Comox Valley Echo - March 27, 2015

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VOL. 21, NO. 25

COURTENAY PROPERTY TAXES SET FOR 3.18% HIKE.O3

NEWS

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC. MARCH 27, 2015

ECHO

NEWS .DU\ =LPPHUPDQ

Comox Valley Weather

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Friday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

High 12°C.

Saturday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 5°C. High 11°C.

Sunday Rain.

Low 7°C. High 11°C.

Monday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 8°C. High 12°C.

Tuesday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 4°C. High 12°C.

email: karyz@brianmclean.ca cell: 250-792-3892

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

School District investigations find no evidence of bullying

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff A series of workplace harassment accusations made by School District 71 staff members that were investigated last year turned out to be unfounded, according to a board report.

During the regularly scheduled March 24 school board meeting, Paul Berry, district principal, health and safety, said the “seven or eight” complaints arose in the wake of the introduction of the Workers Compensation Act, which attempts to build more safeguards into workplaces.

“Most were worker to worker,” he said. “None of the investigations we completed last year proved that bullying and harassment was taking

I Belong “When I Am 64” plays on March 28th.

place.” After Bill 14 was brought in by the province, all employers were required to make sure there were formal processes in place to deal with bullying, defined as inappropriate conduct or comments by a person towards a worker, when that person knew or should have known the behaviour was humiliating or intimidating.

“We have reviewed the existing policies but the only change has been to add the word ‘bullying’,” he said. “The workers compensation act defines the duties of employers, workers, supervisors, and under those duties, our first, and most important duty, is to ensure the protection of the health and safety of those employees -- and that includes workplace harassment.”

Berry said it’s not uncommon

that “the waters are tested” after the government brings in such a shift in policy.

While disputes among staff can be straightforward to deal with, addressing cases where teachers feel a parent goes over the line during interactions can be more challenging, he added.

Bullying can have serious negative consequences, particularly when distracting someone who is performing dangerous tasks. But it can lower productivity and morale and even be responsible for higher absenteeism and staff turnover.

“Someone who’s being bullied or harassed can feel distracted,” he said. “Bullying and harassment can lead to both physical and psychological injury.”

(Continued on page 3)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

3

Courtenay taxes going up 3.18 per cent

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay property owners will see their taxes go up this year.

Council approved the city’s 2015-2019 general operating financial plan that reflects an increase of 3.18 per cent.

As well, council endorsed the establishment of new reserves for the purpose of setting aside funds for funding future infrastructure renewal and risk/contingencies.

Director of Financial Services Tillie Manthey presented the rationale behind this year’s tax increase. This was her last budget proposal as she is retiring at the end of May after 22 years of service to the city.

This year, the city’s planned expenditures total $39 million, most of which will be funded through municipal property taxation. This 3.18 per cent tax hike is comprised of funding for general operations (1.93 per cent), increase in funding from taxation for capital projects (1 per cent), and special levy infrastructure reserve (.25 per cent).

The impact of this year’s tax increase would mean a residential property valued at $278,451 would face an additional $38 on their rates while a commercial property valued at $694,450 will experience an increase of $220.

Manthey stated in her report the development of the proposed financial plan involved a critical examination of past spending patterns as well as detailed analysis of the anticipated costs for 20152019. She added that in establishing a solid financial plan, it is essential to verity that the costs budgeted are warranted and that revenue estimates are realistic.

Included in the budget are council’s adopted strategic priorities that include completion of the Braidwood Supportive Housing Project - RFP, Flood Study, Downtown Revitalization Forum and Development of Options, Asset Management, Centennial Celebrations, Subdivision Bylaw Review, DCC Bylaw Review and Update, Engineering Design Standards and Specifications.

While the consumer price index for BC remains low,

School district finds no evidence of bullying (Continued from page 2) It includes a wide spectrum of behaviours from verbal aggression or insults to sabotaging work to spreading gossip or rumours.

“That can be people within the system, or people outside the system,” he said. “A reasonable person acts sensibly and does things without serious delay, and takes proper

but not excessive precautions.”

Employers are responsible for ensuring health and safety of employees and must draft a workplace policy statement about bullying.

They must develop procedures for dealing with the abhorrent behaviour.

Workers must report if bullying or harassment if it is observed or experienced in the workplace.

at slightly above 1 per cent over 2014, the city’s financial plan this year provides for a number of additional cost drivers that surpass the CPI such as a six per cent increase in BC Hydro rates in April, 11 per cent increase in property and liability insurance rates, 20 per cent increase in Worker’s Compensation Rates and four per cent increase in BC Medical Service Plan premium rates.

General surplus funds in

the amount of $775,097 have been used in the 2015 financial plan. And pending 2014 audited balances, the remaining surplus funds for 2015 are projected to total $2.3 million. Based on this year’s projection - ten per cent of the annual general tax levy - the city’s general operating fund should carry a balance of just under $2 million. Staff recommended the difference of $300,000 be applied

to establish the infrastructure renewal reserve ($200,000) and Capacity and Financial Risk Reserve ($100,000).

The city plans no new borrowing for this year.

Councillor Doug Hillian said there’s always a public concern that taxes are too high and that municipal spending is out of control. He believes the city is well-managed and is getting good value for their money.

“It’s very important that we’re prudent in our spending that we maintain the best value for the money,” said Hillian. “But we also have to be realistic with our citizens in acknowledging that they’re living in the best country in the world and the level of services that we have is not going to get any cheaper. We may have, in fact, to continue looking at spending more for the benefits that we have.”

Take it easy on the water use during fish screen cleaning

Comox Valley firefighters training at Comox Fire Training Centre

Comox Valley Fire Departments work together to certify their firefighters Firefighters from five Comox Valley fire departments recently got together at the Comox Fire Training Centre to complete some of the training requirements for firefighter certification.

Several Comox Valley fire departments have been working closely together over the past couple of years in an effort to make it easier, more accessible and more affordable for the smaller departments to get certifications for their firefighters.

Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner states: “It makes sense that we work together where and when we can to provide this certification to our firefighters. Certification is a huge commitment for both the firefighter and

the departments involved”.

Comox Fire Rescue and Comox Fire Training Centre has provided a lot of assistance to the other Valley departments to make this certified training more assessable to them.

A key component to this certification is the wonderful training centre in Comox which is partnered with the Justice Institute of BC to make some of this certification possible.

Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner states: “I am proud of the role our department and training centre has played in the successes of these other departments and their firefighters. Certifying firefighters and working closely together benefits us all”.

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is encouraging residents connected to the Comox Valley water system to conserve water during a fish screen cleaning scheduled for March 30 to April 2 at the Puntledge diversion dam.

The fish screen is positioned in the BC Hydro penstock at the Puntledge diversion dam, and requires up to three cleanings per year to maintain efficiency and to benefit salmon.

This dam is where the water is diverted from the river, about 3.7 kilometres downstream of the Comox dam, into a pipeline that travels five kilometres to the generating station and back into the river. The purpose of the screen is to divert fish that get pulled into the intake and safely deposit them back into the Puntledge River.

During these four days the CVRD will be required to pump water directly from the Puntledge River and not the BC Hydro pipeline.

“The CVRD is not expecting to move to a higher stage of restrictions given the short duration and the time of year,” said Koreen Gurak, CVRD’s manager of communications. “However, we’re asking residents to do their part to conserve water to ensure that flows remain as low as possible.”

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

The Comox Valley Toy Library has found a new location that they can now call home.

The library is setting up at St. George’s United Church on 505 6th Street in Courtenay and will be open on March 31.

Vivian Vaillant is grateful to the church for providing the library with beautifully painted rooms with a separate entrance on the east side.

A second location is also in the works at the Comox Mall but is contingent on new funds coming in and volunteers.

The library is currently looking for some help to pay for liability insurance. It requires around $1,500 by the end of April.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Comox Valley Toy Library Society can go to youcaring.com website.

As well, the library is hoping to increase its dozen volunteers who run everything from cleaning and cataloguing, to paperwork, to manning the store when it is open. In order to increase its hours of operations, the library would like to have 40 new volunteers.

Vaillant said volunteer require-

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4 www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

Toy Library has a new home ment is 1 to 2 hours per month.

This program, Vaillant said, is open to all people.

It is not limited to low-income families.

All are welcome. And the more members the merrier!

Hours of operation at St. George’s United Church: • Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Thursday 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information please contact: Vivian Vaillant 778-9921232 or email her at vivolynn@ gmail.com

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

Courtenay council endorses bridge project for Gas Tax Fund

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay is applying for another grant opportunity to secure funding for the recoating and rehabilitation of the Fifth Street Bridge.

The $2.2 million project is already vying for the New Building Canada Program - Small Communities Fund but just in case the city is unsuccessful, staff has recommended to council the bridge rehabilitation to be submitted for the Gas Tax Strategic Priorities Fund as well.

Staff presented three projects for council to consider for the Gas Tax fund.

Council ranked

the bridge as a top priority over Complete Streets Project and the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan.

Unlike the NBCP where it only provides two-thirds funding, the Gas Tax Fund can cover up to 100 per cent of the cost of an eligible project.

City Director of Engineering and Public Works, Lesley Hatch, told council the bridge project is a strong candidate as they have the background and data already available to support and build a case for the application. The deadline to submit an application is April 15.

Councillor Erik Eriksson once again raised

his preference for a new bridge. He would like the city to apply for a grant to replace the bridge, which he deemed unsightly and unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians.

Hatch said they’ve reviewed the Fifth Street Bridge Rehabilitation.

In 2008, the estimated cost to paint one section of the bridge was around $900,000. Hatch said today the amount has gone up over $1 million to coat the same section.

“The council of the day had delayed the rehab of the bridge to what is now kind of a critical decision point,” said Hatch (Continued on page 6)

Students install mural There is a new mural in Cumberland that has just been installed. It iwas entirely created by junior high students from Lake Trail, with their teacher, Mr Flesher. It has been prominently mounted in the yard of a Cumberland resident who commissioned the piece. It is at the corner of Dunsmuir, where you turn to go to Comox Lake.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

School Board facing $2 million deficit Hungry kids, unsupported learners: District officials predict ‘admin’ savings to have dire consequences

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff When Comox Valley School District 71 landed on the front page of the Vancouver Sun March 23 it wasn’t under the best of circumstances - BC’s largest newspaper was broadcasting the reality that the local school board faces a $1.6 million deficit this year.

In fact, thanks to the BC government’s desire to slash overhead across the province, the Comox Valley education board is expected to cut an additional $426,000 in administrative costs this year - bringing the big red number to $2 million.

And in the years to come things are only expected to get worse before they get better.

“A big part of it is declining enrollment,” explained secretary treasurer Russell Horswill. “As a school district our enrollment is shrinking and as we shrink, our grants decrease. A million dollars of the two million is attached to ‘funding protection’ which is really driven by our enrollment.”

In fact, Horswill said the district is bracing to lose another million dollars in government funding every three years.

“Once we start growing that will disappear,” he said, but added, “The Comox Valley is growing, but it’s certainly not growing

Nick Moore, Comox District Teachers Association, says teachers are anxious as an axe hangs over their heads with children.”

The new predicament makes it a challenge to balance a $73 million operating budget (it was $74 million last year).

The school district knows it’s going to have to get creative, and during the March 24 board meeting one member even suggested encouraging high school students to stay behind another year to get more involved in drama and other activities - so bean counters can realize a higher enrollment rate.

Sheila McDonnell, trustee for Area A (Baynes Sound, Hornby and Denman Islands) said the stakes are about as high as they can get.

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stakeholders to send letters to government ministries to decry what it characterizes as an attack on public education, at the March 24 meeting.

Board chair Tom Weber wrote a letter to Minister of Education Peter Fassbender and Minister of Finance Michael de Jong March 3 asking why they think School District 71 has the capacity to cut $426,000 from the budget. He hasn’t received a reply yet.

A spokesperson for Fassbender’s office said they only received the letter March 16 and are in the process of drafting a formal reply.

They declined to comment for this story.

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“As the government expects us to find more and more money it starts to mean librarians and learning assistants, peer teachers,” she said, explaining what the school board will likely have to do to cut admin expenditures. “It means potentially having to look at programs that don’t have a lot of enrollment.”

And the kids who will be hit hardest will be the ones who go to school hungry or need special supports, she suspects.

The board says it will start its pencil sharpening exercise by introducing a staffing plan April 24. One thing the government’s admin streamlining program has not done is drive a wedge between the district and its teachers.

Local education employees are worried and anxious with the axe hanging over their heads, according to Nick Moore, Comox District Teachers Association president Nick Moore.

“They don’t like that the government is forcing these cuts on the school district,” he said. “We’re cut to the bones. Our class sizes are big. There’s not the supports out there to take care of those kids.

We don’t see how they can possibly cut more teachers without it seriously affecting student achievement.”

Board members passed a motion to work with

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City council goes after another bridge grant (Continued from page 5) “We have programs done on the bridge, and we have annual maintenance programs on the bridge to maintain it to a level that it continues to function today.

But beyond that, if this decision gets deferred, we will have to reassess the entire bridge and re-look at its life cycle.”

Hatch said it would be prudent for the city to advance the rehabilitation of the bridge. Recoating it would extend its life by another 50 years.

“Today, with the condition that it’s in, with the algae growing in on it, and the corrosion that is happening, I would say that it’s quite advanced from even what was predicted previously,” said Hatch.

Eriksson pointed out the other projects staff recommended all linked up to the bridge.

“The Gas Tax is designed to provide funding for strategic investments that are large in scale which I don’t think painting a bridge is, region-wide in impact or innovative,” said Eriksson.

“I don’t think it complies with any of those. And they also must align with the federally mandated objectives of productivity and economic growth.

A brand new bridge with civic pride would fill that gap.”

Chief Administrative Officer David Allen advised council it had already discussed Eriksson’s motion to replace the bridge previously and it was no longer on the table during Monday’s meeting.

Council also had to chose from three Complete Street projects suggested by staff as their

preference for submission to the Tax Gas Fund.

They are Fitzgerald (5th to Cumberland) that would cost $1.143 million, 5th Street (Fitzgerald to Menzies) $3.253 million and Old Island Highway (5th Street to Headquarters Road) $4.85 million.

Councillor Doug Hillian said the Complete Street Pilot Project has been council’s major objective in the last couple of years.

He added regardless of whether they’re successful in landing a grant he would like to see the project move forward.

“We have an opportunity to demonstrate to the community what a complete street looks like,” said Hillian. “As far as I know, we don’t have any in Courtenay. If in fact, we do a good job on this, which I’m sure our engineering staff will, then people see the benefits of having a street that works for all modes of transportation. They then see the value of perhaps putting their tax money into this.”

Council chose the Menzies Complete Street Project as the number two priority for the Tax Grant Fund.

Hillian said he supports this because “this is a heritage area of the city.

It’s got a mixture of commercial and residential.

It’s a better example to the community of what a complete street is like and encourage people to want a complete street on their block.”

Council endorsed the Gas Tax Grant application, the 5th Street Bridge Rehabilitation, the Menzies Complete Street Project and Integrated Stormwater Management Plan.

Eriksson was the only one who voted against it.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

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Angela LaForge and her mom Maureen grab a bite to eat

Taking it in stride Teen battles rare form of cancer that makes it hard to speak

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Up to 18 years of age Angela LaForge, a GP Vanier Secondary grad, had received little in the way of medical attention beyond dealing with a sprained ankle.

That was, until she noticed something weird going on with her throat last fall.

“I thought I had laryngitis,” she said, speaking in whispers. “So I went to the doctor.”

Little did she know her body was already deep in the throes of a fight with chordoma, a rare cancer that had taken root in her scalp.

The illness caught LaForge completely off guard.

She had just moved out of her parent’s place in Oyster River and was living in Courtenay, where she worked as a dishwasher at the Mad Chef Café on Fifth Street.

It was the start of a new chapter in her life.

LaForge was toying with the idea of pursuing a career in culinary arts.

She went for a CAT Scan and an MRI as a Courtenay specialist sought to identify why she was having problems swallowing and issues with her vocal chords.

Turned out the tumour had begun to push cranial nerves into her brain, something her parents learned on Christmas Eve. “It appeared to be malignant,” said Maureen LaForge, Angela’s mom. “It’s

Shelley Bouchard, owner of Mad Chef Café, says when she learned about Angela’s huge medical challenge she couldn’t help but want to help out.

We’ve never been in a position where we’ve ever had to ask anybody for anything financially. It’s been nice to see friends, family and strangers open their arms to our cause.”

MAUREEN LAFORGE Angela’s mom

kind of the worst news a parent could hear.”

She decided to give Angela one more “cancer free” Christmas, and waited until Boxing Day to reveal the devastating news to her daughter.

“I was shocked,” Angela said.

“Even now I haven’t completely processed that this is happening to me.”

It’s been a rollercoaster ride ever since, as she received the biopsy results and signed up for brain surgery as soon as possible.

This particular form of cancer is so rare doctors had to send her results to the BC Cancer Agency for a double-check test.

On Feb. 13 a team of two neurosurgeons and one resident tackled the tumour in Angela’s brain over a period of eightand-a-half hours.

And while the surgery went well - removing over 90 per cent of the cancer - it was only the first part of an ongoing process.

“There’s no cure for it,” Angela explained. “It can stay dormant. It’s manageable.”

Traditional chemotherapy techniques are not an option for fighting chordoma.

Instead, a procedure called proton beam radiation is the method doctors must use to fight it.

But this line of attack is not available in Canada.

So the LaForge family is preparing to head to Seattle at the end of the month to seek treatment.

While BC’s Medical

Services Plan will cover the cost of the proton radiation beam procedures - 42 sessions over a seven to eight week period they expect to be $7,000 out of pocket for other expenses, from travel to medications to accommodations.

They’ve started an online fundraising campaign (http://www.youcaring. com/medical-fundraiser/ help-angela-laforge-wagewar-against-a-rare-cancerchordoma/311355) and are thankful for the help provided by the community so far.

“We’ve never been in a position where we’ve ever had to ask anybody for anything financially,” Maureen said.

“It’s been nice to see friends, family and strangers open their arms to our cause.”

Shelley Bouchard, owner of Mad Chef Café, says when she learned of her employee’s huge medical challenge she couldn’t help but want to help.

“She just made a wonderful first impression,” she said, recalling how she got to know the soft spoken teen.

“It’s not often that we hire a staff member that everyone just immediately takes to - and actually after a couple of months still likes.”

The restaurant has planned a menu of 10 top items for a $5 + $1 to help Angela fundraiser Saturday April 11.

It’s all been a lot for Angela to deal with.

(Continued on page 7)

Toscano's is now OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30am - 2pm Monday to Friday.

Join us for Lunch by March 31 and Come in and enjoy the Italian lunches you have been missing for the last seven months.

We look forward to seeing you all!

OUR 4 FOR 3 TIRE SALE. IT’S TIME TO SAVE. Buy four selected Goodyear tires for the price of three from March 23 - April 25, 2015. See in-store for details.

*Buy four selected Goodyear tires for the price of three from March 23 - April 25, 2015. See in-store for complete details. Offers applicable on our Every Day Pricing (EDP) and valid only with a minimum purchase of four (4 identical tires in one transaction. Not valid for Goodyear National Accounts or Fountain Tire Elite Accounts. Inventory may vary by location. All applicable taxes (ie: GST, PST, HST and tire taxes) are extra. ®™ Trademarks of ) AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne Inc, and Goodyear Canada Inc. Fountain Tire is licensed by AMVIC in Alberta.

8

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

Police Blotter Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between March 17 and 23:

Tools stolen, recovered On Tuesday March 17th police received a report of a theft of power tools from a vehicle parked on the 500 block of 17th street in Courtenay. Later in the day police received a call from a local business reporting a man trying to sell power tools. The investigation revealed they were the tools stolen earlier and the man in possession was arrested and charged with Possession of stolen property under $5000. He will be appearing in court on a later date. (2015-3349)

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.

received a report of a break, enter and theft from a home owner on the 1700 block of 15th street in Courtenay. The home owner reports that someone entered their unlocked garage and stole frozen fish and bottles of Apple Cider.

Comox Valley residents are reminded to lock their doors to prevent unwanted intrusions. (2015-3435)

On March 20th a report of a theft from a residence on the 4900 block of Greaves Crescent in Courtenay was called into police.

The homeowner reports having a party with approximately 35 party goers in attendance. After the party several items were found missing which included expensive jewellery and electronics. (2015-3566)

Attempted vehicle theft

Beggar in fight

Sometime during the night of March 18th unknown persons attempted to steal a vehicle parked on the 2900 block of Moray Avenue in Courtenay. It was found that the ignition had been tampered with but the culprits were unsuccessful. (2015-3445)

Attempted break-in Electronics stolen Police received a report of a break, enter and theft from a residence on the 3200 block of the Comox Logging road in Courtenay. Stolen were electronics and motorcycling equipment. This investigation is continuing.

(2015-3355)

Frozen fish stolen

Brandie Rose HANSON

Randy Michael VAN CUREN

DOB: 1979-01-30 160 cms, 71 kgs, Brown hair, Hazel eyes Warrants: Theft under $5000 Assault Breach of undertaking Comox Valley File # 201410571

DOB: 1978-03-13 178 cms, 67 kgs, Blonde hair, Blue eyes Warrants: Family court matters - Failing to appear X2 Comox Valley File # 20153500

On March 18th police

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

Call Rod in the pro shop about our

NEW

FOOT GOLF

EVENTS! Golf with a soccer ball!

On March 21st a report of a break and enter to a garage was received from a homeowner on the 1300 block of Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay. An unknown culprit broke into the garage but did not have time to steal anything before fleeing. (20153542)

Thefts during party

On March 21, 2015 at 5:45 pm, the Comox Valley RCMP were advised of a fight in progress at the Courtenay Dairy Queen, located at 1030 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay.

Police attended and located a suspect being held down, in the parking lot. The male reportedly was asking strangers to buy him food and when they refused he became physically confrontational with them.

There were no significant injuries to the parties involved.

Charges for two counts of breach of probation have been recommended to Crown Council.

The male is to appear in Courtenay Provincial Courts on Monday, March 23, 2015. (20153562)

Angela fights rare cancer (Continued from page 7) Back in high school she learned about anatomy through fetal pig and crayfish dissections. But now, as the subject of surgery and treatments herself, biology has taken on a whole new significance.

“It’s overwhelming ‘cause there’s so much information out there,” she said, “visiting all these sorts of doctors, having them say what this cancer is all about and the process that I’m going to have to be going through.”

The journey has also helped her realize a new life course.

LaForge is now thinking about becoming a mental health professional, to help people going through some of the challenges she has recently begun to have to face herself.

“My mental health and my physical health are the most important things right now to maintain,” she said, reflecting on some of the little things she’s come to treasure.

“Getting outside really makes me feel better.”

Shoppe Talk – March 2015 – Lifecycle

How is that New Year’s resolution going? By this time of the year your fitness goal has either entrenched itself into your lifestyle or has been abandoned until next year. If cold, dark and wet are your reasons for stopping your fitness program then the lengthening and warmer days after the March 9 time change should be your reason to get going again. The next challenge is to decide what to do. One of my passions for fitness is cycling. Cycling can be pursued as aggressively or passively as you like. It is easier on the joints than running or walking and is a great cardiovascular exercise. Did you know a 185 lb person cycling 25km/hr for one hour will burn >800 calories?

Cycling can be done individually or in groups which makes it a great social activity. The valley has numerous routes that are both scenic and challenging. Cycling will make you fit, burn some fat and generally feel better about yourself. It is also an excellent alternative form of transportation that is pollution free and environmentally sustainable.

Your first step before starting a cycling program is to talk to your doctor. If you have been crowned King or Queen couch potato, don’t just jump onto your bike and go. Let your doctor determine if this exercise is suitable for you. Once that has been done, you need a bike and a helmet and you are on your way. If you want or need to upgrade your equipment simply talk to our local bike shops and they will help you choose your iron horse and accessories.

2015 Memberships Join now and enjoy member benefits through March 31, 2016!

NOW

• Full play annual membership • Corporate membership AVAILABLE • Annual limited membership • Social membership • Intermediate membership (ages 19 to 39) • Junior membership Call the Golf Shop at 250-703-5031 for details.

399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay

250-703-5050

To help you kick start your fitness goals we at the Medicine Shoppe are pleased to announce that this will be our fifteenth year offering the Lifecycle. The Lifecycle is a 16 week clinic to get people off their couches. We get you onto your bikes in a gentle, organized program that is progressive in intensity. As a “spokes” person for the group I think I am safe to say we have a “wheely” good time on our Wednesday night rides. Registration and information for new riders will be held at the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, 1782B Comox Ave. Wednesday April 29th at 7pm.

Enrollment is limited for safety purposes

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

9

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Hear an expert on Hydro behaviour As a member of the Comox Valley Electro Health Group, I have become aware of how BC Hydro is forcing people to pay a fee of some $33 a month just so they can continue living without a smart meter on their home.

To combat this rude, aggressive behaviour, the group has contacted and will present retired Canadian Forces Captain Jerry Flynn, an electronic warfare expert, to speak on the harmful nature of products being pushed upon us such as smart meters, WiFi, baby monitors, cell towers and cell phones. The World Health Organization has classified them with other cancer-causing agents.

We are very fortunate to have Flynn’s expertise and willingness to share what he knows. Unlike the propaganda that BC Hydro continues to spread, Flynn tells it like it is.

The event in Courtenay will take place at the Florence Filberg Centre on Thursday, April 2 in the Rotary Hall, 7-9 p.m., admission by donation.

Len Walker Deep Bay

LAZO FLOODING RE: “Lazo residents

want RD to find solutions to mitigate flooding”, March 17, 2015 Although the CVRD is an obvious choice to help find and coordinate solutions to the Lazo Watershed flooding problem, it is not fair to characterize this as just an RD issue. Ignoring for a moment the technical aspects of addressing the flooding, the solution is conceptually simple; reduce the rate and volume of water that flows into affected areas and increase outflows. It’s that simple. Unfortunately, the situation is made complex by the various stakeholders and jurisdictions involved, including the CVRD, DND/19 Wing, Ministry of Transportation and the Town of Comox.

If it is incorrect to think of the flooding as an RDcentric issue, it is also incorrect to think of the problem as only precipitated by unusually heavy rainfall events.

Most of the floodaffected properties remained flooded long after the December 10th “storm of the century” and many currently suffer through unacceptable water levels today, despite the recent dry weather.

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

Clearly, this issue isn’t just about isolated “freak” weather events.

As discussed in the 17 or so studies and reports on flooding in the Lazo Watershed area, a faulty and neglected drainage system has exacerbated the flooding problem.

However, the situation has largely been created and worsened by changes to the Watershed and surrounding areas.

Bottom line, the floodaffected areas aren’t able to accommodate the water flows created by development to date, to say nothing of future development.

So, as much as the CVRD has a central role to play in solving the Lazo Watershed flooding problem and their leadership is welcomed, all other stakeholders must, and are expected to do their part.

Adam Ho Lazo Watershed Property Owners Committee

Advertising Manager Keith Currie

THANKS FOR MOTION

Office Administrator Deb Fowler

Dear Cumberland Mayor and Councillors, I am writing to offer my congratulations and thanks for your Declaration of the Right to a Healthy Environment.

Your declaration enshrining citizens rights to clean air, water and safe

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

food in an official document is truly an occasion to celebrate. It is my hope that your wonderful example will spread beyond Cumberland to the other municipalities and regional districts of the Comox Valley. Thank you for your efforts.

Wendy Prothero Comox

HYDRO BULLYING BC Hydro does not want to be perceived as a bully but I am having a hard time understanding my situation as anything else.

BC Hydro sent me a notice that a security deposit has been levied against my account, stating an outstanding payment as the reason.

On the date of this letter (Feb 12, 2015), they list an amount owing.

It included the first of my cheques mailed Feb 2 that had already cleared my bank Feb 7. So already, they were wrong in listing the amount that I owed on Feb 12.

I mailed the second cheque at exactly the same time as I mailed the first cheque. This cheque did not clear my bank account until Feb 17.

I have opened a file with the BC Ombudsperson office. I believe that BC Hydro withheld my

2nd cheque.

Now, I am getting further letters and phone calls that my service will be disconnected - for an amount that was not for any service and for an amount that was not justified by the balance of my account.

What would you call these actions?

Chris Bruels Courtenay

ANOTHER HYDRO ‘HIT’?

Another “hit” coming for Hydro customers?

British Columbians are already reeling under the impact of large price increases by BC Hydro, but one group who bought into Hydro’s E-Plus program in the 1980’s might be seeing additional increases of up to 130% on the cost of electricity used to heat their homes.

E-Plus was a program that was heavily promoted by Hydro and was based on increasing their sales and profit by selling ‘surplus’ power at a reduced rate for home heating.

In order to qualify homeowners spent thousands to meet strict requirements of energy efficiency and to install the back-up heating systems that were prescribed.

Hydro now has many options for sales of sur-

plus power, and claims the E-Plus rates are costing them money, so has advised users that they are considering asking the BC Utilities Commission for approval to phase out the rate.

Most E-Plus customers are now in their senior years so if and when the program is eliminated the added power cost will hit them hard.

Installing alternate heating systems would cost thousands and those in rural areas without natural gas service will have few options.

This should not be a big issue for BC Hydro as there are only about 10,000 households remaining on the program.

Those numbers are shrinking steadily as users move on [the rate is not transferable to new home owners] or are unable to keep up the requirements to qualify for the rate, so it would seem to make sense to let the program continue until it dies a natural death.

E-Plus customers who would like to work with others who oppose the elimination of the rate can contact the E-Plus Homeowners Group at eplusbcgroup@gmail. com .

Gary McCaig Port Alberni

10 FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

BEEFS & BOUQUETS BOUQUETS to the handful of “developers” responsible for the Cameron/ Baden Rd network in Royston, now prized by the Strathcona Nordics ski club for dry land training.

These near-to-town, quiet, country developments may not repeat themselves due to the recent Regional Growth Strategy and Official Community Plan, passed recently by the Co-

New Fashion Arrivals!

Spring and Summer styles from: Soya Concept, Neon Buddha, MIKO, Pure Knit, Modes Gitane, and MANY MORE

Mon-Sat 8:30-5 Sundays 9:30-5

www.artknappcourtenay.ca

CA$H REWARDS

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca 1-800-222-TIPS

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com mox Valley Regional District. Lot sizes in the rural settlement areas have been given a 4 hectare (ten acre) minimum lot size.

Gone are the two and fiveacre parcels which give these developments their appeal and economic feasibility. Nice to see a parents-backed youth sports group keep training costs in line, while recognizing a sensible area when our CVRD and elected representatives certainly are not “ON TRACK”.

A BIG THANK YOU to the Comox Valley Animal Hospital! Dr. David McDonald was very helpful and kind when bringing in my injured dog. Instead of trying to have me do ‘extra’ tests and getting me to spend big bucks, he was empathetic to the reality of doing major surgery to an older dog. I appreciate the way they do business by not taking advantage of a sometimes, very emotional and difficult situation. Thank you for your honesty and truly showing your love of animals.

BEEFS to the Comox Library for not keeping its computers up and running properly. Don’t expect me to pay my library fines any time soon.

250.331.0813

106-501 4th Street www.cockeyedoptical.com

Mar. 27 Meat draw + Ball Cap Steak Dinner Mar. 28 Meat Draw and Dancing 2pm - 5pm Mar. 31 Euchre 1:30pm Mixed Pub League Darts 7:30pm

April 1 Drop in Darts 1pm April 2 Crib and Gucci 6:30pm & Men's League 7:30pm Fri April 3 Crib and Gucci 6:30pm & Men's League 7:30pm Sat April 4 Meat Draw + Dance

Sun, March 29 Annual Spring Auction in lower lounge of legion - preview at 12:30pm, auction at 1pm

IF IT WASN’T for the kind donations to our Silent Auction Table from the following, we would not have been able to help send our participating Scouts to the Provincial Jamboree in Victoria this year in July: Trail Bicycles, Ricky’s All Day Grill, Play ‘N’ Trade, Islander Pizza, Subway, Pizza Hut, Simon’s Cycles, Anna’s Hair Salon, The Mancave, Mr. J’s Pizza, Vassili’s Bread Shop, Broken Spoke, Early Bird Café, Panago, Billy D’s, Codes Country Lanes, Dairy Queen, Starbuck’s, True Dimensions, Budget Auto Repair, White Spot, Woofy’s, Rialto Theatre, Cinnamon Plus, Boston Pizza, Domino’s Pizza and Little Caesars Pizza.

Again, the 1st Comox Scouts and Scouting family thank you and wish you all a very profitable sales year for 2015.

A LARGE BOUQUET OF ROSES to the terrific man that helped my Mom push her shopping cart in Thrifty’s

Store. You came to her assistance when she was struggling to finish her shopping and helped her not only push her cart but helped her finish her shop and then out to her car with her things. She said you were a handsome, dark, curly frocked gentleman named Kevin. Thank you thank you!

THE MOST COMMON BEEF I see is related to disrespectful and rude drivers. Having moved here recently from 30-plus years on the lower mainland - you folks have NO idea how lucky we all are to be - not only driving- but living here.

BIG BOUQUET to Courtenay Costco for being the single biggest contributor to the Comox Valley United Way - by far! Not only do their members generously donate, but each and every one of the store’s employees do as well.

LA BEEF to the fact that after enduring a month of striking teachers, basically being off on “well deserved” vacation, we have to thank them by having a 2-weeks March break. You would think that the Educational Authorities would have just a 1-week break to show good faith, but no.

Garbage, total garbage.

A BIG BONFIRE BEEF to the BC Hyrdro representative that took the time to make a comment in the Echo’s Friday March 20th paper, that states BC Hydro is worried and concerned about the public’s safety but COULDN’T be bothered to call back the messages left more then a week prior from the young lady whose truck burnt and was “the worst I’ve seen in my 15 years” incident. Guess your concern for HER wasn’t important enough to call her back.

The caretaker of the Fish and Game informed us that these fires have been a problem for quite awhile yet BC Hydro did nothing to warn the many public users that use this picnic area daily. Your own security lady said the fire just got pushed up into the bushes for some unsuspecting person that might be walking a dog or parking there to discover on there own and then suffer the consequences. Vandal-

ism is horrible and those participating in it should be punished for it. Just a note to all those that use that park for mountain bike riding and walking your dogs and etc ... if it’s your first time parking there beware, illegal fires are held. BC Hydro said in the article that they correctly disposed of the remnants of melted plastic, steel, tires, fluids and contaminated soil ... too bad they didn’t clean up the fire that was reported to them that happened on Sunday, March 22. Ironically my daughter was a paramedic for your men working on the dam at one time ... too bad you didn’t have her safety in mind and warn people of this danger. And to those who set these fires for fun ... one day someone or someone’s pet is going to get caught in one of these fires or you are going to burn down the forest and ruin the park for everyone, you should think about that.

RE: YOUR NASTY and ridiculously defensive reply a few weeks ago to my beef about pit bulls: Actually, I am neither ignorant or uneducated, as you called me amongst your various rude terms, I was in fact a veterinary assistant for many years, and I happen to have a lot of knowledge and experience with dog breeds and dog temperaments. And I had done a google search, and numerous sites quote stats showing pit bulls and closely related breeds are seriously dangerous to humans and animals, with no other breed even coming close. But really, beefer, I could not have done a better job than you did of making my point for me.

You say pit bulls were not bred to fight, then follow this with a breed description stating the breed was developed to bite and hold on to bulls, bears and other large animals around the face and head. Thank you for that, it very well describes the attack reported on Headquarters Road of a pit bull ripping out another dog’s eyeball, breaking its jaw, and causing brain damage leading to death. Your next bit of history reads that when bull-baiting was outlawed, people turned instead to

fighting their dogs against each other. Well yes, that’s the blood sport where dogs fight each other to the death in pits in the ground, just like cockfighting. That’s why they’re called “pit bulls”. Despite being illegal, this “sport” is still popular in the U.S., and around the world, and this is the market many pit bulls are bred for. So yes, pit bulls WERE and still are bred to fight, and to kill just about any kind of animal they could get hold of, including other dogs, and humans. As for your bad-tempered chihuahua cross, I have yet to hear of an adult, child or other dog being mauled to death by a chihuahua. But as you say in your beef, a bad temperament isn’t the dog’s fault, it’s the owner’s fault, and from your beef, not too hard to see where your chiX got it from...

BEEF with those involved with the community garden. I have no problem with there being a community garden, by all means have it, but come on, gardens should be with flowers, veggies, beauty. Come on by the community garden on 6th. St. If you are in need of new TIRES that is the place to get them. I can see growing a few potatoes in tires but now it has become a complete eyesore with the amount of tires that just seem to be dumped there! Come on clean it up, make it what it is supposed to be - gardens not a graveyard for your tires!

A BIG BEEF to the occupants of a big (dirty) white Ford F350 PU. For helping themselves to the majority of the “daffs” along Church St. these public plantings are meant to cheer up everybody, not just you.

A HUGE BOUQUET to the couple that paid for the meals of my friend and me at Jo Klassen’s on Wednesday March 11. It was truly an unexpected surprise.

We will ensure that your generosity will not go unnoticed as we will “pay it forward” to someone else.

Thank you from 2 grey haired ladies, one was wearing a red vest.

ON MARCH 15th, “The Ides of March”, I celebrated my

80th Birthday. Thank-you to all my friends and acquaintances that attended the celebration of a big stepping stone in my life.

Your cards, well wishes and gifts were much appreciated. - Roy. DO WE REALLY NEED pounds and pounds of store flyers delivered week after week?

(Continued on page 11)

911 Reflective Address Sign

$40.00 ea CV Monarch Lions will be at Driftwood Mall this weekend (Mar 27 & 28) to make your address sign while you wait.

A community/fundraiser project

(250) 338-9602

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

11

BEEFS & BOUQUETS (Continued from page 10) These stores post their specials online, isn’t that adequate? Libraries have computers if you do not.

Do we really need to log more and more habitat from the wildlife we profess to love to produce this enormous volume of newsprint? Do we? Tell your stores, thanks for putting your specials online but I no longer want those accumulated tonnes of printed flyers delivered and read in the comfort of my home twice a week. My mind goes to the homes that are no longer there.

WELL, IT WILL HAVE TO BE Bouquets to the CVRD administration for maximizing the return on treated Comox Lake Bulk drinking water. Even after transferring $1.9 million out of income to capital reserves, they made a 14% profit on the bulk water. Continuing double digit returns.

The BC investment Corporation could only wish for such consistently high returns, funded by Comox Valley Water customers.

THE BIGGEST BOUQUET to Dr. de winter and her wonderful dog Tred of Van Isle Veterinary Hospital.

Thank you so much for giving me Maggie back from death’s door. It was only because of your perseverance that she is alive today. You are all angels and are being smiled upon.

Special thanks to Tred for his life saving blood. I am so grateful to you all.

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com service! Twice already I’ve gone into their store feeling rushed with life’s responsibilities, just to walk out with a big smile on my face! Thanks guys!

A BIG BOUQUET of warm hugs to land owners in the Torrence Hill area of Comox who have personally turned down a Rogers Communications request to have a cell tower set up on their property. Many people need extra funds these days so it is very magnanimous (courageously noble in mind and heart) of you to say NO. Your community spirit has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for understanding that with a cell tower erected in the vicinity, in addition to property prices declining there could be detrimental health implications to people, especially children, living in the area.

So this is to acknowledge you, your positive choice, and to let you know there is much appreciation sent your way by your neighbors for your community based decision.

FOR THOSE NEWCOMERS to the Comox Valley, the present Fifth Street Bridge was the route for all Vancouver Island traffic from Victoria, north from 1954 to 1981, when 17th street bridge was built. CVRD Director, Courtenay Councillor Erik Ericksson - round up a few hundred thousand for students to paint this historic connector to the North and South of Vancouver Island. A Huge Beef for those local many politicians who have not made preserving this essential bridge a priority.

the path of Quality Foods and the fence. Sunday at around 11:15 am I encountered a lady with shoulderlength grey hair walking a large dog. This lady pulled over saying she was unsure of the dog’s behavior, well you knew what your dog was doing when it did his business and you did not pick it up. What happened to responsible dog owners.

WE ARE IN TOTAL AGREEMENT with the beef about the local weed company. We too, told them over and over “no” and not to call but they still did. So we got Telus Optic and were able to block them using a feature they have. We can see on our TV when they call but the phone does not ring. Bye bye weed company. We got the last laugh!

BEAUTIFUL SPRING BOUQUETS to the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra for putting on such a wonderful family-friendly concert in our community! Families were able to enjoy a wide selection of music with their little ones, who were then able to try out a variety of instruments in the “instrument zoo” after the concert. What a great way to introduce children to the enjoyment of music at an early age. We hope that this will be an annual event!

THE SIGN OVER the tatI THOUGHT I WAS DOING a retoo parlour in downtown ally good thing for the enCourtenay, “Two Pricks vironment when I choose ......” is tasteless and vulto buy a rotary lawn mowgar. The owners of the er. My lawnmower really business probably think needs sharpening. I have the name to be clever and phoned every place in cute, but to the outsider Courtenay and visited varit’s just stupid! Aren’t there ious establishments only MY BEEF is with all the statutes addressing tasteto find out that no one on dog owners, specially the less signage? I seriously this Island sharpens rota- ones who have large dogs doubt that “freedom of ry mowers. Businesses sell who walk their pets along speech” would give a pass to the unsuspecting consumer here on the Island and make lots of money because in a few years you will be back to buy a new mower that you can get sharpened. If I want to keep this product I have to Dan Royer, of Courtenay take it to Vancouver.

on this one. If one argues that “prick” simply means a needle stick, Google the word and see what comes up. Come on Courtenay businesses, you should be able to do better!

A BEAUTIFUL Delphine Flowers bouquet to all of the businesses who helped make World Community’s Chocolate Affair (celebrating Fair Trade Chocolate) a success. Thanks to the Comox Valley Echo, Atlas Cafe, As You Like It Catering, Blue Moon Winery, Cumberland Hemp Co.,Tria Fine Catering, Dark Side Chocolates, River Meadows Nursery, Lemon Tree Nails and Spa, Floating Stone Silks, Marigold Natural Health, Sid Williams Theatre, Thrifty Foods and donors to our silent auction. Thanks also to ticket outlets: Laughing Oyster Bookshop, Bop City Records and Church Street Bakery.

A “POINTED” SALUTE to Bill, Rowan, Andrea and Nick - the four Fencing instructors at Comox Rec. Their patience, good humour, and kindness make this a fantastic class for kids, and their passion for the sport is evident. Thanks for your generosity!

BOUQUETS to Courtenay CAO David Allen for clearly outlining the case to paint the Fifth Street Bridge, which has been a Courtenay landmark, and essential asset since 1954.

It does seem a bit unfair that Courtenay taxpayers are covering the cost, when this is a Regional Bridge connecting highway 19’s.

It’s interesting that the city has less cash reserves than our Regional District government which has no responsibilities for roads

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS:

A BIG BOUQUET to all the workers at the Butcher Block! Always a smile on their faces and ready to give you the best possible

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!

or bridges. Councillors Eriksson, Wells, Theos and Mayor Jangula are all CVRD directors. Perhaps they could convince the other 6 Directors to divert a $million from the CVRD planning budget, to share in the cost of maintaining the Fifth Street lbridge.

Sharing local govermnent administrative resources seems to be Councilor Eriksson’s other theme, and he deserves a Big Bouquet for that initiative!

IN RESPONSE to the person saying nobody needs a pit bull, please do some research before complaining about a dog you’ve obviously never owned.

I understand that your daughter may have been very badly injured, and for that i am truly sorry.

However blaming the dog won’t solve the problem.

A pit bull is a huge responsibility and I am not talking about them being violent (which poodles are more naturally aggressive by the way) but the fact they need constant love and care and someone who is in control. They need pack leaders. Before approaching the dog (any dog) you should look at the relationship between the owner and the dog, if the owner doesn’t look like he’s in control and being respected by his dog it’s better not to approach.

It’s not the dogs fault his owner didn’t look up his dog or how to train it. Any untrained dog will be unpredictable. And for anyone who is curious about a pit bull’s nature, they are nanny dogs. They were originally breed to watch kids, you can make any dog vicious by beating them and yelling at them.

BEAUTIFUL SMILES to the amazing staff at Acreview

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.

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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.

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Dental. I always feel at home when I go there and appreciate all the smiles and kind words. Thank you for making my visits there very comfortable which is not easy being a dental office. They are worth checking out for your dental needs!

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

HUGE MEGA SALE SATURDAY MARCH 28TH BE SURE TO ATTEND . enjoy Shriner`s BBQ . Prizes. Fun Fun Fun . Donate a Dry Food Item for the Food Bank gets you an entry into the Prize Draws. . Win Chemanius Dinner Theatre Pkgs Left to Right Maureen Bedford, Danielle Shepherd, Helena Jung and Oliver Clarke

NEVER BEFORE SEEN VW PRICING Volkswagen Cash on Most Vehicles

‘Cello and Friends’ concert at YOU WON`T WANT church for Honduras project TO MISS THIS CELEBRATION Will help Comox Rotary provide water in 8 villages ver Clarke, Danielle Shepherd and Michael Tran with Maureen Bedford accompanying on the organ.

“We’re thrilled to help such a worthy cause and support the Rotary Club of Comox in providing accessible safe water for 8 villages in Honduras.”

The concert is free but a donation of $10 - $20 would be greatly appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

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Local musicians share their music to help raise money for a Rotary water project in Honduras.

The Sunday, March 29th concert starting at 2:30 p.m. at Christ the King Church (1599 Tunner Drive) promises a wide range of classical favourites.

Helena Jung will play the Preludes from the Bach Suites for solo cello.

Helena will also join vocalists Oli-

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*$2,500/$1,500/$1,500 discount on MSRP available on cash purchase, nance or lease of new and unregistered 2015 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline / Jetta 2.0L Trendline / Passat 1.8T Trendline models. Discount on MSRP available on cash purchase, nance or lease of new and unregistered 2015 models. Discount varies by model. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer not shown in this ad. **Lease payments of $215/$150/$193 on the Tiguan/Jetta/Passat must be made on a monthly basis and cannot be made bi weekly. Bi weekly payment amounts shown include $2,500/$1,500/$1,500 discount. Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2015 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline / Jetta 2.0L Trendline / Passat 1.8T Trendline base model with 6/5/5-speed manual transmission. $1,760/$1,605/$1,605 freight and PDI included in monthly payment. 48-month term at 1.9% APR. $4,174/$1,299/$4,045 down payment, $260/$200/$240 security deposit and rst monthly payment due at lease inception. Total lease obligation: $14,470/$8,475/$13,301. 64,000-kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km for excess kilometres. PPSA fee, license, insurance, registration, any dealer or other charges, options and applicable taxes are extra. 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T 4MOTION® received a 5-star side-crash rating while the Jetta 4 DR FWD received a 5-star overall rating. Government star ratings are part of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (safercar.gov). Crash performance was based on a U.S.-equipped vehicle. Some features on that model may be optional or not available in Canada. The 2015 Jetta/Passat was awarded a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). To qualify for a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a good or acceptable rating in the small overlap front test. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Offers valid from March 21 to 31, 2015 at British Columbia dealers only and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Models shown: 2015 Tiguan 2.0T Highline R-Line, $42,850 / 2015 Jetta 1.8T Highline, $27,385 / 2015 Passat 1.8T Highline, $32,690. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only and may include optional equipment. Visit vw.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. Volkswagen , the Volkswagen logo, Das Auto & Design , Tiguan , Jetta and Passat are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. © 2015 Volkswagen Canada.

Sunwest Auto Centre • www.sunwestvw.ca • 250-338-1221 • sales@sunwestautocentre.com • 401 Ryan Road, Courtenay • DLR# 8182

14

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

Film digs into food security, permaculture Meet the movers and shakers, or, more accurately, the diggers and growers of the Permaculture movement at Community Movie Night at the Stan Hagen Theatre on March 30 at 7 pm.

The film is presented

by NIC’s Global Learning Initiative, a team of nursing and human service students and instructors who will lead a discussion about the issues of social justice and food security raised by Permaculture: The Growing Edge on April 8.

This film of environmental hope offers a vision of local and global issues of social justice, ecological design, and food security as embodied in a number of inspirational projects that point the way to solutions to many of our environmental concerns.

This documentary by Donna Read and Starhawk, takes you “beyond sustainability to regeneration.” The film provides a blueprint for change as it tells the story of some of the principle movers in the Permaculture movement and inspiring practitioners of its methodologies.

Permaculture is a sustainable system of caring for the Earth. The movement was started by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s and has grown to become a worldwide network that includes visionary ecological designers, teachers, food growers, natural builders, and environmental activists.

The film hopes to inspire audiences with a look at projects such as Holmgren’s own homestead, the deer tracking expertise of naturalist Jon Young, the use of sheet mulching on an inner-city garden by Hunters Point Family, and the miracle of mycologist Paul Stamets using mushrooms to clean up an oil spill.

(Continued on page 15)

(Continued from page 14)

You will also meet other pre-eminent figures of the Permaculture movement such as Penny LivingstonStark, James Stark, Mark Lakeman, Dr. Elaine Ingham, Permaculture Magazine editor Maddy Harlan and others.

“Permaculture is the key to a post-carbon future,” Harlan says.

Plant the seed of your own post-carbon future by catching Permaculture: The Growing Edge on Monday, March 30 at 7 pm at the Stan Hagen Theatre.

A follow up discussion on local and global issues of social justice and

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food security will be held Wednesday, April 8 at the Zocalo Café, with NIC’s Global Learning Initiative, which creates partnerships with local communities and individuals to foster awareness of global issues.

This gathering takes place from 5 to 8 pm and offers an opportunity to connect with community members. All are welcome. The Zocalo Café is located at 208-5th Street in Courtenay.

Admission is by donation to the Global Learning Initiative. For more information on these events, please call 250-334-5067 or email catherine.clark@ nic.bc.ca.

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Spring has arrived and and it’s time to plant crops.

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To consider this question, World Community is screening the film “Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds” at 7 pm on Tuesday March 31 at the North Island College theatre, Courtenay.

A discussion with local seed savers will follow the screening.

Seeds are essential to life, providing the basis for everything from fabric to food to fuels.

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cent of the fruit and vegetable varieties that existed 100 years ago no longer exist today.

Many heritage grains are near extinction.

Corporations are coopting seed genetics using patent laws. Today, corporate-owned seed accounts for 82% of the world-wide market.

Maintaining seed biodiversity allows us to breed new varieties that are resistant to pests and thrive in temperature extremes in a changing climate.

“Open Sesame” follows the challenges and triumphs of seed activists

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Equivalent lease payments of $29/$38/$60 on the 2015 Micra/2015 Sentra/2015 Rogue must be made on a monthly basis and cannot be made weekly. Weekly lease payments are for advertising purposes only. The $750/$1,000 additional discount offer is valid on the purchase financing or lease (at inception) of select new 2015 Sentra/2015 Rogue. $750/$1,000 is comprised of $500/$750 NCF cash and $250/$250 deaelr participation. Offer valid March 11-31, 2015. Offer is based on stackable trading dollars. Offer is available to eligible customers for a limited time on approved credit only. The discount will be deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. Applicable to Nissan Canada Finance (NCF) contracts only through subvented NCF finance, lease or NCF standard finance rates. Not combinable with fleet discounts and not applicable to cash purchase buyers. Offer not eligible for program protection. Certain conditions apply. †Offer is administered by Nissan Canada Extended Services Inc. (NCESI) and applies to any new 2015 Micra/Versa Note/Sentra/Altima/Juke/Rogue/Pathfinder models (each, an “Eligible Model”) leased and registered through Nissan Canada Financial Services Inc., on approved credit, between March 3 – March 31, 2015 from an authorized Nissan retailer in Canada. Eligible only on leases through NCF with subvented rates. Offer recipient will be entitled to receive a maximum of six (6) service visits (each, a “Service Visit”) for the Eligible Vehicle – where each Service Visit consists of one (1) oil change (using conventional 5W30 motor oil) and one (1) tire rotation service (each, an “Eligible Service”). All Eligible Services will be conducted in strict accordance with the Oil Change and Tire Rotation Plan outline in the Agreement Booklet for the Eligible Vehicle. The service period (“Service Period”) will commence on the lease transaction date (“Transaction Date”) and will expire on the earlier of: (i) the date on which the maximum number of Service Visits has been reached; (ii) 36 months from the Transaction Date; or (iii) when the Eligible Vehicle has reached 48,000 kilometers. All Eligible Services must be completed during the Service Period, otherwise they will be forfeited. The Offer may be upgraded to use premium oil at the recipient’s expense. The Eligible Services are not designed to meet all requirements and specifications necessary to maintain the Eligible Vehicle. To see the complete list of maintenance necessary, please refer to the Service Maintenance Guide. Any additional services required are not covered by the Offer and are the sole responsibility and cost of the recipient. Offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain offers NCESI reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. Ask your retailer for details. ≠Representative monthly lease offer based on any new 2015 Micra S 5MT (S5LG55 AA00)/2015 Sentra 1.8 S Manual Transmition (C4LG55 AA00)/2015 Rogue S FWD CVT transmission (Y6RG15 AA00). 4.99%/0.9%/1.99% lease APR for a 60/60/60 month term equals monthly payments of $127/$165/$258 with $998/$0/$0 down payment, and $0 security deposit are due at lease inception. Prices and payments include freight and fees. Lease based on a maximum of 20,000 km/year with excess charged at $0.10/km. Total lease obligation is $8,621/$9,900/$15,491. $250/$30 Dealer participation included only on the 2015 Micra S 5MT (S5LG55 AA00)/2015 Sentra 1.8 S M6 (C4LG55 AA00) included in advertised amount. These offers are only valid from March 3 - 31, 2015. $750/$1,000/$1,000 Cash Bonus included in advertised amounts. Dealer order/ trade may be necessary. Conditions apply. VModels shown $16,217/$25,765/$36,348 Selling price for a new 2015 Micra® KROM MT (S5RG55 KR00)/2015 Sentra 1.8 SL (C4TG15 AA00)/2015 Rogue SL AWD Premium (Y6DG15 BK00). $1,000 Cash Bonus not included in model shown. *X±≠VFreight and PDE charges ($1,450/$1,567/$1,750) air-conditioning levy ($100) where applicable, applicable fees (all which may vary by region), manufacturer’s rebate and dealer participation where applicable are included. License, registration, insurance and applicable taxes are extra.

Lease offers are available on approved credit through Nissan Canada Finance for a limited time, may change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers except stackable trading dollars. Retailers are free to set individual prices. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicles and accessories are for illustration purposes only. Offers, prices and features subject to change without notice. Offers valid between March 3 - 31, 2015. ∞Based on GAC (AIAMC) Intermediate segmentation. All information compiled from Natural Resources Canada Fuel Economy data and third-party sources, including manufacturer websites. November 26, 2014. +Based on 2014/15 Nissan Sentra (3,144L), 2015 Honda Civic (3,031L) and 2015 Toyota Corolla (3,119L). All information sourced from competitive websites and is accurate at the time of printing. January 28, 2015. ^Based on 2014/15 Sentra SV, SR, SL models with NissanConnect Apps system. Smartphone connectivity allowing access to popular mobile applications and connected services (ex. Google Send-to-Car). For more information see IIHS.org. ALG is the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, www.alg.com. Offers subject to change, continuation or cancellation without notice. Offers have no cash alternative value. See your participating Nissan retailer for complete details. ©1998-2015 Nissan Canada Inc. and Nissan Financial Services Inc. a division of Nissan Canada Inc.

NIC film digs into food security, permaculture

X

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

15

World Community Film Series presents ‘Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds’

A scene from ‘Open Sesame’

the film trailer at www. opensesamemovie.com Admission is by donation.

Everyone is welcome. FMI: 250 337 5412

16

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

FINAL DAYS TO SAVE! TARGET CANADA ALL STORES

CLOSING!

Fddlers Madelaine Guimond and Raven Lees, of the Black Swan group

Black Swan Fiddlers return with Celtic sounds to the Zocalo Cafe Here we go again! The Black Swan Fiddlers return to the Zo on Saturday March 28. Music starts at 7:00.

If you like Celtic music and you want the pure drop, what better way to celebrate the summer than with traditional foot tapping Celtic polkas, hornpipes, jigs and reels.

Our last Zocalo gig was a huge success, with lots of hand clapping and foot

stamping and even some singing from the full audience.

The Black Swan Fiddlers consist of fiddlers, Madelaine Guimond, Raven Lees, (shown above) Mya Williamson, and they are joined by Paul Gervais on guitar, Jeff Butterworth on bass, mandolin and vocals..

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

though not all at once.

The Black Swan Fiddlers have been keeping the traditional Celtic music tradition alive and well in the Comox Valley for 8 years.

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

To watch when we play, see our website www.theblackswanfiddlers.com or contact David Stevenson 250 890-0297.

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Tragedy and turmoil uncovered on prairie Two authors reading from new books at city library Stirring tales of the opening of the Canadian West are more often found in the detail of anonymous lives lived than in the events catalogued in any school book history. Two such tales will unfold at a reading at the Courtenay Library on Monday, March 30 at 7 pm by two Canadian authors, both prairie born and now resident in British Columbia.

Vangie Bergum carried a secret from her youth that fear and shame forbid her to explore. She could break the silence only when, as an accomplished academic teaching at the University of Alberta, she found the courage to prod the silences and pursue the shadows until the story of the murder of her grandmother and aunts emerged along with the suicide of her grandfather, the murderer.

A journey of fortitude, isolation and the struggle to raise ten children, carries a woman from Norway to Minnesota and finally to Saskatchewan in the company of a restless man. But this is more than the story of a tragedy and of lives cut short. “Downstream” published by Hagios Press in Regina, is also a reflection on the significance

Valerie Bergum

Underwater shot of Fanny Bay sea lions - below the surface - taken by Eiko Jones

Saving the oceans, rivers with photos

Tony Reynolds of missing women everywhere, the loss to all who loved them and the vistas they might have opened had they lived.

LAST CHANCE!

(Continued on page 19)

It is almost the end of the unofficial Sea Lion Festival in the Comox Valley and there is barely standing room on weekends at the Fanny Bay Wharf.

Amateur and professional photographers alike are enjoying the sea lions playing, feeding, barking and splashing around the vessels and wharf. You have to wonder why there isn’t an admission charge.

The sea lions accept the kayakers, the onlookers and the commercial fishers with nary a concern.

If you ever wondered what goes on down below, Eiko

Jones can show you just how boisterous it is with his underwater photography.

Jones, almost seven feet tall with his dive gear and camera with lights, can go flipper to flipper with the sea lions.

He said they “play nibble” on your arms and legs and the desire to pull away is so great; if you do, it is “game on” and they will drag you around like a chew toy.

Jones has just launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to fund a new photography exhibition on Environmental

Awareness. The theme is to show the urgency to preserve and remediate local streams, rivers and the Pacific Ocean.

Jones has big plans involving photography, the environment and local watersheds.

Born in New Zealand, Jones was so disappointed on a recent trip home to see how the clean streams and rivers of his childhood swimming days had become polluted with agricultural runoff.

It spurred him on to use his underwater photography to showcase the fragile beauty of our streams and

rivers here in Canada.

Jones warns his audience that we don’t want to take our clean water for granted - we have to work hard to preserve it.

See his short video on the successful return of Pink Salmon to the once dead Tsolum River (the video is Tsolum Salmon Return).

Simply search “Kickstarter” and “Eiko Jones” to see some exciting local photographs and that short video.

And grab your camera and kids for a great free admission trip to Fanny Bay to enjoy the Sea Lions before they leave!

18

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

Rotary Clubs of the Comox Valley EVENT CALENDAR April 18 Strathcona Sunrise Rotary’s Skyrocket Garden Compost Sale starting at 8 am at the Driftwood Mall.

Locals Rotarians celebrate Rotary’s 110th birthday with a flag raising at city hall!

May 10 The Tidesmen Barbershop Chorus will entertain you with their wonderful singing in the Sid Williams Theatre. Show Starts at 2pm. Adults $28, seniors, students and youth $23. Tickets available at the Sid. A fund raiser of Strathcona Sunrise Rotary.

A Rotary Youth Exchange student will spend up to a year living with host families and attending school in a different country.

Whether participating in Rotary’s long-term or short-term Youth Exchange programs, the student learns a new way of living, a great deal about himself or herself, and maybe even a new language. They also become an ambassador, teaching people they meet about their country, culture, and ideas.

They can help bring the world closer – and make some good friends in the process.

For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs. Rotary District 5020, of which the Comox Valley is part, includes all of Vancouver Island and northwest Washington State.

In the Comox Valley, the four local Rotary clubs also host an annual get-together for all the Rotary Youth Exchange students in District 5020.

This is called Rendezvous and is held in late February over four days. The event kicks off with a Welcome Dinner at the Florence Filberg Centre, which is usually packed. Everyone in attendance gets to see all the visiting youth exchange students as they are introduced and enter bearing the flag of their home country. The students this year came from South America, Asia, and Europe, and represented 28 different countries! Over the course of the next few days, their schedule is jam-packed with activities and events, all of it organized by local Rotarians: yoga, salsa dance instruction, swimming, skating, community service, theatre sports/improve, outdoor education at Strathcona Park Lodge, one of the highlights of their visit - a First Nations cultural presentation by Andy Everson and the Kumugwe dancers at the Comox Band Big House, a scavenger hunt in downtown Courtenay, cosmic bowling, and even karaoke! It is a wonderful opportunity for the students to get together, form lasting friendships, and experience the hospitality of the Comox Valley.

ST R AT H CO N A S U N R I S E www.rotarystrathconasunrise.org

May 6, 7, 8, 9 Courtenay Rotary’s next book sale in the Comox Mall. A great way to get bargain books while supporting community projects.

The late Peg Challender, Bob Smith and Rotarian Charlie Sallis in front of one of the lovely rhododendrons at the garden tour site.

Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial Annual Rhodos for Rotary Plant Sale and Garden Tour Mothers Day May 10 from 9 am to 2 pm. Garden Tour is by donation. Located at 1717 Glen Urquhart Drive, Courtenay BC more information in April. Money is raised for various projects both in our local and world community.

W H AT I S ROTA RY ?

October 2 Courtenay Rotary BeerFest. Mark your calendar and watch for more information.

R OTA RY FAC T:

“A worldwide network of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities”

CUMBERLAND CENTENNIAL www.rotarycc.org

May 10 Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial Annual Rhodos for Rotary Plant Sale and Garden Tour Mothers Day May 10 from 9 am to 2 pm. Garden Tour is by donation. Located at 1717 Glen Urquhart Drive, Courtenay BC more information in April. Money is raised for various projects both in our local and world community.

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Authors reading at library (Continued from page 17) In evocative language, using the images of rivers - rapids, meanders, turbulences - it opens the sorrows and silences to the light where healing can take place and meaning found.

Comox resident, Tony Reynolds, learned that a greatgrandfather who broke the isolated prairie in 1871, left behind 30,000 words in letters written home to Scotland over the course of 34 years. Reynolds, who farmed in the Comox Valley after a career in Ottawa that concluded with the task of executive director for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, decided to mine this treasure-trove of authentic detail to weave an historical novel.

In “On the Wings of the Morning,” two brothers, strongly divergent in personality, with deep roots in Scotland, are forced to an isolated frontier and a troubled partnership.

Published by Inkwater Press, the novel is set in the last decades of the 19th century, along the contested frontier with

America, amid the backwash of that country’s Indian wars. The brothers survive armed conflict, brutal weather, prairie fire, and intense isolation to open an unbroken land. One pursues unconventional love. The other defies authority and bigotry to protect his friends. A plague threatens the whole venture.

It is a story of courage, shame, persistence, and loyalty, and its end is another beginning.

The authentic imagery of this tale brands the ancient hills of Scotland and the vastness of the Canadian frontier on the reader’s consciousness.

Kirkus Reviews wrote that the novel was “researched with a historian’s precision, the overall setting is convincing... contemporary relevance, too, especially in its presentation of the Indians and the racism of the Canadian settlers..”

The authors will sign copies of these books that paint the life of the ordinary pioneer in vivid detail, at a reading in Courtenay library, Monday, March 30 at 7 pm: Downstream ($18.95) and On the Wings of the Morning ($21.95).

Last chance to see story of Anne Frank The Diary of Anne Frank continues at the Old Church Theatre tonight Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, both shows at 7:30 pm, with a matinee on Sunday, March 29 at 2 pm. In her

diary, Anne Frank, left, played by Amy Payne, continues to write about “her thoughts, her dreams, her plans”. The program is presented by Co-Val Choristers. For tickets call 350-334-2992.

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21

Museum to host Centennial ANZAC Day Volunteers, sponsors needed to help out Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.

Observed on 25 April each year, Anzac Day was originally established to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, and Tonga, and previously also as a national holiday in Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

It is also observed in some local communities of Newfoundland.

The HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial will be host to the

Happy Spring Break participant at Courtenay Recreation

North Vancouver Island’s observance of Anzac Day to commemorate the Centennial of the Battle of Gallipoli and to provide local residents with ties to southern Commonwealth countries a day of Remembrance.

The event is still in the planning stage and volunteers and local sponsors are needed to help with the planning so that this day becomes a true Down Under observance.

It is hoped that Anzac Day can become an annual event here in the Comox Valley and North

Vancouver Island.

Though very controversial at times, Anzac Day has shaped the way their citizens have viewed both their past and their understanding of the present.

Anzac Day - Comox Valley will take place Saturday 25 April beginning at 12:30 pm at HAMM in the Comox Centre Mall.

For more information on participating and volunteering for this event contact Lewis Bartholomew at 250-339-4322 or email at tap103@albernirproject.org

READY, SET TRI-IT

With spring just around the corner it’s time to dust off your running shoes, grease the chain on your bike, bring out the swim suit and get ready for the Shoreline Orthodontics’ Tri-K Triathlon. On Sunday May 24th the sports centre will come alive with the sights and sounds of the annual Comox Valley event. Hundreds of eager athletes will take to the water in the first leg, followed by a cycle ride, and cap it off with a run.

The event will once again be sanctioned by Triathlon BC. This means the race will follow Tri BC rules and regulations, complete with officials. Being sanctioned will see the race take on a higher profile with better and faster competition.

This event has been called the race for all ages with several divisions each having their own distances. The day starts off with the Mini event, followed by the Sprint, Duathlon and Just TRI –IT divisions. The day winds up with the Teeny and In-betweeny divisions.

Teeny

Inbetweeny

Sprint

Just TRI-IT

Duathlon

5–7 years

7–9 years

8–9 years

10 – 11 years

12 – 17 years

16 years plus

16 years plus

16 years plus

Swim

Twice across the pool

50 meters

100 meters

150 meters

300 meters

750 meters

500 meters

No swim 5 Km run

Bike

Once around Twice around the school the school

5 Km

5 Km

10 Km

20 Km

20 Km

20 Km

1 Km

2 Km

3 Km

5 Km

5 Km

5 Km

Run

Around the track

Around the track

Mini

The Just TRI-IT is a non-timed event, geared towards participation. All of the distances are suggested only meaning that participants can decide when to switch to the next leg of the race.

The Tri-K, no matter what division, is a fun race aimed at getting people participating, active and involved. The sprint distance is short enough to be doable, yet long enough to be a challenge. If this sounds like something that you would like to participate in, now is the time to get ready.

The ECHO newspaper would like to see you reach your goal of completing the Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K triathlon. Starting the week of March 31st The Echo will feature a training guide to help you cross the finish line. The eight week guide will suggest workouts that will gradually increase your fitness level, strength and endurance. Starting with distances or times that you are comfortable with, the plan will add 5 – 15 percent to each workout until you hit the target duration and/or goal distance. This training guide is based on a maximum of three sessions per week in each sport. Besides the workouts, the guide will give tips and hints on participating and making your experience a positive one.

A triathlon is about preparation and organization. In order to get to the starting line, your first task is to get organized!

1. Register for the Shoreline Orthodontics’ Tri-K. Online registration is available at www.trik.ca.

2. Get your equipment together. The minimum that you’ll need is a bathing suit, bike, helmet, t-shirt, running shoes, socks, water bottles and a towel. Although not totally necessary it is nice to have goggles for swimming, a hat for running and a watch for timing yourself. The bike needs to be in good working order, brakes that work, tires pumped up, all bolts tight, gears that shift easily, and a chain that is lubricated. Your equipment does not need to be top of the line but, it does need to fit you, be safe, and operational.

3. Plan for your run routes, swim times and bike rides. The pool has “coached” workout sessions (swim fit or masters). If the times do not suit you, the 8 week training guide will provide sample swim workouts that you can do during public length swim sessions. Check out the bulletin board at Extreme Runners in downtown Courtenay for times and routes of organized running groups. There are a variety of groups; one to suit every running level.

With all of that done you are now prepared for your work outs. The training guide will start next week, so get registered, dust off your bike, dig out your bathing suit, running shorts, lace up your sneakers and get ready to train for a triathlon. Get-fit, stay-fit, tri-it!

Fun and learning for spring break Looking for something interesting for your children and youth this spring break?

Courtenay Recreation offers fitness and one-of-a kind activities from Monday, March 30 until Sunday, April 12.

For those needing full day camps, options include Spring Break Daycamp, Art Camp and Diva Girls Camp. In Spring Break Daycamp and Diva Girls Camp each day will bring something new. Enjoy games, fitness, art,

cooking, and out-trips.

Art Camp includes sculpting, drawing, printmaking and more with artist Jenja McIntrye.

Courtenay Recreation also offers half-day or hour-long sports and fitness camps. Programs run over 4 or 5 days and include Horse & Pony, 7 Story Circus, Aerial Arts, Trampoline, Gymnastics and Family Gymnastics.

Focus on learning skills, coordination and being active in these camps.

Want to make sure a

THE WESTERLY EASTER BRUNCH

youth in your life is ready for that summer job? Register for All in One Job Training for 14 - 18 years or Leaders in Training for 13 - 18 years. All in One Job Training includes Emergency First Aid, World Host Fundamentals, Food Safe Level 1, and a Resume/Job Search/Workplace Safety Workshop .

For a complete line-up of spring break activities, go to www.courtenay.ca/ rec or contact the Lewis Centre at 250-338-5371 or email lewis@courtenay.ca.

Menu

April 5, 2015 10am to 2pm Adults $27.95 / Seniors $22.95 / Kids 6-12yrs $12 / Under 6 $6.99 Assorted croissants, muffins and danishes Fresh sliced fruit & berries House made granola & assorted yogurts

Brunch Entrée Offerings Chef attended “build your own omelet” station Traditional eggs benedict with hollandaise Double smoked bacon and breakfast sausage Westerly Waffle Bar Crisp potato hash browns

Salad Station Baby new potato & smoked bacon salad Fresh cut baby green salad with cherry tomatoes & cucumbers Assorted house made vinaigrettes and dressings Caesar salad

Entrée Offerings Wild Mushroom & Beef Stew Pan seared wild sockeye salmon with Saffron cream Roasted Rosemary Game Hen Wild rice pilaf

Carvery Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb

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22

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

Rock-Latino coming to Bridge Los Chiwahwahs perform this Saturday, March 28th This month’s Live Latin Music Night presented by Buleria Productions will happen this Saturday at the Bridge Lounge and will feature Los Chiwahwahs.

Not your typical rock group and far from your everyday Latin ensemble, Los Chiwahwahs are a dynamite combo of both and so much more. In a given night, they can blast through a repertoire of cumbia-pop, rock, Latinsoul, slick Santana-style grooves and even classics of Cuban son done with a signature twist.

While their name may conjure up an equally irresistible/ridiculous image of Mexican lapdogs rocking out on guitars with wah-wah pedals, the five members that form Los Chiwahwahs all humbly claim they are of the human species with not one amongst them being of

Los Chiwahwahs (from left to right - Michael Johnson, Kelly Thomas, Oscar Robles, Britt Bowman, Jim Papp). any notable pedigree sought after by pet fanciers.

These musicians are, however, quite established Comox Valley talents who have some significant history working together. You may well recognize them as regular performers at the Comox Valley’s Canada Day and BC Day celebrations, or even the Big Time Out and CV Exhibition (Fall Fair) festivals in past years.

Not all, but the majority of Los Chiwahwahs songs are sung in Spanish. Because much of the music has some definite Latin groove happening, you may unexpectedly find yourself salsa-stepping or chachacha-ing it up on the dance floor while some smoking-hot gringo-style guitar is going on.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, or tequila, - whichever

your preference - consider coming out to this month’s Latin Night at the Bridge. The music starts at 8 pm. Advance tickets are available at the Bridge Lounge, Bop City Records, Blue Heron Books and Village Muse Books. The advance price is $12, and admission at the door is $15. FMI: contact Buleria Productions at 250-339-2279, or the Bridge Lounge at 250-871-7277.

Elizabeth May to lead Valley Earth Hour Walk, March 28th Lights will go out all over the world during Earth Hour on Saturday as communities on six continents act together in solidarity to raise awareness about climate change.

Elizabeth May, the first MP to be elected for the Green Party of Canada, will be in Courtenay for Earth Hour on March 28th. She will be leading an Earth Hour promenade in the company of Glenn Sollitt, Green Party candidate for Courtenay-Alberni electoral district, and everyone is invited to join in - families welcome!

Many of us have seen the maps of electrical illumination - collectively these lights are visible from Space. During Earth Hour, people turn off the electricity in our homes, businesses, villages, towns and cities. We think about all life on Earth and how we are influencing it. So many people now participate in Earth Hour that the change we make is also visible from Space.

In Courtenay, walkers will meet at 7:30 pm in the Rexall parking lot at the corner of Cliffe and the 17th St. Bridge. They

Elizabeth May, leader of the national Green Party will head east across the bridge and proceed along Comox Road to 5th Street.

After crossing the 5th St. bridge to Cliffe Ave. everyone will return to the 17th St parking lot. Some participants may prefer to join only part of the route.

This is a community event and children are welcome. If the weather is poor and there are many youngsters, we will probably begin a bit early. Volunteer Marshalls will en-

sure a protective corridor.

Please dress appropriately for the weather. Good shoes and a water bottle are recommended, along with reflective clothing if you have it. Participants may wish to carry a candle, lantern, flashlight or LED light. No alcohol or drugs are permitted.

Sue Moen, Green Party CEO of the North IslandPowell River electoral district will also participate. The Comox Valley is now divided into two federal ridings but we are joined by our affection for the beauty of this Valley and the desire to have a healthy and economically sustainable lifestyle.

On March 28th at 8:30 pm local time, people in more than 162 countries in 24 time zones will be united as a global community, making our voices heard through the individual action of turning off the lights. For additional details visit www.earthhour.org For further information about Bridging Gaps: Comox Valley Earth Hour Walk, please contact lois. eaton@greeparty.ca or call 250-927-6147.

Comox Seniors invite you to breakfast, and a big crafts, books, bake and garage sale Pancake Breakfast, Crafts, Books, Bake and Garage Sale ... It’s all happening on Saturday, March 28th from 9:00 am till noon at d’Esterre House, 1801, Beaufort Avenue in Comox. Bring the whole family and treat yourself to a wonderful breakfast for $5.00 prepared by our kitchen whizzes while you soak in the beautiful vistas of ocean and mountains.

After breakfast, have fun shopping for our bargain-priced books and baked goodies. You will also be amazed at the variety of lightly-used items on our Garage Sale table and the quality of crafts hand made by our Centre’s Seniors.

Did you know that you don’t have to reside in Comox to become a member of the Comox Seniors’ Centre and enjoy the over 50 different activities we offer to the young at heart? To become a member you have to be at least 55 years old or have a partner who is 55. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to check us out. You will be surprised at how bright and cheery our facility is and how friendly and welcoming we are. Of course you are welcome to tour our completely renovated activity Centre For more information call 250-3395133 during office hours, 10:00 am until 1:00 pm weekdays or visit our web site at www.comoxseniors.ca.

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NDP asks local families how to make life more affordable Provincial New Democrats focus on affordability issues

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff The provincial NDP is seeking to personalize the challenges of affordability to the average voter as it seeks to develop an engaging platform for the next election. BC NDP leader John Horgan dropped into the Comox Valley March 23 to lend an ear to working families to find out what they would need to ease the daily burden.

“We’re living paycheque to paycheque and it seems like every term there are extra costs that are coming up and just adding to that challenge,” said Jaime Ashurst, 33, while playing with two-year-old daughter Hazel Schuller. “It’s nice to have some recognition of the challenges that regular folk are facing on a day-to-day basis.”

While she works as an on-call teacher and her partner, Lucas Schuller, 33, has a part time job at the museum in Cumberland, with all the bills it can be a challenge to make ends meet.

“We’re lucky in a lot of ways,” he said. “A lot of families in the Comox Valley are having trouble finding jobs at all, but they’re both part-time and it’s still a big balance.”

Horgan is attempting to draw on the success the

NDP had in skewering the Liberals for child care payment reductions in the legislature and has begun shining a light on what can seem like a nickeland-diming of taxpayers.

“When the Liberals are giving big tax cuts to rich people - as they did in the last budget - they’re heaping costs on this young family,” he said, as Hazel darted after a muffin on a nearby table.

“Why are we giving $2.5 million to the top 2 per cent wage earners, when 98 per cent have not seen an increase in their pay packet in a decade - and costs keep going up and up and up?”

Schuller says he was really set on moving back to BC, but it meant the family would face some real financial challenges.

“We wanted to come back to BC, because this is where our families are; this is our home,” he said.

“It really meant kind of taking a backwards step in my career to be in the place we want to be.”

And in a way, as with so many parents, it was all about Hazel’s future.

“A big part of us wanting to come back to BC is to have the same connection to this place and the same opportunities as we did when we were kids - which is why we love it here,” he

The provincial NDP is speaking with families across the problems to raise the issue of affordability in BC. Leader John Horgan talks with the Schuller family, above, during a Monday visit to Courtenay. said. “That, for us, means being outdoors; it means camping; it means taking the ferry across the water and visiting her grandparents in Vancouver.”

And so the benefits of Beautiful British Columbia have become the hardships.

“Ferry rates going up,

the price of campsites going up,” he said. “All of that is going to make it harder and harder to balance our budget.”

Horgan says with increasing hydro, insurance and MSP payments, too often BC residents begin to feel lonely.

“If we can popularize

these stories, people will understand they’re not alone - first and foremost,” he said.

“Most people sitting at home, looking at the computer, reading the local paper, listening to the radio or watching it on TV sometimes feel isolated in our greater community.”

It’s a message he’s pushing to get out there - and one he hopes will resonate.

“The more people that are prepared to talk about the challenges they face the easier it is to overcome those challenges,” he said.

“Everyone’s struggling.

It’s not just you.”

Courtenay council wants new conference attendance policy

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay council is revamping its policy regarding attendance at conferences and events.

The city’s director of finance and deputy CAO, Tillie Manthey said historically council members alternately attended major events such as Union of BC Municipalities, Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities.

But in 2013, council ap-

proved a resolution to allow all members, if they are willing and able, to attend conferences at taxpayers’ expense. It was an unpopular decision that received a lot of public criticisms.

Mayor Larry Jangula was the only one who voted against it. He continues to maintain that position today.

“I don’t think it’s correct for all of us to go to all the conferences,” said Jangula, who added somebody has to stay behind in case of emergencies.

He also agrees there

are benefits to be gained from the experience but explained, “There’s a perception that the value is not being brought back.

In the past we’ve had people to these conferences and had nothing to report back.

'And that kind of leaves a funny taste in people’s mouth.”

City staff brought the issue back for discussion as they want council to set a policy that would make it easier for them to set a budget for it.

Over the years, staff endeavoured to provide

adequate funds to accommodate the needs of council and it was difficult because attendance in any one year varied due to member availability or lack of unwritten policy around it.

In Monday’s regular council meeting, staff provided policy options for consideration.

They included, keeping the status quo to allow all members if they are interested and available to attend all conferences.

(Continued on page 24)

PATIENTS OF DR. ALLISON STOCKS Dear Patients

It is with great regret that I have to inform you that I will not be returning to work due to health issues.

Brant Festival Events at Deep Bay Marine Field Station viu.ca /deepbay | deepbay@viu.ca | 250 740 6611 Dinner Lecture Series 2015 The Sea Among Us March 26 – Dr. Doug Bertram Apr 9 – Dr. Rick Harbo Apr 16 –Stewart Muir Apr 23– Dr. Andrew Trites Apr 30 – Dr. Paul Harrison Dinner: 5:30pm Lecture: 7:00pm Advance tickets only March 14 – April 10 The Birds – Redux A Fine Art Print Exhibition by Caroline James

March 28 - Chocolate Lovers Cooking Class Tea by the Sea High Tea every Tuesday, 11am-2pm Mar 30 - Easter Tea Reservations required April 12 -“Family Day" Open House April 19 - Music By The Bay A Capella Plus Lunch Concert

However, I am very happy to be able to inform you that we have found two excellent Family Physicians who are excited to take half of my practice each. One you may have met already is Dr. Bonnie Bagdan, and the other is Dr. Jonathan Kerr, who is joining us from Ontario.

They will be starting this summer. Until then coverage will continue to be provided by Dr. Judith Hammond and Dr. Shannon Marshall, with help from Drs. Hemmerich, Ostry, and Brailey.

It is with sadness I leave my practice. I have enjoyed the privilege of being able to share some of your life journey with you. However, I have great confidence in Dr. Bagdan and Dr. Kerr, and it is a relief to me to know you will be in capable hands.

Yours, Dr. Allison Stocks, MD At this time Dr. Bagdan and Dr. Kerr will not be accepting New Patients

Open daily 10 am – 4 pm.

Reserve now for all events as space is limited.

For more information call 250 740 6611 visit our website: viu.ca/deepbay

SEA COVE MEDICAL CLINIC Dr. David A. Brailey * Dr. Carol J. Ostry *

Family Physicians #201 - 1757 Beaufort Ave, Comox, BC V9M 1R8 Phone: (250) 339-5335 • Fax (250) 339-1898

Dr. Eva Hemmerich * Dr. Alison Stocks

24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

Fun hockey game Sunday with Canadiens alumni Montreal Canadiens Alumni game will be held on Sunday March 29th at 2:00pm at Sport Centre 1 in Courtenay.

General admission is $20.00.

There will also be a VIP Meet & Greet buffet at the Crown Isle Resort from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm that same day.

A special VIP Admission which includes the buffet, photos and autographs with players is $100.00 ea. VIP tickets are limited to 100

tickets. Genaral admission tickets and VIP tickets are available at Happy’s Source for Sports on 6th Street in Courtenay. (Cash only please).

Comox Mayor Paul Ives (a rabid Habs fan) may be playing on the Habs team in an attempt to avenge Comox’s loss to Courtenay in last year’s Mayor’s Cup. For the past three years, all proceeds have gone to KidSport Comox Valley.

This year, the money will be split between KidSport

and the Comox Valley Minor Hockey Association.

Here is who’s coming: Richard SÊvigny - He played 8 years in the NHL with Montreal Canadiens and Quebec Nordiques. Won the Vezina trophy in 1980-81 and a Stanley Cup with Montreal.

Rick Green - A total of 15 years in the NHL and 7 was with the Montreal Canadiens.

Steve Shutt - With his linesmates Jacques Lemaire and Guy Lafleur he scored 60 goals in season 1976-77.

He won 5 Stanley Cups. He was inducted to Hockey Hall of Fame in

New conference attendance policy coming (Continued from page 23 A ďŹ xed attendance budget could be set per council member as it would provide each one the ability to decide which conferences or event they will attend and ensure they do not go over the provided budget.

As well, council had to determine if the position of mayor should be allocated a greater budget amount than councilors.

Staff also suggested members alternately attend conferences that council has determined for each year such as the UBCM and FCM. Councillor Doug Hillian agrees that it’s important to have a speciďŹ c budget that covers this and favours the rotation system that was established in the past. “Sometimes there’s a perception in the commu-

nity that elected officials going to these types of events cab be a junket, can be some sort of a perk,� said Hillian. “But as is laid out in the motion the previous council approved, there’s a lot of valuable information that is shared at these conferences.�

This year, staff has already set aside $45,000 in the city’s ďŹ nancial plan for this purpose.

With council having new members, councillor Bob Wells suggested they maintain the status quo this year and direct staff to come up with a new policy for 2016.

Councillor David Frisch agreed. “I am not seeing a lot of reason to come up with a new policy at this point unless we’re seeing some crazy over spending. I don’t see that as being the case,� said Frisch. “If staff still wants to bring back a

new policy for us to consider I am ďŹ ne with that.

But I don’t think it’s necessary, that’s how I feel about the subject right now.�

Council approved staff recommendation council consider the creation of a policy which would guide attendance of council members at annual conferences or other events.

Staff will review the discussion at Monday’s council meeting and use it to establish a policy for council’s approval. “I am supporting this motion but it’s our job as representatives to explain to the people why going to these educational events are so important,� said Frisch. “I think it’s fair to talk about the cost but it’s incumbent for us to get the message out that we’re doing this for the betterment of our city.�

JOIN THE RIGHT CREW! JOB FAIR APRIL 4th.

1993.

Normand Dupont - He played 5 years in the NHL with Montreal, Winnipeg and Hartford.

Gilbert Delorme - 10 years in the NHL with Montreal, St-Louis, Quebec, Detroit and Pittsburg. He won 1 Stanley Cup Yves Racine - Career of 9 years in the National Hockey League with different teams including Montreal Canadiens.

Jessie BĂŠlanger - A career of 9 years in the NHL, 3 with the Montreal Canadiens and he is a winner of 1 Stanley Cup. Gaston Gingras - Better known for

Free swim lessons at the sports centre for both children and adults The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering free swim lessons at the CVRD’s sports centre March 30 to April 2, 2015 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

The sessions are offered at no charge and are four days long, with all swim levels scheduled.

Classes are suited for everyone from toddlers to older adults. “The free swim lessons will be taught

by Red Cross water safety instructor candidates who wish to gain teaching expe-

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

25

Mountain bike season kicks off with fund-raiser April 2 at the White Whale United Riders of Cumberlnd invite you to burger and beer event

Cumberland’s mountain bike race season kicks off this month with the Cumberland XC April 12, followed by the Cumberland DH April19.

Cumberland to host XC and DH races next month Some of Vancouver Island’s best mountain bikers will descend on the Comox Valley this month as Cumberland hosts two Island Cup races that also promise to attract a strong contingent of local riders.

Elite cross-country riders, as well as amateurs, kids and weekend warriors, will test their mettle on Sunday, April 12 at the Cumberland XC, hosted by the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC).

The third race of the Island Cup XC series and Cumberland’s first race of the season, the Cumberland XC will feature a great new course for racers, as well as a fun supervised group ride for children.

The Cumberland XC is open to riders of all ages and abilities and starts at noon on April 12, with check-in by 10 a.m. at Cumberland Village Park.

A week later, on April 19, down-

hillers will get the chance to showcase their skills at the Dodge City DH, the only downhill race on the Island this year. Like the XC event, the Dodge City DH is hosted by UROC and is open to riders of all ages and abilities, although full-face helmets are mandatory for all racers. This year’s race features an updated course and a single crown fork category.

The race starts at 1:00 on April 19, with shuttles and sign-in be-

ginning at 9 a.m. at Cumberland’s Chinese Heritage Park.

Participants of both events will be treated to a well-deserved free BBQ, and all riders will have a chance to win several sponsordonated prizes. Registration is $30 for the XC race and $50 for the DH. Riders under 12 can participate in either event for free.

Riders must pre-register online for these events at www.unitedridersofcumberland.com.

See the world’s best paddling films April 8 at NI College Alberni Outpost and NIC’s Adventure Guiding programs present the Reel Paddling Film Festival April 8, a highly anticipated film festival which supports NIC’s Adventure Guiding students.

The Reel Paddling Film Festival presents the inspiring whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing and paddling films on screens around the world. It inspires people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, and appreciate the heritage of the wild.

“These are exactly the kinds of activities students in the Adventure

Guiding certificate are passionate about,” said instructor David Pinel. “We are so grateful to Alberni Outpost for supporting NIC students.”

The festival takes place in NIC’s Stan Hagen Theatre at the Comox Valley campus, with doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door ($8 for kids), with proceeds supporting NIC’s Adventure Guiding students.

“I’m really thankful for all the support this bursary gave me,” said student Heather Wilson “All the leadership, risk management, and outdoor recreation skills I’m learning in

this program will apply to anything I choose to do in my life.”

The graduate of G.P. Vanier Secondary School’s Explore program hopes to work as an outdoor educator at Tribune Bay after graduation.

Wilson enjoys Adventure Guiding’s Vancouver Island focus. Field trips this year have included kayaking off of Quadra Island, sailing the southern Gulf Islands, studying coastal marine ecosystems at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, and learning about First Nations culture in Alert Bay. “I never would have had those experiences without

Heather Wilson, 19, received a $450 Reel Paddling Film Festival Award this year, raised through Reel Paddling Film Festival proceeds. Erin Petersen photo. this program,” she adds.

“I feel like I have a real a foot in the door for a wide range of outdoor guiding or education jobs on Vancouver Island.”

For more information on NIC’s eight-month Adventure Guiding certifi-

cate, starting this September, visit www.nic.bc.ca/ tourism.

Tickets are available locally at Alberni Outpost, NIC Comox Valley campus bookstore, or online at www.ticketriver.com/ event/14434.

The United Riders of Cumberland (UROC) are ringing in the 2015 mountain bike season in style next Thursday with a fundraising kick-off event at the White Whale Restaurant in Courtenay.

The public is welcome to partake in a $20 burger and beer special, with partial proceeds benefitting UROC and the work they do to host races, develop Cumberland’s network of singletrack and advocate for the sport of mountain biking.

“This event isn’t just for mountain bikers,” notes founding UROC member Jeremy Grasby.

“It’s really an excuse to have some good times and great food while also supporting one of Vancouver Island’s most comprehensive recreational trail networks.”

There will be live music entertaining guests while thirsts are quenched with Cumberland Brewing Company’s local suds, which the White Whale has on tap.

Guests also stand a chance of winning one of two bikes that will be raffled off - a Giant Simple cruiser donated

by Mountain City Cycle and a kids’ 20” Rocky Mountain Vertex donated

by Dodge City Cycles and Rocky Mountain Bicycles.

A silent auction from 5 to 8:30 p.m. will also feature an array of smaller items up for bid.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the racing season,” says Grasby.

“We’ve got the Island Cup cross-country and downhill races in Cumberland on April 12 and 19, and lots of other events between now and the fall. It’s going to be a great year.”

The White Whale Restaurant is open until late at 975 Comox Road in Courtenay.

To learn more about UROC and upcoming events, visit www.unitedridersofcumberland. com.

26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

populated area at South Georgia, the population has decreased from 1,500 pairs 20 years ago to 800 pairs today. This is significant because albatross mate for life and lay only one egg every breeding season.’ (www.planeterra. org) An adventurer, writer and photographer, Hayley’s work has been published in a variety of magazines and her book ‘South Solo: Kayaking to Save the Albatross’ will be available for purchase at the meeting ($20 incl tax). Her documentary film ‘Soul of the Sea’ is currently on the film festival circuit.

Hayley’s presentation commences at 7:00 pm, Thursday, April 2 at the Lion’s Den, 1729 Comox Ave, Comox - behind the Pearl Ellis Art Gallery.

Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Comox Valley Paddlers club winter meetings take place the first Thursday of the month, October through to May. Paddling enthusiasts can learn more about club events and summer activities at the meeting.

Non-members are also very welcome to attend.

For more information e-mail comoxpaddlers@ gmail.com or visit www. comoxvalleypaddlers.ca

Darts fly at Men’s Open Hayley Shephard doing some camp chores

‘South Solo: Kayaking to Save the Albatross’ The Comox Valley Paddlers’ club is pleased to welcome Hayley Shephard, Vancouver Island based wilderness guide and expedition leader, as guest speaker at the April 2nd meeting.

In 2010 Haley attempted a world first solo kayak journey around the SubAntarctic Island of South Georgia. This exceptionally isolated island stands alone in the path of relentless storms and savage winds of the Southern Ocean. Hayley faced many challenges during her jour-

Close-up of albatross

ney including frequent Force 11 storms, a medical emergency, a severely damaged kayak and an earthquake. Despite these setbacks, Hayley embodied her resilient spirit as she strove against the odds to fulfill her motto ‘Live your dreams’.

This journey had a cause - It was to raise awareness for a bird whose future is uncertain, the magnificent Albatross. ‘The number of albatross has decreased at an alarming rate of 30% in the last 20 years. At Bird Island, the most heavily

The Comox Legion Men’s Open Darts Shoot on Saturday March 21st, saw 40 players participate in this annual event.

Players from various Island communities enjoyed a full day of darts.

Opening with the doubles event, the 20 pairs played a one game round robin; the top 16 advanced to the best of 3 knock out round. Winning this event were the duo of Mike Brenton and Stu Gourley of Nanaimo, second spot went to Roy White and Ross Doakes of Campbell River. Splitting the 3rd and 4th spot pot were Glen Barret and Scott Hackey (Nanaimo) with Rick and Len Yartau (Campbell River).

In the singles event, 32 players participated.

4 sheets of 8 played a 2 game round robin, the top 4 from each sheet advanced to the best of 3 knock out round.

First spot went to Mike Brenton who beat out Barry Davies (Nanaimo).

Again 3rd and fourth agreed on splitting the spot, however Glen Barret and Ken Hayes (Parksville) played one game for bragging rights (which went to Glen).

High out went to Doug Meldrum (Duncan) with a 153. High scores went to Barry Davies and Bill Durant with 177, honorable mention to Lance Cunningham whose 174 held up basically until the final games.

Many players hit 180, congrats to them; to mention one, however, was Nathan (sorry didn’t get your last name) from Campbell River, with his first 180.

Many thanks to all that participated, and, to the crew for setting up the boards and hall, also bar staff and food preppers.

Next up is the Comox Legion’s 9th Annual Memorial Darts Shoot, Saturday April 18th. This is for teams of four, male, female or coed; entry fee is $40.00 per team. Watch for more information.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 27, 2015

CODES COUNTRY LANES Bowling highlights from Codes Country Lanes: Monday AM - Nick Tjart 215, Barb Lane 213, Marion VanLoenen 203, Evelyn Foot 219, Bob VanNes 241, Bob Sharp 205, Arnie Morrison 210, Anna Turcotte 200, Bea Cucksey 205, Roy Brekke 228.

Monday PM - Val Johnson 202, Rita Grill 263, Erma Wilson 192, Barb Boyce 175, Rick Kroeker 294, Bill Tower 187, Rick Rodriguez 235, Grace Rodriguez 202, Ivan Ally 241, Pat Huntley 185.

Monday Youth - Lucien Rousseau 167, Jack Friesen 105, Ava Friesen 103, Brycen Burgess 166, Benoit Rousseau 43, Celine Rousseau 29, Shae 59.

Tuesday Breakfast - Brenda Searl 181, Jane Wedge 183, Barb Pottruff 211, Laurie McWillis 200, Sylvia Vandervliet 177, Fran Patton 160.

Tuesday 12:30 - George Andrews 182, Ev Andrews 170, Garry Pearson 132, Judith Munro 110.

Tuesday Adult - Bill Brundige 285, Gerry Graff 153, Ian Taylor 197, Gary Coombs 195, Marlo Duncalf 242, Duwanee Granneman 245, Steve Robson 249, Sharon Shepard 195, April Gilchrist 229, Bruno Bagdan 263.

Wednesday AM - Bert Brown 236, Gerry Van Achte 192, Grace Coulter 185, Pat Stauffer 193, Laurie Aucoin 216, Aggie Aucoin 186, Minnie Frame 164, Laura Webber 179, Yvonne Melancon 193, Nick Tjart 205, Ria Tjart 218, Marie Israel 226.

Tuesday/Wednesday CRA Richard Major 156, Justine 165, Daniel Erb 147, Brian Mitchell 139, Leona Wagner 138, Larry McCooey 167, Clayton Heid 134, Jessica Anderson 125, Allison Bennet 142.

Wednesday Adult - Matt Casavant 255, Bruno Bagden 222, Sontina Espey 263, Rose Stenabaugh 223, Eric McWillis 231, Scott McLellan 274, Ken Bird 291, Dave Stevens 190, Gord Pottruff 225, Dave Pond 227, Al Gavel 201, Sandy Nurse 223.

Thursday GA - Barb Casey 205, Vera Winter 202, Gerry Parry 223,

THE COMOX VALLEY SPECIAL OLYMPICS RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS TEAM display some of the apparatus used in their routines.

Thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and VIA sport, we will be purchasing new equipment for the team which will allow team members to learn new skills.

Ivan Ally 205, Rick Rodriguez 207, Bob Sharp 230, Arnie Morrison 225, Linda Meers 202, Kelvin Davis 173, Sharon Shepard 196, Jill Comeau 188, Barb McAdam 163.

Thursday Mixed - Rick Granneman 238, Jen Roberge 182, Jordan Austin 221, Darrell Funk 236, Paul Zorz 235, Lorne King 216, George Wedge 206, Aggie Aucoin 281, Dawn Hill 247.

Friday GA - Nick Tjart 239, Coral Tanner 200, Ed Tanner 218, Joyce Unsworth 229, Jim Lucas 253, Marj Arnold 191, Ev Andrews 252, Ickle Brown 235, Ken Scavarda 228, Roy Brekke 230.

Special O - Ken Davidson 142, Allison Bennett 162, Jack Errington 178, Terry Daniels 179, Jamie Bennett 187, Bobby Bolen 166, Chris Gillis 188, Leona Wagner 138, Kim Burke 157, Clayton Heid 159, Jeff McLaughlin 133, Melissa Knight 130.

Valley bridge news Valley Duplicate Bridge Club Bridge News - Don’t forget the Thursday “play and learn” sessions.

From 1:00pm to 4:00pm Jack Bradshaw will be answering your questions on bidding, play and defense.

The cost is $5.00 and if there are any questions please call Jack at (250)703-0397.

Monday, March 16 A 1 Glen Parsons Dave Proctor 2 Jack Bradshaw - Carole Bradshaw 3 Barrie Turnham Slava Simice B 1 Glen Parsons Dave Proctor 2 Cynthia Tree - Howard Cohen 3 Allister Gavel - Dorothy Branch C 1 Betty Thomsen Jeanette Baron Thursday, March 19 A 1 Pete Marinus - Julie Tuepah 2 Cynthia Tree - Jack Bradshaw 3 David Mosher - Jane Cunningham B 1 David Mosher Jane Cunningham 2 Allen Hopwood - Lor-

27

raine Gargan 3 John Godfrey - Myrna Horley C 1 Allen Hopwood Lorraine Gargan 2 Daphne Welsh - Eileen Maclean Our club is located on Nordin Street across from the Comox Mall under the newly renovated Museum and Art Gallery.

We offer guaranteed partnerships, so if you’re visiting or your regular partner is away, make sure you come out to play anyway.

If you don’t have a regular partner, I’m sure you’ll meet one.

Our Website is www. cvdbc.com and our email is playbridge@shaw.ca For more information, please contact Linda Marinus at (250) 3382544. d’Esterre Duplicate Bridge Results for Tuesday, March 17th (10 tables): N/S - 1. Jack and Carol Bradshaw; 2.

Betty Fountain and Barb Morrison; 3. Phil Sandford and Maureen Olafson; 4. Rona Law-

son and Denise Holst.

E/W - 1. Howie Cohen and Sharon Hysert; 2. Harvey Piercy and Ann Cook; 3.

Keith and Evelyn Ware; 4.

Irene Smith and Cynthia Tree.

Results for Friday, 20th March (10 tables): N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Evelyn Ware; 2. Tied, Dorothy Branch and Phyllis Taylor, Doug and Penny Poole; 3. Chuck and Lorraine Hodson.

E/W - 1. Harvey Piercy and Judy Morrison; 2.

Colin Park and Bernice Blonarwitz; 3. Grace Whetter and Barb Casey; 4. Tom Thomsen and Debbie Neville.

Results for Saturday, 21st March (10 tables): N/S - 1. Grace Schmidt and Paula Sambrook; 2.

Doug and Penny Poole; 3.

Jeanette Baron and Freida Home; 4. Peter and Glenda McGrath.

E/W - 1. Keith and Evelyn Ware; 2. Irene Smith and Betty Fountain; 3.

Joan Erickson and Sheila Lockhart; 4. George and Trish Kirkwood.

Glacier Greens golf news Saturday Mar. 21st was another great day for golf at Glacier Greens,with 71 players. The scores were good and the course is in good shape thanks to our greens crew. Here are the results: HCP 0-12 1st Low Gross Terran Berger 71, 2nd Bill Kelly 72, 3rd Ken Osborne 73 1st Low Net Scott Robinson 66, 2nd Dave Brooker 71 c/b, 3rd Randy Doan 71 Snips Hole #2(EAGLE) Ken Osborne #4 Chuck Kennedy #14 Terran Berger #16 Bill Kelly HCP 13-19 1st Low Gross Pete Hill 85, 2nd Wayne Ogilvie 86 c/b, 3rd Ferg Webster 86 1st Low Net Gary

Macgregor 67, 2nd Steve Ellis 68, 3rd Jim Loring 72 Snips Hole #15 Pete Hill #16&#18 Steve Ellis #17 Wayne Ogilvie HCP 20+ 1st Low Gross Len Doyle 89, 2nd Henry Bonde 91, 3rd Armin Reckhard 96 1st Low Net Bob Mackay 65, Joe Dunham 68, Les Burns 72, Snips Hole #5 Les Burns #12(POG) Len Doyle #15 Henry Bonde Winner of the Ben Gill closest to the pin challenge on hole #15 was Pete Hill. Remember to check your score cards before you turn them in.

- Submitted by Ron Carter

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

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V i s i t j d p o w e r. c o m . * $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 i s a c o m b i n e d t o t a l c r e d i t c o n s i s t i n g o f a $ 4 , 5 0 0 m a n uf a c t u r e r t o d e a l e r d e l iv e r y c r e d i t (t a x e x c l u s iv e) f o r 20 1 5 S i lv e r a d o Li g h t D ut y D o u b l e Ca b , $ 1 , 0 0 0 O wn e r Ca s h (t a x i n c l u s iv e) , a $2 4 20 m a n uf a c t u r e r t o d e a l e r O pt i o n Pa ck a g e D i s c ou n t C r e di t (t a x e x clu s i ve) f o r 2 0 1 5 C he v r o l e t S il ve r a d o L igh t D u t y (1 5 0 0) D ou b l e C ab 1LT e quip p e d w i t h a Tr u e N o r t h E di t io n an d a $ 2 , 0 8 0 ma nu f a c t ur er t o d e al er c a s h cr e di t (t a x e x clu s i ve) on S il ve r a d o L igh t D u t y (1 5 0 0) D ou b l e C ab L S C hr om e E di t io n , LT an d LT Z , w hich i s availab l e f o r c a s h p ur cha s e s o nl y an d c an no t b e c o mb ine d w i t h s p e cial l e a s e an d f inan c e r a t e s . B y s e l e c t ing l e a s e o r f inan c e o f f er s , c o n su m er s ar e f o r e g oin g t hi s $ 2 , 0 8 0 cr e di t w hich w ill r e su l t in high er e f f e c t i ve in t er e s t r a t e s . D i s c ou n t s var y by m o d e l . † M y L ink f un c t io nali t y var ie s by m o d e l . Full f un c t io nali t y r e quir e s c o mp a t ib l e B lu e t o o t h® an d s ma r t p ho ne , an d U S B c on ne c t i v i t y f o r s o m e d e v ic e s . † † V i s i t o n s t ar. c a f o r c ov er a g e ma p s , d e t ail s an d s y s t em limi t a t io n s . S er v ic e s an d c o nn e c t i v i t y may var y by m o d e l an d c o n di t io n s . O n S t ar w i t h 4 G LT E c o nn e c t i v i t y i s availab l e o n s e l e c t ve hicl e m o d e l s an d in s e l e c t mar k e t s . C u s t o m er s w ill b e ab l e t o a c c e s s O n S t ar s er v ic e s o nl y i f t hey a c c ep t t he O n S t ar U s er Ter m s an d P r i vac y S t a t em en t ( inc lu din g s o f t war e t er m s) . O n S t ar a c t s a s a link t o e x i s t ing em er g en c y s er v ic e p r ov id er s . A f t er t he t r ia l p e r i o d ( i f a p p l i c a b l e) , a n a c t iv e O n S t a r s e r vi c e p l a n i s r e q u i r e d.* * 0 % l e a s i n g f o r 36 m o n t h s a v a i l a b l e o n 2 0 1 5 S i lv e r a d o 1 5 0 0 D o u b l e a n d C r e w Ca b 1 W T o n a p p r o v e d c r e d i t t o q u a l i f i e d r e t a i l c u s t o m e rs b y G M F i n a n c i a l. D o wn p a ym e n t , t r a d e a n d /o r s e c u r i t y d e p o s i t m a y b e r e q u i r e d. L i m i t e d t i m e o f f e r wh i c h m a y n o t b e c o m b i n e d wi t h o t h e r o f f e rs . S e e y o u r d e a l e r f o r c o n d i t i o n s a n d d e t a i l s . G e n e r a l M o t o rs o f Ca n a da L im i t e d r e s e r v e s t h e r i g h t t o a m e n d o r t e r m in a t e t hi s o f f e r, in w h o l e o r in p a r t , a t a n y t im e w i t h o u t p r i o r n o t i c e .* * * O f f e r av a ila b l e t o q ua li f i e d r e t a il c u s t o m e r s in C a na da f o r v e hi c l e s f r o m M a r c h 3 r d t h r o u g h M a r c h 3 1 s t 2 0 1 5 . 0 % p u r c h a s e f i n a n c i n g o f f e r e d o n a p p r o v e d c r e d i t b y T D A u t o F i n a n c e S e r v i c e s , S c o t i a b a n k ® o r R B C R o y a l B a n k f o r 4 8 m o n t h s o n a l l n e w o r d e m o n s t r a t o r 2 0 1 5 S i l v e r a d o 1 5 0 0 D o u b l e a n d C r e w C a b 1 W T. P a r t i c i p a t i n g l e n d e r s a r e s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e . R a t e s f r o m o t h e r l e n d e r s w i l l v a r y. D o w n p a y m e n t , t r a d e a n d /o r s e c u rit y d e p os it m a y b e re q u i re d . M o n t h l y p a y m e n t a n d co s t of b o rro w i n g w i l l v a r y d e p e n d i n g o n a m o u n t b o rro w e d a n d d o w n p a y m e n t / t r a d e. E x a m p l e : $ 4 0, 0 0 0 at 0 % A PR , t h e m o n t h l y p a y m e n t i s $ 8 3 3 . 3 3 fo r 4 8 m o n t h s . C os t of b o rro w i n g i s $ 0, t otal o b l i g a t i o n i s $ 4 0 , 0 0 0 . O f f e r i s u n c o n d i t i o n a l l y i n t e r e s t - f r e e . Fr e i g h t a n d a i r t a x ($ 1 0 0 , i f a p p l i c a b l e) i n c l u d e d . L i c e n s e , i n s u r a n c e , r e g i s t r a t i o n , P P S A , a p p l i c a b l e t a x e s a n d d e a l e r f e e s n o t i n c l u d e d . D e a l e r s a r e f r e e t o s e t i n d i v i d u a l p r i c e s . L i m i t e d t i m e o f f e r w h i c h m a y n o t b e c o m b i n e d w i t h c e r t a i n o t h e r o f f e r s . G M C L m a y m o d i f y, e x t e n d o r t e r m i n a t e o f f e r s i n w h o l e o r i n p a r t a t a ny t i m e w i t h o u t n o t i c e . C o n d i t i o n s a n d l i m i t a t i o n s a p p l y. S e e d e a l e r f o r d e t a i l s . ® R e g i s t e r e d t r a d e m a r k o f T h e B a n k o f N o v a S c o t i a . R B C a n d R o y a l B a n k a r e r e g i s t e r e d t r a d e m a r k s o f R o y a l B a n k o f C a n a d a . < > U . S . g o v e r n m e n t 5 - S t a r S a f e t y R a t i n g s a r e p a r t o f t h e N a t i o n a l H i g h w a y Tr a f f i c S a f e t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’s ( N H T S A’s) N e w C a r A s s e s s m e n t P r o g r a m (w w w . S a f e r C a r. g o v ) . + B a s e d o n w a r d s a u t o . c o m 2 0 1 4 L a r g e P i c k u p s e g m e n t a n d l a t e s t c o m p e t i t i v e i n f o r m a t i o n a v a i l a b l e a t t i m e o f p o s t i n g .

E x c l u d e s o t h e r G M v e h i c l e s . 5 - y e a r/ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0 k i l o m e t r e P o w e r t r a i n L i m i t e d W a r r a n t y, w h i c h e v e r c o m e s f i r s t . S e e d e a l e r f o r d e t a i l s . ~ 2 0 1 5 S i l v e r a d o 1 5 0 0 w i t h a v a i l a b l e 5 . 3 L E c oTe c 3 V 8 e n g i n e e q u i p p e d w i t h a 6 - s p e e d a u t o m a t i c t r a n s m i s s i o n h a s a f u e l - c o n s u m p t i o n r a t i n g o f 1 2 .7 L / 1 0 0 k m c o m b i n e d (4 x 2 ) a n d 1 3 . 0 L / 1 0 0 k m c o m b i n e d (4 x4) . F u e l - c o n s u m p t i o n r a t i n g s b a s e d o n G M t e s t i n g i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e n e w 2 0 1 5 m o d e l - y e a r G o v e r n m e n t o f C a n a d a a p p r o v e d t e s t m e t h o d s . R e f e r t o v e h i c l e s . n r c a n . g c . c a f o r d e t a i l s . Yo u r a c t u a l f u e l c o n s u m p t i o n m a y v a r y. C o m p a r i s o n b a s e d o n w a r d s a u t o . c o m 2 0 1 4 L a r g e P i c k u p s e g m e n t a n d l a t e s t c o m p e t i t i v e i n f o r m a t i o n a v a i l a b l e . C o m p e t i t i v e f u e l - c o n s u m p t i o n r a t i n g s b a s e d o n 2 0 1 4 N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s C a n a d a ’s Fu e l C o n s u m p t i o n G u i d e . E x c l u d e s o t h e r G M v e h i c l e s . ^ T h e 2 -Ye a r S c h e d u l e d L O F M a i n t e n a n c e P r o g r a m p r o v i d e s e l i g i b l e c u s t o m e r s i n C a n a d a w h o h a v e p u r c h a s e d , l e a s e d o r f i n a n c e d a n e w e l i g i b l e 2 0 1 5 M Y C h e v r o l e t , B u i c k o r G M C v e h i c l e (e x c l u d i n g S p a r k E V ) w i t h a n A C D e l c o o i l a n d f i l t e r c h a n g e , i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e O i l L i f e M o n i t o r i n g S y s t e m a n d t h e O w n e r ’s M a n u a l , f o r 2 y e a r s o r 4 0 , 0 0 0 k m , w h i c h e v e r o c c u r s f ir s t , w i th a limi t o f f our lube - oil - f il ter s er v ic e s in to t al , per f or med a t par ticipa ting GM dealer s . F luid top - o f f s , inspec tions , tir e r o t a tions , w heel alignment s and balancing , e tc . , ar e no t c over ed . T his o f f er may no t be r edeemed f or c ash and may no t be c ombined w i th c er t ain o ther c onsumer i n c e n t i v e s a v a i l a b l e o n G M v e h i c l e s . G e n e r a l M o t o r s o f C a n a d a L i m i t e d r e s e r v e s t h e r i g h t t o a m e n d o r t e r m i n a t e t h i s o f f e r, i n w h o l e o r i n p a r t , a t a n y t i m e w i t h o u t p r i o r n o t i c e . A d d i t i o n a l c o n d i t i o n s a n d l i m i t a t i o n s a p p l y. S e e d e a l e r f o r d e t a i l s . ^ ^ W h i c h e v e r c o m e s f i r s t . S e e d e a l e r f o r d e t a i l s .

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