Comox Valley Echo - January 23, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • Friday, January 25, 2015

PRICE: 57 CENTS PLUS GST

VOL. 21, NO. 08

GET RID OF THE DARN MOSQUITOES RESIDENTS TELL RD.05 KYE BAY AREA WAS HIT HARD LAST SUMMER BY A PARTICULARLY PESKY SPECIES OF THE BITING INSECT AND RESIDENTS WANT ACTION NOW

SENIORS

HEALTH

15-20.Don’t

10.Walk for

miss this section for over-55 crowd.

Memories set for this Sunday.

03.VILLAGE MOVES AHEAD WITH PLANS FOR SIDEWALK CAFE CULTURE

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

2

FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. JANUARY 23, 2015

ECHO

NEWS Ian Doe

Comox Valley Weather 1 year GIC* we lead with our best *Rates are subject to change. Min. $50,000

Robert Mulrooney

Senior Investment Advisor HollisWealth (a Division of Scotia Capital Inc.)

Russ Wigle, B Comm

1-145 19th Street 250-338-5222

Assc.Investment Advisor



Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Rain.

Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Cloudy.

Cloudy with 30% chance of showers.



Friday

Rain.

Low 5°C. High 9°C.

Low 8°C. High 9°C.

russ.wigle@holliswealth.com

r.mulrooney@holliswealth.com

www.mindsetwealth.com

What is your Comox Valley home worth?





Low 8°C. High 11°C.

Low 6°C. High 10°C.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist



Call for a valuation of your property.

250-897-5628 Website: iandoe.remax.ca Email: iandoe@remax.net

Low 5°C. High 8°C.

For the latest Comox Valley Weather visit: www.comoxvalleyecho.com 2230A Cliffe Ave., COURTENAY BC V9N 2L4

Police Blotter Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between Jan. 13 and 19: On January 13th the Comox Valley RCMP took a report of a theft of a boat motor that had occurred in the parking lot at 8940 Clarkson Avenue in Black Creek. Stolen was a silver and grey colored Honda 8.8 HP outboard motor.

(2015-530) Police attended to a report of a break, enter and theft at a residence on the 2900 block of Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. Once inside the residence the culprit stole an entertainment system, a TV, a lawn mower and a ski board.

(2015-609) On January 16th the Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a motor vehicle collision on Fraser Road in the Courtenay area. The investigation revealed that a lone female driver had gone off road into a ditch.

The woman was found to have been consuming alcohol and was in possession of a small amount of marijuana. The woman was requested to give a breath test and refused.

She received a 90-day Im-

WANTED 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.

Shawn Ivan STRONG

Bruce Ronald HAWKINS

DOB: 1977-08-11 173 cms, 73 kgs, Brown hair, Brown eyes Warrants: Breach of undertaking X4 Failing to comply with court order Comox Valley file # 2015-658

DOB: 1958-05-22 180 cms, 84 kgs, Brown hair, Brown eyes Warrants: Breach of recognizance Breach of probation Comox Valley file # 2015-130

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

Christ in the Nine Feasts of Israel Join Jacques Gabizon, pastor of a Messianic Christian community in Montreal, and St. Peter's Anglican Church.

January 23rd @ 7:30-9:00 pm January 24th @ 1RRQ St. Peter's Church 218 Church Street, Comox By donation

mediate Roadside Prohibition and had the vehicle she was driving impounded for 30 days. (2015-654) Police received a report of a mischief to a trailer that was parked on the 1400 block of Noel Avenue in Comox on January 16. Unknown culprits ripped a door off of the trailer. Nothing was taken.

(2015-693) On January 17 a report was called into police of a break, enter and theft that had occurred at the business located at 7387 Island Highway North. Thieves smashed their way into the business and once inside stole approximately $10,000 to $15,000 in jewellery, knives and other assorted items. (2015-701) On January 19 police received several reports of vehicles being entered and various items being stolen. These vehicles were all parked in the area around the 2800 block of Piercy Road in Courtenay.

In all the cases the vehicles were left unlocked.

A break, enter and theft was reported to police on January 19 by the home owner of a residence on the 1800 block of Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay.

A vehicle was stolen from a garage and later found over an embankment at the 17th street bridge area.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 19 Wing Comox will be holding an Armed Forces Day/Air Show on 15 Aug 15. In order to ensure the success of this major event, the Organizing Committee is conducting a request for proposal for food and beverage vendors. The RFP package is available by e-mailing justin.gillis@forces.gc.ca with vendor contact info including name, mailing address and e-mail address.

The closing date for bids is Fri, 27 Mar 15.

Investigation revealed a suspect and a male was located, arrested, and charged with Break and Enter and possession of stolen property. (2015765) On January 19th police were called to a report of a break, enter and theft

from a residence on the 1800 block of Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay.

Several items were taken and police believe there is a link between this crime and another that was reported on the same day.

This investigation is continuing. (2015-765)

Huge indoor multi-vendor market Sunday at the upper Filberg Centre The Evergreen Club presents their next Trash & Treasures Sale. This huge multi-vendor sale will take place Sunday, January 25th from 9 am to 2 pm at Courtenay Recreation’s Florence Filberg Centre in the upper Conference Hall. The location is perfect; one floor all under one roof.

This huge indoor sale is a great reason to take a break from your winter

hibernation. Why not grab a friend a make an outing of it? The Evergreen Club Kitchen will be running a refreshment stand upstairs so you can order sandwiches, desserts, and hot or cold drinks when you need a break from your shopping. You can feel good about supporting your local crafters too; homemade soaps, jewellery, jams, and photography will be featured.

“Don’t forget to check out all the Winter Jam events happening this month, go to www.discovercomoxvalley.com/winterjam

for more info”

$1099 Youth & Adults

JAN 23

JAN 29

Jan. 23– Jan. 29

Cinema #4: “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” Royal Ballet Saturday, January 24th, 10:00 am (ends 1:10 pm). Doors open at 9:30 Approx. 3 hrs, 10 min. 2 intermissions.

Cinema #1: “American Sniper” 14A Violence, coarse language.

Nightly except Sunday: 6:40 (9:05) & 9:35 (12:00). Sunday, January 25: 7:20 (9:45) & 10:10 (12:35) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 12:30 (2:55) & 3:25 (5:50) Cinema #2: “Mortdecai” NYR Nightly: 7:00 (9:00) & 9:40 (11:40) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 12:20 (2:35) & 3:35 (5:40).

Sunday Matinees: 12:50 (2:50) & 3:35 (5:35) Cinema #3: “Strange Magic” NYR Nightly: 7:10 (9:00) & 9:30 (11:20) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 12:20 (2:10) & 2:35 (4:25) Cinema #4: “The Imitation Game” PG: Nightly: 6:50 (8:55) & 9:25 (11:30) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 12:40 (2:45) & 3:15 (5:20) Box Office Hours for Jan. 23th – 29th.

Nightly: 6:00 pm – 9:50 pm. Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 11:30 am - 3:50 pm

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

3

DOWNTOWNS

Building a sidewalk culture with cafes Cumberland moves ahead on developing concept; will now seek input from residents

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff When Cumberland looked at sidewalk cafés in Victoria, Sidney, Qualicum Beach, Duncan and Penticton, staff couldn’t find anything negative about the idea. Now the Village is working towards bringing this concept of developing streetscapes into reality, and will be seeking the input of residents.

“I think it’s very exciting,” said Mayor Leslie Baird. “It will be good to hear from the people.”

The Village sees sidewalk cafés as anything from a couple of chairs and a table outside a building to a large-scale enterprise that takes over multiple parking spaces.

S e n i o r p l a n n e r Ju dith Walker pointed to renowned urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg for the conceptual basis for why a municipality like Cumberland would put effort into promoting sidewalk cafés.

Oldenburg wrote about how pubs, cafés, beer gar-

Allison MacKenzie, owner of Dark Side Chocolates, thinks it’s great the Village is looking to build the community by formalizing sidewalk cafés. Photos by Drew A. Penner/Echo Staff dens and other gathering points are “third places” within a community where its social vitality comes into being.

“All over the world peo-

ple enjoy eating and drinking outdoors in fine weather to appreciate the fresh air and to participate in creating an active street,” Walker wrote, in report pre-

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Wayne’s

quote of the week

sented to council Jan. 12.

“It is this kind of street activity that builds the ‘third place’ importance.”

(Continued on page 4)

Sidewalk life as it exists now on Dunsmuir Avenue in Cumberland.

4

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

Police rule out drugs, alcohol in fatal crash

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff The owner of a company whose driver survived a fatal accident on the Inland Island Highway Monday morning just outside of Courtenay says he is extremely sorry for the death of a 30-year-old from Bowser. Police have confirmed there was nothing the employee of Ladysmith-based West Deck Transport Ltd. could have done to avoid the collision.

“Words can’t express the loss that they’re feeling,” said Dave Parhar, owner West Deck Transport. “We’re truly sorry for that and our thoughts are with them.”

The 61-year-old commercial driver had just dropped off a load in

Courtenay and was heading south when a Mazda pickup skidded across the median and struck the empty flatbed trailer head-on.

Parhar said had the truck been full there could have been even more tragic consequences, adding the semi driver has been on the road for about 20 years.

“He’s been a solid, reliable employee,” he said.

“Even with his experience and all his miles on the road he couldn’t avoid the truck that was coming.”

RCMP say drugs and alcohol were not a factor in a crash.

“The Mazda pick-up sustained severe damage and the male driver and only occupant was killed instantly upon impact,” said Sgt. Mark Whitworth, unit

This truck, owned by West Deck Transport Ltd, couldn’t have avoided the crash, say police

Cumberland looking into sidewalk cafes (Continued from page 3) The Village is considering setting up a program where businesses that want to serve patrons outdoors submit an application and pay a fee based on whether they take up sidewalk space or a parking area.

Cumberland’s “patio season” would run from April 1 - Oct. 31.

Additional decks, awnings or other structures could trigger a Development Permit or a Heritage Alteration Permit.

The owner of the establishment would have to carry $5 million comprehensive general liability insurance, with the Village named as an additional insured party.

Sidewalk cafés would only be allowed within commercial areas, and

would need to match the aesthetic of the business in question.

The Village would require 1.5 metres of sidewalk to be left for pedestrian use.

These outdoor areas would not be permitted in locations with hydro poles, bike racks, planters, benches or trees, and would have to be accessible to people with physical disabilities.

Cumberland is considering a $50 non-refundable application fee, an annual $21.50 / sq m sidewalk use permit and an annual $105 / parking stall use permit.

The staff report was forwarded to the Advisory Planning Commission and the Heritage Commission, which will provide feedback to council.

During the recent council race Coun. Gwyn

Sproule said she supports sidewalk cafés, but is concerned they could take up too much of the sidewalk.

These worries were reiterated at the Jan. 12, 2015 council meeting.

“We do need the width,” she said.

“So the consideration is whether to lose the parking spot.”

Sproule made the motion to proceed with sidewalk cafés, which was approved unanimously.

Cumberland will now reach out to Villagers to get their feedback on the creation of sidewalk cafés.

Some local businesses

already put out tables and chairs so patrons can enjoy the elements while eating or drinking.

A l l i s o n M a c Ke n z i e, owner of Dark Side Chocolates was excited to hear the Village is planning to formalize sidewalk cafés, and says she’ll participate in the program for sure.

“I think it’s great the Village is supporting small businesses that are looking to expand,” she said.

“I like the community building that can happen when customers are outside and they can say hello to their neighbours as they walk by.”

commander of the North Vancouver Island Traffic Services Unit. “The commercial transport truck was significantly damaged in the collision and the driver did not receive any physical injuries though he was distraught.”

Police have not yet named the accident victim.

Now inspections of both vehicles are underway. A collision analyst and the provincial coroner’s office are continuing their investigation to figure out just what went wrong.

Police say the driver of the Mazda lost control of his vehicle while traveling northbound on the highway, about two kilometers south of the Royston overpass.

Investigators will look at the extent to which road design, weather conditions and manner of driving played a role in the accident.

“It’s difficult to place emphasis on any particular factor,” Whitworth said, but added, “Information from witnesses was the road was slippery prior to

the crash.”

Fire officials who responded to the crash say the pickup truck careened right between two “SLIPPERY/WHEN WET” signs, and say that section of road has been the site of several accidents in the past year.

Responders noted the man in the pickup truck appeared to be a recreational fisherman.

Whitworth said similar crashes happen all along the Inland Island Highway, and are not necessarily the result of poor road design.

“It’s a tragic event having significant impact on everyone involved,” he said. “Our condolences go out to the family and the friends of the victim.”

And while operating a transport business always carries risk, Parhar says there’s nothing that can prepare people for this kind of incident.

“It’s one of those things on the road,” he said, pausing to think of the 30year-old man. “It’s unfortunate. He had his whole life ahead of him.”

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On the Walmart plaza across from Future Shop 250.338.9800 Monday - Friday 9am-9pm | Saturday 8am - 6pm | Sunday 10am - 5pm

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

Residents want RD to act now on mosquito problem

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Residents in the Port Holmes-Cape Lazo area want the sting taken out of the irritating mosquitoes that swarmed their community last summer and affected their quality of life.

It was a massive invasion of a very aggressive type of insect identified as Aedes Dorsalis, which has been referred to as the most annoying mosquito pest specie in Western Canada.

They came out of the blue, according to residents.

They had never seen it before and it has affected other locations as well such as Kye Bay Beach, Glacier Greens Golf Course and 19 Wing Comox.

The insects disrupted the residents’ normal summer routine as they were forced to stay indoors, kept them from enjoying their gardens and also engaging in simple healthy activities like walks on the beach.

A group of residents appeared before the Comox Valley Regional District’s electoral services committee recently requesting a mosquito abatement plan to be established in conjunction with the Town of Comox and CFB Comox.

They are concerned the infestation could be a health issue.

The residents requested the CVRD hire an environmental consultant and collaborate with the Town of Comox and CFB Comox to locate, map and monitor AD larvae and the spread of adults. It also calls for a natural solution to eliminate AD larvae and its habitat as pesticide is not permitted by the Ministry of Environment.

The CVRD is urged to implement a preventative program as soon as possible.

Residents indicated that early 2015 is the window of opportunity to address this issue and prevent the problem from escalating to a point where it could significantly affect tourism, human and animal health, and property values in the Comox Valley.

The committee recommended staff to present an updated report that included new data received from the delegation, as well as the scope of work for a coordinated approach to mosquito abatement, to the committee of the whole at its February meeting.

5

6

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

7

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Chevrolet.ca

OFFERS END FEB 2ND ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the lease of a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS/LT (1LS/1LT) and Sonic LS/LT (1LS/1LT). Freight ($1,600) and PDI included. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and applicable taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. *Offer valid to eligible retail lessees in Canada who have obtained credit approval by and entered into a lease agreement with GM Financial, and who accept delivery from January 12 through February 2, 2015 of any new or demonstrator 2015 model year Chevrolet (except 2015MY Chevrolet Colorado 2SA). City Express excluded at outset of program; will be eligible once residuals become available. General Motors of Canada will pay the first two bi-weekly lease payments as defined on the lease agreement (inclusive of taxes). After the first two bi-weekly payments, lessee will be required to make all remaining scheduled payments over the remaining term of the lease agreement.

PPSA/RDPRM is not due. Consumer may be required to pay dealer fees. Insurance, license, and applicable taxes not included. Additional conditions and limitations apply. GM reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without prior notice. See dealer for details. †† Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any model year 1999 or newer car that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 model year Chevrolet car, SUV, crossover and pickup models delivered in Canada between January 12 and February 2, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $750 credit available on eligible Chevrolet vehicle (except Colorado 2SA, Corvette, Camaro Z28, Malibu LS, Silverado 1500 and HD). Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any Pontiac/Saturn/SAAB/Hummer/Oldsmobile model year 1999 or newer car or Chevrolet Cobalt or HHR that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 model year Chevrolet car, SUV, crossover and pickups models delivered in Canada between January 12 and February 2, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive): $1,500 credit available on eligible Chevrolet vehicles (except Colorado 2SA, Corvette, Camaro Z28, and Malibu LS). Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GMCL dealer for details. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice † Based on GM Testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. > Based on WardsAuto.com 2012 Upper Small segment, excluding Hybrid and Diesel powertrains. Standard 10 airbags, ABS, traction control and StabiliTrak. *^ Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). ~ Requires compatible mobile device, active OnStar service and data plan. Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity may vary by model and conditions. OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is available on certain vehicles and in select markets. Customers will be able to access this service only if they accept the OnStar User Terms and Privacy Statement (including software terms). ¥ Lease based on a purchase price of $16,705/$21,000 (including $0/$1,500 lease credit and a $750 Winter Cash) for a 2015 Cruze LS (1SA) and Cruze LT (1SA/MH8/R7T). Bi-weekly payment is $79/$99 for 48 months at 0.5% APR and includes Freight and Air Tax, on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometers limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $1,450/$1,450 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $9,729/$11,803, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $7,214/$9,499.70. ¥¥ Lease based on a purchase price of $15,225/$19,300 (including 0/$1,200 lease credit and a $750 Winter Cash) for a 2015 Sonic LS (1SA/M26) and Sonic LT (1SD/MH9/C60). Bi-weekly payment is $75/$89 for 48 months at 0.5% APR and includes Freight and Air Tax, on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometers limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $1,600/$1,600 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $9,396/$10,888, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $6,040/$8,690. ¥/¥¥ Price and total obligation excludes license, insurance, registration, taxes, dealer fees, optional equipment. Other lease options are available. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with other offers. See your dealer for conditions and details. General Motors of Canada Limited reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. ^Whichever comes first. Limit of four ACDelco Lube-Oil-Filter services in total. Fluid top-offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc., are not covered. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ^^Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

Call Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC at 250-334-2425, or visit us at 2145 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. [License #8379]

8

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

9

‘Walk for Memories’ supports those with dementia Nearly three-quarters of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease are women. It’s an eye-opening statistic, but it’s not news to the many Comox Valley families whose lives have been altered by the dementia journey, many of whom will participate at the Investors Group Walk for Memories this Sunday January 25.

“Women represent 72 per cent of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease,” says Jane Hope, the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s Support & Education Coordinator for the Valley and the North & Central Island.

“They could be your mothers, wives, sisters, grandmothers or friends.”

That’s why the Society’s annual Alzheimer Awareness Month campaign in January has adopted the theme The 72%. It aims to inform women in their 40s and older about the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, brain health and how the programs and services of the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. can help. More women than men are living with Alzheimer’s disease because they live longer and age is a significant risk factor, Hope says. The risk of dementia doubles every five years after age 65.

Women also account for 70 per cent of family caregivers. “The disease takes a tremendous toll on

these women who eventually provide round-theclock care. The burden is especially high for women raising families and holding down jobs.” Though women are disproportionately affected, “Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect everyone,” Hope points out.

So what can Comox residents do? “Get Walking!” she says.

Residents can take a meaningful stroll on Sunday, January 25.

That’s when the annual Investors Group Walk for Memories comes to the Valley, to raise funds for research and programs for the more than 70,000 people in B.C. who face dementia.

“This fun-filled event is a great way to support families in our community who are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias,” says Hope. “Funds raised help ensure people with dementia and their caregivers have access to information, support services and education. They also bring us one step closer to finding a cure.”

Participants can still register to participate in the Investors Group Walk for Memories, which starts at 1 p.m. To register or donate, visit www. walkformemories.com.

Registration will also take place at noon on January 25 at Courtenay Lewis Park Centre, 489 Old Is-

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay COURTENAY SUBSTITUTE NEEDED FOR RT 7119 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AREA Rt. 8102 – Urquhart, Tull, 27th, Stewart COMOX Rt. 2111 – Anderton, Bunting, Cormorant, Bolt VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3114 – Evergreen, Mantle, Zeballos, Malahat Rt. 3133 – Sterling Pl, Sterling Cres., Kinross Pl. CUMBERLAND SUBSTITUTES Rt. 9103 – Dunsmuir & Derwent COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106 – Loxley, Avonlee, Sea Terrace MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111 – Seaview Road SINGING SANDS AREA Rt. 4102 – Wilkinson, Singing Sands

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Here are 10 warning signs for Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, provided by the Alzheimer Society of B.C.: 1. Memory loss that affects day-to-day abilities Forgetting things often or struggling to retain new information.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks Forgetting how to do something you’ve been doing your whole life, such as preparing a meal or getting dressed 3. Problems with language Forgetting words or substituting words that don’t fit the context.

4. Disorientation in time and space Not knowing what day of the week it is or getting lost in a familiar place.

5. Impaired judgment Not recognizing a medical problem that needs attention or wearing light clothing on a cold day.

6. Problems with abstract thinking Having difficulty balancing a chequebook, for example, or not understanding what numbers are and how they are used.

7. Misplacing things Putting things in strange places, like a dress in the refrigerator or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

The Investors Group Walk for Memories is dedicated to an Honoree - a person who has been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The Walk in the Comox Valley is dedicated to Bob Crookshank. land Hwy. The 72% Awareness Month campaign kicks off in January but local families living with dementia

can receive assistance year-round from Hope.

She can be contacted tollfree at 1-800-462-2833 or jhope@alzheimerbc.org.

8. Changes in mood and behaviour Exhibiting severe mood swings from being easy-going to quick-tempered.

9. Changes in personality Behaving out of character, such as becoming confused, suspicious, or fearful.

10. Loss of initiative Losing interest in friends, family and favourite activities.

For more information, visit www.alzheimerbc.org.

NOTICE OF FINANCIAL PLAN MEETINGS DON’T HIBERNATE THIS WINTER

Get Active with Comox Valley’s FREE resources

Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) committees will meet to consider various service budgets, beginning January 27, and continuing throughout February and early March.

All meetings will be held in the CVRD boardroom, 550B Comox Road, Courtenay. A portion of each meeting will be set aside for questions from the public.

→ "12 Places to Get Active For Free" maps → Guide to Free and Low-cost Activities in the Comox Valley → ACV Lending Library (WiiSportsm fitness equipment bins) → ACV Speakers Bureau

Join Active Comox Valley on Facebook and be eligible for monthly giveaways

For more info, call

(250) 890-9116 or visit

www.activecomoxvalley.ca/activities

Check the CVRD website for agendas, dates and times:

www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/financialplanmeetings

10

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

Air Park lagoon breach planned

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Project Watershed is set to construct a breach that will revitalize the Air Park Lagoon and make it more conducive to aquatic habitat.

The lagoon was identified by Project Watershed as a high priority in the Restoration and Prioritization Study it conducted in 2010.

Representatives of the organization appeared before Courtenay council Monday night and presented the studies and work they’ve been doing.

The Air Park Lagoon Breach Project is now at the construction stage.

The cost of the breach construction is over $280,000 and Project Watershed had asked Courtenay council for financial support to the tune of $25,800.

“What we’re asking you is less than ten per cent of the actual cost,” said Jennifer Sutherst, acting estuary coordinator.

The city was made aware of this plan in 2010 when the study revealed that the addition of a breach from the river to the up-

Project Watershed plans to build a breach in the north side of Air Park Lagoon to make the water more ideal for fish and aquatic habitat. per area of the lagoon could revitalize the lagoon by bringing in more fresh water, increasing fish access, and helping to flush water through the lagoon.

City council supported the project.

Project Watershed went ahead to secure funds for a feasibility study, a preconstruction monitoring in which baseline biological assessments were made, sediment surveys, fish and bird surveys, and plant inventories. A consultant was hired to conduct hydrological survey and also provided a breach

design.

The location for the breach will be at the north side of the lagoon.

It’s going to be a culvert that would link the river through to the lagoon and lead to the estuary.

“Our studies have confirmed that this is feasible,” said Sutherst. “What it will do is address the current stagnant condition in the lagoon.”

During the summer, the temperatures get very high, oxygen levels decrease and the water column becomes very stratified at the lagoon making

it less attractive for fish and other associated species.

“Putting a breach in essentially would change how the water siphons and flows through that area, making it much more productive for fish and for wildlife,” said Sutherst.

Sutherst said they have received funding of over $108,000 from the federal government’s Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program and also had support from the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program on behalf of its program partners

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the activities in the area as well with the Air Park Association.

Sutherst said construction will take at least 14 days and will require closing trails to the public during that time. Signs will be posted before construction start to give the public ample warning.

Council did not give a commitment to the project because they’re uncertain if there is money available in the budget.

Councillor David Frisch made a motion that Project Watershed’s request for funding be referred to city staff for review and report back to council.

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BC Hydro, the Province of B.C. and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. It is also funded by TD Friends of the Environment. Much of the money received was used for the studies and design of the project.

Sutherst said they are now at the most expensive stage of the project and are looking to acquire all the funding they need not only from the city but also from other sources.

Once they have all the funding in place, they are looking forward to starting construction this summer between June 15 and August 15. They will be coordinating with the city to minimize the impact to

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12/3

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

11

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

A good store for Canadian Tire?

Target closing ....

Surprise surprise. It was only a matter of time. No auto section, no sporting goods, no hardware, no automotive repair or tires, it was basically a glorified Zellers.

Here’s the good news, Now there is a perfect location for Canadian tire to move to. Huge brand new store, plenty of parking for RV’s and the general public, auto shops around the back, and it would be way more accessible than their current location.

Anybody in the valley try to get in and out of the current parking lot at Christmas?

Just a thought ....

Tim Crouch Courtenay

The right to free smirch I was saddened to hear Rick Mercer vehemently state in his recent rant on TV that he would never give up his “right to offend”. I make it a point to catch all of his rants (Rick is one of my heroes) and can see the importance of humour in making us aware of the many wrongs that are going on in our world.

AND I was gladdened to see that this comment was deleted from the online video and text.

We are fortunate to live in a country that grants freedom of speech to all citizens so that we can speak out against ....... anything, in any way. So l can say what I want about whatever I want; I have a legal right, I am hugely grateful for this legal right, But do I have the moral right to hurt another?

Do I have the moral right to besmirch another’s beliefs? Do I have the moral right to deliberately cause more anguish to my fellow man?

If my legal rights and my moral rights don’t clash, I’ve got it made.

We can think what we will, express what we will, but before we go public, we can consider both legality and morality and delete that which offends, We must think before we add more anger -inducing fuel to any fire.

That would make US heroes.

Ann Johnstone Comox

No sour grapes here To the anonymous individual who chose to chastise me in Beefs and Bouquets please allow me to clarify a couple things for you.

First off my letter was aimed at council not the

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

mayor, but since you brought it up I know the major was in the area.

The way I know this is I did indeed talk to a number of the merchants in the area after the flood and they recounted their conversations with the mayor as did Mayor Jangula in a telephone conversation after my letter appeared in the Echo.

Mayor Jangula was in the area to express his genuine concern for the merchants and to let them know there was nothing he could have done to prevent the flooding, that it wasn’t the city’s fault and that there was nothing the city could (would) do to help them, status quo.

The Mayor did point out however that most if not all members of council did find the time to visit Maple Pool (with the press) after the flood.

While I applaud council and the mayors concern for the residents of Maple Pool I simply feel the tax payers in Courtenay deserve at least equal treatment.

Secondly as to sour grapes, I think not. I was convinced to run in this election by the mayor in spite of the fact that I am having a hip replacement shortly and therefore was unable to door knock. I

doubted my chances of winning from the outset.

This will not however stop me from speaking my mind when I feel the taxpayers of Courtenay are once again getting the short end of the stick.

Marcus Felgenhauer Courtenay

It seems obvious to me It would seem obvious from Friday’s excellent article entitled “Mud Flow From Rivers Causes High Turbidity” that the non-timber workers who have been on the ground harvesting mushrooms for years have much better answers for our two month boil water advisory than does the CVRD spokesperson.

When we look at pictures of water cascading down ultra steep slopes into the Cruikshank River right through clearcuts on its way to our water source, I would have to concur with Ken Jensen when he observes that the only clearly identified change in this river valley is the fact that previously unharvestable slopes are now being clearcut with helicopters.

For David Leitch, CVRD’s senior manager of water to claim “We don’t have any evidence that it’s caused by clear

cut logging activities”, sounds, to me, very much like industry back pedaling. I mean we know, at this point, that the turbidity in our water can hardly be blamed, any longer, on a storm that happened weeks ago or, as Leitch suggests, on recreation activity and population change (in the Cruikshank River Canyon?).

Unlike him, I would assume that readers of your paper, and, it appears, Courtenay CAO David Allen, can see where the blame for the current situation should clearly be placed.

I would think that would rest squarely on the provincial government who issues logging permits for steep slopes which drain directly into our watershed.

I would assume that our M.L.A. is putting considerable pressure, on our behalf, on the responsible department in the government. I look forward with anticipation to his report to his constituents on the results of his enquiries of his colleagues.

The situation reminds me very much of another advisory, this one for air quality back in October.

My partner and I were returning from an event in Vancouver on what

started out to be a beautiful, clear, fall day.

We wondered, as the ferry approached Vancouver Island, where all the smoke over the island was coming from. As we got closer we could see that there were a whole series of slash burns happening all over the logged slopes.

By the time we pulled into Courtenay, my partner was having trouble breathing and I could scarcely see the road due to the intense smoke all through the valley.

When we got home and checked we found that there was an air quality advisory due to particles in the air (not the water, that time).

I failed to read any articles attributing the smoke to its obvious source, logging activity.

I think I did read a similar press release claiming that it was difficult to pinpoint any one source for the pollution to our air. Sounds eerily similar, doesn’t it?

I wonder perhaps if this industry was to be made responsible for all the financial and health related costs that their activities have caused in the valley these very damaging practices would change or be curtailed.

John McNamee

12 FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

BEEFS & BOUQUETS MORE WINNING TICKETS to Cec of Valley Vista Estates for treating the Happy Hour gang to Chinese on Friday night. You are one very nice man and your butter tarts also rock.

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com

GOOD GUYS WORK at Madman McKay TV. They know their business, are pleasant to deal with - and patient! Thanks to technician Jerry for the home visit to upgrade our antiquated TV. We’ll be return customers.

A HUGE BOUQUET and thank you to Carol at Weight Watchers for offering me one of her own Plan & Track books a couple of weeks ago when I wanted to buy one to start the New Year and they were out. This in why I love living in the Comox Valley!

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND a big thank you out to Dalron Home Leisure. Anytime I have had any hot tub issues they have gone out of their way to help me. They

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are completely honest, friendly and knowledgeable, plus saving me a lot of money. It’s well appreciated.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE, Yet our officials don’t seem to care, That the boil water advisory, Is well into its second month.

Citizens of Courtenay, We must speak up, Cause we are really fed up!

Where is our Mayor?

Why isn’t he tackling this?

The rich (highly-paid city workers) can buy and spend, Bottled water and huge Hydro bills, As they sit in their cushy offices, Sipping Latte’s and chuckling, At how gullible and tolerant we citizens are, But we say this has gone too far, So our family is bugging out, Leaving Larry, Mo and Curly, To play Tiddly-Winks, With our tax dollars, Over a very big sink.

Goodbye Courtenay, You Third-World City!

We will miss you, From our clean-water Victoria, Where we will sit and chuckle, Waving to The Three Stooges, Running your city!

A BIG WATERY BEEF - A very BIG beef to the CVRD for keeping a boil water advisory in place for such a long time. Obviously, their water ďŹ ltration plant is inadequate and needs to be modernized. I cannot think of a better time to do it than right now. The cost of ďŹ nancing such a project will never be less expensive than the cur-

rent cost of borrowing. Or will we put it off for another 50 years. It amazes me that the restaurant owners as well as other business owners don’t get together and start a class action law suit against the CVRD. It is costing them money and they already pay enough taxes and should be provided with much better service than this.

A BIG BOUQUET! I would like to convey to you an incident that happened to my husband and myself last Friday in Courtenay.

We were in Courtenay for a few days to visit a friend and we managed to contact some people we met last March in Hawaii who had moved to Courtenay.

We agreed to meet at the Early Bird Cafe for breakfast. When my husband asked for our bill, the waitress informed us the people that had sat at the next table had paid our bill before they left! We were totally shocked. I hope those people read this and know how much we appreciated their kindness. What a wonderful feeling we all felt. There are some very kind people in this world and we will certainly PAY IT FORWARD. A BIG BEEF to those nonproďŹ t organizations who come to local government for ďŹ nancial assistance to run their programs and then donate some of that money to assist some other program that they deem worthy.

A BIG BOUQUET to Councillor Sean Sullivan of Cumberland for coming to my aid when I had a blown out tire. This ďŹ ne young man was on his way to Slegg lumber in the middle of his own workday and he took the time to help a villager in distress. He promptly and politely changed my

tire and went on with his business, this is the kind of person I want to represent Cumberland.

IT’S TIME for some speed bumps on the streets of Cumberland. The morons out here seem to think this is a local race track. You’ve got contractors that because they’re building a house, park with their trucks half on the road; no one stops for the stop signs like the green taxi van that ran the stop sign at the post office nearly hitting us; or the idiot on Bruce street the other night that while speeding nearly hit the kids playing but did in fact hit and kill their dog and then this brave race car driver didn’t even stop [probably too drunk] and when you complain to the village nothing is done. Too concerned about chicken coops I guess. Get some speed bumps on the roads before some poor kid is hit.

THE HEALTHY FAMILIES PROGRAM (Comox Valley Family Services Association) staff would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the following people and businesses who helped to make our annual Christmas Luncheon for our families a huge success: Living Hope Christian Fellowship Church, Ron O’Rielly, Fran and Joe Thibodea, City of Courtenay, Filberg Centre, Pythian Sisters, Comox United Church, Benjamin Hoffman, Walker Maximick, Marisa Schorno, Ruth Giles, Rosalie Chappell, Sure Copy, Leona King, Barbara Willis, Merrilee Cameron, CV Lifelong Learning Association, Second Page Books.

SHAME ON THE INDIVIDUALS who defaced two benches on the MacDonald Wood Boardwalk. Have you

nothing better to do with your time.

THIS PAST WEDNESDAY MORNING I jumped the queue in front of an elderly gentlemen in line at the Walmart return counter. The ensuing verbal exchange was not very pleasant nor the language used. As I was at fault I would like to belatedly apologize to the elderly gentlemen and his granddaughter for my unacceptable behaviour.

A BIG THANK YOU to the young man who bought my wife and I breakfast at the Crown Isle McDonalds.

It was an unexpected surprise, thank you.

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A BOUQUET OF THANKS to the RCMP officer who monitored the driving at the corner of Robb and Aitken on January 14. Because of your work that day there has been a signiďŹ cant change in driving by locals who enter the intersection in our neighbourhood. It is a “STOPâ€? sign and not a “slow down and goâ€? sign. Many of us are simply in too much of a hurry to practice good driving habits so reminders such as you pulling us over and giving us a ďŹ rm but gentle nudge is greatly appreciated. Again, thanks for your work. It is much appreciated by those of us who walk, bike, and live in that neighbourhood.

A BOUQUET of Thank Yous and Gratitude to the Good Samaritan who found my wallet! I unknowingly dropped it outside the Taco Time and you kindly turned it into the lovely ladies who work there. You all saved me a lot of panic and turmoil. Therefore you all deserve many thanks and may good karma bless you in return!

Jan – Mar 2015

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

13

BEEFS & BOUQUETS AN AUDITORIUM OF BEEFS to the host/organizers of Comox Valley Idol. Last Saturday I had the pleasure of witnessing burgeoning local talent of all ages. My feelings of joy were only dampened by the host actively collecting votes halfway during the performances! The audacity of not considering the effects of such an interruption on the waiting performers is beyond me. Shame on you for showing such a poor example. Long story short, voting should have taken place AFTER everyone had performed.

A BOUQUET of wild flowers and sunshine to the kind person who found my prescription glasses on the trail at Seal Bay Park on January 11. You took the time to place my rather

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com expensive and very much needed glasses in the little lost and found box at the park entrance on Bates Road. Thank you so much!

It was a great relief to find them there safe and sound.

“LOYALTY CARDS SUCK.” No I do not want a card to have the privilege of spending my money in your store.

Just give me good service, selection and price and I will be loyal.

PLEASE DON’T PEE in my drinking water. Most watersheds used for public drinking are fenced off and the public are not permitted. Comox Lake should be off limits to the public and there should be no logging or cabins near the lake [septic systems leak] Swimmers and boaters on the lake possibly pee in the lake. Other lakes like Maple Lake should be made more accessible to the public.

Make our drinking water drinkable WE WOULD LIKE to “thank” Fortis for lowering the price of gas. However, they failed to tell us that the BASIC CHARGE would increase by over 12 and a half percent. What is also really irritating is that we have to pay this increased basic rate for the many months that we don’t use any gas at all!

Is Your Vehicle Safe for 2015?

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BOUQUETS of beautiful cakes to Laura Barnes of Independent Johns for an awesome Ambulance Cake she made for my graduation from PCP School.

You truly are very talented and must love what you do cause you put your heart and soul into that cake.

You are the Comox Valley’s Cake Boss! Thank-you so much. The cake not only looked great but tasted even better!!

WE JUST HAD Davey Tree in again for about the fourth year. They did a wonder-

ful job on our large hedge and cherry tree and many other bushes around our garden as well as cleaning up afterwards. Great crew!

SENDING SADDLE BAGS of beautiful flowers to Pat Sampson (Step-By-Step Farrier Services) who rushed to our barn and stayed for more than five hours on a miserable rainy night when we called after our horse collapsed.

She offered opinions, her years of horse wisdom, assistance trying to get the horse up in case it was colic, and even talked intelligently to the vet for us. Even after the horse passed away, Pat stayed with us--clearly blurring the line between business and friendship for which we are eternally grateful.

It’s not enough that she’s an amazing farrier, who has helped us immensely with a horse with hoof issues, but she is an amazing person and friend. Thank you!

And more beautiful flowers to one of the Valley’s newest horse vets, Andrea Plaxton. She was driving here to assess the horse and offer care, if possible, when we phoned to tell her our mare had passed, and that there was no reason to come. But, she came anyway after 10pm on a miserable, blustery night...just to comfort us in the loss of our horse. What makes this even more impressive is that we’d never actually met before, although she’d provided phone advice for us earlier this year. Her greeting to us started with a sincere, compassionate hug. Then, her explanation of what likely happened to our girl gave us peace, knowing that there was truly nothing that we or even she could have done with such a “major cardiac event.” Thank you! To these two horse-lover professionals, we are forever grateful and fortunate to have them here for all Valley horse owners.

A HUGE BOUQUET and thank you to the gals at the BC Assessment office here in Courtenay. Especially Jennifer, who took considerable time to explain the ins & outs of an usual property I was researching.

TO THE GENT that responded to the gents’ complaining about ICBC’s required medical report for those reaching their 80th birthday, I don’t think he gets the whole picture. He has a paying job with benefits, maybe more or less benefits than others, and most likely can pay what the market can bear. Seniors 65 or older on the other hand are on a fixed income, CPP and OA. Some seniors are lucky to have other pensions that have continued benefits i.e. extended health, for teeth, eye glasses, hearing aids and so on. Then there are those of us who have only CPP and OA to live on.

So for the gent still working Jan. 6, 2015 2015 in the Beefs & Bouquets, wait till you retire on a fixed income, and if you live to be 100 and able to drive that old clunker, good luck. So come on you people 65 and older, let’s hear from you. Are you satisfied with what you live on and being legally robbed of what you should get and have.

Don’t get me wrong I love my (our) country and I pay my due taxes, taxes, taxes, etc.

A CAUTIONARY NOTE to the large group of runners out on Thursday night Jan 15th between 5:30 to 6:30 pm. I first encountered you running down 1st street in Courtenay near Puntledge park and then several blocks over. I didn’t think too much about you until I turned back onto 1st street at the corner of Woods and that’s when I noticed 3 of you running 3 abreast, 1 on the sidewalk and 2 side by side on the road. To give

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: Wayne Penner, of Courtenay 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!

the outside runner credit he/she did have a V of reflective tape at the bottom of his/her jacket. I stood there & watched you run all the way up 1st street, with the traffic, running around parked cars, never once changing your positions.

I live on 1st and I know those cars are going 60+ km an hour even though it wasn’t just raining it was pouring!. All I could think of was if one of you gets hit that driver will have to live with that for the rest of their life. If I’d had my cell phone will me I just might have called the police. Another group came around the corner just as I was standing there. I told the group what I had just seen and one of you assured me they were supposed to run on the sidewalk. Having just said that then one of his group proceeded to run on the road beside someone running on the side walk! At your next meeting perhaps you might like to discuss the rules of the road and if you can’t follow them then please run at the Puntledge elementary & Lake Trail school grounds.

You’ll be safer there and you won’t wind up being a hood ornament.

LOTS OF OPINIONS on the causes of longest boil water advisory in the Comox Valley. It is pretty clear that something has changed in the watershed. Time for local politicians to represent their constituents before asking CVRD residents to pay $50 million plus to solve turbidly problems, likely exacerbated by Provincial Forestry Policies, and Hydro Polices. The Ministries involved and responsible for the watershed need to do an audit of logging practices and BC Hydro reservoir management, and assign liabilities for the water quality problem. A logging company was fined $35K for clear cutting next to a stream in 2008-it happens. BC

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!

Hydro lowered the reservoir to a record low level in 2014, endangering the water supply. There are a number of probable contributing causes, and concerns, besides climate change.

Past Provincial reports have indicated the Comox Lake is an excellent source of drinking water and that a deep water intake would resolve any quality problem. Something has changed that, and it’s not just the climate, which has been predicted to impact the watershed for sometime. The predicted high and low inlows happened in 2014, and will happen again.

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14

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

Comox Firefighters continue their strong support to “You Are Not Alone” (YANA). Here Comox Firefighters present a cheque of $4228.35 to YANAs Ocean Varney. The Comox firefighters recently collected these funds at their annual Christmas Tree recycling event. The Comox firefighters have held this event for over twenty-five years. Chief Gord Schreiner states: “I am so proud of our firefighters for everything they do. Not only do they respond to emergencies but they assist our community in so many other ways.” YANAs Ocean Varney states: “The support from these firefighters in Comox has been awesome. They have been with us since our early beginnings.”

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$3792.45 was raised over a 2-day tree chipping event held by the Courtenay firefighters after Christmas. All money raised was donated to local charity YANA. The members of the Courtenay Fire Department would like to thank all the members of the public who came down to support the fundraiser and the local charity.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

15

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Chronic Disease Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND Have you ever wondered why the body ages or why you seem to have less energy as you age? It turns out the answer lies deep within the cells in a tiny organelle called the mitochondria. They are the energy producers of the body. They turn our food into the fundamental fuel that drives cellular activity. It is in the mitochondria that carbohydrates, protein, and fat are metabolized, producing cellular energy called ATP. The ATP provide the energy to allow cells to do what they do; it keeps the brain working, fires muscles, repairs tissues, and more.

The more energy a certain tissue requires, the more mitochondria those cells contain. The brain and heart have the highest concentration of mitochondria because they require large amounts of oxygen and energy. The heart muscle is packed with mitochondria. Any dysfunction on the level of the mitochondria has a significant impact on the functioning of these

organs especially.

As we age, our mitochondria produce about 40% less ATP and therefore our organs feel the effects of decreased energy production.

Mitochondria get damaged over time.

The rate of their decline can be influenced by a number of lifestyle factors.

Malfunctioning at the level of the mitochondria has now been shown to be at the heart of a host of degenerative diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease; neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, as well as cancer.

Mitochondria dysfunction has also been shown to be related to chronic fatigue syndrome and has implications for affecting athletic performance.

Interventions to stabilize mitochondrial function and enhance ATP production will be the new medicine of the future.

The formation of ATP is dependent upon proper intake of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and plant based nutrients. Deficiencies of these nutrients can alter mitochondrial function. Antioxidants like Vitamins C, E and A protect the mitochondria. Other nutrients like resveratrol from grape skins, green tea EGCG and curcumin from tumeric also have strong protec-

tive effects.

Exercise protects the mitochondria as well. A well-trained athlete has more than twice the muscle mitochondria than a sedentary person. Exercise stimulates the production of more mitochondria in the cells thus providing an anti-aging effect, especially where we need it most: the brain and heart.

However, those protective mechanisms can be overwhelmed by additional sources of bodily stress, leaving the mitochondria susceptible to damage. A diet high in processed food and high in fat as well as excess alcohol can all damage the mitochondria.

Exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and some pharmaceuticals, like statin drugs for cholesterol, can damage mitochondria.

The heart has to produce 13 to 35 pounds of ATP per day to sustain its approximately 86,000 daily beats.

There has been extensive research to find ways to enhance mitochondrial function to maintain the ATP critical to heart function. In addition to exercise and high plant-based diets, natural medicines have been shown to help. CoEnzyme Q10 is a nutrient that fuels the pathway that makes ATP. In 2013, the European Society of Cardiology stated that it is the first

MEET OUR TEAM

Eric Toneff Eric is the owner of Toneff Funeral Services and is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Eric graduated from the Western School of Funeral Service (now called Canadian College of Funeral Service) in 1999, winning the BC Funeral Service Association, Academic Achievement Award for Dedication to Studies. In 2013 he was a finalist for Excellence in Customer Service and New Business of the Year awards. In his spare time Eric is actively involved as the Area Director for BC Minor Baseball covering from Nanaimo to Campbell River.

Emma Rimell Emma is a Licensed Funeral Director. She began her apprenticeship with Toneff Funeral Services in October 2012 through the Canadian College of Funeral Service.

Emma's dedication to studies has helped her become one of the top students in her class. She graduated in September 2014 and her academic achievement in the area of Funeral Law earned her the Arbor Jurisprudence Award. Emma spends her free time with her fur baby, a 6 month old French Bulldog named Teddy.

Dennis Richardson Dennis Richardson is the local area representative for Canada Purple Shield (Assurant Life of Canada) and is a Certified Pre-Planning Consultant (CPC). He has been assisting clients in the Financial Industry for over 35 years. Dennis was also a trust company manager, as an investment advisor for BMO Nesbitt Burns and as a Financial Planner with BMO Bank of Montreal. Dennis has been a Financial Planner since 1991 and has specific interest and experience in assisting clients with their Wills and Estates. Dennis enjoys spending his down time with his family and close friends.

“drug” to significantly improve heart failure in over a decade. This statement was based on research showing that there were very significant reductions in mortality in people with advanced heart failure who took CoEnzyme Q10. Magnesium and l-carnitine have also been shown to reduce death after heart attacks and more. In a recent Mayo Clinic review, acute heart patients who took L-Carnitine had a 27% reduction in all-cause mortality, a 65% reduction in arrhythmias, and a 40% reduction in angina symptoms.

Naturopathic physicians seek to understand the underlying cause of disease and use treatments that target those mechanisms. In the case of neurological disease, cancer, heart disease and more, interventions that repair mitochondrial function can help give the body the fuel it needs to promote healthy tissue function. There is so much more to health than managing symptoms with drugs. Take charge of your health with a great lifestyle and natural medicines.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who has had a natural family medical practice in downtown Courtenay since 1997. For more information call 250897-0235 or check out www.getwellhere. com.

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16

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

Cholesterol Testing is Growing Up New Ways to Assess Heart Risk Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of premature death in our society.

Many families are unfairly affected by this disease.

T h a n k f u l l y, modern science has graced us with more ways than ever to test for this illness, and traditional cholesterollowering drugs – called statins – are not the only way to treat it either. This is a huge step forward in the medical world, as physicians are now equipped with new means to keep this sudden, devastating illness from striking.

Homocysteine, a naturally-occurring amino acid found in blood, is among the more recently-discovered indicators of cardiovascular disease.

High concentrations of homocysteine can cause arterial damage, and are also linked to Alzheimer’s, autism, depression, and more. Normally, this is kept in check when the body’s methylation process breaks down the amino acid, but genetic defects, such as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency can affect this process, causing homocysteine levels to rise, and increasing the risk of disease. I advise my patients that the ideal homocysteine level is under seven micromoles per litre of blood (μmol/L), even though “normal” is widely considered to be under twelve micromoles. If your levels are high, taking certain forms of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 will effectively lower homocysteine, and reduce the risk of disease.

New methods are improving upon our traditional cholesterol testing as well. For example, doctors in BC are conventionally trained to focus on LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol testing, which is a measure of mass. This subtype of cholesterol can do damage to arteries. But what about the 50% of heat attach sufferers who have normal levels of LDL cholesterol? Thanks to recent advances in research, we now are able to do more in-depth tests to assess cardio-vascular risk.

Recent studies show that people with small and dense LDL particles have a threefold greater risk of heart

disease than those with larger particles.

These tiny particles in fact cause the most damage, because they are more susceptible to oxidation. Oxidized cholesterol inflames the arteries, creates plaque and encourages the formation of blood clots. So if your LDL is high, and your doctor recommends taking statin drugs, you might want to find out which kind of LDL you have first. Your triglyceride levels may help you find out – if they’re high, you are more likely to have the smaller, more damaging type of LDL. I also recommend that my patients use Berkeley Heart Labs’ specialized Ion Mobility testing to find their particle size, and measure their true risk.

With all this in mind, LDL assessments are beginning to focus more on the size and number of these particles, rather than their mass. The Framingham Offspring study in New England – a well-known cardiology experiment – proved traditional LDL mass testing to be incomplete at best. It showed that testing the LDL particle number, not mass is a superior predictor of cardiovascular events. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Canadian Diabetes Association now recommend Apolipoprotein B testing – a blood marker that reveals LDL particle quantity. All these lifesaving tests can be performed by your naturopathic physician, and some by your conventional medical doctor.

Knowing your risk factors may be the motivator you need to make the changes necessary to lower your chances of heart disease. Exercise is an excellent way to improve all cholesterol markers. Interestingly, reducing refined carbohydrates and losing weight, but not reducing dietary fat, have the most favourable effects on LDL particle size and ApolipoproteinB. Managing blood sugar will have these effects as well.

Working with a naturopathic physician or a nutritionist to help you incorporate lasting, healthy diet changes into your lifestyle may be the prescription you need to change your risk profile, and create the life you want! So take charge of your vitality by monitoring your risk factors, and taking the steps you can to optimize your health.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who has practised natural family medicine in downtown Courtenay since 1997. Her office can be reached at 250 8970235 or via http://getwellhere.com

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

17

How Will I Know?(Asking yourself those all important questions) The changes that accompany the aging process can have ripple effects into so many areas of our lives that knowing when to make a decision about change can become overwhelming. Do I get a smaller vehicle, or stop driving altogether? Should I move closer to family? Am I really as hard of hearing as my spouse insists? Do I need more help than I am willing to admit? At any stage of life we can start to cling to the familiar things and circumstances that are a source of comfort when unexpected change interrupts our perception of normality.

While we all need to give ourselves time to adapt and adjust to unplanned changes, it can be dangerous to our

health and well-being when we use it as an excuse to stay in a lifestyle that no longer enhances and nourishes our physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Most of us say we would prefer to “stay home” as we age. We get comfortable with our environment and routines, and the thought of making a big change can just be plain overwhelming. “I’ll just stay here where I am so comfortable” or “I can still manage” becomes the refrain.

But if you have a niggling suspicion that “still managing” is not providing you with the very best for you and your family, here are some questions to ask yourself: 1. Do I get lonely or bored a lot?

2. Does my social life revolve around

television?

3. Is my circle of friends and social connections shrinking?

4. Could I use more exercise?

5. Are home maintenance, housework & chores a burden and/or expense I no longer need?

6. Do I avoid driving at night, or should I stop driving?

7. Is my home too big? Too difficult to navigate? Too far from amenities?

8. Am I caring for a spouse that is wearing me out?

9. Do I eat really well for optimum nutrition? Do I get enough hydration?

10. Do I eat alone most of the time?

11. Do I worry about needing help and

not getting assistance?

12. Am I relying too much on family and friends to do things for me?

13. Is it a burden for them? Have I talked frankly with them about it?

If you answered ‘yes’ to even one of these questions, it could be a good indication that now is the time to start making plans to move to a different and more supportive lifestyle.

Is 2015 the year you’re going to get some “life” back in your life, in an environment and lifestyle that encourages, supports, and helps you live the best possible life you can? How will you know?

Linda Rutherford Berwick Comox Valley

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18

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

ElderCollege Winter Semester info day January 24 ElderCollege is celebrating its fifteenth year year in the Comox Valley. Hundreds and hundreds of volunteers have put time and effort into offering anyone 55 or older a great variety of courses and lectures during those years. This winter semester is no exception! We are offering 62 courses; some are 8 weeks long, some 4 weeks, and many one day courses as well.

We are holding an Information Forum on Saturday, January 24, from 10-12 in the Stan Hagen Theatre at North Island College. Each course leader will give a brief description of the course they are giving, and is the perfect opportunity to help decide which courses to take. You do not have to be a member to attend, but membership ($10.50 annually) is required to register for courses.

Registration starts at 9am, Monday, January 26 and is on-going until classes are full. You may register in person at the college, or online at www.nic.bc.ca/ec. You can

also check out our newsletter, which has descriptions of each course by going to the same web site. Newsletters are also available at the libraries, most seniors centres and coffee shops.

Courses range in price from $10.50 for a one day course, $21 for a four week course, and $34.65 for the eight week courses. The Saturday Lecture Series this semester is “Crime and Punishment - Canadian Style”.

In this series we will learn about traditions and principles that underpin the Canadian criminal justice system, what makes it unique, and how laws are made. The lectures start Saturday, January 31, and regular courses start the week of February 2.

If you are 55 or older, please join us for our Winter semester at ElderCollege, where the learning process is lively, full of discussion and humour. There are no exams, no grades, and no pressure! For more information, please phone 250-334-5000 (Local 4602).

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

19

Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Senior Peer Counsellors are a special bunch of seniors. In addition to their own busy and full lives, these individuals, numbering more than 60 in the Comox Valley, take at least an hour of their time each week to visit an isolated, lonely peer, providing conversation, encouragement and support. Some have more than one client.

Some act in the capacity of volunteer Intake Coordinator, paying the initial home visit to get to know the senior wanting support and to help ensure a good volunteer visitor match is made.

In addition to the friendly visits, each volunteer commits to two volunteer meetings a month. This ensures that members of the group stay connected to each other and it also supports the ‘learning organization’ culture that is

an important part of the Society. Members learn and receive support from each other as they deal with complex issues and, each month, a guest speaker helps the volunteers deepen their knowledge and fine tune their support skills. All of this is achieved within an atmosphere of mutual appreciation, trust and confidentiality.

Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling was conceived in 1984 and got itself established soon after as a volunteer group of committed seniors dedicated to helping improve the lives of vulnerable valley seniors. It ran as an ad hoc group for about 10 years finally becoming incorporated as a federally registered Canadian charitable organization in 1995. Throughout its history, Senior Peer Counselling has

SMILE WITH CONFIDENCE Dentures can improve your facial appearance and self-confidence, especially if you have been missing a number of teeth over an extended period of time.

By replacing missing teeth dentures can help you speak better, improve the chewing of most foods, and restore a naturallooking smile. After a period of adjustments, proper fitting dentures will be comfortable, ultimately boosting your self-esteem.

Through modern technology , prosthesis can be made to closely duplicate or even improve on what Mother Nature has given us. A Denturist has the ability

and training to fabricate from beginning to end, customized prosthesis to suit patients individual needs. Services can include dental appliances ranging from 1-2 tooth “flipper”, acrylic or cast frame partials, full dentures, and implant supported dentures.

A unanimous agreement from all involved in the Dental profession can be wrapped up in one statement: Everyone feels and looks better if they have a nice smile. A sense of well-being and confidence are achieved when people are happy with their appearance.

Ruth Ewert, Denturist

always offered its services for free and the organization has largely been run by volunteers. This has not changed in 30 years.

Today Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling focuses its support in a couple of areas: Friendly Visiting and Caregiver Support. Seniors providing full time care to their spouse are often invisible and their special needs misunderstood. The academic research that has been done on caregivers warns about deep and chronic fatigue, isolation, emotional and psychological distress, financial challenges, and a general lack of relevant programs and services available to caregivers. Senior

Peer Counselling facilitates three different monthly groups for female caregivers and one for male caregivers. In addition to this, phone support, or an in-home visit may also be an option. A popular respite bowling program provides a break each week for the caregiver and a recreational opportunity for their loved one.

To become a Senior Peer Counsellor (or Peer Support Worker – the term we prefer), a short training is required as is a criminal record check. If you are interested in learning more about the Society, give us a call: 250-871-5940 / E-mail: seniorpeercounselling@shaw. ca

Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Offering emotional support to lonely, isolated seniors.

We also offer emotional support for caregivers.

If you are a senior who would like some friendly support, give us a call.

If you are a senior who would like to provide emotional support to another senior, call to find out when our next training is.

All services are confidential and free.

491-B 4th Street, Courtenay, 250-871-5940 seniorpeercounselling@shaw.ca

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

Freedom from Pain – At any age Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND If you are retired, these are your years and you should enjoy them without unnecessary nagging pain. For many people, old injuries, arthritis or back pain can get in the way of fully enjoying this stage of life. Thousands of people world wide have enjoyed pain relief and improved quality of life thanks to new advances in laser therapy The good news for pain sufferers is that with the painless approach of laser light therapy, rapid healing occurs.

Dramatic healing can be seen when laser light is applied to wounds such as diabetic leg ulcers, large bruises, burns and other stubborn wounds. The same tissue healing can be felt for people suffering from tendonitis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, ligament issues, disc herniation, nerve pain, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, post surgical recovery and more. There have been over 2,500 scientific studies done on laser light therapy over 50 years. For example, the Cochrane medical review confirmed that 5 well designed studies concluded that laser therapy was an effective treatment for back pain.

General Motors did a study on carpal tunnel syndrome showing a quicker return to work when laser therapy was used and other studies showed an 84%

success rate with carpal tunnel syndrome. A meta-analysis of 35 placebo controlled studies demonstrated that laser therapy reduced pain and increased mobility in osteoarthritis of the knee.

Studies comparing the effect of various physiotherapy machines on osteoarthritis of the knee showed that laser therapy had the greatest short and long term pain relieving effect. Excellent results are being achieved particularly with new breakthroughs in the technology. The laser machine available now have nine laser beams per treatment head, enabling faster and more powerful treatment of larger areas than the traditional older, single laser units.

This technology enhances healing of tissues, thus creating long term effects.

It bathes tissue with photons. Photons are particles of energy that are absorbed by cells and ramp up a number of positive healing responses. In essence, light energy is converted into biochemical energy. The therapeutic light beam permits penetration of deep tissues without adversely affecting normal cells. The body’s natural healing processes are enhanced and tissues heal. Laser therapy doesn`t just mask the pain, it accelerates the healing process and treats the injured tissue in a lasting fashion. Numerous scientific studies have pinpointed the mechanism by which it speeds healing, such as increasing the fuel within the cell (ATP) by 300%, improving blood supply, and enhancing cell replication.

Dr. Macdonald’s clinic uses a state-ofthe-art laser machine called the Theralase-1000 which is used by

thousands of practitioners worldwide. is a naturopathic physician with a natural This type of cold laser therapy is family medical practice in downtown painless, highly effective and there are Courtenay. www.getwellhere.com no known serious side effects.

So if you are TM looking forward to a retirement filled with traveling, golf, gardening ACUPUNCTURE and more, make sure that your body gets all the NATURAL & CHINESE MEDICINE help it needs to let you 20 years of experience successfully treating: live life to the fullest.

To find out more about Osteo-Arthritic Joints, Shoulders, Back, Hip & Knees, Digestive, Respiratory, Circulation, Fatigue & Immune, laser therapy, call for a Facial Rejuvenation, Stroke, Paralysis, Spinal Stenosis, complimentary 15 minute introductory evaluation with Dr. Macdonald at 8971842B Comox Ave.250.941.8777•www.EvolveWithDesera.com 0235. Dr. Deidre Macdonald

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Our Boomer’s Week package includes an all-day lift ticket, a group lesson and a delicious lunch.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY. JANUARY 23, 2015

21

ECHO

EXTRA

Futurist fascinated by online economies Guru talks wearable tech, freelancer.com and the usefulness of digital devices

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Nik Badminton spends his days thinking about how the global workforce is transforming before our eyes. The Brit who migrated to Canada’s West Coast runs freelancer.com in North America and is convinced the digital age will be a positive one for people in both urban and rural Canada.

He first tested out the power of the internet back in 1993 before studying artificial intelligence and linguistics at school.

But for someone billed as a futurist and a tech lover, you might be surprised to hear he ditched Facebook a few months ago.

Badminton, who is now based in Vancouver, will hit the Comox Valley Jan. 26 to hold Western Canada’s first Freelancer. com workshop. He’s excited to return to the community he’s often visited to see friends or take part in the roller derby scene, and can’t wait to help Valley residents get a handle on how to launch an online business.

The Echo had a chance to chat with Badminton about everything from wearable technology to Facebook’s invasive influence in our lives.

I find that to be the most compelling use of the internet connecting people to get work done.

This is about changing lives” NIK BADMINTON Freelancer.com founder

Q: How did you originally get involved in digital technology and thinking about the future?

A: I actually started programming a computer at about the age of 10. I started playing games on the computer about the same time as well.

I’ll be honest, these days I’m a terrible programmer, but I was very good when I was a teenager. I really got into that.

Those were the early days of computing so there wasn’t a lot of resources available.

Q: What aspect of the internet interests you most?

A: I think it’s the idea that you can create an economy. At freelancer. com we talk about having a country online. We’ve got about 14.2 million users. That makes it bigger than Greece. We’ve got our own economy

Nik Badminton presents a workshop, and public talk, in Courtenay on Monday, Jan. 26 online of like 247 different countries feeding into a centralized place to do work together.

We like to say we’re the eBay of jobs. I find that to be the most compelling use of the internet – connecting people to get work done. This is about changing lives.

We’ve been able to con-

nect people in countries where they survive on $10 or less per day and connect them so they can work at $10 or more per hour, buy houses and put their kids through school.

Q: How is technology changing the global workforce?

A: We’re coming into the next few years when there’s going to be the $2 trillion contingent workforce economy.

We’ve got more and more people realizing the jobs that they do are temporary. We don’t think there’s a job for life anymore.

We also think the job

that you have isn’t the only job you’re likely to have at any one point.

Q: Is technology allowing marginalized people to get ahead? Or is it simply putting more tools at the disposal of the people who already have the power?

(Continued on page 22)

22

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

ECHO

etc.

A Gallery is an artist-run multigenre place dedicated to the promotion of Canadian and international contemporary art.

We are a volunteer-run group.

BABYSITTERS COURSE JAN 25 ONE LAST SHOW ON TONIGHT A Gallery presents “One Last Show” featuring Music, Poetry and Visual Arts by Chris Crowder & Friends.

Opening one night only: Friday, January 23rd, 4 - 8 pm. Open to the general public and free admission.

Location: 515 Duncan Ave (upstairs, between 5th & 6th Streets), Courtenay.

Chris Crowder - Curator, artist FMI: 250-338-2231

This course is for kids who are 10 years of age (turning 11 by August) and older. They will learn important child care skills; safety tips for children of all ages; how to cope with common problems, like tantrums and crying. They will also learn what to do if anything makes them uncomfortable while babysitting as well as some great games and other ideas for having fun with children while babysitting. Learn how to handle emergencies and basic first aid in this Canadian Red Cross Babysitter’s Course held at the

Black Creek Community Centre on Sunday January 25th from 8am-5pm. Call the Centre to register now 250-337-5190 $65

MESSIANIC PASTOR SPEAKING Jacques Gabizon, a Messianic Pastor from Montreal will be speaking on the topic Christ in the Nine Feasts of Israel.

Come and hear this dynamic speaker as he explores how the Messiah was prophesied through the ancient feasts of Israel. 7:30 - 9:00 pm, Friday Jan 23rd at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 425 Stewart St., Comox.

By donation. For more information, please call 250-8987567.

He’s also speaking Saturday Jan 24th 9:30 am to noon and at the 540 Express - a contemporary

Futurist shares his thoughts (Continued from page 21) A: We still live in a world where there’s about four billion people without any connection to the internet at all. What Richard Branson, OneWeb, Internet.org and all these people are trying to do is actually get connections to those people. As soon as those people have the opportunity to jump online they have the opportunity to do some work. We have amazing case studies of people telling us how we’ve changed their lives – everything from putting food on the table to building million dollar businesses in India. You’ve got people in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan actually hiring Canadians.

Q: To what extent are our lives becoming governed by these interesting algorithms that propagate these various platforms many of us are participating in even if we don’t understand what’s behind the curtain?

A: There’s a simple truth in this world. If you log into something and it’s free, you can be guaranteed someone’s making money from the interactions you have on that platform. That’s a very simple thing that people need to realize.

It all seems a little clandestine.

Q: How can we guard against the automatic closing of our technological horizons by companies trying to make money off our attention?

A: The biggest choice you can make is to not be involved. It’s very hard. I actually deleted my Facebook account four months ago very purposefully. I no longer wanted Facebook to make money from my interactions and my network.

We’re in the economy of “free is great.”

But it’s not really free.

Q: Google Glass was met with a frosty reception, and the first line of glasses has already been discontinued. Are we really seeing the reinvention of the human body as we know it, or just a passing marketing fad?

A: Google Glass isn’t dead. It won’t be dead. It’s going to come back probably with a new form factor, probably with a new way that it’s used on the body. It’s going to be used in medicine and industrial applications.

Q: Let’s say wearable tech does take

off – what happens when technology becomes so good it outpaces our own abilities? Do people start opting for the Google Arm or the Microsoft Foot?

A: We’re in a situation where prosthetic limbs are actually used on people who have lost their limbs or were never born with those limbs. There’s a whole new development in exoskeletons. Last year at the beginning of the World Cup in Brazil, the first kick of the first game was done from the sidelines by a guy who’s a paraplegic wearing an exoskeleton that he told to kick the ball with an EEG (electroencephalogram) helmet on his head. This is a huge leap forward. But there’s still a long way to go.

Q: It’s a lot of fun to think about where the future will take us and how technology could shape our future, but for the average person that still has to get up and go to a job – say ringing clothes and groceries through the till at Walmart – how useful are these developments really?

A: That’s where we come back to what’s practical for people. This is where freelancer.com comes back into play. It’s about giving people the opportunity to not just have to work at the checkout, or just do more manual labour. I left school with nothing. I was really good at computers, but back in the day they weren’t omnipresent. I actually used to deliver milk for a living.

I did that for about two or three years before I realized I could get back into the world of computers. I don’t actually know what I’d be doing for a living if I hadn’t gotten back into the computer world.

- This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Daytime Workshop: Strategic planning for global freelance economy Time: 1-4 p.m., Jan. 26 Location: Sid Williams Theatre, Lower Lounge, 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC Evening Presentation: Entrepreneurs & the Future of Work in a Global Marketplace Time: 7-9 p.m., January 26 Location: Stan Hagen Theatre, North Island College, 2300 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC Go to WeAreYQQ.ca for more information and to buy tickets.

Christian worship service on Saturday evenings at 5:40 pm.

CLOWN CLUB MEETS MONDAY Calling all clowns and want-to-be clowns: The Comox Valley Clown Club is meeting Monday, January 26th, 1 pm at the Lewis Centre.

Please come “in clown” to honor Harry! Bring an instrument and join in the newest for the clowns, “ the clown band”.

Remember, clowning keeps people young.

ROBBIE BURNS NIGHT IN DODGE This Friday, January 23rd, The Dukes of Dodge will celebrate their 5th annual Robbie Burns Bash at the Cumberland Hotel, complete with kilts, haggis, bagpipes, scotch, music, poetry and of course flaming caber tossing! Dance a jig. No cover, show starts at 9 pm.

RUSSIAN PASSION FROM DUO Take a bowl full of thrilling music, mix it with heart-gripping stories, add touches of passion,

dashes of humour and sprinkles of outlandish hats, and you have the delicious “Russia: Love It or Leave It” being presented at the United Mennonite Church, 2277 Enns Road in Black Creek, on Sunday, January 25 at 1:30 p.m.

The artists: Calvin Dyck, virtuosic violinist, gifted storyteller, wearer of many hats, and well-known in the area as the popular concertmaster of the Vancouver Island Symphony, will be joined by gifted pianist Betty Suderman in a program filled with beautiful, energizing and exciting music of Russia and the Ukraine.

A tasty program: From Gypsy and powerful Russian favourites to familiar classics, Calvin and Betty captivate the audience with the dramatic and tantalizing Dark Eyes; highlights from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet; the gentle Vocalise; passionate Lara’s Theme from Dr. Zhivago; music

by Stravinsky and Beethoven; and Vehrlos und Werlassen.

A toe-tapping topping: Calvin (wearing the appropriate hat) and Betty conclude this luscious concert with the vibrant Czardas.

“I just love Gypsy music,” said Calvin. “It’s in my blood!”

Celebration Singers could use a few more tenor and bass voices The Celebration Singers are off and singing for another season.

If you would like to be a member of this dynamic group keep reading.

This 70-strong non- auditioned community choir meets each Monday night from 7 - 9 PM at Mark Isfeld School with director Jenn Forsland. Jenn shapes the choir with her excellent instructional ability and spirited rapport.

Once again she has selected an eclectic repertoire of beautiful music with selections from Bruce Cockburn, Stan

Rogers, the Beatles, Brian Tate and many others. In March the choir will participate in a local music clinic with composer and director Brian Tate.

With his joyful approach and comprehensive understanding of choral singing it is bound to be a great experience.

Though we are now underway, the choir would welcome late registrations from tenor or bass voices as it works to balance the sections. Please call Kelly at 250 - 338 8971 for more information, or come to our next Monday night practice.

Exotic tahiti, hawaii & morE Dave Frinton co-founder / President CruisePlus

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f you are happy with a desirable oceanview stateroom, I have a very good deal on our 34 night package on April 13th. For $4399 CAD pp we fly you from Vancouver, you’ll have one night at a four star San Diego hotel, and then you board the 1250 passenger ms Statendam for your tropical cruise. Ports include Hilo, Lahaina, Fanning Island, 6 Tahitian islands, and then up the coast via Port Angeles to Vancouver.

The price includes your air, a $100 per stateroom onboard credit and all taxes – which adds up to great value for over a month relaxing in the sun and being very spoiled at sea!

We had a tremendous response to our Vancouver to Sydney 27 day package departing September 29th aboard the ms Noordam. $4999 CAD pp includes the 25 night cruise in a high category balcony stateroom, a $100 per stateroom shipboard credit, 2 nights in Sydney, air back to Vancouver and all taxes. This promotion will expire soon, so if this interests you, please call us.

The April 19th ms Noordam spring Panama Canal cruise I mentioned last week for $3899 CAD pp deserves another plug too! You receive

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your air from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale, 1 night (4 star) hotel, the 19 night cruise with a $200 US per stateroom onboard credit and all taxes for a very nice high category balcony stateroom.

If you’re thinking shorter vacations, our best offers include spring Vegas and/or San Diego & Coastal getaways starting at $999 CAD all in, and there are lots of Spring/Summer 7 day and longer Alaska options.

Please call CruisePlus at 250-390-0220 or toll free at 1-877-722-2202 for more information on any cruise. We are proud to provide noticeably better pricing and superb advice & service from our team of non-commissioned travel consultants.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com

CODES COUNTRY LANES

Bowling highlights from Codes Country Lanes: Monday AM - Barb Lane 212, Roy Brekke 201, Bob VanNes 204, Pat King 206, Tricia Turnbull 189, Marie Israel 280, Heather Abraham 185, Joyce Slater 173.

Monday 12:30 - Bill Tower 189, Marg Moore 187, Ruth Johnson 216, Ben Braun 286, Rita Grill 196, Erma Wilson 211, Shirley Evans 172, Lucille Smith 181.

Monday Youth - Brycen Burgess 125, William Derksen 164, Benoit Rousseau 106, Celine Rousseau 112, Lucien Rousseau 121, Morgan Grout 104.

Tuesday Ladies - Barb Randall 217, Barb Potruff 251, Laurie McWillis 206, Jane Wedge 192, Shirley Webb 187, Sylvia Vandervliet 179.

Tuesday Adult - George Ghinis 211, Brian Booth 273, John West 213, Cindy Eckstein 195, Cynthia Taylor 208, Lynda Brundige 185, John Graff 239, Steve Robson 275.

Wednesday 9:30 - Andre Melancon 215, Minnie Frame 195, Aggie Aucoin 227, Laurie Aucoin 287, Laura Webber 174, Yvonne Melancon 182, Paul Riley 223, Dave Stacey 221, Grace Coulter 197, Pat Ailles 185, Nick Tjart 227, Ria Tjart 191.

Tuesday/Wednesday CRA - Justine Johnson 122, Brian Mitchell 172, Leona Wagner 159, Sherri Butts 125, Allison Bennett 156, Michael Campbell 222, Tiffinee Nicol 130, Larry McCooey 148, Russell Enright 152, Debbie Downer 180.

Wednesday Adult - Donna 174, Kevin 206, John West 201, Matt 210, Barb Pottruff 202, Gord Pottruff 246, Tom Nurse 215, Sandy Nurse 215, Brian Booth 243, Louise Bundschuh 215, Doris Smith 198, Tannis Pond 203, Al Gavel 227, Ken Bird 230, Rick Granneman 208.

Thursday Golden Age - Kathy Lanyon 177, Bob VanNes 207, Bea Tomkinson 221, Linda Jeffrey 186, Pat King 198, Sharon Shepherd 211.

Thursday Adult - Rick Granneman 208, Lorne Sutcliff 192, Dawn Hill 221, Dave Stacey 215,

Chris Roberge 253, Paul Zorz 210, Andrew Stubbing 251, Anne Bodnar 250, Steve Robson 291, Aggie Aucoin 254, Lorne King 219, Duwanee Granneman 204, CANDACE McLELLAN 330.

Friday GA - Gerry VanAchte 204, Ed Tanner 195, Roy Brekke 260, Beryl Peplow 197, Gerhard Sorger 224, Joyce Unsworth 186, Millie McCharles 170, Anna Delucry 185, Ev Andrews 194.

Special O - Chris Gillis 204, Mike Thames 183, Terry Daniels 257, Colin Wells 213, Jamie Bennett 190, Morgan Bell 166, Jesse Anderson 106, Mary Wells 174, Rachel Anderson 96, Bobby Bolen 176, Mathew Strachin 172, John Vincent 113, Lindsey Clayton 120, Larry McCooey 193, Clint McColl 158, Marilyn Shetterly 197.

FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

23

Have ski fun for a great cause Annual event for MS at Mt. Washington features fun, food Are you a skier or snowboarder who knows someone affected by multiple sclerosis?

If you answered yes, then you should come to Ski for MS on Sunday, January 25th at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Register online at www.msski.ca or by phone at 250-339-0819

and receive everything you need to get started fundraising. Registered participants who raise the pledge minimum for their age group will receive a free lift pass or Nordic ski pass for Jan. 25th, lunch at the Hawk Dog Stand, a Ski for MS memento, entry to our Vertical Challenge a fun endurance event, and the chance to win

some great prizes donated from throughout the community.

After a great day on the mountain, join us at 3:30 for a quick wrap up ceremony to find out how much money was raised and maybe claim a great draw prize!

The pledge minimums are: · Adult (19 - 64) $150 · Student (19 - 64)

$125 · Senior (65+) $125 · Youth (13 - 18) $125 · Child (7 - 12) $100 We will be holding 50/50 draws throughout the day and The GOAT and 2Day FM will be on site with great music.

Funds raised at this event will be used to provide local programs and services for people affected by MS.

Valley Bridge News Comox Valley Duplicate Bridge Results Monday, January 12 A 1: Pete Marinus - Linda Marinus 2: Jack Bradshaw - Carole Bradshaw B 1: Howard Cohen Dave Mosher 2: Bob Dugas - Dave Livingstone C 1: Tom Dugdale - John Biehl Thursday, January 15 A 1: Arlene Petersen Ann Cook 2: Pete Marinus - Jill McLaren B 1: Frieda Home - Marilyn Hannah 2: John Godfrey - Tom Dugdale C 1: Frieda Home - Marilyn Hannah 2: Myrna Horley - Douglas Nash Our club is located on Nordin Street across from the Comox Mall under the newly renovated Museum and Art Gallery.

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

Our Website is www. cvdbc.com and our email is playbridge@shaw.ca.

For more information, please contact Linda Mari-

2.00%

Don’t hibernate this winter - get up, get active!

BY DAWN STEVENS Active CV Coordinator With the onset of winter, many people find it challenging to keep active as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. But there are many ways to keep fit - indoors, or on snow or ice: Develop a family or ‘workout buddy’ action plan - decide what activities you enjoy doing together; have fun tracking your progress, routes, distances or steps Rent sports equipment - skates, snowshoes, or cross-country skis for a day, check out our free snowshoes at the lending library.

Walk the trails or beach with the kids and take

**

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Great rates get you started.

Great people actually get you there.

Talk to an account manager about your retirement plans at 470 Puntledge Road in Courtenay.

P: 250.334.8888 cwbank.com/retirement Rates subject to change without notice and available only in-branch. *WestEarner® TFSA Account only. Interest calculated daily and paid monthly. ** Interest compounded annually, paid at maturity, minimum $500 deposit.

part in a garbage clean-up Check out your local recreation centre for indoor family fun (indoor ping pong, squash, open gym) Go tobogganing or snow tubing (remember to walk up the mountain, don’t take the tow!)

Explore the community - walk, hike or cycle new routes or trails (visit www.activecomoxvalley. ca/activities to download ACV’s “12 Great Places to Get Active” maps) Try curling, broomball or dodge ball Take an aqua fit class, try water running or just go to family swim times Join a dance class with a friend - try salsa, belly dancing or hip hop Rent or borrow a yoga or pilates video (Active Comox Valley has a lend-

14308.44 17515.23 1289.30 0.8083

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nus at (250) 338-2544.

D’Esterre Duplicate Bridge Results for Tuesday, Jan. 13 (12 tables): N/S - 1. Phil Sandford and Maureen Olafson; 2. Tom Dugdale and Jeanette Baron; 3. Diane McKinnon and Joan Erickson; 4. Jim Lucas and Clarke Graham.

E/W - 1. Roy Hagg and Keith Ware; 2. Art Morgan and George Law; 3. Howie Cohen and Sharon Feduniak; 4. Dave Livingston and Maxine Gonen.

Results for Friday, Jan. 16 (12 tables): N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Evelyn Ware; 2. Art Morgan and George Law; 3. Tom Dugdale and Dianna Rickson; 4. Phil Sanford and Maureen Olafson.

E/W - 1. Bob Dugas and Jim Lucas; 2. Daphne Welsh and Karin Franzen; 3. George and Trish Kirkwood; 4. Phyllis Taylor and Maureen Taylor.

Results for Saturday, Jan. 17 (10 tables): N/S - 1. Diane McKinnon and Ruby Paulson; 2. Dianna Rickson and Sharon Hysert; 3. John and Lynn Godfrey; 4. Clark Graham and John Petzinger.

E/W - 1. Dick and Lynn Sangster; 2. Irene Smith and Betty Fountain 3. Pete and Glenda McGrath; 4.

Maureen Taylor and Phyllis Taylor.

1.05% 1.50% 2.06% 2.40%

HOME TRUST COMPANY HOME TRUST COMPANY HOME TRUST COMPANY

1yr: 1.850% 3 yr: 2.150% 5 yr: 2.450%

ing library of DVD’s and fitness equipment which can be borrowed for free by calling the CV Sports Centre at (250) 334-9622, extension 233 Reduce inactive “zoneout” time - get outside and enjoy some fresh air instead (note: if your kids are so inclined to play video games then borrow Active Comox Valley’s Wii-Sports consoles - they can challenge you and you’re guaranteed to work up a sweat!)

No matter what the weather, look for ways to try something new and get your body moving.

You’ll beat the winter blues and you’ll feel fantastic!

For more information about Active Comox Valley, visit www.activecomoxvalley.ca or call (250)

75.41 50.43.95 61.64 57.41 43.15 34.93 28.78 7.41 26.04 37.09 52.96 14.64 17.01

Philip Shute Vice President

Investment Advisor

38.97 17.86 47.36 28.70

Commissions, trailing commissions, management tees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Rates and prices as of Jan. 20, 2015 . Rates and prices subject to change and availability. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2015 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved.

24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

Local folk-pop singer Hutchison to celebrate new release Jan. 24 Comox Valley’s folkpop singer and songwriter Heather Hutchison will be performing at The Little Red Church in Comox to celebrate the release of “Where the Ocean Meets the Sand,” a five-song EP that chronicles the time she spent living in Peru.

The fabulous group of musicians from across Canada who played on the recording will be returning for this special evening of songs and stories Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Former Comox resident and Canadian Folk Music Award winner Trent Freeman will open the show.

Tickets can be purchased online at www. heather-hutchison.com at a reduced cost, or at the door the night of the concert.

“Where the Ocean Meets the Sand,” Hutchison’s third release, tells tales of being lost and finding one’s self in small ways.

Blind since birth, Hutchison tells of her life in Peru and the struggles she faced upon her return to Canada from a unique perspective.

Recorded on Vancouver Island by Jayme Langen (WiL, Georgia Murray), some of Canada’s finest musicians bring these songs to life with an exquisite blend of intricacy and intimacy.

Hutchison has accomplished a great deal since

Annual train show this weekend The Museum at Campbell River is hosting the amazing annual Tracks and Trains Show on Saturday, January 24 (noon to 5 pm) and Sunday, January 25 (noon to 4 pm).

Thousands of people have seen this show over the years and it never fails to impress.

Operating HO Scale trains and Garden Scale trains from the North

Island Model Railroaders will be on display. Incredible arrangements of equipment, scenery and miniature buildings will all be available for ‘looking and learning’.

According to member Bill Van Bergen, “We encourage anyone with an interest in model trains to come out and ask questions. We love to share our knowledge with the com-

munity.”

In addition, the ‘Icats’ (Island Construction and Trucking Show) will be operating their radio controlled equipment. Plus, the electric Lego Train will be back!

The cost for all of this is only $7.00 per person or $20.00 for the whole family. Kids under six are free. FMI: Call the Museum at 287-3103.

Celebrate Robbie Burns at the Zo Heather Hutchison to feature new release “Where the Ocean Meets the Sand” at The Little Red Church in Comox Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. releasing her first EP of original material, “Hello” in 2005 at only 16 years of age.

She has gained experience performing in all manner of venues such as concert halls, theatres, clubs and outdoor stages from North to South America, with many performances broadcast on television and radio.

Hutchison’s work continues to garner positive reviews from industry critics, and she has performed and recorded with a number of Canadian music veterans.

She also holds a diploma in jazz and contemporary music performance.

To learn more, please visit www.heather-hutchison.com.

Come all ye lads and lassies to the Zocalo Café to celebrate the Scottish Bard Robbie Burns on Saturday January 25th.

Yes, there will be the traditional haggis with roast beef and dessert as well as poetry and a piper! What a deal for only $20. Reservations are recommended.

Traditional Celtic music will be provided by The Black Swan fiddlers.

Music starts at 7:00. If you like Celtic music and

you want the pure drop, what better way to celebrate Robbie Burns Day than with traditional foot tapping Celtic polkas, jigs and reels.

Michael Harrison, our new vocalist, will delight you with his rendition of soulful ballads.

The Black Swan Fiddlers consist of fiddlers, Caillie Gregory, Madelaine Guimond, Raven Lees, Mya Willaimson with Paul Gervais on guitar, Jeff Buttle-

worth on mandolin. David Stevenson keeps it all together on fiddle, flute and penny whistle.

The Black Swan Fiddlers have been keeping the traditional Celtic music tradition alive and well in the Comox Valley for 7 years.

The Black Swan Fiddlers are based at the Long and McQuade Music store.

Contact David Stevenson 250 890-0297

Good hearing, poor comprehension?

The number of people who can hear well, but can’t understand what’s being said, is increasing. This is most evident in conversations and watching television. A newlydeveloped hearing chip is designed to restore speech comprehension without being noticeable in the ear.

A lot of people have poor comprehension, though they actually still hear well. It becomes noticeable in conversation, watching television and asking family to repeat what’s been said. A potential cause can be undetected loss in the high-frequency range. This means the sensory cells in the cochlea that hear high-range sounds are damaged as a result of circulatory disorders, diabetes, sudden hearing loss or workplace noise. Hearing loss in the highfrequency range makes speech sound muffled and unclear. The person with hearing loss mixes up, or can no longer hear, consonants like s, f, t, k, h and g.

Speech comprehension is particularly impaired when there is background noise or when television programs have background music. The dilemma is that people with hearing loss in the high-frequency range do not

Ginette van Wijngaarden, at Connect Hearing, advises people with hearing loss on the new hearing chip, together with her colleagues. consider themselves to have a hearing problem. They can hear deep tones with no issue, and often put difficulty understanding speech down to unclear pronunciation. However, the time soon comes when problems with comprehension become annoying.

A new hearing chip has been developed.

and speech comprehension analysis is done. Where inner-ear damage is present, a software program analyzes the difference relative to normal hearing. These values are then input into the new Venture hearing chip in the Audéo V, which precisely takes into account and balances the frequency range of the person being tested. The test phase in particular is designed to clarify how speech comprehension can be improved in various situations and what role a new technology called “Autosense OS” plays. The chip recognizes where the person being spoken to is located and amplifies only his or her voice, while ambient noise is lowered and the optimum hearing programs are seamlessly adjusted. Thanks to several synchronous microphones, the hearing system can detect sound in all directions and select the direction that speech is coming from within milliseconds. According to Swiss researchers, this significantly augments speech comprehension, especially in conversation.

Swiss audiologists have developed a new hearing chip that restores speech comprehension, particularly with hearing loss in the high-frequency range. People can test the new Audéo Interested people can register for a V system by Phonak simply by calling no-obligation demonstration of the now to do so. First, a hearing test Audéo V by calling 888.408.7377

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Rewards available to CAA Members. *Registered under the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. No fees and no purchase necessary. Complimentary Hearing Evaluations are only applicable for customers over 50 years of age. See clinic for details. ®CAA and CAA logo trademarks owned by, and use is granted by, the Canadian Automobile Association. ™CAA Rewards is used by the Canadian Automobile Association. VAC, WCB accepted.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

25

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0

down payment Δ

Includes “Half Price Payments” credit. $24 weekly payment amount includes $1,500 Half Price Payments Credit. Payments are based on 2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F) 84-month financing. After 62 weekly payments at $24, the weekly payments will increase to $48Δ Half Price Payments Credit may alternatively be taken as a one time lump sum payment.§

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2015

$

from

39

2015

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weekly for 50 payments

0

%

financing for up to 84 months

$

from

0

down payment Δ

*5-year/100,000 km worry-free comprehensive warranty.

36

weekly for 28 payments

0

%

financing for up to 84 months

$

0

down payment Δ

Includes “Half Price Payments” credit. $36 weekly payment amount includes $1,000 Half Price Payments Credit. Payments are based on 2015 Optima LX AT (OP742F) 84-month financing. After 28 weekly payments at $36, the weekly payments will increase to $73Δ .

Half Price Payments Credit may alternatively be taken as a one time lump sum payment.§

Includes “Half Price Payments” credit. $39 weekly payment amount includes $2,000 Half Price Payments Credit. Payments are based on 2015 Sorento LX AT (SR75BF) 84-month financing. After 50 weekly payments at $39, the weekly payments will increase to $79Δ .

Half Price Payments Credit may alternatively be taken as a one time lump sum payment.§

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Offer(s) available on select new 2015 models through participating dealers to qualified retail customers who take delivery from January 3rd to February 2nd, 2015. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All offers are subject to change without notice. All pricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,665, AMVIC fee, tire tax of $22, $100 A/C charge (where applicable). Excludes taxes, licensing, registration, insurance, variable dealer administration fees (up to $699), fuel-fill charges up to $100, and down payment (if applicable and unless otherwise specified). Other lease and financing options also available. §Up to “Half Price Payments” for up to one year (“Offer”) is only applicable on financing offers on 2015 Rio/Forte/Optima/Sorento/Rondo models. On approved credit, from a participating dealer in Canada between January 3rd and February 2nd, 2015. The Offer consists of a loan credit (up to “Half Price Payments Credit”) that will range from $500 to $3,250 depending on model/trim. Customers can choose to take the full amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit as a one (1) time incentive that will be deducted from the negotiated price of the vehicle before taxes. Alternatively, customers can choose the up to “Half Price Payments” option and have their financing payments reduced (before taxes) by 50% until such time as the entire amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit has been exhausted. This may take between 10 weeks and 69 weeks depending on model/trim and the amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit. After the entire amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit has been exhausted, the customer will be required to pay the full amount of all regularly scheduled finance payments over the remaining term of the contract. Vehicle trade-in amounts and down payments are not calculated in the advertised up to “Half Price Payments”. See dealer for complete details. ΔRepresentative financing example: 0% financing offer for up to 84 months available to qualified retail customers on approved credit for the new 2015 Rio LX MT (RO541F)/2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F)/2015 Optima LX AT (OP742F)/2015 Sorento LX AT (SR75BF) with a purchase price of $15,602/$17,502/$26,402/$28,782 financed at 0% for 84-month period with $0 down payment equals 69/62/28/50 reduced weekly payments of $21/$24/$36/$39 followed by weekly payments of $43/$48/$73/$79. Includes $1,500/$1,500/$1,000/$2,000 up to “Half Price Payments” credit. Cost of borrowing is $0 and total obligation is $14,102/$16,002/$25,365/$26,782. Up to “Half Price Payment” Incentive varies by model and trim level and may be taken as a lump sum or to reduce the financed amount. Offer ends February 2nd, 2015. ‡Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2015 Forte SX (FO748F)/2015 Rio4 SX with Navigation (RO749F)/2015 Sorento EX AT AWD (SR75HF)/2015 Optima SX Turbo AT (OP748F) is $26,802/$22,502/$38,882/$33,502. Highway/city fuel consumption is based on the 2015 Rio LX+ ECO AT/2015 Forte 1.8L MPI 4-cyl MT/2015 Sorento LX 2.4L GDI 4-cyl AT/2015 Optima 2.4L GDI AT. These updated estimates are based on the Government of Canada’s approved criteria and testing methods. Refer to the EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors. ¤$1,000 New Year Bonus amounts are offered on select 2015 Winter Edition models and are deducted from the negotiated purchase price before taxes. Available on financing offers only. Certain conditions apply. $1,000 New Year Bonus amount available on the 2015 Rondo LX AT (5-seat) Winter SE (RN75SF), 2015 Rondo LX AT (7-seat) Winter SE (RN75TF) and 2015 Optima LX AT Winter SE (OP74SF). Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.

26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

Videographer embraces twin passions at ski resort

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

Videographer Dan Peruzzo hard at work in the editing bay producing a Weekly Update for Mount Washington.

Dan Peruzzo’s journey to video storytelling began in an unlikely place -- at the dinner table. He tired of his dad’s decidedly lo-fi attempt at documenting family get-togethers by setting up a tripod during meals and pressing record.

“There were no cuts,” he said. “I just wanted to

do my family videos with a little more flair.”

That was just the beginning.

After years of trying his hand at a variety of different genres Peruzzo, 45, will now have a chance to edit footage of people having a blast at Mount Washington as the resort’s new videographer And that’s something he’s more than stoked about, given how much he loves

quality pow.

“I just love skiing,” he said. “It’s just been a passion of mine since I was a teenager.”

He first tested the joy of making turns in the flakes during school trips.

While living in Vancouver in his 20s he would hit mountains like Whistler and caught the bug hard.

(Continued on page 27)

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(Continued from page 26)

“It’s just ingrained in my soul now,” he said.

“I’ll get up at the crack of dawn for fresh tracks every day. It’s a passion I’ll never drop.”

In the meantime he moved to the Comox Valley and began to take filmmaking to the next level, picking up clients like the Council of Canadians, shooting wedding videos, promoting democratic values and food security through his work.

He enjoys touching on topics that people care about. Taking a page from his history of improving on his dad’s family videos, he has come to love highlighting important issues that might otherwise seem dry or boring through careful editing. That’s critical for today’s digital generation.

“With social media and YouTube attention span gets diverted rather quickly,” he said. “Not a lot of people will sit through an hour-long seminar on some of these topics.”

Now he’s excited to take those talents and integrate them with his love of skiing, particularly on Mount Washington.

“It’s kind of nice having our own cozy hill,” he said.

“You can go out and get to know all the secret lines.”

Peruzzo watches as the weekly update he’s just finished uploads to Mount Washington’s YouTube channel and reminisces about how far digital media has come in recent years.

Things have changed a lot.

“When I started I was printing everything off to a disc,” he said.

WHEN YOU PURCHASE ANY VEHICLE WITH ISIAND HONDA, RECEIVE FREE TWO TICKETS TO AN EVENT OF YOUR CHOICE * INCLUDES CONCERTS. SPORTS. SHOWS, AND MORE CONCERTS I SPORTING EVENTS I CIRQUE DU SOLEIL I DISNEY ON ICE AND MORE!

†Based on IHS Automotive: Polk Canadian New Retail Vehicle Registrations as of CYTD November 2014 for the Compact SUV/Compact Car/Subcompact Car segments as defined by Honda Canada Inc. *Limited time weekly lease offer and all other offers are from Honda Canada Finance Inc., on approved credit. #The weekly lease offer applies to a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES/Civic DX model FB2E2FEX/Fit DX model GK5G3FE (“Specified Models”) for a 60-month period, for a total of 260 payments of $69.89/$41.91/$39.97 leased at 1.99%/0.99%/2.99% APR based on applying $400.00/$350.00/$1050.00 “lease dollars” (which are deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). ‡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 customer’s behalf. Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $18,171.40/$10,896.60/$10,392.20. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. **MSRP is $27,685/$17,245/$16,070 including freight and PDI of $1,695/$1,495/$1,495 based on new 2015 Specified Models described above. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. £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/ ΩFor more information about the AJAC’s Best Small Car (Under $21,000) award, please visit: http://www.ajac.ca/web/ccoty/2015/comparison_category.asp?cat=176 */#/**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 Specified Models only. Offers valid from January 3rd through February 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.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

27

“That’s gone the way of the dodo.”

Now social media has become a huge part of creating a buzz through film, and telling people about events happening on Mount Washington.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the feeling that comes from racing down a mountain – a feeling Peruzzo hopes to capture on the slopes here in the months to come.

“Who doesn’t love to see other people playing in the snow having a blast?” he said.

“When you get floating on the powder and you’re ripping turns, there’s nothing that can really describe that.”

28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

YOU ARE INVITED TO

Family Literacy Day Courtenay Library

Comox Library

Cumberland Library

Tuesday, January 27th 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Wednesday, January 28th 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Friday, January 30th 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM

10:00 AM ~ 12:30 PM Rhyme time, interactive learning stations throughout the library and book bags for every family

10:00 AM ~ 10:30 AM

Cree storyteller Phil Umpherville

10:00 AM ~ 10:30 AM Cree storyteller Phil Umpherville

10:30 AM ~ 11:00 AM

10:30 AM ~ 11:00 AM Musician Stella Swanson

Musician Stella Swanson

11:00 AM ~ 11:30 AM Cree storyteller Phil Umpherville

Celebrity Reader

11:00 AM ~ 11:15 AM

10:30 AM ~ 11:00 AM Musician Stella Swanson 11:00 AM ~ 11:15 AM Celebrity Reader

JOIN THE UNPLUG 2015 Photo Contest - There will be 3 winners of fun prizes!

Comox Valley Family Literacy Week EXPLORE, LEARN, GROW

Literacy opens a world of possibility

W W W . N IC .B C .C A

Maybe you want to complete your grade 12. Maybe you want to begin a career. Maybe you want to read more comfortably.

NIC’s Upgrading courses can help you reach your goals. They are flexible, and start several times a year. And, no matter how well you can read or write, you can learn at the level that is best for you. Plus, NIC Student Advisors are here to help you, every step of the way.

Want to explore your options?

Call a Student Advisor at 1-800-715-0914.

Family Literacy Day is January 27th and families across Canada are encouraged to engage in literacy-related activities to raise awareness of the importance of literacy and learning. This is the eighth year that the Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Association (CVLLA) is organizing family literacy activities. CVLLA began celebrating in 2008 and each year more families join in the celebration.

Danielle Hoogland, the Comox Valley Literacy Outreach Coordinator, says: “We began celebrating Family Literacy Week in 2008 with small storytelling circles.

We’ve now expanded those circles to performances with celebrated artists and musicians, activities with community service providers, and events at our public libraries. This year we are thrilled to announce that Cree storyteller Phil Umpherville and 8 year old singer-songwriter Stella Swanson will perform at the Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland library branches during Family Literacy Week.” Families will also receive book bags to take home to continue the fun.

On January 27th at the Courtenay library there will also be Rhyme Time for little ones to dance, learn rhymes and sing songs with their parents or caregivers and celebrity readers are bringing their favourite children’s book to read during the morning. There will also be interactive stations throughout the Courtenay library. At each station there will be a different activity for families to play and learn together, like bowling or crafts. The Early Years Aboriginal pro-

gram, Comox Valley Family Services, StrongStarts (S.D. No. 71), Early Childhood Education –BC, Pacific Care and Jump Start, the Child Development Centre, and Comox Valley Early Years Centre will have fun, family activities and information. Babies and tots can explore fun early literacy activities in the library’s multi-purpose room.

Adults will also be able to get information at the Courtenay library from North Island College for upgrading or college courses, the Adult Learning Centre for tutoring and financial literacy programs and the Immigrant Welcome Centre for information to immigrant families new to the valley. Families that attend Family Literacy Day events will also get a sticker that entitles them to discounts at down merchants, including Laughing Oyster Bookstore and a free hot chocolate with adult food purchase at Zocalo Café.

The fun of Family Literacy Week continues at the Comox library on January 28th and the Cumberland library on January 30th, with performances by Cree Storyteller Phil Umpherville and 8 year old singer-songwriter Stella Swanson.

Both events begin at 10am.

For the full list of activities please see the calendar below. For more information, please visit www.cvliteracy.ca, www. facebook.com/cvlla, http://virl.bc.ca/programs-and-events or contact Danielle at dhoogland@shaw.ca. Family Literacy Week is supported through Comox Valley Raise-a-Reader and the Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Association.

For more information, please visit www.cvliteracy.ca

Proud Supporter Of Family Literacy Day

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It’s never too early to start reading to a child

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

1000x5: For the Community, By the Community We recycle many things today, so why not our books? Especially when they will be given to families who could use them.

This is what 1000x5 does - collect books from the community for children, and, in partnership with family serving agencies, distribute them to families with children who could use them.

1000x5 is a community-focused program geared for children from birth to aged 5. Books are gathered from families who no longer need them, and giving to families with children who do. This program is based on the one started by Daphne McNaughton in Victoria, BC. As a teacher, she saw the difference it made when children were read to before they started school. She realized that if children were read at least one book a day from birth then by kindergarten they will have had 1500 books read to them. 1000 stories by age five therefore seemed a reasonable goal. From this idea 1000x5 was born.

Reading to our children helps their minds develop in many ways. They learn about the construction of a story, the mechanics of a book, and absorb new vocabulary. In 1999, The U.S. Department of Education conducted a study. It found that if children are read to daily from

birth, by the time they start kindergarten, they will have been read to for about 900 hours. If that reading time is lessened to only 30 minutes a week, that child’s mind loses out on 770 hours of stories and rhymes. For a child who has not been read to at all, that child could begin kindergarten with fewer than 60 hours of “literacy nutrition”. As the study states, “no teacher, no matter how talented, can make up for those lost hours of mental nourishment.”

Many wonder if they should bother reading to their infants, given the likelihood that the baby will not understand the story. However, there is great benefit to reading to infants as they hear the sounds and rhythm of the language. One of the most important benefits, though, to reading to your child, regardless of the age: quality time with parents and loved ones.

If you have books to donate, or would like to get involved, please visit our website www.rebelmouse.com/1000x5/ or email us at comoxvalley1000x5@gmail. com for more information. Also, visit our website for some fun literacy based activities to do with your child. Happy Reading!

- Submitted by Deborah VanderLinde, 1000x5 Coordinator

INTRODUCING THE COMOX VALLEY EARLY YEARS CENTRE The Comox Valley has a wealth of programs and resources that strengthen family literacy but sometimes it can be hard to track down what is happening, and where and when. To help make it easier for families to access the information, services and supports that they need to enrich their children’s development, there is a new resource: the Comox Valley Early Years Centre.

Based at the Comox Valley Child Development Association, the Early Years Centre is a partnership of many agencies that have come together to make the Comox Valley a community that better supports families in creating healthy environments for children.

Healthy environments in the early years promote literacy and overall development, as it is all interconnected. Young children need good nutrition for physical and intellectual growth. They also need to spend time in loving, language-rich environments, supported by caring adults. They need opportunities to explore their world, play, solve problems, and learn to speak

and listen to others.

The Comox Valley Early Years Centre has several different aspects, as families get their information in different ways: • A website, www.valleychild.ca , with an events calendar of Early Years family events in the Comox Valley as well as descriptions and maps of where to find them; • A newsletter with an Early Years / Early Childhood Development focus as well as highlights of local programs and supports; • Satellite Early Years Centres throughout the community where families can gather comprehensive and consistent information on Early Years services. Satellite sites will include Aboriginal Head Start, Healthy Families, Military Family Resource Centre, PacificCARE, Public Health Nursing and SD 71 StrongStart programs.

FMI: contact Michelle Guthrie at 250338-4288, email early.years@cvcda.ca or stop by the Courtenay Library on Family Literacy Day and say hello!

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29

THE IMPORTANCE OF RAISING LITERACY AND ESSENTIAL SKILLS IN THE COMOX VALLEY Did you know? · Right now, over 150,000 British Columbians aged 25 to 54 haven’t graduated from high school (BC Stats 2011) · 600,000 adults do not have the literacy and essential skills they need to achieve success in their career goals (Skills for Growth: British Columbia’s Labour Market Strategy by 2020) · By 2020, B.C. will have 1.3 million new job openings; there are 650,000 children in the school system now The impact of low literacy rates for families and communities is far reaching. Multiple studies show that literacy rates are linked to crime, health, employability, and overall quality of life. Consider the following: · On average, offenders have significantly lower literacy skills than the general population. Investing in literacy, especially for families and youth at risk, is an effective crime prevention strategy. · People with low literacy skills have poorer overall health. Low literacy skills lead to misuse of medication or misunderstanding of health information. Reading practices in daily life are strongly related to health literacy (Canadian Council on Learning, 2008). · People with low proficiency in literacy tend to have lower rates of employment, and they tend to work in occupations with lower skill requirements. Adult wage rates are also highly related to literacy skill.

Adults with strong literacy skills earn roughly 68% more than those with weak literacy skills (Canadian Literacy and Learning Network, 2012). · Parents who have strong literacy skills and who have pursued further education increase the probability of their children’s success in school and lifelong learning. Investing in a parent’s learning is a direct investment in their children’s literacy abilities.

Not surprisingly, increasing literacy skills increases social and economic opportunities for families and our community. As Dr. Seuss so eloquently says: “The more that you read, the more things you will know.

The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Currently in the Comox Valley, literacy and essential skills training is offered through various formal and non-formal providers. North Island College, the School District, the Adult Learning Centre, and Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Association (CVLLA) are examples of providers who offer training using a variety of delivery models that include workshops, one-to-one tutoring, classroom instruction, learning circles, mentoring and embedding literacy into other forms of learning (such as cooking).

One example of a communitybased Literacy and Essential Skills program is the Comox Valley Family Literacy Outreach Program (FLO) program. FLO is a six-week program that addresses three areas: food/ health literacy, support for early years learning, and adult literacy and essential skills. Through the program partners (which include CVLLA, North Island College Upgrading, Adult Learning Centre, Creative Employment Access Society, Comox Valley Family Services, School District 71 Strong Start, and LUSH Valley), adults and families connect to community social and literacy supports, services and resources. Participants of this program have achieved considerable success. Kids have learned songs and rhymes while moms and dads have been supported in registering for college programs, applying for work, volunteering in community and starting their own business.

The FLO program is supported by Raise-a-Reader funds. The program exemplifies our ability, as community providers, to provide accessible, learner-centered, collaborative programming to meet the needs and realities of families. Together we can raise many readers.

Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Association works with community partners to raise literacy levels of all Comox Valley citizens, young and old.

We do this through raising awareness of literacy, distributing books to families, and coordinating accessible literacy programming. FMI: www.cvliteracy.ca or contact: dhoogland@shaw.ca -Submitted by Danielle Hoogland, Literacy Outreach Coordinator

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30 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JANUARY 23, 2015

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Your HOME Your CHOICES

Carla Coulson-Prieto, Licenced Realtor® Cell: 250-465-8792 ccoulson@crownisle.com

jwaterman@crownisle.com

To buy or sell s ell in Crown Crr own Isle, call us today!

399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay, BC V9N 9G3

Office: 250-703-5054 250-70 03-50 054

•

John Waterman, Managing Broker Cell: 250-207-0354

Fax: 250-703-5034

www.CrownIsleRealty.com 399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay, BC V9N V9N 9G3

Moving Sale Starts Today!

Moving Sale Starts Today!

We will need to Liquidate 100’s of items to make our move a little less backbreaking.

This is a great opportunity to purchase everything in our Showroom and Warehouse at up to

$

$

999

Was $2499

70% OFF* SALE PRICES!

1599

Was $2999

$

$

1499 Was $2899

$

We have the largest selection of Dining, Bedroom, Sectionals, Sofas, Love Seats, Chairs, Recliners, Bar Stools, Lamps, Mattresses, Pillows as well as an assortment of Beautiful Accessories. Our extensive selection of products are manufactured by Stylus, Décor-Rest, Palliser, Best, Ashley, Flex steel, Intercon, Purba, Canadian Manufacturing, BC Pine, True North, Aspen Home, and many more. We are certain to have those perfect pieces that you have been searching for, at incredible Moving Sale Prices!

4999 Was $8899 Stylus Sofa

Decorest Leather Fabric Sofa

Flexsteel All Leather Sofa And Love

Ashley Fabric Sofa And Love

$

Ashley Fabric Sofa And Love

$

1999

$

$

899

199

Was $699

$

399

Was $999

$

Starting From

499

$

Was $1299

$

699

$

399

Was $1199

699

$

Was $1399

$

$

1499

Was $2899

1499

Ashley Fabric Sofa And Love

Ashley Power recliner Sofa And Love

Fabric Chair

Fabric Accent Chair

$

$

799 Was $1499

Ashley Recliner Chair

Canadian Made Fireplaces

$

799

Was $1899

$ Simmons Tight Top Pocket Coil Set

Europedic Queen Mattress

Tight Top Pocket Coil Queen Mattress

999

$

3999

$

Simmons PillowTop Pocket Coil Set

10 Inch Latex Queen Mattress

Ashley Sectional With Chaise

Adjustable Beds

1499

$

1499 Was $2499

Was $2899

Durablend Sofa And Love

Ashley Sofa And Love

699

999

$

Was $1899

Was $7999

1099 Was $1799

Ashley Power Recliner Sofa

Was $1299

$

Was $1799

$

Best Power recliner Sofa

499

Was $999

Lift Chairs

2999

Was $4299

Was $3599

Ashley Sofa And Love

$

2299

Was $3699

Was $2999 Starting From

1799

Was $3599

7Pcs King Bedroom Suite

Platform Queen Bed

Ashley Queen Or King Bed

$

2399

$

Was $4499

Solid Pine 7 Pcs Bedroom suite

999

Intercon Solid Wood Dining Table And 4 chairs

1999

Was $3399

$ $ $

3199 Was $5499

Palliser All Leather Sectional

2999 Was $5399

All Leather Sectional With Swivel

$

2999

Was $4499

All Leather Sectional

$

2999

Was $4899

2999

Was $4499

$

All Leather Sectional

From

1999

Canadian Made Cabinet Bed

$

1399

Was $2099

Ashley Sectional With Sofa Bed And 2 Power Recliner Intercon Solid Wood Dining Table And 6 chairs

* Applies to in-stock items only.

Browse our products at: www.merithomefurniturecourtenay.com

Intercon Solid Wood Pub Table And 4 chairs

Browse our products at: www.merithomefurniturecourtenay.com