Hours: Mon - Fri, 8 am - 5 pm Saturday 8:30 am - 5pm

250-499-5322

Conservative candidate Dan Albas even laughed at one of Mellalieu’s punny jokes. “I fix computers for a living or as you may know them PC’s,” Mellalieu said during his opening remarks. Although the mood could be considered cordial in political debate circles, the candidates did face-off on some tough questions effecting residents in the Similkameen Valley. As predicted the National Park issue was brought up but with a twist. The resident at the microphone framed the question in a pro-park way asking “What will you do to help us establish a National Park?” Answers varied slightly for the candidates with most saying a version of more information needs to be collected by the province before anything moves forward and acknowledging there were sensitive lands and species at risk that need to be protected some way.

620 - 8th Ave., Keremeos

Conservative Dan Albas encouraged residents to make comments on the province’s new intentions paper for park lands prior to the Oct. 31 deadline Representing his party well, Albas pointed out the unknown fiscal demand of the project. “Obviously before anything goes further there needs to be an assessment to truly find out what the cost would be to taxpayers,” he said. Scott, liberal candidate, acknowledged the park was a contentious issue and that the lands proposed for park areas were known to be part of a sensitive ecosystem. She said at this point the federal government doesn’t appear to be part of the plan or in deep discussions regarding the proposal. “This is a provincial plan,” she said. Continued on page 13

A local hunter came upon a gruesome scene last week when he found a mother black bear and her two cubs shot dead near Olalla. “The one cub was hanging on to the mom,” AJ Huber of Keremeos said. “I was pretty upset about it. I just don’t understand why someone would do AJ Huber that.” Huber found the Two cubs and a mother bears on Ollala Creek black bear were found Road in the morning shot dead just off Olalla Creek Road. of September 28. He was out with a friend from out of town grouse hunting. He figured the bears had been there for a few days by the smell and that rigor mortis had set in. “They were two little cubs not much bigger than a dog,” he said. He immediately called conservation officers who attended the grisly scene later that day. Jeff Hanratty, conservation officer in Penticton and surrounding areas attended the scene. At this point few details are known about the deaths of the bears. Initial thoughts were that the bears were shot somewhere else and moved, but that might not be the case. “Until we get someone to phone us and help put the puzzle pieces together we’re left with a mystery right now,” he said. “At this point we’re really requesting the public’s assistance to identify the shooter and for the shooter to tell us what happened. It’s possible they were shot in self defence or in defence of property but we really can’t guess what happened at this point.” There is no hunting season on bear cubs or bears in the company of cubs.

Continued on page 13

Pellets by the bag Pellets by the palette Leaf blowers, rakes, bags... Everything you need for removing those falling leaves!

A 2 www.keremeosreview.com Thursday, October 8, 2015 The Review COMMUNITY

Community Calendar

Are you a non-proﬁt organization? Do you have a community fundraiser coming up? Can we help get the word out? Call the Review today to have your event listed in the events section or the calendar section FREE OF CHARGE. Call 499-2653 Space is limited to time sensitivity, 1st come, 1st served & no guaranteed placements. OKANAGAN FALLS

2nd MON: Communities for Kids OK Falls Table Mtg., 2:45 pm at StrongStart Early Learning Ctr., 250-498-8433 for more info. TUESDAY: South Okanagan Toastmasters 7 - 9 p.m. at Best Western in Osoyoos. Call 498-4412, 499-2144. TUESDAY: Bingo at the Senior Citizenís Centre on Willow St. 1p.m. (except last Tues.). 3RD TUESDAY: Legion Branch #227 Gen Meeting 7 p.m. Jack Hill Room, OK Falls. WED. & SAT.: Carpet Bowling 1 p.m. Seniorís Centre. WEDNESDAY: Join the Stroke Recovery Club for stroke survivors and caregivers, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society ofﬁce, #2-996 Main Street, Penticton..Call Tina at 490-0613. 1st WEDNESDAY: OK Falls Legion - Ladies Auxiliary General Meeting 1:00 p.m., Jack Hill Room, OK Falls. 3rd WEDNESDAY: OK Falls Womens Institute meeting, Falls Community Centre. Call Betty for more info - 497-6665. THURSDAY: Bridge 1 p.m. Seniors Centre. THURSDAY: Crib 7 p.m. Seniors Centre. THURSDAY: Computer classes 9 a.m. Seniorís Centre. FRIDAY: Arts group painting 1- 3 p.m. FRIDAY: Whist 7 p.m. 2ND & 4TH FRIDAY: A Wellness Clinic is held at the Seniors Centre, on Willow Street, 9 to 11 a.m. Have your blood pressure, heart and weight checked by a retired registered nurse. Open to everyone. 1st FRIDAY: OK Falls Legion - Ladies Auxiliary Dinner and Entertainment 6:00 p.m. After the Meat Draw. 3rd FRIDAY: OK Falls Legion Ladies Auxiliary Steak Fry Dinner 6:00 p.m. After the Meat Draw. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS: The Okanagan Falls Legion Branch #227 has meat draws from 5:00 p.m. SATURDAY: OK Falls Legion Branch #227, Dinner and Dance 6:00 pm. 1st SATURDAY: Ladies Auxiliary Branch #227. Drop in Bingo 1-4 p.m. Jack Hill Room. OK Falls. 3rd SATURDAY: Drop in bingo at OK Falls Senior Centre. 1128 Willow St.

KEREMEOS

MONDAY: N.A. meets at 8 p.m. at the South Similkameen Health Centre. MONDAY: Keremeos Bellringers, 7:30 pm, Cawston United Church, for info call Herma @ 499-5292, Joan @ 499-2450. 2nd MONDAY: Similkameen COPS, 7 p.m., Upstairs at the Legion (Legion Hall). Ben Gumm for info 499-0216 4th MONDAY: Orchard Haven - Friends and family council monthly meetings. Making a difference to residential care. MON, WED, FRI: Boot Camp 6 - 7 am, Sim. Rec. Centre. For more info call Annette 499-2238 TUESDAY: Tumble Bumble, 10:00 - 11:30 am upstairs at the Legion Hall. AGes 0-6. For info 250-499-2352 ext. 106. TUESDAY: Every 2nd, Caregiver Group, Activity Room, Orchard Haven 1:30 - 3 p.m. For info 499-3020 TUESDAY: AA Meetings, 7:30 p.m., in the Health Center Activity Room, info call Diane 499-1177 TUESDAY: Handguns 5:30 pm Fly Tying/22 Shoot, 7 pm, KCSA Club House. More info call 250-499-7027. Nov. to Mar. WEDNESDAY: Mother Goose 10:00-11:30 am, Strong Start at Cawston Primary. Ages 0-6. For info 499-2352 ext. 106. WEDNESDAY: Qigong exercise 9 a.m. Cawston Church Hall. 499-7852 for information. WEDNESDAY: Kyokushin Karate at Legion Hall from 5 - 7 p.m. Phone Lyle for info 292-8565. WEDNESDAY: Diabetes Clinic, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Similkameen Health Centre. RN & Reg. Dietitian in attendance. Dr. referrals or self referral. Appts. necessary. Phone 1-800-707-8550. WEDNESDAY: Keremeos Search & Rescue meetings, 7 pm, little brown building behind the Village Ofﬁce. WEDNESDAY: Songster Sing-a-long, 10 - 11:15 am, Keremeos Seniors Centre, Starts October 8th. 1st THURSDAY: South Similkameen Museum Society Meeting, 7 pm, at the Ecumenical Church in Keremeos THURSDAY: Tumble Bumble, 3:00 - 4:30 pm upstairs at the Legion. Ages 0-6. For info 250-499-2352 ext. 106. THURSDAY: Positively Pregnant, 10:00 - 11:30 am at the Family Centre. For info 250-499-2352 ext. 106. THURSDAY: AA meetings at 7:30 pm Health Centre activity room. Info. call Eleanor 499-5982. THURSDAY: KCSA Monthly meetings the last Thursday of each month at clubhouse 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Afternoon dances at the Keremeos Seniors Centre from 1:30 - 4 p.m (starts in October). Whist 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm THURSDAY: Weight Watchers, 5 pm, Elks Hall. More info call Sarah at 250-499-2878. THURSDAY: Learning about Stroke by the SOSBI. FREE Starting April 24th. Call 250-490-0613 for more information. FRIDAY: Keremeos TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 9:00 a.m. at the Health Centre. Call Georgina at 499-0202 FRIDAY: Elks and Royal Purple bingo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Keremeos Seniors Centre Bingo, 1:00 pm. - THURSDAYS until October. SUNDAY: KCSA Trap Shooting, 10:00 am to ?, Weather permitting. SUNDAY: AA Meeting at 10:00 am in the Health Center Activity Room. Info call Eleanor at 499-5982. 3RD SUNDAY: Legion General Meeting. 2:00 p.m. Keremeos Legion Hall. 3rd MONDAY: Kars Under the K Meeting, 7:00 pm, Meeting Room at Health Center, Call Marcel Morin for info 499-7775. 2nd TUESDAY: Can-Do General Meetings. Everyone Welcome. Phone 499-2420 for more information. 1ST WEDNESDAY: Regular meeting of the Keremeos Seniors Centre, at 2 p.m. Keremeos. 1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAY: Search & Rescue meet 7-9 p.m., 8th Ave. & 4th St. Call 499-6067 or 499-5429. 2ND WEDNESDAY: The Similkameen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. at the Keremeos Seniors Centre, 2ND AND 4TH THURSDAY: The Royal Purple Lodge meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Elks Hall. Info: 499-7073. LAST THURSDAY: KCSA Club meeting. 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY: The Keremeos Elks meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Elks Hall. 1ST SUNDAY: Jam Session. Keremeos Seniors Centre. 1 p.m. Everyone Welcome. Starts in September. 499-0112.

Keremeos Cawston Food Bank 2334 Newton Road, Cawston OPEN October 15th

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

If you did not re-register in March you must register in April. Everyone must bring ID and proof of residency. 250-501-1010 ~ No Registration or AGM Notices ~ KEREMEOS SENIORS CENTRE ACTIVITIES: Activities Include: Carpet Bowling, Indoor curling, Floor shufﬂe board, Bridge, Cribbage, Mens & Ladies Billiards... For fun loving...active seniors. Membership $20

Did you know?

Keremeos Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group We meet at the Keremeos Health Centre at 1:00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month. Next meeting is: October 21st For more information please call Laurie at 1-888-318-1122

Coffee is the seed of a cherry from the tree genus Coffea.

The Keremeos Branch is located at 638 - 7th Avenue. Ph: (250)499-2313

There is always lots going on at the library. Check it out to see what activities are coming up!

HEDLEY

TUESDAY: Once a month Soup and Sandwich. Hedley Seniors’ Center on Scott Ave. THURSDAY: Library 2 pm - 7 pm Hedley Seniors’ Center, free computer use. 1ST MONDAY: Hedley Heritage Museum meeting, 6:00 p.m. at the Museum, Everyone welcome to attend. 2ND SUNDAY: Pancake Breakfast, Hedley Seniors’ Center, 8:00 am to 10:00 am. 3RD MONDAY: Monthly meeting at Seniors’ Center, 2 pm. 3RD MONDAY: Community Club meeting at 7 pm at the Club. DAILY: Coffee & good conversation at the Seniors’ Center 6:30 am - 8 am. Every Mon./Wed./ Sat. Exercise at 9 am. SUNDAY: Church Service at 9:30 am, Hedley Grace Church. SUNDAY: Hedley Farmers Market 9-1, July - Oct. DAILY: Hedley Heritage Museum open daily 9am - 4pm, Daly Ave. TUESDAY & THURSDAY: Exercise at 9:00 am.

NEWS

The Review Thursday, October 8, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A 3

Christmas hamper committee dissolves Tara Bowie Review Staff

With the dissolution of the Christmas hamper program more than 125 people might be without a holiday meal this year. Joan Popovich, a longstanding member of the hamper committee said no one or group came forward to volunteer with the program that has been operational in its current form for about 15 years. “We’ve heard absolutely nothing. No one has come forward to take that on at all. Not even any inquiries that I know of at this point. We’ve officially dissolved,” she said during a telephone interview last week. Popovich says the committee handed out between 100 to 130 hampers ever year. The majority were to single people, many on disability, but there was also a high number of young families that received hampers. About 15 dedicated volunteers would help each year with the program. Volunteers were needed for

everything from intake of applications to collection of food and at one time distribution. “We tried a variety of things over the years to minimize the workload. At one time we delivered all the hampers and then in later years we had people come pick them up,” she said. “It always felt like we were two steps forward and three steps back.” The idea of the hamper program was to provide a meal for Christmas dinner and some food for throughout the week. Each hamper consisted of a turkey or ham depending on the receivers taste and the rest of the vegetables to make a festive meal. There would also be bread and condiments so the leftovers could be eaten. Candy was also included. At one time presents were bought for children through an Angel Tree at the CIBC but that proved too much work for volunteers and was impossible to organize along with the hampers. “It was a wonderful feeling to be

File photo

This is a throwback photo from 2008 of volunteers who dedicated time to preparing Christmas hampers for more than 100 people in the Similkameen.

able to help the people that needed the help but at the same time your family and your home gets behind. I never did any Christmas baking for all those years. I struggled to make the time for everything that

UBCM provides plethora of information, resources for council and some cash Mayor Manfred Bauer Submitted

Every year delegates from all municipalities and regional districts in British Columbia meet to discuss issues of common concern at the annual UBCM convention. Resolutions are brought forward and their merits debated before being passed on to the provincial government for further consideration. This year over 160 resolutions from all over the province were submitted. In addition, educational workshops are offered on municipal issues and new local government rules and regulations. Provincial cabinet panels allow for a direct dialogue with ministers on specific topics. This year’s theme of the conference was Excellence in Action, an attempt to steer through the countless programs and the many challenges local governments are facing. Sunday I attended the Mayors for Highway 3 meeting. The priority of promoting the completion of the Princeton-Hope project was confirmed and secondary goals were established. On Tuesday the Coalition for Highway 3 met with the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and the Minister of Transportation to bring forward the priorities established on Sunday and to discuss future plans for Highway 3. The BC Mayor’s Caucus provided an opportunity to talk to Mayors from around the province about emergent issues. The Village of Keremeos took part in the following meetings during the conference:

Jennifer Johnstone, CEO and president of Central City Foundation Honourable Terry Lake, Minister of Health – closure of The Crossing, physician shortage Honourable Bill Bennett, Minster of Energy and Mines – utility board, accountability, two-tiered conservation rate Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources – orphan dikes Ministry of Community, Sports and Cultural Development – relocation of water main infrastructure project Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources – pollution on riverbed in the Similkameen The small talk forum was held on Tuesday, it brings together communities with a population of under 5,000 to exchange ideas and discuss solutions to common problems. The conference concluded Friday with the installation of president elect and the Premier addressing the delegates. The Village of Keremeos in partnership with the Similkameen Trails Society is also very happy to announce that we were the successful recipient of a $15,000 community grant from Fortis BC for a trails enhancement project (solar lighting). The educational workshops at the UBCM conference provided new and valuable information. The meetings with Ministers and their staff have proven to be an effective tool for communicating our challenges and for helping to build a network of provincial resource contacts.

Last Chance to Order Thanksgiving Pies!

Open Daily 9-5

Just two more weeks to enjoy and purchase the art work of Kate Kimberley, Judy Millar and Carolyn Jager. New artists showing starting October 24th.

1217 Hwy 3A, Keremeos 250-499-9271 www.treetome.ca

needed to be done and to have Christmas with family,” she said. Popovich said committee members are still willing to help with advice if any group wants to take the program over.

“I do hope someone or some group will come forward to assist those that are in need during the Christmas season. It really is a gift of love basically.”

Council working with school Review Staff Mayor Manfred Bauer says council will be working with Similkameen Elementary Secondary School to help promote learning about municipal government. Sometime this year council plans to hold a council meeting at the school to give students a chance to

see first hand what goes on in meetings. There’s also talk about holding a budget meeting workshop with students who are interested. “We want to get youth more involved in how local government works and where taxes go,” Bauer said.

u o Y k n Tha

Thank you for helping us to celebrate Mexican Independence Day: Valley First Credit Union for the prizes donated. Steve Hunt for the use of his property and Steve’s neighbour’s for their tolerance. All the volunteers who cooked, cleaned, drove, helped set up and clean up. Thank you to the Legion for having us host a Meat Draw and to MyTown Realty for El Faro donating gift baskets for our Service Society For Migrant Workers events for the meat draw.

IMPORTANT CANADA ELECTION NOTICE Residents of Keremeos Area If you have received a Voter Information Card (VIC) telling you to go to Hedley to vote and you live in the Keremeos area, you may go to the Advance polls in Keremeos, at the Legion Hall on Oct 9th, 10th 11th or 12th from 12.00 noon to 8 pm Basil Skodyn, Returning Officer for Central Okanagan-Similkameen Nicola riding

OPINION

A4 www.keremeosreview.com

THE

Thursday, October 8, 2015 The Review

PuBlisHED THuRsDAys By

Review

in Keremeos & Okanagan Falls 605 7th Avenue, Keremeos BC Box 130, Keremeos BC V0X 1N0 website: www.keremeosreview.com email: editor@keremeosreview.com Phone: 250-499-2653 Fax: 250-499-2645

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Publications Mail Agreement No. 4002521

ANDREA DEMEER Associate Publisher

TARA BOWiE Editor

TAMMy HARTFiElD Production

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Make your world a better place There is a mine of interesting nuggets in the Vital Signs report released this week by Community Foundations. In addition to taking the collective pulse of people in 13 communities in the regional district, the report includes data and statistics that provide a random series of snapshots reflecting life in the Okanagan Similkameen. For instance: • Twenty-two percent of students in School District 53 seriously considered suicide in 2013. This compares to 18% of students in School District 67. • The average price of a single-family home in Penticton in June 2015 was $437,042, up considerably from $349,653 in June 2013. • Last year the Town of Princeton received only $3.67 per capita in BC gaming grants, while Keremeos received nearly twice that amount – $7.51. • Twenty-one businesses went bankrupt in 2014 in the Thompson Okanagan region last year – down 55.6 per cent from 2013 and 75.3 per cent from 2007. And so on. Beyond the stats and an aggregation of opinions from 1,500 on-line surveys, the authors of the report present more than thirty suggestions of initiatives for people to improve their communities and their own lives. None of them are especially earthshattering or novel. However they are intended to respond to the flavour of the research and just about all of them could be considered good advice. For instance: • Make a point of purchasing work from a local artist. • Help a neighbor to make small repairs to their home. • Take a course at Okanagan College. • Replace the batteries in your smoke detector. • Make 30-60 minutes of activity a protected priority in your life. • Volunteer at your children’s school. • Feeling depressed? Share your feelings with family, friends or professionals. • Drive an elderly neighbor to an appointment. • Hire someone from your local work center. • Visit your local library and borrow a book, audio book or movie. • Take a CPR course. • Organize a regular “stroll patrol” to visit with neighbours and increase evening activity in your area. • Help lobby governments to legislate a living wage. • Attend a free outdoor concert. • Shop for locally grown food in stores and markets. And so on. In essence the report is asking people to be nice, take responsibility, do unto others and have a little fun. Something to think about if you woke up this morning determined to make your little corner of the world a better place. –AD The Keremeos Review welcomes letters to the editor on matters of public interest. Letters are subject to editing for libel, taste and length, and must include the writer’s name and a daytime phone number for confirmation. Email your submission to editor@keremeosreview.com or bring your letter to the office. Remember – most people ARE NOT forming their opinions based on what they read on Facebook. If you’ve got something to share, we are happy to help you.

A brief history of health spending

The federal budget document began with an ominous warning about deep cuts. Social programs, justice and corrections would be spared as much as possible, but no department would escape the knife. The stark truth was revealed in a table of figures. Health care spending, the core of the Canadian state, was cut by 3.8 per cent in just the first year of the fiscal plan, as population and need continued to grow. No, this is not from the Stephen Harper budget of April 2015, or any other in the last decade. It’s from the Jean Chretien budget of 1995, more than 20 years ago. That’s the last time anyone actually cut health care spending. But wait, you may say. Didn’t I hear that Harper has slashed health care spending by $30 billion? Yes, you probably did hear the biggest, most brazen lie of this election campaign, either from the government unions that advertised it or the politicians who parrot it. If health care really is everyone’s high-priority issue, as pollsters have long assured us, voters should at least know the facts.

After cutwithout leaving ting provincial Canada.) health and social The six-per-cent services transincreases, by that fers for years to time triple inflaend the string of tion, would continoperating defiue for another five cits that began years. Starting in under Pierre 2017-18, increases Trudeau and would be tied to TOM FLETCHER continued under economic growth, Brian Mulroney, with a minimum Liberal finance hike of three per minister Paul cent, still well Martin rose briefly to the top ahead of today’s inflation. That job. remains the Conservative plan In 2004, Martin staged meet- today. ings with premiers, emerging All provinces east of with what was billed as “a fix Saskatchewan pitched a fit. for a generation,” with federal Manitoba’s NDP finance minhealth transfers to rise six per ister termed it “un-Canadian.” cent each year into the future. Lefties immediately called it a The future for Martin’s gov- cut, to which Flaherty replied ernment lasted only two years, that transfers to provinces as his minority was replaced would rise from $30 billion with one led by Harper. to $38 billion in 2018-19, and These galloping increas- continue to grow after that. es continued until the In B.C., then-finance minConservative majority of 2011, ister Kevin Falcon praised the after which then-finance min- long-term approach, acknowlister Jim Flaherty came to edging that health spending Victoria to inform provincial was ballooning to half of the finance ministers of the new provincial budget and had to be plan. (I was there, and the joke brought under control as baby was that this was as far from boomers start to retire. B.C. Ottawa as Flaherty could get has largely accomplished that,

BC Views

with spending increases below three per cent and health care outcomes that continue to lead the country. As the current election campaign turns into the home stretch, Statistics Canada has announced a milestone. For the first time in history, the number of seniors exceeds number of children. This demographic shift is inexorable, predictable and must be addressed by whoever wins the Oct. 19 federal election. NDP leader Thomas Mulcair is on record that he will scrap the Conservative formula for growth-based increases that he pretends are cuts, returning to six per cent every year while balancing the budget. Little detail has been provided on how this would be done. Liberal leader Justin Trudeau announced in Surrey last week that he will ante up an extra $3 billion over four years for health care, and “sit down with the provinces immediately” to renegotiate, a rerun of Paul Martin’s political theatre. Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. T Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca

The Keremeos Review is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith,B.C. V9G 1A9 For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to the website at www.bcpresscouncil.org. This publication reserves the right to refuse any material—advertising or editorial—submitted for publication and maintains the sole right to exercise discretion in these matters. Submissions by columnists and guest writers do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper. All material contained herein is copyright.

The Review Thursday, October 8, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A 5

Susan Allison “was in a state of conflict”

The stories of Susan Allison, wife of Princeton founder John Allison, are important to understanding the history of the valley. Art Martens living significantly.ca

Approximately six months after writing about the Similkameen Valley’s well known Allison family, I received an e-mail from Professor Janet MacArthur of UBC’s Kelowna campus. “I’m collaborating on an anthology of writings by white and indigenous women who lived in the interior

in the early settlement period,” she wrote. “Can we talk?” I live in a small community not renowned for its sophistication. What kind of prof was she, I wondered. Would I require a dictionary in hand to understand her academic language? And did I know anything that would be helpful to her? In a two hour visit at our kitchen table and then a telephone con-

versation, I realized that in spite of an education infinitely superior to mine, I didn’t need the dictionary. We began by talking about much more than her current writing project. I learned that challenging life experiences have given her an understanding that cannot be attained via a high level of education. “My mother was ill during much of my growing up time, but I had lots of support from other family when she couldn’t be there,” she said in response to my question about her early years. “My grandmother became a big influence. I learned from her about becoming strong, having faith and the importance of education.” She completed a BEd at University of Calgary, taught school in northern Alberta, pursued graduate studies at Dalhousie and UBC, then earned a PhD in Renaissance literature at U of C in 1988. In 1989, she was hired at Okanagan University College in Kelowna where she has taught 16th and17th century literature, including Shakespeare, women’s literature, and autobiography. When I asked about challenges in her life, Janet’s expression became serious and a sober note crept into her voice. “I have a pretty competitive side,” she said. “Twenty years ago I was given a diagnosis of Lupus. There were many things I wanted to accomplish, but could not. That was devastating and at first I was angry.” She paused to reflect, then said, “the illness forced me to think about my limits and accept them. I understand now that people who don’t need to struggle do not comprehend

some things. It’s given me a deeper understanding of life. I hope I have grown spiritually through this.” When she was 44, Janet adopted an infant girl from China, then another daughter 10 years later. “At my age it has been tougher than I expected,” she said, “but a huge source of joy.” An area of interest now is how people react to extreme experience. She explores this in a course on Holocaust memoir. “The media simplifies issues,” she said, “but events can mean different things. I urge my students to probe deeper. In the Holocaust course we look at accounts written by victims, perpetrators, bystanders, and children. We consider how this historical episode continues to affect many cultures. We examine thoughts and feelings. Too often people turn a blind eye to what is happening. I value the opportunity to shape the way students think.” Her focus on Holocaust trauma is related to her work on the oppression of the Syilx (Okanagan and Similkameen) people. The planned anthology of writings by indigenous and settler women is a collaboration with Jeannette Armstrong of the En’owken Centre in Penticton and Lally Grauer, retired UBCO professor.. “We’re bringing out a history that hasn’t been offered to the public yet,” she said. “We’re trying to create a trace of the women of the past. Even white women’s voices are not central to traditional Okanagan and Similkameen history. Bringing indigenous and nonindigenous women’s voices together provides a new way of seeing.”

Educator Janet MacArthur works to preserve the voices of women in history.

She values the writing of early Princeton settler Susan Allison, the white wife of John Fall Allison, as she appears to have had an unconventional relationship with First Nations people. Earlier work on Susan Allison overlooks this. “Susan was in a state of conflict because she knew the white people and was part of that culture. She couldn’t say some things, but she leaves a muted trace.” Janet feels that Nora Allison, John Fall’s (aboriginal) first wife should be celebrated. “I would like the indigenous women of today to tell the story of John Fall’s two wives,” she said. Janet MacArthur and her collaborators are serious about providing them that opportunity.

The workplace’s golden rule: cover your ass In the past week I’ve had two occasions to contemplate the female posterior. Okay. Let’s just call a spade a spade and an ass an ass. We can use the word “ass” in the local newspaper. It’s in the Bible and if it’s in the Bible it’s okay. That’s right isn’t it? As a wholly unrelated aside we can also use the word spade. Years ago I severely reprimanded a reporter for using “call a spade a spade” in an obituary story about a local politician. It presented as a racial slur. Further digging, however, revealed while the phrase may have adopted dark undertones in the past hundred years, it is actually derived from the early Greek “to call a fig a fig and a trough a trough.” (My apologies if that’s too much etymology for a reader who might only have been lured in by the word ass.) On the weekend I received a text from my thoroughly frustrated daughter in Ontario. She is on the eve of a work placement as part of her post-graduate studies and was recently told that if she intends to wear form fitting pants on the job, she also has to wear a long sweater to cover her posterior…er… her ass. There is a lot for a feminist to get her eyeteeth into over that kind of instruction. Suffice to say this: The woman in question is 21 years old. She holds an honors degree in linguistics. She is brilliant, talented, tender hearted and truly wants to make a difference in the world through her chosen career.

in over a year. Two minutes go home. All her anxieties about job with a curling iron, a bit of lip Eventually a sympathetic hotel attendant performance, self-worth and gloss, and out the door feeling located a sewing kit from the front desk. future goals have effectively reasonably confident. I reclined in a corner of the washroom – been crystalized into concern Purposefully, I arrived which by that time resembled Grand Central about what her ass looks like in a early. It was my first meet- Station, – half naked, stitching together my form fitting pair of pants. That just hurts. ing within the company and it skirt and reflecting mournfully on that good It touches that fear many was important to make a good impression I so wanted to make. Yes the universe has humor, timing, and a women share that it doesn’t realimpression on colleagues I’d ANDREA DEMEER sense of irony. never met. ly matter who she is, what she If only someone had thought to tell me to Once at the hotel there was has accomplished, and what she old dog a quick visit to the washroom. wear a long sweater with a form fitting skirt, might have to contribute. new tricks Turning for a final inspection it would have been so much easier to cover The real question is: What in the full-length mirror I was my ass. was she wearing? Been there, done that, got the form fitting horror struck to realize the back slit of my otherwise very professional skirt t-shirt. Senior editor to newsroom intern: It would was ripped – all the way along the PHARMASAVE KEREMEOS be easier for people to take you seriously if seam from mid-calf to the approxiFLU CLINIC you didn’t wear mini skirts. mate location of my tailbone. Thought in intern’s head: It would be It was a wardrobe malfunction of Thursday, easier for people to take you seriously if you enormous proportions – words chosen October 22, 2015 weren’t an ass. carefully – that left nothing to the 9:00 am to 5:30 pm That said, it’s been several years since imagination. I’ve given much thought to how appearance, In what can only be described as Fee: $23.00 or attire, would be judged at any given event. a panic I texted several girlfriends For appointment Bless the universe for its sense of humor in quick succession and got back the phone and timing. most useless suggestions. Last Friday I was fortunate to be invited Go to the conference room, sit 250-499-5543 to a meeting of publishers from our region, down and don’t get up for the whole an opportunity to share newspaper ideas and day. discuss the general state of business. Go to Wal-Mart, try not to get The conference took place in Kelowna and arrested, and buy a new skirt. I wakened early for a 5:30 am departure time. Go out to your car, don’t you have Coffee, shower, and I pulled a long-skirted any clothes in your car? 526 - 7th Ave., suit out of the closet that hadn’t seen daylight Just leave. Skip the meeting and Keremeos, BC

A6 www.keremeosreview.com

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October 8 - October 14

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The Review Thursday, October 8, 2015

Letters to the Editor

No fingers needed in park pot To the Editor: Thank you for posting replies you received from the provincial government on the proposed park lands. If it was not such a serious matter it would be laughable. The link posted with these questions for comments eventually gets you to the questionnaire, but please people go to this site and instead of answering the questions type in a comment. The B.C. government appears to be treating this park as a done deal. We do not need more discussions on it, NO PARK means NO PARK. Answer to your very first question is a joke. If they have not changed their mind why are good taxpayer dollars being put into this nonsense! It could be spent on helping people who suffered loss during the forest fire season we are just trying to put behind us instead of saying there will be no help for them. There are committees, local/regional/provincial, naturalist groups etc. already managing this area, we do not need more fingers in the pot. More is not better when looking after/protecting something like this, just leads to people not being able to agree on anything. Looking at the map included with the questionnaire you can see there are many protected /park areas already. Persons not living in the affected area have no idea of what gets done to protect this sensitive environment or how it is done. I do live here and have never seen ATV’s in the summer or snowmobiles in the winter on Kobau Mountain behind me. Nor have I seen anyone stop and take photos of Kobau, but they do stop and take photos looking west towards Snowy Mountain. Just my opinions again for what they are worth, Thank you.

NEWS

www.keremeosreview.com A 7

Similkameen lifestyle at stake in park debate To the Editor: “Lies, damn lies, and statistics.” This quotation has been attributed to Mark Twain, but whether he or another is the originator, it could well be from observing the manipulation of public opinion by the proponents of the proposed National Park Reserve. Since the inception of this attempt of expropriation of not only the land base of the area of interest, but surely the very lives and life styles of those thousands who will be ghettoized by the creation of this park, the proponents have used speculation, exaggeration, fear mongering, and outright deception to further their selfish agenda for the area of interest. The initial rational was the threat of further development and human use of the area that would jeopardize the existence of some 247+ species at risk. 247 species of flora and fauna that most of us have never seen or know existed, all of which must be protected. Following hard questioning, biologists admitted that of the 247+ species at risk less then a dozen ever existed above 500 metres of elevation and the rest, well, they now rest under the concrete and asphalt of the various towns and cities or are interred beneath the orchards and vineyards of the South Okanagan and Similkameen including the developed areas of the respective First Nations lands. This park will rival all other National

Parks by its very uniqueness. This park if created will look much like a jigsaw puzzle with most of the pieces lost. Provincial lands, Federal lands, Nature Trust lands, Conservancy of Canada lands, Indian Reserves, and, oh yes, private lands, are all thrown together in this wonderful concept. The nearest rival might be the Saskatchewan Grasslands Park, but here again, exaggeration. The population of the area taken for that park numbered in the hundreds, most of whom left or have been replaced by parks personnel and or operators. [Val Marie pop. pre park-370+, now 250+] mostly parks personnel and operators. Certainly there is a modicum of tourist activity, but not the tens of thousands that the proponents imagine will flock to the Okanagan-Similkameen for a grasslands park experience. The usual comments from Saskatchewan people include, ‘solitude, there`s nobody out here.’ This flies in the face of the economic model that predicts the Grassland Park as a mecca for tourists bringing untold economic benefits to the area in line with Banff and Jasper. Should this area have been a National Park, it should have occurred in the same era as Banff and Jasper, before the area gained tens of thousands of residents, few

who will benefit from a park. The concept of this park is, in the minds of the majority of local residents flawed, fraudulent, and unnecessary. The creation of this park will spell the end of the lifestyle most local residents enjoy and perhaps take for granted. Why else are we all here?? Donald L Barker Cawston

Crowd silences hate at all-candidates To the Editor: First there was ripple and then a tide of moral indignation greeting a personal attack emitted through the public address system at last Friday’s all candidates forum in Keremeos. In an otherwise humdrum meeting, like so many of these dutiful observances can be, it was refreshing to realize that I was in a community of Canadians who can identify a voice of hate, reject it and, best of all, collectively shout it down. Hooray for us!

Dave Cursons Cawston

Alyce Coggan Cawston

Happy 60th Anniversary Ina & Ray Frasch

October 8, 1955 Married at Cawston United Church

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A 8 www.keremeosreview.com Thursday, October 8, 2015 The Review NEWS

Community services holds appreciation barbecue Susan Kellar LSCSS Coordinator of Volunteers

Under a bright sunny sky the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society welcomed more than 35 volunteers (including directors and staff) to our backyard barbecue September 20. Volunteers signed the guest book on the tailgate of Brian Mennell’s chuckwagon. A wagon wheel and sunflowers flanked the garden gate. Volunteers gathered on hay bales, in the gazebo, at the picnic table and around small tables. Tables were festooned with blue and red checked cloths and coordinating bandanas. Rosehip greenery and sunflowers in mason jars topped each table. Director Brian Mennell and Dave Cursons grilled up bratwurst sausages to perfection and Eileen Oliver-Bauer announced it was time to chow down. Each Volunteer received a LSCSS tote bag, our new promotional item for 2015. The bags contained notepaper and a rock uniquely and beautifully painted and donated by Cawston Artist Jean Wornell. Volunteers admired each other’s rock art. Jean was sent a big thanks along with an invitation to attend the barbecue. This Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue was a huge success. It is the first volunteer appreciation event put on outdoors and in the month of September. Feedback indicates everyone enjoyed the food and the opportunity to mingle and catch up. One volunteer was so delighted with the event she sent an email saying it was “the best gathering yet for volunteers!”

Submitted photo

Andrea Massing keeping volunteers hydrated at the LSCSS backyard barbecue held Sept. 20.

Submitted photo

Lower Similkameen Community Services Society welcomed more than 35 volunteers (including directors and staff) to our backyard barbecue September 20.

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For more information, visit fortisbc.com/choice. *Chart shows gas marketers’ rates for a range of fixed terms, valid as of October 1, 2015. Marketers typically offer a variety of rates and options. Check gas marketers’ websites or call to confirm current rates. **Residential variable rate valid as of October 1, 2015. FortisBC’s rates are reviewed quarterly by the British Columbia Utilities Commission. A gigajoule (GJ) is a measurement of energy used for establishing rates, sales and billing. One gigajoule is equal to one billion joules (J) or 948,213 British thermal units (Btu). The Customer Choice name and logo is used under license from FortisBC Energy Inc. This advertisement is produced on behalf of the British Columbia Utilities Commission.

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The Review Thursday, October 8, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A 9

New Interior Health president to start late October Review Staff

A familiar face will be at the helm of Interior Health starting Oct. 26. Chris Mazurkewich will hold the position of president and chief executive officer. “With a wealth of Canadian health system experience, a broad skill set, and indepth knowledge of our health authority, Mr. Mazurkewich is an excellent individual to lead our organization as we build on the quality improvements we have made over the years and establish new successes into the future,” said Erwin Malzer, chair of Interior Health Board of Directors. Mazurkewich rejoins Interior Health after spending four years at Alberta Health Services, most recently as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the provincial agency. In this role he worked in close partnership with the chief medical officer overseeing the clinical operations of the Alberta health service delivery system, including more than 100 hospitals, community and residential care programs, and support services, with a budget of almost $10 billion. Prior to his move to Alberta Health Services, Mazurkewich was the chief operating officer, strategic & corporate services, for Interior Health from its inception in 2002 until 2009. “As a strategic systems thinker, he will be a good fit with our high functioning execu-

tive and senior leadership teams – guiding us as we improve the cost effectiveness of our acute care system; accelerate a robust community care system; and better address population health needs in order to reduce future growth in demand on hospital and facility-based care.” Earlier this summer, president and CEO Dr. Robert Halpenny announced his intention to resign to pursue other opportunities. Halpenny’s last day as CEO will be Oct. 23. “Interior Health has been privileged to have an individual of Dr. Halpenny’s calibre lead our organizational journey for the past five and a half years and he will be missed,” said Malzer. “Mr. Mazurkewich is joining a health authority with more than 20,000 professional and engaged staff and physicians committed to high-quality care for their patients, clients, and residents – a testament to the work of Dr. Halpenny.”

A final art showing

Interior Health Board Chair Erwin Malzer and incoming CEO Chris Mazurkewich

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Dwayne Woloshyn stands with a print of his painting ‘Clash’ hung in his home in Olalla. Woloshyn is holding an art showing at Klippers Guest Suites Oct. 11 and 12. Review Staff

It might be his last art showing in the Similkameen Valley. Well-known local artist Dwayne Woloshyn is holding an art show at Klippers Guest Suites Oct. 11 and 12 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. both days. His art has been on the walls at Klippers since it opened earlier this year. Woloshyn has recently obtained immigration status and plans to move to the US sometime soon. “I’m a painter of abstract portraits and landscapes. The artistry of my work captures the immediacy and truth of the subjects I select,” he said. Woloshyn will also be doing private viewings at the gallery throughout the month. Call 250-4992863. To view his work online visit www.dwaynewoloshyn.portfoliobox.me.

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Thursday, October 8, 2015 The Review

Join us in a salute to our firefighters.

Desperate need for firefighters in Keremeos The Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department is still in need of new members. The department put a call out for members a few months in a front page story in the Reivew. Disappointingly, no one has come forward although there’s been interest in the junior program, which makes fire chief Jordy Bosscha hopeful. “We’ve put the word out there and we’re not getting much back. I don’t know if it’s that people think it’s going to take too much of their time or maybe they won’t be able to do it because of work. We have a lot of great employers that work with firefighters,” he said. Jordy has been chief of the volunteer fire department since 1998. Currently there are 23 members on the force, three are high school students and two people are on leave. A full contingent would be 34 members including four high school students. Jordy said in addition to helping out one’s community there are a lot of benefits to being on the volunteer force. The department offers a variety of training from first

aid/CPR, to rope rescue to confined spaces and moving water rescue and much more. “All of these things look good on a resume,” he said. Jordy said the junior program is a success. Currently there are three junior firefighters on the roster and there are several applications from area students. He said most will receive training regardless and as skills progress those qualified will receive a pager. “We can only have so many students but we try to get them all through training so they can all experience that and just in case someone leaves,” he said. With increasing interest in the junior program, Jordy hopes that might spur on some adult interest as well. Practice takes place for two hours once a week. Fire fighters are paid for their time and receive a $3,000 tax credit. The department sees about 130 calls each year – a mixture of MVI, medical and fire. “There’s a big need here. I hope people will come Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department chief Jordy Bosscha says the department is short handed and in desperate need of new forward,” he said. members.

Junior program offers exciting opportunities He’s following in a family tradition and loving every minute of it. Kiefer Bosscha joined the Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department last spring. He’s considered a junior member. The department has room for four junior members. Currently three spots have been filled. Kiefer’s grown up hearing about the department from his Dad, fire chief Jordy Bosscha and his friends, fellow volunteer firefighters. And so far everything has lived up to what he’s been told about being a firefighter. “I’ve learned so many things. I love it. It’s a great opportunity to learn life skills and to give back,” he said while at a short break from

his after school job. So far, the Grade 11 student at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School has completed courses including rope rescue, confined spaces rescue and auto extrication. He’s also learned a lot about hazardous materials and directing traffic in emergency situations. At this point he hasn’t attended too many serious fires or collisions but a recent vehicle collision involving a friend hit home. “I haven’t been to anything really bad yet but I did go to a collision awhile ago. I knew the person in the vehicle and after it was done it was like ‘wow, I knew that person. Wow, he could have been dead. I was glad I was there to help.” After a period of training and if they pass all requirements, junior members receive a pager. The young firefighters have a

Hedley Farmer’s Market EVERY SUNDAY June 5 - October 9 9 am - 1 pm Follow the Signs!

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Firefighters worked hard to put the Riverbed Bistro fire out earlier this year.

chance to learn everything full firefighters learn. The main difference is they don’t ride on the first truck when a call is paged out. Although Kiefer is busy with school, hockey and part time job at Trademark Auto he said he always makes time for fire calls and practice. “I get pretty busy but it’s fun. If I

have plans and something comes up I just change the plans that’s how important it is,” he said. Marc Hibak, from Trademark Auto in Keremeos said Kiefer’s been called out a handful of times while working for him and each time he’s gladly let him go. He doesn’t see it as a hinder to his business in the slightest. “He’s a great kid. They learn

A SALUTE TO OUR BRAVEST During Fire Prevention Week, we’d like to take a moment to thank our local firefighters for their hard work, bravery and dedication to saving lives. Their tireless efforts make our community a safer place to live. This week, show your appreciation by learning how you can help protect yourself, your family and our firefighters through fire prevention.

Lower Similkameen Indian Band

organization as a volunteer. They’re punctual, efficient, team players. This is all good to have around from an owner’s perspective,” he said. Anyone wanting more information about the Junior Firefighter program or to find out more about becoming a volunteer can call the fire hall.

Thank you volunteers for your devotion George Bush

Electoral Area Director

Area “B” of the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen

NEWS

The Review Thursday, October 8, 2015

www.keremeosreview.com A11

Join us in a salute to our firefighters.

Community at heart of volunteer firefighting Evin Hartfield joined the Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department with one goal in mind – to help the community. Twenty years later he’s still helping. “It’s just my way of giving back, I guess,” Evin said humbly about his contributions. In addition to being a firefighter, he also acts as the department’s fire prevention officer. A role he’s gladly taken on. “I really enjoy the kids. Often times from our discussions they will go home and pester their parents. They’re the ones that remember to check the fire alarm and tell their parents to check the fire extinguisher and think it’s a good idea to have a fire plan. They remind their parents about it,” he said. Each fall he holds discussions with students at both Cawston Primary School and Similkameen Elementary Secondary School. He brings the junior firefighters along. “It works out great. Sometimes the younger kids listen better because there is someone closer to

their age wearing turnout gear and showing them things. It shows them that if they want to do that later that they can,” he said. Back when Evin joined their was a waiting list to join the fire department. Although, he didn’t have to wait to join. “I don’t know how I got in,” he said. “I went in one Tuesday and said, ‘I’d like to join.’ and they said, ‘Ok.’ They didn’t train new recruits back then. They said, ‘See you on Tuesday at the next practice or at the next fire call.” During his career he’s taken courses to keep his skills up to date. He’s also been able to work as a wildfire firefighter because of his training as a volunteer. Over the years he’s went to hundreds if not thousands of calls but no matter how many - serious injury, death and loss of property is always difficult. “There was a fire where three boys were killed. That was a tough one,” he said. “That was hard for the whole community.” He also attended a plane crash

Be sure to check and replace your batteries often!

Pharmasave #250, Keremeos, BC 250-499-5543

Volunteer firefighters visit local schools each year to teach kids about fire safety and prevention.

that claimed the life of the lone pilot. The pilot was thought to be trying to do a touch and go – where the plane briefly touches the ground and continues to fly. “I was right across the road. I

heard it. I tried to get him out, but it exploded and blew me back,” he said. Evin, like many firefighters, have also had to attend scenes where a friend or loved one has

File photo

died in a motor vehicle collision. “It’s hard you know, but then it’s that thing of I’m glad it’s me that’s able to be there and help,” he said.

Lessons on fire saftey, saving lives A Canadian edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) popular children’s educational series – Learn Not to Burn (LNTB), has been released by the Canadian Council of Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners in conjunction with fire departments across the province and the fire and carbon monoxide safety web site, safeathome.ca. Teachers, pre-school educators and parents from British Columbia can benefit from free access to the made-for-Canada edition of the LNTB curriculum, to complement community Fire Prevention Week initiatives, October 4-10. Teachers across BC have been invited to download free Learn Not to Burn Lessons at www.safeathome.ca/lntb, and parents are encouraged to support the effort at home by using the online family fire safety activities. The online activities and in-class lessons dovetail with this year’s Fire

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Prevention Week theme ‘Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm’ which reinforces the importance of being able to hear smoke alarms at night when families are sleeping. On the web site and in the classroom, children aged 3 to 8, learn how to recognize the smoke alarm beep, what to do when it sounds, the fundamentals of a Home Fire Escape Plan, and how to tell between things that are hot and cold. The lessons are recommended by Curriculum Services Canada. “Learn Not to Burn has long been recognized as the top fire safety educational program for children,” says Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness, British Columbia. “The introduction of the new Canadian edition is exciting, with the curriculum enjoying wide scale distribution into Canadian classrooms, daycares and households.” “Hearing the Beep Where You Sleep underscores the importance of smoke alarms that are properly installed, maintained, and which haven’t been tampered with,” says Carol Heller, Home Fire Safety Expert with Kidde Canada. “Also, parents are encouraged to research new smoke alarm technologies that help make upkeep easier, such as tamper-proof designs, 10-year sealed lithium battery models, and additional safety features such as talking alarms for the bedroom.”

Ryan Campbell, Owner

Thank you to all the local firefighters for all you do for our community!

250-499-4422

Located at 400 9th Street (Across from Hilltop Esso)

Linda Larson, MLA Boundary Similkameen 6037 Main Street Box 998 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0

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TV GUIDE

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Thursday, October 8, 2015 The Review

Join us in a salute to our firefighters.

Hedley fire on lookout for recruits They’re one of the smallest fire department’s in the valley with one of the largest call outs. The Hedley Volunteer Fire Department has just 15 active members at this time and attends well over 50 calls a year. “We have 50 call outs just for medical a year,” Graham Gore, manager of the fire department said. “We’re a pretty busy hall.” In July of 2015 while many people are away on vacation the department was faced with 16 medical calls and two fire calls. “The people we got are really good. They’re a really dedicated bunch,” he said. The department has been to about four minor fires this year, including two chimney fires, minor fire in home, and a minor fire at an electrical pole/ substation. The department has also

helped with mutual aid in both Princeton and Keremeos with downtown business fires. Members range in age between 18 years old and 76 – Gore’s age. He first joined the department about seven years ago because there was a need for a person that had their air brakes license. “There’s a job for everyone on this department. It’s OK if you can’t do some things there are always things to do at a fire scene,” he said. The department trains all year-round on Tuesday nights. Hedley last bought a new fire truck in 2010 and Gore said volunteer numbers peaked at that time with about 20 members. But interest waned and numbers declined rapidly. “I’d like to see it up to 17, 18 or 19 would be better,” he said with smile.

File photo

Hedley firefighters often respond to collisions along Hwy. 3 and to mutual aid calls from Keremeos and Princeton. .

Gore said just in his time as a chief things have changed. The group now has service blues they wear when required to be in formal attire. They also follow a standard training all stations use in the RDOS and are implementing a new software program to organize the department’s affairs.

Gore said the department offers great learning opportunities for everyone. . Fire fighters have access to training on air brakes, first aid, first responders and much more. “Every one of us at some point is going to need the help of a fire department. If there’s

Fire extinguisher know-how for everyone Fire extinguisher know-hoFire extinguishers are an important safety component in any home or building. They can mean the difference between a devastating fire or a minor incident. Although a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life- and property-saving tool, many people are not properly skilled in the use of fire extinguishers. A large portion of the public has not received training on fire extinguisher use and when to use them. Sometimes the use of the wrong extinguisher can exacerbate a fire, as there are different fire extinguishers for different types of fires. Learning when and where to use an extinguisher can be a matter of life and death. Type of Extinguisher Not all fires are alike, and fir es started from different materials require the use of different extinguishing agents to safely and quickly put the fire out. There are five different types of extinguishers, and generally each will feature a symbol to show the applicable fire on which they can be used. Class A: These are used on ordinary

substances, like cloth, wood, paper, and plastics. Class B: These extinguishers are used on fires that feature flammable liquids, such as oil-based paints or gasoline. Class C: These extinguishers are used on electrical equipment, such as tools or appliances that are plugged in. Class D: Commonly found in specific factories, these extinguishers are used on flammable metals. Class K: Combustible cooking materials, like animal oils and fats, can be extinguished with this agent. They are commonly found in commercial kitchens, but are now infiltrating residential markets as well. Multipurpose: Some extinguishers combine different agents so they are applicable for a range of fires. When to Use a Fire Extinguisher Small fires may be smothered with an extinguisher. If the fire has spread or is already large in size, it’s likely only a trained firefighter can handle the blaze. Only use a fire extinguisher in these cir-

cumstances. 1. The fire is small and contained. 2. You have already called the fire department. 3. There is little chance of being consumed by toxic smoke. 4. You can escape safely if necessary. 5. The fire is not between you and the escape route. 6. You are physically able to carry its weight and exert thenecessary pressure to operate it. Fire extinguishers should be routinely inspected and maintained to ensure they will be effective. Some need to be shaken to keep the dry chemicals from settling. Others need to have the pressure at the correct level. An extinguisher may need to be recharged or replaced if it is damaged. Individuals can talk with firefighters about possible training courses in the use of fire extinguishers. This will help a person know the correct way to handle and activate an extinguisher should it need to be used

Similkameen Insurance Agencies Ltd. Main Street, Keremeos

We’re still locally owned and operated! Keremeos Building Supplies is now Home Building Centre Same Great Location: 620 - 8th Ave., Keremeos

250-499-5322

Hours: Mon - Fri, 8 am - 5 pm Saturday 8:30 am - 5pm

499-5714

Hats Off to Our

firefighter employers LOCAL EMPLOYERS:

Home Hardware - Keremeos Trade Marc Performance Fix ‘em Auto Kiwi Enterprises Grist Mill and Gardens Lower Similkameen Indian Band Robin Ridge Winery Village of Keremeos

OUT OF TOWN EMPLOYERS: Paradise Controls Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure Fortis Gas

Hilltop Esso 499-2862

499-2225 Show your support to the fire fighters in your community! Thank a fire fighter today!

Take time

to check for

safety items in your home!

The Village Of Keremeos

702 - 4th Street www.keremeos.ca email: town@keremeos.ca

The Review Thursday, October 8, 2015

Reports made to conservation regarding bears Continued from page 1

Under the Wildlife Act, anyone that shoots an animal in self defence must report it to authorities. Over the last several weeks several calls were logged into the conservation office about the mother and her cubs wandering around Olalla and getting into garbage. But to his knowledge no action was planned to deal with what he described as “nuisance bear behaviour.” “They were getting into garbage and going after unpicked fruit. They weren’t behaving in threatening or aggressive manners that I know of,” he said. Although the Review has heard from a few Olalla residents that conservation was working on finding a place to set a trap to catch the bears and relocate them, Hanratty said he knew nothing of that plan. “I’m not the only officer responsible. I’m not aware of any plans to put traps in the area,” he said. Hanratty said conservation was monitoring calls and would have acted if behaviour changed. He encouraged residents that live in areas known to have bears come through to put garbage out overnight in bear safe containers only, pick all fruit off trees, and do not leave food or food scraps outside where a bear might smell it. “It’s been a hot dry summer. The traditional bear foods are dried up and have died. They want to get their calories on before they den up,” he said. “We need to be responsible and not attract them in the first place.” Recently conservation officers have started ticketing residents who do not put their garbage out overnight in a bear proof container. Tickets for leaving out garbage and attracting dangerous wildlife are $230. For anyone with information about this incident or any others involving wildlife call the poachers and polluters line at 1-877-952-7277.

NEWS

www.keremeosreview.com A13

Candidates tackle park, pot Continued from page 1

Mellalieu used his lighthearted charm to first address the issue by saying the land provided a good place to go ATVing but that also Spotted Lake was pretty. “To come to a decision, cooperation is going to be need from all of us,” he said Wood reminded voters that the province was asking for feedback about the new boundaries and this was the time to give it. She fell short of stating she was supportive of forming a National Park but did lean towards some kind of conservation. “On the animals behalf, we need to come to the table and work this out to have the area protected in some way,” she said. One speaker during the evening was booed into silence but it wasn’t a politician. A resident from Hedley took an aggressive tone with Wood, also from Hedley, during the first half of the debate. The man stated unproven accusations at the former RDOS director before being quickly shutdown by the audience. “Cut him off. Why did you let him to speak to her like that,” one man said to the moderator of the event. The moderator then told Wood she was not required to provide an answer to his question. The man yelled at a member of the crowd before leaving the microphone where he stood at the back of room scowling at Wood until he left during the break.

A woman told the Review after the debate ended that she felt embarrassment that she lived in the same community as the man. “What must people think of people from Hedley,” the woman said. Another hot topic during the evening was whether or not the candidates supported abolishing the senate. Albas, conservative, said if his party formed government the senate would not be abolished and pointed to the complexity of changing the constitution. “It’s as much trouble to repair it as it is to get rid of it,” he said. Wood said the NDP would abolish the senate. Scott said the Liberals would make the Senate less partisan and make appointments of senators more merit-based. Mellalieu said the Green Party would not abolish but reform it.

“We want to try and fix it. Make it proportional representation. Our plan is we’re going to elect senate,” he said. A question from an audience member having difficulty obtaining a medical marijauana license elicited clear answers from three candidates. Wood said the NDP would decriminalize marjiuana. The Liberal candidate and the green candidate both said they would legalize it. Albas used his time to explain the Conservative change in medical marijuana regulations and that there are six conditions recognized by doctors when deciding if a patient qualifies to use medical marijuana. Athough he sympathized with those in pain he said, “there has to be proper studies done to ensure it’s safe,” he said. Candidates also fielded questions on the Syrian refugee crisis, the TPP trade deal, the CBC and other topics.

Look up and live

Parsons Farm Market

Farming in Keremeos since 1908

Also Have:

Now Picking:

• Sweet & Hot Peppers • Tomatoes & Canning Tomatoes • 6 varieties of basil • Winter Squash • New Potatoes 110 7th Ave. (Hwy. 3) 250.499.2312 Keremeos B.C. parsonsfarmmarket.com • Apples • Corn • Pears • Unique preserves and jams

Whether you’re pruning trees, installing an antenna or working on the roof, don’t risk making contact with overhead power lines. Always keep at least 10 metres away from overhead power lines. Look up and live. For more information, visit coopsafetyprogram.ca/lookup. A message from the partners of the Cooperative Safety Program 15-142.11 06/2015

SUPPORT

DAN ALBAS Investing in Keremeos and growing opportunities for the Similkameen Valley

Help Re-elect Dan as Member of Parliament for the Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola! TOLL FREE: 1-888-509-9177 • WWW.DANALBAS.CA Authorized by the Official Agent for Dan Albas

Dan was pleased to announce in July a multi million dollar investment with a new Chopaka station at the Nighthawk crossing.

NEWS

A 14 www.keremeosreview.com

CANADA

Candidates discuss qualifications

VOTES!

20 15 Dan Albas Conservative What qualifications do you have for the job of our Member of Parliament? To be effective in Ottawa it is vital to understand the needs of the communities and citizens we represent. My service began first as a volunteer working with non-profit organizations such as the United Way, Critteraid, Rotary and others and evolved into being elected as a city councilor before finally being elected as an MP.

Karley Scott, Liberal What qualifications do you have for the job of our Member of Parliament? I spent 10 years working for the federal government and have an in-depth understanding of how government works which will be of great benefit in caucus and the House of Commons. As a lawyer I am a skilled advocate and accustomed to standing up for my clients and will use those skills to stand up for the people in this riding.

This community experience helped me to pass a bill that was important to our region and more recently to help expedite invasive species regulations to protect our BC freshwater lakes against invasive mussels. My work in Ottawa has also been recognized with a nomination for a Golden Scissors award for cutting red tape from the CFIB and my house voting attendance record is among the top 5 in Canada. Locally I conduct an annual summer listening tour that has resulted in citizen’s ideas and suggestions becoming government policy. I am also a former small business owner who understands what it is like to make payroll and the importance of low taxes that helps to ensure families keep more of their money instead of sending it to Ottawa. I am known as a hard worker and publish an annual accountability report to keep citizens informed. As a mother I intuitively seek solutions that will improve current circumstances and benefit future generations. As a Metis woman I am inherently diverse and I excel at building collaborative relationships as a result – many issues are multi-jurisdictional and they require representation that can work collaboratively with other levels of government to find the best solutions. I understand the value of hard work. I landed my first job when I was twelve at the local video store and have worked ever since. My work experiences have been varied. I have been a cashier, lifeguard, swimming instructor, houseboat captain, bartender, server, public servant and lawyer. I have been both a union member and in management. I also understand the complexities entrepreneurs face. My husband works as CEO of a medium sized business and I run my own law practice.

Thursday, October 8, 2015 The Review

Robert Mellalieu, Green Party What qualifications do you have for the job of our Member of Parliament? The only qualification I need is to be Canadian. I am as

Canadian as the red serge and pacific salmon. However, I also have some skills that I have acquired in the 20 years I have run my business. Those skills are obviously missing in parliament today. My wife and I home schooled our son and through that process have learnt a lot about patience and understanding. I have been a director/chair/ president of many boards and clubs – Rotary, Antique Boat Society. During those tenures I learnt a lot of “politics” Of course anyone who has been happily married for 25 years knows politics too.

Angelique Wood, NDP What qualifications do you have for the job of our Member of Parliament? I have served for the past three years, 2011-2014 as an

Electoral Area Director for the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen. During that time I worked on two sub-provincial boards and travelled much of the area within this riding, working on issues of concern with local First Nations and mayors and councils. Maintaining the health and economic security of our significant seniors population and veterans, and out-migration of our youth are brought up consistently in every community. Doctor recruitment and retention are issues brought up regularly in our rural areas.

If you got this card, you’re ready to vote!

Federal election day is October 19. Did your voter information card arrive in the mail? It tells you that you’re registered to vote, and explains when and where you can vote. If you didn’t receive one, or if it has the wrong name or address, check, update or complete your registration at elections.ca. Or call 1-800-463-6868 ( TTY 1-800-361-8935). Elections Canada has all the information you need to be ready to vote.

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