Comox Valley Echo, May 30, 2014

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Volume 20, No. 43

Senior found alive in woods after 5 days responding well

School board trustees not happy with cuts to balance budget

Wife of Jamie Sproule euphoric as husband begins to smile

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff A 65-year-old man discovered in the Cumberland hills after vanishing five days prior has begun to smile and even seems to be trying to talk.

Jamie Sproule has been receiving oxygen but is not on a ventilator at St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox, and his wife of 34 years can’t wait until he opens his eyes.

“It looked like it was all over,” said Gwyn Sproule. “I can’t stop laughing. It’s hysterical - the fact that he’s alive after all that time.”

Her husband had gone for a walk Thursday morning around 10:30 a.m., but had strayed from his normal route. The family loves the outdoors and Gwyn thinks Jamie may have been searching for a trail near their home she had told him didn’t exist.

“I’ll try that trail that Gwyn doesn’t believe in,” she pictures him thinking, adding, “It gets bad fast.”

She describes it as “the ugliest land,” noting the pathway where her husband was found changes from a wide berth to a something more sinister looking. “The next thing you know you’re in this horror show.”

That’s exactly the prospects faced by the family as they contacted the RCMP and set a Search and Rescue effort in motion.

The lovers met in a treeplanting camp she the planter and he the cook - and have been an item since 1978. Since then they’ve been to Peru, twice to Cuba and taken a driving holiday in New Zealand.

Jamie lives with both dementia and Parkinson’s disease, and as his conditions have advanced these trips have become more rare. But they still manage to make it to Mexico once a year.

“I guess I won’t be going on that this Christmas,” Gwyn couldn’t help but think, as the official ground search was called off and dark thoughts began to creep in. “We had some really good adventures”.

A family friend, Sophie Gilmour, literally stumbled into Jamie as the last of the day’s unofficial search parties was about to call it quits at about 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Gilmour called Jamie’s daughter Annabelle Sproule, and she could hardly trust her own ears. They had found her father.

“I had to get her to say it three or four or five times. I just didn’t believe her,” Annabelle said. “I was totally dumbfounded.”

Searchers began double flagging the route down to Comox Lake Road and emergency response crews headed toward the location on the western edge of Cumberland.

When fire chief Mike Williamson got word Jamie Sproule had been located there were still a lot of questions.

“We didn’t know if he was alive or not,” he said, adding he soon sent as many people to the scene as possible. “I brought the whole department.”

As Annabelle set eyes on her father for the first time since he went missing, she began to speak to him to instill a sense of calm.

“I didn’t know if he could hear me or not, but I’m sure it was a very stressful situation for him,” said the 33-year-old midwife. “I just told him to breathe slowly

By Michael Briones Echo Staff

Only Jamie Sproule’s hat rests on stump in the corner of the forest where he was stuck for days.

Gwyn Sproule spoke with media shortly after her husband was found alive.(Photo CHEK-TV News) because he was breathing very fast. I held his hand and just tried to get him to relax.”

There he was amongst the salmonberries, ferns and decaying organic matter about 500 meters from the family’s home on Comox Lake Road.

“The brush is so thick you can’t see your hand in front of your face,” she said. “He was deep underneath a bunch of plants.”

Until that moment, things had been looking grim.

“He may not have made it another night,” Williamson said, explaining the forest can be a treacherous place for people in this sort of scenario. “It’s pretty rough.”

An official search had logged more than 1,100 hours of trained rescue operations. It was suspended after three days, though family and friends refused to give up, pushing further into the bush, one small segment at a time.

Annabelle Sproule at St. Joseph’s General Hospital the night her father was found alive.

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Comox Valley school board trustee Janice Caton called it the “hardest” budget she’s ever had to endorse in her nine years on the job.

The School District 71 trustees approved its budget for the 2014-2015 year in the amount of $83,890,682 on Tuesday night. But board members are not happy with it because in order to achieve a balanced budget, they’ve had to propose staff reductions to make up for a $2.2 million shortfall.

With its surplus depleted, the budget reduction had to be shared by different departments that included instruction, administration, maintenance and transportation. The district will be cutting the equivalent of 46 full-time teachers and support staff next year, Caton was critical of the provincial government for not sufficiently funding education and is “very offended” that the board has had to cut services.

“We’re not talking about things, we’re talking about people,” said Caton, who added that it is going to impact the education, health and safety of students as well as their staff.

A huge decline in enrolment of 240 students is expected this coming September and it’s being credited for the major budget adjustment. According to secretary-treasurer Russell Horswill the downward trend is mainly due to a large number of graduating students and small number of enrolments anticipated at the kindergarten level.

Chair Peter Coleman said predicting the number of enrolments plays a key role in the school’s district budget process.

“It’s complicated by the fact that our enrolment projections now turned out to be relatively inaccurate,” said Coleman. “It used to be quite accurate. Last year not so much, but this year, way out. We’re suffering emigration. Families are leaving the valley and that’s not something any demographic study can predict.”

Rick Grinham, who is the chair of the school’s finance committee, said they’ve taken a very conservative approach.

“Our anticipation is a decline in enrolment of 240 and when that happens we’re in a good position, we’re okay financially but if we have more enrolees in the fall, more students showing up, then we’re in a better position,” said Grinham.This year, the school board initiated the budget process differently from the past. Grinham said they had 21 meetings that included internal and external stakeholders. He said this was done to make the process transparent and to make them aware as to why they are taking these cost-saving measures. They were able to share the issue, strategies and the impact of the reduced budget.The school board does not determine the majority of their costs like teachers’ salaries that are negotiated provincially. The provincial government sets the school district’s share on the municipal property tax bills.

School boards are not allowed to operate on a deficit said superintendent Sherry Elwood.

If they did that, the provincial government would appoint an official from Victoria to take over the school district’s budget.

On Tuesday, the local school board also approved an annual facility grant capital project budget totaling $1,373,638. It will be used for various upgrades and repairs at different schools in the district.

A2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

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Comox Valley Weather

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Friday, 30 May A mix of sun and cloud.

High 23°C.

Saturday, 31 May Sunny.

Low 11°C. High 23°C.

Sunday, 1 June Sunny.

Low 13°C. High 22°C.

Monday, 2 June Sunny.

Low 12°C. High 22°C.

Tuesday, 3 June Sunny.

Low 12°C. High 20°C.

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Senior recovers after being lost five days in bush

Rotating strike to hit Valley schools again Tuesday

(Continued from page 1) “I’ve been breaking down the areas and creating missions,” Annabelle said. “We’ve been sending out groups two or three times a day.”

Megan Sommers, one of her father’s treeplanting buddies, had seen some scavenger birds flying above the clearcut by the Sproule house early on May 27. The searchers decided to check that area later that day as they returned to the village.

“It was very systematic,” Annabelle said. “No stone was left unturned.”

Williamson says the efforts of the determined searchers were nothing short of extraordinary.

“They never gave up,” he said.

“They kept looking.”

Annabelle is a bit surprised herself.

“I just can’t believe we were still searching and we found him so long after it seemed completely impossible,” she said. “I was operating on autopilot. Whether or not I had hope that I would find him I’m not sure anymore what I thought.”

Her father was carried out of the bush on a stretcher with wheels and sent to St. Joseph’s General Hospital. Physicians decided against sending him to Victoria, noting he had suffered neither broken bones nor organ failure.

“I’m still worried because he’s not awake right now and he’s got a long road of recovery,” she said.

“But the doctors say he’s going to be okay, so I guess I just have to believe them.”

And her mother Gwyn is excited again for the future.

“He is responding well,” she said. “He is becoming more responsive by the hour, by the minute.”

Jamie Sproule in a family portrait used by Search and Rescue teams.

A rough path heads past this memorial to the Cumberland’s historic black community and heads up the hill towards an old clearcut.

The Sproules live amongst some treacherous wooded areas on the western edge of Cumberland. Jamie was found about 400 m away under some brush.

The BC Teachers’ Federation will continue rotating strikes next week, said BCTF President Jim Iker.

The rotating strikes will occur on four days next week; Monday, June 2, Tuesday, June 3, Thursday, June 5, and Friday, June 6. Every school district will be closed down for another full day.

Comox Valley School District is scheduled to be closed on Tuesday, June 3.

“BC teachers are committed to negotiating a fair and reasonable settlement at the bargaining table,” said Iker. “That agreement, however, needs to include adequate funding to make improvements to important learning conditions, which are teachers’ working conditions. It’s time for Premier Christy Clark to free up the resources that will bring the two sides closer together and ensure students start the next school year with smaller classes, more support for children with special needs, and extra one-on-one time.

“We also expect the government to be flexible on their wage demands and show some good faith and willingness to move. Teachers know that bargaining is about compromise, but we cannot be the only ones expected to move. Collective bargaining is about compromise and moving forwards, not backwards.”

Iker also thanked parents for their ongoing understanding and support.

“The reaction on the picket lines has been fantastic,” said Iker. “Parents know that we are working to improve the education system for their children. I also want to thank BC’s teachers who have remained so professional and committed to their students despite Christy Clark’s ill conceived, confusing, and chaotic lockout that was drummed up to justify her attack on our wages.”

Parents, teachers question trustees’ position on job action

By Michael Briones Echo Staff The question period in Tuesday’s school board meeting produced a good exchange of views among the trustees, teachers and parents..

Foremost in the minds of teachers and parents who attended the regular board meeting was the way the board is dealing with the ongoing contract negotiations and the rotating strike that took place yesterday that closed down all the schools in the district for a day.

Teachers asked the school board, as their employer, where they stand on the teachers’ job action and how they voted on the lock-out the government is imposing on the teachers.

School board chair Peter Coleman said they feel disenfranchised because they have not been given the opportunity to give their input on the matter.

“The board has no say,” said Coleman. “I feel shut out. We’ve been around for a while and we know the BCTF wanted directly to deal with the ministry. Your federation’s policy was to negotiate directly with the ministry. So in some way you are getting what you wanted from them. But that leaves us on the side of it and that’s what I feel, personally.”

Coleman said the Minister of Education broke up the BC Public School Employer’s Association’s trustee appointed board of directors and got rid of its elected CEO and was replaced by a government appointed official who makes unilateral decisions on behalf of the trustees in the province.

“So my point is, in our democracy then employer representation has been reduced to one person representative?” said one of the teachers.

Coleman said, yes.

One parent had asked why the information about the strike came only from superintendent Sherry Elwood while other public school districts, like the one in Vancouver sends out balanced notices that included letters from the BC Teachers’ Federation and the government.

“I was wondering if the school board could do the same?” she asked.

Elwood said the Vancouver school board’s approach is not “common practice.” She pointed out that she is solely responsible for the operations of the school and the information she hands out to parents reflect what is going to be happening on the day of the teachers’ walk out.

“If you’re asking for that balanced perspective that had the politics of what’s going on that’s not my role as

a superintendent,” said Elwood, who also pointed out that she doesn’t have the permission of the BCTF to put out information on their behalf. However, the SD71 website she said, directs parents who are seeking answers to related links.

One teacher thanked the school board for expressing their frustrations and also their deep concern for the welfare of their staff and students that are going to be affected by the cuts they had to implement next school year. He went on to ask the trustees if they would be willing to write a public letter expressing their “outrage?” He wants other parents and teachers to be aware that the board feels this way.

“It bothers me to see what’s happening to our educational system,”

he said. “That we’re going to see bad times and it’s just going to get worse.

I know my colleagues, my wife and other parents would appreciate to hear a more public expression in terms of a letter written to the minister, letter in the paper, expressing this thoughts that you just shared.”

Coleman said that the board had a face-to-face meeting with the Minister of Education Peter Fassbender and was able to raise their concerns recently.

“It’s better than a letter speaking directly to the minister with the staff,” said Coleman who also added that the board has written a number of letters

to the minister. One was about the CUPE contract.

“We had a terrible blow when CUPE ... well deserved raise ... was not funded,” said Coleman. “Those costs were added to the board and we wrote a long and bitter letter about that.”

Coleman also said that their letters have been published in full in the newspapers.

“I personally think that every meeting we had about the budget has been well-reported,” said Coleman. “We’ve been very pleased with the reporting that we’ve had.”

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 A3

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Courtenay quizzes hospital project boss on construction plans

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff

Tom Sparrow explains the rationale behind choosing Tandem Health Partners for the Courtenay and Campbell River hospitals.

Tom Sparrow, chief project officer for the North Island Hospitals Project, gave a glimpse of the potential economic impact and an overview of timelines involved in getting the hospital up and running to Courtenay councillors Monday afternoon.

He spoke about the benefits in having the financial firms - including Gracorp and Balfour Beatty - selected for the Public Private Partnership (P3) involved in nearly every single area of the design and construction.

“Sometimes what happens on these projects is the construction company wants to make as much money and build with the least amount of input on the project,” he said. “Whereas the folks on the other side of the fence want to make sure it’s well over-engineered and lasts for a lifetime.”

Preliminary employment numbers provided by Sparrow indicate there could be 200 jobs created in the Comox Valley in 2014, rising to 250 in 2014, due to the construction of the hospital.

Coun. Doug Hillian asked about the dialogue between the North Island Hospitals Project administra-

tion and the surrounding community in Courtenay.

“We’ve conducted numerous meetings with the neighbours,” Sparrow said. “There are concerns about the helicopter; there’s concerns about parking; there’s concerns about landscaping; there’s concerns about security, safety and construction on site, noise on site - all of those areas we’ve touched on with them. I think we’ve worked very closely at addressing those areas of concern.”

Neighbourhood community meetings will continue even after breaking ground that will include Tandem’s general manager, construction superintendents as well as clinicians.

“We have a school advisory committee and they’re very interested in creating an Amber Alert program,” he said, giving the example of a protocol that will be put in place so if a Queenesh Elementary School student goes missing that heavy equipment might be shut down. “Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on whether you’re a young little guy or not, usually young boys get quite enthralled with heavy equipment and all the activity that goes on at these sites.”

Coun. Ronna-Rae Leonard wondered how the project would be

impacted by its “iterative” nature as it isn’t a typical design-build and relies on just in time designs and construction techniques.

Sparrow said this will help to keep costs under control, noting there are penalties for companies that rack up cost overruns.

Coun. Hillian asked about the impact on the daycare and whether or not there would be a bus stop at the hospital.

Sparrow said there was no plan for a daycare at the hospital, but said the big concern from the daycare so far had more to do with construction noise.

“You’ll find that most health care facilities in BC do not have daycare,” he said. “I’m going to leave it at that because that’s not my area of expertise.”

The regional hospital district and the City of Courtenay have been interested in finding out the future for the bus system, and Sparrow indicated there will be a bus stop at the hospital.

Island Health expects the groundbreaking to take place this summer, provided financial documents are signed on schedule.

Public advised not to enter Puntledge on June 5 as sirens being tested With the warmer weather, people will begin to gravitate to water to cool off and enjoy the summer.

For many in the Comox Valley and beyond, that means heading off to the Puntledge River system. In the past, BC Hydro river surveys have indicated about 500 people may be on the river at one time, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have counted about 2000 tubers entering the river in one day just below the fish hatchery off Powerhouse Road.

It’s good to enjoy the river amenities, but people are to be reminded that this is a hydroelectric system where river flows may change quick-

ly.

Public safety is very important to BC Hydro and we communicate as much as we can when river flows may not be normal. Flood risk management and fish migration flow requirements are common reasons for needing to spill water downstream, but those events are planned operational changes where BC Hydro can provide notice through media and river signage.

There are other situations where river flows can adjust quickly and be unplanned. This can happen when the intake gate at the diversion dam shuts down and prevents water from

entering the penstock to the generating station, thereby forcing the water to spill over the diversion dam and into the Barber’s Hole, Nymph Falls, and Stotan Falls area of the river and become a public safety hazard. The river flow below the diversion dam can change fivefold from about 6 cubic metres per second (m3/s) to about 32 m3/s in 30 minutes. While this type of situation is rare, a similar incident happened last January and can be dangerous.

The Barber’s Hole area is the highest safety risk within the Puntledge River system given its close proximity to the upstream dam and shorter

warning time, so BC Hydro advises against public river activities in this area. The other dangerous sections of the river are immediately upstream of the two dams.

Whether planned or unplanned, quick river flow adjustments can be a public safety hazard, so the seven BC Hydro warning sirens placed along the river from the Comox Dam to Puntledge Park will initiate with a siren sound and then the audible sound “danger, river levels rising.”

Permanent river safety signage is in place, but the siren system provides the real-time flow event in advising people to get out of the river.

BC Hydro will be fully testing the siren system on June 5, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The normal discharge from the Comox Dam is about 32 m3/s. At various times on June 5 the flow release will drop down to 27 m3/s and hit a peak of about 50 m3/s.

The public is advised that on June 5 you will hear the siren sounds and to not enter the Puntledge River until after 4:00 pm. Temporary caution and danger safety signage will placed along the river from Comox Dam to Condensory Bridge. BC Hydro staff will also be along the river to monitor the warning system.

CVEDS works to mend fences with Cumberland council The organization charged with promoting the growth of the local economy says it has been working to improve cooperation with the Village of Cumberland, even as it strives to appear more transparent.

While looking over the Comox Valley Economic Development Society service function review during their regularly scheduled meeting May 26, Cumberland councillors discussed some of the challenges faced by the organization.

“They’re not transparent and they lack communication,” said Mayor Leslie Baird, who represents the Village on CVEDS, in an interview.

“They don’t communicate well with what’s going on within CVEDS. They don’t put out what they’re doing and how they’re doing it.

There’s a lot of questions there.”

Baird explained some of the frustration arose from a sense that the Village and CVEDS were working at cross-purposes.

“I had concerns because they had Empire Days on their list of events

and I went to them and I said, ‘What are you talking about?’” she said of a conversation she had with CVEDS executive director John Watson, referring to an event the organization had planned in Courtenay that Village officials feared would draw people away from their own popular Empire Days celebration. “And I said, ‘Why? Why aren’t you supporting Empire Days? That’s what we want is for you to support the events in Cumberland, not create more in other areas.’”

The response?

“He heard me,” she said.

Baird stressed she was pleased to see CVEDS begin to look at what to do with the industrial lands at Bevan Road (a workshop highlighting this issue has already been scheduled), and notes the Village has its own work to do before bike tourism promotion can be ramped up.

“One of the biggest problems they

have is they have so much to do, and they’ve got such a huge input there’s Courtenay, Cumberland, Comox, A, B and C,” she said.

“We’re all diverse. We all want separate things. How do you rate things in priority? What do you work on?”

CVEDS past president Ian Whitehead says the organization was empowered by the service review and is working hard to boost transparency.

“That’s something that’s near and dear to my heart,” he said, describing a vision of engaging small businesses and promoting initiatives among taxpayers. “We’re into a whole host of really dynamic economic activities that provide a benefit to the public and the Valley as a whole. The problem is the Valley’s population just doesn’t know.”

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of the Comox Valley while making the case for Search And Rescue funding for fixed-wing training.

But Whitehead says the organization is equally focused on representing local communities’ interests, and has been building links with Cumberland specifically.

“We’re attempting to bridge that gap for sure,” he said, adding the door is open for Cumberland to use CVEDS as a resource.

Cumberland councillors also spoke about concerns with elected officials, such as Baird, not being able to vote while on CVEDS due to a recent court ruling not directly involving any local municipal entities.

“I almost feel that we should write that if we can’t send elected officials to represent the public money then we shouldn’t have a function like

CVEDS, which almost makes more sense in the first place,” said Coun.

Conner Copeman.

Coun. Kate Greening said this structure could present positive outcomes, however.

“I agree with their request that they become a little more transparent in what they do,” she said. “Maybe Economic Development would actually do some development of the economics of the area if it wasn’t a bunch of politicians who were managing it.”

Coun. Roger Kishi said as it stands the court ruling presents a serious obstacle for local government officials who want to sit on other societies and boards.

Cumberland officials plan to hold a separate meeting to discuss the matter.

A4 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

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Former workers protest ‘bullying’ at Value Village

By Michael Briones Echo Staff

Former works protest outside Value Village on Tuesday

Village works to preserve the legacy of Japanese and Chinese miners

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Up to 36 homes and businesses dotted the area west of Union where in 1891 many Japanese miners had moved. Residents would get together for baseball games at a rough diamond. Japanese women once tended to a traditional teagarden at Comox Lake.

Chinese were subject to an exacting federal head tax, and about 100 of these miners lost their lives in coal mining accidents.

These and other memories are the intangible artifacts of history that will be preserved as the Village of Cumberland seeks to come up with an official plan for Coal Creek Historic Park.

The 40-hectare property containing Chinatown and No. 1 Japanese Town was given to the Village of Cumberland by Weldwood Canada back in 2002, with the stipulation that a covenant be put in place to protect its heritage and ecology.

As part of its overall park policy set out in the Parks and Greenways Master Plan, which was adopted back in 2010, the Village is tackling individual parks, coming up with a vision for each.

Since the Coal Creek Historic Park Master Plan was selected as a priority item for the year ahead officials have been eager to get to work on the document.

The Village has set aside $50,000 in the 2014 budget to preserve the park’s natural, historical, cultural and recreational features.

Cumberland’s administration has been working to strike a balance

Four former Value Village employees picketed the Courtenay branch on Tuesday to protest abuses they say some workers have been experiencing from vindictive store managers and supervisors.

They’re calling the store a “bully on sight.”

Karen Beasley, who has worked at the store since it opened in 2011, said she quit because she’s no longer happy there and has had enough.

“I have been working there for twoand-a half-years,” said Beasley. “I was the first employee hired and I was told it was going to be a fun environment. I’ve listened to management say for two-and-a-half years that things are going to get better. I’ve watched staff members cry every day.

I heard story after story about being called to the office and being disciplined for silly things like ... who tells people not to talk ... who tells people not to laugh. What kind of environment is that.”

Beasley said although the front end workers appear happy and pleasant, the problem is hidden at the back end, where a lot of the harassment is happening.The store, she said, is driven by the quantity of product that workers are expected to bring out to the floor. This affects employees at the back end. They have a quota to achieve and that may include clothes, shoes, house wares and different items.

“The bonuses are not based on dollars out the door,” said Beasley.

“They’re based on the numbers to the floor. So when you have a system like that, it’s kind of fostering a bit of an environment that’s kind of ready for mistreatment.”

Beasley said workers are written up for petty stuff like laughing. And when you complain, she added, there are repercussions.

“They’re putting people into positions that they know they’re going to fail at, just because they maybe made a workplace complaint,” said Beasley.

“They’re supposed to have an open door policy. But when you make a complaint to their system and two weeks later, they try to change it up and move you to different place in the system that you can’t really work because you’re not able to.”

Beasley said she got tired of watching it and wants the community to know about it.

“People have to realize the only way things are going to change is from the inside out,” said Beasley.

“Like half the stuff, the bullying and the harassment, it’s education. Lots of people should go and make complaints to WorkSafe.”

Dawn Anderson had a lot of experience working for Value Village. She spent five years at the Victoria branch as a team member and also at management level before joining the local store. But she still ended up leaving the job.

“I quit after five years because I couldn’t stand it,” said Anderson. “I tried a year in management because I thought maybe it’d be better. Maybe I could help. But you can only do so much. When I moved up here I thought maybe a new store, new management, maybe things might be better. I was very wrong. There’s definitely no open door policy. The management doesn’t take you seriously when you bring harassment from management. You get yelled out and told it’s your fault because you got them mad.”

Sara Gaugle, the director of communications for Value Village, said they are committed to providing a safe and respectful work environment.

“As outlined to all employees in our extensive Respect in the Workplace training, it is our policy that managers and team members work together in a courteous and professional manner at all times,” said Gaugle. “We are vigorously committed to enforcing this policy, and conduct not in accordance is not tolerated. Further, we have an Open Door policy in place and any complaint is taken seriously.”

CVRD moving to Stage Three water restrictions Chinatown in 1910. (Cumberland Museums & Archives) between desired community uses of the park and the push to enhance the legacy left by the Chinese and Japanese residents.

There was a testy exchange during the open portion of the May 26 council meeting between Mayor Leslie Baird and a member of the gallery about the degree to which the Village solicited input from people looking to establish a disc golf presence in the park.

Input echoed sentiments from some council members who wondered if disc golf course in the park would cause more harm to the envi-

ronment than is worth the effort.

Staff noted that the mention of Frisbee golf was simply an example and did was only included because a stakeholder had attended a public meeting to which anyone could have attended.

Baird repeatedly noted that the process will continue to be open to the public as the plans move along.

Those who want a say in what becomes of Coal Creek Historic Park can attend a Village Hall meeting June 2 or participate in an open house event during the week of June 16.

The Comox Valley Regional District is warning residents that stage three water restrictions will come into effect on June 12.

They will start at 8 a.m. until June 17 at 4:30 to allow BC Hydro to conduct hydroelectric facility maintenance and fish screen cleaning.

The fish screens positioned in the BC Hydro penstock at the Puntledge River diversion dam require periodic maintenance to keep them clean in efficiently screening chinook and coho salmon that may enter the intake back into the Puntledge River.

This dam is where the water is diverted from the river, about 3.7 kilometres downstream of the Comox dam, into a pipeline that travels five kilometres to the generating station and back into the river.

Typically, this maintenance is performed bi-annually but may need three cleanings per year depending on algae and grass debris buildup.

The screens do auto-clean regularly but comprehensive cleanings are required.

While BC Hydro is conducting the fish screen cleaning and general facility maintenance, the CVRD will be supplying water to consumers via the Puntledge pump station.

To maintain enough water in the system during this time for household and firefighting needs residents are asked to use water only when completely necessary.

To keep up-to-date with the latest water restrictions, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions.

Baird looking for committee members for Maple Lake fundraiser

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird is recruiting regional officials to be involved in the Maple Lake Fundraising committee.

The goal of the committee, Baird said is to raise funds to purchase

St. George’s unveiling a new sign A new electronic sign is the final item to mark the 100th Anniversary of St. George’s United Church in Courtenay. The sign will be unveiled on Sunday, June 1st after the usual 10:30am church service. The public is invited to attend the service.

St. George’s is known as “The Church with a Heart in the Heart of the City” because of its compassion and service to the poor and needy in Courtenay. Every week day, the “Sonshine Lunch Club” serves a free lunch, cooked in the church kitchen, to about 125 people. Twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday, “The Pastor’s Pantry” provides a bag of food to needy families. Both services are provided by contributions of food and volunteers from other area churches.

Funds for the sign were raised by the congregation and by generous donations from others in the community.

St George’s United Church was built in 1913 and stood on 5th Street where Hot Chocolates now stands. It was moved to its present location at 6th and Fitzgerald in 1946 and has been added to over the years until now it is the largest building in the downtown.

The United Church is an open, welcoming, and diverse denomination, Everyone is welcome to attend Sunday services and share coffee and tea afterwards.

the Maple Lake lands and turn it into a public park and recreational site. It will seek funding through grants and also to regionally promote public donations.

Baird recently invited Comox council to select a representative to be part of the committee and also requested that they write a general letter of support for future funding applications.

The project is one of the Village of Cumberland council’s strategic priorities for 2014 and is included in the 2010 Parks and Greenways Master Plan.

The acquisition is of 40 hectares of land, including 20 hectares of lake-bottom, a 100-metre buffer around the lake, adjacent wetlands,

as well as Teal Lake and road access from Bevan Road.

The fundraising, according to Baird, will help finance a Maple Lake park master plan to clearly identify future use and development of the land.

The first committee meeting is scheduled to take place on June 6, at

Ciao Down in June

spinach salad with strawberries, blueberries, grapes & almonds topped with feta with a strawberry vinaigrette or crepes filled with smoked salmon & brie with a spicy butter sauce fettuccine with prosciutto, mushrooms & thmye in a parmesan cream sauce drizzled with truffle oil fresh snapper filet with baby shrimp in a light shrimp bisque tuscan style chicken breast with pancetta, olives & roasted garlic in a rosemary white wine pan jus pork tenderloin with a brandy & tri coloured peppercorn sauce dessert duo white chocolate passion fruit creme brulee & chocolate torte with vanilla creme anglaise

10 a.m. at Cumberland Council Chambers.

Council is seeking up to 12 individuals to join the committee. Those with experience in fundraising, wildlife and habitat conservation and outdoor recreation are being sought specifically, though anyone from across the Comox Valley is invited to

put their name forward.

Maple Lake and the surrounding area is owned by Hancock Natural Resource Group, which currently permits members of the public to access the lake for fishing.

The lake is stocked yearly with trout for recreational fishermen and has been called a hidden “jewel.”

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 A5

News

Valley man recharged at Buckley Bay sub-station project

By Michael Briones Echo Staff A Comox Valley man has been re-energized by the BC Hydro sub-station project in Buckley Bay. Bill Cranmer of the K’omoks First Nation has been relearning his trade and recently regained his Level 3 First Aid through the North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society.

On top of gaining his ticket back, Cranmer has landed his first construction job working for Houle Electric, the sub-contractor for the Buckley Bay sub-station project, located about 3.5 kilometres north of the ferry terminal off Highway 19.

“With the help of NVIATS I was able to renew my first aid ticket, and with that was able to get a full time job as an attendant,” said Cranmer.

“Their program enabled me to find a great job and put me on a promising path to a better, brighter future. I sincerely thank the program and the great staff who assisted me.”

Cranmer’s responsibility is to ensure the work area is in compliance with WorkSafe BC rules, construction site safety is strictly enforced, and making certain everyone is properly attired and follows guidelines.

Prior to landing his ticket and this job, Cranmer said he went through a difficult time. He went through a divorce and struggled financially.

But he bounced back to life after receiving support from NVIATS. “They were able to help me get funds for my course without having to go through thousands of hoops,” said Cranmer. “I wouldn’t be here if it were not for their help. It would have been impossible.”

Cranmer, who grew up in the valley and graduated at G.P. Vanier, is no stranger to First Aid as he has been doing it for 20 years when he was still living in Vancouver. But it had expired and he said, since then, he had been working at various jobs.

“They were odd jobs but nothing that made me very happy overall,” said Cranmer. “They weren’t really something that had a future with it.”

By going through NVIATS, Cranmer was able to retake the course again. It took a month which he said was easier the second the time around.

“I had previously taken it so I had a good background in it,” said Cranmer.

Domcor, a company that deals with health, safety and security, hired Cranmer and was responsible in helping him acquire the job with Houle Electric at the BC Hydro project.

“This is going to open a lot of doors for me,” said Cranmer. “I’ve got all these potential possibilities for really killer jobs. I’m not just talking two to three weeks. I’m talking about career like jobs.”

Stephen Watson, spokesperson for BC Hydro, said Cranmer is progressing well in his new role as a Level 3 First Aid assistant and is expanding more his knowledge in his field.

“Houle Electric, the primary contractor, has been supportive as his employer,” said Watson. “Our Buckley Bay Substation construction officer, from AMEC, has decades of construction and safety work and has taken him under his wing a bit.

It’s an ideal work environment when learning from someone with a lot experience and perspective.

Billy’s biggest asset is his willingness to learn and expand. It’s nice to

Billy Cranmer of the K’omoks First Nation has earned his ticket through North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society and landed a job at the BC Hydro sub-station project in Buckley Bay.

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LOCAL BUSINESSES COLLECTING DONATIONS FOR FOOD BANK Warehouse One the Jean Store and Purolator have joined forces again to help the Comox Valley Food Bank.

Both local businesses are collecting non-perishable donations as well as cash donations.

Assistant manager at Warehouse One Jessica Richards said they’ve been partnering with Purolator for the past two years to help with this very worthy cause.

The campaign will run from May 30 to June 8. During this time people can bring their donations directly to the Warehouse One store located in the Driftwood Mall on Cliffe Avenue.

With the support of Quality Foods in Comox, they will also be holding a food drive in front of their store on Wednesday, June 4 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. where people can bring non-perishable food donations.

“With the help of our community our goal is to raise 400 pounds of food or more,” said Richards. “All the cash and food we collect will be donated to the local Comox Valley Food Bank keeping all the proceeds in our community.”

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see his new career move along.”

Cranmer has no intention of resting on his laurels. He plans to continue to upgrade his skills and will soon be attending the Construction Safety Officer course at BCIT. The new substation at Buckley Bay will relieve the long-term supply constraints in the Comox Valley area, while providing safe and reliable energy for years to come.

“The substation project continues to move along nicely,” said Watson. “Our subcontractor is doing good work.

There are certain quality assurance and quality control measures we undertake and things like the quality of the concrete is very good.

“There have been no lost time accidents and we would like that to continue. Safety is our highest priority.”

The project has benefited not only First Nations individuals like Cranmer but also other workers in the Valley and on the other parts of the Island.

Local companies that include Lafarge and Slegg Lumber from Cumberland, United Rentals, Water Pure & Simple, BFI, Lea Consultants, Columbia Fuels, Co-Op Fuels, ONO Trading, Acme Concrete Pumping, Island Concrete Pumping, and Corix Water Supplies, all from Courtenay, have all gained from the sub-station construction.

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A6 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

News

Flavour: The North Island’s Gourmet Picnic launches ticket sales Sunday

Where the rubber hits the road ...

The contestants in the world-famous Comox Rotary Ducky 500 are calling fowl over the lack of ducky delicacies at one of the event sponsors.

The mostly well-behaved group of little yellow protesters in front of Woofy’s Pet Foods (except for one who insisted on flipping the bird) restricted themselves to waddling back and forth in front of the store and quacking slogans: “Why should the cats and the dogs get all the good stuff?” “Woofy’s better duck and cover!”

A web poll confirmed that the public is in a flap about Ducky 500. “Hey people, buy a Ducky ticket.

Get these ducks training and out of my parking lot,” is the plea from Mike Trimble at Woofy’s.

The Ducky 500 is the annual Canada Day extravaganza where hordes of tagged rubber ducks are let loose in the Courtenay River and the ticket holders of the winning ducks receive fabulous prizes. Proceeds from the event are used by the Comox Rotary Club for worthy local projects.

Tickets are available from Comox Rotarians, Ducky sponsors and civic-minded businesses.

“I mean, what kind of treats do rubber ducks eat anyway?” sputtered Trimble. “I’d bring it in if I knew. Just buy a ticket already.”

More than a few feathers were ruffled as these rubber duckies showed their displeasure with a local pet food retailer’s practices.

The North Island College Foundation, together with presenting sponsor RBC Dominion Securities and host-sponsor Coastal Black Estate Winery, are excited to announce that Flavour: The North Island’s Gourmet Picnic is set to take place at Coastal Black Estate Winery & Meadery on Sunday, September 21 from 1 to 4 pm.

Ticket sales for this much-anticipated sell-out event begin at 10 am on Sunday, June 1. Guests can purchase tickets online at https:// gourmetpicnic.ca or in person at the Coastal Black Estate Winery in Black Creek.

Flavour is a distinctly unique epicurean event showcasing the talents of celebrated local chefs, brewers and vintners, farmers, and producers, as well as some special guests from out-of-region.

Amidst the immaculate grounds of Coastal Black’s working farm and award winning estate winery, guests will enjoy an afternoon of relaxed indulgence listening to live entertainment and sampling an exquisite combination of food and beverage offerings.

Adult tickets are $50. Youth tickets (6 years - 12 years) are $10. Children under 5 years are free. Family passes and shuttle bus transportation are also available.

Proceeds from this family friendly event are directed towards scholarships and bursaries for Professional Cook students attending North Island College.

The event also supports Flavour’s community partners, the North Vancouver Island Chef’s Association and the Farmers’ Market Association.

This year’s growing list of spon-

Support education and culinary culture in our community and enjoy one of the region’s most popular sell-out epicurean events. Get your Flavour tickets this Sunday, June 1, starting at 10 am online: https://gourmetpicnic.ca.

sors includes RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities, BMO Nesbitt Burns, Coastal Black Estate Winery & Meadery, The Eagle FM 97.3, Comox Valley Echo, Thrifty Foods, All in One Party Shop Event Rentals, Old House Village Hotel & Spa, Ambassador Shuttle Service, Lois Interiors, Destiny River Adventures, Rotary Club of Comox, Fox & Bee Studio, and EatDrinkMedia.ca.

Exhibitor space is going fast with many of the Island’s finest purveyors and producers: Hoyne Brewing Co, Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt, Yummies and Gyros Greek Café, Church Street Bakery, Carmie’s Café, Royston Roasting Company, Union Street Grill & Grotto, Thrifty

Foods, Salt Spring Island Vineyards, Lush Valley Food Action Society, Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs & Cooks, Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, Berwick Comox Valley, Atlas Café, Longwood Brewery, North Island College, Coastal Black, Custom Gourmet Catering & Personal Chef Services, Breakwater Restaurant at the Kingfisher Resort & Spa, and more to come.

As ticket sales get under way, there is still time to join our amazing team of sponsors and exhibitors. Don’t miss your chance, space is limited; call 250-334-5000 ext.

4267 to register today.

For complete event details and ticket sales, please visit https:// gourmetpicnic.ca.

FATHERS DAY IS SUNDAY, JUNE 15TH

‘POCKET MARKET’ STARTS TUESDAY

ch 10 oi a c s fru es o sor it f m ted pi i es xe d

Come out and support local food! Beginning Tuesday, June 3rd, LUSH Valley Food Action Society will be hosting a pocket market every Tuesday from 3-6 pm at 1126 Piercy Ave, Courtenay.

A selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables will be for sale from local food providers. Gluten-free items from The Rose Bakery, fair trade products from World Community, teas and edibles from Wild Eats, bulk and preserved goods from LUSH Valley’s members pantry.

Merville Organics and The Birds and the Beans will be using this time as their Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) pick-up. CSA is a program that directly connects farms to their supporters by allowing CSA members to pay a farm at the beginning of the growing season in exchange for a weekly share of produce throughout the harvest season.

Other vendors and community groups are encouraged to apply for a table. Musicians and other entertainers will also be there to serenade you as you purchase local produce and goods, starting with local musician Annie Becker!

For more information, contact LUSH Valley at 250331-0152 or admin@lushvalley.org.

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"I have known Jason for over 25 years, and have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone with hearing difficulties."

Martin Davies, Comox "Jason spent the extra time to get my hearing aids just right for me. They've made a huge difference in my life."

Leslie Romans, Courtenay "I appreciate the selection of hearing aids at Jason's clinic...the care and service has been outstanding."

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 A7

News

The Alberni Project to host Benefit Auction of Militaria The Alberni Project Museum in the Comox Centre Mall will host a benefit auction of militaria Saturday June 7th at 1:00 pm in unit 199 at the Mall.

Auctioneer Dave Stevens will conduct the auction of over 400 lots of various military and historical items from the collection of the late Kevin Cosby.

Pre-auction viewing will take place Thursday and Friday, June 5 & 6 from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Part of the proceeds will help benefit The Alberni Project Museum.

This event is co-sponsored by the Comox Centre Mall and Courtenay Community Thrift Store.

For more information call Penny at 250-218-3013, www.facebook. com/comoxmilitariaauction or http:// www.alberniproject.org

Scenic Glacier tours with Harbour Air during Shellfish Festival New in the line-up at this year’s BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival are two exclusive days for Harbour Air Comox Glacier Scenic Tours. The stunning 30 minute flights, beginning from the Comox harbour, will provide a unique opportunity to get up close and photograph the majestic giant - the Island’s largest glacier. For those wanting to

stay and play in the Comox Valley, a package option that combines the flight with a one night hotel stay and two tickets to the Comox by the Sea Shellfish and Seafood Celebration start from $109. www.discovercomoxvalley.com or visit the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre.

Highland grads cruising in classic style to Saturday ceremony Highland Secondary School Grads will once again arrive in style at their graduation ceremony as the Highland Grad Classic Car Cruise continues this year.

There are expected to be about 40-50 vehicles ranging from Model -A’s to the most potent Muscle cars transporting over 100 Grads on a scenic cruise around the Comox Peninsula on the afternoon of Saturday, May 31,.

The event will get underway shortly after 2:00 pm, as the Grads meet their drivers and cars in the Highland Secondary parking lot, just off Pritchard Rd, in Comox.

The cruise itself will start at about 3:00 pm and follow a route that includes Lazo Road, Knight Road, Military Row, Ryan Road, Crown Isle Drive, Lerwick Road, Anderton Road, and Comox Avenue. The Cruise will take a quick loop through

Marina Park to allow cruise participants to view the rest of the cars. They should start arriving at Filberg Park at approximately 4:00 pm.

There may be a few minor inconveniences to the public during this time, mostly at the intersections listed above.

We appreciate the patience of the motoring public in this matter.

Highland Secondary would like to take this opportunity to thank the R.C.M.P. for providing support to the procession, thus ensuring that it runs smoothly and most importantly, safely.

We would also like to thank all those automobile owners and drivers who generously supply their time and wheels, without which this event couldn’t take place!

We hope to see many from the community out on the boulevards and sidewalks along the cruise route on the afternoon of Saturday, May 31.

Be on the lookout Saturday for the Highland Secondary graduation classic car cruise

New

Disposal Fee Schedule Comox Valley and Campbell River Waste Management Centres Effective July 1, 2014 Highlights to Fee Schedule Changes

Fee Description

Effective July 1, 2014

Site access fee (would be applied to vehicles that pass over scales at the Comox Valley & Campbell River waste management centres)

$4/per vehicle

* some exceptions apply

Minimum load charge (currently $4 for loads not weighing more than 60 kilograms) Clean fill (soil or turf suitable for landfill cover, currently charged at $5/tonne; loads less than one tonne are currently accepted for free.)

$6 for loads not weighing more than 100 kilograms

$15/tonne; $6 minimum for loads <400 kg (Prices are per metric tonne and will be pro-rated for a portion thereof and subject to this minimum charge.)

*The new site access fee will not apply to residents dropping off recyclables, scrap metal,or product stewardship items, or for customers picking up SkyRocket.

The Comox Strathcona waste management service encourages residents to maximize their trip to the waste management centre by making one trip to dispose more per load.

Tel: 250- 334-6016 To review a detailed fee schedule and to download a copy of bylaw 170 “schedule of fees and charges”, visit www.cswm.ca/fees

Shoppe Talk May 2014 Sunscreens When I moved to BC many years ago I heard it described as the “ing” province. This was because everybody was “hiking, walking, skiing, biking, golfing, sailing, and so on. Spring is here and we have longer sunnier days which allow us more time to spend outside pursuing the “ing” things. While the sun is a welcome sight, we need to be aware of potential problems enjoying it if we are on certain medications.

Some drugs when combined with the sun can cause photosensitivity reactions. These may be manifested in two ways. The first is a photoallergic reaction. In this case the sun causes the drug to cause an immune type reaction in the body.

The reaction, which happens after continuous exposure to the sun is not dose dependant and presents as an itchy eczema like rash.

The second reaction is a phototoxic reaction. These responses can occur with the initial exposure to the sun and result in a chemical reaction between the UVA rays of the sun and the drug. This reaction results rapidly and manifests itself as an exaggerated sunburn on the areas of the skin exposed to the sun.

Whether or not you are on medication it is important to protect yourself from the sun. Choose a sunscreen that protects you against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the ones responsible for the phototoxic reaction, and thought to be associated with squamous cell cancers and melanomas. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. There are many products out there that will provide you with adequate protection.

Many moisturizing and makeup products now contain nongreasy sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. They're good to use all day, every day, even if you live in a cloudy climate. Children and teens who use sunscreen regularly can significantly decrease their lifetime risk of skin cancer.

Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, 15 to 30 minutes before you go in the sun and, use a sunscreen on your lips. Use water-resistant sunscreens and reapply every 2 to 3 hours — more often if you're swimming or sweating.

If you're in intense sunlight, use a total sunblock, like zinc oxide, on your lips, nose and ears.

Reduce sun exposure between 11am-4pm. These are the times the sun’s rays are the strongest. Don’t forget to cover-up by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants made out of breathable material. Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your face and your eyes. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses.

Check with us if you have questions and make sure you practice safe sun doing your “ing” thing.

A8 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

Gardening

10 interesting plants to put in containers

By Ellen Presley Anderton Nursery If you are bored planting the same thing every year, try and spice it up with a few interesting plants.

Instead of using the Dracaena spike in the middle of a planter or container try something different.

The popular Pennisetum rubrum (Purple fountain grass) is an annual grass which grows 30-36”, has bronze colored foliage and gorgeous purple plumes. This award winner loves the sun but can take some shade, never needs deadheading, takes an average amount of water and can be used as a cut flower, in the landscape or in a container.

What is not to like?

The new showy version of the fountain grass is the Pennisetum ‘Firework’ which has the same fantastic deep burgundy leaves but is striped with hot pink along the edges. The bottle brush flowers appear in late summer. Both are deer resistant and low maintenance.

There are so many fascinating Coleuses on the market but two which are continuing to make a sensational show are the Coleus ‘Wild Lime’ and Coleus ‘Wasabi’. The ‘Wild lime’ is a lime green with a creamy yellow center and ‘Wasabi’ is vibrant chartreuse green that enhances all the other colors in your garden. Both are equally good in your garden bed or container and can tolerate a lot of sun but prefer part shade.

An old fashioned plant that is coming back into fashion is the Zinnia. Three of my favourites are Zinnia ‘Swizzle Cherry and Ivory’ which has 3” blooms of red and white. It grows 10-14 inches and the dramatic color contrast combined with the dense petal count makes this plant stand out in the garden or container.

Its cousin the Swizzle ‘Scarlet yellow’ is very showy. The huge flowers of scarlet and yellow make a big impact in a little space. They are both great at the edge of the garden or along a driveway; in large pots, containers or in window boxes.

Their bright colors are great for the children garden too!

The newest is the Zinnia ‘Benary’s Giant Lime’ which gets 3 feet tall and the bloom 4-5” across.

It is a stunner.

All Zinnias are drought tolerant and heat loving. They love full sun and good air circulation.

The award winner Strobilanthes (Persian Shield) is also an outstanding plant to give height to the garden bed or in containers.

Originally from Burma, it grows 18-36”, loves full to part sun and has unusual iridescent colorful leaves of purple, green and silver. It is easy to maintain, drought tolerant and is adaptable as a houseplant.

For your shade containers, the Fuchsia Gartenmeister is an excellent choice. It is low maintenance, has amazing colorful burgundy foliage and showy flowers that attract hummingbirds. It grows 2-3 feet, needs medium amount of water and is great in garden beds or borders. It can also be brought indoors in the winter and used as a house plant.

For great filler plants, try the Iresine hybrida ‘Blazin’ Rose’ (blood leaf) which is a native to Brazil and has vibrant color foliage of burgundy with cream and bronzegreen veining. It can grow to 18” and is lovely in planters, the cottage or rock garden. It can take full sun to partial shade.

The ‘Gryphon’ Begonia contin-

Coleus ‘Wasabi’ Laurentia ‘Blue Stars’ is great as edging or in containers well-drained soil and prefers a sandy or gravelly area. (8-18”) The other striking blue colored plant is the Anagallis monellii (Sky lover). It is low growing at 6 to 12” in height and loves full sun to part shade. This amazing gentian blue flower has a pink eye and yellow anthers. It looks like a weed until it blooms and then it is breath-taking. It is very neat and compact and drought tolerant once established. You can easily add it to any container for that extra pop.

Looking for a dramatic tropical look to add to your deck? Try adding a Canna to your container. Although many can get quite large, there are dwarf varieties.

The Canna ‘Cleopatra’ gets 24-32” in height and

Zinnia ‘Swizzle Cherry and Ivory’

Canna ‘Cleopatra’ ues to amaze me. It is an incredible plant with fabulous foliage. It is heat tolerant, requires little or no maintenance and no deadheading. It has insignificant pink flowers but the main attraction is the leaf. The green and white foliage is spectacular with its burgundy veining and burgundy underside. Bring it indoors in the Fall and it becomes a wonderful houseplant.

Blue is a wonderful color to add to your containers. It is a very soothing color and definitely eye-catching.

The Laurentia ‘Blue Stars’ makes a spectacular addition to a container, basket or used as an edging plant. It creates masses of light to medium blue star shaped flowers and forms a low 6” bushy plant with lobed leaves. It also comes in a pink version called Laurentia ‘Pink Stars’.

Not always easy to find is the Phacelia campanularia ‘Tropical Surf’. Often referred to as the blue desert plant, this annual blooms a lovely gentian blue. It needs full sun,

loves full sun to part shade. This large flowering canna has a unique bloom of red/ yellow flowers with exquisite freckles and the leaves are a blend of green and bronze.

Canna ‘Shining Pink’ grows to 18-24” and has an almost iridescent rose /mauve color flower. They both prefer moist soil and will bloom mid to late summer. They are deer resistant and the bees, butterflies, and birds love them. They are great in containers, in the garden or suitable for bogs. Cannas are very easy to grow and can be overwintered in the house.

Have fun trying unusual plants in your containers and creating fascinating new designs every year. With so many plants to choose from, you will never get bored.

Happy Gardening!

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 A9

Business News

TREATS AT GUERRILLA FOOD CO. GRAND OPENING The Guerrilla Food Company located at 534 5th street in Courtenay is holding their official Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday May 31st from 2pm till late. They invite you to join them for a garden party BBQ. Chef Christopher Matthews and Owner Jason Uglanica have put together a menu that celebrates the start of summer and the start of the growing season, featuring: Southern BBQ pulled pork shoulder, coleslaw, potato salad, jalapeno buttermilk biscuits, jerk chicken, fruit salad, steamed clams, roast lamb leg, grilled vegetables & more.

The cost of the event is by donation. For updates and event information please visit The Guerrilla Food Company on facebook.com.

Courtenay pharmacist recognized for mentorship with B.C. award Courtenay pharmacist Mike Dilfer is the recipient of the 2014 Murray Dykeman Mentorship Award presented by the BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA).

The Murray Dykeman Mentorship Award recognizes a pharmacist who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the profession by guiding and supporting other pharmacists, particularly pharmacy students and new practitioners in community pharmacy.

To be a good teacher or leader, you have to be a good listener - and Mike Dilfer is an exceptional one.

Students, peers and patients alike agree he has an uncanny ability to find out what people are really saying and help them.

Mike regularly mentors pharmacy students and was nominated for this award by those who admire his passion for the profession and drive to learn. He always engages students and new coworkers, supporting them through both personal and professional challenges.

Leading by example, Mike gives every patient his focus while providing evidence_based care. His peers are inspired by his ability to form therapeutic relationships with clients and motivate them to do better for themselves.

His pharmacological background is just as strong as his personal skills - Mike is always on top of the latest literature and recently helped

Nelson Meggitt, left, and Peter Morrow invite you to their combined centre grand opening on Saturday, May 31

Grand opening Saturday for health centre practitioners

Courtenay pharmacist Mike Dilfer launch a monthly meeting for pharmacists in the Comox Valley to discuss practice issues.

Originally from the United States, Mike moved to Courtenay in 2010 and worked as a pharmacist at Safeway until the location closed in April of this year. He is now very excited to be practicing as a pharmacist at the independently-owned Target Pharmacy.

The BCPhA Pharmacy Awards recognize pharmacists and others

who have played an essential part in the profession. The awards were presented at the BCPhA Annual Conference in Whistler on May 23, 2014.

The British Columbia Pharmacy Association is a not-for-profit, voluntary, professional association of pharmacists and pharmacies. It represents more than 2,800 pharmacists and more than 800 pharmacies throughout BC.

CV Economic Development reviews past year, looks to the future at AGM Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AGM, held last Friday, brought together a myriad of businesses, local government representatives and partner organizations in an informal tradeshow environment to review the Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2013 activities and provide a venue for discussion of future economic development projects.

With an updated Comox Valley Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan approved in 2013, developed with the input of over 16 stakeholder and sector based groups, in tandem with the CVEDS Board, a clear plan for regional economic development over the next 5 years was solidified.

The AGM illustrated the focus of the Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing efforts on key areas of the economy, including programs in the agri-food and tourism sectors, while new strategic focus has been applied in a number of areas, including implementation of an Economic Impact Model and opportunities to support CFB 19 Wing Comox. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the agri-food sector, we worked with our core agricultural partners - including the Comox Valley Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market, Comox Valley Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Institute, and Comox Valley Exhibition, - and are pleased to report the Comox Valley has been selected as the host venue for the 2015 Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agriculture Show,â&#x20AC;? said Ian Whitehead, President, Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This coupled with extensive business advocacy and export market expansion activities in the shellfish sector, highlights the continued importance of agri-food in the local economy.â&#x20AC;?

Tourism has been a key sector of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development activities for many years.

However the approval by Courtenay accommodation properties to proceed with the implementation of the Additional Hotel Room Tax (AHRT) effective March 1, 2013, enabled a structure which now allows the region to better compete in attracting visitors to the region.

Projected Y1 AHRT revenues were expected to be $150k, with actual revenue topping $190k. These monies are specifically used for marketing initiatives, in support increasing overnight stays in the Comox Valley.

The planned Comox Valley hospital certainly represents one of the most significant construction projects for the region in many years.

This said, residential and commercial developments of a small to medium scale also result in economic activity in the region, both directly and indirectly.

In order to assess economic

Richard Hardy was named president of the society for 2014 impact of land development projects, a series of criteria have been established, in consultation with local government. The resulting â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Land and Development Impact Analysisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; program will allow better understanding of site specific economic impacts of various developments, as they are brought forward to local governments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would like to acknowledge the input from local government staff and a local Developers working group,â&#x20AC;? said Whitehead, noting the collaborative role the groups have

NEW LISTING

$

255,000

played in the program.

The City of Courtenay and the Town of Comox are in various stages of utilizing this mechanism, in partnership with CVEDS. In addition, CVEDS has been active with local governments, assisting in the assessment of various potential downtown revitalization program ideas, toward attraction of development projects that fit their community OCPs and long term tax base objectives.

Priority focus has also been placed on the CFB 19 Wing Program in 2013 and moving into 2014, in response to the announcement of a Request for Proposal for the Fix Wing Search and Rescue Replacement Project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A focused working group has generated an overview document, conveying the relevance of CFB 19 Wing and its preferential attributes related to the SAR training plan, noting 19 Wing as the Comox Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest economic driver and outlining the Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to its long term role in search and rescue,â&#x20AC;? said Whitehead.

The Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism 2013 AGM Report, 5 year Strategic Plan and 2014 Work Plan, which address these and many other programs, economic data and research are available at investcomoxvalley.com

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Quality family home with hardwood floors and coved ceilings. The windows have been replaced with the roof a few years ago. Downstairs is made for your kids or hobbies or both with a bedroom, a rec room, 3 piece bath, laundry and workshop. Private treed backyard. Quiet neighbourhood is located close to parks, recreation, shopping and bus routes.

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Rancher in Royston 4354 Briardale Road

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"Come out and watch Komox Masters Baseball Sunday from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm at Highland fields and support fundraiser for Marcus Yule, Food and Drinks for everyone!"

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Wayneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

quote of the week

OptimumWellnessFactor became the shared occupant on May 1 of 407F, 5th Street, Courtenay, at Zen Health Haven, adjacent to Peter Morrow C.N.M., C.E.T. (Certified Nutritional Microscopist, Certified Energy Therapist, Homeopathic Energy Medicine).

The building entrance to reach these two highly complimentary wellness services is at the corner of 4th Street & England Ave. OptimumWellnessFactor is being introduced by longtime Comox Valley resident, Nelson Meggitt.

Nelson offers a clearly unique and intuitive brand of Life & Wellness Coaching, which combines his firsthand knowledge of mind-body-spirit healing as a multiple-trauma survivor, with his love of the healing arts - primarily, Aromatherapy using exclusively the Certified Pure

Therapeutic Grade(r) of Essential Oils from dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TERRA. Peter Morrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services include live blood cell analysis, oxygen therapy, psychosomatic energetics and transformational chakra release therapy.

Given the complimentary nature of their services, Peter and Nelson have decided to both welcome you to a Grand Opening on May 31st.

Nelson has provided 25 door prize promotions from $5.00 to $85.00 value and Peter has generously contributed several prizes to be won as well. Approximate total value of door prizes is $840.00.

Entry and qualification for door prizes valued at $20.00 or more, requires participation in a one hour wellness consult by Nelson.

You are invited to visit http://optimumwellnessfactor.ca/ for full details and periodic updates.

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A10 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

Opinions ECHO

THE COMOX VALLEY ECHO Publisher Dave MacDonald Editor Debra Martin Advertising Manager Keith Currie Office Administrator Deb Fowler Circulation Manager Hedi MacDonald Production Manager Ryan Getz Phone 250-334-4722 Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 250- 334-4215 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com

An independently owned and operated newspaper published by Echo Publications at 407-D Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 All material herein is protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without written authorization from the publisher.

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538

Letters

Why punish the children?

As I write this letter, as a parent, a tax-paying British Columbian, and frankly, a human being, I have a heavy heart. This afternoon, my 11-year-old son tearfully delivered the news that the district track meet, for which he and many others had worked so hard to qualify, as well as their coveted year-end celebration field trip, had both been cancelled, only days ahead of the events.

They had abruptly been told that these cancellations were as a result of the strike action currently underway, and when the children understandably had questions, their teachers simply stated that they could not discuss it with them to any extent.

As such, many, many disappointed and confused kids like mine headed home, full of questions about how and why something that affected them so directly, could simultaneously be closed for discussion, in the apparent interest of not “involving” them in the politics of the situation.

Similarly, I can only infer that many other parents, like myself, were left in the difficult position of trying to explain how so many “grown-ups”, over such a long period of time, couldn’t figure out how to come together, listen to each other’s concerns, and come up with a plan that was fair to both sides…just the way we have probably all spent years trying to teach our kids to do themselves, when faced with a dispute or difference of opinion.

Now, first – I would like to go on record and say that I support the teachers. The fact is, teachers in BC are severely underpaid, especially when compared to their counterparts in many other parts of Canada, and this injustice is amplified by the fact that our province also has one of the highest costs of living. I know that they’ve been frustrated with negotiation attempts, which have been extremely difficult with our current Provincial Government, and I absolutely believe that they have good cause to demand more money, smaller class sizes, and to generally have their voices heard by a government that is receptive to and respectful of the vitally important work they do.

I get that one of the only “tools” available to our teachers’ union is striking and job action, and that the reason that they take these actions is to effectively upset parents enough that they are (hopefully) inspired to voice their disapproval to their government representatives directly, thus spurring fear in them that if they do not placate the teachers to the extent that they stop striking, they are at risk of losing votes.

I understand all of this, and have myself engaged several times in precisely the type of response that teachers are hoping the parents of their students will be forced to take; I’ve written letters and made phone calls to demand that the government come back to the table and negotiate in earnest, while stressing that I – as a taxpayer - highly value the service our teachers provide, and support whatever is necessary to fairly compensate them for it.

And yet, we have spent most of the last 3 school years locked in this holding pattern, and as far as I can discern, a resolution is no closer now than it was when the dispute began.

In light of all of the above, this afternoon, as I witnessed yet another blow to my son’s perceptions of education, of politics, of the world, and ultimately, to his confidence in the ability of the adults in it to “play fair”, I realized how very far from acceptable – or even tolerable – this situation has become.

The cold hard facts are that our kids are being used as pawns in all of this, and are being punished for something that is entirely outside of their control. At the end of the day, throughout the entire length of this dispute, our kids have been the perpetual losers, despite the fact that they are powerless to do anything about it.

The teachers have a legitimate cause for a quarrel with the BC government, but continually taking even more from the kids (who are also already dealing with the repercussions of most of the same problems the teachers are when it comes to class sizes and lack of planning time, just from the other end of the spectrum) is neither right, nor fair. There has to be another way.

Kids have no place being caught in the middle of matters that are, ultimately, in the arenas of business and politics - especially when they are too young to be allowed a “voice” in those arenas.

To be very blunt, it reflects poorly on ALL of us as parents, British Columbians, and human beings, to continue to allow this ridiculous stalemate to take place.

To Christy Clark – you are (yet again) failing all of us in your refusal to work towards a fair resolution with our teachers, and we will all feel the repercussions of this failure for generations to come. It would be difficult to find an issue with more far-reaching impact, and your inability to recognize this is yet another symptom of your poor leadership and lack of vision.

And to our teachers – I implore you to consider the ineffectiveness of actions such as cancelling the few events which bring fun and joy to the school experience for our kids. Long after this dispute has been resolved, the impact of these disappointments, and the shadow they cast on the way our children view education in general, will remain.

Lisa Pedscalny Comox

Letters to the Editor

From your child’s teacher ...

Dear Parent of the Average Child, I’m sorry. Your child is wonderful. She is always at school on time, does her homework almost every day, works well on her own, and is patient with those around her.

I really wanted to go tell your daughter how proud I was of her, of the work she was doing today.

I was about to, but you see, I had a young girl over in the corner crying because she hadn’t had breakfast. Another was tromping around the classroom in winter boots. It’s May. When I asked her to change, she told me she didn’t have any other shoes.

I needed to send them and my CEA (certified education assistant) down to the office to see if we had some food, and any extra shoes in the lost and found.

Oh and over in the other corner, there was a boy screaming at the top of his lungs because, well no one is sure why. He is on a list to see a specialist; they hope to have a plan in place for him soon. Of course it has been three months, but the specialist teacher is overworked and only at our school a few days a week, so we have to be patient.

More children trickled in. One girl told me that her backpack is at Mom’s but she was at Dad’s last night. He forgot to send a lunch. She also wanted to tell me about her dad’s new girlfriend but she told me I wasn’t to tell mom because it’s a secret.

A young man tells me his cat died last night. Another lost a tooth! Exciting — until he sees the blood, then the fear sets in.

A child came in a little late, looking afraid and tentative. She watched carefully what was going on, but was too afraid to join in. Everyone agrees that the child’s fears aren’t normal and that she needs some counselling, but there are only so many hours in a day. They might be able

to see her for one or two sessions next month. I started to go over to help her.

Your daughter, wonderful child that she is, helps her put away her things and leads her to her desk.

I was about to head over and say thank you, but I notice three boys in the corner playing rough. I ran over to stop them and have a conversation about expected behaviour at school. I also tried to throw in a lesson on non-violence while I was at it.

I turned back to look for your daughter.

I haven’t forgotten that I wanted to check in with her, but I look up and realize I should probably begin teaching the lesson of the day. I told myself I would check in with her later.

This was all before 9 a.m. Many other things happened during the day that made it very difficult for me to check in with your wonderful daughter. Students with learning disabilities, diagnosed and not diagnosed. Students with special needs and with behaviour problems. Students who are needier or put up their hand more often. Students who yell louder.

I realized after a day of running from child to child and crisis to crisis, I never did get a chance to check in with her today. I don’t mean to leave your daughter alone, but she seems to be doing just fine without me. I hope it is true I’m sorry. I feel terrible. Would you mind telling her how proud I am of her?

Let her know I appreciate her? I will check in with her tomorrow.

From Your Child’s Teacher Written by Genevieve Hawtree Submitted by Nick Moore Comox District Teachers’ Association

TRAINS AND TOURISTS There is a tragic and expensive mistake in the making according to the political talk around the proposed resurrection of

the E & N Railway. Who in their right mind believes that the train can be up and safely running for 18 million dollars?

Why, our collective governments could eat that money up in studies before a spike is hammered or a tie replaced!

With all the trestles, and crossings needed to be upgraded on this 125 year old line we could easily be into this train folly for hundreds of millions.

And who will ride such a train with it’s 240 level crossings necessitating a snails pace speed.

The previous dayliner had several traffic incidents a year, some resulting in deaths.

The liability insurance alone could total an onerous bill.

It is time to open our eyes to the potential this corridor could offer to the whole Island should it be converted to a hiking/ biking trail. S uch a trail could be operational far before a rail service, be far cheaper,and provide a world class destination for hikers and bikers from near and far.

Studies show that such trails attract clean tourism to areas serviced and those utilizing the trails stay in the area longer.

Anyone doubting this should check out the Sacramento River trails in California, the Kettle Valley trail in the Okanogan and the Galloping Goose in Victoria.

Incidentally, the Galloping Goose entertains 800,000 visitors yearly!

An E & N trail could eventually join up with the Powell River Ferry, providing a wonderful circle route for visitors from the mainland.

It is time to let our elected representatives know that we don’t need another slow, expensive, seldom used and outdated rail system.

My bike is ready....How about yours?

Bill Morrison Comox

More Beefs and Bouquets REALLY?? A PTSD “joke” in your ridiculous beef about someone not letting your wife in traffic! Firstly, it’s traffic, get over it.

Secondly, those suffering from PTSD sacrificed so you could live in a wonderful, free, beautiful country where the free press lets you air your opinion, even stupid traffic woes. Shame on you.

THE MISHAPS and accidents we on occasion find ourselves in are the stumbling blocks that help us to stop and take a good look around us. Life is like that. Things can change in a heart beat, when you least expect it. Beefs and Bouquets are my favourite part of reading the Echo paper. It seems I get in many mishaps, still I have so much to be grateful for. This time my heartfelt thanks goes out to meeting a caring individual who takes pride in his work. Mine is a very small mishap when I think of the horrors and atrocities that are going on at this very second with our Earth and with our many People of our Earth. Still, I will share this story, because I like this part of being part of our Echo Community. Aaron came from Sears to clean my carpet and stairs. He did a very fine job with his great vacuum hose that extended up two flights. When he was finished, he reeled it right back into his Sears’ van. This is when I decided to come downstairs with my new Sunflower plant.

This is when I accidentally dropped my pot and spilled dirt from the top of the stairs down. I felt sick; it was almost as if that pot jumped out of my hands. I was horrified! I

quickly tried to clean up my mess, then realized I needed to let it dry to vacuum it.

I was hoping Aaron would not notice my mess, but he did. I felt very foolish; I insisted I would let it dry to vacuum it, but Aaron would not leave it that way. He said that if I vacuumed that dirt, it would still stick to my carpet. He was very understanding, kind, and considerate to me. He went back to his Sears’ van and pulled that giant hose all the way back up to the top, and he sucked that dirt up for me. I could never have done the job he did. Thank you, Aaron. I really appreciate that you went the extra distance for me. I highly recommend your service with a smile. A happy ending.

EVERY YEAR when the broom is in bloom, my husband and I have this discussion on how to reduce the invasion. I know that in many states in the US, they use persons incarcerated to maintain the sides of highways or other projects. They make a little spending money and are able to receive rehabilitation or training at the same time. These are the ones nearing parole and have proven themselves. Just an idea.

A SINCERE Thank You and large Bouquet of spring flowers for Comox Valley Nissan and Matt for their generosity. We had four dogs arriving from Kuwait and did not have a vehicle available that was large enough to hold their kennels. Comox Valley Nissan and Matt offered a Nissan PU for our use.

The four dogs arrived safe and sound and were delivered to their new Forever Homes.

They send a rejoicing synchronized WOOF! And many doggy kisses for such thoughtful generosity.

THE TOWN OF COMOX is raising taxes and fees by 5% this year - 3 times the rate of inflation. Most of this increase is coming from CVRD administered taxation - garbage, hospital, sewage. At year end 2013, the CVRD had a $67 million cash surplus.

Why do local government taxes and fees constantly exceed the rate of inflation, when they have large bank accounts?

IT’S PRETTY DIFFICULT for the CVRD directors not to support an Indoor Tennis Court request, when 3200 kids are involved in the Sport. Or request from 500 curlers for $1.9 million upgrades. How do these requests stack up against the huge Infrastructure projects and who decides on priorities? It seems that some of these “nice to have” projects should be P3’s like our new Hospital. The Province does not want any new debt - nor do lower income Valley residents who are trying to get by.

PREMIER CHRISTY CLARK promised 10 years of classroom peace. The Teachers Union promised continuing Job Action.

New leadership - same old crap. “Generation Screwed” is the kids out of class today.

Arbitration, please!

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 A11

SUBMIT YOUR OWN BEEF OR BOUQUET ON OUR NEWLY REDESIGNED WEBSITE:

www.comoxvalleyecho.com I WOULD LIKE TO SEND a huge bouquet of gratitude to all everyone who came to my aid after I fell outside Staples earlier this month. There are many people to thank - the lady who donated half a box of Kleenex for my bloody nose, the staff at Staples for their concern and assistance, the woman who wisely suggested that I go to the walk-in clinic, Michelle who assisted me there and back and offered to take me to the hospital even though it was her day off and to Colleen who drove me to the hospital. Last but not least to the staff in my office who stepped in for me during my absence.

IT SEEMS THAT ALL it will take is a 3% raise to get the BCTF out of the picture, and keep kids and teachers in schools. This year, the town of Comox will collect 5% more than last year for taxes and fees. The CVRD will collect 15% more from some rural residents, in new taxes and new fees. Nobody is complaining much about the local government tax grab, so why not just pay the teachers. The BC Government is broke because they cut taxes too far - they need to limit local government tax increases and redirect taxation/ funding priorities. Pay the teachers and get on with education.

MANY THANKS to Courtenay Quality Foods from Cumberland Legion Br. 28 for the generous donation to make our May Day barbeque

Beefs

Bouquets &

The Comox Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First and Best Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forum Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com such a sucess. Thank you.

AN ARTISTIC BOUQUET to all the students, parents and staff at Cumberland Elementary School for raising over $3000 for the Cumberland Community Forest Society with their first school-wide art show. A special thank you to Dave Stevens for being our live auctioneer for the group art pieces. It was an exciting evening for everyone in attendance.

MANY THANKS to the staff in the tire department at Costco. Your customer service is excellent. If anyone is in need of tires these are the guys to see. I know we will be back.

CHEERS for Chloe at Monte Christo. You are an exceptional waitress. They are lucky to have you as an employee.

HUGE BOUQUET of the most amazing flowers to my good friend Sally and AnMarcos Furniture and Mattress Store! My friend took me there for a new bed and both Mark and Denis provided amazing service and went above and beyond. My husband and I love our new flippable pillow-top mattress, havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t slept this well in years! If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t checked out their store yet, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give a higher recommendation, and they have some of the most interesting pieces of furniture and home accessories, very reasonably priced as well!

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future they can find a way to share the supply of used books so that everyone can benefit. In the meantime I will no longer donate to the Rotary book sale.

LOCAL FARMERS rally against Bill 24; please get serious. The only people qualified to criticize the ALR with authority are real farmers. A true farmer is born into the profession and serves a 20-year apprenticeship before they are considered a junior member of the fraternity.

There are very few farmers in this valley, and too many people walking around all hat, and no cows. The Comox Valley is a mecca for agricultural politics, rhetoric, and dogma, but no real food production. I exclude the Dairy producers from this rant as they exist in their own privileged special world where a quota, and no competition, is considered normal.

double the cost of fire protection for Courtenay taxpayers. Courtenay residents deserve an opportunity to vote on this.

THANKS A LOT, BC Assessment Authority. I have put thousands and thousands of dollars into my home in the past few years and you have taken it upon yourself to assess my property much lower this year than last. Because of this, I cannot defer my taxes this year. This system does not work and needs to be changed.

SINCE SAFEWAY can no longer donate produce to the Food Bank, last week there was nothing fresh available there. No fruit, no veg. It is hoped one of the other local supermarkets might be socially conscious enough to step up, and that local shoppers would patronize that store to show their appreciation. What a town. Shut down low-cost trailer park housing, vote down a homeless shelter, and now, no fresh food for those in need. This has just got to be about the friendliest place on the planet earth.

A HUGE SPRING BOUQUET to Mayor Leslie Baird, Deputy Mayor Patti Fletcher, Mayor Larry Jangula and Councillor Barbara Price for participating in the Comox Valley Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Care Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Fling Fundraiser. Huge thanks to the following businesses and individuals who donated and supported this event - Esther Sample, Brian Scott, Randy Frank, Natural Pastures Cheese, Coastal Black Winery, Suzanne Watters Bullock, Brooke Finlayson, Laughing Oyster Books, Planet Kids, Hot Chocolates, Extreme Runners, Elementerrra Art Studio, Hairpins Salon, Cinnamon Hair Studio, Art Knapps, all the wonderful CVCDCS parents and the amazing Board of Directors! For all who attended - thank you for your support!

BEEF to the people on the Back Rd. who blow all their leaves and dirt from their driveway onto the street, there must be a bylaw against that, clean it up please. Also leave your compost bags in your yard until pickup day.

A BIG NEW SET of shiny rocks to the curling club. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to thank the people at the curling club for letting us kids curl for 2 days. It was really fun to do. The volunteers were very helpful and it was easy to learn from them how to play. I met and made new friends having fun. I want to join next year as a kid player. Thank you very much everyone.â&#x20AC;? - Dennis.

AFTER A FEW YEARS of the Comox Traffic Circle being in existence you would think people who drive it would get the fact that you â&#x20AC;&#x153;MUSTâ&#x20AC;? yield to the left. Scary place when you see people speed through without even looking left, must be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;right of passageâ&#x20AC;? thing I am missing.

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DIFFICULT to compare Fire Protection costs for the Comox Valley with all the jurisdictions, but Comox Valley taxpayers are paying about $4 million/year for this essential service. There are 7 fire departments, excluding Denman and Hornby.

Courtenay and Comox Fire services are located in the core of the Valley, and costs are more comparable.

Their cost/property owner are about the same - about $160/year. Another Courtenay Fire Hall will more than

A BEEF to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;gentlemanâ&#x20AC;? whose wife encountered an impolite military driver while trying to turn left at Superstore. I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doubt your wife had a legitimate complaint and assuming that he may have been a Snowbird Pilot has a ring of humour to it, but to suggest he was late for his PTSD counseling is nothing short of rude and ignorant. There are a few such Military personnel in our area who have suffered enough without being on the receiving end of your

This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner

This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner, drawn at random from submissions received up to Tuesday, is:

Grant Knudsen of Comox, 2 Classic Cheese Basket Meals 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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em coming!

trash talk. How would you have described the person had he not been in uniform? And also, if the Beefs and Bouguets is not intended to hurt people I wonder why the Echo published it.

A RECENT Statistics Canada poll of school principles in BC found that teacher absenteeism was at 13.6% At first I thought this has to be be a typo but no, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not. That means that every single day 13.6% of the teachers in BC donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother to show up for work, the average of workers in the wholesale, retail, insurance industries is 6.1%.

The cost to the taxpayers is in the millions not to mention that our kids are now being taught by substitutes.

But it gets even better! On Fridays the percentage is quite a bit higher unless that week has a Pro D day which in that case the percentage actually declines. Now thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one smart bug!

This virus can not only tell which day of the week it is but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also fully in tune with the Pro D schedule. Get real teachers, you want more money? OK, start taking your job seriously and show up for work, and then weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll talk.

BOUQUETS smelling like new cars to Bernard and Aaron. After thirty years of driving in various provinces and situations, I wanted to refresh my skills. I saw the Advanced Car Control Course at Saratoga as the perfect opportunity to do just that. Bernard and Aaron were terrific with us. They were very friendly, easy to talk to and understand and extremely supportive. Aaron took me through the paces in the various courses and I learned a lot about the handling of my car and road conditions. Each of us were given undivided attention and made to feel welcome and special. For me personally, I think everyone should refresh their skills and learn what our vehicle is capable of and our confidence in our own abilities. I was very pleased with this course and highly recommend it. I actually learned that I knew more than I thought I did and lessened my self-doubt while behind the controls. Thank you for this opportunity!

SHAME, shame, shame on the man who complained about a military memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driving. This man deserves no kindness whatsoever.

After reading his beef all I could do was just stare at it in shock. As a spouse of a military member dealing with PTSD and with PTSD being a serious issue in our country this was so mean and unnecessary. I am also very disappointed in the Echo for publishing it. They say that the beefs and bouquets â&#x20AC;&#x153;is intended to be a light-hearted forumâ&#x20AC;?....â&#x20AC;?nor intended to hurt peopleâ&#x20AC;?. Do you not think this would hurt those reading it who are dealing with PTSD? Since when is PTSD/mental health a light-hearted issue? Shameful to say the least.

JUST WANTED TO SEND out a huge bouquet to Target mobile, Corey and Collin. Amazing customer service! They went above and beyond to ensure I was happy with the phone I received.

CVRD TAX NOTICES are in the mail. The good news is that the increases are only 2 times the rate of inflation - less than normal. The bad news for Area B ratepayers is that with new water and garbage rates the costs are rising much, much faster. Check out the yellow sheet with your tax notice - you will see that most of the property taxation goes into administration, not essential services.

I REALLY APPRECIATE all the good work the local Rotary Clubs have done in the Comox Valley but I am very disappointed in the way the Courtenay Rotary Club has expanded its used book sale to the extent that it has caused significant hardship for other charities and the local used book stores. I hope that in the

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HEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not intended to hurt people or make unsubstantiated and libelous comments.

Names wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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A12 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

Community News

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Charting Our Course topic for SOS meeting

“Charting our Course” is the focus for the June meeting of Support our Seniors Comox Valley (SOSCV).

At this meeting we will identify goals and projects for the next year (starting in September).

Do you have concerns about supports and/or safety issues for seniors’ either in a residential setting or at home?

Are there improvements you would like to see for aging in place in the Comox Valley?

This is an opportunity to talk with others who may share your concerns, to raise issues you think need more attention and to learn about opportunities for information, advocacy, and action.

SOS projects come directly from concerns raised by our members and others who attend the meetings to share their concerns.

Current and past projects include learning more about transportation and isolation of seniors in the Comox Valley, advocating for wellness services for seniors “under one roof” (integrated care), safe driving and drivable testing, and a survey of Care Aides regarding the care they are providing in local residential facilities, among other issues.

We will celebrate our accomplishments with a social after the planning part of our meeting, with refreshments and time to visit.

The meeting is June 2, from 2-4 pm in the Lower Native Sons Hall.

The meeting is free but donations for refreshments are welcome. The meeting is open to anyone who is concerned about Comox Valley seniors’ well being.

FMI, Jennifer, 250-334-2321 or Sheila, 250-335-2246.

Christian Women have spring luncheon June 4 Comox Valley Christian Women’s Connection is proud to present their spring luncheon at Crown Isle Golf Resort in Courtenay on Wednesday June 4, 2014. The theme is H204U. We will be featuring patio décors, water features - all new ideas for your lawn or patio!

Our speaker is Marnie Wynans of Port Alberni; she is a mom of 5 busy boys from ages 4 to 17!

Her topic: When God says NO A story of Hope and Healing Doors open at 11AM lunch buffet will be served at 11:30.

Tickets purchased at the door $22.00 include lunch, coffee, tea, dessert and entertainment.

Reservations please must be made by email to graceannweir@gmail.com or by phone to Rose at 250-337-5491 before Sunday evening June 1, 2014 We look forward to seeing you!

Lanyards on sale for Relay for Life event The Cancer Office team is selling lanyards with beads for the Relay for Life on June 7th so that walkers can count how many laps they have walked.

The lanyards are available at the Cancer Office from 10 am to 2 pm until June 7th and then also at the Vanier track for the Relay for Life event. We would like to thank Diane at “Your Dollar Store With More” in the old Safeway Plaza for her generous discount, this year and last year.

Camera Club annual garage sale Saturday It’s that time of the year again.

The Comox Valley Camera Club, celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, is holding their annual Garage Sale.

This years Garage Sale is being held Rain or Shine on Saturday May 31st at 1892 Noel Ave, Comox, BC from 8am to noon.

The sale will have lots of cameras and related equipment, plus household and kitchen items, books, music and outdoor equipment, almost everything including the kitchen sink, clothing will not be sold. All items requiring power will have either batteries or extension cords available for testing.

Cheerful camera club members will be available all morning to assist with purchases and provide information for those interested in joining the club.

The Comox Valley Camera Club meets every second and fourth Wed of the month from Sept - thru June. Meetings run from 7pm -9pm at the Little Red Church in Comox.

For more information on the Comox Valley Camera Club go to www.comoxvalleycameraclub.org

The Cumberland Marching Band was a popular entry in last year’s July 1st parade

Time to get parade entries in for July 1st The theme this year is ‘Summer of Love’, so think 1967, flower power, hippies Canada Day is fast approaching!

Summer fun, school holidays, and thoughts of how great it is to be Canadian is where it is at.

Hundreds and hundreds of people start Canada Day by coming down to 5th Street and to watch the Fun Run down the road at 10am, then enjoy the Grande Parade which starts at 10:30am.

Have you or your business plans to enter a float in this year’s Grande Parade?

The theme this year is “Summer of

Love”. The theme should inspire some great ideas. 1967 was the “Summer of Love”. Think back to the song “be sure to wear a flower in your hair” and all those great visons from the Hippie Revolution!

There is no cost to enter the parade and there are great cash prizes to be won as well as the chance to get your message out to the crowds from the Valley.

Applications for parade entries are available on the web site comoxvalleycanadaday.ca and also can be

picked up on Cliffe Ave. at Courtenay’s City Hall.

The parade is about two hours long and one of the features this year will be a group of Ford Mustang cars marking 50 years of the Mustang.

Edwin Grieve, the chair person of the July 1st Committee, is also the Parade Marshall and he will try to keep the gaps as short as possible.

He will need to have your applications in as early as possible so that he can then allocate an assembly point for your entry. Every entry will be

phoned 2 days before the parade. All floats and entries assemble on the side roads feeding onto 5th Street.

For the people of the Valley planning on enjoying all the activities in downtown Courtenay, please be aware that because of the activities on Tuesday July 1st there will be road closures that they need to consider into their plans.

For many the best way to come and enjoy the activities is to take the bus and not have to find parking. Think Green!

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Comox Valley, BC

The COMOX VALLEY ECHO ❑ Friday, May 30, 2014

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Support Rob Trainor on his cycling event for cancer

Local resident Rob Trainor will be spinning away all today to raise money for the Ride2Survive event to support the Canadian Cancer Society.

Trainor will be at The Broken Spoke, 420 Fitzgerald Ave., riding a stationary bike for eight hours from 8:30 am to 4 pm today (Friday, May 30).

Bring your bike and join him. For everyone who rides at least 30 minutes, Trainor will make a personal donation of $25 to the Cancer Society.

Call Mike at the Spoke, 871-2229, to book a bike, there are only sixteen 30-minute slots available.

The Ride2Survive is set for June 21 and involves a team cycling from Kelowna to Delta, a distance of 400km with 12,000 ft. of climbing, in one day.

The group’s goal is to raise $500,000 this year.

Trainor’s personal goal is to raise $10,000.

If you or someone you love has been affected by the terrible disease of cancer, please drop by The Spoke today. All donations of $20 and above can receive a tax receipt. Or google Rob Trainor Ride2Survive and donate online.

Little Red Church community market on again Sunday The Little Red Church Community Market is on again this Sunday June 1 from 10 - 3.

The LRCCM is a family-friendly market, with over 25 vendors offering a variety of handmade, homemade, homegrown or community-made goods and services.

The Little Red Church at 2182 Comox Ave. in Comox, is across the street from St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Admission is free so bring the family and some friends.

FMI: www.lrccm.com or Diane Knodel at 250792-3652.

Overeaters Anonymous group meeting on Monday nights Overeaters Anonymous meets Monday nights at 7 pm at the Alano Club, 543 Sixth St., Courtenay (small building directly behind the Alano Club).

No dues, fees, or weigh-ins. Everyone welcome! FMI: Kaz 898-4737, Rhonda 338-8186.

Calling all former Tsolum school students to reunion Tsolum Reunion Committee wants all our students to know about the reunion planned at the school for Saturday, July 26.

Everyone who ever attended Tsolum School is welcome.

If you did not receive an invitation, contact us so you are on the list. Call Karen at 250-923-2108 or karenfm@hotmail.ca

Anderson Jazz Syndicate returns tonight to Zocalo Cafe This Friday, May 30th, the Anderson Jazz Syndicate returns to Zocalo Cafe. This trio of guitar, bass and drums will bring their signature sound to jazz standards, bossa tunes and ballads.

Aaron Amar provides colour and polyrhythmic propulsion to this combo. John Hyde grounds the group with his command of the stand up bass, while guitarist Doug Anderson brings his own harmonic voice to the music.

These musicians enjoy the interplay and interaction that comes with a small combo, creating the mood of a true jazz club. Come out and enjoy some great food and fine jazz. The music begins at 7pm.

Celebrity Chefs coming to Shellfish Fest Demonstrations, competitions, tastings - Festival kicks it up a notch Celebrity chefs and judges are coming to Comox Valley to share their talents and insight during a wild and exciting afternoon of shucking, cooking, connecting and discovering aquaculture at the Comox by the Sea Shellfish and Seafood Celebration, June 21, 2014.

The event becomes like a mini master chef Canada, offering festival goers an unparalleled opportunity to meet these acclaimed chefs and industry-insiders, learn a few of their favorite tricks, watch cooking demos, talk recipes and connect one-to-one.

There will be seafood and shellfish flying, marinating and sizzling, but all in the trusted hands of four exceptional chefs including award-winning food stylist and accomplished food and travel journalist Nathan Fong of Global TV’s “Saturday Chefs” who is now hosting his new food and travel segment on Shaw TV’s, The Rush; Quang Dang, executive chef of Vancouver’s award-winning West Restaurant, David Sider of Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn and Aaron Rail, executive chef of the soon-to-open White Whale Public House.

Each of these chefs has an impressive and well deserved reputation on the West Coast for their innovative, experimental and delicious cooking!

In addition, travel and food journalist, Cinda Chavich, and food columnist on CBC Radio’s All Points West, Don Genova, will be on site to help judge the oyster shucking and chowder making competitions, both of whom have extensive experience in the culinary scene.

Celebrity chef Nathan Fong Genova is also launching his newest book, Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, which will be available for sale and personally autographed.

As if that weren’t enough, there will be an amazing array of food vendors with samplings, educational booths, live music, a kid zone and beer and wine gardens at the event as well!

Comox by the Sea Shellfish and Seafood Celebration will take place from 12:00 to 5:00 pm, Saturday June 21st at the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park.

Event tickets are $15 and are on sale now.

Visit www.discovercomoxvalley.com or call 1-855-400-2882.

One can also join the conversation with the

Vancouver Island Visitor Centre by visiting or using #BCShellFest. The VIVC is open 7 days a week.

Funds raised from the event will go towards the new training initiative called the Aquaculture Technician Program, at North Island College, which supports a holistic approach to aquaculture training ... from species to systems.

Comox by the Sea Celebration events and displays promise fun exploration, engagement and education while supporting community programs at the same time Apart from the highly anticipated Fanny Bay Oyster Shucking Championship and best Chowder Challenge competitions, acclaimed chefs and guest judges, there are new, engaging hands-on activities for the whole family to participate in at this year’s Comox by the Sea Shellfish & Seafood Celebration, June 21.

This year, educational booths and interactive displays are being provided by Harbour Air, North Island College, University of Victoria, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.

In addition, a dozen vendors from all over the island will be set up to provide tasty testers and treats to all the attendees, ranging from fudge and crepes to clams, scallops and candied

salmon.

North Island College will be showcasing an innovative motorized interactive device involved in aquaculture, while the University of Victoria will have an aquatic touch tank full of oysters, mussels, scallops, geoduck and urchins. The kids (and even the young-hearted adults) will get to touch and see these fascinating creatures up close.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans will also be onsite, bringing with them one of their marine vessels and offering tours for all those interested. It will be free for children 10 and under.

The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) booth will also be on site. Renowned for their educational and research work, families can interact with their touch tanks which are filled with

an amazing collection of little sea-critters that are indigenous to the west coast, as well as get insight on the incredible programs they’re doing and have a chance to buy some retail wear.

The proceeds from any of their sales will go to a bursary fund that helps under-privileged public schools afford field trips to the BMSC providing an opportunity to explore, experience and learn about the aquatic life on the coast that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.

Of course, the beer and wine gardens will be buzzing with all sorts of local product from the deservedly renowned Vancouver Island Brewery (VIB) as well as the highly touted Coastal Black and Blue Moon Estate Wineries.

VIB will be providing beers that pair especially well with

shellfish and seafood, including the Islander, Piper’s, Sea Dog and Sabotage. Sue Medley and the Back Road Band will provide the live entertainment to round out an exciting afternoon.

Funds raised from the Celebration event will go towards the new training initiative called the Aquaculture Technician Program, at North Island College, which supports a holistic approach to aquaculture training ... from species to systems.

The event will be held at Filberg Lodge and Park, from 12:00-5:00pm with an entry fee of $15 per person - children age 10 and under free. Food tasting tickets $1.00 each.

One can buy tickets online at www.discovercomoxvalley.com or call 1-855-400-2882.

B2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

Sports and Recreation GOLF NEWS CROWN ISLE’S RED AND SILVER

Aleah Ashlee, left, and Avery Snider have been selected to provincial team

Two Isfeld Ice Basketball Girls selected as teammates on B.C. Provincial U17 Basketball Team Avery Snider and Aleah Ashlee from Mark Isfeld Secondary School have been selected to play on the 12 girl Provincial U17 B.C. Basketball Team preparing for the National Girls U17 Championships in Edmonton in the latter part of the summer.

Avery is a left-handed point-guard who can shoot the treys, post up and score against smaller guards, fearlessly drive the lane to the basket and be a floor general controlling and directing her team’s offence.

Avery was a member of Team B.C.’s U16 team last summer.

As a grade 11 student this year she helped lead the Isfeld Sr. Girls Basketball team to a Provincial berth and was selected a B.C. Senior Girls Provincial Tournament All-Star.

Aleah is a very athletic versatile guard who can play the 1, 2 or 3 position on the floor. She too can hit the three point shot, drive hard to the basket and is noted for being to

able to defend very well opponents her size and bigger due to her athleticism and long arms.

Aleah was a member of Team B.C.’s U15 Team last summer and helped lead the Isfeld Jr. Girls to a B.C. Junior Girls Provincial berth and was selected to the B.C. Provincial Junior Girls All-Star Team.

The B.C. U17 team will have an extensive schedule of exhibition games and tournaments in Seattle, Portland, LasVegas, Victoria, Vancouver culminating with the Nationals in Edmonton.

This may be the first time that two basketball players from the same Comox Valley Secondary school have made the same Provincial team. Quite an accomplishment!

Congratulations to Avery and Aleah who we know will represent our community and province well throughout the spring and summer at tournaments and at the Nationals.

Isn’t life grand when the biggest decision we had to make this Tuesday morning was whether to play the red tees or the silver tees?

For those who chose the silver tees, congrats to 1st low gross to Val Dingwall, Carol Ayley and Judy Pouliot and 2nd low gross to Katy Macaulay. 1st low net to Maggie McLean and 2nd low net to Rosemary Smith, Marilyn McCusker and Mathilda Schneider.

For those who chose the red tees, congrats to 1st low gross to Sandy Dudley and 2nd low gross to Shirley Ketter and 1st low net to Marsha MacKinnon and Donna Cunliffe and 2nd low net to Donna Wilson and Sandra Morton.

The birdie pot was ravaged by many and KPs went to Maggie McLean on #7 and Sheila van Giesbergen on #16. Brenda Barrigan and Linda Stickney shared the par 5 pot, The Piggy was fed lots of quarters for all the 3 putts!

Other Crown isle happenings include a great showing by our Interclub team of Ev, Val, Rosemary, Helen, Jean, Sandy, Linda and Pat who hosted teams from Sunnydale, Glacier Greens, Comox, Myrtle Point and Storey Creek at Crown Isle. Kudos to Sandy Linhart for all her hard work in organizing Interclub play.

What a fine showing our Crown Isle ladies had at the Port Alberni Amateur Seniors’ Golf Tournament on May 22/23 - Dee 3rd low net, Katy-1st low gross in her age category, Val-1st low gross in her age category, and Sheila-2nd low net. Judy was also there as our very knowledgeable rules official.

Our “gently used” clothing sale was an overwhelming success. Julie and Audrey would like to thank everyone who contributed to its success. All proceeds raised went to Junior Golf.

Congratulations to Helen Kitchen who scored a hole in one on #4 this week!

If you haven’t signed up on the CI mens’ website for the Couples’ Trouble Golf on Sunday June 1st, then get with it. Time is running out!

Also a little birdie told me that two of our Ladies, Sheila and Mathilde will be singing in the Celebration Singers concert at the Sid Williams on June 8th at 7pm. Sounds like it is going to be an amazing show and tickets are selling fast. Til next week...

- Submitted by Donna Cunliffe

O’ROURKE WINS PIN AT GLACIER GREENS Frolicking in the sun, keeping her eye on the prize, Rosslyn O’Rourke was the low net pin winner of the day at Glacier Greens with a net 68.

2nd low net Gene Renaud 70, 3rd low net Gillian Iddiols 71.

Low gross winner with 91 was Ann Johnston.

Low putts were tied at 30 for Lynne Pringle and Rikki Farrell. KP #4 Lori Cameron. KP #15 Gene Renaud.

Brenda Livingstone earned some Jelly Bellies for her group with a chip in.

A round of applause for Marie Israel sliding into 3rd place at the Zone 6 Senior Event at Port Alberni last week.

The tournament committee working very hard for our Glacier Greens Open June 14th, our 41st Anniversary.

Keep those entries coming!

- Submitted by Lori Cameron

Moving on up: Brailyn ‘Miss B.’ Webster and Samuel Johnson were awarded certificates of achievement for their hard work

First Trophy Race at Coal Hills BMX A cloudy overcast day greeted the BMX racers at Coal Hills BMX Track Saturday morning for week 7 of the racing year.

Fifty eager and happy riders hit the Coal Hills BMX Track for a fun day of competitive and hard day of racing. Two riders were awarded certificates of achievement for their hard work - Samuel Johnson moved up to Intermediate after getting win 10 and Brailyn (Miss B.) Webster achieved 10 wins to move from Novice to Girl Class at age of 5. Congrats to both of you.

The results for our first Trophy race of the year were as follows: 4 Strider - 1st Elliot Purich, 2nd Mya Tillapaugh 2-year-old Strider - 1st Reese Dixon, 2nd Jack McInnes 26-30 Cruiser - 1st Aleasha Wiebe, 2nd Eric Beaudoin, 3rd Evan Yaretz 36-40 Cruiser - 1st John Makson, 2nd Andrew Templer, 3rd Dave Erwin, 4th Clayton McCarthey 5 & Under Novice - 1st Jeremy Purich, 2nd Austin Makson, 3rd Maxim Lefebvre, 4th Noah Kerluck, 5th Marshall Erwin 7 Novice - 1st Brayden Dixon,

2nd Dane Kerluck, 3rd Sol Christian, 4th James Odarich, 5th Edgar McCarthey, 6th Jason Sekulich, 7th Nathan Cox, 8th Felix Beaudoin 10 Novice = 1st Hunter Harris, 2nd Anna Purich, 3rd Caleb Armitage, 4th Rosalie Beaudoin 7 Intermediate - 1st Isaac Templer, 2nd Austin Salt, 3rd Samuel Johnson, 4th Brailyn Webster 8 Intermediate - 1st Justin Yaretz, 2nd Macklin Johnson, 3rd Shepard Kapitan 9 Intermediate - 1st Jack Christian, 2nd Sean Queenan, 3rd Arland Berry, 4th Iain Petersen 11 Intermediate - 1st Adicus Bird, 2nd Evan Yaretz, 3rd Avery Swanson 13 Expert - 1st Aiden Webber, 2nd Hayden Fieret, 3rd Desmond Debellefeuille 16 Expert - 1st Yuriah Kaska, 2nd Zack Fieret, 3rd Aleasha Wiebe, 4th Kevin Lebrun, 5th Eric Cox So week 7 in the books. Racing next Saturday, sign up 10-10:45. check out Facebook coalhillsbmx or web page www.coalhillsbmnx. com for info.

CV Men’s Baseball League starts season Last friday night in the Comox Valley Men’s Baseball League was opening day for the boys of summer.

The 5-team men’s baseball league had 4 teams squaring off Friday night under the lights of Bill Moore Park.

The first game of the night had the Happys Source for Sports Reds up against a new team from Campbell River - the Rockies.

The Reds’ bats jumped all over the Rockies’ pitching early. The Reds offence was led by Chris Mckague (3-3, 1BB, 4 runs scored) and Dallas McDonald (4-4, 4 RBIs). The Reds pitching staff (Adam Berkenstock W, 3 IP, Jake Dojack 2 IP & Bob Atwood 2 IP) were able to hold off the Rockies’ late rally.

The Happys Source for Sports Reds won 10 - 6.

In the second game of the night the defending league champions the Daryl Robbins C.G.A Athletics played the Campbell River Blue Jays.

Josh Chapman (2-4, 2 runs scored) led the way for the As at the plate.

The strong pitching staff of the A’s (Josh Chapman, Andy Stewart, Joe Robbins & Jay Dzuba) were able to keep the Blue Jays bats quiet until Ferris Sterling of the Blue Jays squeeze bunted in the winning run in the top of the 7th inning to win the game 5-4.

The Comox Valley Mens Baseball League is a 5 team, ages 18+ league playing at Bill Moore Park every Friday night at 7pm.

CVMBL sponsors throw out the annual first pitch (L to R. Tim McDonald - Happys Source for Sports, Kevin Dobbelsteyn - Investors Group & Daryl Robbins - Daryl Robbins C.G.A).

COMOX VALLEY BRIDGE NEWS Comox Valley Duplicate Bridge Club A very interesting result on Monday the 19th ... there was a 3-way tie for 4th place! I can’t remember that ever happening in the years I’ve been at the club.

Don’t forget to put The Longest Day on your calendar.

This fundraising day on June 21st will run from 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 p.m. with games being held throughout the day at the Lion’s Den in Comox.

You do not need a partner. The schedule with game times will be posted to our website at www.cvdbc.com . Plan to attend!

Linda has a donation sheet at the front of the room for the next 2 months. Our goal is to raise $5000.00. Let’s see how close we can come!

The results of our regular game on Monday, May 19, 2014 were: 1. Slava Simice - Barrie Turnham 2. Arlene Petersen - Dianna Rickson 3. Carole Bradshaw - Jack Bradshaw 4/6 Allister Gavel - Dorothy Branch 4/6 Tom Dugdale - Debby Neville 4/6 Glen Parsons - David Proctor Our game on Thursday May 22, 2014 had these results: N/S 1. Carole Bradshaw - Arnold Thomsen 2. Al Hopwood - Lorraine Gargan 3. Arlene Petersen - Betty Thomsen 4. Sharon Hysert - Dianna Rickson E/W 1. Lorraine Waring - Sharon Feduniak 2. Pete Marinus - Irene Pearl 3. Corinne Montgomery - Margaret Wynde 4. Gayle Cousins - Marilyn Horley Our club is located on Nordin Street across from the Comox Mall under the newly renovated Museum and Art Gallery.

We offer guaranteed partnerships, so if

you’re visiting or your regular partner is away, make sure you come out to play anyway! If you don’t have a regular partner, I’m sure you’ll meet one.

Our Website is www.cvdbc.com and our email is playbridge@shaw.ca For more information, please contact Linda Marinus at (250) 338-2544.

D’Esterre Duplicate Bridge Results for Tuesday May 20 (31 pairs) N/S - 1. Dianne McKinnon and Joan Erickson; 2. Judy and Ron Morrison; 3. Bob Dugas and Paul Bozenich; 4. Maureen Olason and Philip Sanford; 5. Del Christensen and Kim De Crane; 6. Jean Tait and Harvey Piercy.

E/W - 1. Carole and Jack Bradshaw; 2. Trish and George Kirkwood; 3. Howard Cohen and Sharon Feduniak; 4. Keith Ware and Roy Hagg; 5. Slava Simice and Sharon Hysert; 6. Maggie Wynde and Joan Lord.

Results for Saturday, May 24 (15 pairs): N/S - 1. Penny and Doug Poole; 2. Jean Tait and Mavis Olson; 3. Maggie Wynde and Clark Graham.

E/W - 1. Irene Smith and Betty Fountain; 2.

Glenda and Peter McGrath; 3. Joan Erickson and Sheila Lockhart.

Friday Night Duplicate Bridge Winners for May 23: N/S 1. Phil Sanford/Maureen Olafson 2.Jean Tait/Mavis Olsen 3.Penny/Doug Poole 4.Harvey Piercey/Tom Dugdale E/W 1.Cynthia Tree/Warren Burd 2.Bob Dugas/Paul Bozenich 3.Roy Hagg/Carol Ante 4.Denise Holst/Betty Fountain.

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 B3

Annie Handley performs 1st Tuesday benefit concert for YANA Annie Handley will be performing with her band at the Mex Pub on June 3rd as guest performer of the 1st Tuesday Fundraisers concert series.

The musical journey of this Vancouver Island singer/songwriter is an inspiration for those who love great songwriting, as well as for those who’ve shared their own music on YouTube - a forum where Annie’s songwriting talent and musical imagination have attracted followers from around the world.

Her music is a wonderful paradox that combines universal themes of beginnings and endings, quests and conclusions in both gentle and edgy grooves with a styling reminiscent of rocker Sheryl Crow. Her debut CD titled “No Shoobie” topped the “What’s Hot” pop music category on iTunes Canada. Among Annie’s musical accolades is placing in the top 3 of BC Music Magazine’s New Music category and in the top 30 in a worldwide search for Alternative Music in 2010.

Her song “Bring Me Back Alive” was selected to be on the Television show “Beauty and the Beast”.

Annie is joined by Telecaster-toting

guitarist Doug Biggs, well known in the Comox Valley and beyond for his creative approach and discerning ear.

As comfortable on stage as behind the sound board, Doug is an established engineer/producer from Southern Ontario who has produced numerous projects for local artists including Annie, and is a valued member of sound crew at many Vancouver Island events including Musicfest.

On the kit is seasoned studio drummer Bill Cymbala who has recorded with Daniel Lanois, Sylvia Tyson, Raffi, and Jerry Doucette among others. In addition to playing with Annie Handley, Bill will be performing on the main stage with the Ray Materick Band at Musicfest this year.

Setting the groove on the bass will be Dave Devindisch of Campbell River who joined the band DDT with Courtenay legend Brian Howes. After signing an international record deal, the band toured Europe and had the opportunity to open for Kid Rock.

With so much seasoned musical talent on stage, the evening will be an incredible show of fine songwriting, performance, and musicality.

Annie Handley

Admission to enjoy this evening of great music is a donation to YANA, a Comox Valley charity that has been supporting local families in times of health crisis since 1986.

YANA supports local families whose children require medical treatments not available locally. They provide accommodation, and travel assistance so that families can stay together during stressful times.

YANA is a charity near and dear to the hearts of many valley residents helping thousands of families by funding medical trips to Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, as well as the U.S. and England. For more information about YANA services and eligibility, please visit their website at www. yanacomoxvalley.com The evening begins at 7:30pm with an opening set by event organizers and hosts Judy and Bruce Wing, followed by Annie Handley and her band. Food donations for the Comox Valley Food Bank are also much appreciated.

For more information about Annie Handley, visit www.anniehandley. com.

Two house concerts with Quinn and Qristina Bachand Gardeners Green Folk Music Club in Merville is excited to announce our upcoming house concerts with Quinn and Qristina Bachand.

Because of the popularity of these young performers we will be hosting two concerts, at 7 pm on Thursday June 12th and Friday June 13th.

Many of you will have seen Quinn accompanying Ashley McIsaac at the Native Son’s Hall during the Winter Bites Festival — yes Quinn is that incredible young guitarist who Ashley says is the best accompaniest he’s ever played with. And indeed Quinn, who is only 18 years old now, has been accompanying Ashley on various tours for the past five years or so. He has also accompanied Natalie McMaster on tour, and you may have seen him in a duo with well-known Ontario fiddler Pierre Schryer here at Gardeners Green last year. And Quinn recently shared the bill at the Merville Hall with fiddler Shane Cook. He is a truly amazing musical prodigy, master of guitar, banjo and violin, in great demand to play with top performers. Besides his folk and classical musical abilities, he also has formed a gypsy jazz band Brishen.

Quinn has spent much of his life playing with his older sister Qristina, who is a classically-trained violinist and fantastic fiddler. The pair played two sold out concerts at Gardeners Green two years ago, and we’re

thrilled to have them back again.

The siblings are at an important juncture in their lives. Qristina relocated to Amsterdam in 2013, finishing a masters degree in public health. Quinn will be leaving for Boston in the fall to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he has been awarded a full scholarship. While they continue to be busy with many projects, including recording their third CD together, they are as committed as ever to their musical partnership, with tours and performances scheduled in Canada, the U.S. and Europe well into 2015. Indeed, our house concert will be sandwiched between the Orkney Folk Festival in Scotland and a tour of PEI. For more info about the Bachands and music samples, visit their website at www.qbachand.com . Tickets to our house concerts on either the 12th or the 13th are $20 each ($10 kids) and must be reserved in advance. All the takings go directly to the performers. Tickets include hot drinks and a dessert buffet.

Come join us for an intimate evening of great music. For further info and to reserve tickets give us a ring at 250-337-5337. Leave a message if we’re outside and we’ll get back to you soon.

—-Gardeners Green Folk Club Quinn and Qristina Bachand

mere accompaniment.

In true folk music tradition, Shawna gathers, writes, and tells stories with ease and authenticity. Inspired by artists like Jon Brooks, Craig Cardiff, Rose Cousins, James Keelaghan, Dave Gunning, and Suzie Vinnick, Shawna can command any stage and connect with an audience with just her voice, her guitar, and a good story.

Shawna grew up in the folk clubs of Ottawa, a classically-trained singer and guitarist drawn to the music and songwriting of legendary local performers like Lynn Miles and Ian Tamblyn.

At York University in Toronto, she favoured flamenco guitar lessons and new music studies, always returning to her folk roots as a singer-songwriter.

Come and enjoy what promises to be an exciting performance on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7:30pm at Studio Live, 2679 Beaufort Ave. at First Ave in Cumberland.

Studio Live is a unique venue with concert seating, excellent acoustics, warm ambiance and great shows! If you haven’t checked it out, come on down and see why our audiences fall in love with the place. Seating is limited so get your tickets early.

Advance tickets on sale ($15) at Bop City Records, Courtenay and Riders Pizza (open ‘til 11p.m) in Cumberland.

SHAWNA CASPI KICKS OFF BC TOUR AT STUDIO LIVE! Toronto singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi is heading west in June for her first tour of British Columbia. After touring regularly in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, she is delighted to kick off this BC tour with a concert at StudioLive! in Cumberland.

Shawna will be performing throughout Vancouver Island and the mainland on this tour, including shows with west coast favourites Michael Averill (Vancouver) and Tanya Lipscomb (Vernon) before heading back to Ontario by way of VIA Rail’s On Board Entertainment Program, where she will be playing music for passengers on the long haul train between Vancouver and Toronto.

Shawna’s third full-length album is currently in progress and slated for release this summer but she will be bringing all those new songs along with her on this tour. Her solo material is proof that she is not just another girl with a guitar. Her lyrics have depth and her storytelling draws the listener in. Shawna’s impressive fingerstyle guitar technique stands out as more than just

Shawna Caspi performs in Cumberland next week

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay Courtenay Rt. 7107 – Between 17th & 13th - McPhee, Grieve, 16th, 14th Rt. 7115 – 5th to 4th, Menzies to Willemar Rt. 7127 – Marsden, Baird to Charter Rt. 7108 – Fitzgerald, Grieve 17th to 13th Comox Rt. 1102A – Bolt, Lindshart, Martin, Noel, Anderton Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Crown Isle Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex Valleyview Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View Rt. 3110 – Back Road, Glen Urquhart, 10th St. E., Hobson, 6th St. E., Aston Rt. 3123 – Nechako, Chemainus, 5th St. E., Cowichan, 6th St. E. Rt. 3135 – Hawk, Swallow, Whiskeyjack Rt. 3136 – Bluejay Place

Earn extra $$$$ for all that fun stuff that mom won't buy!

ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the lease, finance or purchase of a new or demonstrator 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab 4x4 (1WT/G80/B30/H2R), 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD Gas & Diesel. Freight ($1,695/$1,650) and PDI included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. ‡‡ 2014 Silverado 1500 with the available 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission has a fuel-consumption rating of 13.0L/100 km city and 8.7L/100 km hwy 2WD and 13.3L/100 km city and 9.0L/100 km hwy 4WD. Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine has a fuel-consumption rating of 12.9L/100 km city and 9.0L/100 km hwy 2WD and 14.1L/100 km city and 9.6L/100 km hwy 4WD. Fuel consumption based on GM testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. †† Based on Wardsauto.com 2013 Large Pickup segment and last available information at the time of posting. Excludes other GM vehicles. Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your dealer for additional details. † 0% for 36 month lease available on all 2014 Silverado 1500 Regular/Double/Crew Cabs. Sample lease payments based on 36-month lease of 2014 Silverado Double Cab 4x4 (1WT/G80/B30/H2R) on approved credit by GM Financial. Tax, license, insurance, registration, applicable provincial fees, and optional equipment extra. Annual kilometre limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometre. Monthly payments may vary depending on down payment/trade.

Example: Silverado Double Cab 4x4 (1WT/G80/B30/H2R) including Freight and Air Tax is $29,888 at 0% APR, $1,450 Down payment, Bi-Weekly payment is $135 for 36 months. Total obligation is $12,000, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $17,887. ‡ 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by RBC Royal Bank/TD Auto Financing/Scotiabank for 48/84 months on new or demonstrator 2014 Silverado 1500/2014 Silverado 2500,3500 HD Gas & Diesel models. Example: $10,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $208/119 for 48/84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $10,000. Offer is unconditionally interest free. ¥ Retail and basic fleet customers who purchase or lease an eligible Chevrolet delivered from dealer stock between March 1, 2014 and June 2, 2014 will receive one 40¢ savings per litre fuel card (fuel savings card) upon payment of an additional $.01. Cards valid as of 72 hours after delivery. Fuel savings card valid for 800 litres of fuel purchased from participating Petro-Canada retail locations) and not redeemable for cash except where required by law. GM is not responsible for cards that are lost, stolen or damaged. GM reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer and/or the program for any reason in whole or in part at any time without notice. Petro-Canada is a Suncor Energy business™ Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under license. Cards are property of Suncor Energy. To protect your card balance, register online at www.petro-canada.ca/preferred today. ¥¥ $4,250 is a manufacturer to dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) for 2014 Silverado Double/Crew Cabs. $500 package credits for non-PDU models. Cash credits available on most models. Offers end June 2, 2014. *‡ Offer valid from April 1, 2014 to June 2, 2014 (the ‘Program Period’) to retail customers resident in Canada who own or are currently leasing a 1999 or newer eligible vehicle that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six months, will receive a $750 Spring Bonus credit towards the lease, purchase or finance of an eligible new 2013/2014 Chevrolet model delivered during the Program Period. Retail customers resident in Canada who own or are currently leasing a 1999 or newer eligible pick up truck that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six months, will receive a $1000 Spring Bonus credit towards the lease or finance of an eligible 2013/2014 Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche; or a $2000 Spring Bonus credit towards the cash purchase of an eligible 2013/2014 Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche delivered during the Program Period. Only one (1) credit may be applied per eligible vehicle sale. Offer is transferable to a family member living in the same household (proof of address required). This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. The $750/$1,000/$2000 credit includes HST/GST/PST as applicable by province. As part of the transaction, dealer will request current vehicle registration and/or insurance to prove ownership for the previous consecutive six months. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Void where prohibited by law. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See your GM dealer for details. ^^Whichever comes first. Limit of four ACDelco Lube-Oil-Filter services in total. Fluid top-offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc., are not covered. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ^Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

B4 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

On Friday June 6 at 7:00pm, join North Island College’s Professional Photography students at the Courtenay & District Museum for the opening of the program’s 16th showing of student work.

The event marks a continuing collab-

$

What’s On

Images by Kendal McLellan, above, and Amanda Dostie, right

NIC photography students show work at Museum hall

oration between the museum and the photography program by utilizing the spacious second floor gallery.

Throughout the Professional Photography program, the students worked extensively with artificial and natural light, both on location around

0

TRUCK MONTH ENDS JUNE 2ND

the Comox Valley and in tightly controlled and designed studio situations.

Amanda Dostie, Lorenz Jimenez, Megan Lawrence, Kendal McLellan, Milena Russell, Lia Sommer, and Emily Walsh will display images showcasing the talents they have honed over nine months of intensive study.

Amanda enjoys shooting landscapes and sports, but her presentation of high-speed images captured with the use of specialized triggers take the idea of the “frozen moment” a step further.

Lorenz’s contributions to the show have their roots in human movement.

His images use athletic inspiration and a keen sense of place to showcase motion, grace, and physical effort.

Influenced by cinema and fashion photography, Megan has created a series of black and white portraits that use classic lighting to celebrate simplicity.

Kendal aspires to combine her love of travel with photography, and in fact was fortunate enough to do so in her practicum, which she spent in New Zealand working with a world-renowned travel photographer.

Her contribution to the gallery show includes landscape and nature images from her overseas experience.

Always striving to incorporate human elements into her work, Milena enjoys creating surreal, elaborate scenes. The dreamscapes she will present at the show are sure to captivate the viewer.

From land-locked Alberta, Emily is enthralled by anything to do with the ocean. She evokes the feeling of space in her portrayal of Vancouver Island’s land- and seascapes.

Lia’s dark fantasy illustrations are composites created by skillfully blending images to bring urban legends and myths to life.

The show ends Saturday June 14.

The Courtenay & District Museum is located at 207 Fourth Street, near the Sid William Theatre, and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Phone 250-334-0686 for more information.

SPRING BONUS

ELIGIBLE OWNERS RECEIVE UP TO $2,000*‡

TRUCK MONTH ENDS JUNE 2ND

SILVERADO CREW Z71 4X4 MODEL SHOWN

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 B5

9 & Dine is Back at Sunnydale!

•$20.00 plus gst •includes 9 holes of golf and your choice of meal from the grill menu, or the daily special.

•Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm •Book tee-times at the pro-shop

(250) 334-3232 5291 North Island Highway, Courtenay, BC V9J 1S7

What’s On

Bellyfit community fundraiser on Sunday will benefit local breast cancer survivor’s second fight

Ladies rock the spa on Saturday for Tour de Rock fund-raiser The Comox Valley is very fortunate to have 4 riders representing us this year in the Tour de Rock including Cst Andrea Folk and Cst Colleen Henry from the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment.

To help kick off their fundraising efforts Jill Rushton from the Old House Hotel and Spa and Debi Sargent from the Comox Valley Detachment are assisting the ladies by organising a ‘Ladies Rocking the Tour’ Ladies Night on Saturday May 31st at the Old House Hotel and Spa. The evening should be a lot of fun, with wine tasting and appies on offer while ladies peruse the various vendors’ booth and partake in services from the spa.

There will also be a silent auction and door prizes ... and the fun doesn’t stop there as they will be providing a DJ for the ladies to dance the rest of the night away!

All this for just $20!

The Old House Hotel and Spa are also offering a special rate for those wanting to make a weekend of it with rooms available from just $99 (for up to four people sharing). This also includes additional vouchers for Spa Services.

Tickets are available now at the Old House Hotel and Spa and from the Comox Valley Detachment of the RCMP and are selling fast.

Cst Andrea Folk and Cst Colleen Henry with Jill Rushton from the Old House Hotel and Spa

Sunday, June 1 at 11:00am to 12:30pm Studio IPF will host a Bellyfit LIVE Community Fundraiser in support of Erin Sandland as she battles cancer.

For the second time in a decade, Erin Sandland is fighting breast cancer. Sandland, who is currently in the midst of aggresive medical treatment, is taking time off work from ‘Oliver’s Painting’ which she co-owns with her father.

Born in Merville and a Vanier Grad, she has strong roots in the Valley and lives in Courtenay with her partner, Raphael.

IPF Director Leanne Zdebiak-Eni, who regularly holds Bellyfit LIVE fundraisers to benefit various Comox Valley groups and individuals says, “Erin is well known in our community as a creative, driven, fun, compassionate and loving person. She’s a talented artist, builder, painter, cook, gardener, furniture restorer and party coordinator, just for starters.”

“And don’t forget connoisseur of fine metal music!” adds IPF Instructor and Sandland pal, Jessica Wittman, who will be team teaching with Zdebiak-Eni at the event on Sunday.

Bellyfit LIVE was developed specifically for women, merging energetic fitness training with cultural dance. Drawing inspiration from Bellydance, Bollywood and African styles of movement, Bellyfit celebrates a body, mind and spirit approach to good health. DJ em ash spins LIVE beats for this class adding energy and excitement to the mix.

“The Comox Valley has grown and changed in the years so many of us were in school with Erin,” says Zdebiak-Eni. “But the one thing that hasn’t changed is our willingness to come together as a community and support others.

It’s an aspect of a small town life we have retained that makes this such an appealing city to live in.”

Wittman nods her head agreeing, “I’m so happy we’re able to be a part of that spirit. Erin loves music and she loves to dance so I couldn’t think of a better way to show her some love than by coming out on Sunday for a little dance

24 HR Service 250-338-8026

Erin Sandland with one of her art pieces. party.”

This event will be held at: Native Sons Hall 360 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay Sunday, June 1 - 11:00am to 12:30pm Admission is by donation with a suggested $15 minimum.

All proceeds will directly benefit Erin Sandland.

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The North Island’s Gourmet Picnic.

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4-H PETTING FARM FUNDRAISER AT ST. JOHN THE DIVINE The Comox Valley 4-H Club Gumbooters will be hosting a petting farm at the Neighbourhood Market this Saturday. Besides the “by donation” petting farm, they will also be selling barbequed hotdogs to help raise funds to support 4-H activities. The petting farm and barbeque will be set up in the side yard of the church (facing 5th Street). Don’t forget to check

out the Neighbourhood Market inside the church hall while you’re there, where you’ll find The Pie Lady, Just Like Mom’s Bakery, and many more vendors with homemade and handcrafted items. All this fun will be happening at 579 - 5th Street in downtown Courtenay from 10 am - 1 pm. So come on out, bring the family and help support the 4-H Gumbooters.

Tickets T ickets available available JJune une 1 1,, 2 2014 014 att w www.gourmetpicnic.ca a ww.gourmetpicnic.ca For m For more ore iinformation: nformation: flavour@nic.bc.ca 250-334-5000 4267) flavour@nic.bc.ca | 2 50-334-5000 ((Extension Extension 4 267)

EatDrinkComoxValley.com

Saturday, May 31st, 2014

Bring the whole family for a fun day on the course!

Choose from Soccer Golf on front nine or Learner's Loop tees (1279 yards) on the back nine or play on the putting course.

Contact the Golf Shop at 250-703-5031 for more details.

• One complimentary parent per junior (under 16 yrs of age).

• Free 10 minute golf lessons from our CPGA Certified golf instructors for all juniors.

399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay

250-703-5050

B6 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 7107 – Between 17th & 13th - McPhee, Grieve, 16th, 14th Rt. 7115 – 5th to 4th, Menzies to Willemar Rt. 7127 – Marsden, Baird to Charter Rt. 7108 – Fitzgerald, Grieve 17th to 13th COMOX Rt. 1102A – Bolt, Lindshart, Martin, Noel, Anderton Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens CROWN ISLE Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View Rt. 3110 – Back Road, Glen Urquhart, 10th St. E., Hobson, 6th St. E., Aston Rt. 3123 – Nechako, Chemainus, 5th St. E., Cowichan, 6th St. E. Rt. 3135 – Hawk, Swallow, Whiskeyjack Rt. 3136 – Bluejay Place

No Collection Required Call COMOX VALLEY ECHO 250−334−4734 or drop by 407−D 5th Street, Courtenay

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 B7

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&/2 %6%29 0%4 A great read for any pet owner.

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Runs 2nd Tuesday of every month!

Book your ads now with one of our Sales Representatives

250-334-4722

B8 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

0.99% FINANCE OR LEASE RATES!

2014 BUICK LACROSSE

Luxury, Performance, 304HP V6, navigation, Sunroof and more!!!!

M8074

THE NEXT STEP IN WORLD-CLASS LUXURY What puts a luxury sedan in a class apart? We believe it’s confidence.

The confidence of advanced performance and innovative safety features. Style that draws admiring glances. A higher level of comfort and refinement. And next-generation iinfotainment. In short, the kind of confidence you find in abundance in the new 2014 Buick LaCrosse.

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2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT

Rated the best midsize sedan under $40,000 , some say the best sedan period!

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A Stunning Reinterpretation Vision is the cornerstone of good design and at the core of fearless innovation. The newly redesigned and reengineered 2014 Impala is proof of that, combining superior materials with meticulously crafted technology. Its bold stance and sculpted lines integrate form with function to please the eye while enhancing aerodynamics for a smooth, dynamic ride. The interior is transformed into an environment of sophistication and authenticity featuring premium materials masterfully crafted, resulting in superior finish in every detail. Engineered for excellence. Designed for drivers. The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is a stunning reinterpretation of the premium sedan.

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2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE

SAFETY, EFFICIENCY AND INNOVATION ALL ROLLED INTO ONE

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Cruze goes beyond your typical compact car. Its modern styling on the exterior hints at the ground-breaking vehicle inside — one so efficient, so safe and so technologically advanced, it redefines the category. With up to 4.2 L/100 km (67 mpg)2 highway fuel consumption rating, the new 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel gets the best highway fuel efficiency of any gasoline or diesel car in Canada.2 Plus, Chevrolet Cruze was the first car in its class with 10 standard airbags,1 helping it earn a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for Safety3 from the U.S. NHTSA.

2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO DOUBLE CAB M8048

0% AND UP TO $8250 0FF! This Silverado has received a 4 inch BDS Lift and has had upgraded wheels and tires added to it. We perform leveling kits, 4 inch and 6 inch lifts in our shop and other customizations. We have been doing these customizations for 20 years and it is done right. The all-new 2014 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado’s are the best trucks in the market hands down!

ALL NEW! 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU

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0% FINANACING AND LEASE RATES! When you create a car to take on the world, you’ve got to bring your A game. Case in point: the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. Destined to be sold in over 100 countries, Malibu takes the mid-size sedan to higher levels on every front. On style, comfort, powertrain technology, even infotainment features, Malibu reaches high standards. It’s also an excellent driver’s car, with a kind of balance and spirit that few others can match. In short, the new Malibu is a car designed, engineered and built to do everything right. Which just might make it right for you.

2014 CHEVROLET TRAX, MINI SPORT UTE

TAKE ON THE CITY It's the right-sized crossover that's designed, engineered and built for your urban adventures. Mastering city life takes street savvy. The same holds true of the equipment you use to navigate those streets. When the Chevrolet Trax was introduced last year, it clearly hit the spot, with its bold design, nimble and assured handling, extraordinary fuel efficiency, plus all the latest in must-have entertainment and connectivity technology.

These attributes are complemented by remarkable versatility, highlighted by up to 1371 L (48.4 cu. ft.) cargo space. Starting to get a complete idea of how Trax can help you tame the city? It’s your city – and it’s your crossover: the 2014 Chevrolet Trax.

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ALL NEW! 2015 CHEVROLET TAHOE LTZ! M9018

The next generation of SUV. Every once in a while a vehicle comes to define and embody a category. For many years, Tahoe has set the standard for full-size SUVs with its robust real-world capabilities. The all-new 2015 Tahoe takes the SUV to previously unscaled heights – leaving everything else in its tracks. Built on an all-new platform. Powered by an all-new EcoTec3® all-aluminum small-block V8 engine that delivers significantly more power, in addition to much improved fuel efficiency. Assisted by a host of technologies that do everything from enhance driver control to enable an unprecedented level of connectivity. It’s what’s next for the SUV. The all-new 2015 Tahoe.

See us for a test drive and payment options. Book appointments by phone or at mcleaninfo@shaw.ca WWW.BRIANMCLEAN.CA

Graham Paul Product Specialist

1s t A n n u a l

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Auto Plus Expo Saturday, May 31 & Sunday, June 1st 10:00am-3:00pm (both days) @ CV Exhibition Grounds

FREE FREE FREE

Entertainment

Parking Admission

Look & learn from these great participating businesses... s !RBUTUS 26 s !LBERNI 0OWER -ARINE

FREE FREE FOOD

BOUNCE-A-RAMA FOR THE KIDS

Workshops

CONCESSION ON SITE

WIN

a 7-night escape in a Class-C motorhome as provided by Arbutus RV

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(Some Restrictions Apply)

Lots of Prizes Lots of Giveaways Lots of Demos

LOTS OF FUN FOR THE FAMILY

WORKSHOPS Win a Return Trip for 2 Aboard the Francis Barkley Sightseeing Cruise Port Alberni to Bamfield

CHAINSAW CARVING DEMO

Brought to you by

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ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY

PERRY SOUND ON THE MAIN STAGE

C2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

2014 Auto Plus Expo B O O T H L O C AT I O N M A P

ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY FREE Handicapped Parking

7

16

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6

ON THE MAIN STAGE

2

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FREE Overflow Parking Saturday PM & Sunday

4

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PERRY SOUND

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Saturday, May 31st & Sunday, June 1st 11am-4:00pm (both days) @ CV Exhibition Grounds 1

Howich Marine

5

Westcoast Chainsaw Artists

2

Howich RV

6

Sunwest Auto

3

Main Stage

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 C3

New RAV4 has style and substance The latest version of this popular vehicle features a more car-like appearance with a sportier design Bottom line Alan McPhee Auto Insider

T

he Toyota RAV4 started the whole compact “crossover” phenomenon back in 1996. The term crossover hadn’t been invented yet and so it arrived with a somewhat awkward moniker: Recreational Activity Vehicle with four-wheel drive.

Based on the Corolla platform, it delivered most of the benefits of an SUV combined — for the first time — with a more comfortable, car-like ride.

That combination was new and different in 1996 and quickly caught on with the public. Other manufacturers quickly got in the game including Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander. But you get no gold star for being first. The compact crossover segment is one of the most hotly contested niche markets where no prisoners are taken. You either keep ahead or get run over. Say hello to the 2013 Toyota RAV4.

In keeping with the move toward more car-like performance, the RAV4 sports a more car-like appearance. The rather vanilla styling of the previous model is replaced by a sleek and sporty design that is lower and wider with a more aggressive nose, a more steeply raked windshield and a roofline that slopes gently to the redesigned liftgate.

The previous model’s familiar sideopening tailgate with rear-mounted spare is no more. While some may regret the convenience of the rear mounted spare, there’s no question that you open the tailgate more often than you get a flat and it’s a lot easier with a liftgate featuring power-assisted struts.

Aerodynamic features include fins on the outside mirrors and combination lamps to reduce turbulence (and wind noise) while underbody panels and the integrated rear roof spoiler reduce drag and maximise fuel economy. Unlike the competition, Toyota has the FJ Cruiser for those who want a more rugged off-road ride, so these changes put the RAV4 right back in the mainstream with the style, performance and economy to challenge for the lead.

There are significant changes under the skin too. The infrequently used third row seat is gone, as is the optional V6 engine. All models are powered

by Toyota’s 176 horsepower, 2.5litre, four-cylinder engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence

2014 Tacoma

Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD Type: Compact AWD SUV Engine: 2.5-litre I4 Horsepower: 176@6000 rpm Torque: 172 lb-ft@4100 rpm Fuel economy: City- 9.1/100 km; highway - 6.8L/100km Base price: $23, 790 Price as tested: $29,200 The New RAV4 features a wider stance with a more aggressive nose, a more steeply raked windshield and a roofline that slopes gently to the redesigned liftgate. [ALAN MCPHEE PHOTO/FOR THE

Vehicle provided by Nanaimo Toyota

DAILY NEWS]

(VVT-i) and Sequential, Multi-Port, Electronic Fuel Injection. Mated to the new smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission (with manual mode), the combination delivers city and highway economy of 8.7 and 6.4 L/100 km. in FWD configuration. That’s a significant improvement over the previous model.

Ride and handling have been improved as well, thanks to stiffer body construction and the reengineered independent suspension. The re-tuned Macpherson struts up front and a dual wishbone set up with a meatier antisway bar at the rear result in a more agile feel with a quicker steering response and a firm yet supple ride over the rough spots. There are five models to choose from starting with the FWD LE ($23,790), the LE AWD, XLE (FWD or AWD) and the AWD Limited. Our tester was the XLE AWD finished in Magnetic Grey Metallic with Ash Grey fabric interior. Both manually adjustable front bucket seats are heated (2 levels, toasty or hot) and are nicely contoured to hold you comfortably in place while the tilt/telescoping steering wheel lets you tailor the perfect driving position. The main gauges with white-on-black numerals, red sweep

hands and chrome bezels, have a rich jewel-like appearance and a soft touch ledge with smart double stitching, sweeps across the lower dashboard giving the cockpit a luxury look. A 6.1-inch Display Screen in the centre stack is the command centre for your AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA player and Bluetooth interface. Simple dials for the Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control are placed below while controls for the heated front seats and driving modes are below the dashboard. The Display Screen also doubles as your rear view backup camera (often a costly option but standard on the RAV4). Ditching the third row seat means more leg room for the second row occupants and increased cargo space. There’s 1,087 litres (38.4 cu-ft.) of space behind the second row, increasing to a bestin-class 2,077 litres (73.3 cu-ft.) when folded forward. And that cargo space is much more convenient to use with the new tailgate.

The RAV4 has a full range of dynamic features including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control plus -wheel, powerassisted disc brakes with ABS, Equal Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist. Toyota’s

Dynamic Torque Control AWD system distributes power from front-to-rear and from side-toside, giving maximum adhesion on a variety of surfaces, as needed. The AWD Lock mode delivers maximum traction on all four wheels when the going gets really rough. The three driving modes let you select from ECO (short shifts and moderate acceleration for maximum fuel economy), Sport (for shifts at higher revs for lively acceleration and sharper steering) or the default Normal mode that gives you the best of both worlds.

I found that driving in ECO mode in the city, you’re hardly aware of any difference in performance.

The XLE model is very well equipped. Standard features include all the usual power amenities plus keyless entry system; illuminated entry; cargo area tie-down rings; cargo lamp; under floor storage; power moonroof; windshield acoustic glass; rear privacy glass; front and rear splash guards; roof rails; projector style Halogen headlamps; fog lamps; rear window intermittent wiper/washer and power, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The RAV4 comes with 8 airbags

comprising dual stage front seat; front side seat; full-length side curtain plus a driver knee bolster and a front passenger seat cushion airbag. With its stylish new look and comprehensive package of performance and convenience features, the 2013 RAV4 should make choosing a compact SUV a lot easier.

“The RAV4 has been Toyota Canada’s and Nanaimo Toyota’s number 1 selling model the last 2 years,” says Reid Hugh of Nanaimo Toyota. “We expect that with the changes that have been made and the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received to this point, it will continue to succeed for years to come.

SEE THIS AND OTHER FINE TOYOTA MODELS AT THE AUTO PLUS EXPO

C4 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

Get ready for camping season amping is a popular outdoor activity that attracts many enthusiasts year after year.

Some people camp every month while others only have time for one great excursion into the wilderness each year. This year, millions of camping trips will take place across the country.

Preparation is key to a successful camping trip. Whether campers plan to spend one night or several in the great outdoors, there are certain tips to follow to ensure your trip is as fun and safe as possible.

C

will be sleeping during warm-weather months, you don't have to worry about an expensive sleeping bag. An averageweight one will be just fine. Don't forget to pack a pillow.

A cooler filled with foods and drinks will tide you over for the trip. If you plan to cook, you will need to bring the ingredients for meals. Otherwise sandwiches should suffice. Some campgrounds have grills and picnic tables available. Otherwise, you can cook hot dogs right over your open campfire.

Gear In order to be comfortable, stock up on camping gear. Tents, sleeping bags and other gear need not be the most expensive. Quality, moderately priced gear works well, too. With care and maintenance, camping gear can last for several years.

A tent will be your first line of defense against the outdoors. Although plenty of people prefer to sleep out under the stars, a tent is a place to avoid inclement weather and insects and have a little privacy. Your tent need not be too big, unless you plan to share it with many of your fellow campers.

Since you will be spending the majority of your time outdoors, don't feel pressured to buy the tent equivalent of a three-room suite. A good tent should be sturdy, weather-resistant and large enough to fit the people who will be sleeping in it during your trip.

Invest in a pad to place on the floor of the tent to shield you from the hard ground. The pad will make sleeping more comfortable. If you

Where to camp Campsites may be public or private.

Public campgrounds are generally funded by tax dollars and maintained by parks departments or government offices. They may be free to enter or charge a nominal fee for use. Because of the low cost involved, they may be quite popular and crowded during peak camping season.

Private campsites are run by private companies or individuals and may also feature RV hookups. In many instances, private campsites sell memberships to interested parties, which gives access to certain private areas. They may have more amenities than public campsites. Private sites also may employ security personnel and maintenance crews to ensure the areas are clean and safe and to enforce campground rules. This may not be the case at public campsites, where conditions may be inconsistent from site to site.

An online search of both public and private campsites nearby can help

AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP

you determine which option best suits you. Consider national parks, national forests and even the Army Corps of Engineers, which manages many recreational areas.

perfumed products. Keep lights dim at night, as bright lights attract mosquitoes and other biting bugs. Use appropriate insect repellents to help further repel bugs.

Avoid critters Animals and insects are part of the camping experience. While they are unavoidable, there are some measures you can take to reduce the propensity for bothersome bug bites or clever critters raiding the cooler.

Keeping a clean campsite is perhaps the most effective animal and insect deterrent. Ants and animals are attracted to food bits scattered around the site, so be sure to gather trash and dispose of it properly each day. Try not to store food on the ground. Whenever possible, keep food locked away in an airtight cooler or other container. Dry foods can be stored under lock and key in the car. Racoons, squirrels, birds, and skunks all have been known to patrol campgrounds for an easy meal.

Also, you don't want to lure in larger predators, such as bears or wild cats.

To avoid insects, steer clear of

Closer isn't always better Many new campers make the mistake of choosing campsites that are in close proximity to bathrooms and clubhouses and other reminders of civilization. But these areas tend to feature heavy foot and car traffic and can make for a noisy experience. To avoid the lights, sounds and bustle of too many people, stick with campsites farther off the beaten path. You may need to walk a little farther, but you will likely enjoy a more peaceful camping experience.

Plan for the wetness Even if it doesn't rain, dew is an inevitable part of camping outdoors.

Warm weather with high humidity can make dew even more plentiful. Use a shower curtain or another plastic impenetrable liner beneath your tent to reduce wetness and chilliness

while you sleep. Be sure to bring in clothes and remove items from your clotheslines before you retire for the night if you don't want them damp the next morning. Use tarps to cover anything that should not get wet. Be sure to pack plenty of dry socks and changes of clothes and store them in zipper-top bags in the event clothing does get wet. Wet clothes can be uncomfortable and increase your risk for hypothermia.

Carry in and carry out Part of the magic of camping is being able to enjoy nature and experience the great outdoors. It is crucial to protect natural landscapes as much as possible and to exercise caution around plant life. In addition, be mindful of animal habitats. What you bring to the campsite, including trash, should be removed when you are done. Do not leave a mess behind.

Camping can be an enjoyable and inexpensive vacation option. Learning the ropes and heeding some advice can make camping an enjoyable getaway year after year.

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 C5

Santa Fe offers affordable luxury XL version of this Hyundai Sport is big brother of utility vehicle of the year award winner for 2014 Alan McPhee Auto Insider

T

Santa Fe XL has a commanding stance on the road.

[ALAN MCPHEE PHOTO/FOR THE DAILY NEWS]

he mid-size SUV/CUV segment is a real battleground with more than 100 models vying for supremacy. For 2014, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada put nine leading contenders under the microscope in a real world test that measured 28 dynamic, quality and value factors.

At the end of the rigorous twoday test session, the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T Sport was named 2014 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. In doing so it beat out vehicles costing up to $20,000 more, including the Lexus RX350, Infiniti JX and Acura RDX plus the Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain.

The Santa Fe Sport comes in seven FWD or AWD versions — starting at $26,499 — with a choice of either a 2.4-litre or 2.0- litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. But our tester was the Sport’s big brother, the Santa Fe XL. The XL stretches the Sport’s body to 4905 mm (193.1 inches)from 4689 mm. (184.6 inches) providing space for a third row and up to sevenpassenger seating. It also replaces the four-cylinder engines with the all-new 290 horsepower, 3.3-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) V6 with dual CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing).

Aside from being one of the more powerful engines in this segment, the V6 pumps out 252 ft-lbs of torque giving it the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs comfortably. Standard transmission is the six-speed automatic with ‘manual’ Shiftronic control.

The Santa Fe XL has a commanding stance on the road with a revised, four-bar chrome grille flanked by automatic, self-levelling projectorstyle HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights with a necklace of LED (Light Emitting Diode) DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). The rising beltline passes through the door handles to the rear taillights while the gently sloping roof (with roof rails) slims down the profile. Nineteen inch, five twinspoke alloy rims wearing meaty Dunlop Sport 5000 radials fill the wheel wells. The on-demand AWD works anonymously with power going to the front wheels in normal driving conditions. If slippage is detected power is diverted to the rear wheels as needed to maintain grip.

Other dynamic assists include Vehicle Stability Management with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and Downhill Brake Control.

Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist provide confident stops.

Bottom line

Hyundai Santa Fe XL Limited Type: FWD/AWD mid-size SUV/CUV Engine: 3.3-litre DOHC V6 Horsepower: 290 @ 6400 rpm Torque: 252 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm Fuel economy: city – 11.7 L/100 km; highway – 8.0 L/100 km Base price: $43,199 Price as tested: $44,959 Vehicle provided by Jim Pattison Hyundai

See this and other fine Hyundai Models at the Auto Plus Expo

C6 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

Jetta 1.8 TSI adds power, refi nement The 2014 VW Jetta brings changes that increase the car’s performance, ride and fuel economy Alan McPhee Auto Insider

T

he 2014 VW Jetta 1.8 TSI brings a number of changes to the marque that greatly increase the car’s performance, ride and fuel economy. First off, the previous 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is still available on the base Trendline and Trendline+ but the five-cylinder, 2.5-litre engine is replaced by the GEN III version of the Audibased four-cylinder — enhanced with Direct Injection and a turbocharger — on the Comfortline and Highline models. While this engine puts out the same 170 horsepower, it does so with exceptional smoothness and refinement that was not evident in the Lamborghini-based fivecylinder. In addition, the previous torsion beam solid rear axle has been replaced by a multilink, independent system that greatly improves the ride quality, steering and handling.

Our tester was the Highline model finished in tornado red with black Vienna Leather seating. The Jetta’s conservative lines are preserved. The ‘North American’ styling, introduced in 2011, has succeeded in attracting a wider audience, allowing the Jetta to challenge established segment leaders like Corolla, Civic, Mazda3, Focus and Elantra. The restrained style features the corporate VW ‘nose’ and a sculpted hood that helps to define the front fenders. The rear roofline drops gently to the short rear deck, giving it a stylish, coupe-like profile. Longer overall than its leading competitors, the Jetta boasts class-leading rear seat legroom and the largest trunk in the compact segment. In fact, the interior cabin space is more comparable to many typical mid-size sedans.

Both heated front seats are nicely sculpted for maximum comfort and offer eight-way adjustments with power recline and manual lumbar controls. VW design has always followed the ‘form follows function’ credo and so the cockpit is designed around the driver’s needs. The position and tactile feel of major controls, the clarity of instrumentation and the sight lines of the driver, determine their placement.

Getting comfortable is easy thanks to the leather-wrapped tilt/ telescoping steering wheel (also gearshift and emergency brake lever) and adjustable seating. A digital screen with driver information that lets you scroll through data such as odometer readings, instant and average fuel economy, distance to empty etc., sits between the bold whiteon- black speedometer and tachometer gauges seen through the steering wheel.

These are nicely backlit so they are legible even in bright sunlight.

Steering column stalks take care of wipers (with heated washer nozzles), headlights and cruise functions while Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel.

Bottom line

Jetta Highline 1.8 TSI Type: FWD compact sedan Engine: DOHC turbocharged I4 Horsepower: 170 @ 6200 rpm Torque: 184 lb-ft. @ 1500 rpm Fuel economy: city – 8.2 L/100 km; highway – 5.6 L/100 km Base price: $26,890 Price as tested: $29,280 Vehicle provided by Harbourview Volkswagen

See this and other fine VW Models at the Auto Plus Expo

The Jetta’s restrained style features the corporate VW ‘nose’ and a sculpted hood that help to define the front fenders.

The rear roofline drops gently to the short rear deck, giving it a stylish, coupe-like profile. [ALAN MCPHEE PHOTO/FOR THE DAILY NEWS]

See You at the AutoPlus Expo this Weekend !!!

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014 C7

Things to consider before buying a recreational vehicle O

Buyers should do their homework before purchasing an RV.

pportunity for adventure abounds for recreational vehicle owners. With a motor home parked in the driveway, a road trip or instant family getaway is only a few steps away.

While RVs can be rented, serious road-trippers often prefer purchasing one so that it can be customized with the features desired and always be at the ready. RVs vary in price depending on the vehicle, and there are a few thing prospective RV owners should know before they begin shopping.

First and foremost, drivers who have not previous owned an RV or even stepped inside of one you may have an inaccurate perception of these vehicles. Today's recreational vehicles are much more than meets the eye, and it pays to attend an RV show to become acquainted with the various types of motor homes. This way you will be familiar with the jargon and have a reasonable idea of what you want before going to a dealership.

There are various classes of RVs, but the largest ones tend to be the most expensive. Some RVs have an

engine and are driven like a bus, while other models hitch to the back of a truck or van. If you will be towing an RV, you must be certain the car or truck doing the towing is equipped to tow a vehicle the weight and size of your particular RV. Some RVs have fixed dimensions, while others expand, either manually or electronically, pushing out walls to provide even more interior room when the RV is parked. RVs have different floor plans, and there are many different models to fit a buyer's needs.

Many RVs are equipped with no frills furnishings, but there are models that feature top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures. It's possible to get granite countertops and cherry cabinets in an RV, but such accessories will increase the cost of the vehicle. Upholstered sofas and dining room banquettes may be upgraded to leather. Some RVs have an additional kitchenette built into the exterior of the unit for easy access when barbecuing or cooking at a campsite.

How you plan to use the RV should also be considered prior to purchasing one. Will you be spending time

cooking meals and sleeping inside, or will it mainly be used as a storage unit for your camping gear? Do you plan on taking extended vacations and desire all the comforts of home?

Defining these goals will help you find the right RV for you.

Another thing to consider is renting an RV for a day or two to get a feel for driving it and what it is like to spend a night inside. You may be able to determine if you need more or less of a mobile home when you ultimately decide to purchase.

Make sure everything works before you drive the RV off of the lot. Repairs can be expensive, and you do not want to be stuck with a lemon when you're on the road. Find out if there are any roadside assistance packages that can be negotiated to offer you peace of mind with your first RV. The decision of whether or not to purchase an RV requires ample forethought. Comparing a number of different models and designs and weighing personal needs can give buyers a good idea of which RV is right for them.

Learn to tow cargo safely Warm weather is on the horizon, and people from all over are preparing their vehicles for another season of road trips. In addition to packing the interior cargo areas full of equipment and luggage, many road-trippers also haul gear and recreational accessories with them.

There's more to towing than hitching a trailer and hitting the open road. A number of factors come into play when towing cargo or another vehicle, including the towing capacity of the vehicle doing the hauling. The following are some safety tips for road trippers hitting the road with trailer in tow.

TOW VEHICLES While many vehicles have towing capabilities, not all of those vehicles are necessarily right for the job. Review the towing capacities of various vehicles depending on the type of trailer that will be towed. A larger, more powerful vehicle may be necessary if you will be towing something large and heavy, such as a boat or a recreational vehicle. You may need more horsepower to maintain a safe driving speed when towing especially heavy cargo.

EQUIPMENT Different manufacturers offer towing packages equipped to work in concert with your vehicle. Towing packages may include certain types of hitches, batteries, flasher systems, extended-view side mirrors, and even special axles and tires. In many areas, a trailer with a loaded weight of more than 1,500 pounds requires a separate braking system and a breakaway switch located on the tongue of the trailer that activates the trailer brakes in the event it separates from the tow vehicle. Having the right equipment can mean the difference between safely towing cargo and getting in an accident.

ABILITY Having a lot of power and the right equipment is not enough to safely tow cargo. Recklessness on the road, which includes driving over the speed limit, is a recipe for an accident. It typically takes time and some practice for drivers to grow accustomed to driving while towing cargo. Driving while towing cargo requires that drivers maneuver their vehicles differently than they would in more typical conditions, and that they drive at slower speeds while leaving room for a larger turning radius. In addition, drivers must accommodate for the extra weight when braking.

VEHICLE CHECK Verifying that the trailer hitch is secure is not the only inspection drivers must conduct before hitting the open road. The vehicle doing the towing should be serviced, and any repairs should be made. Check fluid levels, particularly the transmission fluid. In addition, make sure the water level in the battery is acceptable and have the motor oil changed if it is nearing its mileage limit. It's also a good idea to replace the air filter, examine the tires for adequate tread and test the brakes.

When the trip begins, give your vehicle and the hitch a once-over to double-check that everything is in working order. This can be done during service station stops along the trip.

Spring is a season of recreational fun and long road trips, but it pays to play it safe when towing gear and other cargo.

GET MORE IN A FORD

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2014 ESCAPE S FWD 2.5L

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WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). †Until June 30, 2014, lease a new 2014 F-150 Super Crew XLT 4x4 with 5.0L engine and get as low as 1.49% lease annual percentage rate (LAPR) financing for up to 24 months on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest LAPR payment. Lease a vehicle with a value of $44,149 at 1.49% LAPR for up to 24 months with $1,950 down or equivalent trade in, monthly payment is $299, total lease obligation is $9,126 and optional buyout is $22,516. Offer includes Manufacturer Rebate of $8,500, Ford Credit Cash of $1,200 and freight and air tax of $1,800 but excludes variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. Taxes payable on full amount of lease financing price after Manufacturer Rebate deducted. Additional payments required for PPSA, registration, security deposit, NSF fees (where applicable), excess wear and tear, and late fees. Some conditions and mileage restrictions of 40,000km for 24 months apply. Excess kilometrage charges of 16¢per km for F-Series, plus applicable taxes. Excess kilometrage charges subject to change, see your local dealer for details. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.*Purchase a new 2014 Escape S FWD 2.5L for $25,178 after Manufacturer Rebate of $750 is deducted. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after total Manufacturer Rebate has been deducted. Offer includes freight and air tax of $1,750 but excludes variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. **Until June 30, 2014, receive 1.99% annual percentage rate (APR) purchase financing on a 2014 Escape S FWD 2.5L for a maximum of 84 months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest interest rate. Purchase financing monthly payment is $321 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $149 with no down payment. Cost of borrowing is $1,815.19 or APR of 1.99% and total to be repaid is $26,993.19. Down payment may be required based on approved credit from Ford Credit. Offer includes a Manufacturer Rebate of $750 and freight and air tax of $1,750 but excludes variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate deducted. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. ▲Offer only valid from May 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with an eligible Costco membership on or before April 30, 2014. Receive $500 towards the purchase or lease of a new 2014/2015 Ford Fiesta (excluding S), Focus (excluding S and BEV), C-MAX, and $1,000 towards all other Ford models (excluding Raptor, GT500, Mustang Boss 302, and Medium Truck) (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Limit one (1) offer per each Eligible Vehicle purchase or lease, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. Applicable taxes calculated before offer is deducted. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offer. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). ®: Registered trademark of Price Costco International, Inc. used under license. ‡F-Series is the best-selling pickup truck in Canada for 48 years in a row based on Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association statistical sales reports, up to December 2013. ◆Based on 2007 - 2013 R. L. Polk vehicle registrations data for Canada in the Large Premium Utility, Large Traditional Utility, Large Utility, Medium Premium Utility, Medium Utility, Small Premium Utility, and Small Utility segments. ††Some mobile phones and some digital media players may not be fully compatible with SYNC® – check www.syncmyride.com for a listing of mobile phones, media players, and features supported.

Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, accident and injury. Certain MyFord Touch™ functions require compatible mobile devices. Some functions are not available while driving. Ford recommends that drivers use caution when using mobile phones, even with voice commands. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, not essential to driving when it is safe to do so and in compliance with applicable laws. SYNC is optional on most new Ford vehicles. †††Remember that even advanced technology cannot overcome the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. ©2014 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2014 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

C8 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 30, 2014

Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription

Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Say goodbye to fingerprints!

SAVE up to $300

on select Frigidaire Gallery/Professional Series Appliances

Introducing the NEW Solaro European Dishwasher •stainless tub •as low as 45 DBL •30 min quick wash •smudge proof stainless •14 place settings

from

$809 EI24ID30QS

Go Big... Go BADO, with the Big Awesome Double Oven

SIZE MATTERS •smudge proof stainless steel •each oven is large enough to hold a 28 lb. turkey •4 minute pre-heat from

$1399

Save $600

$1199 Pedestal sold separately

Front load Laundry

Washer EWFLS70J

ElECTROLUX WASHER CLEANEST•LARGEST•FASTEST •5 cu. Ft Capacity •Energy Star •1300 RPM Spin speed •15 minute wash cycle •Perfect steam •Stainless Drum

Dryer EWMED7CJ

ELECTROLUX DRYER GENTLEST•LARGEST•FASTEST •8 cu. Ft. Capacity •14 minute fast dry cycle •stainless drum •perfect steam •14 dry cycles •92 total cycles available

$2598 24" Dishwasher

30" Range

•tall tub •5 push button •white only

•coil elements •manual clean oven •automatic oven

WWBD2400HW

CFEF3007

$299 99

$399 99 Dishwasher

Dishwasher •stainless steel tub •smudge proof stainless •very quiet •available in white or black

•blade spray arm •tuff racks •ventless design •sanitize cycle

FGHD2455LF

FGBD2445NB

$499

$599

Top Load Laundry Centre •high efficiency washer top load •regular +gentle wash •vibration control system •lifetime tub warranty •fresh water rinse

CFLE1011MW

$1299

(5 only)

Don't forget to enter our draw for a FREE 5cu. ft. Freezer Mayor Larry Jangula will be in store Monday, June 16th to draw the winner!

IT's McConochie's

50

th

Anniversary!

Sale-A-Brate With These Fantastic Prices!

th

th

May 30 - June 14

BONUS Save up to

Washer (FAHE4044MW) Driver (CARE 4044MW) •4 cu.ft.

•7 cu.ft.

•Fresh Water Rinse •stainless steel drum •800 RPM Spin Speed •electronic controls •wrinkle release *with purchase of a qualifying high

$ 200 off*

$1399

Pair

efficiency top load laundry pair

Professional Series Package •30" bottom mount •20.3 cu. ft.

•smudge proof stainless steel •Cool Zone drawer •Energy star •Pure air filter FP212086NF

•smudge proof stainless steel •49 DBA •Adjustable upper rack •stainless tub •5 wash levels •30 minute wash

•smudge proof stainless steel •dual fan convention •hidden bake element •warming drawer •self clean FPID2495QF

CPEF3081MF

ALL 3 Deluxe Appliances (reg.$4299) Range with Fresh Clean Oven Systems •3 element convection •luxury glide oven racks •flex 2 fit element •steam clean

$1599 Dishwasher

$2299 Introducing "The Twins" Matching Fridge & Freezer Professional Series

FREEZER •19 cu.ft.

•smudge proof stainless steel •air filter •ice maker

$1499

FPUH19D7LF

FRIDGE •19 cu.ft.

•smudge proof stainless steel •door alarm alert •Energy Star •Deli Drawer

each+includes Free trim kit

Refrigerator

•IQ touch Controls •third level rack •satellite spay arm •30 minute fast wash

$799

wo ne? t t i Wa get o ies h o t c o s n k wee t Mc Co a t o N

•28 cu.ft.

•two ice makers •water dispenser •2 gallon door bins

$2639

EI24ID50QS

Need a Freezer?

We have them all!

EI28BS6SKS

A All ll on d is FRE E N play ext Del iver Day! y!

Chest - 5cu.ft./7cu.ft./9 cu.ft./13 cu.ft./15cu.ft/20cu.ft./25 cu.ft.

Upright - 14 cu.ft./17 cu.ft./20 cu.ft./Manual or Frost Free •FREE Delivery •FREE Setup

•We are locally owned •We will not be undersold

Compare with Department Stores & Box Stones!

FREE set up & delivery All the way up to Campbell River!

434 - 5th Street, Counrtenay

“ Serving the Comox Valley for 50 Years ”

250.338.8114

ANNUAL SPRING SALE MERIT HOME FURNITURE & SLEEP STUDIO'S COURTENAY LOCATION ONLY We are having our Annual Spring Cleaning Sale!

Come in and shop from our cancelled orders and discontinued Sofas, Loveseats, Chairs, Dining Suites, Bedroom Suites, Mattresses, Rugs and Lamps!

This is a ONE TIME opportunity to purchase Cancelled Orders, Discontinued Items, and Slightly Less than Perfect Merchandise for up to

70% off the Sale Prices.

Please visit us on Saturday, May 31st from 9am - 5:30pm to take advantage of some of the year's BEST PRICES! We are proud to carry the largest selection of Name Brand Canadian Made and Solid Wood products on the North Island. We are confident that we have access to those unique and perfect pieces, you have been searching for!

SPECIAL FINANCING IS AVAILABLE DURING THIS SALE!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR 1 YEAR NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS, AND GET WHAT YOU WANT NOW! MERIT HOME FURNITURE 2967 Kilpatrick Ave, Courtenay BC

250-334-0007