Comox Valley Echo, May 6, 2014

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Volume 20, No. 36

Hospital prepping to ensure emergency services in case of job action By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff

Future Mini World Cup “stars� learn techniques for succeeding at a Comox practice.

Thousands to flood the Valley for Mini World Cup this weekend By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Courtenay may not be Rio, but upcoming festivities are sure to fire up athletes and soccer fans in much the same way. Kids from age 7 - 11 will have their own shot at soccer glory as the Comox Valley plays host to a Mini World Cup featuring more than 100 teams May 10 and 11. “We’ve got all these kids that are going to feel like they’re superstars,� said Robin Smart, chair of Comox Valley United Soccer Club Mini World Cup. “I hope all the different fans from different cities come down and have a great time.� With 50 teams from places like Duncan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo and Port Alberni converging on the community — each team representing a different country from four different continents, the experience promises to thrill parents and kids all across the Island. “It’s a lasting memory for kids to be able to be part of an event like that,� she said. “This is promoted as a fun tournament. As long as that’s the end goal the kids are going to have a blast.� The event represents the largest Mini World Cup on the Island to date, after successful events the last two years in Parksville and Ladysmith. (Continued on page 2)

BC health care workers are trying to get back to the bargaining table armed with a 96 per cent strike mandate, says the union that makes up the vast majority of these employees. Employment security, protection of benefits and improved health and safety measures are the main sticking points this time around, in the face of continued privatization of the sector and erosion of extended health packages across the province, the Hospital Employees Union says. “We’re looking for some action on health and safety,� said Michael Old, HEU’s communications director. “Health care continues to be the most dangerous sector to work in in the country.� The union, which represents 900 workers in the Comox Valley - including about 600 at St. Joseph’s General Hospital - makes up 85 per cent of the membership of the Facilities Bargaining Association, which is going head to head with the Health Employers Association of BC on contract talks. Employees ready to strike if necessary work at the Cumberland Regional Hospital Laundry, the Cumberland Health Centre and Glacier View Lodge. The workers also want to see ambulance paramedics get have increased coverage to provide patient care. Although union members are working without a collective agreement, since the current one expired at the end of March, the last time around (back in 2012) when the deal ran out at the same time it took until December to come to terms on a new one. “We need to maintain the health of our extended health benefits plan,� Old said. “The next step is just getting back to the table with health employers. “We can’t anticipate how that will go.� One of the big issues the members face is that a moratorium on contracting out of services has now run out. Old noted this will be an important piece of any deal being discussed, especially in the face of recent decisions on the part of the North Island Hospitals Project to have private providers take care of maintenance and housekeeping services. He explained, however that it may be more difficult to save jobs of HEU members in that case since Public Private Partnerships (P3s) are covered by separate legislation that was brought in back in 2004. The most recent round of bargaining kicked off on January 14 and failed in late March. Roy Thorpe-Dorward, who represents HEABC, said employers will attempt to return to negotiating with FBA.

Youth jostle each other during soccer drills ahead of the Mini World Cup.

(Continued on apge 2)

Norovirus outbreak at St. Joseph’s affects more than two dozen By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Twenty-six people have fallen ill with vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms in a wing of the residential care units at St. Joseph’s General Hospital during a Norovirus outbreak that began April 29. This is the first recorded incident of the single-stranded RNA virus spreading through the hospital in three years, said officials at the Comox facility. “It’s quite a contagious virus and it spreads quite rapidly,� said Bonny Duncan, the on site infection control nurse. “We want to

make sure we stop transmitting it.� In order to prevent bouts of nausea, abdominal pain, and possible loss of taste from spreading alongside the watery diarrhea and intense emesis specific control guidelines are brought into force, patient viewing is restricted and extra staff is added. “You always put extra housekeeping on and change the product,� Duncan said, describing the response to the incident, which was discovered in the morning of April 29 and reported later that day. “The residents usually stay in their room if they’re not feeling well.�

Duncan explained that The Views has upgraded from an ammonia-based disinfectant to a peroxide-based disinfectant. Michael Aikins, executive director of The Views at St. Joseph’s residences, said on the Tuesday a response kicked into high gear. “We saw an increase in the number of symptoms,� he said. “It all came together pretty quickly.� He noted the virus has not spread beyond the Eagle View area of the hospital. “We’ve been able to contain it to the one unit,� he said, noting family members have been asked to only visit with the resident they’re

associated with, as opposed to also stopping in down the hall to see someone else. “It’s for their own protection too.� About 20 per cent of Eagle View residents appear to have been infected. Norovirus is part of a family of germs that cause acute gastroenteritis, better known as stomach flu. This is completely separate from what you normally think of as the “flu� - which is actually a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The Comox Valley Seniors Village suffered a Norovirus outbreak that hit 32 residents and about 20 staff earlier this year. Rowena Rizzotti,

vp operations at Vancouver-based Retirement Concepts, the parent company for the facility, said she sympathized with what the hospital is going through. “Many of the care providers experience this,� she said. “It’s still important for us to maintain a heightened awareness.� About the only positive thing to come out of their experience with the virus was the reinforcement of the importance of having the proper standards, policies and procedures in place, she noted, adding cleaning standards and visitation rules have returned to normal there.

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A2 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014

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Comox Valley Weather

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Tuesday, 6 May Mainly sunny. High 16°C.

Wednesday, 7 May A mix of sun and cloud. Low 8°C. High 16°C.

Thursday, 8 May Cloudy. Low 9°C. High 14°C.

Friday, 9 May Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Low 9°C. High 14°C.

Saturday, 10 May A mix of sun and cloud. Low 9°C. High 15°C.

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

Ethnic BBQ on Saturday to celebrate Mother’s Day

Funding from the Sport and Event Attraction Fund pilot project, facilitated by Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism, supported Comox Valley United Soccer Club in developing the Mini World Cup event, in particular to drive registration from out of area teams that could increase overnight accommodation in the region. Pictured here, Bill Anglin, Chair of the Comox Valley Destination Marketing Advisory Committee

(centre), and Robin Smart, Chair of the Mini World Cup Organizing Committee, plus some of the over 600 Comox Valley players that will participate. This years MWC boasts a record number of participating teams; 150 teams, 50 of which are from out of town, for a total of over 1250 players and coaches in attendance this weekend.

The Comox Valley Multicultural & Immigrant Support Society (CVMISS) is celebrating Mother’s Day with an ethnic barbeque and is inviting everyone in the community to be there. The barbeque will be held at 4659 Headquarters Road - the soccer field off Maple Pool Campsite - on Saturday (May 10), from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. The cost to attend is $5 per adult or $15 for a family of four for non-members, and $3 per adult or $10 for a family of four for members. CVMISS will provide food, music, games and dancing. All you need to do is show up. Everyone in the community is invited to attend and honour their mothers or to remember those who are no longer with us. CVMISS is also suggesting you could invite a special person in your life who has been a mother to you, whether they gave birth to you or not.Entertainment will be provided by Buleria de la Isla and Oscar Robels Diaz who will be plying their Mexican and Latin music in the event using traditional instruments.CVMISS events are well known for social interaction, the opportunity to share cultures, and great food. For more information call Jin Lin at 250-898-9567. Bring your whole family and help us celebrate mothers everywhere. For more information about the Comox

What you need to know about Mini World Cup events this weekend The largest Mini World Cup ever held in the Comox Valley is happening this coming weekend, with a staggering 1250 players and coaches participating from across Vancouver Island. Here’s what you need to know: Pre-Registration Party at the

Vancouver Island Visitor Centre (VIVC): Friday, May 9th from 5-8 pm. Coaches, players and families are welcome to visit the VIVC, grab a quick bite to eat, kids can play in the bouncy castle or tour the centre while coach’s pick up their team package. Jet FM will be on site

Thousands expected for soccer (Continued from page 1) Some players from the Whitecaps training facility in Nanaimo will be on hand at the event and the RCMP will have a laser gun ready to test just how hard children can kick a ball. “It’s about getting out and kicking the ball and having fun,� she said. “They’re going to feel like they won the World Cup.� The Comox Valley Economic Development Society pitched in $2,500 plus that same amount in free advertising and a variety of other sponsors, including Jet FM and the Echo have teamed up to make the event a success. “If community partners want to jump on board and put something on and jump on board by all means,� she said. “It’s all about seeing the smiles on the faces.� The weekend will kick off with registration — including a bouncy castle and more — at the new visitors centre on the Friday. Plus Jet FM will host a concert the Saturday night (May 10) at Simms Park in Courtenay from 5-8 p.m. There will be a food truck on hand there to keep the bellies of

guests full as four local bands take to the stage. Singer-songwriter Brodie Dawson, country-tinged rocker Laryssa Campbell and bands Blind Amusement and the Lincoln Foster Band will give the audience a slice of delicious musical offerings. “The Valley is known for its music scene,� noted Jet FM program director Andrew Davis. “There’s so much music out there that people have never heard. “I hope all the different families from the different cities come down and have a great time.� The radio station will also be collecting for its Jet Cares campaign which helps families in need. “It should be a great day,� he said. “We just wanted to showcase the Comox Valley.� On Tuesday in the field behind a Comox school youth furiously competed with each other to get the ball in their possession. It’s all part of warm up drills ahead of the big day. From the sidelines Smart smiled as the players gave their all. “The magnitude of this event is huge,� she said. “To see it all come to fruition is really awesome.�

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throughout the evening. Free Music Concert: Jet FM has announced a FREE mini concert to be held at Simm’s Park starting at 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 10th. A number of local bands will be providing a family friendly concert to the general public. There will be food and family friendly beverages on site along with a face painter and bouncy castles. Parking: Parking on site and around Valley View Elementary and Mark R Isfeld High School will be very limited during our event. As a result the MWC Committee is working with Ambassador Shuttle Service and North Island College to ensure all participants and families can get back and forth to the MWC site in a safe and timely manner through the use of shuttle service. Ambassador Shuttle Service: Will be providing (for a small donation) a shuttle from the North Island College Campus parking lot to MWC site daily

on both Saturday May 10th and Sunday May 11th.The shuttles will start each day at 8:00 am and finish at 5:00 pm. To pick up the shuttle please make your way to the Bus Shelter on the NIC Campus Map - attached. The shuttle will provide transportation directly to the parking lot of Mark R Isfeld High School - and the entrance to the MWC event. On-Site Activities: MWC will have a number of food vendors, and soccer merchandise for sale, bouncy castles, games, an interactive White Caps Tent, and an onsite photographer; just to mention a few. Parade: There will be a parade of countries which will start mid way through Saturdays Tournament (approximately 12:30 pm). Each team and player will participate in this event which will be lead by a bag piper. Something you will not want to miss and one everyone will be talking about for years to come!

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise! Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay Courtenay – Kilpatrick, 29th - 27th, Moray – Kilpatrick, Anfield Centre (Walmart) – Cliffe (Between 19th & 10th), Riverside Lane, Beckensell Rt. 7115 – 5th to 4th, Menzies to Willemar Comox Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2136 – Pritchard, Dogwood, Elm, Noel Rt. 2126 – Robb (between Pritchard & Stewart), Elm, Dogwood, Noel (between Pritchard & Stewart) Substitutes: (May/14 to Oct/14) Rt. 2145 – Jubilee, Bolt, Heron Rt. 2153A – Olympic, Murrelet Rt. 2155 - 2300 – Murrelet Crown Isle Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex Valleyview Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View Mission Hill Rt. 5102 – Stafford, Dingwall, Valecourt, Cruickshank Cumberland Rt. 9103 – Dunsmuir, Derwent, Sutton, 1st Rt. 8105 Rt. 8106 Rt. 8130

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Irreplaceable PG: Sexual language • Wednesday, May 7th: 7:30 (9:00) Neighbors 18A: Frequent coarse & sexual language; sexually suggestive scenes Pass restricted until May 23rd • Sneak Peek, Thursday, May 8th: 8:00 (9:45)

The Amazing Spiderman 2 3D PG: Violence Pass restricted until May 16th Nightly: 6:40 (9:15) & 9:45 (12:20) • Friday & Tuesday Matinees: 3D 3:25 (6:00) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 3D 12:20 (2:55) & 2D 3:25 (6:00) God’s Not Dead PG: Violence Nightly: 6:50 (8:55) • Friday & Tuesday Matinees: 3:35 (5:40) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 12:30 (2:35) & 3:35 (5:40) Occulus 14A: Frightening scenes; violence • Nightly: 9:25 (11:20) Rio 2 3D G: No warning • Friday to Tuesday: 7:10 (9:05) & 9:35 (11:30) Wednesday, May 7th: 9:35 (11:30) • Friday & Tuesday Matinees: 3D 3:45 (5:40) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 3D 12:50 (2:45) & 2D 3:45 (5:40) The Other Woman

PG: Coarse & sexual language Pass restricted until May 9th Nightly: 7:00 (9:00) & 9:30 (11:30) • Friday & Tuesday Matinees: 3:55 (5:55) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 12:40 (2:40) & 3:15 (5:15)

Valley Multicultural & Immigrant Support Society go to www.comoxvalleymulticultural.ca

Kiwanis Junktique on Victoria Day weekend The Victoria Day Weekend Kiwanis Junktique will be held on Friday, May 16 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, May 17 from 8-11 a.m. in the Church Hall at St. George’s United Church on Fifth Street in Courtenay. There will be the usual array of this and that, all for sale thanks to generous donations, including some fixed price collectibles. All the proceeds go straight back into the community so you help yourself and others by coming and buying. Kiwanis is known for tremendous value, come and check us out.

Hospital (Continued from page 1) Meanwhile, St. Joseph’s officials have been working with unions to come up with a plan to protect local resident in the case of a strike. Emergency and urgent services would be covered under a plan submitted to the labour board for approval. “Locally we bargain essential service levels,� explained Gillian Henderson, director of human resources St. Joseph’s General Hospital. “We are prepared.� Elective and more routine procedures, such as endoscopies, would be paired back or halted. “It’s part of a legislative framework that basically says that hospital services are essential,� she said. “We can reduce certain services that are non-emergency services.� If financial concessions were agreed to by HEABC the hospital expects the province would cover the increased costs by bumping up their contribution to the Catholic church-run facility.

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014 A3

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FREE Brake & Mechanical Inspection

No objectors to industrial zoning in south Courtenay UID’s ultimate idea is to subdivide the long, narrow site into 14 marketable lots, each around half an acre in size and all accessed from the old Island Highway via Marriot Road and Christie Parkway. Adjoining lots could be linked to create bigger sites for interested clients.

The plan will now go forward to a future meeting of City Council for a vote on whether to approve the zoning change. City planners say they are in favour of the move, and the absence of objectors is likely to mean it will be approved.

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‘Industrial Light’ - an inheritance from the days when it was within Comox Valley Regional District’s jurisdiction. Now Upper Island Developments Ltd. (UID) proposes to give it what is called ‘Industrial 2’ zoning, which adds several potential commercial uses to the land.

No objections were voiced at last night’s public hearing over plans to amend the zoning of nearly eight acres of light industrial land in south Courtenay. The vacant property, between Christie Parkway and the E&N railway track, is currently zoned

2215 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay 338-5411

Citizen Budget returns show 67% think Courtenay offers good value By Philip Round Echo Staff

Andy Shim has been practicing at Crown Isle in advance of the Q-School qualifier for Canada’s PGA circuit

On the Cusp of Greatness Crown Isle’s PGA Tour Canada qualifier opens door to the world By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Sitting on the deck outside the luxurious Crown Isle clubhouse past practice putters and rolling forested fairways towards the snowcapped mountains, 19-year-old Hyeon Bo Shim ponders the significance of the days ahead. The Georgia boy knows that if he scores big at this week’s PGA Tour Canada Qualifier he’ll be soaring to new heights as a professional golfer. “I have been to a lot of countries for education in golfing,” said Shim, who goes by Andy amongst his English-speaking friends. “I just want to keep focused on golf and get better.” From May 5-9 the golf resort will host the Q-School event, which will allow 18 more players to join the full 2014 PGA Tour Canada. It’s the type of situation that could thrust Shim into a world he’s eagerly anticipated for many years. He started golfing with his dad when he was just nine years old back when he lived in Ulsan, South Korea - a city better known for its production of Hyundai cars than for golf stars. “I just loved it,” he said of how he got hooked on the sport. “I just like everything. It’s just fun.” He spent a year golfing in New Zealand and a year in Australia too. Having arrived in the Comox Valley in February he has been working hard to prep for the big tournament. “He’s just been pounding at it every day,” said Rod Prieto, director of golf for the resort. “He’s very motivated, very focused.” Prieto explains how important it will be for Shim to play well during the Q-School in order to launch his career. “It opens up the chance for them to be an exempt player on the PGA Tour Canada,” he said. “It’s one of the bigger tours in the world.

It’s a stepping stone to the PGA Tour.” Prieto has already had some success. He won the US Junior title in 2012 at 17 in New Hampshire. “I was playing really solid,” he said of his biggest success to date. “I knew I was in the contention to win it.” But he’s still in search of that elusive tour card, which would allow him to play the entire PGA Canada tour without having to qualify for each and every event. “I feel pretty good about it,” he said, thinking about his chances going into the Q-School. “I still have a lot of work to do.” Because it’s not going to be easy for the 5’7” golfer to muster the power needed to play with the big boys. He’s got a good short game, but has trouble achieving power. Then again, he’s determined to drive his ambitions home. “I really need some more distance if I’m going to be in the PGA Tour,” he said. “I’ve gotta figure it out.”

The first results are in from residents who have taken part in the City of Courtenay’s online ‘Citizen Budget’ experiment. And early returns suggest that two-thirds of residents think that overall they are getting very or fairly good value for their tax dollars - but not from all programs. Courtenay is the first municipality on Vancouver Island to pilot the public information program via the internet, which explains the City’s spending plans for 2014 in plain English and seeks feedback on a number of topics. The program will remain online until June 30, but in the first three weeks more than 170 people viewed the information and 52 of them offered their detailed opinions. Director of financial services Tillie Manthey said there was plenty of time yet for people to take part, but the experiment was already proving its worth. “In past years, there has been minimal public response to budget information posted via the City’s website, or to budget open houses provided by staff,” she told councillors last night. She noted that so far, “the majority of respondents felt that the City provided ‘very good or fairly good’ value for the services received in the areas of protective services (82% positive); recreation, parks and culture (72%); water and sewer utilities (70%); and waste collection services (80%).” But she added: “The area of transportation services received a lower grade (37%), with many of the respondents requesting less focus on ‘car-centric’ planning, and more focus on other modes of travel, along with the infrastructure to support it.” In fact, only 2% of respondents gave transportation a ‘very good value’ rating, with 35% suggesting the service was ‘fairly good value.” But 16% thought it offered ‘very poor value’ and 37% ‘fairly poor value.’ The remaining 10% did not know. Asked to rate the overall value people felt they received for their tax dollars when taking into account all the programs and services

provided by the municipality, so far just 13% considered it ‘very good value,’ but another 54% considered it ‘fairly good value’. Taken together, Manthey noted, that showed two-thirds of all respondents so far were inclined to have a positive view. However, a further 21 per cent saw the City as offering ‘fairly poor value’ for their tax dollars, and another 8 per cent ‘very poor value,’ with 4 per cent responding ‘don’t know.’ Aside from money issues, the Citizen Budget survey seeks to discover what people consider to be the top issues facing the community that ought to get the greatest attention from local leaders. The survey offers ten rather general options rather than specific hot-button issues, and respondents are asked to highlight five of them to discover what pattern emerges. The clear leader from the early results was the importance of maintaining good infrastructure, such as roads, water, sewer and storm drainage. Some 73% of respondents highlighted that as one of their five choices. Next was transportation (59%), followed by parks, recreational and cultural services (49%); the environment (47%); and fifth equal - crime (35%), and public engagement (also 35%). Lower down the list were issues such as fire protection, social issues, and the impacts of growth. But 29% have selected an option labeled ‘other’ as being top of mind - and the survey gives the chance to state what that other issue or issues might be. Details will be collated to report to Council in detail when the survey is over. Residents wishing to take part to add their views can access the survey via the City’s website at www.courtenay.ca or direct by using this online address: http://courtenay. citizenbudget.com/ Manthey said the more people who took part, the better, and if Council so wished the project could be stepped up for next year with more hands-on budget tools and more detailed questions to help shape the budget debate. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Valley Charitable Gaming Society Wednesday - 7th May 2014 7:30 pm The Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 160

Thank you Courtenay and Campbell River!

1825 Comox Avenue, Comox, B.C.

Together we raised:

For more information

$40,000

Phone: 250.334.3072 Email: vcbsociety@telus.net ALL GAMING GRANT RECIPIENTS WELCOME

If you currently or are no longer receiving

A NEW RECORD!

This support will provide help and hope to children like Kaden in your community.

Provincial Government Gaming Grants please join us. We may be able to help. Dr. Patrick Johnson

Office Hours: 9am – Noon (Tuesday & Thursday)

Thank you to ROTARY CLUB OF STRATHCONA SUNRISE and CUMBERLAND READY MIX.

A4 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014

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Duncan’s senior adviser seeks Tory nomination for Comox-Powell River By Michael Briones Echo Staff

Denman Islanders pose with local doctors during last year’s event.

WALKING IS WHAT DOC SAYS IS UP On May 7 and 8 you can take a step (or several!) in the right direction as part of the the BC Medical Association’s big Walk With Your Doc Event. There are a number of physicians set to hoof it a kilometre at lunch time to increase awareness about getting active every day. “It’s about taking the steps people need to take in order to have healthier lives, and one of them is being more active,” explained Janet Brydon, executive director of the Comox Valley Division of Family Practice. “There’s camaraderie that goes along with it that can have positive effects as well.” On May 7 at noon runners can check in for the Courtenay edition (alongside 12

doctors) starting at Simms Millennium Park. Denman Islanders are to meet at 11 a.m. that day at the community school, where four physicians are leading the charge. The Comox version will take place May 8 starting at Marina Park, with check in time being held at noon. “Everyone who walks will get a pedometer,” explained Brydon. “The mayors of Comox and Courtenay are also going to join the walks.” The event is free and only takes about half an hour. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. “Bring your walking shoes,” she said. “Hopefully no umbrellas will be required.”

A former forestry sector worker is vying for the Conservative Party’s nomination for the Vancouver Island Comox-Powell River riding for the federal elections in 2015. Laura Smith has thrown her name in the hat, which she said is a major and challenging step for her to make. The Campbell River candidate has no experience in local, provincial and federal politics. But Smith said she has had a good teacher in North Island MLA John Duncan, whom she has worked for as senior adviser for over five years. “In my time here, I’ve gotten to really understand the depths and breadths of the issues in northern Vancouver Island,” said Smith. “John has really been a great mentor for me, showing how you can really get stuff done in Ottawa and still be such person of integrity. That’s really something I value and admire and I would like to emulate that. To have the opportunity to represent the place that I love and be able to help people and communities, has really inspired me that’s why I’m taking it on.” Smith has been involved in Duncan’s work when he was Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and also in his current portfolio as the Minister of Stage and Chief Government Whip. “I have a number of duties,” said Smith. “I do policy work, communications and handle some files from the riding.” Prior to joining Duncan, Smith, who also has a background in natural resources, worked in the forest industry for 14 years, which she knows fully-well is one of the major issues in the riding. “It’s a big part here,” said Smith. “We’re so dependent on the forest industry. Those kind of issues I tend to get involved with.” The 45-year-old Smith said she’s always been interested in the serving the community having volunteered in different events and organizations like search and rescue, which she is very passionate about. She credits Duncan for encouraging her to enter the political arena. Duncan has indicated he is “confident in the ability and commitment

Laura Smith of Smith.” Meanwhile Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, announced last week that he will seek the Conservative nomination in the newly configured riding of Courtenay - Alberni for the next federal election. “Choosing where to run has been a difficult decision for me,” said Duncan. “The splitting of Vancouver Island North as a result of the recent changes to the federal electoral boundaries was unexpected and I have strong connections throughout both of the new ridings.” Duncan has represented northern Vancouver Island communities as a Member of Parliament since 1993. In addition to representing the Comox Valley since 1997, he previously lived in Ucluelet and Port Alberni during his 20 year career as an operational forester. “I understand the challenges on both the West and East coasts of Vancouver Island and look forward to representing the diversity of communities and interests in the Courtenay Alberni riding,” said Duncan. “I am also confident in the ability and commitment of Laura Smith, who has decided to seek the nomination in Vancouver Island North - Comox - Powell River, and this has given me a great deal of comfort in making this decision.”

Send your questions for any of these professionals to: COMOX VALLEY ECHO, 407-D Fifth Street, Courtenay, BC V8N 1J7 or kcurrie@comoxvalleyecho.com or FAX 250-334-3172

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014 A5

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is to be commended for using his knowledge gained from school fire drills to take swift and decisive action to secure the safety of his family. Bobby’s school and your fire department are also to be commended for ensuring that school children in your community learn valuable fire safety life skills.” ”For me it was amazing that at three in the morning, a six year-old was able to wake up from the fire and have the presence of mind to go

upstairs instead of hiding, of something we’re scared of, to go wake his family up and get them all out is just amazing,” said Green. Bobby said he wasn’t scared and knew what he had to do from the lessons he learned from fire drills at school. He is proud of his certificate. His family, who was at the presentation, was also presented with $600 that was raised by the school. Their home insurance had lapsed when the fire happened.

CITY JUST ONE STEP FROM SEALING TAX RATE

Oyster River Fire Rescue deputy fire chief presents a certificate to Bobby Johnson for saving his family from a fire at an assembly at Miracle Beach Elementary School.

Young boy honoured for saving his family from fire By Michael Briones Echo Staff Bobby Johnson was only six years old when he did a heroic deed that saved the lives of his family in March. As they were asleep, fire broke out in the first floor of their two-storey home. Bobby, who was sleeping on the first floor woke up to the fire and quickly ran upstairs to wake everyone and get them out of the house. “He woke up in the nick of time

and did the right thing,” said Bruce Green, deputy fire chief of the Oyster River Fire Rescue. “As Bobby and his mom were leaving, they had singed eyebrows. There were four people in the house.” Green said when Bobby got up the fire was already pretty bad and when the fire crews got there, the blaze was already through the roof of the house and on the side windows. “When we arrived on scene the backside of the home was engulfed in flames but we heard the four

LAST YEAR MY POTATOES HAD HOLES AND WORMS, WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW CAN I CONTROL THEM?

Is there a relationship between diabetes and hearing loss?

The likely culprits are wireworms, the larvae of the black click beetle. Wireworms are commonly found in lawns and are often in gardens newly dug from lawns or close to grassy areas. There are no effective insecticides but crop rotation will reduce damage. Keep the garden area free from weeds, especially grasses. Deep cultivation of the soil will expose the larvae, which can be hand-picked or left for birds to eat. Inter-row hoeing will also help. The most effective control for wireworms and other soil pests are predatory nematodes. Nematodes seek out and destroy many soft bodied grubs in the soil, including vine, pea and rhododendron weevils, carrot rust fly, flea beetles, fungus gnats, crane fly (leatherjackets) and many more. They can be applied any time of the year if the soil is above 12°C, or in the spring once weather is consistently above 14°C, and when the soil is thoroughly wet. If you are planting just a small area, try a potato growing bag. 3 or 4 potatoes will produce a bumper crop, and the use of a potting soil like Pro Mix will ensure there are no wireworms.

COMPUTERS

I hear all this talk about windows XP expiring or not being safe anymore. What is this?

words every fire department wants to hear, ‘We are all out.’ It wasn’t until after we had extinguished the blaze that we found out how the family had all gotten safely out of the burning home.” The fire department commended Bobby for his actions and on Monday during an assembly at Miracle Beach Elementary School, the young man, who is now seven years old was presented a certificate from Gordon Anderson, the Fire Commissioner of BC.Anderson, says, “Bobby Johnson

Courtenay Council is just one step away from setting its 2014 property tax rate in stone - and that is likely to happen as soon as next week. At last night’s meeting, first, second a third readings of the financial bylaw setting this year’s rates for the municipality were passed unanimously by the Mayor and all six councillors. While overall expenditure will rise 1.7 per cent, homeowners will face an average tax increase for municipal services of just over 1 per cent this year - but businesses will see a hike of about 3.6 per cent. About 60 per cent of the income required to fund municipal services in Courtenay comes from homeowners and 40 per cent from businesses. A residential property owner in a house assessed at the city average of $276,000 will see a 1.14 per cent increase to fund City services, which amounts to just under $12 extra. The average business premise assessed at $693,000 will pay an extra $255 compared to last

Andre OWNER

As of April 8th this year, Microsoft is no longer providing updates for windows XP anymore. So this means that if a security hole is found in windows XP, Microsoft will not fix it anymore. What does this mean to you? Well it depends what you use your computer for. If you are not connected to the internet, it doesn’t really matter at all. If you do online banking or purchase things online, or really do anything online that you don’t want other people to see, you should probably update to windows 7 or 8. Some computers can be upgraded, some can’t, and a lot are just not worth doing the upgrade to. To get a free opinion whether it’s worth upgrading or not, just bring your computer in to us and we’ll give you our opinion. If you aren’t doing anything important on your computer and just want to take your chances with it, make sure you have an up to date antivirus, and use a up to date browser like Firefox or Chrome (internet explorer only goes to version 8 on windows xp). We have more information and a link to Microsoft available on our facebook page. www.facebook.com/acscomputersolutions

#7-2663 Kilpatrick Avenue, Courtenay

250-334-2000

Make sure you understand the difference between cellular data and WIFI. Also understand how to tell when you’re using what. First the word Data refers to internet you use from your device. Cellular data is any internet use that occurs through your cellular network. Wi-Fi is a service provided by your home or business service provider (i.e. Shaw or Telus). Once attached to WIFI you will not incur any data charges from the mobility side if things. Wi-Fi is now widely available for no charge, most restaurants, hotels airports and even some B.C. Ferries. If you take the time to look for Wi-Fi before you use internet from your device you might be surprised how available it is. One other thing to know is apps use data, not all apps but some. The trick is knowing which apps use data. One way to look at this is, If you have to be connected to the internet on your home computer to use a program, such as Email or Facebook, Weather Network or just Google. You can bet that the app on your phone will use internet as well. Apps like your camera, picture album don’t use data because they are local to the device.

Almost 2.5 million Canadians live with diabetes but the link with hearing loss is not clear. A 2012 study recommends that diabetics have their hearing tested because the data showed a greater incidence of hearing loss in the diabetic population. Research continues as to whether it is the disease or the drugs that treat it that may increase the risk for hearing loss. Primary care doctors may not suggest that a person with diabetes have a hearing test because they are more concerned with urgent diabetes health issues. However, research suggests that hearing loss may increase the chance of depression and dementia, potentially adding an even greater load to the burden of diabetes. Our recommendation is that if you have diabetes you should arrange to have a hearing test by a qualified Hearing Care Professional.

year. The figures quoted relate only to the City’s own spending plans, and the tax notices that go out later this month will also include requisitions from other authorities such as the Regional District along with the School, Hospital and Library Boards. So the final ‘bottom line’ has yet to be calculated. There will also be additional utility costs to pay, and in Courtenay’s case the Council has already agreed a 12 per cent increase in sewer charges to help fund infrastructure costs - about an extra $24 per household.

A6 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014

What’s On

Jimmy Smith Tribute Band at jazz society Thursday night

The Tribute Band comprises Marty Steele, keyboard; Larry Miller, saxophones; Andrew Janusson, guitar and James McRae, drums.

And now for something completely different ... No it’s not Monty Python, but the promise of a new jazz, soul and blues act that will thrill you at the Avalanche Bar and Grill this Thursday, when Nanaimobased James MacCray heads up the Jimmy Smith Tribute Band at 7:30pm. Jimmy Smith was one of the greatest modern keyboardists of the past 60 years. He cut more than 30 albums for the Blue Note label in the 1950s and ‘60s, and carried on recording until shortly before his death in 2005. He helped popularize the Hammond organ and was a seminal influence on generations of soul, rock and blues artists. A brilliant instrumentalist with an international following, Smith melded blues and jazz, reeling off bebop-influenced licks and bass

runs with dizzying speed. The Tribute Band comprises Marty Steele, keyboard; Larry Miller, saxophones; Andrew Janusson, guitar and James McRae, drums. As James told me last week, “We’re on a mission to highlight to the jazz club in Courtenay the fact blues is not only played by rock musicians. “Jazz music is the direct descendant and still heavily based on the blues; rock and roll blues is the stepchild that came later. “Jimmy Smith’s soulful jazz and blues work on the B3 organ was an important influence on a wide number of musicians who followed in his footsteps. “He was a major influence on Marty Steele, who had the good fortune to meet and sit in with him as an aspiring young musician. Come out and experience an exciting part

of jazz and blues history live!” Those of you who know Smith’s exciting style will not want to miss Marty Steele’s take-off of his dynamic chord structures, contrasted with the exciting Hammond melodies that was Smith’s music hallmark. If you’re not sure whether this is your style of jazz, dare yourself to visit iTunes and sample 90 seconds of Smith’s “Mood Indigo” - off his 2001 Album “Dot Com Blues”. It’s only the tip of the iceberg of his incredible music, but it’s a great sampler of what’s on tap, musically speaking this Thursday. The performance year is coming to a close in just a few weeks, so why not expose yourself to great live jazz while such great music is on offer in your home community for a most modest cover charge? You’ll be glad you did. Visit us at www.georgiastraightjazz.com or on Facebook.

Get flashback fever at ValDance gala Polyester, platforms, Studio 54, flower power and all the outrageousness of the ‘70’s make for an awesome party theme! (The ‘70’s were so awesome they had to create the word “awesome” to describe it.) Flashback to one of the most explosive decades of fashion and music history with ValDance Studio, Saturday, May 10th at the Native Sons Hall as they celebrate their 17th

Annual Spring Gala and Floorshow. Dress code: 1970’s. Prizes for best hair and outfits! Get your groove on dancing to the best rock, pop, disco and Motown hits of the ‘70’s. Dancers can Cha Cha, Fox Trot and Swing from 7:30 to midnight on our special effects disco floor. Refresh yourself with signature ‘70’s cocktails and late night appetizers.

Enjoy entertaining dance routines throughout the evening and feel free to join in on the Saturday Night Fever line dance! Party like it’s 1975 and get your tickets for Flashback Fever at Silhouette Theatre and Dance Shop on England Ave. or contact ValDance at info@valdance.com or 250-3389279. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door.

VESSEL PERFORMING FRIDAY AT THE WAVE Vessel performs Friday, May 9, at The Waverley Hotel. Vessel builds a groovy funk foundation under the intricate guitar work of Hinds and Marchand and the soulful urban-esque vocals of Jansz. $5 cover. Doors at 9:30 pm. Formed around the two members of Fiftieth Parallel, technical guitarists Jonathan Hinds and Phil Marchand are joined by Alec Swan on bass guitar, Gerry Crevier on drums and percussion, and Sperlin Jansz on vocals to create Vessel. The five-piece band now experiments in eclectic sounds with interweavings of organic drumming,

waves of bass lines, and soulful lyrics. The textured layering of electric and acoustic guitar fills the sound space, blends genres, and creates an all-encompassing atmospheric soundscape you can groove to. Drawing inspiration from blues, funk, classic rock and beyond ensures a diverse audience, as does the multi-generational nature of the band members from all corners of the globe - a reflection of the West Coast where Vessel is currently based. https://soundcloud.com/vesselofficial/

April.

April

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coming Tuesday, June 4 10

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May 20, Tue: 1:30 - 7:30 May 21, Wed: 1:30 - 7:30 May 22, Thu: 12:30 - 6:30

June 24, Tue: 1:30 - 7:30 June 25, Wed: 1:30 - 7:30 June 26, Thu: 12:30 - 6:30

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What’s On

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014 A7

A musical evening with the Carter Brothers On Thursday evening, May 8th, come down to the Cumberland Hotel and listen to stories and songs from the Carter Brothers, Gord and Frank. The Carter family has deep roots in the Comox Valley that go back over a hundred years and are entwined with the many threads of our history. So whether it is mining coal in Cumberland, farming on Minto Road, driving locomotives to Union Bay or writing and singing songs about all that and more, there will a story to be told this Thursday evening. Gord Carter is a well known local musician with a number of remarkable songs to his credit including ‘Common Ground’, ‘The Day They Shot Ginger Down’ ‘Percy’s Café’ and his new song ‘Cumberland’. He has three cds out including ‘Diary of a Coal Town’. His older brother Frank, whose special passion is old trains, is past

president of the Cumberland Museum Board. Steve Harvey will be the mc and with his extensive knowledge of both local history and a love of real folk music, he will be the perfect presenter. The event is free, part of the Vancouver Island Mayworks festival, so just stroll in, have a seat and your favourite libation and listen and be entertained for ninety minutes with stories and songs of our shared lives. The evening starts at 7 PM at the Cumberland Hotel, corner of Dunsmuir and 2nd in Cumberland, naturally. For more info contact Brian at 250-334-3624

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“Dislocated” by Heather Koning, an Emily Carr University graduate from the North Island College Fine Arts program

CVAG RECEPTION FRIDAY FOR NEW EXHIBITS, PERFORMANCE ART The Comox Valley Art Gallery will celebrate three new exhibits, plus performance and video projects, at an opening reception on Friday evening, May 9. The evening will include live performances in the gallery windows as part of “Window Project”, a series of performance and installation pieces choreographed by Carrie Tannant that will run periodically throughout May and June. The evening will start off with a preview for gallery members at 6 p.m. The preview will provide people with an opportunity to meet some of the artists involved in the new exhibits, and to ask questions. Everyone is welcome to attend and gallery memberships can be purchased on site. The opening reception will start at 7 p.m., and will include snacks, cash bar and live performance in the CVAG window gallery. The reception is free and open to everyone. At 9 p.m. “in-a-vision” - a collection of work produced by Comox Valley youth — will start running in a viewing booth at the CVAG

“Hold That Pose!”, by Comox painter Judi Pedder entrance. The viewing booth will be in operation during gallery hours until June 14. The new exhibits on display will include “Insterstice: An Intervening Space” in the contemporary gallery,

which features the work of five Emily Carr University graduates from the North Island College’s Fine Arts program. It will run from May 10 to June 14. “Aqua, Colour, Florum”, an exhibit of watercolour paintings and dye on silks by Comox painter Judi Pedder, will run in the CVAG community gallery from May 10 to June 21. Pedder will also deliver an artist’s talk at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the gallery. The talk is free and open to everyone. “Faces: Familiar and Friends” is an exhibit of drawings by senior secondary students Haeli FrostMitchell and Lindsay Nixon. It will run in CVAG’s George Sawchuck gallery from May 10 to 21. For more details about the new exhibits, or for details on the performance/installation projects in the gallery windows, please visit www. comoxvalleyartgallery.com or call (250) 338-6211. Starting May 10, the gallery will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gift shop will be open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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A8 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Golden

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This MOTHER’S Day will come TRUE!

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What’s On

Mother’s Day Garden Tour a treat for the senses Sitting beside Dr. Roberts Smith on his golf cart, we look like two golfers discussing his last “eagle” or how he plans to sink the next putt. Except we’re not. The conversation is all about rhododendrons and the “course” we’re on is the vast garden that Smith and his wife, Adele, have created near Back Road. It’s a garden far lovelier than any golf course and is one of the highlights of the 19th annual North Island Rhododendron Society (NIRS) Mothers’ Day Tour. Visitors who take this year’s tour will see six central Comox Valley gardens, each with its special look but all featuring rhodos, rare perennials and a multitude of companion plants. Some of the gardens are compact with each plant carefully chosen to work as part of a dynamic whole-others like the Smiths’ garden are large and sweeping in scale. The Smiths’ 4.5 acre garden appeared on the NIRS tour a number of years ago but there have been many changes since. Rhodos, trees and shrubs have matured and two new areas have been opened and planted. Another large garden, the 10-acre property belonging to Robert Argall, is widely known for its spring bulb display and its secret areas. Paths wind through a “forest” of perennials and mature rhododendrons past water features and a small garden filled with rare perennials and trees. A couple of bronze cranes hover over the

rain lead past rare perennials and unusual trees and shrubs. Each mini plot seems to stand alone and make the garden seem much larger than it actually is. There seem to be gardens within gardens. Another mid-size garden on Seabank Road is the pride and joy of Richard Bonney who has created a flowering oasis out of a property he bought as bush. Over decades, he and his late wife, Pauline, cleared and planted transforming a tangled wilderness into a lovingly tended collection of flowers and shrubs in an Englishstyle garden. The small but perfect garden of Peter and Antje Guertler is an average city lot that is anything but an average garden. Each space is precious and the pair gives a lot of thought to making sure the right plant is in the right spot; often plants will have to be moved to make room for something they buy for the garden that is “more perfect.” Like all the other gardeners, the Guertlers began with a veritable blank slate and have created their flowering miracle through years of hands-on work. (Continued on page 9)

The garden of Robert Argall. pond and Marcus, a life-size bronze wild boar that is a replica of the famous Italian statue in Florence, guards a forest pocket. Becci and Keith Russell’s medium-sized garden is a masterpiece of illusion hidden behind a high wooden fence on an acre lot. Winding paths that meander back and forth across the sloping ter-

Check us out on

Mother's Day Brunch at Longlands

We buy and consign

Spend some quality time together, treat Mom with our delicious brunch buffet, play some golf, or just hang out together on our patio!

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Sunday May 11, Brunch Buffet served 10am - 2pm, Lunch Menu service 2pm - 4:30pm Reservations recommended Adults $ 18.95, Seniors $ 15.95, Under 12 $8.95

18 Holes | Par 3 | Licensed Rentals Available

1239 Anderton Road, Comox | www.longlandsgolf.com | 250-339-6363 Adults $37 (15 to 64)

Seniors $27 (65+)

Kids $17 (8 to 14)

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Two Seatings Available – 10:00am & 12:30pm

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Fresh fruit Granola & yogurt Assorted pastries, muffins, croissants

BRUNCH ENTRÉE OFFERINGS Chef-attended crepe station – sweet & savory Traditional eggs benedicts with herb hollandaise Double-smoked bacon, ham, & breakfast sausage

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014 A9

What’s On

Learn how to make stained glass mosaics Create your own stained glass mosaics at the Black Creek Community Centre, 2001 Black Creek Rd, Saturday May 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open to beginners, this workshop includes an introduction to glass tessera, suitable surfaces, tools and techniques. All materials are provided by instructor, Cherie Dobie. The cost is $135.00 per person. Call (250) 337 - 5190 to register. Makes a great gift just in time for Mother’s Day. Photo: Student-produced stained glass mosaics from last year’s workshop, Black Creek Community Centre

The garden of Keith and Becci Russell

THE BAYNES SOUND GARDEN CLUB invites you to our 15th Annual Plant Sale, Saturday, May 10th at the Fanny Bay Community Hall from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., everyone is welcome, admission is free and refreshments will be available. Come out and take advantage of the low prices and wide range of wonderful vegetables, herbs, perennials, annuals, shrubs, and more. This year members have been creating whimsical and clever garden signs and other original works of art which guarantee to delight. You are sure to find something lovely for Mother’s Day. We look forward to seeing you there!

Concert Band shows off its rhythm at Mother’s Day concert

The garden of Roberts and Adele Smith

Take mom on a garden tour (Continued from page 8) The garden of Wilf and Gail Abel is another city garden that has gone through a transformation over 12 years. When they purchased the house 12 years ago, it had some “basic bones” such as the rose garden but the yard was dark and shaded by fir trees. The fir trees were all removed and replaced by more unusual plants-rare cedars, daturas, honeyberries, sequoias and more than 50 rhododendrons. “I am always looking for things that are unusual,“ says Wilf. Tour details: These are all self-guided tours although often the owner will take guests around. Gardens will be open from 10AM to 4PM on Sunday, May 11. One ticket that includes all six gardens costs $10 and is available from Hidden Acres in Campbell River, Art Knapp’s Plantland, Anderton Nursery in Comox, Blue Heron Books in Comox and Home & Garden Gate in Courtenay. A limited number of tickets will be available at each of the gardens. The tickets also have a coupon for a free draw for a rhododendron.

of spring verse, making for wonderful family entertainment. This musical afternoon is being held at Courtenay Recreation’s Florence Filberg Centre in the upper Conference Hall. Sponsored by the Evergreen Club, this Mother’s Day Concert, Sunday, May 11th will be the place to be! Concert Downbeat is at 2:00 pm with doors opening at 1:30 pm. Coffee, tea and concert all for an amazing $5.00! Tickets will be available at the door or from the Florence Filberg Centre office. For more information call 250-3381000 or visit the website at www.evergreenseniorsclub.org

2014/15 Operating Budget A Public Information Session

The garden of Peter and Antje Guertler

The Board of Education and Senior Management will be hosting a public information session on the 2014/15 Operating Budget: Thursday, May 8, 2014; 6:30 pm School Board Office, Board Room 607 Cumberland Road, Courtenay, B.C. We look forward to seeing you at this meeting.

The garden of Richard Bonney

You’re Invited Moving Ahead Together

The Comox Valley Concert Band will celebrate Spring and the joy of motherhood at their Mother’s Day Concert, Sunday May 11th. The fifty-five piece wind ensemble will explore musical patterns in a programme titled “Spring Rhythm”. Using a variety of selections from different cultures, the concert examines the arrangement of notes on the page in what is popularly known as “the beat”. 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/8, 12/8 all shape the rhythm of a piece of music and in turn the response of the listener. Rhythm awakens our hands, our feet, our entire bodies, in fact, compelling us to tap our toes, clap our hands and bob our heads - or all of the above! Ultimately, rhythm moves us to dance. One segment of the concert program compares the musical pattern of marches written with differing rhythms. “Aces High” and “Inglesina” both keep the left foot dropping on the first beat of the bar but handle the intervening beats distinctively. The lilting Irish lullaby “Deir’in De” demonstrates the effect of placing three beats in a bar instead of two. The emphasis of stressing certain beats over others changes the feel of the rhythm. Both Henry Mancini’s “Baby Elephant Walk” and Maynard Ferguson’s “Gospel John” reveal the syncopation of stressing the “off -beat”. African rhythms defy the traditions of western music by creating a tension between conflicting beats within a single piece. To demonstrate, the band performs “Ipharadisi”, a South African song that combines instruments and voice in a unique performance. The rhythm of dance is front and centre as the band performs clever arrangements, such as; “Tritsch Tratsch Polka”, “Hava Nagila” and “Hungarian Dances”. All of this music is further punctuated by the rhythm

Learn more about the proposed south sewer project and liquid waste management planning process

Join the project team and consulting engineers at the opening of the new south sewer project office in Royston.

Thursday, May 15, 2014 | 12-2pm 3843 Livingston Road, Royston Format will be drop-in, open-house style. Refreshments will be served. Come by to learn more about this innovative project that involves plans to bring sewer service to Royston, Union Bay and Cumberland. The latest information boards will be on display and project team members from the CVRD engineering team will be on hand to answer questions. Note: If you’re unable to attend please note we will establish office hours at this new office location starting in May and running for the duration of the project. Watch for exact hours and updates on the south sewer project pages: http://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/southsewer Contact: CVRD Engineering Services Tel: 250-334-6056 | southsewer@comoxvalleyrd.ca

Residential Curbside Recycling is EXPANDING

If you live in Courtenay, Royston or Cumberland and take part in curbside Blue Box recycling, your options are expanding on May 19. Here’s what you need to know about the changes:

If you live in Courtenay, Cumberland or Royston

• You can now include new items in your Blue Box such as aluminum foil, milk cartons, plastic • •

plant pots, aerosol cans, and hot and cold drink cups. For a full list visit the websites for each area listed below. Your curbside recycling pickup schedule and contractor will not change. As before no glass should go into your Blue Box. Take these to a depot.

On May 19, non-profit organization Multi-Material BC (MMBC) will assume responsibility for managing residential packaging and printed paper recycling in Courtenay, Royston and Cumberland and in many other areas of BC. If you live in other areas and have questions about recycling contact your local government.

Recycling Depots – COMOX VALLEY

There are changes to local recycling depots too. Here’s an overview of changes starting May 19:

Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, 2400 Pidgeon Lk Rd, Cumberland This depot will expand to accept new materials including: Plastic foam packaging (i.e. Styrofoam); Plastic bags/film wrap; Glass

•

Country Market, Courtenay / Depot Behind Canex, Comox These drop-off depots… Will not take any new items Will continue to accept cardboard, hard plastics, metal containers

• •

Encorp Return-It Depots, Courtenay and Comox These privately run depots… Will expand to accept new materials such as packaging and printed paper recycling Will continue to offer refunds for refundable items

• •

For up-to-date information on recycling depots in the Comox Strathcona Waste Management area (Comox Valley and Campbell River) visit www.cswm.ca/depots.

www.courtenay.ca/recycling.aspx Tel: 250-703-4863

www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/royston Tel: 250-334-6000

www.cumberland.ca Tel: 250-336-2291

A10 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014

etc. ECHO

Business News

Courtenay Toyota reaches ‘Pinnacle’

Rotary Book Sale starts Wednesday

Comox Valley’s popular Rotary Book Sale Fundraiser is on this week, May 7 - 10th at the Comox Mall with extended evening hours Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 AM - 7 PM. Saturday is our famous “bag” day - stuff what you may into a Canadian Tire bag for $5.00. Come early to find your favourite author, “How to” book, CD, DVD, puzzle or game. Always evolving, we have added more categories and prolific authors this year, including Collectible Books. Come again later in the week, as we are continually supplementing the inventory. Books are $2 each/3 for $5. The success of this fundraiser is due to Community involvement as many local volunteers jump in year round to assist Rotarians in preparing for this event. Courtenay Rotary Club returns funds raised back to our community through several Rotary Club projects, and by helping fund dozens of local organizations and societies with their needs. Stock up for summer reading and be part of this successful Rotary event that prides itself on giving back to our community!

The Service Department at Courtenay Toyota celebrates their huge contribution to the results of the Pinnacle Award

Art show, auction at Cumberland school Cumberland Elementary is hosting an Art Show and Auction on Wednesday, May 7 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in our gym. Viewing of student artwork will be available throughout the school day on Wednesday. Every student will have their artwork on display and many pieces will be for sale through a silent and live auction that night. Please join us to see our wonderful renditions of artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Roy Henry Vickers, Emily Carr, Ted Harrison, Jackson Pollack to name a few and to pick up some beautiful original artwork for your home. All proceeds are being donated to the Cumberland Community Forest Society, so please come out to support our community.

Two days after Rice Toyota Courtenay celebrated its 31st year in business in the Comox Valley, Toyota Canada executives presented Courtenay Toyota with the Pinnacle Award. The Pinnacle Award is given to the leading Toyota Dealer in each size category that shows Excellence in Customer Satisfaction in both the Sales and Service Departments. Results have been collected by surveying actual customers through Standardized automotive surveys conducted by JD Powers on behalf of Toyota Canada. “I am extremely pleased to receive this award once again,” said Brian Rice, Owner and Dealer Principal of Rice Toyota. “Courtenay Toyota had received the award the last time in 2008 and as the bar gets raised every year, Courtenay Toyota had maintained its level but was no longer the leading the category. Our Dealership had been selected for a year-long consultation process provided by Toyota Canada in which all aspects and processes were reviewed and 2013 showed that we were not only the leader in our category but also Most Improved”. “Courtenay Toyota has always been a great place to buy a car or truck, we have always used a low pressure approach and have made sure that the customer is always 100% satisfied. “Now with just a few little tweaks in our sales process we are making sure that the experience is even better,” said Andrew Rice, General Manager of Sales and Administration. “Not only are we one of the volume leaders in the automotive business in the Comox Valley but now we hope to be one of the leaders in having the most satisfied sales customers.” The Service Department at Courtenay Toyota has also made a huge contribution to the Overall Customer Experience and the results of the Pinnacle Award. Derek Rice General Manager of Fixed Operations explains: “We have some great people working in front of our customers offering service to all makes and models of vehicles.

Left to Right Martin Pharand (Toyota Canada), George Hrvacanin (Toyota Canada), Andrew Rice (Courtenay Toyota), Tony Kelly (Toyota Canada), Brian Rice (Courtenay Toyota), Derek Rice (Courtenay Toyota), Tom Kuch (Toyota Canada)

(Continued on page 11)

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Last Met opera of the season at Rialto Come join us for the last Metropolitan opera of the season, Rossini’s La Cenerentola, on Saturday, May 10, at 10:00 am. A peerless pair of Rossini virtuosos are a vocal tour de force: mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, singing her first Met performances of the Cinderella title role, and the high-flying tenor Juan Diego Flórez, as her Prince Charming. Alessandro Corbelli and Luca Pisaroni complete the cast, with Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi leading the effervescent score. Tickets are on sale now at the Rialto. Adults and youth $24.95; children and seniors $20.95 (including taxes). For more information call (250) 338-5502.

Illustrated talk at the library on B.C.’s ‘left’ How did B.C. come to be called the Left Coast? Is the province really teeming with radicals, and if so, who are they and where did they come from? Drawing on extensive primary sources, labour historian Dr. Gordon Hak tackles this question head-on, and locates the predicament of the modern NDP in this broader historical background. Gordon Hak will present an illustrated lecture on the successes and failures of the left in B.C. from the late nineteenth century to the present, at the Courtenay library, Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Gordon Hak, a recently retired Vancouver Island University history professor, has recently published The Left in British Columbia: A History of Struggle (Ronsdale Press, 2013).

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Myeloma support group meeting May 20 The North Island Myeloma Support Group meets Tuesday, May 20, 2014, 12:15 - 3:15pm at the Best Western Westerley Hotel 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. We are a group of multiple myeloma patients, family members and friends who meet to keep up to date on the latest info about myeloma and to share positive interaction with each other. It is both fun and informative. Come for lunch at 12:15 PM (buy your own lunch), meeting starts at 1.

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Business News

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014 A11

Entrepreneurs honoured at annual awards reception The Comox Valley Small Business Association (SBA) hosted its annual awards reception last week to honour some of the association’s members in various categories. The recipients were chosen from nominations submitted by other members of the organization. The recipients of the 2014 HBSBA awards include: - Angela Zumbo, The Mortgage Center, BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - Nancy, The Mustard Lady, NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - Donna Clairmont, Clairmont Custom Draperies & Décor, MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARD -J anet Martyn, PartyLite, LAWRENCE BELFRAGE MEMORIAL AWARD - Russell Ball, AudioXcellence DJ Systems, MERIT AWARD - Nina Andersen, Orca Marketing Group, INSPIRATION AWARD - Sarah Brune, Inner Harmony Healing, INNOVATION AWARD - Steve & Carolyn Touhey, Two Eagles Lodge, COMOX VALLEY AMBASSADOR AWARD. The SBA, which started in 1998 as the Comox Valley Home-Based Business Association, provides networking and educational opportunities for small and home-based businesses that operate in the Comox Valley or neighboring areas. The association, which meets monthly (Sept-June), encourages and assists members in their personal and professional growth, acts as an advocate to promote the growth and acceptance of home-based business in the Comox Valley, and participates in decision-making about economic development that affects the Valley. There are more than 50 association members representing a wide variety of businesses-from bookkeeping and marketing to interior design and travel services. Membership is $95 each and is open to any small business. www. CVEntrepreneurs.com.

Award winners, L-R: Janet Martyn, Nina Andersen, Lori & Russ Ball, Carolyn & Steve Touhey, Sarah Brune; kneeling: Donna Clairmont. Missing: Angela Zumbo and Nancy Farey who were both out of the country.

SPRING BOUNCE IN VALLEY HOME SALES CONTINUES The spring bounce in Comox Valley home sales continued in April, according to new figures from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. Last month 64 single-family homes were sold in the Valley - 12 per cent more than the same month a year earlier, when 57 such homes changed hands. The 64 also represented ongoing spring growth, as it was 17 more sales than in March this year, and 31 more than in

February. Prices paid were up, too. The average single-family home changed hands for $369,000, which is $25,000 more than in April last year. Marty Douglas, the managing broker of Re/Max Ocean Pacific Realty in the Valley has tracked local sales and trends over many years. Commenting on the apparent jump in average prices in April, he noted: “The year-to-date residential

sales pattern in the Comox Valley shows that 39% of all sales occur between the price ranges of $250,000 and $350,000. Only 10% of residential sales are over $500,000. “The 207 unconditional sales so far in 2014 were selected from an inventory of 632 single family dwellings, a list/sell ratio of 33%. Or put another way, one in three homes sold, up from one in five last month.”

Courtenay Toyota reaches the top in sales and service (Continued from page 10) “One of them is Cameron McGowan who himself received a Pinnacle Award for Customer Service and Satisfaction as the Top Service Advisor in BC. “We believe in offering the most transparent and competitively priced experience making sure that your vehicle is properly maintained while still being economical for the customer.”

Rice Toyota Courtenay (Courtenay Toyota) has been family owned and operated for over 31 years, employs 34 people and had sold over 750 new and used Vehicles in 2013. They give back to the community by supporting the arts, cultural and sport activities as well as supporting numerous charities in the Comox Valley. Visit them at 445 Crown Isle Blvd, online at www.courtenaytoyota.com or on Facebook

Left to Right: George Hrvacanin (Toyota Canada), Derek Rice (Courtenay Toyota), Cameron McGowan (Courtenay Toyota). Cameron received a Pinnacle Award for Customer Service and Satisfaction as the Top Service Advisor in B.C.

25 more laid off from Quinsam Coal On the heels of a Feb.13 layoff of 36 workers at Quinsam Coal, another 25 workers were laid off Friday from the underground coal mine. Both staff and workers have reportedly been given their pink slips in what Vice President and General Manager Gary Gould described as a “production curtailment,” Quinsam began as an open pit mine in 1986. It switched to underground mining in 1993 with open-pit mining ceasing in 1994. It is the only underground coal mine in British Columbia, and the only underground thermal-coal mine in all of Canada. It has been in operation for more than 20 years and produces approximately 500,000 metric tonnes of high-quality coal each year. During the summer of 2010, Quinsam achieved a milestone of 10 million tonnes of coal produced and sold since the mine opened. They employ around 145 people directly at Quinsam, all of whom live in the Campbell River/Mid-Island region. Quinsam says its payroll alone contributes more than $14 million to the regional economy. They spend around $25 million per year on goods and services, of which $10 million or more is spent locally on more than 100 local suppliers and contractors.

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You are over half way with five weeks of training down and only three to go. Good job! You are on your way to a successful Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K, the Comox Valley’s annual Sprint Triathlon. In the previous article we dealt with getting ready. Becoming accustomed to your equipment, committing to an event and increasing activity levels are all part of the preparation process. Your have gradually increased exercise time and distances for each discipline. You should be feeling pretty good. In the next two weeks you will continue to slightly increase distances and duration, building on what you have achieved. This will improve your strength, endurance and confidence. In the eighth and final week of the training schedule, which will run in this paper on May 16, the workouts will taper, helping your body to rest and prepare for the big event. As I said in the last article, triathlons are all about planning, organization and preparation. Within the schedule (below) accompanying this article there are a few highlights. In Week Six there is a timed swim. In this workout you do your warm-up and then swim the triathlon distance, 750 metres, taking note of your time. At the end of the 750 metre swim get out of the water. You may be surprised at how much effort it takes. You are going to have to do this on race day so as with everything else practice it. Be ready for how it will feel. If you need to, stop for a few seconds at the end of the pool, get your breath, pat yourself on the back and then continue. Another highlight is the BRICK. See it there on the Saturday of Week Six? In this workout you ride 20 km on your bike and immediately go into a 5 km run. After being on the bike it will take your legs some time to get used to running. You’ll want to go but it will be tough. Try it so that you know what’s ahead. If you need walk; walk. Stretch your legs out. Get used to being on solid ground. Then take off. Two more point to ponder. 1. Hydration. Drink lots! 2. Transitions are a race within a race. The first transition, T1, is the time it takes you to get from the pool out onto the bike course. The second transition, T2, is the time it takes you to get from the end of the bike course out onto the run. Lots to do and think about as we move toward May 26. Week Five

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Opinions ECHO

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

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Letters

A small step, a huge victory I am soliciting your participation in one of a very few opportunities to exercise your democratic right! How often do you, the taxpayer, get a chance to tell government, at any level, your wishes and vote? Here’s your chance - an AAP for the curling Club expenditure, which clearly does not support the concept of majority rule. Simply go to the CVRD website, find the AAP form for that bylaw; fill it in and take it to the Regional district office and submit it as your individual vote on a wasteful expenditure! It is that easy! Now after you have done that take comfort and solace in the fact you have just had one of the few opportunities you will ever get to tell them to stuff it! Now as a taxpayer you have had one of a very few chances to express your dissatisfaction with government spending! I know it’s a small step but a huge victory! Enjoy! Long live democracy! John Logan Courtenay

WHAT ARE THEY OPPOSED TO? I am surprised to hear that Courtenay Council defeated the Blue Communities resolution regarding clean water. The resolution was to recognizes and affirm that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and that Council would call on the federal and provincial governments to enshrine water as a human right in federal and provincial law. I wonder what it is regarding access to clean water that Star Winchester, Manno Theos, and Mayor Larry Jangula are opposed to? Are they unwilling to show leadership out of fear or are they confused about the word “whereas” ? The wording of the resolution can be read at: http://canadians.org/sites/default/files/publications/RTW%20updated%20section%20and%20 resolution.pdf The definition of “whereas” can be found at: http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ Whereas David Frisch Courtenay

I CAN’T AFFORD YOU PAY INCREASE Perhaps Nick Moore can tell us how the teachers have been forced to take job action. Have police been sent to break up picket lines? Is the government about to pass a new law inhibiting their job action? No it is just a mealy mouthed remark like the other one they use, “we are doing it for the kids”. When it is all about money, with a few wants about the kids put in to try to cover up the fact that it is about money. Moore says they want a deal. They have a deal, a good deal too, but turned it down and are demanding an obscene increase in pay, and with job action affecting the children, to blackmail the government into giving way. The thing is I cannot afford to pay for this obscene increase. (It all comes down to the tax payer in the end). I am a retired person living on a fixed income and just about able to make ends meet and if the obscene increase was granted it would be passed on to me and many others in my situation in the valley and the Province. It is all very well to moan that Albertans get more than us. So, it is a richer Province and anyway teachers can always migrate to Alberta for the bigger pay packet. The union should drop this greedy demand, because that is what it is, and accept the Government offer and get back to normal working. John Butler Courtenay

HOW ABOUT A DOWNTOWN BOULEVARD? “Make Fifth St. a Success”, Here’s How: The first thing, is to realize that to make money, you have to invest money. That said, here’s my vision of how to make ‘Fifth St.’ in Courtenay, a success for everybody that lives in the Comox Valley and bring in tourists from all over the island. FORGET CONCRETE! This area has to look different, and have its own personality! Go back to the 1800 / early 1900’s, BOULEVARDS. I have been watching a wonderful series of shows on TV, named “Next Stop Paris” and have noticed that hundreds, if not thousands, of people are shopping, walking, browsing the stores, and sitting around drinking coffee, enjoying the quiet, park-like settings, that many of their traffic-less shopping streets and alleys now encourage. Here’s my vision: No traffic - From Cliffe Ave. to England Ave; street and side walks, should be one hundred percent cobblestoned. Lots of old world ‘cast iron’ park benches should be installed the length of the boulevard. Already love the existing lamp posts, with flower baskets, but need to install a few more of them. Maybe a small water fountain, or statue in the centre. If not, maybe a circular flower garden. Purchase the old cinema lot, and make it into a car park. Keep the street music playing quietly in the background... remember, there will be no traffic, so the music will be easily heard. Have city approved, buskers performing all types of entertainmen.t A great setting for special occasions (Market days etc.). Hold “Easter Bonnet” festivals. Have a place for a Christmas Tree each year. These are just a few of my thoughts. P. Roy Courtenay

Letters to the Editor

Restrictions or proliferation? It’s spring, and that means a warming and drying trend for our beautiful valley. For us irrigation contractors, of which I am one (as well as an Irrigation Technician and Civil Engineering Technologist), part of that beautification includes irrigation of the lawns and gardens of the parks, residences, and commercial properties of the valley. Yet as confident as we are of winter’s end, just as surely comes the Water District’s Mandatory Watering Proliferation. But wait a minute: Watering Proliferation? Ought I not to say Watering Restrictions? Aren’t these so-called-restrictions saving us water? I would certainly expect so, but the reality is they are costing us a lot of water that would otherwise be conserved. How so? When I set up my clients’ timers to automatically water their properties, I would normally set them to three times a week, on fixed days of the week, which is not only judicious, but obviously convenient! But no, instead of this, the District has inculcated their creed of conservation by law so that everyone must water not just three times a week (12-13 times a month), but every other day in odd or even watering (15 or 16 times a month). This so called “restriction” is obviously not a restriction at all, but in fact - a PROLIFERATION. This proliferation amounts to water use at least 23% over and above what would normally be used if the District just left people in the competent care of their professional Irrigation Techs. Yet if that wasn’t bad enough, it actually ge’s worse. I have several conscientious clients who wished to keep their timers set to Stage Two “Watering Restrictions” (just eight times a month), but who are now forced to water twice that much or suffer penalties in the form of pecuniary persecution at the hands of

the water Gestapo, prowling our streets in the middle of the night to catch not your common criminal, but someone who actually has some common sense. Keep prowling if you must, but don’t bother spending much time anywhere near the Comox Valley advisory, steering, or water commission: you won’t find any common sense offenders there. Some would coyly suggest the answer is to simultaneously decrease watering times. The real world answer is simple: nobody does that. Folks typically just change the cycle and walk away. Some would say invest in a more complex controller, but what about the KISS principle? Some would say don’t water at all, but if we don’t take the water out of Comox lake and spread it on our lands, it will just run out to sea. Besides, the BC green towns and cities around here are named Comox, Cumberland, and Courtenay: certainly NOT Calgary of an amber Alberta. Most are in favor of responsible citizen centered common sense water conservation. The only question then is when will the water commission join them, get their act together by creating some actually conservative legislation, and stop coercing the citizens of the Comox Valley to waste water. Jason Draper, Owner Mainline Irrigation Courtenay

GAS TAX MAY BE THE ANSWER

An open letter to the members of Courtenay City Council: I am distressed with the negative comments being reported about the proposals to improve public transit in the Comox Valley. I am particularly angered by the threats to withdraw funding by the City of Courtenay. I am a senior who does not drive and depends on public transit. I chose to

move here when I retired because there is a good transit system that this community can be proud of. With the comments about the expenses for improvement may I suggest that we cannot afford not to invest in the improvements? Consider that the increasing costs of fuel are making it a financial burden to keep a vehicle on the road. An improvement in transit service could make it a godsend to provide an affordable option to those who can no longer afford to use their cars. My attitude is that I’d rather have to pay more tax than face a decrease in bus service! I think that we should seriously consider an extra gas tax for funding transit like they have in Vancouver and Victoria. When you compare the cost of gas in various communities of this province the Comox Valley has one of the lowest prices at the pump so we can well afford it. There are many options being offered by B.C. Transit and certainly not all will be implemented. They are conducting a survey from the public to determine what the highest priority should be from the riders. One of the options proposed is to link our transit system with systems down-Island comparable to our present link to Campbell River. Perhaps it is not a high priority at this time but the idea should not be ignored for consideration at a future date. With the decrease in intercity coach service since Greyhound took over Vancouver Island Coach Lines and the suspension of rail service, this is an option that may have potential. It would make it more convenient for someone like myself to take an affordable day trip to Qualicum, Parksville or Woodgrove Mall . C. F. Olsen Courtenay

A simple way to mark Day of Honour In a recent report regarding the National Day of Honour and the problems facing the Royal Canadian Legion and its local branches it would appear that the Legion is the only organization that is involved with the act of Remembrance or honouring the veterans. This is not the case. The Alberni Project is not affiliated with the Royal Canadian Legion or any government agency. We here at The Alberni Project received the news of the NDOH about the same time as the Legions did and, since TAP has been host to The Year of the Veteran-Comox Valley since January, we managed to hold a quick meeting to see what could be done with our limited resources and manpower to include NDOH in our Year of the Veteran events. We attempted to contact the local Legion branches so our event planning would not conflict with theirs but received no response; now it seems because they didn’t know what they would be doing themselves due to the serious lack of information from Ottawa. While single public events with speeches have their purpose and the Legion does a beautiful job of hosting such somber

events, we at TAP chose to focus on those who have returned, sometimes not as whole as when they left, in a broader, more community minded approach to the NDOH. TAP is, after all, a community supported non-profit society with the mission of preserving the history and stories of Canadian veterans, in particular WWII. It is very important on this day to get the community involved in their own businesses and schools to show their gratitude to those who served to make a better world for others and to honour those who gave their lives in the hope that our next generations can take pride in that better world. Not everyone will be able to take the day off, or squeeze the time in their schedule for an hour off in which to visit the Legion for an honours service. I am writing today to let you know there are alternatives to this act of remembering available in the Valley that do not require a liquor license. So that our event would not conflict with any observance the RCL might eventually put together, TAP decided to invite the Comox Valley community to wear the double poppy pin on Friday 9th of May to honour those Canadians and Afghan

civilians who worked so tirelessly side by side in this controversial war. We feel that no matter what your opinion of the war in Afghanistan is, it is still very important to respect those whose lives are forever changed. This single act doesn’t take time out of your day, it has no political message. It will simply show that you remember. The Canada Remembers Double Poppy Pins are available for free from The Alberni Project in the Comox Centre Mall while supply lasts. The pins have been supplied to TAP by Veterans Affairs Canada. In addition to encouraging the wearing of these poppy pins on this day, TAP will also extend the hours of the Memorial and Exhibit for those who can not visit during regular hours. We will be open from 10am - 7pm. In place of our usual video presentations, a special slide show will be shown continuously in our video screening room of Fallen Canadians throughout the day. There is no admission to TAP, families and schools are encouraged to visit. TAP is wheelchair accessible. Lewis Bartholomew Founder & Project Director - The Alberni Project

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014 A13

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Sports and Recreation

Valley volleyball standout Megan Ireland aims to get better and help SFU Clan By Michael Briones Echo Staff Megan Ireland is graduating high school this year. Although she’s still unsure of what career path she’s going to take, one thing that’s definitely for the Courtenay athlete is she’s going to continue to play volleyball. Canadian colleges and universities as well as those in the United States have been scouting and luring the G.P. Vanier standout. But out of all the institutions wanting to recruit the six feet tall tower of power, Ireland picked a Canadian school. Ireland will be joining the Simon Fraser University Clan volleyball team next school year. “I had a lot of choices but I wanted to stay in Canada so I chose SFU,” said Ireland. “They have a good volleyball team and I’m really excited to become a member of the team.” Ireland also spent a lot of seasons playing for the Comox Valley Strikers. When the team competed in a tournament in Seattle last year, Ireland made a strong impression in the way she played and drew the attention of one of the coaches. That was SFU clan head coach Gina Schmidt. “She approached our team and handed me her card. She told me she was really interested,” said Ireland, who also attended a camp at SFU. Schmidt said Ireland brings a ton of speed and athleticism to the court and believes she would be an asset to the Clan. “She has played primarily as a middle blocker but we believe she has the potential to contribute at a variety of positions for us,” said Schmidt. “Her high school, club and provincial team experience has equipped her with a skill set that will translate well into the NCAA game. We are very excited about her future with our program.” Ireland’s credentials include winning a silver medal competing with the BC under-18 team at the NTCC Tournament in Winnipeg, MB and playing on Team BC in 2012 as well. As a member of the G.P. Vanier

G.P. Vanier volleyball standout, Megan Ireland, will be joining the SFU Clan next year. Secondary, she has won two Vancouver Island AAAA Championships and was named Island most valuable player in Grade 11 and 12. Ireland believes she can improve her volleyball skills under Schmidt’s guidance and also achieve a high standard of education at SFU. “Playing for Gina was a big draw as she is a great coach and player,” said Ireland. “I’ve been described as an athletic player who can play all over the court. I am looking forward to living on campus, attending classes but most of all being part of the Clan women’s volleyball program, playing and traveling. My goals are to do well in school, grow as much as possible as a player and contribute to the team in the up coming season.” In 2014, the Clan will be looking to improve on last season when the team won more games than the previous three years, making it their best season since joining the GNAC and the NCAA. Ireland said playing at the university level will be a whole new experience for her. “The game is going to be a lot faster and the girls are going to be really good,” said Ireland. “But I am ready to learn and train hard. My goal is to get better and contribute to the team.” Ireland plays other sports as well like soccer and basketball. But she said volleyball is her first love.

An enthusiastic group of ‘gentlemen’ were out for the first night at ‘the office’

You really had to be there ... Thirty-nine eager golfers showed for the first Gentlemen’s Night at the Office last Thursday evening at Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community to play a bit of golf, enjoy a burger and a pint, have a few laughs at some off-colour jokes and share in the plethora of prizes on offer from a host of local sponsors. When it came to the prize giving and Master of Ceremonies Jason Andrew began awarding the goodies, Brett Walker’s name kept being called for winning Low Gross, Klosest to the Pin on Par Three; nearest to the White Spot - sponsored by owner Brian Dyck celebrating his sixty-ninth birthday — longest putt made, and cash prizes from the Snips Board etc. etc. Problem was that Brett, unfortunately for him, wasn’t in attendance to accept his prizes and so in the spirit of ruthlessness and

GOLF NEWS fairness — both prevalent in the game of golf— all of his prizes and money, went back into the kitty to be claimed by others. A quick calculation by one of the event organizers, Art “the Mole” Meyers, revealed that had Brett been in attendance he would have been the biggest winner on the night and would have earned cash and prizes for a total value of $123. Lesson learned - Be there for the awards presentation or miss out! The Gentlemen’s Night at the Office offers a wonderful evening

of fun and camaraderie in the specially reserved Gold Room after close of play. If last Thursday’s initial event is any indication, this event will grow and thrive as everyone, including Brett Walker, will be sure to hang around afterwards to enjoy the over-abundance of fine locally sponsored prizes and cash on offer. Gentlemen’s Night at the Office sees participants play eighteen holes - starting between 3 and 4 p.m., or nine holes, beginning with a shotgun start at 6 p.m.. Enter as a single or get a foursome together, make a booking with the Crown Isle pro-shop and come on out next Thursday and enjoy the fun.

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A14 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 8105 – Kilpatrick, 29th - 27th, Moray Rt. 8106 – Kilpatrick, Anfield Centre (Walmart) Rt. 8130 – Cliffe (Between 19th & 10th), Riverside Lane, Beckensell Rt. 7115 – 5th to 4th, Menzies to Willemar COMOX Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2136 – Pritchard, Dogwood, Elm, Noel Rt. 2126 – Robb (between Pritchard & Stewart), Elm, Dogwood, Noel (between Pritchard & Stewart) Substitutes: (May/14 to Oct/14) Rt. 2145 – Jubilee, Bolt, Heron Rt. 2153A – Olympic, Murrelet Rt. 2155 - 2300 – Murrelet CROWN ISLE Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View MISSION HILL Rt. 5102 – Stafford, Dingwall, Valecourt, Cruickshank Cumberland Rt. 9103 – Dunsmuir, Derwent, Sutton, 1st

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014 A15

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A16 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Sports and Recreation BMX track in great shape for Week 3 racing

Aiden Webber on right Benjamin Leslie on left battle it out at Coal Hills BMX track

Chimo gymnasts get great results at Twisters meet Eight athletes from Chimo Gymnastics took part in Twisters Invitational in Abbotsford this spring. Newcomer Ariadne Greekas put in a top ten performance in the Argo 2 category. Novice 2 competitor Kira Magor finished in fifth place overall with a third place podium finish on floor exercise. Sophia Mossie was first on balance beam with her dynamic routine and third on floor for a fourth place overall finish in the Novice 3 group. Chimo’s most populated level, Open 3, saw Isabella Pelletier and Kaylee Guignard neck and neck at this meet. They tied for first on the uneven bars and fourth on floor, and were second and third respectively on vault. Pelletier pulled ahead by .1 with a third place overall finish just ahead of Guignard. Josee Jalbert continued to build new skills in this season with vault being her strongest event in this meet. Lauren Carr competed a new vault at Abbotsford that placed her on the top of the podium on that apparatus for level 4 Open, she finished fifth overall. Sawyer Sturam rounded out this group close by. This season has seen some excellent growth year for Chimo’s competitive athletes, many whom have moved up a level. Much of what these athletes are gaining each season, besides physical strength and increased

gymnastics skills, is focus, discipline, work ethic, confidence and experience in goal setting. Gymnasts only get one chance on each apparatus to do their best, with the exception of vault, which allows two attempts. Learning to control nerves in a competition setting is a life skill that these athletes will carry into their lives after gymnastics. Gymnastics classes are available at Chimo, locat-

ed at the Comox Recreation Centre, for those who would like to take part in this exciting sport. Whether you want recreational classes or to pursue pre-competitive and competitive gymnastics there is something for everyone from pre-school on up. Consult the Comox Recreation guide for classes or contact Chimo Gymnastics through their website www.chimogymnastics.ca.

FIRST ISLAND PREMIER LEAGUE SOCCER GALA A SUCCESS Cumberland’s CRI was host to the first Annual Vancouver Island Premier League Soccer Gala at the beginning of April. This was the first time that all VIPL Riptide soccer players, coaches and families came together to enjoy an evening of dinner, merriment and acknowledgement of the past year of soccer. Players from Campbell River, Powell River and the Comox Valley got together to celebrate their wins, discuss their losses and move forward into the next year of soccer, or whatever their futures hold. Plates Catering provided a delicious dinner, and with MC Warren Andrews from 99.7 The River Radio, as well as Kevin Flesher (aka Captain Red Card), the participants were well entertained.

Together we celebrated and supported the U14 boys team as they make their way to the Provincial Games in Burnaby this summer, and scholarships were given out to two Comox Valley and one Powell River U18 girl player who have finished their careers with the Riptide and are moving on to future studies and hopefully more soccer. We would like to thank our sponsors BMO Nesbitt & Burns and the Vancouver Island Soccer Academy. Thank you, as well to the coaches, managers and parents who donate their time and money to help these athletes feel like they are part of bunch of healthy, talented youth, all part of a global group of men and women who love to play the beautiful game of soccer.

Under threatening skies, Week 3 of Coal Hills BMX’s 2014 season rolled on as a large group of local and out of towners hit the dirt track. Riders from Victoria, Nanaimo and Oceanside Tracks joined the local contingant of racers just before the first Canadian National Race in Chilliwack. An eager group of volunteers had the track in tip top shape and the happy faces during practise showed the kids love the new track. Results are as follows: 4 Strider - 1st Kavin Fawkes, 2nd Noah Kerluck, 3rd Elliot Purich 16 Cruiser - 1st Evan Yaretz, 2nd Janel Church, 3rd Dylan Church 31-35 Cruiser - 1st Andrew Temler, 2nd Brody Yochim, 3rd Tony Church, 4th Paul Simard 5 & Under Novice - 1st Jeremy Purich, 2nd Jett Yochim, 3rd Harlow Yochim 7 Novice - 1st Dane Kerluck, 2nd Sol Christia,n 3rd Ethan Cracknell, 4th Matthew Hutchinson 8 Novice - 1st Jason Sekulich, 2nd James Odarich, 3rd Nathan Cox ,4th Arron Mottashaw 6 Intermediate - 1st Maddex Yochim, 2nd Peyton Oconnell, 3rd Miss B Brailynn Webster 7 Intermediate - 1st Issac Templer, 2nd Austin Salt, 3rd Justin Yaretz 8 Intermediate - 1st Macklin Johnson, 2nd Avery Yochim, 3rd Sheppard Kapitan 9 Intermediate - 1st Jack Christian, 2nd Koen Oconnell, 3rd Arland Berry, 4th Evelyn Cracknell 9 Girls - 1st Adicus Bird, 2=nd Janel Church, 3rd Peyton Yochim, 4th Haley Tufts 9 Expert - 1st Devin Fawkes, 2nd Evan Yaretz, 3rd Sean Queenan 12 Expert - 1st Hayden Fieret, 2nd Tyson Tufts, 3rd Quinn Webber, 4th Samuel Kuzma 14 Expert - 1st Aiden Webber, 2nd Benjamin Leslie, 3rd Nathan Simard 16 Expert - 1st MacKay Leslie, 2nd Yuriah Kaska, 3rd Zackary Fieret, 4th Dillon Butcher, 5th Eric Cox So Week 3 is in the books and racing goes this Wednesday; sign-up 6 pm, racing by 7 pm. I would like to point out if you look at the results you will notice a large amount of families taking part. BMX is a great family activity for the whole family. Moms, Dads, sisters and brothers can race. It’s easy and it’s fun.

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