Creston Valley Advance, March 03, 2016 by Black Press Media Group

SD8 RANKS FACILITY OPTIONS / PAGE 3 T-CATS ADVANCING TO ROUND 2 / PAGE 11 ®

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Volume 68, No. 9 | Thursday, March 3, 2016

Visit us online at www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca

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FRAMED — Prince Charles Secondary School industrial arts students, under the direction of teacher Shayne Ducharme, installed new bed frames

in the Creston Community Garden on Feb. 24. The students dismantled the old frames, which were installed over 10 years ago when the garden was created. More photos at www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca/ourtown.

New chamber manager looking to future

CONSIDERATE & EFFICIENT Call 250-428-2040 to make an appointment

20252 00104 6

BY LORNE ECKERSLEY Advance Staff

From his desk that affords views to the south and west of the Creston Valley, Mike Fitzpatrick has a pile of work to do, and not much time to stare out the windows. Fitzpatrick assumed his duties as manager of the Creston Valley

Chamber of Commerce Feb. 15, and already he is attending meetings, studying reports and meeting with key people in the community. He acknowledges that the job has its challenges, but his passion for the Creston Valley, experience in promotions, organizing and management, and a determination to make a difference are all

What Moves You?

Michael Carpenter Sheldon Browell Broker/Owner

Tyler Hancock ABR, PREC

Ingrid Voigt

Sara Malyk

Brad Burnett

Sylvia White

qualities that should serve him well. “We are working on a strategic plan but key for us is to retain existing businesses and attract new businesses,” he said. Attracting new membership is also a top priority. The chamber is a non-profit organization that relies on membership fees to drive its

ability to provide services to members. Businesses, Fitzpatrick said, can expect a visit, in which he will introduce himself and outline the many benefits of membership. He and his wife, Eileen, relocated to the Creston Valley a year ago after retiring from their jobs in Calgary.

SEE CHAMBER, PAGE 3

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local World Day of Prayer service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Redeemer Lutheran Church. On March 4, Christians in more than 170 countries and in 2,000 communities across Canada will gather to learn about, pray for and celebrate Cuba in solidarity with the women of Cuba. The emblem for this year’s day of prayer is white butterfly jasmine, the national flower of

Cuba. Cuban women use the flower not only as an adornment for their hair, but to transmit messages during liberation wars. The March 4 event has its roots in an ecumenical day of prayer organized by women in Canada and the U.S. in 1920, becoming the World Day of Prayer in 1922. •••

Thursday, March 3, 2016 Creston Valley Advance

fter a brief absence, the local

THE TIVOLI THEATRE PRESENTS...

Beaver Scouts are back, and meeting weekly. For more information, drop by their meetings, held Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church. •••

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Psychologists conference in New Orleans, La. Her research focused on a verbal mediation intervention and its effect on multiplication math fact fluency rates among a cohort of elementary students. Britton-

Rumohr is on a leave this year working on a doctoral degree in Philadelphia, Pa. •••

Creston resident called the Advance on Tuesday,

hoping to warn others about a telephone scam. While she was out recently, two messages were left on her phone, allegedly from the Canada Revenue Agency, warning her that her home and bank

accounts would be seized if specific information wasn’t provided. Anyone experiencing this scam should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit antifraudcentre.ca.

chool District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) school psychologist Deanna BrittonRumohr (pictured at right) recently presented her research poster at the annual National Association of School

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My husband and I found this beautiful valley when we were looking for a place to escape the long, cold Northern Alberta winters. Our two daughters left the nest and live in BC also. We were lucky to discover this “hidden” valley in 2011 and buy a great acreage just south of town with an old cherry orchard on it – all the cherries you want! I have always been passionate about growing things and am ﬁnally not restricted to one page in the seed catalogue. I can grow it all here, which is so exciting! We love dogs and have a Golden Retriever who adores everybody, and a mini Dachshund who likes nobody, unless you give him a treat (which they do at the landﬁll, Dairy Queen and the border). Born in Germany, I emigrated to Canada in 1984 after I fell in love with this wonderful country, and now B.C. I really enjoy the many activities this community has to offer, like going to the Rec Centre for lessons in line dancing and Tai Chi. Creston is a warm and welcoming community and I feel very much at home here. As a RE/MAX Realtor® I will do my best to make buying or selling a home a painless and pleasant experience for you. I worked for 21 years as an ecologist for a forestry company in Northern Alberta and it taught me skills in negotiations, being prepared and knowledgeable, attention to details and thoroughness. I will employ these skills with great energy in real estate to help you buy or sell your home. I am looking forward to meeting you!

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Creston Valley Advance Thursday, March 3, 2016

SD8 ranks Creston facilities scenarios BY BRIAN LAWRENCE Advance Editor

The School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) facilities review has identified rebuilding Adam Robertson Elementary School (ARES) as the overall highest-ranked scenario, an audience of about 40, mostly educators, was told by staff on Feb. 25. The Creston “family of schools” facilities review presentation, part of a district-wide series of meetings, at Prince Charles Theatre offered 14 suggestions gleaned from staff and the general public, which included closures and/or reconfigurations of various schools. “This is not the plan,” said secretary-treasurer Kim Morris. “This is the data that will inform the development of the plan.” “We’re looking for input on the way we scored,” said Supt. Jeff Jones. The results, made available yesterday at www.sd8.bc.ca, were based on economic, educational, operational and strategic criteria applied to the suggestions and scored by Morris, Jones, independent learning director Ben Eaton and operations director Larry Brown. Each category carried a different weight, with education topping them at 40 per cent, and with strategic at 19 per cent. But with economic and

LOcaL neWs operations, both of which dealt with different financial aspects, totalling 41 per cent — one point over education — a few audience members took exception. “I feel like I’m getting a snow job here,” said Prince Charles Secondary School (PCSS) teacher Al Gribbin. Former Adam Robertson Elementary School principal Rod Giles suggested that teachers and educators should have been involved in scoring the educational component. “That’s exactly what we want the community to do,” said Morris. “Did they consider the right things? Did they miss anything?” The feedback period runs through the end of March, with a draft plan being created in April, and the board expected to make a final decision for each of six families of schools at its May 3 meeting. A few audience members expressed dissatisfaction with the short time period, which includes two weeks of spring break. “I don’t think that it’s fair asking families and teachers, who are taking spring break and recouping,” to meet to discuss the report, said an audience member. “There’s never a good time,” responded Morris. The rebuild of ARES was the top-ranked overall choice, with 61.02 per cent, and was followed by simply closing the Creston Education Centre (CEC, 54.3), decommissioning the PCSS “bubble” and expanding the gymnasium (52.7) and closing the CEC and moving its programs to other schools (52.7). Top results in the individual categories were: Economic: closing ARES and moving students to Canyon-Lister Elementary School and CEC; Educational: a tie between closing the CEC and maintaining the status quo; Operational: rebuilding ARES; and Strategic: decommissioning the PCSS “bubble” and expanding the gymnasium. Based on feedback, some of the options may be rescored before the draft plan is created, and the final choice may not be the top-scorer. “It doesn’t mean we’re taking the top one or two,” said Morris.

Chamber FROM PAGE 1

But they were hardly strangers to the area. Both have relatives in the area and Fitzpatrick has fond memories of childhood vacations when his dad would stop the car to pick up fruit on the way to Christina Lake. Eileen’s parents had an orchard in Canyon, and the couple now resides in Erickson. Born in Edmonton and raised in Calgary, Fitzpatrick attended university in both cities and was politically active early in his life. After university, he applied for jobs in the fire department (the dream ended because he was asthmatic) and the RCMP (there was a six- or seven-year wait list at the time) and he went to work at Canada Post. A long-standing passion started when he was asked to represent the organization on the United Way campaign. “Then Canada Post went on strike and I had to cross a picket line to get my cheque — imagine how it felt knowing I had to get striking workers on board with our United Way efforts! “But we had a successful campaign because I involved children — because nobody hates a kid!” The inspiration to involve youngsters came from his sixyear-old nephew, who overheard his uncle talking about United Way. “I’ll help you, Uncle Mike,” he said.

www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca 3

Mike Fitzpatrick That campaign involved organizing events to include youth groups like Boys and Girls Clubs, and Cubs and Scouts. “I realized I had a skill in bringing people together.” When he was seconded by Canada Post to United Way for a year the experiences he gained would change his life. “I learned every aspect of management — it was incredible,” Fitzpatrick said. “It had a great impact on me as a person because of what I saw could be done.” Since relocating to Creston, he and Eileen have been busy learning to maintain an orchard and figuring out how to downsize, sorting through a lifetime of accumulations. And they have quickly become involved in their new community. Both are members of the Creston Rotary Club and

Fitzpatrick is on the board of directors at Spectrum Farms and active in related organizations. He is a tennis enthusiast and joined the tennis club, playing regularly against one particular member. “I told people I was playing a fellow named Alex who was really good for a 60-year-old.” Later, he would see the Alex Nilsson Field at the Creston and District Community Complex and his curiosity would lead to a Google search of the name. “I couldn’t believe it when I learned about his amazing history, including being a member of the Order of Canada, and that he is 80, not 60!” A tour of the area by Nilsson introduced Fitzpatrick to Spectrum Farms, and he was soon volunteering, following the footsteps of his new friend. Fitzpatrick admits he was a last-minute applicant for the manager’s position. “From what I have seen, the chamber could be doing better,” he said. “I really care about Creston, and the chamber of commerce carries a big weight — we are responsible for bettering the lives of many people. “I know there is a tremendous amount of assets here — probably even more so than in the city. A chamber of commerce needs to have a strong vision, strategic goals and marketing and public relations plans. We hope to make an impact by helping people to help themselves.”

Follow the Advance online facebook.com/cvadvance twitter.com/CrestonAdvance

Creston Valley Hospice Society Trained Volunteers provide free compassionate and emotional support to terminally ill patients in home, hospital, or care facility. We also visit the chronically ill and shut-ins.

Volunteers Needed 250.428.7575

Interested in coaching youth soccer? Creston Valley Youth Soccer Association is hosting a BC Soccer ‘Soccer for Life’ Coaching Clinic April 2 & 3, 2016

Required by anyone coaching players U13 and older. CVYSA will cover the registration fee for anyone volunteering to coach this season. Please email: crestonvalleysoccer@gmail.com for details.

Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 16. To register, go to www.coachcenter.ca (Participants must be 16 years or older)

Appointment Andrew Franklin, Director of Digital Development is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Baziuk as B.C. Digital Editor. Laura graduated from Carleton University’s journalism program in 2007. She worked in various newsrooms, including the Peace Arch News, the Province, the Canadian Press, and most recently, CKNW Radio. She spent four and a half years there, as a reporter and anchor, and was sent to Tofino to cover the whalewatching boat capsizing in 2015. Laura grew up in south Surrey and lives in Vancouver. She enjoys reading crime novels, baking and eating cookies! Please join us in congratulating Laura on her appointment as B.C. Digital Editor.

Laura Baziuk Black Press Digital

blackpress.ca

4 www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca

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Mary Kathleen (Betty) Walker

March 14, 1922 ~ February 25, 2016

Obituaries

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother Mary Kathleen (Betty) Walker. Betty passed away suddenly at the Creston Valley Hospital at age 93 years. Betty’s greatest joy in life was her family! She loved cheering the Blue Jays on and had a passion for creating beautiful knitted afghans and sweaters as well as needlework and many crafts. Mom faced many obstacles in her life but always with a great sense of humor and was a strong independent woman who was always willing to listen and help others when possible. She was predeceased by her husband Leonard John Walker; her parents Bayse and Annie Eddy; her foster parents “The Jewells”, as well as seven brothers and sisters: Harry Eddy, Hazel Kavanaugh, Ida-Mae Martin, George Eddy, Bill Eddy, Mona Wilkie and Harry Jewell. She leaves behind her loving children: Faith Michaelson (Robert) of Qualicum Beach, Larry Walker (Susan) of Creston; four grandchildren: Stephanie, Jason, Leigh and Lisa; as well as four great-grandchildren: Rylee, Jenna, Brendan and Benjamin. A private family service will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution in Betty’s name may do so to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 4 - 1551 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9.

Henry Gartland June 29, 1923 ~ February 20, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Henry was born in Canyon, B.C., son of John and Sofie Gartland. He attended school in Canyon and Creston Valley High School. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during world War II and while in England met his future bride, Eileen. They married in 1948 in Canyon and had their first home there. In 1952, with two children in hand, they moved to the coast. Henry, with Eileen's help, began building their home in Burnaby and have remained there until the present. Henry was predeceased by his parents John and Sofie Gartland; brothers Jim, Sidney, and Sweyn; sister Anne Forrester; nephews Allan Moberg and Severin Gartland; and niece Diana Forrester. He leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife Eileen of 67 years; daughters Louise, Patty (Wayne) McBain, Julie (Phil) LaBelle; son Steven (Patti) Gartland; sisters Jenny Moberg and Ruby Nygaard; sisters-in-law Diane Gartland and Blanche Thomson; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Henry was a devoted family man. He was a kind and gentle soul and had a great sense of humour and will be dearly missed. There was a Memorial Service at St. Gordon Presbyterian Church on Edmonds Street, Burnaby, B.C. on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 2 pm.

Thursday, March 3, 2016 Creston Valley Advance

RCMP calls include ‘found’ scooters, intoxication, overdose, erratic driving BY LORNE ECKERSLEY Advance Staff

A flurry of false alarms and three “found” children’s scooters highlighted a generally uneventful week, RCMP Staff Sgt. Darryl Hammond said on Monday. A total of 63 new files were created from Feb. 22-28, he said. February 22 •Police were called to assist with an agitated patient at the hospital. •When police examined information about a possible scam they determined there was no fraud involved. •A resident of the 1800 block of Canyon Street reported receiving harassing phone calls from an ex-boyfriend over a financial dispute. •Police served a subpoena on behalf of Fort McMurray RCMP. •When police checked on a hitchhiker just north of the Kingsgate border crossing they determined he had not reported to Canadian customs. He was escorted back to the border. •An intoxicated male guest refused to leave an Elm Street residence and was arrested and held overnight in police cells before being released. •A driver stopped near the police station was found to have consumed alcohol in excess of legal limits. He was issued a 90-day driving prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days. February 23 •An injured elk in the 3000 block of Highway 3 was dispatched. •A herd of elk was reported to be on Erickson Road near 33rd Avenue South. Conservation officers were informed. •Police were called to assist emergency medical workers with a patient who had a mental health issue. They assisted in getting him to Cranbrook hospital. •A driver who had been consuming alcohol was reported at Rykerts border crossing. He was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition. •A domestic dispute on 24th Avenue North included threats of assault and mischief. •Two gunshots were heard in the 2400 block of Pine Street but police could not locate a source. •A resident of 18th Avenue South reported that there was a knocking at the door, but no one was there. Police attended and also found no one there. February 24 •A checkstop of vehicles on 11th Avenue North did not find any problems with drivers or vehicles. •Train employees reported from Yahk that there was a male illegally riding on their

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 8 (Kootenay Lake) SPRING BREAK DISTRICT OFFICES AND SCHOOLS CLOSURE MARCH 14 – 28, 2016

Reminder that District Offices and Schools will be closed March 14th to 28th and scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, March 29th. We hope you enjoy this time with family and friends.

train. The train had moved on when police arrived. •Police were called to Birch Street to assist with a patient who possibly taken an overdose of drugs. February 25 •A complaint was received from ElsieHolmes Road, to a residence where threatening phone calls were received about child custody. •A report of children being transported without car seats on Ibbitson Street was referred to the appropriate provincial ministry. •A small car rolled into a storage building on Cook Street. •An erratic driver was reported near Burns Park. •A driver was reported to be weaving and moving slowly along Canyon Street. •The driver of a vehicle stopped in the 3000 block of Highway 3 was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition, and a small quantity of marijuana was seized. February 26 •A parent on Lakeview-Arrow Creek Road who reported having issues with a child was advised to contact a local agency. •An elderly male on Sunset Boulevard complained about a problem with his bank card. •Police are investigating a two-vehicle collision on Highway 21 at Erickson Road. •Police are recommending charges against a suspect in a break and entry to a Riondel residence. February 27 •A youth reported missing from a Simon Road residence was located shortly afterward. •A Telus phone line was determined to be at fault when police received a 911 call. •An uninsured vehicle was stopped on Highway 3A near Hester Road. •Police were called to assist emergency medical personnel with an intoxicated male who also had heart problems. •Police were investigating a report of three children’s scooters stolen on Canyon Street when they learned from the police station that an anonymous person had turned in the scooters after finding them on a Canyon Street sidewalk. •A couple involved in a dispute over money was reported on 20th Avenue South. •A rockslide on Highway 21 at Fox Tree Hill Road covered part of the road. February 28 •A deer and vehicle collided on Highway 3 near Canyon-Lister Road. •A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle that was backing up on Vancouver Street. SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 8 (KOOTENAY LAKE) BUDGET STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING at 9:00 A.M – 12:30 P.M. POLICY & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING at 2:30 P.M. BOARD MEETING at 5:00 P.M. (times are PST) Tuesday, March 8, 2016 Board Office, 570 Johnstone Road, Nelson BC Video Conferencing to Creston at: Creston Education Centre, 617-11th Ave., S., Creston Public Welcome

Creston Valley Advance Thursday, March 3, 2016

www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca 5

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Asset adds to foundation’s funds BY BRIAN LAWRENCE Advance Editor

The Creston-Kootenay Foundation received a big boost recently, thanks to the donation of an asset worth more than $250,000 by a couple wanting to benefit Creston Valley non-profit groups. “They had this one big asset worth a lot of money, and they wanted some to be given here, here and here,” said CKF treasurer Ted Hutchinson. The foundation is keeping private the specifics of the donation to protect the anonymity of the donors, but Hutchinson could say that the asset was liquidated and the proceeds invested as the donor-advised “Romeo and Juliet” fund, one of two such funds administered by the CKF.

“That means they play a role as long as they want in deciding where grants go each year,” said Hutchinson. “We’re able to protect the donor’s anonymity not only when they make the donation, but also when the cheques are written.” The CKF started in 2005 with investments totalling $256,000, and now holds $1.6 million of investments — from cash donations, stocks and bonds, insurance policies and bequests — spread through a variety of funds. The earnings on some are distributed annually, with, for example, earnings on the Sonja Sommerfeld fund (created by the family of Sommerfeld, who died in a December 2004 car accident) split annually between public health nurses and the Creston Ministerial Association for optometric needs, and the Brandon

Salviulo fund (created by the family of Salviulo, who died in a July 2009 ATV accident) giving annual scholarships to two firefighting trainees. Investments in less specific funds have allowed the foundation to donate to the Creston Rotary Splash Playground, the Riondel Curling Club’s new roof, the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors, Spectrum Farms and the Therapeutic Riding Program. And those projects of lasting benefit to the community are most often what donors are interested in contributing to. “I think everyone inherently wants things to be better when they leave than when they got here,” said Hutchinson. For more information or to donate, visit www.ckfoundation.ca or contact Ted Hutchinson at ckfted@hotmail.com.

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KEEPING TRACK — The Creston Valley Hospital recently purchased three Holter monitors for the lab through donations

from the Creston-Kootenay Foundation and the Tuck Shop (which included $1,000 from the Wynndel Box Employees Association). The monitors, which totalled $7,359, are portable devices that measure the wearer’s heart activity continuously for 24-48 hours. With a high demand for Holter monitoring in Creston, these devices will reduce the wait list in the future. Present for the donation were (from left) Tuck Shop volunteers MaryNell Pawelko and Sheila Lawson, Tuck Shop co-ordinator Mabel McCowan, lab assistant Gwen Gawryluk, lab technician Jennifer Harrison, Creston-Kootenay Foundation director Nicole Nilsson, and hospital site manager Carolyn Hawton.

Council applying for sidewalk grant, advised about new fire hall BY LORNE ECKERSLEY Advance Staff

A presentation about the Success by Six program at the Feb. 23 regular town council meeting might lead to more financial support. Following a PowerPoint presentation by Ellie Reynolds, co-ordinator of Valley Community Services’ Creston Valley Early Years team, Regional District of Central Kootenay Area C director Larry Binks, who was in the gallery, invited her to apply to rural directors for additional funding. “I invite you to a Creston Valley Services Committee meeting to make your presentation,” Binks said. “More funding might enable you to add services while not taking away from others.” Council Briefs •Council approved the closure of some streets for the fifth annual Just “Tri” It triathlon, which will be held on June 16.

•A letter of support will be provided to the Ripple Ridge Recreation Association, which is planning to expand the cabin on Kootenay Pass, which is currently heavily booked throughout the year. •An application was approved for Columbia Basin Trust funds to help pay for a sidewalk on Railway Boulevard that will improve pedestrian and mobility scooter traffic movement between Northwest Boulevard and Canyon Street South. •A letter from the Ministry of State for Emergency Preparedness seeking input into the future of the Emergency Program Act was received for information. •Council approved a staff recommendation to close the dog park in March and April to help prevent damage to the surface during the typically wet spring weather. •Council consulted by telephone with an advisor about what steps should be undertaken if it decides to move forward a plan to construct a

new fire hall. The consultant, Kimberley Johnston, outlined a process that would include public involvement and input throughout planning stages and into a referendum. “Really it is always best practice to make sure the public is as informed as possible,” Johnston said. Including the public in everything from site selection and building orientation and design to sustainability is important, she said. “Being open and bringing the public into the process is advantageous to engaging them in the issue,” she said. Also, she said, input from the public and user groups helps a cost estimator to come up with accurate cost projections in a process that can take a year or more to start after a successful referendum. “Public process is a really interesting part of a project,” she said. “It’s like showing your work in high school math. How you arrive at the answer is as important as getting it right.”

Mocha says you can make a difference! Columbia Bottle Recycling Tuesdays to Saturdays 9:30 - 4:30 250-428-2929 • 1420 NW Blvd

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Thursday, March 3, 2016 Creston Valley Advance

Getting wimpy about reserves

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As I sat through a Town of Creston budget meeting last week, a few thoughts crossed my mind. First, thumbing through a package that included sheets on every project that Town Council is considering for the 2016-17 budget, I couldn’t help but think that what I have witnessed at council meetings over the years is true — the quality of information that councils get from staff has improved dramatically. It is concise and unbiased, and presented in a way that nonexperts — elected representatives of the public — can digest. And senior staff are only too willing to adjust and adapt that info upon council’s request. My second observation won’t likely sit well with either group. As finance director Steffan Klassen worked through his presentation there was considerable interest among councillors about the status of the town’s various reserve funds. Reserve funds are, essentially, savings accounts for various expenditures, designed to help cover both planned and unforeseen costs. Some reserve funds might be statutory, or required by law, and others meet other requirements. A condition of borrowing and qualifying for grants to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant was to build up the appropriate reserve fund. Fair enough, but I couldn’t help but think about Popeye’s friend, Wimpy, as the discussion proceeded. Wimpy, readers of my vintage might recall, had a favourite saying — “I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” The perpetually broke character did love his burgers. Reserve funds, I kept thinking, are the polar opposite of Wimpy’s economic plan. Think of those reserves as the taxpayer saying,

“I’ll gladly pay you today for a hamburger on Tuesday.” Years ago, under the leadership of Mayor Lela Irvine, town council initiated a policing reserve fund in anticipation of Creston going over

From what I see and hear it sounds like our world is dying. And that is a terrifying thought. We are polluting our air, tearing down our forests and turning the oceans into garbage heaps. The fact is that in the last few years, we have seen some ups and downs with crazy weather, burning droughts and massive storms. Last summer, it seemed like the whole of western North America was on fire but now some places are having the coldest temperatures in years. Everything seems to have gone to extremes. In a lot of places where water is already scarce, rainfall could decrease, causing devastating droughts. However, other places may have the opposite problem. The number of floods is estimated to increase due to crazy weather patterns. On top of that, we all know that the glaciers are melting, causing a huge rise in sea level. This leaves many animals with nowhere to go, endangering many of them to near extinction. The north and south poles are getting smaller with every year, and we can see the disastrous effects it has been having.

A lot of this stuff can lead back to global warming, which can then possibly be traced back to humans polluting the earth, but the garbage in the oceans is solely humanity’s fault. My second grade teacher told me

Lorne Eckersley the 5,000 mark in population and having to pay a much larger portion of its policing costs. The theory was simple — build up a fund that would help ease the sudden jump in cost. In other words, pay more taxes today so that the increase won’t seem so dramatic tomorrow. And the plan worked. Without that fund, Creston taxpayers would have faced a huge tax increase immediately. In our personal economies, many of us also have reserve funds, most notably in the form of retirement savings accounts. We save today so that we can supplement our government pensions upon retirement. Some have education savings plans and some have rainy day funds for emergencies. Heck, some even set aside money for vacations. But for bigger purchases like vehicles and houses, we most commonly borrow, paying for them at the same time we are getting the benefit of their use. That’s an important part of my distaste for reserve funds in general — we are paying for something today so we can pay less, or even nothing, when we are actually getting the benefit.

Think of the many, many taxpayers who for years paid into that policing reserve fund and then died or moved before we had to start paying for the service. They paid in advance for a hamburger they never got to enjoy. Someone who moved into town in the year that we went over the 5,000 mark had the blow of higher policing costs softened because others — call them Reverse Wimpys — paid today for a hamburger on Tuesday. Local government administrators and elected officials can be forgiven for their love of reserve funds. Those funds can allow emergencies to be addressed without messing up a budget or having to borrow, the latter of which needs taxpayer approval. Easier to dip into a reserve fund than to go the public with hat in hand, asking for permission to borrow. It took an enormous volunteer effort to convince taxpayers to borrow so we could have the beautiful Creston and District Community Complex that we enjoy today, and there was no reserve fund (unless you count fundraising efforts, which were voluntary, unlike taxes). The majority of voters expressed their willingness to pay today, and tomorrow, for a hamburger today, and tomorrow. Just as they do when they take out a car loan or a mortgage to buy a house. I am not saying that reserve funds are fundamentally bad, or that those who like them are wrong. But I think their creation should be undertaken with the same prudence as we expect from any government spending. Call me a spend-as-I-go guy. I’m happier paying for my burger when I get it. Lorne Eckersley is the publisher of the Creston Valley Advance.

Act now to preserve world for our future generations The Teen Take Emily Ritter-Riegling how, when he was little, everyone would just dump their garbage in the ocean and it was completely normal. I was, of course, appalled. Now we know different but it doesn’t stop a lot of garbage still ending up in the oceans. It’s horrifying to think of the endless heaps of plastic, floating out there like islands. There have been, and still are, plans to clean up the oceans and I try to stay optimistic but sometimes I really have to wonder what the world will be like in 20 years. And when I do, it doesn’t look too good.

And that’s not even it. The forests, our rain forests especially, are being cut down and burned as if no one had a care in the world. Animals have gone extinct because their habitats have been completely destroyed by mankind. And for what, a few nice pieces of wood or extra land? This world is falling apart because of us but it seems like no one cares enough to do anything. Because we’ve been told to recycle but we’ll still throw away plastics, and we’ve been told to bike but we still drive two blocks over. There are so many other problems our world has to face; if we could try and solve this we could greatly improve the lives of the generations to come. So, I really do encourage you to recycle what you can, buy local foods, donate to charity and walk to work. Whatever you can do to make this world just a tiny but better and safer and cleaner, can make a difference if we all do something. Emily Ritter-Riegling is a Grade 9 student at Prince Charles Secondary School. The Teen Take is a column coordinated by the Teen Action Committee.

Creston Valley Advance Thursday, March 3, 2016

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