Comox Valley Echo - December 19, 2014

www.comoxvalleyecho.com COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • Friday, December 19, 2014

MERRY CHRISTMAS! With

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POLICE HUNT IS ON FOR HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER WHO LEFT RULES-FOLLOWING CYCLIST FOR DEAD IN A DITCH AT FANNY BAY.

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Deck the halls—display good cheer— have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. DECEMBER 19, 2014

ECHO

NEWS Comox Valley Weather





Friday Showers.

High 8°C.

Saturday Rain. Windy.

Low 5°C. High 9°C.



 Sunday Rain.

Low 7°C. High 11°C.

Monday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 5°C. High 7°C.



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Tuesday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 4°C. High 7°C.

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

2230A Cliffe Ave., COURTENAY BC V9N 2L4

Comox deals with intersection in roundabout way

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Comox council had an opportunity to look at four concept designs for the proposed roundabout on Comox Avenue and Rodello Street.

Municipal engineer Shelley Ashfield, who indicated that safety was the main driving force behind this plan, presented the designs at the committee of the

whole last week.

The designs were created by Boulevard Transportation, which did the study of the intersection in 2010-2011.

It revealed the junction operates at a poor level of service and got an “F” rating, which was the worst level.

As well, Boulevard’s analysis noted that a majority of the mishaps that occur in this junction are rear end collisions,

which can be attributed to the pedestrian signal.

The roundabout will address these concerns.

Ashfield said it would reduce congestion and pollution as traffic will flow continuously.

It improves safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians because it will reduce traffic speed to 30 kilometres per hour and has a significantly less number of conflict points — eight

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points in a roundabout compared to 32 in a regular intersection. The roundabout would feature shared pedestrian/cyclist pathways.

It will also help save the town money because there will be no signal equipment to install, to power up and also maintain.

The four proposed designs vary in size and inside circle diameter (ICD). And each one

will have minimal or huge impacts on St. Joseph’s General Hospital and some residential property.

Ashfield indicated that staff preferred option three as it cuts down speed, does not need a lot of space and has good alignment.

The next step for this plan is to finalize the preliminary design and establish cost estimate in early 2015. They

town plans to have consultations with all affected stakeholders and finalize the required property acquisitions.

Council has approved a budget of $537,570 in its 2014-2018 five year financial plan with 99 per cent of the project to be funded through the road development cost charges DCC. The Town also plans to look at grants and funding from ICBC.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

3

FATAL HIT-AND-RUN

Wife of hit-and-run victim makes plea Evelyn Bally, still in shock, asks for driver to come forward to give her family closure

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff

One thing Paul believes is if you play by the rules nobody got hurt. But someone is not playing by the rules and now he’s hurt.”

EVELYN BALLY Wife of hit and run victim

Who’s going to teach my son to be a man.

Who’s going to walk my daughter down the aisle. Who’s going to help raise my children.

He’s my rock. He’s kept us on a moral path.. So I appeal to the driver. Let my family have closure” EVELYN BALLY Wife of hit and run victim

Evelyn Bally wants closure.

That was the plea of the wife of 48-year-old Paul Bally, who sadly passed away after being struck by a vehicle heading southbound along Highway 19A near Curran Road in Fanny Bay. With tears streaming down her face, and with her two children beside her listening to her speak to the media on Wednesday, she said the whole incident “is still a very big shock to us. I can’t believe that it actually happened.”

Bally was riding his bicycle on Dec. 15 when he was hit by a passing vehicle that didn’t stop to check on him. It was Evelyn who discovered him at around 10:56 lying in a ditch along the road. Bally was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

(Continued on page 4)

Evelyn Bally, the wife of 48-year-old Paul Bally who was struck to death by a passing vehicle in Fanny Bay makes a plea to the driver to give himself up.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

New Patients Welcome

Victim’s wife appeals to driver to come forward (Continued from page 3)

‘We Miss You Mr. Bally’ sign at Lake Trail Middle School where he taught for 17 years

“One thing Paul believes is if you play by the rules nobody got hurt.

But someone is not playing by the rules and now he’s hurt,” said Evelyn.

“Who’s going to teach my son to be a man. Who’s going to walk my daughter down the aisle. Who’s going to help raise my children. He’s my rock. He’s kept us on a moral path.

“So I appeal to the driver. Let my family have closure. I was thinking, you know, what if he had stopped to see what had happened.

“What if he had even just called emergency. He might still be here.

He might not have all his pieces but he might be here. You left him in the ditch for me to find.”

The image of her husband lying there continues to haunt Evelyn. She can’t get it off her mind.

“I don’t want that picture any more,” said Evelyn.

“I don’t want that picture in my head. I don’t know how to get it out.”

Evelyn wants it to end. She wants justice served.

“Please driver, please come forward,” Evelyn pleaded. “Let it be over.”

The Comox Valley RCMP and North Island Traffic Service are asking the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle involved in this hitand-run event.

The vehicle in question has now been narrowed down to either a Ford F250 truck, a Ford F350 truck or an Excursion style of vehicle and the manufacture date would be between 2002 and 2004.

Sgt. Mark Whitworth of the NITS said originally the colour of the vehicle was identified as white but with further examination this may not be the case.

Investigators are looking for all colours of vehicles in the described categories.

This case remains a priority investigation for both the RCMP North Island Traffic Services and the Comox Valley RCMP. If you have information about this collision you are asked to contact Sgt. Mark Whitworth of the North Island Traffic service based in Campbell River at 250-286-5646.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

5

Teacher remembered fondly at Lake Trail Police continue the hunt for driver

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff A quiet Lake Trail School teacher with a flare for wearing silly hats and a knack for getting even the most troublesome students interested in learning is being mourned, as police hunt for the person who killed him in a hit-and-run incident Monday night.

Tears flowed freely in classrooms across the Comox Valley as students, teachers and administrators struggled to comprehend how French and Math teacher Paul Bally, 48, could really be gone – and why the person behind the wheel

Paul Bally

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left the scene of the accident.

“There’s still no closure,” said Sherry Elwood, superintendent of School District no. 71, describing the sense of incompleteness she felt when told about the tragedy. “It was certainly a shock.”

The many people whose lives he touched described Paul Bally as a kind teacher who connected with kids not through discipline but by his laidback temperament and compassionate approach to education.

He felt at home in the community school environment at Lake Trail, a 270-student Grade 7-9 facility with a range of services for families, including after school activities and extra curricular programs.

“He was a good fit for that community,” Elwood said, adding Bally stayed at Lake Trail for 17 years – even though many

The Comic Sans font and sombrero say more about the pleasant personality of the man who loved to pass on guitar skills, than his calm and collected expression gives away, according to those who knew him. teachers will choose to move around the district.

“He and I spoke about home much he loved the school.”

He was particularly popular thanks to his “Bally Bucks” which he handed out as a participation incentive.

“He created an environment where students wanted to learn,” Elwood noted, explaining he cared about helping everyone succeed, no matter where they were

on the learning continuum. “He genuinely cared for students.”

Bally left his home in Fanny Bay around 7 p.m.

Decked out in the reflective gear he always implored his students to wear while riding, he headed southbound. But just before Curran Road he was sent flying into the ditch in a collision with what police believe could be a Ford truck that didn’t stick around.

(Continued on page6)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

Teacher remembered fondly as police hunt for driver (Continued on page 23) It’s not yet clear how long he lay in the ditch on the right hand side of the road by the alders, but he was discovered around 11:30 p.m.

That’s when Lorne Cole and his son, who live just up the hill from the crash site, were jolted awake by a sudden noise that sounded like a woman’s voice.

“We’d heard like a yell or a scream or something,” he said. “I’m half deaf so it’s weird that it even woke me up.”

By the time Cole let the dog inside and went down to see what was happening, the police had already started to arrive.

Little did he know that the man that lay in the ditch near his driveway was one of his kids’ best teachers, adding he wishes that he’d had the chance to save Bally.

“We just lost somebody in front of our house,” he said. “If we woulda known that there was a guy in the ditch there it could have been the difference between life and death.”

Cole said after the southbound motorists navigate the 60 km/h curve in the road heading southbound they tend to gun it into the 80 km/h straight stretch where Bally was hit, adding their kids have to walk a couple kilometers every day along that very section of road just to get to the bus stop.

Aaron Calvert, 15, and his brother Andy, 14, watched the school bus make its way up Ship’s Point road and back onto Highway 19A, on Tuesday afternoon, the day students were rocked with the terrible news.

They know how dangerous biking from Point A to Point B is in Fanny Bay. “Generally it’s pretty good but the shoulders are kinda small and freaky,” Aaron said. “It would be easy enough to get hit.”

Andy said it’s intimidating even with a light sometimes.

“It’s pretty scary,” he said. “The cars are going so fast.”

Plus, Aaron added, you

Brothers Aaron and Andy Calvert say biking in Fanny Bay can be quite a dangerous affair. always have to be wary of drunk drivers.

“The Fanny Bay Inn is just around the corner too, you know what I mean?” he said. “So anyone half buzzed-up driving home is a bit of a

danger.”

And that’s not a hypothetical, Andy explained.

“You’ll see really drunk people,” he said, describing one particularly dangerous incident. “You’ll see them swerving.”

About 25 police officers have been scouring the sides of the road and canvassing addresses across the Comox Valley for any clues that might appear. The case is being treated as seriously as if

it were a murder investigation, with 10 tactical response members deployed, along with helicopter, forensic and crash reconstructionist resources.

RCMP officers were still collecting evidence Wednesday and hope there will be a break in the case soon.

In Courtenay, the Lake Trail School message board was changed to read, “WE MISS YOU MR BALLY” and a heavy cloud of sadness for the steadfast educator seemed to hang over the hallways.

Already administrators are planning to honour the memory of the man who coached a range of sports teams and taught guitar skills to students, naming their miniature Stanley Cup the “Bally Cup” – to be handed out to a tournament winner in January And along with the tears came the hugs and words of encouragement.

“There’s a selflessness that rises to the occasion,” Elwood said.

“Students who are grieving themselves are helping each other.”

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

BC Hydro keeping reservoir level down BC Hydro has been able to lower the Comox Lake Reservoir considerably since last Friday.

The reservoir is now at 133.9 m, or down about 2.3 metres from the high of last week.

The discharges downstream into the Puntledge River are about 85 m3/s.

There are some smaller storms through this weekend so these flows will likely be in place through the weekend.

BC Hydro discharges from the dam may be up to 100 m3/s through the weekend.

For public safety, BC Hydro requests people to continue to stay away from the Puntledge River through the weekend.

Public warning signs have been updated.

BC Hydro was planning to reduce the discharge from the dam down to about 35 m3/s on Thursday to safely remove log debris that’s built up against its log boom, located just upstream of the Comox dam, to protect debris from getting into the spillway gates and then resumed flows.

A one-day subtropical

Courtenay River flooding last week storm is tracking towards the West Coast and at this time it seems to be tracking to the south of the Comox Valley. BC Hydro will keep a close eye on it.

BC Hydro would like to share a few statistical points of interest from last week’s record breaking storm event. This analysis has some uncertainty given how high the flows reached.

The two-day average water flow (213 m3/s over 48 hours) for the Tsolum River was the highest in 49 years of record, and about a 1 in 60 year event. The three day average flow was the second highest on record.

The Tsolum also hit a new record peak flow of 282 m3/s.

The two-day average flow (105 m3/s over 48

hours) for the Browns River was the second highest in 32 years of record, and about a 1 in 60 year event. The three day average flow was the highest on record, and about a 1 in 180 year event.

Over the storm period, the Browns River hit a high of 254 m3/s.

The two-day average water inflow (475 m3/s over 48 hours) into the Comox Lake Reservoir was the highest in 51 years of record, and about 1 in 70 year event.

The three day average flow was the highest on record, and about 1 in 50 year event. The water inflows hit a peak flow of 893 m3/s.

However, if you combine the Comox Lake/ Puntledge, Browns and Tsolum rivers together, the two-day total average water flow (792 m3/s over 48 hours) was the highest in 29 years of record, and about 1 in 130 year event. The three day average flow was the highest on record, and about 1 in 110 year event.

Of course BC Hydro’s Comox dam held back the majority of these water inflows during the

storms and then safety released the excess water for days afterwards.

Flooding in Courtenay can begin at around 400 m3/s. There were a few flood events from Tuesday through Thursday.

On December 9, the Tsolum and Browns river were peaking or peaked at the same time as the high tide and about 40 cm of increased height from storm surge cause by winds. The Tsolum River was at 260 m3/s and the Browns was at 243 m3/s.

BC Hydro’s discharge from the Comox dam at that time was reduced to only 32 m3/s. This was a high tide flood event.

On December 10, after backing off from the morning high tide, BC Hydro increased and then held steady the discharges from the dam at about 240 m3/s.

The Tsolum and Browns river came up with the heavy rain and by around 2:30 pm the total river flow was a very high 710 m3/s. This was a low tide flood event.

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DEC 25

Dec. 19 – Dec. 25 Closed Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25 / Open Matinees only on, Wednesday, December 24 Cinema #4: “Taming of the Shrew” Globe on Saturday, December 20, 10:00 am (ends 1:05 pm). Doors open at 9:30. Approx. 3 hours, 05 minutes; 1 intermission Cinema #1: “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies HFR 3D” PG: Violence; frightening scenes Pass restricted until January 7th. Friday to Tuesday: 6:30 (9:10) & 9:45 (12:25) Saturday to Tuesday Matinees: 3D 11:45 (2:25) & 3D 3:00 (5:40). Wednesday Matinees: 3D 11:45 (2:25) & 2D 3:00 (5:40) Cinema #2: “Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1” PG: Violence Friday to Tuesday: 6:45 (9:00) & 9:35 (11:50) Saturday to Wednesday Matinees: 12:10 (2:25) & 3:10 (5:25).

Cinema #3: “Exodus: Gods & Kings 3D” PG: Violence Pass restricted until December 26th. Friday to Tuesday: 7:30 (10:10) Saturday to Wednesday Matinees: 3D 11:55 (2:35) & 2D 3:15 (5:55) Cinema #4: “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” PG: Violence Pass restricted until December 26th Friday to Tuesday: 7:30 (10:10). Saturday to Wednesday Matinees: 3D 11:55 (2:35) & 2D 3:15 (5:55) Cinema #4: “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” PG: Violence. Pass restricted until January 2nd Friday to Tuesday: 7:00 (8:50) & 9:30 (11:20). Saturday Matinees: 1:35 (3:25) & 3:55 (5:45).

Sunday to Wednesday Matinees: 12:20 (2:10) & 3:25 (5:15) Box Office Hours for Dec. 5th – 11th. Nightly: 6:00 pm – 9:45 pm. Saturday & Sunday Matinee: 12:00 noon - 3:50 pm

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Exodus Gods and Kings 3D (PG) (No Passes) Nightly Fri to Tue 7:3. Sat to Wed Matinees 12:40 Exodus Gods and Kings (PG) (No Passes) Sat to Wed Matinees 3:50 Annie (G) (No Passes) Nightly Fri to Tue 7:10 & 9:45. Sat to Wed Matinees 1:05 & 3:40 The Hobbit Battle of the Five Armies HFR 3D (PG) (No Passes) Nightly Fri to Tue 6:30 & 9:45 Sat to Wed Matinees 11:30 & 3:00 The Hobbit Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG) (No Passes) Sat to Wed Matinees 12:00 & 3:30 The Hobbit Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG) (No Passes) Sat to Wed Matinees 12:00 & 3:30 Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb (PG) (No Passes) Nightly Fri to Tue 6:50 & 9:05 Sat to Wed Matinees 1:40 & 3:55 Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare’s Globe on Screen) Saturday Dec. 20th 10:00AM HOLIDAY CLOSED DATES No Evening Shows on Dec. 24th. Closed all day Dec. 25th

8

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

CHRISTMAS CHARITY

Hot cocoa stand helps Teen raising money for the Food Bank

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Jessica Lewis isn’t afraid to brave the elements to bring goodies to the community in a bid to make sure people in the Comox Valley don’t go hungry in the New Year.

For the past few weeks the 18-year-old has been serving up hot chocolate, coffee and assorted snacks at affordable prices outside her home at Fitzgerald Avenue and 26 Street, raising money for the Comox Valley Food Bank.

“I didn’t realize how cold it was,” she said with a smile. “It was snowing

there earlier.”

This is the second year that Lewis has set up shop on the corner. While it’s fun to meet people who stop for coffee or chocolate covered cookies, she’s most concerned about bringing in cash for the Food Bank, which tends to get most of its donations in the preChristmas rush.

“They kind of don’t get any money afterwards,” she said. “It’s always in the short Christmas part.”

This year’s menu offers a selection fitting of a restaurant at a fraction of the price.

Apple cider is 50 cents as is tea. Caramel coffee and regular hot chocolate are both $1.

You can get five different toppings – toffee, hazelnut, peppermint, candy cane, white chocolate and milk chocolatej.

Candy Apples are $5,

Jessica Lewis is raising money by selling hot chocolate and treats on Fitzgerald Avenue Oreos are $3, mini apple pies are $2 and almond roca is the most expensive item at $7.

Last year she brought in $1,500 and hopes to hit that number again,

with any luck. And this season she’s doing the fundraiser in memory of her dad, who passed away a couple months back.

“My dad was really proud of this,” she said.

“You should have seen him last year. He was absolutely crazy about this. He lived in Nanaimo and he came down just about every day to see it.”

Lewis plans to set up

every day until the 23rd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – weather permitting.

“Come help out,” she said. “You can get some hot chocolate and some holiday spirit.”

Watch your Comox Valley Echo Every Friday

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COVERT DT1. OUR ORIGINAL PRICE 259.99 MAKO II. OUR ORIGINAL PRICE 269.99 STEALTH RS II. OUR ORIGINAL 299.99 20K SICKICK4. OUR ORIGINAL 249.99

CLEARANCE

INT. OUR REG. PRICE 99.99 49.99

SAVE $

WARRIOR COVERT DT1, EASTON MAKO II, STEALTH RS II, REEBOK 20K SICKICK4 OR 20K SICKICK4 PRO STOCK SENIOR COMPOSITE STICK

EA.

50

COLOUR & SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.

AVAILABLE AT SELECT LOCATIONS.

9999

EA.

MEN’S SELECT SONIC COMPRESSION SOLID TOPS & BOTTOMS CLEARANCE*

25

SAVE

100

$

WAS/NOW

% OFF

OUR ORIGINAL PRICE.

79

WARRIOR. OUR ORIGINAL PRICE 199.99 BAUER OR EASTON. OUR ORIGINAL PRICE 229.99

& MORE!

% OFF

14999

99

60

SAVE UP TO %

SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION. INT. AVAILABLE AT SELECT LOCATIONS.

OUR REG. PRICE 219.99

OUR REG. PRICE 179.99

SAVE UP TO %

99

SAVE

UFC OCTEK TRAINING STATION

EA.

YOUR CHOICE

44

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GRAPHENE XENON FLARE 135 SQUASH RACQUET

WARRIOR DYNASTY AX2, BAUER SUPREME ONE.8 OR EASTON STEALTH 85S II SENIOR COMPOSITE STICK

EASTON. OUR REG. PRICE 89.99 WARRIOR. OUR REG. PRICE 79.99

OUR REG. PRICE 89.99

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50%

47

SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.

EASTON MAKO II M2, STEALTH 65S II OR WARRIOR COVERT DT4 JUNIOR COMPOSITE STICK

T7000 SENIOR COMPOSITE STICK

YONEX. OUR REG. PRICE 109.99 WILSON. OUR REG. PRICE 119.99

BLADE

12499

120

$

YONEX VOLTRIC PEGASUS OR WILSON BLADE BADMINTON RACQUET

EA.

SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.

SAVE

99

1799

SAVE UP TO %

99

YOUR CHOICE

YOUR CHOICE

50

MEN’S, WOMEN’S & KIDS’ SELECT WINTER OUTERWEAR CLEARANCE*

VOLTRIC

OUR REG. PRICE 249.99

99

180

$

INSTALLATION INCLUDED.

MEN’S CINCH CTS 14/15 SNOWBOARD BINDINGS

OUR REG. PRICE 219.99

26998

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NIKE VAPOR BLACK 2.0 OR TAYLORMADE RBZ URETHANE 12-PACK GOLF BALLS

STARTS DEC. 20 DOOM BLACK BRONZE GOGGLES

OUR REG. PRICE 449.98

200

$

TURTLE SHELL BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

OUR REG. PRICE 149.99

55%

22999

199

99

74

OUR REG. PRICE 429.99

99

OR CLEARANCE* PRICED

WOMEN’S ESSENZA ADORA 14/15 SKIS WITH 3MOTION TP LT 10.0 BINDINGS

PROCESS 3D 2014 SNOWBOARD

OUR REG. PRICE 399.99

OUR REG. PRICE 219.99

BRAZUCA WORLD CUP 2014 COMPETITION BALL OUR REG. PRICE 49.99 24.99 OFFICIAL MATCH BALL SHOWN. SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.

ON SALE

OUR ORIGINAL TICKET PRICE.

MEN’S IMPACT X 14/15 SKI BOOTS

MEN’S TRANSFER BLACK OR WOMEN’S TRANSFER WHITE SNOWBOARD BOOTS

SAVE %

ENTIRE STORE†

74

FACEBOOK.COM/SPORTCHEKOFFICIAL

SAVE

99

50% SPORTCHEK.CA

†ENTIRE STORE DISCOUNT EXCLUDES PREVIOUS PURCHASES, LAYAWAYS, SERVICE SHOP SERVICES, GIFT CARDS AND 3RD PARTY OFFERS. THIS 10 DAY EVENT STARTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2014. PRICES IN THIS FLYER ARE IN EFFECT DECEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 29, 2014. IF ANY ADVERTISING ERROR OR OMISSION IS DISCOVERED, SPORT CHEK WILL MAKE THE APPROPRIATE CORRECTIONS AND NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. QUANTITIES MAY BE LIMITED. SELECTION (STYLES, COLOURS, SIZES AND MODELS) MAY VARY BY STORE. PRODUCT AND OFFERS IN THIS FLYER MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AT METROPOLIS, BURNABY, BC; SALMON ARM, BC; TERRACE, BC; CRANBROOK, BC; WILLIAMS LAKE, BC; SMITHERS, BC; STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB; MARKET MALL, CALGARY, AB; COCHRANE, AB; WETASKIWIN, AB; COLD LAKE, AB; CAMROSE, AB; OKOTOKS, AB; WEST EDMONTON MALL, EDMONTON, AB; NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK; ESTEVAN, SK; STEINBACH, MB; ALLISTON , ON; LINDSAY , ON; HUNTSVILLE, ON; SIMCOE, ON; MAPLE LEAF SQUARE, TORONTO , ON; 2529 YONGE STREET, TORONTO, ON; YARMOUTH, NS; TRURO, NS; BRIDGEWATER, NS; MIRAMICHI, NB; SUMMERSIDE, PEI; GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NFLD; AND GANDER, NFLD LOCATIONS. JUNIOR APPAREL, OUTERWEAR & FOOTWEAR IS NOT AVAILABLE AT STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB; PACIFIC CENTRE, VANCOUVER, BC; HYLANDS, LONDON, ON AND EATON CENTRE, TORONTO, ON LOCATIONS. SKI IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB; SOUTHLAND MALL, REGINA, SK; NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK; ESTEVAN, SK; GATEWAY MALL, PRINCE ALBERT, SK; TOWN AND COUNTRY MALL, MOOSE JAW, SK; NORTHGATE CENTRE, WINNIPEG, MB; KILDONAN, WINNIPEG, MB; ST. VITAL , WINNIPEG, MB; STEINBACH, MB; FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE, STRATFORD, ON; MAPLE LEAF SQUARE, TORONTO, ON; YARMOUTH, NS; MIRAMICHI, NB; SUMMERSIDE, PEI; AND GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NFLD LOCATIONS . SNOWBOARD IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB; ESTEVAN, SK; TOWN AND COUNTRY MALL, MOOSE JAW, SK; GATEWAY MALL, PRINCE ALBERT, SK; NORTHGATE CENTRE, WINNIPEG, MB; STEINBACH, MB; MAPLE LEAF SQUARE, TORONTO, ON; YARMOUTH, NS; SUMMERSIDE, PEI; AND GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NFLD LOCATIONS. HOCKEY EQUIPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE 2529 YONGE STREET, TORONTO, ON AND MAPLE LEAF SQUARE, TORONTO; ON LOCATIONS .

JUNIOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT AND SKATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB LOCATION. ORION GATE , BRAMPTON, ON LOCATION IS EXCLUDED FROM THIS NATIONAL FLYER. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES PURCHASED. *NOT ALL CLEARANCE PRICED ITEMS OR PRICE POINTS AVAILABLE AT ALL LOCATIONS. SELECTION WILL VARY. PRODUCT SHOWN ON MODELS IN THE LIFESTYLE IMAGES PRESENTED IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE. **THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS NOT INTENDED TO BE MEDICAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PREGNANT OR HAVE OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE ENGAGING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. ®REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF FGL SPORTS LTD. AND ALL OTHER TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER(S).

10

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

WANTED

Police Blotter

police. Stolen from the garage was a Blue Kona Dawg 200 mountain bike.

(2014-15831)

Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between Dec. 9 and 15:

Cycling accidents

with a rock and once inside stole a small of cash.

(2014-15652)

Between December 15 and 16 the Comox Valley RCMP investigated three separate bicycling incidents. One of the incidences was a fatal hit and run collision in Fanny Bay where the police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a White colored Ford vehicle that will have front passenger side damage and pos-

Gas station break-in Stolen shotgun

If you have any information about the whereabouts of either of these two people, call the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment at 338-1321, or Comox Valley Crimestoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (1-800-222-8477). You don’t have to give your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.

On December 9th the Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a stolen pump action shotgun from the owner who lives on the 2600 block of Rydal Avenue in Cumberland. The shotgun was stolen from a pickup truck parked on the property. (2014-15568)

On December 11th police responded to an alarm at the Esso gas station located at 1720 Anderton road in Comox.

The culprit entered the business by smashing the glass in the front door and once inside stole undetermined amount of chips and tobacco products. This investigation is continuing. (2014-15648)

Blood Services asking Comox Valley residents to ‘Wrap It Up Red’

Rock through window

Adam Julien Felix PARISEAU

Jeffery Alan LAMBERT

DOB: 1981-10-08 193 cms, 77 kgs, Brown hair, Green eyes Warrants: Possession of stolen property Fraud X2 Comox Valley file # 2014-4952

DOB: 1977-08-02 174 cms, 83 kgs, Brown hair, Brown eyes Warrants: Breach of probation X2 Fair to appear X2 Comox Valley file # 201411520

On December 10th the Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a mischief to a vehicle that was stuck in traffic on Cliffe Avenue at about 10th street in Courtenay.

The driver of the vehicle stated that someone threw a rock through her back window while she was stopped in traffic.

(2014-15638)

Business break-in Police responded to a report of a break, enter and theft from a business located on the 1700 block of Cliffe avenue in Courtenay on December 11th.

The culprit had smashed the front door window

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

sible right side windshield damage. Another collision attended was a cyclist that turned had into the path of a van on Fitzgerald Avenue. The entire event was witnessed by an independent third party. The third incident is not ruled a traffic incident but possibly a medical issue.

The report was that a man was located on the road on Veterans Memorial Parkway on the morning of December 15th and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Drunk driver On December 12th the Comox Valley RCMP were called to a single vehicle off road in the ditch on Dove Creek road. The investigation revealed that the single occupant female driver had been consuming alcohol and was given a 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition after refusing to provide a breath sample.

(2014-15734)

This holiday season Canadian Blood Services is inviting all Canadians to show their support for hospital patients and blood donors by participating in the Wrap It Up Red Holiday Campaign.

Canadians are invited to get into the action by taking a photo or video of themselves wrapping something up in red, stating why they are supporting Canadian Blood Services this holiday season, and sharing it on Twitter, Facebook or YouTube using the hashtag #WrapItUpRed.

Garage break-in On December 15, 2014 a report of a break, enter and theft to a garage on the 2700 block of Derwent Avenue in Cumberland was called into

Upcoming clinics in Courtenay at the K’ómoks First Nation band hall, 3320 Comox Rd. include: Tuesday, Dec. 30 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. - 53 open appointments New Year’s Eve 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. - 92 open appointments Thursday, Jan. 1 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. - 80 open appointments To book an appointment, download the GiveBlood App, book an appointment online at blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236 6283).

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

11

ECHO

OPINIONS

EDITORIAL

Please help the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign Times are tough for many in the Comox Valley right now. But times could be far tougher without the help given out by the Salvation Army.

For over 50 years the SA has helped out the local homeless, hungry, people temporarily down on their luck and more.

With only a few days left in the annual Christmas Campaign, things aren’t going well for the Sally Ann. The red kettles have been particularly slow.

Compared to last year at the same time, they are down $4,494.55.

They are also struggling with the mail-in campaign. It is behind where they were at the same time last year by $2,324.50.

So far this year the Sally Ann has raised $169,573.45.

They need to raise $290,500.

Don’t forget who does the heavy lifting in this Valley when it comes to the homeless, running both a regular shelter and being on standby for extreme weather alerts.

If you can spare some change when you’re heading out of the liquor store or the shopping emporium, it would be much appreciated in the red kettle.

LETTER

Give blood in new year How would you like to make a new year resolution that - Costs you Nothing - Makes you feel good - May save your life!.

Sounds easy - Sounds good - It is - GIVE BLOOD. We could start a trend and become the DONATION capital of BC. How about having a ‘Coming of Age’ donation

day in our schools every year for our grad classes and encourage a lifetime of giving in our kids.

It’s easy, it feels good, but it’s DEADLY serious, after all you or one of your family may need to be on the receiving end one day.

If you can, PLEASE GIVE. Anne MacNicoll Courtenay

COMOX VALLEY ECHO An independently owned and operated newspaper published by Echo Publications at 407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 Phone 250-334-4722 Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 250- 334-4215 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Publisher Dave MacDonald Editor Debra Martin Advertising Manager Keith Currie Office Administrator Deb Fowler Circulation Manager Hedi MacDonald Production Manager Ryan Getz 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

Think long-term on third bridge Last week’s flooding emphasizes the need to add a third bridge to this community.

Although it is probably not the most cost efficient solution, a bridge at 29th street over to the dyke road makes the most sense from a logistical and accessibility standpoint.

This would cut out the extra travel for anyone leaving Comox and heading to the 29th street area including the inland highway.

This would also allevi-

ate the current traffic congestion on the 17th street bridge.

Council needs to think long term in making a decision on this and make it happen.

Andrew Barnie Comox

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE While sitting in the easy chair, nursing my first sore throat/cold in many years, we received a phone call, obviously not from Canada, from someone wishing to buy and/or

sell our property.

Having nothing better to do while waiting for good health to return, and wanting to pick a fight with someone/something in the meantime, I strung the schemer/defrauder along for some considerable time.

We were at the point where he began hinting a need for money in order to buy/sell this fictitious piece of property that we owned.

Ah, yes, lets’ make a deal! Instead I suggested he do something positive

Echo sold to Black Press Black Press has acquired a number of newspaper titles and related publications and digital properties from Glacier Media including the Comox Valley Echo.

Along with the Echo, they have purchased The Nanaimo Daily News, The Harbour City Star, the Alberni Valley Times, the Cowichan Citizen, Parksville Oceanside Star, Tofino/Ucluelet Westerly News, and Campbell River Courier on Vancouver Island as well as the Surrey Now, Langley Advance, and Maple Ridge Times in the Lower Mainland.

In a separate transaction, Black Press is also selling the Tri-City News, Burnaby New West Newsleader and the Richmond Review to Glacier Media.

“While we are pleased with the acquisitions, we are disappointed to be selling these excellent community newspapers”, according to Rick O’Connor President and CEO, of Black Press.

“We believe in the value our Black Press colleagues at these newspapers have created and the many long time staff members will be missed. However, as we move through these changing times in media, it is important that we align our strategic interests to better position the company for the future. We are great believers in community newspapers and the value they provide. With these changes, we believe readers and advertisers will be better served and the company will be stronger moving forward”.

with his life and ended the call.

PLEASE, please!

Please! Stop sending money to these unscrupulous people in a foreign country (or Canada) who are ready and capable of providing a good deal-providing, of course, that you send them a goodly sum to kick-start the bargain.

Yes, it sounds great and they employ all the supportive and misleading comments to ensure you of their genuine concern for you.

But, it is only good for the person on the other end of the line if you succumb to this shady deal.

We have had the grandparent phone call, the lottery calls, the winning ticket calls-how many other types have there been?

We’ve never succumbed.

Please: check with your bank, RCMP, minister, family, etc. but do not agree to mail or wire any funds, however small the requested amount; “they’ll” be back to ask for more.

Too good to be true?

Yes, these calls definitely are. Stay safe.

Leona Black Comox

12 FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

BEEFS & BOUQUETS THE SALVATION ARMY Kettle funds are way down. Why? The generous Comox Valley folks who normally donate will now pay a homeless tax to the CVRD, for an admin-

Formerly Clinical Sleep Solutions

THE SLEEP APNEA & SNORING PROFESSIONALS 250-334-0789

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From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas

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THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com istrator, decided by the 27 percent who voted. The 73% who stayed home had better not whine. Instead, those 73 percenters need to step up to the Kettles and donate.

The Salvation Army are the folks who really support the homeless.

MANY BOUQUETS to Vancouver Island Insurance and Belfor restorations. Twenty years in my home, never had a problem, then my entire basement flooded. All of you treated my family with compassion, and kindness.

Putting us at ease. And made this terrible time, something bearable. Thank-you to all of you.

I’D LIKE TO WISH a beautiful stocking of wishes come true to Leah of Casa Loma & Comox Valley Seniors Villages.

She is a fantastically wonderful person who deeply cares for those seniors and families who need help finding senior living solutions. I was totally lost as to where to go or what to do to find help for my father. Leah actually stopped, took the time to really listen as to what was going on with my father and provide possible ideas and interim solutions while we wait for a residential care bed. She gave me hope, caring calmness and logic when I was at my wits end and in tired tears. While we were talking, many of the residents that live there walked up just to say hi to her and beamed such big smiles when they saw her. You know she is not just a regular someone doing her job when that happens. Thank you for really caring Leah. You made my father’s and my holiday season a little easier. I hope he will be happily and safely living there soon.

A VERY WARM and heartfelt thank you to Comox United Church, Rev. Maggie Enwright, the ladies of Comox United and the Comox Valley Hospice Society for their

recent Celebrate a Life and Blue Christmas Service. This is a tender time of year for many who are grieving and the service, music and readings provided a safe place in which to share and remember loved ones. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this very meaningful service. May this holiday season be kind and peace-filled for everyone.

WISHING BOUQUETS of sweet sugar plums to Steve and Carolyn Touhey of Two Eagles Lodge in Union Bay for donating their time to play Santa and Mrs Claus. Despite their busy schedule they made time to come to St. John the Divine on Saturday so that children could have their pictures taken with the jolly couple. Thanks for making some kids very happy, oh and the children were happy to see you too.

A HUGE THANK-YOU to all the amazing volunteers that helped put together a mailout to 23,000 households in the Comox Valley to support L’Arche’s I Belong! campaign. Their dedication, drive, organization and great spirits created a great atmosphere of fun to enjoy the effort of folding and stuffing all those envelopes. A great team effort, with special mention to ABC printing for getting us those envelopes given the huge challenges created by last week’s flooding! Heartfelt felt thanks!

BOUQUETS to St. Joe’s emergency staff for their calm, patience and kindness to the anxious relatives accompanying some patients.

BIG BOUQUETS to Doug and Visual Sound for great advice without any sales pressure. Shop local! PILES OF BEEF POOP to the owner of a long-established store for his off-handed rudeness when I realized I couldn’t afford his wares. In this case, don’t shop local!

to you and your family.

KUDOS AND THANKS to Jason of Island Dentures for his dedication and professionalism in the process of my getting new dentures. A lifetime of beautiful smiles to you.

THIS IS A QUESTION. I am wondering about the Beef to Beefs and Bouquets on Nov 28 about the attitude of the upscale store on Fifth Street in Courtenay. Is this the same upscale store I went into? I am an 85-yearold senior who went into an upscale store on Fifth St. to buy a glider foot stool to accompany a glider chair I had previously bought and I was told one was not available.

After some discussion, the clerk, with the owner present, said “one could be ordered.” I paid for it as that is their “company policy”.

When I was phoned to say it had arrived, bit if not suitable I would have to pay an $80 restocking fee. “Company policy”. I went in and it was not a glider foot stool but a solid hassock. I paid the de-stocking fee from my payment and received a gift card for the remainder. “Company policy”. I am asking, is this good P.R. in a slowing economy. Or abuse of the elderly. I do have a gliding foot stool now, due to my children who found it on the ‘net.

A BIG CHRISTMAS BOUQUET to the kind person who left a note on the windshield of our parked vehicle at the downtown Thrifty Foods store on the morning of Nov. 28. We greatly appreciate being informed that our vehicle was damaged along with the licence number of the vehicle which caused this. We sincerely wish you a wonderful Christmas!

TO THE GENTLEMAN who found my keys in the parking lot of the Independent Grocer and turned them in. My sincere thanks, and all the compliments of the season

clear cutting in the water shed.

BOUQUETS to the wonderful teachers and staff at

(Continued on page 13)

BIG BOUQUETS to the Echo for changing the format of the paper. So much easier to read now. Thanks again.

HUGE BOUQUETS to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 17 in Courtenay. Thank you to the members who donated over $550 worth of toys to the Salvation Army’s Children’s Christmas Fund. You have truly outdone yourselves.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND a big bouquet to all the wonderful people who participate as drivers and behind the scenes in the Free Masons Volunteer Driver Program in conjunction with the Canadian Cancer Society. These kind people give of their time freely to chauffeur patients to and from Comox to Victoria when needed. Thank you Thank you, wishing you all a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

BOUQUET TO: Darryl from 1st Class Driving School. He was an exceptional driving instructor, who taught me the skills I needed throughout my learning experience.

I would recommend Darryl to absolutely everyone, as he was so kind and patient with me when I made mistakes.

Especially at the beginning, I was incredibly anxious, however Darryl was reassuring when teaching me. Learning to drive a tractor-trailer combination was something!

I appreciate your dedication and service, thank you so much again. There is a new future for me.

Looking for a hostess gift?

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Open Late Last Day TODAY! Mon - Wed, Sat 8:30-5:00 Thu-Fri 8:30-7:00 . Closed Thu, Dec 25th

10 ROUND PUNCH CARDS

On Sale Now $150 A $173 value. No Expiry Date. Tax included

Available in the golf shop daily until Dec 24th

Call 250-339-4444 1718 Balmoral Ave

CVRD BOIL WATER advisories continue. Flooding isn’t new to the Valley. Thankfully, it is short in duration and damage, but what is going on in our water supply? Boil water advisories used to be a rare event. Should TimberWest be funding a new Water Treatment Plant? How about cutting a cheque, for

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FRIDAY. DECEMBER 19, 2014

13

BEEFS & BOUQUETS (Continued from page 12) Puntledge School like Beth Reed, Paul Colthorpe, Kevin Reimer, Marie Brucker and many more. There are many wonderful things that happen like teaching kids about community projects like making over 600 gift packages for the homeless of Vancouver Island. Way to go. Such a lovely community in so many ways. However, I am saddened to give a beef.

To me it is too important to ignore. A beef to the majority of teachers who voted to have the Christmas concert during school hours only. Instead of giving up two hours in the evening once a year many kids won’t have a parent attend their Christmas concert. Many parents can’t take time off in the day because of logistics and others are too poor to do so.

Don’t teachers know that some people can’t pay their hydro bill, others are behind in rent, and relying on the food bank? Please next year, have an evening Christmas concert option so that parents don’t have to choose between paying hydro or not having a parent show up and be there for their kid’s big performance. Or if that’s not doable for teachers, skipping the Christmas concert all together is a better option.

I APPRECIATE all the citizens that display Christmas lights!

It is a joyful experience to see them! Thank you!

HAVING RECENTLY lost my Dad we chose to use Toneff Funeral Services. From the beginning they made it very smooth and timely in all paper work and forms to be completed. Thank you for your professionalism. [We would not hesitate to recommend your services].

BIG BOUQUET of Thanks to Comox Fire Dept. from Comox Valley Lions. Our Christmas Bingo was a big success due to the annual support from our Comox Fire Members. Not only do they loan us tables and chairs, but Angela and Brian worked the floor. Special thanks goes out to Assistant Chief Jim Lariviere, 12:45am call at home to open up their doors to return tables etc.

This Fire Hall of Volunteers has a Heart of Gold.

A BIG BOUQUET to the Community from Comox Valley Lions Bingo, wish to thank them for their support this year. It’s because of you, we can help others. Bingo returns Jan. 2nd, 2015.

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com A HUGE BOUQUET of Thanks to Santa John for visiting Comox Valley Lions Christmas Bingo, you left us with a smile and a reminder to remember the kids.

A HUGE BOUQUET of forgetme-nots to the staff working the afternoon shift on Dec. 10 at the Courtenay Post Office. At the busiest time of year, you provided amazing service to assist a woman having a “senior’s moment”.

I am forever grateful! You rock!

A HUGE BOUQUET goes out to Sam, Kumiko and their fabulous staff at Sushi Kobo. We wanted to acknowledge and thank you for your most generous and thoughtful contribution to Charlie Petrie’s Celebration of Life last month. The sushi platters were fresh, delicious and so very beautiful. Every morsel was enjoyed and much appreciated by Charlie’s family and friends. It’s no wonder Sushi Kobo was Charlie’s favourite! Arigatou gozaimashita!

I WANT TO GIVE a huge shoutout to Dan Eigler and team at National Car and Truck Rentals. I recently rented from them as I usually do and due to the flooding outside their location by the Lewis Centre they had to close and my car was still there parked in the lot. They allowed me to keep the rental, so I had a car. Then they moved my car to higher ground when the water crossed the street.

When they were told the area was being evacuated Dan stayed and moved other vehicles, but drove mine up to their airport location. This is going above and beyond.

Thank you so much for saving my car!

BEEF to whoever commented on the theft of the orca teeth and calling it

“tantamount to poaching of elephants for their tusks”. It is not. Elephants are killed for their tusks. This orca died naturally and was not killed for its teeth. Other than the face that orcas are endangered and the body should have been preserved for study, I dont see the big deal. “Crime against nature”, “criminal indignity against a body”. These comments are a bit dramatic seeing as how other animals such as deer are regularly hunted for sport, their heads removed and stuffed, not to mention the slaughter of animals for the sale of furs and leather.

I dont condone the desecration of any animals but why is this suddenly so obscene just because it happens to an orca. Orcas are endangered, yes. Is it worse to desecrate their bodies than it is other animals? No.

A BEEF to both ICBC and the BCMA system pertaining to drivers medical for seniors 80 plus. It would be great if the two systems would work together and make a “set” fee for all seniors of maybe fifty dollars.

The B.C. Drs. are charging seniors anywhere from forty dollars to two hundred dollars. It seems to depend on one’s Dr. The letter one receives from ICBC says Drs. are allowed to charge what they wish. My Dr. said it was set by BCMA. If that is the case, why is every medical clinic different. Come on ICBC, you started it, you fix it and set a fee. There are many seniors on a fixed income whose only joy in life is to visit a loved one in another city, but must save up to get a ten second exam from their Dr. so they can keep their driver’s licence.

RE: “POLICE BLOTTER, Friday Dec.12,2014. In reference to the article on the two vehicle crash on Dec.07,2014, where the RCMP attended the accident at the intersection of Ryan Rd. East and Anderton Road in Comox, the offending driver was found to have no driver’s licence, and had been consuming alcohol.

This male driver was given a ticket and a 24 hr. suspension (2014-15510). I personally find this quite humorous, in that this person did not even have a driver’s licence. How is it then that he was issued a 24 hr. suspension? I am very curious how one can be given a 24 hr. suspension, yet not even have a driver’s licence.

BOUQUETS and Christmas treats to the children and staff of Huband Park School.

Despite a very disruptive summer and fall, they rallied wonderfully and presented us with a delightful Christmas concert. Thank you especially, for the huge effort you made to present both an afternoon and evening performance. It made it possible for many parents, grandparents and friends to be able to attend. Have a well-earned, relaxing Christmas break.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND big huge Bouguets to the City’s Transit bus drivers on how well they handled angry passengers during the floods.

They did a good job and they got us to where we wanted to. Merry Christmas.

A HUGE BOUQUET to the people at Penny Lane property rentals. We have been renting for a year now, I love our place in a great neighborhood. They are always prompt with repairs, and they don’t charge bloated prices. It is amazing to have the perfect worry free rental!

A HUGE CHRISTMAS BOUQUET to the staff at Little City Signs in Courtenay! My son and I entered your shop on

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

November 10th - a very busy day for you - with a printing request that he’d received at the last minute. You were so kind and helped him get it done and the product you created was lovely. A huge thank you from the both of us for helping him. A very Merry Christmas to you all.

BOUQUETS for Brenda and her random acts of kindness ... so appreciated. Wow! At Dr. Galway’s office in Comox she placed a hand-knitted scarf around my neck and hugged me. Thank you so much Brenda.

Transfer to DVD Slides, Photos and Music www.PrestigeVideoTransfer.ca

A SHUTTERING ‘Thank you,’ to the Comox Valley Camera Club who on November 27th, donated food to the Comox Valley Food Bank.

Say cheese! Thank you and Merry Christmas.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the Comox Valley Rotarians whose “basics for babies”, is much appreciated by the Comox Valley Food Bank and all the mommies and daddies in our community. Merry Christmas.

Dec. 19

Beef Dip au Jus $6 Dec. 20 Meat Draw and Dancing 2pm - 5pm

Dec. 22 Euchre 1:30pm

Mixed Pub League Darts 7:30pm

Dec. 23 Drop in Darts 1pm A KODAK BOUQUET of appreciation, to the Comox Valley Camera Club, who brought giggles and smiles to all, at the Comox Valley Food Bank. Thank you very much and Merry Christmas.

THE COMOX VALLEY FOOD BANK sends a garland of red roses, to the lovely Jessica. Jessica you are an inspiration to us all. Your hot chocolate stand has served all walks of life and your hard work and dedication to helping others, even through sleet and snow, is truly admirable. Your sense of community sprit is to be applauded. The community and the Comox Valley Food Bank is honored and blessed ,to have have you on board.

Merry Christmas Jessica and thank you.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS! Our weekly feature, Beefs and Bouquets, is intended to be a light-hearted forum for you, our readers, to express brief views on issues and events in your lives.

It’s not intended to hurt people or make unsubstantiated and libelous comments.

Names won’t be published with the beefs and bouquets; however, we do need your full name, mailing address and telephone number for verification purposes.

Each week someone will win a 2 Classic Cheese Basket Meals from Dairy Queen.

Have fun with this!

Dec. 24 Drop in Darts 1pm

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

ECHO

etc.

FREE CONCERT

BY STUDENTS The public is invited to come and enjoy music featuring the students of Long & McQuade Lesson Centre. It is held at the Courtenay Legion (Upper Hall) and it is free admission.

The concert is an excellent opportunity for our students to have the experience of performing, as well as the chance to show to their family and peers the musical skills they have learned.

Here is an outline of the day: 1-2 Piano & Woodwinds (Teachers: Rachel Fuller, Barb Homoncik, Veronica Klock) 5 - 6:30 Keyboards, Guitar, Voice (Teachers Rick Bossom, Christy Vanden, Michael Harrison) 7-8:30 The Black Swan Fiddlers - Dave Stevenson’s violin/fiddle and flute students will perform in group and solo performances.

There will be refreshments and mingling afterwards.

This year marks the 15th year of Dave Stevenson’s Black Swan Fiddler’s Christmas concert, which is now combined with Long & McQuade Concerts.

We encourage people to come fill the seats and support our performers with your presence whilst enjoying a variety of music!

HOLIDAY CHEER AT VANIER IMPROV What : Vanier Improv presents Holiday Cheer, a show featuring Vanier Alumni and Vanier Senior Improvisers improvising and sharing their talents.

When: Sunday December 21 at 2pm in the Vanier Studio Theatre Tickets: $5 at the door or from Improvisers Vanier Improv will celebrate the holidays by welcoming back alumni who were a part of the performing arts during their time at Vanier.

On Sunday, December 21 at 2pm, this season’s Vanier’s senior improvisers will improvise in a Holiday themed show alongside graduates who have moved onto the “real world”.

This show, which will take place in the Vanier Studio Theatre, will include some of your favourite Whose Line is it Anyway style short form Improvisation comedy as well as a sharing of the team and alumni’s talents.

You can expect lots of stories and laughter, wonderful singing and dancing and a good chance to get into the Christmas spirit.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

A note to those volunteering to setup and prepare the dinner ... we are planning on getting started at Noon on the 24th, instead of the past time of 4:30 pm.

For more information, contact Rob @ 250-702-3896

ECHO

etc.

EARL NASWELL TURKEY DINNER

WINTER SOLSTICE MUSICAL EVENT

The Earl Naswell Community Christmas Dinner will soon be held again from 12 Noon until 1:30 on Christmas Day, in the upper hall of the Filberg Center, Courtenay.

Through the huge generosity of many local businesses, truckloads of turkeys, hams, veggies, desserts and gifts have been donated and we are ready to put together another amazing Holiday Feast for those less fortunate. Once the tables are all decorated and the meal is ready to serve, the hall will quickly fill with guests that may not otherwise have an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful Christmas Dinner and to share some warm Comox Valley Christmas Spirit.

It is always hard to say who enjoys the big event more, the guests or the volunteers!

Organizers have again been overwhelmed by the number of volunteers who have chosen to spend a few hours of their own Christmas to help prepare and serve the dinner, and to ensure everyone has a Very Merry Christmas!

On Friday December 19th from 7 - 8 p.m., a Winter Solstice Contemplative Celebration, combining music, readings and meditation will be held at 250 Beach Avenue (Comox United Church). Sponsored by the Comox Valley Unitarians, this non-denominational service is designed for adults and teenagers or older children who would enjoy such a service. The Mystic Valley Voices Choir are the special musical guests.

The word solstice literally means “sun standing still.”

At the moment of the Winter Solstice, the path of the sun in the sky over the past six months has reached its furthest southern position and now turns northward.

The sun returns and the days get longer. It is no wonder then, that almost all traditions and ancient cultures have celebrated the return of the sun. At the same time, this Solstice service celebrates the dark with the light.

The public is most welcome

to this service which is of course free although as with all Unitarian services, there is a free-will offering. For more information, please call 250 890-9262 or visit our website: www.cvuf. ca. Unitarians gather as a free community of spiritual seekers, and welcome all people of different traditions and beliefs.

CHRISTMAS TURKEY DINNER AND DANCE If you are in your fifties, you probably think about retiring one day and wonder what you will do with all that extra time.

Well, come to our Christmas Party Dinner and Dance and take a glimpse at part of your future. We are making a few tickets available to the general public for $18:00 pp. You will enjoy a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings and dance to live music by Schiehallion on Saturday December 20th. Dinner is served at 6 pm, dancing to 9 pm. Doors open at 5:30 at d’Esterre House, 1801 Beaufort Ave., Comox.

You will also get to learn about all the fun activities our young at heart seniors get to enjoy and we will throw in a tour of the facilities as well. Heck you don’t even need to be retired to join. Membership is just $30.00 per year.

Membership is open to

HAND-PAINTED SILK SCARVES

in attending the show, please contact Kim at kimtymkow@ gmail.com or 250-338-7352

GLACIER VIEW LODGE AUXILIARY BAKE SALE The AUXILIARY TO GLACIER VIEW LODGE invites you to our yummy Bake Sale in the Comox Mall on Saturday 20 December, 10am to 5pm.

Gift wrapping by donation is also in the Comox Mall from Sunday 21 December

to Wednesday the 24th December -- 10am to 4pm each day. Gift bags at $5.00 each are available for last minute gifts. Don’t spend money on gift wrap, come see us.

And a huge thank you to everyone who take advantage of our activities, and all who volunteer for the benefit of the residents of Glacier View. A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ComoxValleyEcho

This Friday, December 19th from 7-9pm, and Saturday, December 20th from 1-4pm, Canadian designer Kim Tymkow will be holding a show and sale of her hand painted silk scarves.

Featuring a beautifully hand carved, teak printing block technique…the pattern, collective layering and colouring makes each piece distinguished and absolutely one of a kind.

For more information on Kim and her work, visit her website at: www.kimtymkow.com Pricing starts at $75 to $150 on most scarves with different payment options available.

Even if your Christmas shopping is all done, just come and enjoy the show!

Admission to these events are free. If you are interested

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everyone (55+) in the Comox Valley and beyond.

The Comox Seniors’ Centre Association is a Registered Charity run by our membership and all proceeds go to support our Seniors’ activities. Tickets are limited so don’t delay. Tickets can be purchased from Blue Heron Books, 1775 Comox Ave. (250-339-6111). For more information, call Dave at 250703-2536.

15

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

Courtenay school wins $1,000 award

Barb and Bill Lane greet guests and thank them for their food donations for the local food bank at the WJL Enterprises Third Annual Christmas Party. (Story and Photo by Janet Thomas)

Business party raises plenty for food bank The Third Annual WJL Enterprises Customer and Colleague Appreciation Christmas Party and Food Drive was held at the residence of Bill and Barb Lane in Union Bay last Sunday afternoon.

Guests were treated to a delicious spread of home-made appies, spiced holiday

beverages and heavenly desserts.

With the goal of filling the WJL work trailer “to the brim” with nonperishable goods for the local food bank, it was a joyous way to kick off the holidays.

Judging by an initial count, it’s likely that the amount of cans and

foodstuffs collected last year (close to 1,400 lbs!) will be surpassed this year!

Bill and Barb Lane would like to thank everyone who attended and made a food donation that will make someone’s holiday just a little merrier.

A grade five class at Arden Elementary in Courtenay has received a $1,000 award from BC Hydro’s Community Champions program to support a conservation project in their school.

The class intends to use their award to plant shade trees and shrubs to complement an existing outdoor pavilion and picnic tables.

By adding vegetation to the outdoor classroom, students will be able to engage with the natural world and teachers can take their classes outside for any subject. Other special activities and celebrations will also be planned for the refreshed space.

The Community Champions Program supports not-for-profit organizations across British Columbia that show lasting commitment to the environment and

sustainability.

Classrooms, kindergarten to Grade 12, vote for the not-for-profit video submission that most inspires them to take action. As part of their vote, class rooms propose a conservation project that they wish to undertake, which places them in a random draw.

Twenty-five classrooms are selected to win $1,000 to help fund their school project.

To view a list of the winning schools and their projects, plus watch video submissions for the Community Champions program, visit bchydro.com/ communitychampions.

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ComoxValleyEcho

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

NEW Year's Platinum Starlight GALA

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ALPINE SPORTS

Mount Washington opening Saturday Resort opening with limited operations, including nordic ski trails, Easy Acres, Tube Park With Christmas fast approaching, Mount Washington Alpine Resort could not be more thankful for the recent gift that has been delivered. Now that the temperatures have dropped, the mountain finds itself in the middle of a normal winter weather blast.

Over 30cm of new snow has blanketed the slopes since Monday with an additional 40cm predicted to fall this weekend.

This Saturday December 20, the Resort will open with limited winter operations.

The Tube Park, Easy Acres beginner area (and its five magic carpets), as well as 10km of crosscountry terrain and snowshoe trails, will open Saturday.

Beginner lessons and

rentals will be available in the Learning Center as well as the first Snowshoe Fondue at Raven Lodge on Saturday evening.

“It’s great to see the last couple of weather systems line up like this”, says Don Sharpe, Director of Business Operations and Marketing.

“The snow falls we are seeing are noteworthy. As we get more accumulation, we will open more lifts and terrain as soon as possible.”

The Resort is also pleased to announce that they will be launching a new, dynamic and responsive website, as well as the debut of an android app.

Cross-country terrain and snnowshoe trails will open Saturday

Thank you for your support.

We wish you a troublefree Christmas

GUS

Locally owned and operated for over 35 years

TIRE & AUTO CENTRE

For more information, including the bus schedule and hours of operation, visit mountwashington.ca.

From our Family to Yours…

Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

CERTIFIED AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS Alignment & Balancing Battery Brakes Tune-ups Tires Mufflers Winter tires & winter wheels 370 Puntledge Road, Courtenay 250-338-6505

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

Boxing Week starts Early! at Courtenay Mazda

CHECK OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE SPECIAL DAILY DEAL VEHICLE.

8 Days of Boxing Week Deals starting Dec 20-31, 2014

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY. DECEMBER 19, 2014

19

EXTRA

ECHO

RARE SPOT FOR SALE CHRISTMAS

No need to enter a magical wardrobe

Enter the world of Narnia with Courtenay Little Theatre

BY VIVIEN DOUGLAS Special to the Echo One of the famous sights in the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a life-sized bronze statue, by sculptor Ross Wilson, entitled “The Searcher”.

Erected in 1998, in honour of the centennial of author C S Lewis’s birth there, it depicts the author as one of his own characters - Digory Kirke - about to step into a large wardrobe, presumably in search of the mysterious land of Narnia.

Those who love the cycle of children’s fantasy novels, The Chronicles of Narnia, need not go to such lengths this winter.

A visit to the enchanted kingdom can be theirs for the price of a theatre ticket,

as Courtenay Little Theatre presents the musical Narnia, based on The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the first book in the series and listed as one of the “100 Greatest Novels in the English Language”.

Directed by Brian Mather, with musical direction by Michael Eddy, this delightful version by Jules Tasca, Thomas Tierney and Ted Drachman, will thrill both young and old, as it brings the beloved characters of Aslan the Lion, the Pevensie children, the Beavers, Father Christmas, and the faun, Mr Tumnus, to the stage, along with the terrible White Witch Jadis, her sled-pulling dwarf and the wolves that act as her secret police.

(Continued on page 20)

The evil White Witch (Kara Derma, left) threatens Edmund (Annemarie Taylor) with death unless he brings his siblings to her. Although she fancies herself as the Queen of Narnia with her henchmen, the Dwarf (Aidan Passingham) and the wolf Fenris (Jacob Fussell, right), the Witch will find herself in conflict with the Great Lion, Aslan (Ross Stephanson, not pictured) in Courtenay Little Theatre’s Christmas break musical, Narnia, on at the Sid Williams Theatre from Dec. 27th to Jan. 3rd. www.sidwilliamstheatre.com (250) 338-2430 for tickets. Photo credit: Terry Penney

The TELUS Device Price Match Promise.* Show us a competitor’s ad for a new smartphone on a 2-year term and get the TELUS Device Price Match Promise.

*Subject to device availability. Available at only select TELUS locations and for smartphones activated on TELUS SharePlus or Your Choice plans. Applies to new devices only. Previously owned and refurbished phones are not eligible. TELUS reserves the right to verify the availability of the competitor’s offer and device inventory. Select locations will offer the match by providing a bill credit which will appear on the customer’s bill within 60 days of purchase. TELUS, the TELUS logo and telus.com are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under license. All rights reserved. © 2014 TELUS.

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

A trip to Narnia (Continued on page 23) The beautiful set, designed by Jay Crowder, will transport audiences instantly into a magical realm.

The tale of Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter Pevensie is already wellknown to the millions who have enjoyed The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in over thirty languages.

On being evacuated from London during WWII, the children stay at an old manor house belonging to Professor Digory.

During a game of hideand-seek, Lucy, the youngest, steps into a large wardrobe and suddenly finds herself meeting that mythological creature, a faun, in the snow-covered land of Narnia - a bleakly beautiful place where “it is always winter, but never Christmas”.

The exciting adventures that follow test all four children in ways they could never have imagined.

Parents are advised to familiarize children with the story before attending the musical.

The catalyst for Lewis to begin the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia se-

One of the famous sights in the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a life-sized bronze statue, by sculptor Ross Wilson, entitled “The Searcher”. Erected in 1998, in honour of the centennial of author C S Lewis’s birth there, it depicts Lewis entering the wardrobe made famous in his Chronicles of Narnia series. Courtenay Little Theatre’s Christmas production of the musical Narnia, based on Lewis’ classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe runs December 27th to January 3rd at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay. (Photo from private collection). ries happened at the start of WWII when Lewis, his brother, and a friend were sharing a large house near Oxford. Into this household, in 1939, came three of the evacuee children

sent into the countryside from England’s cities to escape the bombing raids.

Lewis felt their arrival gave him new appreciation of children.

That September he began a children’s story which would eventually provide him with the basis for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

He wrote that while writing his book: “...suddenly Aslan came bounding into it. I had been having a good many dreams of lions about that time...I don’t know where the Lion came from, or why he came. But, once he was there, he pulled the whole story together.”

The book was to introduce young readers to Christian ideals. Aslan, the Great Lion, was not intended as an allegory, according to Lewis, but was intended to answer the question “What might Christ become like, if there really were a world like Narnia...?”

Lewis dedicated the book to his goddaughter Lucy Barfield, whose first name he took for the book’s youngest protagonist.

It was published in October 1950, with illustrations by Pauline Baynes, and became a childhood classic.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this wonderful,

Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (Percy Gledhill and Michelle Sinclair) are two of the comic creatures found in Narnia, in CLT’s musical on at the Sid Williams Theatre throughout the holidays, December 27th to January 3rd. Tickets are selling quickly at the Sid Ticket Centre for this annual Christmas treat! See www.sidwilliamstheatre.com or phone (250) 338-2430 for more information. Photo credit: Terry Penney inspirational story in musical form on stage over the Christmas period.

Tickets are selling fast, early booking is recommended.

Performance dates at the Sid Williams Theatre are December 27th to January 3rd.

The actors and crew do get January 1st off but, other than that, the show runs straight through.

There is one matinee on Sunday, December 28th at 2 PM, tickets $20 per seat.

All other shows are at 7:30 PM with $20 tickets, except for the special New Year’s

Eve celebration at 7:30 PM December 31st, for which seats are $25 each.

Tickets may be purchased at the Sid Williams Ticket Centre, 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, online at www.sidwilliamstheatre. com or by phone (250) 3382430.

TEXT YOUR TIP ANONYMOUSLY Christmas Eve – Dec 24th 4pm Worship Service with Creche 6 pm Family Service with Nativity Play (all children invited to join our nativity play)

10:30 pm Candlelight Service Christmas Day – Dec 25th 10 am Christmas Day Eucharist

December 27th 5:40 pm NO SERVICE, join us January 3rd Join us as we celebrate Christmas Together!

For more information call: 250-339-6416

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

BALLET

CVAG seeks names for new arts award

Enjoy a magical holiday show The Nutcracker comes to life on Sid Williams stage Body text indent xx-

For IThink for a moment about the best gift you ever received. What made it your favourite? What memories come to life for you as you think about it? For young Clara, the star of the Nutcracker Ballet, the favourite gift was a nutcracker. Given to her one Christmas Eve by her Godfather Drosselmeyer, the nutcracker magically came to life.

Magic always happens when Drosselmeyer appears! All sorts of gifts come to life on stage including the baby dolls and the jack-inthe- box. This year, there is new magic, with a gingerbread cookie leaping off the pan and a Teddy Bear dancing across the stage.

The enchanted story of the Nutcracker Ballet is familiar to many of us

- invoking warm memories like those created by a favourite gift. For many in the Comox Valley, attending this locally produced, popular ballet has become a seasonal tradition. Come and be delighted as the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance presents an adapted version of the Nutcracker Ballet on stage at the Sid Williams Theatre.

The seats at the 2 pm matinee on Saturday, December 20, are sure to be filled with young ladies and gentlemen in their Christmas finery stretching to see the Nutcracker Prince and his soldiers engage in a battle with the Rat King and his mouse army, or maybe the whimsical fairies casting magic dust. Perhaps they will be enchanted by the twirling Snow , the floating Angels or the Sugar-

Young Clara (Kaidence Cooper) is enchanted with the gift of a Nutcracker. (Photo by Arlene Berndl) plum Fairy herself!

Be part of the excitement! Tickets are now on sale at the Sid Williams Box Office for three shows. On both Friday December 19, and Saturday December 20 there are evening performances at 7:30 pm.

On Saturday afternoon, December 20, there will

be a matinee at 2:00 pm.

The show, which is sure to please all ages, is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes including the intermission.

Tickets are very reasonably priced. Adult tickets are $16, youth $13 and children under 6, are $3. For more information, please call 250-897-8885.

MP VA N CO U V E R I S L A N D N O R T H 1250F Cedar Street Campbell River, BC V9W 2W5

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Moon said the award will be presented once a year to an individual, a couple, or a collective.

The winner will receive an honorary life membership to the Comox Valley Art Gallery.

“This award will recognize people who have made a significant contribution to the arts over a sustained period of time,” said Moon. “The recipient may be an artist or not, provided that they are an engaged member of the arts community and have worked to promote, support and enhance artistic life in our community.”

Everyone is welcome to put forward nominations by e-mail or by letter to the Comox Valley Art Gallery. The nomination should include a brief statement about why the candidate deserves the award, and contact information for the nominator.

A jury established by CVAG’s Membership Engagement Committee will review the nominations, and may contact the nominators for more information before selecting a winner. Details on the presentation of the new award will be announced in the New Year.

The deadline for nominations is Jan 5. Nominations can be sent to director@comoxvalleyartgallery.com. They can also be dropped off at the gallery or mailed to 580 Duncan Ave., Courtenay BC, V9N 2M7.

For more details, call the gallery at 250.338.6211.

CARRIERS WANTED

“Hope everyone is enjoying the many concerts the Comox Valley groups have to offer. We have so many talented people in the Comox Valley.”

•

The Comox Valley Art Gallery is seeking nominations for a new annual award it is establishing to recognize people who make outstanding and prolonged contributions to the visual arts.

The award will be named in honour of Nonny Milne, a former president of CVAG and a lifelong supporter of the arts. The first winner will be chosen and announced early in 2015.

“We want to recognize people who have dedicated a great deal of their life to promoting and supporting the visual arts in our community,” says local artist Robert Moon, a member of CVAG’s Membership Engagement Committee.

“We think it’s fitting to name the award after the late Nonny Milne, an individual who dedicated much of her adult life to promoting the arts in our community. She set an incredible example of selfless service and dedication.”

21

discounts. Expires

12/31

Cumberland Solid Waste Collection During the Holidays Season Residential solid waste collection over the holiday season will take place as follows: Wednesday, unlimited organics and December 24, 2014: one can of garbage Wednesday, December 31, 2014:

unlimited organics and unlimited recycling

Watch for the 2015 solid waste collection schedule in your mail box and online at cumberland.ca.

Village of Cumberland 250-336-2291

cumberland.ca

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22

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

GEORGIA STRAIGHT JAZZ SOCIETY

A sold-out wrap to great season of autumn music Flash mob coffeehouse for ‘old mill’ art show Headquarters’ Old Mill lives on, the forest growing through its skeleton on the banks of the Tsolum River.

Ruins from a past, abandoned and ghostly like half forgotten dreams Artworks tha.t spring from the human spirit are constantly being sprayed upon its walls, ephemeral, as new paintings arrive with each new artist.

Headquarters once was a town that sprang from a man’s mind and bank account. A railroad, Tennis courts, school, Ball Park, saw mill, rows upon rows of houses, built upon the gouged earth.

A large, new saw mill outside of town, with expansive walls of concrete towering into the air, windows to let natural light in

and a massive, solid wooden roof supported by huge beams.

The Old Mill, and/or Drac’s Kastle, two of the names this ancient cathedral in the forest is known locally in Merville, is the theme of this art show.

Canvases resembling concrete blocks showcasing graffiti defy gravity in the lower main gallery for the month of December at Serious Coffee 2760 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay.

Local artist AVANH and German expressionist Christine Randolph (in the upper gallery) invite the public Saturday, December 20 for a Flash Mob Coffeehouse.

Art opening from 10am 2 pm. Join them for music, coffee and conversation with old friends and meet new ones December 20th, Saturday.

Georgia Straight Jazz Society marks the conclusion of its highly successful Autumn Concert Series with a special Saturday night performance by the B3 Kings presenting their legendary Christmas Concert on stage at The Avalanche Bar & Grill at 7.30.

This festive jazz program has flourished for 15 years, and we’re happy to be included on the 10 gig tour, which this year spans from Calgary to Courtenay.

The B3 Kings are a funky and festive jazz quartet formed in 2002 for a Christmas concert at The Cellar in Vancouver. The show was such a huge success that the concert has become an annual event.

Canadian vocal sensation Denzal Sinclaire, an internationally known jazz star, doubles as vocalist/drummer, and has had his praises sung by the likes of Diana Krall and Cassandra Wilson.

Hammond B3 organist Chris Gestrin is responsible for making this group as funky as it is with his wicked organ grooves and creative arrangements of

Christmas classics. Saxophonist Cory Weeds brings an unbridled enthusiasm to the show, and is perhaps best known for his work with the great Dr. Lonnie Smith. He has also been a great supporter of Georgia Straight Jazz Society and its success in presenting live jazz. Guitarist Bill Coon is as funky as they come in this line-up, yet brings with him his wonderful jazz sensibility.

Bill is well known to Comox Valley jazz aficionados having made a guest appearance in Courtenay about a month ago when he played with John Hyde Trio.

B3 Kings Christmas shows sell out well in advance and their concerts are eagerly anticipated each year. In 2004 the B3 Kings went into the studio to record their first Christmas Album.

The quartet shared the bill with Bruno Hubert Trio and produced ‘A Cellar Live Christmas.’ The album has received rave reviews around the world.

Jazzreview.com called it “one of the greatest Christ-

The B3 Kings mas recordings ever.�

To see a medley of the Christmas concert, visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=QI5tsbdG72c&fe ature=player_embedded Regular Thursday Night Jazz performances resume at The Avalanche Bar on January 8th. Please note that we will be presenting jazz EVERY Thursday in the new year. Although you won’t be able to see this sold out performance,

we encourage you to mark your calendar and discover live jazz in what has been called the best jazz venue in BC. Yes, right here in Courtenay. Please visit our web site at www.georgiastraightjazz.com for full information about our upcoming 2015 season, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Merry Christmas from the Society. Hopefully, we’ll see you in 2015.

Request for

ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS Advisory planning commissions are established in Areas ‘A’ and ‘C’ to provide input and advice about planning and land use management applications.

The Comox Valley Regional District is looking for volunteers to participate in monthly advisory planning commission (APC) meetings. If you are a resident of Electoral Area ‘A’ (Baynes Sound–Denman/Hornby Islands) or Area ‘C’ (Puntledge–Black Creek) and are interested in participating in monthly meetings please submit a letter to the CVRD, outlining your TXDOLĂ€FDWLRQV 0RUH LQIRUPDWLRQ UHJDUGLQJ GXWLHV DQG responsibilities can be found on our website at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/apcs.

Applicants will be required to have basic local knowledge, interest in planning, land use or environmental stewardship, the ability to attend evening meetings, the ability to exhibit ethical conduct and recognize ZKHQ D FRQĂ LFW RI LQWHUHVW PD\ RFFXU $ FRPSUHKHQVLYH workshop will be provided to applicants outlining the roles and responsibilities of APC members. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 16, 2015 at 4:30 pm.

For more information or to submit an application please contact: -DPHV :DUUHQ FRUSRUDWH OHJLVODWLYH RIĂ€FHU Comox Valley Regional District 600 Comox Road, Courtenay, BC V9N 3P6 Tel: 250 334-6000 Toll-free: 800 331-6007 Fax: 250 334-4358 Email: administration@comoxvalleyrd.ca The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area.

The members of the regional district work collaboratively RQ VHUYLFHV IRU WKH EHQHĂ€W RI WKH GLYHUVH XUEDQ DQG UXUDO areas of the Comox Valley.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

23

Vanier senior boys win three straight to take Annual Gus Vesterback Tournament This past weekend Vanier hosted their Annual Gus Vesterback Tournament, where 3 senior boys teams visited the Towhees Nest and our beautiful Comox Valley (after the floods!) All three teams were sent packing by our boys after sound defeats and an impressive display by the Towhees of tough defense, relentless rebounding, and quick fast break baskets.

First up for the Vanier boys was Eric Hamber, a 4A school from Vancouver that had numerous returnees from last year. As expected, the Hamber Griffins were all over our team, relentlessly pressing and going after the ball. A problem though for Hamber was that we have seen that now in 3 of our 6 games to date, and are finally figuring out how to handle the pressure. After a tight first half score (31-20) where it was the first time all season the starting five was playing together for Vanier, the game was broke open by a stifling defensive display by our boys, and more togetherness on offense. The game ended 85 - 45, and all five starters for the Towhees were in double figure scoring. Brandon Balon had 10

1693 Little River

points and spearheaded the defense, Chase Hobenshield 11 pts and 7 rebounds; Tyler Knopp 19 pts and a superb effort on the boards with 17; Anders Storgaard had 20 pts, 9 rebounds and 6 steals; and tough Bryce Olsen topped the scoring with 26 pts and 7 rebounds.

Next up on Saturday morning was always well coached Maple Ridge. Coach Ken Dockendorf (45 years at the helm) tried to get his team to slow the game down, and it worked for the most part in the first half, with a score led by Vanier of 32 - 21.

Unfortunately the Towhees size was too much for the Ramblers who had trouble scoring and the score ended 64 to 46 for the Vanier team.

Doc made a point that he thinks Vanier might be the biggest team in the Province, and is useful to know, but then again we must prove on the court we can take advantage of that.

Leading the way for Vanier was Bryce Olsen with 16 pts and 9 rebounds; Chase Hobenshield and Brandon Balon had 11 pts. each and Tyler Knopp chipped in 10 pts. and 7 rebounds. Anders chipped in 9 pts and 8 rebounds.

The third game of the tournament on Sat. night was against Reynolds, a 3A team from Victoria. The Victoria lads were again just overmatched by a much bigger, more athletic group from Vanier and even though it was a close game in the first quarter, the score ended 87 to 39 and all Towhees got some good minutes in this game. For the third game Bryce Olsen led the way with 28 pts while snatching 8 rebounds.

Three other starters had double figures as well: Anders Storgaard (16 pts. 17 rebounds and a thundering dunk), Chase Hobenshield ( 13 pts and 14 aggressive rebounds) and Tyler Knopp with 12 points and 8 rebounds. The Towhees outrebounded Reynolds by 43 rebounds. Wyatt Strachan had his best game of his young tenure with 8 pts, 3 assists and plenty of energy on defense.

The Towhees came away as Champions. Bryce Olsen was the MVP for his team, and many lessons were learned.

Next up is the New Westminster Tournament this week where a couple of top 15 teams are attending.

B-1033 Monarch Drive

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Vanier’s Brandon Balon in action (Photo by Peggy Street)

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Adult $ 2.00 18.00 52.00 4.50

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Post-Secondary $ 2.00 18.00 44.00 4.50

Child 4 or under, free.

Sending Christmas cards is a good way to let your friends and family know that you think they’re worth the price of a stamp.

Pick up a new Rider’s Guide on board or visit www.bctransit.com

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24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

Winter Registration 2015 is almost here!

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

Change your life in less than a year!

Diploma programs starting January 2015 What are you waiting for?

Healthcare Assistant

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practicum placements expert funding advice

12 Days of Activity for the Holidays

BY DAWN STEVENS Active Comox Valley The holidays are full of fun, but can also be busy and stressful.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle over the holidays can be challenging. But the abundance of food and drinks that come with this time of year don’t have to detour you from your regular physical activity rou-

tine. Before the holidays start, think about how you and your family can stay active while still having a ton of fun.

To help you stay active this holiday season, we’ve taken inspiration from “The 12 Days of Christmas� to compile this guide to 12 days of physical activity: Day 1: Play a game. Sweat away holiday stress with a pick-up basketball game,

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or go bowling! Physical activity gives your body an activity break and is a great way to have fun celebrating with friends, family, and co-workers.

Day 2: Dance to your favourite holiday songs.

Turn up the music and dance your way into a festive mood! Or borrow Active Comox Valleys Wii and Just Dance your way to better health.

Day 3: Try a physical activity app. Get yourself a present from the app store - look into an app that tracks physical activity on a daily basis, like a pedometer. Active Comox Valley still has a few pedometers available.

Day 4: Grab one of Active Comox Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many trail maps and go on a family adventure. Make it a scavenger hunt and prepare a list of items the family has

to collect to make your own wreath.

Day 5: Give the gift of activity. Consider sporting equipment or a set of exercise classes that you and your family can do together to give as presents this year.

Day 6: Take a walk. How about an after dinner stroll around the neighbourhood to take in all the Christmas light decorations? Remember; wear reďŹ&#x201A;ective clothing when walking at night.

(Continued on page 25)

Want to learn how to quilt?

Expand your quilting skills?

Ballroom, Latin & Swing Classes

The On Ramp Membership is on sale for $155 including tax if you book by Jan.31/15.

Monday - Thursday â&#x20AC;˘ Native Sons Hall â&#x20AC;˘ Begins Jan 5th â&#x20AC;˘ Ballroom & Latin Beginners â&#x20AC;˘ Salsa â&#x20AC;˘ West Coast Swing â&#x20AC;˘ East Coast Swing â&#x20AC;˘ Argentine Tango & much more

Do The Ballroom Blitz!

ValDance makes it fun, every step of the way!

Quilting Classes Books & Patterns Demos â&#x20AC;˘ Notions â&#x20AC;˘ Fabrics

This program includes 3 One on One Personal Training Sessions with a certiďŹ es CrossďŹ t Trainer (Marc Mazzocchi, Erick Peterson & Jen Anderberg) and the remainder of the month with an unlimited membership to the classes.

Call or email to receive our Class Schedule

Drop in Workshops for Beginners every Friday at 7:00pm. Followed by open dance â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;til 10pm Begins Jan. 9th

1930 Ryan Rd. East, Comox sewfun@telus.net 250.339.4059

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

Get active over Christmas holidays (Continued from page 24)

25

Winter Registration

age limits for snowman or snow fort building, ice skating (indoors or out), sledding or friendly snowball fights. Visit Mount Washington for your own winter playground.

Day 11: Embrace your Canadianism. Be inspired by our nation’s favourite sport. Gather the hockey sticks, grab a tennis ball, and head to the alley (or outdoor rink) for a good ol’ game of hockey!

Day 12: Sleep peacefully.

Regular physical activity improves sleep. And with all the activities you’ve been doing the last 11 days, you’ll be sleeping so peacefully you may miss Santa coming down the chimney!

Day 7: Create your own Winter Olympics and have you and the kids participate in various events. A hockey shoot indoors, a burpee contest, who can stack the most marshmallows before it falls over, create your own snowballs from white socks (roll them up) and have an indoor snowball target throw.

Day 8: Visit a playground.

Try resistance training at your local community park. Aside from playing with your kids, there are lots of ways to use the equipment for your own workout. If the weather outside is frightful, do something fun at home how about a DIY obstacle course?

Day 9: Take a dip at the local pool. Take the family

for a fun afternoon swimming or work up a sweat with a few laps, or go to the CVRD Sports Centre

and go for a skate.

Day 10: Unleash your inner child. Last time I checked there were no

I hope these tips help you and your family stay active over the holidays!

Laurie Tinkler SCHOOL OF DANCE

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

First class is free for new students.

Please register by phone.

for more info please call 250-338-5869

operations manager Lori Pierreroy 250-465-2771

250-897-8885

KINDERGARTEN PREPARATION PROGRAM

#17A 2755 Moray Ave,

Courtenay

Offered now at Arden Elementary • Children ages 3,5 years to 5 years 9:00 am to 2:00 pm ~ Monday to Friday ~ Sept-June

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• Ballet RAD • Modern AIDT • Lyrical • Jazz • Pointe

(Now taking registration for Kinder Prep next year at Ecole Robb Road)

• Tap AIDT • Highland SDTA • Hip Hop • Musical Theater • Adult Jazz/Tap/Highland

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

Recreational level to advanced • Ages 3 to adult

Check out our

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Fitness Visit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec or call 250-334-9622

Follow comoxvalleyrd

26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

Skate with Santa at the CVRD’s Sports Centre Celebrate the season in an active way at the Comox Valley Regional District’s (CVRD) Skate With Santa on Sunday, December 21 at the CVRD’s sports centre.

Enjoy holiday music and refreshments and wear your favourite Christmas sweater and your helmet to be eligible for a prize.

Free keepsake photos with Santa on the Zam-

boni will also be offered.

“This fun event for the whole family is a great way to enjoy some activity during the busy holiday season,” said the CVRD’s manager of recreation services, Jennifer Zbinden.

“This is one of many activities and programs at the CVRD’s sports and aquatic centres that will help keep you moving over the winter.”

The skate runs from 1:15 - 3:15 p.m. in arena two, and regular admission rates apply.

For more information on this event or to download the upcoming winter break schedule, visit www.comoxvalleyrd. ca/rec The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities.

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Young skaters have a visit with Santa on the Zamboni.

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Merry Christmas!

Thank you for your business in 2014!

We wish you and your family happy holidays... and a wonderful 2015!

From the team at

Courtenay/Comox Co Sid Williams Theatre Thursday, April 23 - 7:30 pm

Theatre Ticket Centre: (250) 338-2430 Ext 1

Also Appearing At : Tidemark Theatre April 22 - (250) 287-7465

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

27

Young Guns fire way to first place in dodgeball league It certainly wasn’t easy, but the Young Guns were locked and loaded just enough to out-snipe the rival Misfits and prevail as Dodgeball champions.

The two teams battled to a 10-8 result, as the Young Guns took their second straight ‘A Tier’ championship in the Comox Valley Sports & Social Club’s recreational dodgeball league.

Team captains Josh Maurice and Nick Zsiros continue to prove themselves hard to beat in dodgeball, excelling at the upper levels of the sport with a combination of elite dodging agility, great throwing arms and strategy.

The win capped a nearly undefeated season for the Young Guns in the 8-team tier.

They rebounded from losing their final regular season game 10-8 to the 10 Phat Kids, before rat-

tling off playoff wins vs. the Chuck ‘N Duckers, Team Ramrod and finally the Misfits.

In the ‘B Tier’ final, two newcomer teams took part in a fantastic backand-forth battle that went down to the wire.

The CV Kickers eventually emerged as champs, winning 10-9 over The Rock, whose only other loss of the season also came against the Kickers in the first week.

Registration is open until Jan. 5 for the CVSSC’s winter leagues of sports like Dodgeball, Volleyball, Indoor Soccer, Floor Hockey and Badminton.

Teams, individuals and small groups can all register on the website at www.comoxvalleysports. ca.

For more information, please visit the website or contact Scott at 250.898.7286 or scott@ comoxvalleysports.ca.

Josh Maurice (left) of the Young Guns winds up to pick off his choice of Chuck ‘N Duckers in the Comox Valley Sports & Social Club’s recreational Dodgeball League. The Young Guns won the ‘A Tier’ while the CV Kickers were ‘B Tier’ champs. Registration is open for all CVSSC winter leagues until Jan. 5 at www.comoxvalleysports.ca.

Hog and Gobbler Shoot at Fish and Game The place to be for fun and possibly win some prizes is at the Shotgun Facility at the Courtenay and District Fish & Game Protective Association on Saturday, 20 Dec with a 10am start.

The Hog and Gobbler Shoot is $6 for 10 targets and you can shoot un-

til you are tired or your money runs out! Several options are available such as: 16 yard trap, trap sliders, trap buddy - you choose! Skeet doubles, skeet sliders - try it out. Three arm monster - you’ll love it.

Sporting grid; choose your presentation.

Start at 10 am, shoot till you’re done or out of money, whichever comes first.

The kitchen will be open and the woodstove should be on! See you there!

For info contact Jim @ 250-3353054.

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28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

FREEWHEEL OPENS POSSIBILITIES

Wheelchair group ‘thrilled’ with Alberni Outpost donation His eyes sparkling with excitement, Chayse Krull manoeuvres his wheelchair up to the half-log and hops the newly attached Freewheel device up and over its rounded top.

The 16-year-old’s enthusiasm was bubbling with thoughts of the freedom the new device will bring him and other members of the Comox Valley Wheelchair Sports Society.

“Most of us living in the Valley take for granted the ability to access all the local trails and beaches,” says Mark Arsenault, manager of the Courtenay Alberni Outpost store, which purchased the Freewheel for the society and presented it last week.

“The Freewheel will allow anyone confined to a wheelchair that same access.”

When attached to an or-

New freedom. Chayse Krull tries out donated freewheel

dinary wheelchair, the Freewheel lifts the small front wheels of the chair off the ground, turning the chair into a three-wheeler.

“With this on, you can simply roll over so many ordinary obstacles that a walking person would not even notice, like curbs, grass, dirt trails, gravel, snow, and even packed sand,” said CVWSS president Rene Poirier.

The Freewheel also makes it much easier to ‘pop a wheelie’ to get the attached wheel up onto an obstacle with momentum, which in turn makes it easier to power the large rear wheels of the chair over the obstacle as well.

“We’re thrilled that Alberni Outpost saw this as a valuable contribution to our community,” said Poirier. “The certificate we gave them is titled

With this on, you can simply roll over so many ordinary obstacles that a walking person would not even notice, like curbs, grass, dirt trails, gravel, snow, and even packed sand. ” RENE POIRIER CV Wheelchair Sports Society

‘Local Hero’.” The club hosts wheelchair basketball most Friday evenings in the Comox Community Centre. About half of the club’s members have disabilities, but everyone plays in the sport wheelchairs owned by the club.

Members of the general public, disabled or not, are invited to come out to try the sport. For more information, check www.cvwss.ca.

5-year Comprehensive Limited Warranty

7,000 0

B XING EVENT

WEEK $

32,994

1,250

2015

IN ADDITONAL BOXING WEEK PRICE ADJUSTMENTS◄

AWARDED THE HIGHEST GOVERNMENT CRASH SAFETY RATING▲ U.S. NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

OWN IT FOR ONLY

$

TOTAL PRICE ADJUSTMENTS

WEEKLY

SELLING PRICE: 5-Star Overall Crash Safety Rating▲

33 0%

FINANCING FOR 96 MONTHS†

13,644

$

OR

$

1,000

IN ADDITIONAL BOXING WEEK PRICE ADJUSTMENTS◄ ON ALL OTHER TRIMS

IN BOXING WEEK PRICE ADJUSTMENTS◄ ON SELECT 2014 MODELS!

2015

SONATA GL

GLS model shown♦

$

$

ON SELECT MODELS

$

ELANTRA L

HWY: 7.4L/100 KM CITY: 10.4L/100 KM▼

Limited model shown♦

SELLING PRICE:

Amount available on the 2015 Genesis Coupe 3.8L GT

HWY: 5.3L/100 KM CITY: 7.5L/100 KM▼

3,250 + 1,250 = 4,500

PURCHASE FINANCING FOR UP TO 96 MONTHS†

IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTSΩ

THE ALL- NEW

2014

HWY: 8.2L/100 KM CITY: 11.4L/100 KM▼

IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTSΩ

GET

GET UP TO AN ADDITIONAL

ACCENT 4DR L

SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T SE

%

UP TO

DECEMBER 15th nd TO JANUARY 2

2014

$

$

HWY: 6.7L/100 KM CITY: 9.7L/100 KM▼

Sport 2.0T model shown♦

OWN IT FOR ONLY

$

59 0% WEEKLY

SELLING PRICE:

FINANCING FOR 96 MONTHS†

24,444

$

Limited model shown♦

$ 2015 BEST NEW FAMILY CAR

WAS

NOW

INCLUDES

17,594 12,959 4,635 $

‡

$

IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTSΩ

(OVER $30,000)

2014 Elantra “Highest Ranked Compact Car in Initial Quality in the U.S.∆”

2014 Accent “Highest Ranked Small Car in Initial Quality in the U.S.∆”

VISIT HYUNDAICANADA.COM FOR DETAILS ON OUR ENTIRE LINE-UP! 5-year/100,000 km Comprehensive Limited Warranty†† 5-year/100,000 km Powertrain Warranty 5-year/100,000 km Emission Warranty

HyundaiCanada.com

®The Hyundai names, logos, product names, feature names, images and slogans are trademarks owned by Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. ‡Cash price of $12,959 available on all new 2015 Elantra L 6-speed Manual models. Delivery and Destination charges of $1,595. Prices exclude registration, insurance, PPSA, fees, levies, license fees, applicable taxes and dealer admin. fees of up to $499. Fees may vary by dealer. Delivery and Destination charge includes freight, P.D.E. and a full tank of gas. †Finance offers available O.A.C. from Hyundai Financial Services based on a new 2014 Accent 4 Door L 6-speed manual/2015 Sonata GL Auto with an annual finance rate of 0% for 96 months. Weekly payments are $33/$59. $0 down payment required. Cost of Borrowing is $0. Finance offers include Delivery and Destination of $1,595/$1,695. Finance offers exclude registration, insurance, PPSA, fees, levies, license fees, applicable taxes and dealer admin. fees of up to $499. Fees may vary by dealer. Financing example: 2014 Accent 4 Door L 6-speed manual for $13,644 at 0% per annum equals $33 weekly for 96 months for a total obligation of $13,644. $0 down payment required. Cash price is $13,644. Cost of Borrowing is $0. Example price includes Delivery and Destination of $1,595. Example price excludes registration, insurance, PPSA, fees, levies, license fees, applicable taxes and dealer admin. fees of up to $499. Fees may vary by dealer. ΩPrice adjustments are calculated against the vehicle’s starting price. Price adjustments of up to $3,250/$4,635/$7,000 available on in stock 2014 Santa Fe Sport SE/2015 Elantra L 6-speed manual/2015 Genesis Coupe 3.8L GT. Price adjustments applied before taxes. Offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other available offers. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be assigned. No vehicle trade-in required. ◄Boxing week price adjustments are calculated against the vehicle’s starting price. Boxing week price adjustments of up to $1,250/$1,000 available on in stock 2014 Santa Fe Sport SE/2014 Accent 4-Door models. Boxing price adjustments applied before taxes. Offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other available offers. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be assigned. No vehicle trade-in required. ♦Prices of models shown: 2015 Elantra Limited/2014 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Limited AWD/2014 Accent 4 Door GLS Auto/2015 Sonata Limited are $27,244/$40,894/$20,394/$32,694. Delivery and Destination charges of $1,595/$1,795/$1,595/$1,695. Prices exclude registration, insurance, PPSA, fees, levies, license fees, applicable taxes and dealer admin. fees of up to $499. Fees may vary by dealer. ▼Fuel consumption for new 2015 Elantra 2.0 Limited (HWY 6.7L/100KM; City 9.7L/100KM); 2014 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T SE Limited AWD (HWY 8.2L/100KM; City 11.4L/100KM); 2014 Accent 4-Door GLS Auto (HWY 5.3L/100KM; City 7.5L/100KM); 2015 Sonata 2.0T Ultimate (HWY 7.4L/100KM; City 10.4L/100KM); are based on Manufacturer Testing. Actual fuel efficiency may vary based on driving conditions and the addition of certain vehicle accessories. Fuel economy figures are used for comparison purposes only. ∆The Hyundai Accent/Elantra received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among small/compact cars in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). Study based on responses from 86,118 new-vehicle owners, measuring 239 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Propriety study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. ▲Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). ‡†♦ΩOffers available for a limited time and subject to change or cancellation without notice. Dealer may sell for less. Inventory is limited, dealer order may be required. Visit www.hyundaicanada.com or see dealer for complete details. ††Hyundai’s Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage covers most vehicle components against defects in workmanship under normal use and maintenance conditions.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

29

Bridge News CV Duplicate Bridge Monday Dec. 8: CODES COUNTRY LANES Bowling highlights from Codes Country Lanes: Monday Club 55 AM - Tricia Turnbull 194, Barb Lane 243, Micki MacDonald 198, Marion VanLoenen 170, George Railian 220, Roy Brekke 214, Nick Tjart 217, Bob Sharp 293, Pat King 231, Arnie Morrison 218, Dave Stacey 198, Anna Turcott 199.

Monday Club 55 PM - Val Johnson 185, Erma Wilson 215, Bill Tower 167, Bruce Ram 186, Shirley Evans 226, Rick Kroeker 231, Grace Rodriguez 225, Ruth Johnson 191.

Monday Youth - Morgan Grout 85, William Derksen 167, Lucas Rye 93, Jordan Barna 114, Andrew Barna 143, Brycen Burgess 168.

Tuesday Ladies - Penny Savin 170, Paulette Z 167, Isabelle Bracchi 164, Sylvia Vandervliet 185, Joyce Boon 158, Laurie McWillis 227, Shirley Webb 168, Barb Potruff 182, Jane Wedge 196.

Tuesday Club 55 - Judith Munro 134, George Andrews 198, Ev Andrews 161, Ed Schievink 76.

Tuesday Adults - Sharon Shephard 205, April Gilchrist 208, Bruno Bagdan 246, John Graff 265, Ross McWillis 263, Rick Granneman 236, Steve Robson 253, Linda English 219.

Wednesday Club 55 - Art Wesner 163, Aggie Aucoin 171, Laurie Aucoin 221, Ken Scavarda 192, Dave Stacey 195, Sue Minchin 147, Nick Tjart 211.

Wednesday Adult - Ross McWillis 219, Dave Stevenson 204, Candace McLellan 192, Sandy Nurse 212, Brian Booth 280, Eric McWillis 231, Rick Aker 282, Beatric Bagden 189, Teresa Baranyai 189, Barb Pottruff 203.

Thursday Club 55 - Bob VanNes 234, Bob Sharp 250, Arnie Morrison 219, Pat King 211, Mel Thompson 168, Grace Rodriguez 246, Rick Rodriguez 234, Linda Jeffery 207, Barb Casey 180, Linda Meers 225, Vera Winter 180.

Thursday Adult - Janet Ellis 224, Paul Zorz 280, Eric McWillis 244, Ross McWillis 209, Janet Butler 206, Chad Kelly 242, Alfred Cyre 210, Duwanee Granneman 259, Candace McLellan 203, Ed Carefoot 218, Scott Van Achte 236, Dave Stacey 263, Rose Stenabaugh 226, Rick Granneman

Flight A 1. Tom Dugdale & Sharon Feduniak 2. Sharon Hysert & Cynthia Tree Flight B 1. Tom Dugdale & Sharon Feduniak 2. Daphne Welsh & Ann Cook Thursday Dec. 11: Flight A & B 1. Cynthia Tree & Art Morgan 2. Gayle Cousins & Dave Mosher Flight C 1. Cynthia Tree & Art Morgan 2. Karin Franzen & Daphne Welsh Team game January 10, 2015.

Club located in Comox at Lions Den on Nordin Street across from Comox Mall.

Game times Monday 7:00 pm, Thursday 1:00 pm. Partner guaranteed. Website www. cvdbc.com, email playbridge@shaw.ca. Contact Linda Marinus 250 338 2544.

hen and Dianna Rickson; 2.

Harvey Piercy and Ann Cook; 3.

Irene Smith and Cynthia Tree; 4.

Maureen Eby and Slava Simice.

Results for Friday, Dec. 12 (14 1/2 tables): N/S - Tom Dugdale and Dianna Rickson; 2. Roger and Rose Lucas; 3. Phil Sandford and Maureen Olafson; 4. George and Trish Kirkwood.

E/W - 1. Evelyn Ware and Sharon Feduniak; 2. Lyall and Maureen Ashbaugh; 4. Joan Erickson and Sheila Lockhart; 4. Danny White and Gail Cousins.

Results for Saturday, 13th December (8 tables): N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Mavis Olsen; 2. Lloyd and Bernice Snyder; 3. Denise Holst and Barb McCrindle.

E/W - 1. Dick and Lynn Sangster; 2. Irene Smith and Betty

Fountain; 3. Colin Park and Bernice Blonarwitz.

Contest Closes Dec. 19, 2014 Winner to be drawn at that time

d’Esterre Duplicate Results for Tuesday, 9th December (15 1/2 tables): N/S - 1. Diane McKCOMOX VALLEY innon and Joan Erickson; 2. Keith and EvPUB LEAGUE MIXED DARTS elyn Ware; 3. Marilyn Hannah and Frieda Home; 4. Jim Lucas POSITION A Division Pts and Clarke Graham.

62 1 Crty Legion DA’s 58 Crty Legion Black Cats E/W - 1. Howie Co- 2

THE DART BOARD

226, Rick Kroeker 234.

Friday Club 55 - Jim Lucas 194, Ken Scavarda 245, Roy Brekke 218, George Andrews 193, Ev Andrews 189, Gerhard Sorger 246, Minnie Frame 229.

Special Olympics - Larry McCooey 191, Cory Pagnoni 164, Jacob White 196, Jamie Bennett 155, Kim Burke 185, Jack Errington 177, Michael Campbell 203, Sherri Lines 188, Bobby Bolen 154, Allison Bennett 142.

16

3 4 5 6 7 8

Cx Legion Beer Pigs Comox Legion Misfitz Comox Legion Bulls Hitters Griffin Gang Elks FunGi’s Griffin Darts of Hazzard

57 54 50 50 43 14

December 2 Results BullsHitters 5 - Beer Pigs 4 Misfitz 6 - Griffin Gang 3 D.A.’s 8 - Darts of Hazzard 1 Blackcats 0 - FunGis 0

Ladies Hi Score: Laurie McFadden 130 Men’s Hi Score: Al Oelke, Glen Litchfield , Bill McPherson, Howard Bull 140 Ladies Hi Checkout: Joanne Scott 85 Men’s Hi Checkout: Dave Wellington 99 180s: Glen Litchfield 1

Notice to the City of Courtenay and Town of Comox Residents!

Please be advised that Emterra will not be operating on Christmas Day or New Years Day. á Those Residents who would normally have GARBAGE & YARDWASTE service fall on Christmas Day and New Years day will be picked up on Monday Dec 22nd 2014 & Monday Dec 29th 2014. á Those Comox Residents who would normally have RECYCLING service fall on Thursday December 25th will be pi cked up on: Monday Dec 22 2014. á Those Courtenay Residents who would normally have RECYCLING service fall on Thursday January 1st will be picked up on: Monday Dec 29 2014.

EAGLES

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (-6.5) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS

EAGLES

CHARGERS

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (-2.5)

CHARGERS

RAVENS

BALTIMORE RAVENS (-4.5) AT HOUSTON TEXANS

RAVENS

PANTHERS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (-2.5)

PANTHERS

LIONS

DETROIT LIONS (-2.5) AT CHICAGO BEARS

LIONS

PACKERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (-10.5) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

BUCCANEERS

STEELERS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-2.5)

CHIEFS

DOLPHINS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (-6.5)

VIKINGS

PATRIOTS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-9.5) AT NEW YORK JETS

PATRIOTS

FALCONS

ATLANTA FALCONS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-2.5)

FALCONS

GIANTS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (-5.5)

RAMS

RAIDERS

BUFFALO BILLS (-6.5) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS

BILLS

COLTS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS (-2.5)

COLTS

SEAHAWKS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (-7.5) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

SEAHAWKS

BRONCOS

DENVER BRONCOS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (-3.5)

BENGALS

5-10

Dec. 16/ 2014

All other days of service will have no changes during the holiday period, and regular Thursday service will resume on Jan 8th 2015.

9-6 103-104

To help with your excess garbage during the holidays, Emterra will collect extra on your collection day from Dec 22nd to Jan.2, 2015

We Specialize In Happy W Haappy Customers Cust

Please Note: Xmas trees will only be taken from the curb if they are cut in 3 foot sections.

Please have all out at the curb by 8:00am.

Happy Holidays from all the staff Independently Owned &Operated

44901 90 North IIsland Is ssla Hwy, Cou Courtenay

30 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Substitute needed for Rt 7119 downtown business area Rt. 7107 – Grieve to McPhee, 13th to 17th Rt. 8102 – Urquhart, Tull, 27th, Stewart COMOX Substitute needed for Dec - Becton Road Area Rt. 2110 – Aspen, Stellar, Bolt, Bambrick Rt. 2112 – Aspen, Meadowlark, Towhee, Merrelet Rt. 2132 – Cooke Ave. Rt. 2103 – Beach, Beaufort, Murphy, Beaton VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3114 – Malahat, Zeballos, Mantle, 9th St. E., Evergreen Rt. 3135 – Hawk Dr., Whiskey Jack, Swallow Rt. 3127A – St. Andrews Way, Nevis Place Rt. 3136 – Blue Jay Place Rt. 3134 – Birkshire, Dover Pl, Tudor Pl COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106 – Loxley, Avonlee, Sea Terrace MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111 – Seaview Road

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

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

31

32

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 19, 2014

Happy Holiday and a Joyous New Year from All of Us at West Coast Home Theatres

the ultimate

This Christmas

theatre experience at WEST COAST HOME THEATRES • Pre-wire

• Motorized Window Treatments

• Whole Home Audio & Video Distribution

• Home Theatre Design & Installation

• Lighting Control Systems

• Noise Control Design & Solutions

• Advanced Networking

• Outdooor TV, Projection & Audio Systems

• Blu-Ray, DVD & CD Media Servers • Motorized lifts & Mounts • Flat Panel TV Picture Frames & Mirrors • Electronics & Components • Custom Cabinets & Thermal Mgmt • Custom Millwork • Acoustical Wall Treatments

add some Sparkle to her Life!

• In-Ceiling, In-Wall, & Outdoor Speakers • Touch Panels & Remote Control Systems • Low Voltage Certi ed Staff • Certi ed Electrician on Staff • THX & lSF Certi ed Professionals • Surveillance Camera & Video Security Systems

WEST COAST HOME THEATRES 2940 Moray Avenue, Courtenay | 250.338.7469 www.wcht.ca | info@wcht.ca

For ALL YOUR Christmas Needs!

If we don't have it, you don't need it!

HOLIDAY HOURS FOR YOUR GIFT SHOPPING CONVENIENCE Saturday, Dec 13 & 20 8am-9pm

Sunday, Dec 21 9am-7pm

Wednesday, Dec 24

Thursday, Dec 25

Friday, Dec 26

Wednesday, Dec 31

Thursday, Jan 1

(Christmas Eve)

(Christmas Day)

(BOXING DAY)

(New Years Eve)

(New Years Day)

8am-6pm

CLOSED

8AM-6PM

8AM-5PM

CLOSED

CHRISTMAS CLEARANCE

SAVE 60%* UP TO

Courtenay ONLY ay Store Sto t 278 North Island Highway, Courtenay

on Christmas Trees & Potted Trees

SAVE 50%* UP TO

on Outdoor Decor & Inflatables

SAVE 50%* UP TO

on Ornaments, Home Decor, Wreaths, Garland & Wrapping Paper

SAVE 50%* UP TO

on Selected Christmas Toys

*OFF OUR REGULAR PRICES. SORRY, NO RAINCHECKS, QUANTITIES MAY VARY BY STORE. SHOP EARLY FOR GREATEST SELECTION. SOME PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL STORES.

the Season with

2

LARGE PIZZAS & CRAZY BREAD with 3 Toppings

ONLY

$20 Tax and delivery extra. Dec19, 2014 to Jan 1, 2015

All the best in the New Year.

Thank you for your support in 2014!

Courtenay

Comox

#5 - 1599 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay

#3 - 2225 Guthrie, Comox

703-9663

339-6999 Quality Foods

Aspen

17th Street

Safeway Starbucks

Gas Station

FREE Crazy Bread Stuff the Crust of with Purchase Your Large Pizza of any two hot for additional n'ready Pizzas $1 Each

Cliffe Avenue (Highway 19)

Guthrie To Com

Please present coupon at the store to redeem offer.

Dec19, 2014 to Jan 1, 2015. Tax & Delivery Extra.

Please present coupon at the store to redeem offer.

Dec19, 2014 to Jan 1, 2015. Tax & Delivery Extra.

Add an 8 pack of wings & 2 L of Pop for $7.49 Please present coupon at the store to redeem offer.

Dec19, 2014 to Jan 1, 2015. Tax & Delivery Extra.

ox

SAVE BIG NOW 2014 CLEARANCE! THANKS BC FOR MAKING THESE THE NUMBER 1 SELLING VEHICLES

Save up to:

$2,500

2014 Honda Civic EX

Save up to:

$3,000

Save up to:

When they are gone, so are these OFFERS!

$3,000

2014 Honda CRV EX

2014 Honda Accord Touring V6

!Ask us How we can SAVE YOU MONEY on YOUR NEW 2014 Honda!

‡In order to achieve $0 down payment, dealer will cover the cost of tire/battery tax, air conditioning tax (where applicable), environmental fees and levies on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD, Civic DX and Fit DX only on behalf of the customer. ΩLimited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES. ¥1.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $69.89 based on applying $400.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $18,171.40. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. †Limited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 Civic DX model FB2E2FEX. €2.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $44.90 based on applying $600.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $11,674.00. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. *Limited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 Fit DX model GK5G3FE. #2.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $39.97 based on applying $875.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception.

Total lease obligation is $10,392.20. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. ‡‡$500 Consumer Incentive Dollars “Holiday Bonus” (“Holiday Bonus”) available on any new 2015 Civic and new 2015 CR-V models, purchased or leased and delivered by January 2, 2015 and can be combined with advertised lease and finance rates. “Holiday Bonus” includes GST and PST, as applicable. Visit a participating Honda dealer for eligible products & services applicable to “Holiday Bonus” redemption. Offer ends January 2, 2015 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. £For more information about the 2015 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® award, visit http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/2015_honda_cr_v_is_the_motor_trend_suv_of_the_year/ **MSRP is $27,685 / $17,245 / $15,990 including freight and PDI of $1,695 / $1,495 / $1,495 based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES / Civic DX model FB2E2FEX / Fit DX model GK5G3FE. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. ‡/Ω/¥/†/€/*/#/**/‡‡ Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent's fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD, Civic DX and Fit DX only. Offers valid from December 2nd, 2014 through January 2nd, 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.

TO 2015!

USED... ALL PRICED TO GO! Sale Ends Dec 31st!

SAVE NOW

BUY NOW - PAY LATER! No Payments for 3 months *

EASY FINANCE MAKE AN OFFER!!

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4, AC, Power Options

R14-4407A

$9900

SAVE $600

$9300

THEY HAVE TO GO! 2010 0 Honda Civicc SA VE EXL, Auto,, unroof Leather Sunroof $100 0 C14-4493A

$15900 0

2010 Kia Soul 2.0L 2U Speed Manual B2585

$10900

$$14900 SAVE $100 0

$9900

2011 Chevrolet Aveo

GREAT GAS MISER

F14-4385A

$9490

SA $15 VE 00

$7990

B2583

$16400

SA $15 VE 00

$14900

2013 Chrysler Town & Country SA $10 VE 00

Touring, 8 pass, AC, Power Doors++

B2594

$23900

$22900

2013 Dodge g Journeyy

R/TT Leather D V6 LEATHER ER R AWD

B25877

EX-L 4x4 Leather, Sunroof

$24900 4900

R15-4587A

SAVE $500

$9400

$9900 WE W WANT WA ANT YOUR OUR TRA TRADE! TR RADE

PAID FOR OR NOT!

2010 Honda Odyssey EX-L Leather SAVE $500

SA $10 VE 00

$23900 $2

CE-Econom CE-Economical and affordable e

C14-4462A

$13900

R14-4410A

$26900

$26400

SA $10 VE 00

$12900

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

LS 4x4

2007 Honda CR-V

2012 Hyundai Veloster

Tech, Turbo, 6 Spd, leather, Loaded, Nav!

2010 Toyota Corolla

R14-4399B

$7900

SA $10 VE 00

$6900

LOW

PAYMENT 2008 Ford Ranger g SA $60 VE 0

Sport 4x4, V6, AC

R14-4399B

$12900

$12300

2010 Honda Ridgeline

EX-L 4WD Leather, Canopy, LOW KM!

C14-4493B

$31900

SA $10 VE 00

$30900

SALE ON NOW - Until Dec 31 ONLY - SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS 1025 Comox Rd, Courtenay 250-338-7761 Mon-Fri 8:30-6:00, Sat 8:30-5:00, Sun 11:00-5:00 www.islandhonda.ca

D8061