Comox Valley Echo, January 01, 2016 by Black Press Media Group

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committee fed up with ‘turbidity’

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

ECHO

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Monday Sunny. Low 2°C. High 5°C.

Tuesday Sunny. Low 2°C. High 5°C.

For the latest Comox Valley Weather visit: www.comoxvalleyecho.com

Search and rescue team searching for new members Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue is once again recruiting for committed, team oriented volunteers who are in good health and are interested in the outdoors. Are you able to drop everything on a moment’s notice, to venture out on a dark and stormy night to help someone in need? If so, then we can teach you how to use these qualities to serve our community and Province. CVGSAR, one of the busiest SAR teams in the Province, annually commits some 16,000 hours

Learn how to do swift water rescue with CV Ground Search and Rescue

to training, operations and community events. Our team consists of 60 men and women, all highly skilled volunteer search and rescue technicians many with additional specialist skills in the following disciplines: swift water rescue, rope rescue, avalanche rescue, tracking, k-9 Search and Search Management. If tromping through a blizzard is not on your bucket list CVGSAR also has highly skilled and versatile auxiliary members who do not deploy into the ﬁeld but support search operations in a wide variety of

ways. CVGSAR members are on call 24/7, 365 days a year in support of requests from the RCMP, B.C. Ambulance, the BC Coroner Service, Parks Canada and the Department of National Defense as well as support municipal governments in time of civil disaster. While wilderness experience and skills in navigation, are preferred, if you are 18 years of age, physically ﬁt and willing to train regularly and to work as a member of a team, CVGSAR may be for you. (Continued on page 4)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE WELCOMES EIGHT NEW THERAPY DOGS to the programme. From left to right are Coco, Gunner, Thelma, Pinouche, Pepper, Biko, Rudy and Sebastien. These teams will take on the role of emotional support dogs at seniors’ facilities throughout the Comox Valley. With further evaluations, those who choose to will move on to assist in the Paws4Stories reading programme at local elementary schools.

Funding available from the Community Drug Strategy Committee’s alcohol and drug prevention education fund

The Community Drug Strategy Committee, an initiative of the City of Courtenay is offering funding to Comox Valley schools and community organizations to create projects that will help to prevent or delay the onset of substance use and/or provide information to promote the reduction of harms associated with substance use. This year’s theme is “Where We All Belong” and some of ideas that

the Committee would like the projects to focus on include: awareness of local substance-use services, continuum of services, compassion, anti-bullying, positive parenting, creating a safe community and information on one or more substances. A maximum of $500 is available for each project. To obtain funding a simple, one-page proposal must be submitted explaining the plans

for activities or programming and a speciﬁc plan for using the funding. The project should be tailored to meet the needs of the organization or school. To obtain an application for the Call for Proposals 2016 to submit your proposal, please contact Karen at drugstrategy@hotmail.com or 250-339-3603. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, January 8, 2016 at 4:30 pm.

(Continued from page 3) The mandatory Ground Search and Rescue Certiﬁcation Program, which runs approximately four months, provides recruits with training in basic SAR disciplines such as: An introduction to Search and Rescue in British Columbia, Search tactics, lost person behavior, wilderness navigation (map and compass), ﬁrst aid, communications, helicopter operations, introduction to rope rescue, swift water rescue, avalanche rescue, tracking, GPS navigation, and wilderness survival. The course runs weekly throughout the four

month period with some weekend demands and culminates in an overnight survival assessment and ﬁnal examinations, both written and practical. If the above interests you and you feel that you can commit to this challenging and rewarding ﬁeld of emergency services, come join the members of Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue for an information session on Thursday, January 14, 19:00 (7pm) at our hall at 3001 Moray Avenue, Courtenay, BC. If you are planning to attend, we ask that you RSVP to membership@cvgsar.com no later than Jan 4th.

After the holiday season, what will YOU do with your

Christmas Tree?

Don’t worry, I know what to do.

Thank you for a fabulous 2015! All the best in 2016!

Thankfully, there are many convenient and environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your tree. There are a number of tree chipping events in the region. City of Campbell River Sportsplex, 1800 S Alder St. January 2, 10am - 4pm

City of Courtenay Courtenay ﬁre hall, 650 Cumberland Rd. January 2 and 3, 10am - 4pm

Village of Cumberland Cumberland ﬁre department, 2679 Dunsmuir Rd. January 3, 4pm - 8pm contact 250-336-2531 for event information.

Town of Comox Comox ﬁre hall, 1870 Noel Ave. January 2 and 3, 10am - 4pm

You can also take your Christmas tree to the CSWM waste management centres. Open seven days a week from 8:30am – 5:30pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Comox Valley 2400 Pidgeon Lake Rd. Cumberland Campbell River 6700 Argonaut Rd.

Jesse and Family would like to thank all the businesses and community for their continual support throughout 2015 and for making it another successful Year for the Comox Golf Club. We would like to welcome any returning members and a special warm welcome to any new members to our club in the new year and we are looking forward to seeing you on the course. All the best in 2016 and Thank you.

Note: Christmas trees that are cut in half with each half no longer than three feet in length will also be picked up on regular waste pick up days in the Town of Comox and City of Courtenay. Curbside pick up of Christmas trees for Royston residents is Monday, Jan 4, 2016. For more holiday waste reduction tips and resources visit: www.cswm.ca/greenholidays

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

Local educational support centre looking for opportunity to grow in size and enrolment BY MARY LEE Echo Staff

A sense of belonging and the right to education is at the heart of the Comox Valley Learning Centre’s mission. Now in its second year of operations, the local alternative learning facility, provides support and relief to children and youth who face neuro-developmental disabilities. Disabilities can be the result of a development at birth or from a brain injury that has rendered the student challenged with the education system or in a school environment. The Comox Valley Learning Centre, a subsidiary of the Nanaimobased centre, Nanaimo Unique Kids Organization (NUKO), offers a safe, comforting environment tailored uniquely to individual students. In a less formalized setting such as in a typical school classroom, students at the centre can overcome their challenges, learn essential knowledge and build selfesteem all while acquiring essential life, social and coping skills. It is not a school, rather a centre where students engage in academic, social, recreational and behavioral learning. Students enrolled have an individual education plan (IEP) through Anchor Academy (Salmon Arm) or a learning plan through Self Design, a homeschooling programming. Teresa Nielsen, Executive Director, wants to do more for clientele and for the many more in the Comox Valley who could beneﬁt from their ser-

Kids and teachers hard at work, but having fun, too (Images: Comox Valley Learning Centre) vices. But space is limited and, in order to grow in programs and increase its capacity to accept more children, the centre is reaching out to he community for assistance. “All the kids that come to the centre have been unsuccessful in the public school system so it’s giving them a sense of belonging,” explains Blair. “We would like to expand and get a larger centre for next year and increase our numbers.” The centre is in a bit of a Catch-22 situation. Without the guarantee of increased enrolment, they cannot source a location to move into. Without the larger centre, it becomes difficult to actively recruit more enrolment. “Last year we found a great location,” explains Judith Blair, Centre Supervisor.

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I can tell you from my own experience that if my youngest child was back in the school system I would be homeschooling him. They couldn’t meet his needs. This is a wonderful program and he loves school now.” LISA SANDRI-RYE Board of Directors Co-chair

“But we didn’t have enough students enrolled”. Seeking a grant does offer some ﬁnancial relief but grants are dependent on enrolment. Raising awareness and fundraising are key to help make growth and expansion a reality and break the vicious cycle the centre now ﬁnds themselves in.

“We do need more families to be aware that we are here and that we offer the service, and to commit to signing up,” adds Nielsen. Results in the centre’s two years of operations have proven successful for students and for parents. The learning centre maintains a 3:1 student to staff ratio ensuring every student gets the attention they need to be successful in their learning. Staff also help students achieve nonacademic goals like social literacy, which is interspersed with essential recreational activity important for mind and body such as swimming, bowling and trips to the local library. Lisa Sandri-Rye, Board of Directors Co-Chair, has two children in the program and has been instrumental in the fundraising campaign to ensure the centre not only can grow, but can remain open. The centre still carries debt from the initial start up costs. “I can tell you from my own experience that if my youngest child was back in the school system I would be homeschooling him,” shares Sandri-Rye. “With his anxiety and the way the system is set up, they couldn’t meet his needs. This is a wonderful program and he loves school now.” Parents alike echo Sandri-Rye’s sentiments, describing the services as life-saving. An online fundraising campaign is available at https://www.youcaring. com/ComoxValleyLearningCentre The centre is also in need of support for their programs through donations of electronics such as iPads and a camera. More information is available at www.nuko.ca, by contacting Lisa Sandri-Rye at cvuniquekidslearningcentre@shaw.ca or by phoning the centre at (250) 941-1892.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

Water committee questions guidelines on turbidity level requirements Director Grieve calls it a classic case of the ‘little boy who cried wolf’ BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Comox Valley Regional Board Water Commitee is critical of Island Health’s strict guidelines on turbidity level requirements that lead to boil water advisories. Electoral C director Edwin Grieve calls the measures a bit extreme and very alarmist. Under Island Health’s requirement, the CVRD has to serve boil water notices when the turbidity levels go up to one nephelometric turbidity unit or NTU. It needs to be less than one NTU before the advisory can be lifted. The regional district experienced an extended boil water advisory last December and earlier this year. A couple of weeks ago because the turbidity in the water was at 1.1 NTU, slightly above the

All I can say is that with this kind of situation, it’s going to get to a point where people will ignore it. Health care professionals that I know ignore it because they do the science.” EDWIN GRIEVE CVRD director, Area C

Silt from Perseverance Creek oozes into Comox Lake in December 2014 leading to a lengthy boil water adivsory due to ‘turbidity’ accepted level, it was imposed again for a week .

CVRD general manager of engineering Marc Rut-

tan told the board that water testing is done regular-

ly at the end points of its distribution system. When a boil advisory is on, it is done on a daily basis. Ruttan said that so far the tests, during a boil water adivsory, have not shown harmful viruses and bacteria are in the water. “We hovered at 1/10th above the accepted turbidity level for over a week and no pathogens were found,” Grieve said.

“Would this not be a classic case of the little boy who cried wolf. All I can say is that with this kind of situation, it’s going to get to a point where people will ignore it. Health care professionals that I know ignore it because they do the science.” Grieve asked if there have been any peer review on studies regarding water turbidity and its impact to human health or “is the local health authority the judge, jury and prosecution that are all rolled into one.” Ruttan explained that Island Health set the regulations and provide the water permits to the CVRD to operate. “We are compelled to operate within that permit,” said Ruttan. Grieve asked what if they have a “truckload of science saying this is over the top, we still have no case?” Ruttan said that Island Health’s requirement is a precautionary approach. “They do know that increases in turbidity above a certain amount can harbour viruses and bacteria and can protect them from the disinfecting process,” said Ruttan.

(Continued on page 7)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

Fire departments will chip your tree for charities

The Comox Fire Station will be helping out the environment and a local charity by chipping Christmas trees. The trees will be recycled as compost and the cash donation will go to Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone). Drop off your tree (no tinsel please) at the Comox Fire Station or call to schedule a pickup from your home (in Comox); see details below: DATES: Saturday, Jan 2nd AND Sunday, Jan 3rd TIMES: 10am - 4pm WHERE: Comox Fire Station, 1870 Noel Avenue, Comox COST: by cash donation - all proceeds go to Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not

Alone) PICK UP: You can have your tree picked up from your home (in Comox) by a ďŹ reďŹ ghter for a minimum $5 cash donation - call 250-339-2432 to schedule a pickup. The Courtenay Volunteer Fire Department will also offer their annual Christmas Tree Chipping fundraising event on Saturday, January 2 and Sunday, January 3 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at two locations: the Courtenay Fire Department on Cumberland Road and Thrifty Foods - Crown Isle location. $5 minimum donation with all proceeds to local charities and youth sport groups.

(Continued from page 6)

ďŹ eld, during a boil water advisory drinking straight from the tap. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just met with a doctor and she said she did not boil her water because it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t what she considers a true risk,â&#x20AC;? said Courtenay director Bob Wells. Comox director Ken Grant noticed at the last boil water advisory that staff at the Comox Recreation Centre did their due diligence by covering the drinking fountains with a bag to keep the public from quenching their thirst from them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The very ďŹ rst guy rips the bag off and not one person paid attention to this,â&#x20AC;? said Grant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That goes to Edwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Grieve) point that the danger is in crying wolf. And if ever we do have a problem, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your problem.â&#x20AC;? The CVRD has only one form of disinfection and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s through chlorination. Island Health does not consider it sufficient and wants the CVRD to establish a ďŹ ltration plant to

In her communication with the CVRD, medical officer Dr. Charmaine Enns conďŹ rmed for the public that boil water notices due to increased turbidity in unďŹ ltered water supplies are an important public measure. The populations most affected by drinking unboiled water are the elderly and people with underlying health conditions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boil water notices are issued in order to warn the public to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the unacceptable risk of pathogens in the water,â&#x20AC;? she told the CVRD. Ruttan suggested that the board members continue to raise this issue with the health authority. That they bring up the science and based points within the decision making tree on turbidity. Some members of the board have encountered people, including those working in the health

Board of directors (l to r) Don Castleden, Paul Horgen, Barbara Wellwood, Bill Heath, Tim Ennis, Dan Bowen, Brian Storey, and Bill Heidrick. Photo by Kathryn Clouston

Project Watershed celebrates new board of directors On December 29th, the Comox Valley Project Watershed Society (www.comoxvalleyprojectwatershed.ca) held a celebratory event at the Forty Knots Winery with its new eight member Board of Directors. The Society was established in 1993 and has been involved with wa-

add signiďŹ cant protection despite increased turbidity in the water. The CVRD is now working on this project that is expected to be completed in 2019. Grant has a problem with the decision-making tree on turbidity. He indicated that there is an alternative option to issuing a boil-water advisory.

tershed stewardship for 23 years, the last ďŹ ve focusing on our estuary. A vision for the estuary was conceived based on First Nations principles of sustainability. In 2011, the Society signed an historic Memorandum of Agreement with the Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;omoks First Nations to work in partnership to

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The other option is to say consider issuing a communication to the public if the water is noticeably turbid that they may want to take some other precautions,â&#x20AC;? said Grant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That never even seems to get considered. And yet we were hovering at 1.1 NTU or 1/10th of a point over. That would

from all the staff

more to this than just throwing a boil water advisory on and putting a few people out for a week,â&#x20AC;? said Grant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This becomes a pretty big issue. A pretty expensive issue. We need to really study this well and to make sure we do this right. I surely donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to spend $70 million bucks that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have.â&#x20AC;?

Thank You

t 5IPTF 3FTJEFOUT XIP XPVME OPSNBMMZ IBWF ("3#"(& :"3%8"45& TFSWJDF GBMM PO $ISJTUNBT %BZ y Those Residents who would normally have GARBAGE & YARDWASTE service BOE /FX :FBST EBZ XJMM CF QJDLFE VQ PO .POEBZ %FD UI .POEBZ +BO fall on Christmas Day and New Years day will be picked up on Monday Dec t 5IPTF $PNPY 3FTJEFOUT XIP XPVME OPSNBMMZ IBWF 3&$:$-*/( TFSWJDF GBMM PO 'SJEBZ %FDFNCFS UI 28th 2015 & Monday Jan 4, 2016 XJMM CF QJDLFE VQ PO y Those Comox Residents who would normally have RECYCLING service fall on th Friday December 25 will be picked up on: Monday Dec 28, 2015 t .POEBZ %FD y Those Courtenay Residents who would normally have RECYCLING service fall t 5IPTF $PVSUFOBZ 3FTJEFOUT XIP XPVME OPSNBMMZ IBWF 3&$:$-*/( TFSWJDF GBMM PO 'SJEBZ +BOVBSZ TU on Friday January 1st will be picked up on: Monday Jan 4, 2016. XJMM CF QJDLFE VQ PO All other days of service will have no changes during the holiday period, and regular t .POEBZ +BO

Happy Holidays

(Continued on page 8)

have been a good option at this time. And yet it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even considered. I am having a bit of trouble with all of that because these all is the precursor for us having to spend $70 million bucks that we may or may not need.â&#x20AC;? Grant feels UV ďŹ ltration might be a good solution and is way cheaper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a whole lot

Notice to be theadvised City of Courtenay and Town Residents! Please that Emterra will not of beComox operating on Please be advisedChristmas that Emterra willDay not beor operating Christmas Day or New Years Day. New on Years Day.

th service resume on during Jan 8the 2016. AllFriday other days of servicewill will have no changes holiday period, and regular Friday service will resume on Jan 8th 2016. To help with your excess garbage during the holidays, Emterra will collect extra on To help with your excess garbage during the holidays, Emterra will collect extra on your collection day from Dec 21rd 2015 to rd rd your collection day from Dec 21 2015 to Jan 8 2016. JanPlease 8rd 2016.Note: Xmas trees will only be taken from the curb if they are cut in 3 foot Please Note: Xmas trees will only be taken from the curb if they are cut in 3 foot sections. sections. Please have all out atall theout curb at by 8:00am Please have the curb by 8:00am

protect and restore the estuary. In 2016, we are working with the new Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;omoks First Nations Guardians to move our protection and restoration efforts forward, notes Dan Bowen Technical Director.

On behalf of the executive, parents & players of the Comox Valley United Soccer Club we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the following businesses for their generous sponsorship donation for the 2015 soccer season. Tim Hortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s -The Brocklehurst Family McDonald's Comox Valley -Stuart & Jessica Aldred Ryan Williams -Remax Ken Derksen -Investors Group Kirk Campbell -Investors Group Shoreline Orthodontics -Dr. Paul Helpard Dunn Right Towing -Damon Dunn Top Notch Soccer -Carey Cordocedo

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings and a Happy New Year to All

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

CSWM installs landfill gas flare The Comox Strathcona waste management (CSWM) service will begin operation of the new landfill gas flare system at the Comox Valley waste management centre (CVWMC) by mid-January. The first phase of CVWMC landfill closure project started May 2015 and continued into the fall with onsite work that included the installation of a gas collection system and flare. According to the region’s solid waste management plan, the CSWM service is required to close the existing Comox Valley landfill in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent air and groundwater impacts. The existing landfill will be replaced with a state-ofthe-art engineered landfill slated for construction that will take place in 2016 and 2017. The landfill gas flare system includes two large blowers that act as giant vacuums pulling gas away from the landfill to a candlestick flare where landfill gases are then ignited in controlled conditions. Typically, landfill gas is composed of approximately 50 to 60 per cent methane and 40 per cent carbon dioxide.

Picture of the blowers that are connected to the gas flare and overhead structure that was built to protect the equipment – conforming to the strict electrical requirements around gas equipment. Carbon dioxide does not derive from fossil fuel, is part of the natural carbon cycle and is not considered a contributor to greenhouse gas effects. Methane, however, is considered a contributor due to its higher in-

(Continued from page 7) An estuary management plan was crafted and from this document, the local governments (four bordering the estuary) renamed the estuary the K’omoks Estuary to recognize the traditional importance of the estuary to the K’omoks people. In 2013, the Society began developing an estuary restoration strategy that involved restoration of shorelines and eelgrass, and connecting this to blue car-

frared absorption capacity. Therefore, flaring the landfill gas contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gases which has a beneficial effect on climate change. The gas flare is an interim solution that allows the CSWM service

bon, climate adaptation and carbon sequestration. When working with the governments that border the estuary, the economic value and ecosystem service beneﬁts of a healthy estuary were always stressed. The Society’s Blue Carbon Team have restored over 6000 m2 eelgrass (Z/Marina) and have pioneered a new approach for salt marsh shoreline restoration. Most recently, they have initiated bull kelp restoration

to continue to explore sustainable long-term uses for landfill gas. The public will have limited visibility of the flare from the recycling dropoff area at the CVWMC and Bevan Road. The gas flare is located

as part of a plan to restore the salmon highway in the Comox Valley and potentially the coast of BC. Currently, Project Watershed is completing a $300,000 project involving breaching an old sewer lagoon which allows daily ﬂushing and the break down of an old barrier to ﬁsh migration as well as creating additional salt marsh habitat Furthermore, reports Paul Horgen, Board Chair, we will complete our work at the new Royston Seaside Trail

2016 First Baby Of The Year born in the Comox Valley will be showered with gifts from these thoughtful merchants.

between the active landfill and the will monitor the flame to ensure proper CVRD’s biosolids composting facility. operation. There are pneumatic shut off valves and a flame arrestor also in place for added safety.

to open the small lagoon there to daily tidal ﬂushing. We ended the year with a public forum to our ideas and plans for the old sawmill site in Courtenay, reports Jennifer Sutherst, Staff Biologist and Estuary Coordinator. Project Watershed’s efforts will be aided as they move forward with its new association with North Island College as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May of this year 2015 by Board Chair Horgen, and NIC President,

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The gas ﬂare is scheduled to be in operation by mid-January, 2016. For more information on the CVWMC landﬁll closure project including newsletters that can be downloaded visit, www. cswm.ca/plan .

John Bowman. The year-end event at Forty Knots is to celebrate and welcome our two new Board members, Barbara Wellwood and Tim Ennis to celebrate an outstanding year of restoration efforts and to thank the management and owners of the local winery, Brenda Hetman, and Craig and Layne Robert for pledging a portion of the sales of their vintage, “Safe Haven” to support the efforts of Project Project Watershed.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

The most precious gift of all

A few days before Christmas, just after lunch, our 4-year old grandson Dax, asked me if he could go out in the back yard, where he usually plays with his digger. Today he wanted to ride his scooter a bit. Our yard is fully fenced, gated and latched. OK I said. We had just played lots of snakes and ladders together and I was tired and his papa was in the office. You see, we had just moved in to our new house two months ago, which backs on to a huge wooded area, where we walk the trails with him frequently. Right now, the streams are muddy and swollen. After 15 minutes on the couch I went out to check on him and discovered that he was gone. I frantically called my husband who ran out the back and ran up and down our usual trails. (Not a good way to put on ﬁt bit miles)! I took the car out the front and drove down to Queneesh Elementary, his new school, come the fall, but I could not ﬁnd him. Meanwhile 45 minutes had gone by and then I phoned 911.

To make a long story short, I want to thank the dispatcher, the RCMP who sent out numerous patrol vehicles and officers who were about to launch the helicopter and send in the tracking dog, as well as the search and rescue members. Last but not least, the kind lady, who found Dax and stayed with him until the police cruiser showed up. All of you did an amazing job in coordinating this search. It turns out that Dax had unlatched the front gate, ran down Mission Ridge, crossed the Veterans Memorial Parkway and stopped at the playground at Queneesh Elementary, where the kids laughed at him because he was so small. Then he kept running down Mission and crossed at Muir and decided to go to the Sandwick Playground, after knocking on his Dad’s door, who was gone, across the street. Thank you to everyone involved for this most precious gift. The return of our grandson. In one piece. We shall never forget this day. Ellen Stolting

COMOX VALLEY ECHO A division of Black Press Ltd.

407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 www.comoxvalleyecho.com Phone 250-334-4722 • Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 1-866-415-3535 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Publisher Keith Currie Editor Debra Martin Deb Fowler Production Manager Ryan Getz

The Comox Valley Echo 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 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org. All original content in this publication is copyright material belonging to Black Press. Any re-use or reproduction without the expressed, written consent of the copyright owner is strictly prohibited.

Richard Neveaux Courtenay

COMMUNITY SPIRIT A letter to Comox councillor Barbara Price: We are old timers in the Valley and remember supporting the acquisition of Macdonald Wood Park while we were still living at Saratoga Beach. We felt

and still feel the need to identify and nurture the green spaces which are so vital to our health and well being. It is beyond my understanding that the present sewage commission should propose a pump station for the Croteau Road beach access immediately next to Macdonald Wood, when this land has been identiﬁed

as worth preservation. The pumping station area in estuary is already zoned and has space to have the new pump. Apparently there are upgrades scheduled for this location in the next decade which could include the proposed pump station. It makes no sense to place a sow’s ear of a pump station next to

Macdonald Wood which is a silk purse in our environment. Hopefully the powers that contemplate this travesty will ﬁnd s sense of community spirit during this festive season, putting ﬁtting items beside each other rather than in odious opposition. Joy Johnston Comox

Looking ahead for 2016 in the Town of Comox BY PAUL IVES Mayor Town of Comox For the year 2016, Town of Comox will remain focussed on efficient delivery of services and on effective maintenance and enhancement of amenities and infrastructure for our residents. Recent reductions in development cost charges and ongoing promotion of downtown development incentives should help to spur inﬁll and mixed use construction within our downtown core, which in turn should result in growth in our retail and service industries. New construction at the Ambleside (Stewart/

Comox), the Lorne, the Vista Bay Housing, and the Renaissance (Balmoral) projects should be underway early in the New Year. Another key focus will be the commencement and completion of the ﬁrst phase marina enhancement and revitalization project, funded in partnership with the federal and provincial governments ($1.8m), that should bring more visitors and locals to our waterfront amenities. Accompanying this project may be a new waterpark being proposed by the Comox Rotary Club and the Comox Business in Action group. One of our most sig-

nificant infrastructure projects will be the Robb Road rebuild to occur over the next two years, with the first part (from Anderton to Church) going out to tender for construction in 2016 in a budgeted amount of $1.5m, and with the second part (from Church to Pritchard) to be built in 2017 for a similar budgeted amount of $1.5m. Council will be reviewing its strategic plan in January and working to complete its budget discussions in February so that other infrastructure projects can be tendered early. At a regional level, there will be several significant initiatives to be pursued:

1) sewage pump station; 2) water ﬁltration, and, 3) future role of St. Joseph’s General Hospital. These will require serious attention, public consultation, and engagement with senior levels of government regarding funding opportunities. As always, it will be a busy year ahead, however with strong leadership from council and senior staff, we will be able to make the kinds of forward-looking decisions that residents and taxpayers have come to expect of local government, taking into account both economic growth and environmental protection. Wishing you all the best of the New Year!

10 FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

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BEEFS & BOUQUETS BEST WISHES for all who drive our highways and roads in making 2016 a Happy and Healthy New Year. The 3 main causes of death and serious injury on BC Roads are Speeding, Distracted driving and Impaired driving. Let’s hope that the BC Government gets serious about preventing fatal accidents by getting bad drivers off our roads in 2016. Photo

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com weeks, they replaced and adjusted the lenses several times with no extra cost to me, a ﬁxed-income senior. It has been a long time since I have had the pleasure of dealing with folks who are so patient and courteous.

the store is small Cara donates the furniture she receives to the Sally Ann. She also donates to ﬁre victims. Because I didn’t have to pay I was able to go to the Lunch Box for lunch. It is my favorite take out. The food is delicious,

SIGN AHEAD said, “Pavement ahead closed. Please use other side.” It made me cross - on the road from 5th St to Condensory Bridge.

RX :LVKLQJ \ D KDSS\ \ K DQG KHDOW Closed January 1 Mon-Sat 8:30-5 Sundays 9:30-5 Dec. 31 9-3 www.artknappcourtenay.ca radar, drones, speed averaging devices, patrol cars – whatever it takes. The two recent fatalities on Highway 19 are clear messages for the need to address driver behavior. Our divided highway is no longer safe. Happy New Year THANK YOU to the kind donor of the little Santa Claus placed on the rock in my garden. Please say hello when you pass by and see me gardening. Happy 2016! FOR SERVICES “above and beyond”, a big bouquet of spring ﬂowers to Dr Kennedy and the staff at Mosaic Vision Care. To get my ﬁrst pair of reading glasses just right, over the course of three

THIS IS A BOUQUET for Cara at Karma’s Collectibles. Yesterday Cara greeted us when we entered the store. She said take two garbage bags and fill them up. It is all free! We filled one bag. I got a stunning black velvet dress, a green dress and 7 outfits for my 2-year old niece. My fiance got 4 high end shirts and a winter jacket. He paid for his dress slacks. Adult clothes are

A GREAT BIG, fragrant bouquet to the kind person who found my watch

I HAVE 2 BOUQUETS. First to the person that broke into Smoking’ Joe’s Smoked Salmon. Thank you very much for not destroying and doing too much damage when you visited our store during closing hours. For the second, I really wish to give an entire truck load of ﬂowers

THANKS AND A TIP OF THE HAT to two different nearby neighbours who we don’t even know who took the time to hand deliver envelopes of mail in the last week that were put into their mailboxes in error. Both were very clearly marked with the proper address on Guthrie Road in Comox and ended up quite a ways form us - one on a different street!

2 dollars and children’s clothes are a dollar. Cara has a facebook account. Check it out. She doesn’t charge the grads for their dresses,shoes and jewellery. Because

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: Steve Hill, of Comox Winner of two classic cheese baskets from Dairy Queen Winners, you may pick up your prize certiﬁcates at the front desk of the Echo, 407-D Fifth Street, during regular business hours. Thanks to everyone for the great submissions- keep ‘em coming!

January 2

Meat Draw and

January 5

Euchre 1:30pm

Dancing 2pm - 5pm Remembrance Day January 6

Crib and Gucci 6:30pm

January 7

Crib and Gucci 6:30pm Friday Night Meat Draw Meat Draw +Dance

January 8 January 9

to the lady that took time to come to our store and phone 911 on Christmas Day, you are an angel and wishing you all the very best for the New Year.

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do with Isfeld School, it is to do with supporting the school and nothing to do with the Paris attacks. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.

RESPONSE TO A BIG BEEF in last week’s Beefs and Bouquets. Why is it, when someone has their personal name (do you realize how many people are named Icesis) on a license plate, it has to do with something; especially after the fact, eg. Paris attacks. Do you know they put this on their license plate because of the Paris Attacks? If it is not their name and to

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS! Our weekly feature, Beefs and Bouquets, is intended to be a light-hearted forum for you, our readers, to express brief views on issues and events in your lives. It’s not intended to hurt people or make unsubstantiated and libelous comments. Names won’t be published with the beefs and bouquets; however, we do need your full name, mailing address and telephone number for verification purposes. Each week someone will win a 2 Classic Cheese Basket Meals from Dairy Queen. Have fun with this!

Ball Cap Steak Night last Friday of the Month

and dropped it off at the Comox Quality Foods service desk. I was surprised and delighted to see it again after retracing my steps several times along my dog walking route before it occurred to me to check with them. (That’s right, blame it on the dog). This is just another reason why it’s great to live in Comox. Thank you. MERRY CHRISTMAS BOUQUETS to Helena Jung, Julie & Ken Nichol, Canadian Military Wives Choir, Karen & Larry Baille, Tammy Fassaert, Helen Austin for your concerts at St. Joe’s! Thanks for photos, Denny & Jim, and Santa, Ron Burr. Much appreciated by all! AGREE with the speeding on Crown Isle. It should be 40, then maybe people will drive the 50. The 50 was established years ago when there were hardly

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

(Continued from page 10)

hardly any homes and no Costco. The cars are doing 60-70 and they

What’s W h Your New Year’s Resolution? more meat

FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

don’t stop at stop signs. Saw a new one today. Rather than wait at the light on Ryan to turn left to Costco, they are turning right into Crown Isle and then making a u-turn and speeding through the green light irregardless of other cars. Even the Loomis truck! MANY THANKS to the people who took the time to decorate vehicles & spent the evening of Dec. 18 driving around entertaining other people. I was thrilled! A BOUQUET of cedar boughs to my neighbour who responded to my beef regarding the theatre bells ringing for 7.5 minutes daily since late October They

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www.pacificsleep.ca made a valid point that most residents within a 3 block radius of the former Catholic church on Harmston, either enjoy the bells or don’t notice them. When neighbours learn the frequency and duration of the bells, they agree that its too much

considering they signify nothing of importance. When they learn that the bells masters, the Old Church Theatre Society, have yet to return any of my phone calls, they are taken aback by the lack of ownership to explain the bells necessity, validate my concerns or ﬁnd a solution. I, for one, am being harmed by the 9am bell. My sleep is being affected and that matters. Gone are the days of getting much needed rest after serving my community or seeking culture. Gone are Sunday morning sleep ins or the feeling of waking up refreshed. Instead I’m often jarred awake by 2.5 minutes of bells. Yes, I’m irritated and sleep deprived. I am also angry and

frustrated that my attempts to seek fairness have been ignored. So please tone down the name calling and spare me your resentment for having a difference of opinion and voicing my concerns. Would there honestly be any harm in dropping

It doesn't take much alcohol to impair your driving: Just because you've only had a couple of drinks doesn't mean you're okay to drive. B.C.'s drinking-driving laws are saving lives Two years after B.C. introduced Canada's toughest provincial impaired driving law, an estimated 104 lives have been saved and impaired driving has dropped significantly.external link

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the morning bell completely? The neighbours could still enjoy 5 minutes of bells at noon and 6pm daily, the theatre could still masquerade as a church and I could get the rest I need. Equity is achieved and no one feels abused or ignored!

Have a Safe Holiday Season Thank you for another Great Year

Police in B.C. can issue an immediate roadside prohibition external link to an impaired driver with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .05 or higher. (The BAC is based on a breath sample into a roadside screening device.) The vehicle the person is driving can also be immediately taken off the road and impounded for three to 30 days. Costs related to these offences can add up to an estimated $600 to $4,060—even if it’s the first time a driver is caught.

Make the smart choice — tips on getting home safely • Choose a designated driver before the first drink is poured. A true designated driver is the person who has no alcohol to drink. Period. • Keep money aside for a bus or taxi, or call a sober friend.

Be Safe on the Roads this Holiday Season

• Don’t get in a car with an impaired driver. Ask to get out of the car if necessary. • Just say no. Don’t let people who are drinking alcohol drive.

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DRINK & DRIVE this Holiday Season!

• Remember that drinking and driving starts with your first drink. Alcohol affects your judgment, reaction time, coordination and visual function; your ability to steer, track moving objects and brake appropriately; and ability to control your speed and lane position. TRAVEL

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Celebrate Safely... Don't Drink & Drive! 660 England Ave.

444 Lerwick Rd.

250.338.1383 250.331.5101

The information in this publication is intended to provide general information only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice. We have used plain language to help you understand your optional policy or some of the laws related to the topic of this publication. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. You should follow the more detailed wording and requirements of current applicable statutes and regulations or policy, even if they contradict the wording and requirements set out in this publication.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

Therapies for quitting smoking for life

BY DR. DEIDRE MACDONALD

People often ask me what’s the most important thing one can do in order to enjoy good health. Without a doubt, quitting smoking is the number one way for individuals to improve their health. Smoking still tops the list of preventable causes of death in Canada. While the numbers have gone down in recent years, one in seven Canadians still smoke. Smoking has costs beyond health: the average smoker in B.C. smokes 14 cigarettes per day. That adds up to $2500 per year spent on cigarettes! Over 20 years, the average smoker will have spent almost $50,000 on their habit. Quitting smoking is no small task. While 64% of Canadians who start smoking do eventually quit, the success rates for quitting are dismal. Only 11% of Canadians who try to quit remain abstinent for a year. Despite those stats, nearly twothirds of smokers say they are seriously considering

A division of

quitting. So what is the best way to quit? If you are considering quitting smoking, you’ll want to consciously chart a plan for success by considering your quitting options and committing to a plan that suits you best. It is important to understand why people smoke. Most non-smokers assume that people smoke because they enjoy the sensation of smoking. They mistakenly assume that the prime motivator is a love of the smell, taste and feel of smoking. The reality is that the main reason people keep smoking is because they don’t like how they feel when they don’t smoke. The withdrawal symptoms and subsequent cravings for cigarettes are so uncomfortable that smokers are driven to do whatever it takes to make those feelings stop (i.e. smoke again, and again and again). So any successful quitsmoking program must address cravings. Three popular methods attempt to do just that. Nicotine

Dr. Deidre Macdonald using laser therapy

replacement patches and gum help to reduce cravings by providing a replacement supply of nicotine. The British Medical Journal reported that these methods have a 19% success rate (versus 11% success on a placebo). Prescription drugs have a similar success rate but have side effects as well as their own set of withdrawal symptoms. Laser acupuncture therapy signiﬁcantly reduces cravings and facilitates successful, cold-turkey smoking cessation. It has been used world-wide to help millions of people quit smoking and the success rates vary from 54-93%, depending on the methods used. Laser treatments use a painless therapeutic light beam to deeply stimulate acupuncture points. The most successful laser quit-smoking programs also include instruction on relapse prevention. The laser treatment can make quitting much easier, but staying smoke-free when the stress of life hits requires

#UsedHelps

a more comprehensive plan. The most successful programs include mindfulness training, which is a combination of relaxation techniques and mental strategies for getting through cravings. A study comparing an eight-week mindfulness program to an eight-week standard quit-smoking program showed dramatic results. Four months later, 31% of those in the mindfulness group were smokefree, compared to only 6% in the standard treatment group. The best success is found in combining all three: laser therapy, mindfulness techniques and standard quit-smoking strategies. So your 2016 New Year’s “stop smoking” resolution need not go up in smoke. There are ways to put out your habit for life.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who is the medical director at the Macdonald Centre for Natural Medicine and Laser Rehabilitation. (250) 897-0235. www. getwellhere.com

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Legion to host Robbie Burns Dinner

Internet and Social Media Safety for Parents session offered for free Monday

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 17 Courtenay, is again putting on a Robbie Burns Dinner. Following last year’s smashing success, the event will be held on Sunday, January 17 at 2 p.m. in the Upper Hall of the Legion. The event is organized by Ken MacLeod. The dinner will be a home-cooked roast beef dinner with traditional Burns Supper trimmings, including haggis. It will feature the address to the Haggis by George MacFarlane, the parade of the haggis led by piper Rob York, and various toasts, including a “Toast to the Immortal Memory” of the bard Robbie Burns. And that’s not all, folks. There will be singing of traditional Scottish songs

Back by popular demand, in partnership with Lake Trail School the Comox Valley District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) presents Darren Laur, of Personal Protection Systems, Inc., speaking on the topic of Internet, Social Media Safety and Digital Citizenship for Parents on Monday, January 4, 2016 6:30 to 8:30pm in the Lake Trail Middle School Gym. Admission is free with donations to the Food Bank accepted at the door. This talk will be of interest to parents who have children using social media, or about to begin using social media. As the internet becomes more and more a part of everyday life, we share more information. Do you

and featured entertainers including the “Nightingale of the Comox Valley,” Jacqueline Lambeth, noted pianist Kelly Thomas on the keys, and other excellent singers and entertainers. Tickets are $20 each and are available at the office (250-334-4322 ) or lounge (250-334-4911 ). Last year’s event sold out several days before the dinner, so be sure and get your tickets early.

Jaqueline Lambeth will sing at Robbie Burns dinner

and your children know how to keep your information as private as possible online? Unfortunately, many of us who are using Social Media and the Internet are not always taking the appropriate safety precautions to help lessen the risks from those who might want to victimize our families online for personal gain. This awardwinning presentation will provide important information that parents need to know to help keep their children safer, increase their privacy and protect their digital footprint. For more information about the presentation topics, please visit www.personalprotectionsystems.ca. To contact DPAC, email dpac@sd71. bc.ca

†$2,000/$3,000/$2,500 Honda cash purchase incentive is available on select 2015 CR-V models (LX AWD, SE, EX, EX-L, Touring), select 2015 Accord models (2D EX, 2D L4 EX-L Navi, 2D V6 EX-L Navi 6MT, 4D LX CVT, 4D Sport, 4D EX-L, 4D Touring) and select Civic models (2D LX, 2D EX, 2D EX-L Navi, 2D Si, 4D DX, 4D LX, 4D EX, 4D Touring). Honda cash purchase incentive will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes and cannot be combined with special lease or finance offers. **MSRP is $30,045/$27,045/$17,245 based on a new 2015 CR-V LX AWD RM4H3FES/Accord 4D L4 LX CVT CR2F3FE/Civic 4D DX 5MT FB2E2FEX including $1,695/$1,695/$1,495 freight and PDI. Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent's fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. Offers valid through Jan 4, 2016 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dea ler trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

Winter Registration HOW TO FIGHT POST-WORKOUT FATIGUE

Many people begin an exercise regimen to ďŹ ght the kind of fatigue that can result from a sedentary lifestyle. But what about the fatigue that can settle in after a workout? Post-workout fatigue may be a byproduct of several things, but the good news is that combatting exhaustion after a workout can be somewhat simple. â&#x20AC;˘ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t push yourself so hard. Many people, especially those who have resolved to be more physically active, make the mistake of pushing themselves too hard during a workout. While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to break a sweat when exercising, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be so tired after a workout that you have no energy. One of the beneďŹ ts of routine exercise is that it makes active men and women feel more energized, so if your workout is having an adverse effect on your energy levels you might be going too hard. Endurance is something that builds over time, and as you grow more acclimated to exercise, you likely wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel as fatigued. If you

are not new to physical activity but still feel drained after your workouts, lower the intensity of your workouts and take more brief breaks between exercises and repetitions when strength training. â&#x20AC;˘ Revisit your workout schedule. Your post-workout fatigue may be a byproduct of when you are working out. While early morning workouts boost many peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy levels throughout the day, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the case for everyone, especially people who tend to function more effectively later in the day. If you like to workout at night but are ďŹ nding it difficult to sleep at night, you might be more suited to working out earlier in the day. Conventional wisdom has long suggested that working out at night can negatively affect sleep, but the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center notes that the best time of day to workout varies from individual to individual based on each personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circadian rhythm. Simply put, adults who want to ďŹ nd the best time of day to workout may need to do

some trial and error. In addition, recognize that exercising daily is more important than when you exercise, so ďŹ nd the time thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you and stick with it. â&#x20AC;˘ Drink water before working out. Dehydration can have a very negative impact on your energy levels, so working out while dehydrated may tire your muscles out before you even lift a single weight, and that fatigue may still be present post-workout. If you workout in the evening after work, then drink enough water during the day so your muscles are not dehydrated when you hit the gym. If you like working out in the early morning, give your body some time to hydrate between getting out of bed and beginning your workout. â&#x20AC;˘ Eat right after working out. Some people ďŹ nd they are very hungry after working out, while others do not. But eating after a workout is a good idea. Protein helps muscles recover and grow after a workout, and that recovery can

help combat post-workout fatigue. If you do not typically feel hungry after working out, as little as 10 to 20 grams of protein can do the trick. A single serving of Greek yogurt provides roughly 17 grams of protein, and that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make you feel full.

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Winter Registration How to maintain mental focus

The technological advancements made in the 21st century have undoubtedly made life easier in many ways, but this golden age of gadgets has not come without some negative side effects. Thanks to the near-constant availability of the Internet and devices like smartphones and tablets, many men and women find it difficult to maintain their focus throughout the day. But while such distractions are never too far away, there are some ways to stay focused and productive. • Get more exercise. Studies have shown that exercise and improved mental focus are linked. In a 2013 analysis of 19 studies involving more than 500 children, teenagers and young adults, researchers found that exercise sessions between 10 and 40 minutes immediately boosted concentration and mental focus. That improvement might be a result of exercise increasing blood flow to the brain. Men and women who find themselves struggling to focus at work after lunchtime may benefit from incorporating some exercise, whether it’s a brief walk or a more strenuous workout, into their midday routines. • Perform breathing exercises. Nervousness is an oftoverlooked cause of loss of focus. When nervous, breath can become shallow and restricted, which can have a negative impact on the flow of oxygen to your brain, making it more difficult to concentrate. Professional athletes have long espoused to the virtues of breathing exercises as a means

to calming their nerves, and professionals can follow suit. Some simple breathing exercises can help busy professionals multitask more effectively by helping them concentrate on the tasks at hand and overcome the distraction of having so much to do at one time. • Stay hydrated. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that dehydration caused loss of focus and a sense of fatigue among women. While the loss of focus was considered insubstantial and the study only examined women, remaining hydrated throughout the day may make it easier to focus on work and other tasks throughout the day. • Get adequate sleep. One of the best ways to improve focus during the day is to make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night. Sleep deprivation produces a host of negative consequences, not the least of which is its impact on cognitive functioning. Research has shown that sleep deprivation compromises alertness and concentration, making it more difficult to focus at work and tackle tasks that require deep analysis and thought. In addition, a survey from the National Sleep Foundation found that sleep-deprived men and women are less likely to exercise and eat healthy diets, each of which can boost mental acuity. Focusing in today’s atmosphere of constant distractions can be difficult, but men and women can overcome diversions by employing a handful of successful strategies aimed at improving concentration.

TUTORING • K-12 • Academic • Reading/ Writing Assessments • Math • Autism Support • Study Skills • Certified Teachers • Homework Help

Ballroom, Latin & Swing Classes Monday - Thursday • Native Sons Hall • Begins Jan 11th

• Ballroom & Latin Beginners • Argentine Tango • West Coast Swing • Swing Trio • Viennese Waltz & much more

Do The Ballroom Blitz!

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ValDance makes it fun, every step of the way!

Private Lessons Available

Drop in Workshops for Beginners every Friday at 7:00pm. Followed by open dance ‘til 10pm Begins Jan. 8th

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Winter Registration is on Now!

Diverse

Motivating

Entertaining

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Words that describe Comox Community Centre.

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Winter Registration Government Licensed. REFERENCES AVAILABLE

Arden Elementary Ecole Robb Road Valley View Elementary 250-331-2311 250-331-2241 250-331-2388 Royston Elementary Ecole Puntledge Park 250-898-3333 250-331-3001

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Offered at Ecole Robb Road • Children ages 3,5 years to 5 years 9:00 am to 2:00 pm ~ Monday to Friday ~ Sept-June (Now taking registration for Kinder Prep next year at Ecole Robb Road)

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Open during the school year from 7:00am to 6:00pm (Closed Holidays) On-site for your convenience • Drop-ins welcome if space is available Field Trips • Kinder pickup • Qualified and caring staff • ChildSafe 1st Aid. Discount for multi-child families • Subsidy friendly. Open door Policy. weecare.childcare@hotmail.com

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Want to learn how to quilt? Expand your quilting skills?

SCHOOL OF DANCE First class is free for new students. Please register by phone.

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Ask The Dentists! Drs. Manny Karamanis & Brett Burry

Going To Get Me Some Teeth! Dear Doctors - I've had an upper plate for 20 years, and have a love/hate relationship with it. On the lower, I have a few natural teeth and a partial which looks like it was made for George Washington. I'm literally selling the farm early next year, and have decided this is going to be the year for some new teeth. What do I do first, and how do I decide what I need? Answer - Firstly, you don't “need “teeth so you

John and Shelley Smith, avid RVers, take a break for their recent house renovations on their newly purchased Comox Valley home to travel with sons Andrew and Matt to Sayward. (Source: Shelley Smith‚Äôs blog)

Keeping your wits is key to having fun and being safe for Valley RVers BY MARY LEE Echo Staff Freedom 55 is not just a catchy marketing slogan. It’s a way of life for Shelley and John Smith, two retired school teachers who have been working and living abroad most of their teaching careers and settled in the Comox Valley upon retirement. The Smiths are now living the life many could only dream of and blogging about their journey humorously, albeit with a sardonic tone at times. Since retiring from teaching overseas in 2011, the Smiths have attempted to navigate through, what Shelley describes as “the strange world of retirement”, sharing excerpts of the trials and tribulations of life in a recreational vehicle (RV). Their ventures have taken them to Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Florida, Texas, Virginia, California, and the Baja Peninsula. RVing is becoming increasingly more popular and widely shared through online networks thanks to social media. Shelley ventured into blogging as a means of keeping their friends and family up to date. The habit stuck and now is a way of life whether on

If you do find yourselves arguing, stake your claim to the bedroom right up front ... If you venture into the boondocks, ensure you are in sight of other rigs ... Don’t cross the border without (medical coverage).” SHELLEY SMITH Retired RVer and blogger

the road or just assimilating back into the North American way of life. Most of their teaching years were spent in Asia where safety was of utmost concern and never taken for granted. The Smiths give a refreshing and informative perspective on RVing with a twist of realistic wit. Their honesty might just be enough to quash the fear other retired couples or soon-to-be retirees have about venturing into the wilds, or it might keep them ﬁrmly rooted at home. Shelley tends to write about their uncanny and bizarre encounters that the Smiths ﬁnd themselves in, or that Shelley

purposely puts themselves in while chasing another adventure. John, on the other hand, is cautious, taking calculated risks and keeps thorough plans and lists. The blog, “Honey Did You See That” caught the attention of Globe and Mail lifestyle writer Shelley White. White’s article appeared December 12. Since publication, the Smiths have been contacted by former teaching colleagues and past students from Newfoundland and Labrador where Shelley ﬁrst began teaching in her home province. They now have a new network of old acquaintances to visit in Seattle and in Portland, Oregon early January when they begin their trek back to Mexico for yet another season of RVing. This time of year many Canadians will do the very same thing and head to warmer climates to ride out the winter season. For those new to the sport, the Smiths offer their top six tips to make the journey pleasant, adventurous and, at the very least, bearable. Be smart. Have a GPS and a map for back-up when the GPS goes or there is no satellite signal.

Shelley and John have found themselves in very precarious situations when their travels took them into some shady neighbourhoods by the US/Mexico border. Stay connected. Have a phone with extensive data and an affordable plan. Stay where you pay. Shelley explains that in designated RV parks there will be some form of security. Venturing out into the wilds poses high risk particularly in Mexico. “If you venture into the boondocks, ensure you are in sight of other rigs,” she adds. Shelley highly advises against straying off the beaten path outside of Canada and the United States. Keep a sense of humour. Shelley emphasizes the need to give yourself space for your own sanity. “If you do ﬁnd yourselves arguing, stake your claim to the bedroom right up fron,” stresses Shelley. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is to have medical insurance. “Don’t cross the border without it,”states Shelley. “We are members of Canadian Snowbirds and they recommend Medipac. It’s worldwide coverage.”

don't need anything! Teeth are a lifestyle choice, and like many things you have options. Many of us had grandparents who kept their teeth in a glass of water a good percentage of the time. Some of them lived to ripe old ages, and we've seen patients who could gum a steak to death if they chose. Years ago 'false teeth' were your only option. They may have looked fine but the eating function was difficult. Most of that is to do with biting pressure. Some of it was associated with the fit, or lack of it. Partial dentures have been around a long time, and depending on just how many teeth you have on your lower arch (and how healthy they are) this may still be an option for you. For your upper arch, you can replace your denture with a new one but it sounds like you may wish to upgrade that option. Your dentist is going to have to measure your bone to see what may be accommodated, but a dental implant option would be one of your premium options. With the appropriate number of dental implants, a permanent set of teeth or at least one that can be very securely anchored (called an implant supported denture) can be fabricated and affixed to these implants providing a very natural appearing and functioning set of teeth. If we were selling our farm, we would likely prefer that option. Often we meet patients who are fixated on saving natural teeth which ultimately may have 'seen their day'. Even if they still function, it may be easier for your dentist to plan an entire new mouth for you with a specific number of implants top and bottom. The dental work affixed to these implants can be balanced properly, and you will literally have a new mouth that will never decay and last you for decades. The interesting thing is that by far the most common statement we hear afterwards is 'I wish I had done this 10 years ago!' We suggest you find a dentist you trust, ask for a true 'report card' on your existing teeth, and then make your best decision. It sounds like you're going to make 2016 a great year! Call the Dental Hotline at 1-800-617-2936 and schedule a FREE implant information session.

Acreview Dental 750 Comox Road, Courtenay, BC

1-800-617-2936 (Dental Hotline) www.AcreviewDental.com Services are provided by General Dentists

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

Weather conditions verged on the nasty at Goose Spit on Boxing Day for the annual Polar Bear Swim. To see more photos and videos of the swim please go to the Comox Valley Echo facebook page.

Polar Bear swim on Boxing Day draws the hardy Howling winds, rain and near freezing temperatures could not deter swimmers to take a plunge on Boxing Day. The annual Town of Comox Polar Bear Swim, hosted by the Community Centre in partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District, was yet another success. Approximately 75 people registered for the event held Saturday with close to 50 onlookers cheering the courageous swimmers while the Comox Volunteer Fire Department stood watch on shore armed with blankets. Each year, prizes are awarded in various categories. This year’s titles were given to the following: Brielle Gordon (4), youngest swimmer; Helen Fox (73), most senior; 1st Comox Scouts, largest group; and ‘Box’ing Day Surprise for best spirit. The Boxing Day Polar Bear Swim began in 1977 by several members of the G.P. Vanier graduating class (1976), responded Rick Gibson, Realtor, on Facebook. Not until the mid 1980s, did the Comox Community Centre assume responsibility for organizing. This was the ﬁrst year the Community Centre turned the event into a fundraiser with donations going to the Food Bank.

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NIC offers screen printing with Print Master Andy MacDougall

Learn screen printing with print master Andy MacDougall in NIC’s TexMakerLab at the Comox Valley campus this winter. Register now for courses starting this January and February. Study the art of screen printing this winter with acclaimed print master Andy MacDougall, known worldwide for his limited edition posters, prints and screen printing techniques. MacDougall has been involved in the North American screen printing industry since 1979 and is the owner of Squeegeeville, a Comox Valley based company with worldwide clients from Nike, Facebook, the Canadian government, and artist Roy Henry Vickers. He authored the highly inﬂuential how-to text, Screen Printing Today, and travels annually to music events including Seattle’s Bumbershoot and Austin’s SXSW where he organizes live printing demonstrations for the American Poster Institute Flatstock rock poster show. In recognition of his writing and work, MacDougall was inducted to the Academy of Screen & Digital Printing Technology and serves on the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association Education Committee. ”Andy MacDougall is simply a guru of silkscreen printmaking,” said K’ómoks First Nation artist Andy Everson. “His talents take him worldwide but his local presence is something

Lines back up as far as the Alpine Resort chalet on Monday as large crowds take to the slopes following heavy weekend snowfall.

Mount Washington draws crowds as snowfalls continue BY MARY LEE Echo Staff Learn screen printing with print master Andy MacDougall in NIC’s TexMakerLab at the Comox Valley campus this winter. I often call and rely upon when working in serigraphy.” Registration is now available for MacDougall’s two weekend courses at NIC’s Comox Valley campus. Courses start this January and February. • Screen Printing Basics (SCR 010) Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-4:30 pm Learn the eight basic steps of screen

Free Travel Clinic will teach you to pack lighter and smarter and make you a savvier traveler

Save the checked bag fees, learn to travel with only a carry-on bag. Packables Travel Solutions Travel Clinic is a 90 minute workshop on all things travel. From documentation to preparation, money, tips & tricks, security, scams and so much more. We cover what to pack, more importantly what not to pack and how to pack it. We talk about traveling with medications, appliances and electronics. Insider scoops on snagging a good seat and staying safe when your ‘out there’. Next Travel Clinic is Thursday, Jan. 14th at 12:30. Clinic takes place in Packables Travel Solutions at 5th & Duncan, downtown Courtenay, lot’s of parking in the back. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call to book your seat today - 250.7032141 or email packstaff@shaw.ca.

printing and create a small print. Choose from Feb 20-21 or April 9-10, 2016 • Screen Printing T-Shirts and Textiles (SCR 012) Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-4:30 pm Produce short runs while learning textile production, business and studio set-up techniques on single and multi-colour

textile presses as well as ﬂash and conveyor dryers. Some screen printing or graphic art experience preferred. Choose from January 23 & 24, March 5-6 or May 7-8, 2016 For more information call 250-3345005. Register in person at any Student Services Office or online at www.nic.bc.ca/continuingeducation.

With ideal packed powder conditions following a heavy snowfall throughout December 26 and 27, Mount Washington Alpine Resort had a large turnout on the slopes Monday. Don Sharpe, Director of Business Operations and Marketing, says it is too early to crunch the numbers to determine if any records have made but typically this week is one of the more popular weeks of the season at the resort and will continue throughout the remaining holiday period. “It’s deﬁnitely busy and feels like a holiday. The heavy snowfall Sunday kept people

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from coming up but we are seeing them now,” added Sharpe. Heavy blowing snow on Boxing Day deterred some spectators from venturing out to see the Pepsi Torchlight Parade and Fireworks. Crowds were down from the usual 2,500 to approximately 1,500. Still, the event carried on despite the weather and gave, what Sharpe describes as a different light show experience than in other years. Ideal winter conditions reminiscent of the 2010/11 season have returned to the hill allowing Mount Washington to run full operations including opening the Outback and Boomerang chairlift on December 26.

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

E&N station. Date unknown. (Courtesy of the Courtenay and District Museum 980.41.3)

HUNT FOR HISTORY WITH JUDY HAGEN

100 years ago, Valley residents used the railway to expand horizons, raised money for war effort, and entertained themselves

By December 1915, the E&N railroad had become a part of valley life. In fact, even the sceptics were accepting the new and modern method of transportation. Since visitors to the valley were often mentioned in Local Lines, the Courtenay Review, 30 December 1915, noted the departure by train of two local residents: “Since the railway made its way to Courtenay one by one old timers are taking little jaunts into the outside world. A few weeks ago we chronicled the fact that Alderman. Johnston had made his ﬁrst trip to Victoria in 28 years. Not to be outdone by his old friend, Sandy Ledingham last Friday morning took a trip to the Capital and intends to visit Vancouver where he also the expects to meet some of old Grey County friends that he has not seen for over 40 years.” When Alexander (Sandy) Ledingham arrived in 1887 he was a man without means who cleared 140 acres and found shelter under the roots of a large fallen tree until he could afford to buy the lumber for a small shack. For a short time he found work running the

Grant and Mounce mill in Cumberland; this gave him enough money to buy livestock. Eric Duncan describes Sandy as a “Lifelong bachelor, thoroughly wedded to the soil, and sturdily built, with a limp from a schoolboy accident which gave him the rolling gait of a sailor, but never excused him from work. Of a strong mechanical turn, many of his tools and implements were home-made and he was an expert saw-ﬁler and tree-pruner.”* Since Sandy had worked in a mill and could make his own tools, he was much interested in new ideas. The editor of the Review wrote that Sandy had said that his proposed trip to Vancouver might give him a chance to ride in an electric railway car and maybe a steamboat. The 30th December edition of the Review reported other activities that had occurred over the holidays. What was happening in the valley a century ago? The winner of the “shooting match” was a Mr. Kirkwood who for the $1.50 entrance fee had shot a total of 75 pounds of turkey, while George Hardy had come second

with 4 birds but most shooters had hit only one bird. The Sisters of St. Joseph thanked the community for the support they have given the hospital. They had arrived in Comox less than three years earlier and during Christmas they were honoured with a visit from the Superior General, the ﬁrst time that any head of their order had left the Mother House during Christmas. The Mayor and Mayoress of Courtenay had in the 23rd of December edition requested the pleasure of the company of the citizens of Courtenay and district to a special evening to honour the return of Private Perrott from the front. Over 400 from the four corners of the valley had come to the Opera House where they were entertained with suitable singing and addresses by both the Rev. Menzie of the Presbyterian church and the Rev. Laycock of the Anglican church. Games of whist and bridge were played. After refreshments they danced to the music of the Harmony Orchestra, which was advertised to provide music for the gala New Year’s party. At any gathering dur-

ing the war years there was fund rising and this return of a local boy from the Front, was no exception. The Vancouver Red Cross had supplied souvenir soldiers, kilties and nurses which raised $31.65 for the organization. The valley was now familiar with soldiers in the area. A detachment of the 6th Field Company Canadian Engineers were preparing a permanent camp at Comox for the 102nd Battalion recruits. Twenty-ﬁve Engineers had remained in Comox during Christmas and used the newspaper to thank all the ladies of the community who had contributed to a hampers which provided all that the mess needed for a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey, cranberry sauce, homemade preserves, mince pies, cakes, plum pudding and homemade candies. The non-commissioned officers and men of the 102nd (Comox-Atlin) Battalion C.E.F. expressed their thanks to the people of the district who had kindly given towards the splendid Christmas fare provided at their barracks. (Continued on page 21)

Buying/Selling Property? We can help. TH 3TREET #OURTENAY s www.ivesburgerlaw.com

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between Dec. 12 and 21: ■ During the early morning hours of December 15th, the Comox Valley RCMP responded to a single vehicle Motor Vehicle Incident on the 3700 Block of Royston Rd, in Royston. Investigation revealed that the driver had been consuming alcohol and was issued a 7 day immediate roadside suspension and their vehicle was impounded for 7 days. (2015-16185) ■ While on Patrol, in the early evening hours of December 15th, a Comox Valley RCMP member conducted a traffic stop on the 700 block of Ryan Rd, in Courtenay and entered into an impaired driving investigation. It was determined that the driver had been driving under the inﬂuence of alcohol. Subsequently, the

driver was issued a 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days. (2015-16222) ■ On the morning of December 16th, a traffic stop was conducted by a Comox Valley RCMP Constable on 3rd St, Courtenay. The driver of the vehicle was found to have been consuming alcohol and issued a 90 day Immediate Roadside Suspension and their vehicle was impounded for 30 days. (2015-16233) ■ The Comox Valley RCMP were advised of an alarm at a business located on the 100 block of the Island Highway North, on December 16th. Once members were on scene, it was discovered that a Break, Enter and Theft had occurred. It appears the person(s) involved, entered the business, and stole items worth over $5000. The investigation

into this break, enter and theft is continuing with the assistance of the Comox Valley RCMP Forensic Identiﬁcation Services. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please Contact Cst CARRON at 250-3381321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) (2015-16234) ■ On December 18th, the Comox Valley RCMP were kept extremely busy responding to Motor Vehicle Collisions. There were a total of 10 Motor vehicle incidents reported, with 8 of them being related to weather conditions. The Comox Valley RCMP is reminding drivers how important it is to watch for changing weather conditions, slow down and give yourself extra time so you can arrive at your destination safely. ■ The Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a possible impaired driver on the evening of December 19th. The vehicle in question was located by police, resulting

(Continued from page 20) The 102nd Battalion was recruiting men from all over the province and ﬁve of the local goys had joined: H. Grieve, M & AB Simmon. F. Field and Frank Willoughby. Although the war was very much on everyone’s mind because they had been receiving news of the battles fought on the Somme, local events were also important. “Constables Hanney and H. Donald have raided an opium den in Chinatown and arrested 6 Chinese and 1 white woman. They were taken before Magistrate Bickle

who lectured the woman and inflicted a fine of $10 and costs. The Chinamen were fined accordingly”. Even in 1915, there was a campaign by merchants to shop for local products. Cooke and Mathewson butcher shop advertized that with exception of turkey and geese, all the meat was produced in the valley: beef from the ranches of J. Carthew and H. Willis, sheep were raised in Royston and the veal and pork came from Hornby Brothers. The dry summer and lack of “aftergrass” had been a worry for dairy farmers, but the Board of

the Comox Creamery was happy to announce that production numbers were “within a triffle” of being the best November on record. In the valley 100 years ago residents of the valley had celebrated the Christmas holiday with a variety of entertainments, were supporting fund raising efforts for war relief and had welcomed soldiers into the community AND two old bachelors had taken trips to Victoria travelling on the E&N railway *Eric Duncan, From Shetland Island to Vancouver. P.229

Police Blotter

A division of

in an impaired driving investigation. The driver had been consuming alcohol and was served a 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days. (2015-16399) ■ A Hit and Run was reported to the Comox Valley RCMP on December 19th. It appears a vehicle, that was parked along Tull Ave, near 17th St, Courtenay, had been struck by another vehicle causing damages. Any witnesses or anyone that may have information to this in-

cident is encouraged to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477) (201516374) ■ On the early morning hours of December 21st, a member of the Comox Valley RCMP conducted patrols and issued Auto Crime Prevention Notices along Piercy Ave and Tull Ave, in Courtenay. If a vehicle was located to have been unlocked, have open windows or items in plain view, a notice, which provides tips and encourage-

ment to remove personal belongings and ensure vehicles are locked, was left for the owners. (201516451) ■ On December 21st, police received information of a possibly impaired driver north bound on Highway 19. The car was intercepted and the driver was found to have been consuming alcohol. The investigation revealed that the driver was over the legal limit for driving. The driver is now facing impaired driving charges. (2015-16477)

Crash victim identiﬁed by coroner The BC Coroners Service has conﬁrmed the identity of a man who died after a motor vehicle incident near Courtenay on Dec. 18, 2015. He was Joel Christopher Reeves, aged 45, of Fanny

Bay. Mr. Reeves was the driver of a Toyota 4Runner that was northbound on Highway 19 in Fanny Bay, south of Courtenay, at about 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 18 when it left the trav-

elled portion of the roadway and crossed the centre median. Mr. Reeves was deceased at the scene. The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

Local businesses to be showcased at February Chamber of Commerce Trade Show The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce invites all businesses to join them for the Chamber Trade show on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 in Downtown Courtenay at the Native Sons Hall. Businesses can showcase their organization and network with the Comox Valley community and other businesses including over 30 other vendors. The Chamber Trade show is one of the most affordable and effective opportunities for businesses to present and promote their products and services, display new lines and raise awareness to potential customers. Admission is free to the general public with a great door prize incentive and easy access for all attendees with ample

parking. A Business Services Package is up for grabs with valuable services that can help further promote your business such as radio ad spots, newspaper ad and much more. Free workshops such as Speed networking sessions will be held in order for all attendees to expand their network in a quick and casual but structured setting. Early bird Table sales are open now. Chamber members save an additional $50 off the already low Members price but only until January 8. Regular non-member pricing is also available. To book your table visit www.comoxvalleychamber.com under ‘events’ or call 250-334-3234.

22 FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

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Comox Valley Transition Society and Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society are encouraging Comox Valley residents to bundle up and raise cold, hard cash for The Coldest Night of the Year (WALK). This family-friendly winter fundraising walk for Comox Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeless, hungry and hurting, the WALK takes place on the evening of February 20, 2016. Thousands of participants will be taking part in the WALK in an anticipated 100 cities across Canada. By walking together in the chill of the night, participants will better understand the experience of being on the streets during a cold Canadian winter, while raising funds to aid the work of CVTS and Dawn to Dawn in providing much-needed support to members of our community. The Comox Valley WALK begins and ends at St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Church, located at 505 6th Street, Courtenay, where walkers will register, turn in the results of their fundraising efforts, and return at the end of the evening for a warm celebration meal. Donning iconic blue toques, participants will walk a 2km, 5km or 10km route, and will warm up with toasty drinks at rest stops along the way. This is CVTS and Dawn to Dawnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst year taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year, with a fundraising goal of $50,000. An expected 250 walkers and 25 teams, including staff and friends of CVTS and Dawn to Dawn are expected to brave the cold winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night. CVTS has been serving the Comox Valley for 29 years, Dawn to Dawn for 7 years, and the funds raised in the Coldest Night of the Year will beneďŹ t their clients in a time of the year known historically for low levels of giving. To register to walk as an individual or with a team, or to pledge support for a walker, go to: https://coldestnightoftheyear.org/location/ comoxvalley.

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Superheros save the day at Fish and Game club BY GAIL EGGIMAN Holy elk calls, Batman, it looks like a lot of Superheros will be gathering in Courtenay! The Courtenay and District Fish & Game Protective Association are gearing up for their Annual Banquet Fundraiser to be held 27 Feb 2016 at the Florence Filberg Center. The special culinary event is catered by Tria Fine Catering who cooks up a magic meal containing various wild game and seafood. Tickets are $40 per person (no minors) and are available from the club caretaker at 250-338-9122 (Mon to Fri), or the hall office (Mon to Wed)

or Linda Marinus @ 250-3382544. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see if Courtenay Councillor Bob Wells and his wife can retain the Best Male and Female costume titles this time! The Superhero theme was chosen to recognize all our volunteers in our conservation projects and to acknowledge our merchants and businesses that support us. The Association is dedicated to wildlife conservation and habitat management. We continue to work with Ministry officials on conservation projects such as donating two elk collars plus costs for tracking, as well as Comox Lake ďŹ sh surveys and hatch-

ery work to name a few. We are proud to provide the Fishing Forever Program for seniors and challenged community members, Region One Kids Camp and other community events. Great Krypton! Our Superheros in the Comox Valley and other communities save the day by generously donating prizes each year. The Banquet Committee members will be canvassing the Comox Valley for donations during the next month or so. Anyone wishing to donate may also email the-office@ courtenayfishandgame.org and we will be happy to pick it up.

24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

MAMMOTH CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS To Crossword Puzzle from Friday, December 25 1

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Saturday, 23 January 2016 is the date that all hunters are invited to bring their skulls, horns, or antlers to the Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association to be measured and scored for possible record book entry. There will be a $5 measuring fee for non-members only. Members are free. You are welcome to bring interesting antlers or mounts even if not record material for a little show and tell. Someone will be interested and want to hear about it! Fish and Game Mem-

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Offers available from December 1, 2015 – January 4, 2016. †Representative finance offer based on any new 2015 Altima 2.5 SL (T4TG15 AA00). Selling price is $29,898 financed at 0% APR equals 84 monthly payments of $356 for a 84 month term. $0 down payment required. Total finance obligation is $29,898. $1,500 Holiday Cash included in advertised offers. Dealer trade may be nessessary. *Altima 2.5 SL and Pathfinder S 4x4 can be financed at 0% for 84/72 month and receive $1,500 Holiday Cash. The $1,500 discount is available on any 2015 Altima/2015 Pathfinder when leased or financed with NCF. See your dealer or visit Nissan.ca/Loyalty. Holiday Cash consist of $500/$1,000/$1,000/$1,500/$1,500 on 2015 Micra/2015 Sentra/2016 Rogue/2015 Altima/2015 Pathfinder models. The Nissan Loyalty Offer (“Offer”) is available only to eligible customers who (as of September 1, 2015) lease/leased, finance/financed or own/owned a 2007 or newer Nissan brand vehicle (an “Existing Vehicle”). Eligibility for the Offer will be determined by Nissan Canada Inc. (“NCI”) in its sole discretion. Proof of current or previous ownership/lease/finance contract will be required. Offer is not transferrable or assignable, except to a coowner/co-lessee of the Existing Vehicle who resides within the same household as the intended recipient of the Offer. If the eligible customer elects to lease or finance a new and previously unregistered model year 2015 and 2016 Nissan brand vehicle (excluding NV, Fleet and daily rentals) (an “Eligible New Vehicle”) through NCI and Nissan Canada Financial Services Inc. (collectively “NCF”), then he/she will receive a specified amount of stackable loyalty dollars (“Loyalty Dollars”), as follows: (i) Micra/ Versa/Sentra ($500); (ii) Juke/Rogue ($600); (iii) Altima/Frontier/Xterra/Leaf/Murano/Pathfinder ($800); and (iv) Maxima/Z/Titan, Armada/GT-R ($1000). Loyalty Dollars will be applied after taxes, which means that Loyalty Dollars are inclusive of all applicable taxes. Alternatively, if the eligible customer elects to purchase or lease/finance an Eligible New Vehicle (excluding GT-R and LEAF™ ) other than through NCF, then he/she will receive a three-year/48,000 kilometer (whichever comes first) Oil Change and Tire Rotation Plan which consists of a maximum of 6 service visits, each consisting of 1 oil change (using conventional 5W30 motor oil) and 1 tire rotation. For complete details on the Oil Change and Tire Rotation Plan, ask your dealer. Offer has no cash redemption value and can be combined with other offers. Offer valid on Eligible New Vehicles purchased/leased/financed and delivered between December 1, 2015 and January 4, 2016. Conditions apply. Model(s) shown for illustration purposes only. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice. While quantities last. Ask your dealer or visit www.nissan.ca for complete details. Nissan names, logos and slogans are trademarks owned by or licensed to Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and/ or its North American subsidiaries. ©2015 Nissan Canada Inc. Conditions apply. Model(s) shown for illustration purposes only. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice. While quantities last. Nissan names, logos and slogans are trademarks owned by or licensed to Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and/or its North American subsidiaries. See your participating Nissan retailer for complete details. ©2015 Nissan Canada Inc. and Nissan Canada Financial Services Inc. a division of Nissan Canada Inc.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

Do you measure up? Get those antlers ready

bers are also reminded that this is the last day to bring in their weigh-in slips for ﬁsh and game for 2015, any volunteer slips, and their photos (4 x 6) for the Frank Gavin Memorial Photo Award. There is no admittance fee for viewing by the public, so bring your friends and family and come out to the Courtenay and District Fish and Game facility! Doors are open from 9 am to 2pm, measuring to start approximately 10am. Call Eric Robertson @ 250-338-5080 or email h a rd y h i l l ce d a rs a l e s @ shaw.ca.for more info.

26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 1, 2016

Chamber award nominees announced The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominees for its annual awards gala night January 30 at the Florence Filberg Centre. Tickets are on sale now for this event which honours business and community achivements. This year’s nominees are: BUSINESS LEADERSHIP (FORMERLY PROFESSIONAL MERIT) AWARD Sponsored by First Credit Union & Insurance Carmen Wakeling Deana Simkin Haeley Campbell Hans Peter Meyer Leah Taylor Ramona Johnson

Woo Kim Taekwondo students shine at test Over 100 students tested for their next colored belt in Taekwondo recently in front of local Master Richard Dobbs and 9th degree black belt and Grand Master, Gil Woo Kim. “It’s a great feeling for me to see the students achieve a step towards their goal. It’s amazing to see how proud they are when they get their new belts,” says Master Dobbs. “Through Taekwondo, many of them find their voice and confidence. Sometimes we get kids who come in brand new and can barely answer to their name at roll call then, 2 or 3 months later, they are leading the class in bows and tenets.” Over the two days of testing students as young as five years old tested in front of a panel of black belts, overcoming nerves and shyness to show off their recently learned skills. The red and black belts put on a demonstration for friends and families at the test. Afterwards two students tested for, and

achieved their black belts. Ryan Castle, 17, received his 1st Dan Black Belt and Ricky Richter, 17, received his 2nd Dan Black Belt. Both Ryan and Ricky have come such a long way from unassuming kids in class to courteous, conﬁdent and talented young men. This semester wrapped up on December 17, but will resume in early January. Woo Kim Taekwondo offers classes for 5 to 13 year olds at the Courtenay Lewis Centre and Comox Rec Center (see the Recreation Reporter for class times). An adult class is offered at Comox Rec Centre on Monday and Wednesday nights. “We encourage people to come try a week for free”, says Dobbs. For more information on joining classes, contact the CRA at 250-338-5371, the Comox Rec Centre at 250-339-2255 or Sabumnim Richard Dobbs directly at 250-897-2452.

Local MPs meet with minister to plead for saving Comox marine communication centre NDP MPs Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) and Rachel Blaney (North IslandPowell River) met with the Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Hunter Tootoo, to discuss urgent matters on Vancouver Island. “We’re truly grateful to Minister Tootoo for meeting with us to discuss DFO activities in our ridings,” said Blaney, “My top priority was to urge the Minister to cancel the closure of the Comox MCTS Centre and protect the workers whose knowledge of the region is unmatched.” The former Conservative government had slated the Canadian Coast Guard’s Ma-

rine Communication and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centre in Comox to be closed by March 2016, but the Liberals campaigned on restoring the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to marine emergencies. Johns also urged Minister Tootoo to reopen the closed Tofino MCTS Centre in Ucluelet as well as explore training and equipping local First Nations to develop auxiliary support for Coast Guard activities. “We saw in the Tofino whale-watching accident that local and traditional knowledge saved lives,” said Johns, “There is a great opportunity here reinvest in Tofino MCTS and collaboration with local

First Nation to support remote coastal communities.” Johns and Blaney both expressed hope that all members of the new Liberal government would follow Minister Tootoo’s example by being more open to consultations than the former Conservative government. “The people of Vancouver Island voted to turn the page on the Harper Conservatives but we also need to see real action from the government and the DFO,” said Johns, “That includes implementing the recommendations of the Cohen Commission to support salmon enhancement and honouring ﬁshing rights of local First Nations.”

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by MNP LLP Long & McQuade Lesson Centre Nelson Roofing Sea Breeze Lodge Comox Valley Funeral Home McElhanney Consulting Hinterland CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT) Sponsored by Canadian Tire Ralph Shaw Audrey Craig Frieda Home Rod Hunter CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD Sponsored by Axis Heating + Cooling Adam Duncan (ADI Benefits) Wanda Fuller (Wanda’s Ink in a Wink) Eric Toneff (Toneff Funeral Services) Shirley & Dave Harvey (Cape Lazo) Wayne Ward (Grains Bakery) Walter Levesque (Nissan) Bill &Bonnie Moore (Moore’s Cleaning)e Rick Bossom (Bayfield Mortgage Professionals) Lonnie Almgren (Cascadia Liquor Store) Janet Arthur (Success Weight Loss) Brian Dawes (BD Auto & Diesel) Jay Dzuba (Robbins & Company CPA’s) Meredith Murray (Fabricland) Bob Wells (My Tech Guys) EMPLOYEE’S CHOICE AWARD Sponsored by the Comox Valley Child Development Association West Coast Expeditions Atlas Café Pacific Playgrounds FOOD AND FARM BUSINESS AWARD Sponsored by Local’s Restaurant 40 Knots Winery Tannadice Farms Blue Moon Farm, Winery & Ciderworx The Guerrilla Food Company Gunter Brothers Meat Co. Ltd. HERITAGE RECOGNITION AWARD

Sponsored by Vancouver Island InsuranceCentres Sea Breeze Lodge Art Knapp Lafarge Canada Inc., Courtenay Aggregates Division Gunter Brothers Meat Co. Ltd. NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Presley & Partners Child’s Play Physiotherapy Cumberland Crate Company Cumberland Brewing Company White Whale Pub Sweet Surprise Walker 24 Comox Valley Collective

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATION AWARD Sponsored by Paciﬁc Sleep Care Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society Comox Valley Recovery Centre Rotary Club of Comox World Community Development Education Society Today N Tomorrow Learning Society Immigrant Welcome Centre

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by Glacierview Financial Doggydo Kennel CV Business Gazette Triple Heat Dance Academy of Performing Arts Rattan Plus Home and Patio Arizona Gift Gallery Moore’s Cleaning Fitness Etc. Your Island Mortgage Team West Coast Expeditions Success Weight Loss Axis Heating & Cooling

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION AWARD Sponsored by OnDeck Systems RP Copywriting Presley & Partners Medium Rare Inc. /Kitestrings Hakai Energy Solutions Ltd. Gear Out Here Woodland Flooring Eatmore Sprouts & Greens

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD Sponsored by Wedler Engineering Nazaneen Dizai James Flawith Kayla McDonald Daniel Kooman (Unveil Studios) Brook Gronemeyer Viet Nguyen Joshua Greenwood

YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD Sponsored by NIC School of Business Jade Hansen Katie Collinge We the Voters

PRESIDENT’S MERIT AWARD Sponsored by North Island College This award is given out by the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is not open to Nominations.

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