Comox Valley Echo - October 28, 2014

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Dozens of people showed up to take part in a ‘flash mob’ in support of the Canadian military Friday in front of the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay. The gathering took place after the murders of two Canadian ser-

Volume 20, No. 86

vicemen last week in acts of suspected terroristm, Meanwhile, about 20 serving personnel at 19 Wing Comox are being sent overseas for the war against ISIS. PLEASE SEE STORY PAGE 2.

Councillor finds resource to help youth become informed citizens

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Municipal elections have struggled to draw the interest of voters in recent years as they always reflect low turnout at the polls.

It is a major concern especially to those running for political office.

In 2011, Courtenay had 5,266 cast a ballot out of 18,519 registered voters while in Comox 4,432 out of 10,568 showed up. In Cumberland, 1,074 came out to vote out of 2,600 eligible voters.

Hugh MacKinnon, who is running again for another term as councillor in the Town of Comox, said he is bothered by the poor turnout.

“I, like many, value our democratic system of government and as frustrating or disappointing as it is [democratic governments] can get at times, depending on your political views, I still subscribe to what Winston Churchill once said, ‘Democracy is the worst form of government except

all the others that have been tried from time to time.’”

To help boost interest in the future, MacKinnon felt they should start by teaching the future voters of the Comox Valley who are the youth in schools.

In his quest to achieve this goal, MacKinnon said he discovered a phenomenal teaching resource for teachers at the Justice Institute entitled “Being an Active Citizen - Law, Government, and Community Engagement in BC.” The program was created to provide enhancements to the BC curriculum on law and citizenship to better prepare students to be informed citizens who understand the structure and operation of Canadian political and justice systems, so they can actively participate in the life of their community. It features lesson plans and simulated activities for students from Grade 7 to 11.

(Continued on page 2)

Comox councilor Hugh MacKinnon presents Highland Secondary teaching resource for teachers entitled “Being an Active Citizen - Law, Government, and Community Engagement in BC.”

Telethon set to ring in galaxy of local talents

By Michael Briones Echo Staff

Scotiabank is helping this year’s Children’s Telethon with a Hockey Raffle for two VIP tickets to the Vancouver Canucks game versus the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 30. It also includes one night

deluxe accommodation for two at the Georgian Court Hotel located just across BC Place. In the photo are Sylvia Janicki, Robin West, Trish Walker and Arne Eastwood.

Organizers indicated there will be no ringers from out town that will be performing at the annual Children’s Telethon this year.

But they are expecting a lot of ringers from the community to be calling in their pledges and donations to help the Comox Valley Child Development Association.

The annual Telethon is a significant fundraiser for the CVCDA. It is celebrating 39 years of providing valuable assistance to the association, which incidentally is now in its 40th year of providing community service to families and children with special needs.

This year’s telethon will feature some old and traditional performances along with some new attractions from a galaxy of local stars. The show will start from noon to 8 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Sid Williams Theatre. It will be shown live by Shaw Cable on

Channel 4.

“We’re not bringing in any ringers from out town,” quipped coordinator Pam Crowe. “They are all local entertainers.”

The list of performers include Juno Award winner Helen Austin, who will also emcee part of the show, Doug Cox and Caleigh Cox, Tammy Faessart, Joey Clarkson, Keisja Cox, Brodie Dawson and PK Tessman, just to name a few.

Some new acts that will be making this year’s show include Just in Tyme Choir and Brodie Dawson, “We can expect great entertainment,” said Crowe. “This is a community event and all the monies raised stay here in the valley. It’s a volunteer event and everything is donated.

What is so critical is that the telethon is essential to the ongoing work of the association. Without the telethon we can’t carry on the services in the manner that we do.”

(Continued on page 2)

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A2 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014

News

Comox Valley Weather

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Tuesday Showers. Wind southeast 30 to 50 km/h.

High 12°C.

Wednesday Cloudy.

Low 9°C. High 12°C.

Thursday Showers. Windy.

Low 9°C. High 12°C.

Friday Rain.

Low 7°C. High 11°C.

Saturday Periods of rain.

Low 6°C. High 11°C.

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

20 Comox Valley residents part of Canada’s overseas war effort Locals show support for military after killings on home soil

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff On Sunday the Strumbellas finished their set with a heartfelt song written in honour of the lead singer’s grandfathers who were sent to fight in World War II. One retired military member who was present was touched by the band’s performance that evening, which won them a standing ovation. Just days prior on Friday morning the same veteran showed up just feet away outside the Sid Williams Theatre to participate in a patriotic flash mob.

About 40 people flooded the public square with flags and red clothing in the wake of the killing of two soldiers last week - including Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who had lived in the Comox Valley for a number of years - as 20 members of 19 Wing head to the Middle East to fight ISIS. Comox councillor Hugh MacKinnon attended the impromptu event urging his countrymen to band together at a time when many of his constituents are beginning to wonder if they too could become targets. “We need to be resilient,� he said. “We’re going to stick together.�

However, the fear that an invisible target had emerged on the uniforms of local military personnel was already beginning to rear its head, even at this event.

One woman declined to be identified, worrying that even speaking out in the press could make her a target for terrorist sympathizers. “Canada is the most accepting, diverse and multicultural country,� she said. “It doesn’t come free and easy.�

Bob Mortimer said he thinks it’s important for every citizen to recognize the sacrifices Canadian soldiers make. “I think this is a good turnout given the short notice,� he said.

As a 39-year veteran of the air force he couldn’t help but be affected by the recent targeting of people in uniform on home soil. “It’s important to pay tribute to the soldier that was killed,� he said, adding it’s good to “reinforce our resolve.�

MacKinnon checked if these resources were available in School District 71. They are not. So a couple of weeks ago, MacKinnon contacted the Justice Institute to see if there were Being an Active Citizen resource binders available. “I was delighted to find out they did and they were willing to send me not just individual binders but discs with all the hard copy info to me to deliver to all Town of Comox schools [private and public] with the only cost being shipping charges.�

Since acquiring them, MacKinnon has delivered them to Highland

cal sensors, having been upgraded recently, took off for Kuwait last week. “They’ve already left,� he said. “They left last Friday night.�

Noel is familiar with the lay of the land in the Comox Valley and says he personally isn’t surprised by the outpouring of support for the military witnessed in the past week. After all, he has family members who live in both Courtenay and Comox. “I’m sure the community up in Comox, knowing you quite well, is very proud of the fact that first of all the members that are there serve every day to defend our country,� characterizing the expected bombing of Iraqi and Syrian territory as an extension of this defence. “This is just one of the different aspects of that commitment by the members in uniform and their families to make sure that all Canadians are safeguarded at home and abroad.�

Coke is it for RD Canadian Armed Forces members from 4 Wing Cold Lake depart for their deployment in support of Operation IMPACT on October 22, 2014. (Photo: Cpl Audrey Solomon, 4 Wing Imaging, Cold Lake, AB) Pieter Vorster became a Canadian citizen just a few weeks ago, and says he’s glad to see Canadians banding together to stand up for the values the country has come to represent. “It’s good to feel the sense of community,� the social media professional said, but adds he hopes politicians don’t use this as an opportunity to sow fear in the populace. “This is not a reason for us to be afraid.�

In recent weeks four-engine turboprop C-130 Hercules transport aircrafts have been crisscrossing the country on supply missions and other duties.

And on Monday the military confirmed 20 members of 19 Wing will participate in Operation Impact, part of Canada’s contribution to dismember the rapidly growing ISIS organization. “What happens is as in this case where the Government of Canada decides that an air task force will be part of the coalition forces in the Middle East, we determine then from what the government requests from us the composition of that air task force,� said Jeff Noel, a public affairs officer from 1 Canadian Air Division and the Canadian NORAD Region Headquarters in Winnipeg. “Based on the composition of that air

task force and what assets are required, that will determine the requirements for specific trades and then the request goes across the air force to provide the individuals to fill those positions.�

Top brass have been seeking out top notch soldiers to take part in the anti-ISIS assaults they are planning, and the idea is to slot skilled individuals into the right posting, he said. “The people who work on different aircraft in the Canadian Armed Forces are trained to work on that specific type of aircraft,� he said. “The operation of a CF-18 is totally different than the operation of a CP-140 Aurora. It’s a different aircraft, different engine systems.�

The Echo has learned that Canada’s commitment will include everything from air traffic control operators to engineers to flight crewmembers and even administrative staff from 19 Wing. “You have to have the right people in the right positions,� Noel said. “The reserve force members of the Canadian Forces are the ones who have to request deployments overseas.�

Noel said 19 Wing has served an important role in keeping the entire Royal Canadian Air Force up to snuff.

Resource to help youth become informed (Continued from page 1)

“Training in the RCAF and the entire Canadian Forces happens all across the country. Where training courses occur depends on what training is required,� he said. “You could have participants all the way from St. John’s, Nfld. or from Iqualuit involved in training there, or vice versa, members of 19 Wing going across the country to attend training courses at other locations.�

Though he wouldn’t comment on whether Auroras stationed at 19 Wing could be called into the war on a rotational basis, he noted that the crews wouldn’t necessarily be the ones who usually fly the spy planes stationed at 14 Wing Greenwood. “There is no such thing in the Canadian Armed Forces as a crew being assigned to a specific aircraft,� he said. “You are a crew for a specific type of aircraft.�

And the 14 Wing Auroras, which have the more advanced technologi-

Secondary, Phil Gagliardi Academy, Brooklyn, Airport, Aspen Park and Ecole Robb Road.

MacKinnon is hoping teachers will use the resource that introduces students to the fundamentals of law and how the justice system works, and the structure and operation of governments. “It encourages students to participate in their communities as active citizens,� said MacKinnon. “This approach is important as it allows students opportunities to engage in active citizenship activities over a number of years and in doing so, builds their interest and skills.�

MacKinnon, who is a former vice-principal at Highland, said this is a valuable tool that will allow teachers to educate and promote youth and eventually adult engagement in local municipal government. “We may not all become politicians but we all become citizens and my belief is that citizen knowledge of municipal government and citizen engagement makes for better communities,� said MacKinnon. “Let’s plant the seed now so our needs will be taken care of thoughtfully, creatively and wisely by the next generation who have already gained knowledge and engagement

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Coca-Cola has been chosen to be the exclusive provider of cold beverage and drinks at the Comox Valley sports and aquatic centres.

The Comox Valley Sports Centre Commission endorsed staff’s recommendation that a five-year contract starting November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2019 be awarded to Coca-Cola.

Staff will now present this report to the Comox Valley Regional District Board for approval.

Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada was selected from three companies that include Pepsi Beverages Canada Co. and AquaTerra Corporation that submitted request for proposals that was issued in July.

Staff indicated that Coca Cola’s proposal offers the best package including the greatest economic value and exceeds the other two proposals in terms of compensation offered to the CVRD. In exchange for a five-year contract that will give Coca-Cola sole rights to supply cold beverages at the valley’s sports and aquatic centres, the bever-

age company will make an annual cash payment of $3,000 per year and also from capital items.

The commission also agreed that a five year contract be awarded to Ryan Company Limited to provide and operate vending services.

There were only two companies that submitted request for proposals.

Ryan Company, according to staff, offered the greatest total economic value CVRD and also met the healthy food choice requirements. The company also demonstrated they have the relevant experience and capability to provide professional and reliable service.

Vending sales generate commission-based revenue for the CVRD. Ryan will pay a commission on all snacks and beverage vending sales over the contract period at a rate of 30 per cent on cold beverage and all snacks, and 20 per cent on milk, frozen foods and alternative beverages.

Revenue generated from vending sales over the previous five year period is approximately $80,000.

Staff will be asking the board to approve the proposal.

Boil water advisory issued because of high turbidity levels Due to the continuous rainfall experienced over the last several days, the turbidity levels in Comox Lake have risen.

It has led the Comox Valley Regional District, under the direction of Island Health, to issue a boil water advisory until further notice.

The water that supplies the Comox Valley water local service areas originates from Comox Lake and is taken from the Puntledge River and delivered to approximately 41,000 residents.

All users of the Comox Valley water system - especially those with compromised immune systems - are advised to boil their drinking water for one minute at a rolling boil.

Those areas affected by this boil water advisory are the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, and the Comox Valley, Arden, Marsden/ Camco, Greaves Crescent, and England Road water local service areas.

Until the boil water advisory is lifted, all users are asked to minimize non-essential water use. The CVRD will advise users when the problem is resolved.

If you have any questions regarding this notice call the CVRD engineering services department at 3346000.

For updated information and resources on the boil water advisory, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/boil.

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Telethon set to ring in galaxy of local talents (Continued from page 1) As part of the fundraising effort, raffle tickets are being sold for a deluxe basket with a value of over $2,800, generously donated by local merchants and businesses.

As well, there’s a raffle sponsored by the Scotiabank Courtenay branch for two VIP tickets to the Vancouver Canucks game versus the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 30.

It also includes one night deluxe accommodation for two at a Georgian Court Hotel located just across BC Place.

The tickets go for $25 each and only 300 were printed.

Crowe is not setting any fundraising goals and put undue pressure on the many volunteers, some of whom have been donating their time to this cause in the last 39 years. “What we want is for the community to support us like they’ve always had,� said Crowe.

The telethon is free and Crowe is encouraging people to come out and enjoy the show and all other activities lined up inside the theatres.

There will be face-painting for the kids, silent auction, a draw for a

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The Comox Valley Child Development Association provides services for 800 local children per year with developmental delays and disabilities including physical, cognitive, communication, social/emotional and behavioural needs.

Family-centred services include assessments, individualized supports and intervention. â– For more information visit the CVCDA website at www.cvcda.ca or call 250-338-4288.

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014 A3

News

MLA gets the needle to help kick-off flu vaccine shot season

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Comox Valley MLA Don McRae rolled up his sleeves, flexed his muscle a bit then faced the needle that was gently poked on his left arm.

With the flu season almost on our doorstep, McRae made sure he got vaccinated now. He said he didn’t want to get sick.

“Getting a flu shot is important especially for people dealing with the public, young and old,” said McRae, who was injected with the flu vaccine by Jeff Matell, Courtenay Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist. “It’s really important that I don’t pass on the germs.”

Shoppers kicked off its flu vaccination season last week and is encouraging citizens to take part.

It’s one of several pharmacies in the Comox Valley where you can now get this protection against the flu.

Each year, influenza causes more deaths than any other vaccine-preventable illness in Canada.

Island Health is encouraging all residents to plan ahead and get their flu shot early especially people at high risk of complications from the flu and their close contacts as well.

Free flu shots are now available if you qualify at your local doctor, pharmacies, hospitals and care providers.

Influenza season usually ramps up in early December and goes on until the spring, around the end of March.

“We are well into it right now,” said Charmaine Enns, North Island’s medical officer. “The people that need to get vaccinated should get them now. This is a

preventative measure. It takes about two weeks for the body to build up immunity that we need that’s provided for in that vaccine.

“It’s not perfect but it’s the best strategy we have to protect against influenza. To have the full benefit of the vaccine, you should be vaccinated and have that chance for your body to build up immunity, which is that two week period, before influenza season really hits.”

Free immunization clinics will soon be offered at Island Health Public Units starting the first week of November. As well, people can get free vaccine from their doctors.

Information on clinic dates and times are now available on the Island Health website www.viha. ca/flu, as well as by telephone hotline.

Last year, around 7,000 more people received the influenza vaccine in the North Island than last year. In the Comox Valley, 4,000 more people were vaccinated in 2013 compared to the previous year.

For up to date information about Island Health’s Public Health flu clinic dates and times, residents of the Island can visit www.viha.ca/flu.

In British Columbia, the seasonal flu vaccine is provided free of charge to: • People 65 and older and their caregivers • Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts • Health care workers • Emergency responders • Healthy children from 6 months of age to less than 5 years old • Household contacts and care-

Comox Valley MLA Don McRae braces as Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist and owner Jeff Matell is about to poke his arm with a flu vaccine. Shoppers kicked off its flu vaccination season.

givers of children from birth to less than 5 years of age • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities • Owners and operators of poultry farms • Aboriginal peoples • People who are very obese (those with a body mass index of 40 or greater) • Corrections officers and inmates in provincial correctional institutions.

• Those who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high risk persons (e.g. crew on ships) • Visitors to healthcare facilities All clinics are offered on a drop-in basis with no appointment necessary. Please bring your CareCard or other government I.D. (valid driver’s license) to the clinic, and remember to wear a short sleeved shirt.

Those who are not eligible for the free vaccine are encouraged to get vaccinated by their family physician or pharmacist for a nominal cost. It cost $21 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Expect traffic delays due to work on Highway 19A and Fraser Road Water main improvements in South Courtenay this week will result in periodic traffic disruptions on Highway 19A and Fraser Road.

The work is scheduled to start today and will continue until Friday, October 31, weather permitting. Commuters should expect periods of traffic disruption between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on those days, including single-lane alternating traffic on Highway 19A and Fraser Road.

Traffic control personnel will be on hand to assist all commuters, including cyclists. Please use caution and obey traffic control personnel.

The city will be delivering letters this week to area residents whose water service will be interrupted while crews perform this work. The water main improvements will slightly increase water pressure in the area, improve the quality of water, and upgrade the fire hydrant water supply to meet City standards.

For more information, please contact City of Courtenay Public Works at 250-338-1525 or email publicworks@ courtenay.ca

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MP Duncan says shooting was scary

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan was attending a regular weekly caucus inside the Parliament Building when the shooting started.

Duncan said it was a well-attended meeting and the room they were in was located metres to where semi-automatic gunfire occurred.

“There was so much shooting but we couldn’t see what was happening because there was no window in our room,” Duncan recalled.

“So we assumed the worse that there were mulitiple shooters with evil intent. We locked down the place and we remained locked down for many, many hours.”

It was a scary moment for all of them, said Duncan.

“What happened in parliament, I would never actually thought would occur,” said Duncan.

“There are crazy people that would do crazy things. I never expected anything like that.”

The lone gunman, Michael Zehaf Bibeau, was shot dead by Kevin M. Vickers, the House of Commons sergeant-at-arms, who was hailed a hero by members of parliament last week.

However, before Bibeau was stopped, he fatally shot honour guard, reservist Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at point blank at the National War Memorial.

Duncan said they are all thankful that they were not harmed but they are also deeply saddened by the death of Cirillo.

He joined his fellow members of parliament MPs at the National War Memorial before parliamentary business resumed a day after the shooting.

“We just wanted to pay our respects and also show our support,” said Duncan, who felt that this has brought Canadians closer.

“The only reason he was targeted was because he was wearing the uniform. And that is just terrible and awful.”

In light of the shooting incident, Duncan

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expects the government to ramp up security at Parliament Hill as well as expedite preventative measures that include tougher anti-terror laws, as well as improve the ability to track down would-be homegrown terrorists.

“We need to make some changes that will allow our enforcement and monitoring people to be able to really be effective and prevent instances like this,” said Duncan.

Duncan said citizens should not allow this act of terrorism to alter the way they live.

“We have to carry on with life like we always have,” said Duncan. “But we also have to be vigilant.”

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A4 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014

News

Local district budget cuts make it tough for teachers

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Comox Valley teachers are feeling the impact of cost-cutting measures implemented by School District 71 to make up a $2.2 million budget shortfall.

It’s a reality the Comox District Teachers Association was not able to focus on due to the prolonged bitter strike that ended up around mid-September, earning them a new six-year collective agreement.

“We’ve forgotten that happened,” said Nick Moore, CDTA president.

“There are cuts that directly affect the services to students and it makes it much more difficult for teachers to manage in their classrooms.”

The school board last June reluctantly approved a budget that required staff reductions this school year in order to balance its books.

Around $250,000 was cut from students’ services, the department that deals with special needs students.

“Basically there’s less education assistance, which means there’s less support in class for students,” said Moore.

Also seven high school teachers were cut across the district, which Moore said resulted in more work fpr some teachers.

“What happened is, there’s a little bit more students at every high school this year with seven less teachers,” said Moore.

“You do the math. The result is big classes, oversize classes in some cases. Some teachers are receiving compensation for having classes bigger than 30 and the other result is that some students are not able to get the courses they need in order to graduate.”

Lunchtime supervision aids were also cut. The duties are not taken over by library clerks, school secretaries and educational assistants.

Teachers take their lunch breaks.

Moore said what’s happening is the staff that are now watching the kids take their lunch breaks during school time.

“So after lunch, when kids are coming in, when they’re rambunctious as they’re all hyped up and ele-

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By Michael Briones Echo Staff

Help clean up the veterans graves at St. Andrew’s Church on Saturday

SANTA’S WORKSHOP READY TO ROLL AGAIN STARTING NOV. 5 For the 2014 Christmas Season, Santa’s Workshop will be located at 331- 4th Street in Courtenay. Until a few months ago, this building formerly housed the Salvation Army.

Hours of operation will be 10am until 3pm from Monday to Friday.

This year, the workshop will be open to receive new, used and cash donations on Wednesday, November 5th. New and used gift donations can be dropped off by driving in the

because they have to be there. All of these are putting a lot of stress on teachers. It’s more difficult to do our jobs. Kids are getting less service.

That’s unacceptable in our minds.”

Moore said they realize the school has to balance its budget because it is not allowed to operate with a shortfall.

“We recognize it’s not the fault of our school district,” said Moore.

“They had $2.1 million they had to cut from the budget because of downloaded costs to them by the provincial government. Yes, our district had to make some tough decisions. The reason for this is there just isn’t money to run the programs the way we want to run them in order for us to service students to the best of our abilities.”

Teachers’ union to host forum for school trustee candidates

Volunteers needed for veterans’ graves cleanup On Remembrance Day members of the armed forces (soldiers, sailors and airmen) are commemorated. The original name for this day is Armistice Day which marks the date and time when armies stopped fighting World War I on November 11th at 11am in 1918 (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month).

Some 100,000 Canadian soldiers died in the First and Second World Wars. At least a dozen of them are buried at St. Andrew’s Cemetery (at the back of St. Andrew’s Church) along Dingwall Road in Courtenay.

So, we invite everyone in the community especially the families and descendants of veterans this coming Saturday, November 1st from 9am to 11am to honour our veterans by helping us clean up their final resting place in time for Remembrance Day. A short candle light tribute ceremony will be held at the cemetery before the clean up to remember our fallen soldiers.

Please ensure you dress for the weather conditions and bring your leaf gathering equipment if you have it. Refreshments will be provided for volunteers during the clean up.

For more information, contact 250-8978569.

vated from lunch time, there’s less support,” said Moore.

“The libraries are closed, the secretaries are not in the office to help out and lots of education assistants are having their lunch for half an hour. There’s less support for kids after lunch.”

Moore also pointed out that staff from various areas of capacity, like specialists, learning support teachers, counselors, pathologists and psychologists, are not being replaced when they are sick or unable to work.

“These are cost-saving measures,” said Moore.

“All the services they would give to kids, they just don’t have it on the days they’re not there. It puts a lot of pressure for them to not be sick

lane at the back of the building and will be kindly accepted by one of Santa’s Elves. There is plenty of parking at the front of the building, and also across the street in the large parking lot.

The phone number to call to make appointments to view and receive gifts for children will be 250-8971994. Please call this number anytime after November 5th. The Workshop will be booking appoint-

ments from December 1st until December 22nd.

Grandparents Day will be held this year on Friday, December 19th.

The last day for the Workshop to receive used toy donations will be Friday, December 12th, as it takes time to clean, fix and process these items. So start going through your inventory early if you have anything at all you’d like to donate. See www. santasworkshopcomoxvalley.com

The Comox District Teachers’ Association is giving the public the chance to meet the candidates for school trustees and also ask their views and opinions about education.

The association in conjunction with CUPE 439 and the District Parent Advisory Council is hosting an all school trustee candidates forum on Nov. 10th at the Best Western Westerly Hotel from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

All trustees are invited to attend and the public is encouraged to come out and take part to help them make their decision on who to vote for in the upcoming civic school trustee elections on Nov. 15.

The setting, however, will be quite different from traditional forums. It will be a world café style. Each candidate will be given one to two minutes to introduce themselves.

Then they will head to their own individual round tables where the public can meet them and ask questions. There will be a moderator for each table to monitor time and keep things moving on.

CDTA president Nick Moore said it’s a unique type of forum that they believe will give the public a better opportunity to engage the candidates directly on different issues concerning their political platforms, as well as the district’s educational system.

“The goal is to make it a little bit more intimate so people might get a chance to hear what they need to say,” said Moore.

“And it puts the trustees a little bit more on the hot seat having to answer questions directly from the crowd.”

This is the first time for the CDTA to organize an all candidates meeting.

“It’s a new venture for the CDTA but we certainly feel it’s important to engage with our trustees to make sure that they’re working with all partner groups and doing the best they can to advocate public education,” said Moore.

Moore said they’re expecting all 16 candidates to take part in the forum.

Two of the candidates, incumbent Tom Weber of Area B Comox Valley Electoral Area, and Cumberland’s Vickey Brown, have already secured their positions having been elected by acclamation.

The other candidates for school trustees include: • Courtenay - Incumbents Janice Caton and Donna Gambacorta. The others are Cliff Boldt, Jordan Huber and Alex Robertson.

• Comox - Incumbent Peter Coleman, Jeany Della Siega, Tonia Frawley, Chettie MacDonald, and Meredith Starkey.

• CV Electoral Area C - Incumbent Paula Selby and Ian Hargreaves.

• CV Electoral Area A - Incumbent Sheila McDonnell and Chris Aikman.

ELECTION DAY: HOUSING THE HOMELESS QUESTION FOR VOTERS Local governments in the Comox Valley want to know if taxpayers are willing to help them proactively address the complex problem of housing the homeless.

This question will appear on the November 15 civic election ballot to gauge public opinion on the matter.

Comox Valley Regional District Electoral Areas A, B and C, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland

Q.

HOW MUCH ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO PAY TO REDUCE HOMELESSNESS? $0 Up to $5 per year (for a home that is assessed at $300,000) Up to $10 per year (for a home that is assessed at $300,000) Mark your ballot with an X for ONE option above.

(This vote is non-binding and does not provide authority to tax homeowners; it is intended to gauge level of support should that be considered.)

For a little more information, visit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/homeless Voting details: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/vote www.courtenay.ca • www.comox.ca • www.cumberland.ca

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News

Celebrate Halloween on Halloween Row Calling all witches, ghosts and zombies! Courtenay Recreation in partnership with The Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association, Active Comox Valley, Games and Grounds, and InCON Family Gaming Convention, are offering up a new revamped format for this year’s Halloween festivities on October 31!

Something for everyone will be offered all the way from 5th Street down to Old Island Highway.

Games, relays, a kids costume contest, Halloween photo booth, and Thriller Flash Mob are all part of the fun on Duncan Ave from 3:00-4:00pm pm.

Then, from 4:00-5:00pm children 12 & under with adult will parade down 5th street while older Zombies take over 4th and 6th Street for a zombie walk.

The fun does not stop there. The Lewis Centre is hosting their annual free Children’s Halloween party with games and activities, bouncer, Witches Brew Café, prizes and more until 6:00pm.

Still want more? The LINC Youth Centre will have their 1/2 the fright night Haunted House set up, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

For older participants looking for an alternative to trick or treating, check out Games and Grounds’ Halloween Party and Costume Contest.

The Annual Halloween Party comes complete with all sorts of ghoulish delights including games, activities, tricks, treats and an outdoor Scavenger Hunt. At 10:00pm, the InCON Family Gaming Convention’s costume contest will take place, with prizes for: Best ‘Zombie’, Best ‘Super Hero’, Best ‘Themed Group’ and Best ‘Other’. Undiscovered Photography will also be on-site to take pictures of all the entrants.

For more information on any of these events, please contact The Lewis Centre at (250)338-5371 or Games & Grounds at (250) 871-1171.

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014 A5

SPOOKY FUN IN CUMBERLAND The Cumberland Museum & Archives presents three ghastly Hallowe’en tours in Cumberland Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Thursday, October 30th at 4:30 pm local author Kim Bannerman shares the folklore and history that inspired her 2011 gothic murder mystery Bucket of Blood while exploring the alleyways and side streets of Cumberland where the historical novel takes place.

Friday, October 31st at 7 and 8:30 pm Meaghan “the Curse” Cursons hosts two after-hours Tours of the Cumberland Museum & Archives with special emphasis on the tragic and mysteri-

ous aspects of Cumberland’s past, featuring special guest Kevin “Human” Flesher.

Saturday, November 1st at 4:30 pm join Dawn Copeman on a walking tour of Cumberland and learn about the ghosts that have haunted and continue to haunt our colourful little village including the ILO ILO, Bickle house, Tarbells, the house with the twisted chimney, the old hospital and more.

Tours are $12, or $10 for youth and seniors, and $2-off for Museum members. Space is limited so reserve a spot by calling 250-336-2445, emailing outreach@cumberlandmuseum.ca or visiting the Museum & Archives in person.

BNI CHAPTERS INVITE YOU TO OPEN HOUSES

Spooky firefighters are welcome at Halloween Row on Friday

BNI, a premier business networking organization, has two local chapters in the Comox Valley: BNI Momentum, which meets at 6:45 am at the Kingfisher Resort on Wednesdays and BNI Olympic Gold with meetings at 6:45 am at the Best Western Westerly Hotel.

BNI is a professional association established in 1985 to allow someone from a trade or

profession to join a single chapter and to benefit from its referral system. It is like having 30 or more sales people working as part of your team.

Both chapters will be hosting a Visitors Day: BNI Momentum on Oct. 29, for more information please call David Robertson 250 890 0245; and BNI Olympic Gold on Nov. 6, for more information call Kris Trudeau at 250 871 0623.

Kids will enjoy ‘Books for Treats’ on Halloween day Why not go through your children’s books or hit the second hand stores and spend the money that usually goes to candy... on books. Then give them out as Halloween treats right from your doorstep at work or at home.

With the rising concern for rates of childhood diabetes and obesity help us to feed children’s minds instead.

While promoting literacy kids have fun and get something cool

with a tasty helping of stories.

They will still come home with a pile of treats and A BOOK to enjoy with their family for a long time.

So if you are dressing up and heading out for a night of trick-ortreating Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Association (CVLLA) and Courtenay Rotary volunteers along with librarians will be “treating” the children’s books at stations in the Courtenay and Cumberland libraries and in the Comox Mall

during the three community Halloween parades on October 31.

This community initiative is part of Books for Treats.org. As an integral part of CVLLA’s Family Literacy Outreach (FLOAC) we are very excited to be a part of build-

BUST YOUR CLUTTER FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Margaret Martin, Ian Harmon, Norma Dirom David Cooper Photography

Do you sometimes look at your storage room, desk, closet or kitchen counter top and feel absolutely overwhelmed at the ‘stuff’ that needs to be sorted, filed, paid or disposed of?

The reason you feel overwhelmed is because you are weighed down by the depressing energy of clutter.

To kick-start your fall cleaning and help you address your mess, two local clutter clearing experts have teamed up to present a special workshop on Saturday, November 1st.

A portion of the proceeds from their Clutter Busters Workshop will be donated to the Comox Valley Transition Society, to help local families in need.

“At its most basic level, feng shui teaches that everything in our home and work environments has energy and whether you surround yourself with negative or positive energy is within your control,” says certified feng shui consultant and author Terri Perrin, Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui.

“Clutter comes in many forms it is not just about people in hoarding situations. This workshop will provide insight for people pf all ages — even kids — as to how clutter affects your emotional and physical well being. We will explore why clutter accumulates in certain areas of you home and learn how you can take control of your ‘stuff’ and get organized.

“You will learn that, if you want something new to come into your life, it has to have somewhere to go!”

According to certified professional organizer Jill Brown, Cure for Clutter, we all come by clutter honestly.

“Many of us grew up in a waste not, want not environment where

Jill Brown, Cure for Clutter, and Terri Perrin, Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui, team up to help you kick-start your clutter busting. Photo by Seadance Photography. throwing out excess items was perceived as an irresponsible action which is how our plastic-container cupboards came into existence,” explains Brown.

“After moving four times in four years, emptying a commercial storage unit, and systematically creating an easy to use and easy to find filing system for a relative’s paperwork, I realized that I loved controlling clutter!

“I became certified as a Professional Organizer in 2013 and launched my company in the Comox Valley soon after. I can’t wait to show people some of the tips and tricks I have to help them get better organized.”

In addition to Perrin and Brown’s presentations, there will also be a short information session from the Transition Society, explaining how important your donations are to people in our community.

The Clutter Busters Workshop,

will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, in the Parish Hall at St. John the Divine Church, 579 - 5th Street, Courtenay.

Admission is $20 cash per person at the door.

Pre-registration is required as seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served.

To start your clutter-clearing adventure, please bring a donation of gently used clothing or household items (no food please) to give to the Transition Society’s ‘Too Good to be Threw’ thrift shop.

For more information and to pre-register for the Clutter Busters Workshop, call Terri Perrin at 250218-4952 or Jill Brown, 250-8976995. Or the Events page at www.

FineArtOfIntention.com or visit: http://goo.gl/erZs5K

By

Joe DiPietro

TICKETS FROM

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Oct 3 to Nov 8 1.800.565.7738

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ing up home libraries and encouraging families to read together and enjoy learning and language activities. Getting books for free at these events is a fun, healthy way to engage your children later!

Every child will receive a book until all the books have been given out.

Gently used and new children’s books have been kindly donated by the Courtenay Rotary Club, Coles and through First Books

Canada and Raise a Reader funding.

All three libraries are also taking donations of gently used children’s books (baby through to Grade 4) for these events. Baby board books and early chapter books are especially needed.

Please bring your books to any library during regular, weekday business hours prior to October 31st. Be sure to mention they are for Books for Treats.

A6 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014

FALL 2014

THESE PLANTS CAN IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY Indoor air quality is not often an issue in the warmer months, when many homeowners open their windows to let the fresh air of the great outdoors enter their homes in abundance. But once the temperatures begin to dip and windows start to close, indoor air quality can suffer. Musty air is not only uncomfortable, it's also unhealthy. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, can build up inside a home, especially when windows are kept shut for long stretches of time, which is often the case in winter. Indoor plants can counter such stale air, in some cases filtering out VOCs to make the air inside a home more breathable and healthy. The following are a handful of houseplants that can improve indoor air quality. * Aloe: Many of us know aloe for its restorative properties with regard to treating burns and cuts, but aloe also improves indoor air quality by helping to clear a home of the byproducts, including formaldehyde, of chemical-based household cleaners. Aloe loves the sun, so if you hope to keep an aloe plant healthy through the winter, be sure to place the plant in a window that gets lots of sun exposure throughout the day. * Gerber daisy: Like aloe, a gerber daisy needs ample sunlight, and tends to only withstand winters in warmer climates. But homeowners who live in such climates may still keep their windows closed in winter, and those that do can use these colorful, low-maintenance flowers to remove trichloroethylene, a chemical that clothes may be exposed to during the dry cleaning process. * Golden pothos: The golden pothos can survive a winter, but homeowners should be careful not to let the plant dry out, which can happen if they are

directly exposed to sunlight. A golden pothos vine will grow quickly, so a hanging basket is a great way to keep one inside a home, where the plant can help fight formaldehyde. * Ficus benjamina: Also known as a weeping fig, the ficus benjamina can be difficult to overwinter. But that does not mean your ficus benjamina, which can filter pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from a home, won't make it through the winter. You just need to figure out the right watering and light conditions for the plant. Such conditions can be discussed with a gardening professional. * Warneck dracaena: The warneck dracaena, or dracaena deremensis, fights pollutants created by varnishes and oils.

The warneck dracaena is a sturdy houseplant that is difficult to kill, but it still thrives in temperatures that are between 70 F and 80 F.

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE ONLINE @ VIIC.CA

AUTO HOME LIFE TRAVEL BUSINESS Paul Ives Mark Burger Hans Urdahl Katherine Tinmouth

Real Estate and Property Development Development Real

Ph: 250-334-2416 Fax: 250-334-3198

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014 A7

INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE.

“Let’s get one thing out of the way: As far as our tests are concerned, the Electrolux EI24ID50QS (MSRP $1,199) is the closest any machine has come to dishwasher perfection.” – Reviewed.com

An innovative rotating wash zone gives you 400% more water coverage, targeting virtually every spot in your dishwasher for a truly professional-level clean.

Spray jets deliver a targeted wash to the most challenging dirty dishes, from sport bottles to heavy-duty pots and pans.

Convenient space for spatulas and unique kitchen tools, or extra room for everyday utensils. Easily lifts out for convenient unloading.

Luxury Soft Grip Racks hold plastics and dishware in place, and prevent flipping, for a more thorough clean.

Floor beam light indicates when cycle is complete and dishes are clean since the dishwasher is so quiet at 47 dBA.

“The unusual-looking wash arm at the bottom of the tub, called SatelliteSpray, adds a circular sprayer to one end for better corner coverage… it helped push this Electrolux ahead of other great dishwashers that had difficulty cleaning corners.”

Reviewed.com is the trusted source for independent appliance reviews for USA Today. It reaches over 1.3 million consumers each month who are in the market for a new appliance. Reviewed.com reviewed dishwashers from every major brand including Bosch, KitchenAid, Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, among others.

“Four upward-pointing nozzles are located towards the front of the upper rack, designed for washing the inside of water and baby bottles.”

“Unlike some other high-end dishwashers with a third rack, the EI24ID50QS’s entire cutlery tray can easily be lifted off its track, making loading and unloading a breeze.”

“Silicone supports keep your glasses and mugs from moving during the wash, and flexible stemware clips keep delicate glassware from rattling around.”

“…the EI24ID50QS beams a blue light on the floor when a cycle is finished, letting you know at a glance when it’s time to unload.”

PERFORMANCE PROMISE

LIMITED TIME OFFER: ENDS

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“Serving the Comox Valley for 50 Years”

A8 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Opinions ECHO

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

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

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538

Letters

Thank-you for selecting me I am writing to express my deep appreciation to have the honour of representing the people of Cumberland on the Board of Education.

I am passionate about the future of our children and wish to provide them with the best possible options for education that is accessible and inclusive as well as socially, physically and educationally exceptional.

Children really are our future and their educational success is our responsibility as well as theirs. I look forward to working with School District staff, parent groups, community schools and community groups to make our schools the best they can be.

I will not be campaigning (since no one else is running in Cumberland) but I am available to answer any questions folks might have. I can be reached at vickeyleabrown@gmail.com.

On November 15 we will all have an opportunity to cast a vote for municipal leaders in our communities. This is a privilege and responsibility we all share, school trustees are an important part of this system, this is an important decision that will affect the future of our public education system.

Please talk to the folks running in your area, and vote.

Vickey Brown Cumberland

THE EPITOME OF ‘ANTI-SOCIAL’ Re: Stand Up and Be Heard The recent letter from A. Beingessner regarding the Mack Laing Heritage Society proposal contains a number of misleading, false, and offensive statements.

First, the only person in Comox of the name Beingessner I could find listed was an Angela Beingessner, only daughter of Donald Burns of the Baybrook area of Comox. Mr. Burns also has a daughter named Angela Burns who is the Secretary of the MLHS. Hmmm, if you are one and the same person, and in fact the Secretary of the MLHS, does your Society condone having members of its executive send letters to the newspapers (and to the Society website) using different names? Is the MLHS so bereft of support for their proposal that they need to resort to this kind of behavior? Of course, if you are not the same person then I freely and completely apologize.

Whoever authored the letter continues the MLHS tradition of demonstrating a profound aversion to basic mathematics.

The letter states that a “handful of people” are “consistently demonstrating a lack of comprehension” about the proposal.

This is false - over 100 residents of Comox (and counting) have signed a petition in opposition to the MLHS proposal.

The letter goes on to describe the Baybrook house as being in “good condition”. This is also false - when the town of Comox purchased the property an engineering report was commissioned and the house was deemed beyond salvage and scheduled for demolition. The intention of the Town was to demolish the derelict building and have the property revert to its natural state, which we wholeheartedly support.

The letter goes on to state that there will be no “conference centre”. This is not in accord with the MLHS’s own proposal, which describes the main room of the house as suitable for “Conference/ Meeting Room Rental” with seating capacity for 24.

The preschool is described in the letter as “teaching children outside for the entire three hour a day program” - if this is the case why is a building necessary? And why would you operate an outdoor preschool in a poorly-accessible residential neighborhood rather than at one of the numerous other parks in the Valley that have proper road, parking, and bus access?

The letter claims that the MLHS will be self-supporting and “pay salaries, property taxes, insurance, and utilities”.

We had a PhD economist with decades of realworld business experience review the financial aspects of the proposal and in view of the pie-inthe-sky estimates of revenue (high) and costs (low) he described it as “fanciful economics using a damaged abacus”.

One way or another, Comox taxpayers will eventually be on the hook if the MLHS proposal is given approval.

Those of us in opposition to the proposal are described in the letter as “anti-social” and “short-sighted”. This is not only offensive but hugely ironic given that the MLHS continues to falsely claim that neighborhood residents were consulted before the MLHS proposals were submitted to Comox council.

As they continue to demonstrate in every correspondence, the behavior of the MLHS has been the epitome of “anti-social”.

Dave Mcleod Comox

HUGE AMOUNT IN RESERVE According to all information available from CVRD websites, Courtenay and Comox websites;, we have over 100 million dollars in reserve. Why do we have so much money that these levels of government won’t spend. If you look at what the community needs, we could fund the sewage upgrade the deep water intake, throw in the curling club, and still have an obscene amount of money in reserve. Is this a burocratic pension fund or will you overpaid executives start spending money where it needs to be spent instead of scamming the taxpayers.

R. McCulloch Area B

Letters to the Editor

Where were the politicians?

Council of Canadians Chairperson, Maude Barlow, spoke to an audience of over 300 people on Tuesday evening in defence of our public health care, a universally respected system that is crumbling before our eyes.

A similar presentation was given in Campbell River the night before with an equally large crowd.

The difference?

In Campbell River 16 candidates running for election in November attended the Forum. In Courtenay ZERO candidates attended. Pretty shocking.

If this is the level of engagement our local candidates can muster up on such a critical matter, how can we expect them to help us with other problems?

Health care, by the way, isn’t just a federal concern ... every level of government is involved. This doesn’t seem to be the case in Courtenay.

Diane Baxter Courtenay

WE SHOULD SHARE BURDEN I am a 4th year registered nursing student with a passion for addressing homelessness issues in the Comox Valley.

Thank you for your October 7 article, “Cumberland councillors question homelessness referendum.”

The motion put forth by two Village councillors to forgo a public opinion poll and the view of one of these councillors provides readers a look into what advocates face when exploring solutions to homelessness.

Healthy communities need public input from all levels. Thankfully for the homeless the motion was defeated.

Raising the roof (www.raisingtheroof. org) provides national leadership on long-term solutions to homelessness.

Diversity and inclusion are part of

their core values involving everyone in the community with solutions.

Nurses are in an optimal position to provide solutions because they directly work with this population and understand homelessness issues. Many of the homeless suffer from chronic health issues, abuse, addiction, and blame.

I feel the village councillors vision to help the homeless by giving on an individual basis lacks understanding into this issue.

With municipal elections just around the corner voters must understand this is a short-sighted and temporary standpoint and it places the burden of homelessness onto the person instead of the community.

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (www.caeh.ca) states homelessness is a community issue.

They envision a shift from temporary responses such as shelters and soup kitchens to more permanent solutions like permeant affordable housing.

Shifting the homelessness burden onto the individual blames them for this community issue. The Comox Valley has an ethical responsibility to share the weight of this burden requiring input from all levels.

David Feely, 4th year BSN student North Island College Courtenay

THERE’S A REASON FOR PLATES I have just about had it with people who complain about our military being given veteran plates.

Can you not realise that if you put on a uniform, even for a week, you can be shipped to any battle zone in the world, regardless of your trade or skills. You can even be an honour guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, you idiot.

THAT IS WHY THEY ARE

ENTITLED TO A VETERAN PLATE. Get a grip and stop whining. What does a veteran plate cost you in any event, and what benefit do the military get from a veteran plate? Nothing, that’s what. It’s just a gesture of acknowledgment and respect and thanks.

Vivienne Webster Comox

IS IT THE SILLY SEASON? The October 24th article “City reps angry with CVRD staff over rural official plan” left me confused. It describes a politician from Comox and directors from Courtenay “lambasting the rural Official Community Plan development process saying urban elected officials haven’t had enough of a say”.

I wondered: “Are people upset because they think that the rural areas are planning how development should take place in Comox and Courtenay?”

But, of course, that’s not the case; the Official Community Plan under discussion is only for property that lies within the boundaries of Electoral Areas A, B and C. These three “out of town” areas are simply planning for their own future.

And it sounds like notice of this rural planning was dumped on the city representatives just before the meeting - how could that happen? Knowing how much work and time was dedicated to consultation, I wonder, is it possible that city staff failed to tell elected representatives?

Otherwise, the politicians would have been prepared for this discussion, right?

Or, we can consider another possibility, which is that the rural areas are facing delays and obstacles because we are in a silly season of politics and political posturing.

Pearl McKenzie Black Creek

Bridge over estuary a non-starter Comox Valley Project Watershed Society believes that recent advocacy in letters to your newspaper for a 29th Street crossing of the K’ómoks Estuary, as an option for diverting traffic flow in the area, requires a response.

This proposal is unacceptable on so many levels; the environmental impact alone should be enough to take this proposal off the table.

Project Watershed currently has projects in the works throughout the estuary to restore eelgrass and saltmarsh vegetation decimated by past practices and development.

A causeway/bridge crossing would change the existing hydrology of the area, impacting the natural processes, including nutrient replenishment of shorelines and benthic layers required by marine vegetation.

An airpark lagoon breach project we are currently working on, which would return freshwater flows along the west side of the estuary, among other benefits, would also be negatively impacted by bridge and causeway construction in the estuary.

These flows are to create opportunities for additional vegetation recovery, brack-

ish waters for salmon transition and an extension of the “salmon highway”.

Our “Class A” estuary is second in importance on the coast only to the Fraser Delta and is recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

The large number of birds that transit and winter here would be negatively impacted by structures and traffic within the estuary.

Over and above the environmental impacts, recent mapping and studies of ancient fish traps and weirs also indicate this area is rich in First Nations occupation and, as such, any disruption of their artifacts wouldn’t be tolerated under current archeological legislation.

The estuary has been called by many “the jewel in the crown” of our natural heritage and to blemish it with another unsightly monument to our automobile society should be unthinkable. We need to invest now in alternative infrastructure to decrease traffic for a saner, healthier future rather than continuing to build for larger volumes of vehicles on our roads.

Don Castleden Project Watershed Estuary Working Group

Paul Horgen Chair Project Watershed

ROCKIN’ THE BOAT This occurred to me today and I thought it would have been a hoot!

Seeing the flurry of local election signs all over the valley made me consider the rather epic monumental “ missed opportunity” that has occurred in the City of Courtenay.

Mr. and or Mrs. Lin from the Maple Pool Campsite should have put their name forward for Courtenay city Council.

With the overwhelming support and sympathy in the community they have, they most certainly would have won.

They could attend and vote in council meetings!

That would have been priceless for them to be able to sit in in the “in-camera” sessions and have a face to face conversation with those hell bent on them being shut down.

They say you can’t fight City Hall ... but you can rock the boat in a Democratic way!

Steve Hawkins, Comox

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014 A9

What’s On

The Comic Strippers bare all for laughs Thursday night show by improv comedians at The Sid will have you in stitches They sing, they “dance”, and the Comic Strippers will be oiled up and ready to make you laugh on October 30 when they bring their wildly popular show to Courtenay as part of the Sid Williams Theatre Society’s 2014 2015 Blue Circle Series.

Fresh off sold out performances across the country and appearances in Vegas and Australia where they were nicknamed “Thunder From The Tundra”, four of Canada’s best improvisational comedians play a fictitious male stripper troupe and perform a sexylarious improv comedy show.

These guys try to be sexy... it just comes out funny. Constantly grooving and gyrating, in between scenes they banter with the crowd and perform their hilarious twist on improv sketches.

Women often say the most attractive thing about a man is his sense of humour - so ladies, these stripped down comedians are sure to make your head explode. As for all you men out there - don’t worry, this is definitely a parody of male strippers.

Some of the performers have what’s called ‘Comedy Bodies’ they will make you look good by comparison.

The cast includes Roman Danylo, David Milchard, Ken Lawson, and Chris Casillan.

Danylo starred in CTV’s Comedy

etc.

ECHO

Special guest Thursday at noon poetry reading

The Comox Valley Writers Society and Courtenay Library invite the public to a special poetry reading by Mr. Ed Varney and to a reading of poems by local poets to be held in the Courtenay Library events room on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 12:00 noon until 1:30 pm.

Mr. Varney is a poet with many published works to his credit. He has been a contributor to the literary and visual arts in Canada and a forceful defender of the place of the arts in our society.

The public and student poets are welcome. There is no admission charge.

Come, relax and enjoy your noon break while listening to talented local poets reading from their published and unpublished work.

FMI: 250-339-5391.

LNG Townhall: Don’t Frack with our Future The Comic Strippers do a parody of male strippers and leave everyone laughing Inc for five seasons, and has appeared on Just For Laughs and The Debaters as a stand up comedian. Casillan and Lawson are both improv comedy vets and alumni of Vancouver TheatreSports, while internet sensation Milchard has over 40 million hits for his YouTube series “Convos With My 2 Year Old. The Vancouver Sun’s Sarah

Szloboda writes, “one of the most hilarious shows I’ve ever seen.”

Semi undressed and completely unscripted, The Comic Strippers take off their shirts and take on your suggestions to create a whole new genre of comedy.

This adult only show is for all genders, but it does come with a warning. No extreme nudity, just extreme hilarity.

Tickets for this Blue Circle Series performance are $29 for members, $34 for general public, $24 for students and groups of 10 or more. Members can add this show to a 4 or more pack for just $24. Purchase in person at the Ticket Centre Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, by phone 250.338.2430, or online at sidwilliamstheatre.com.

The Comox Valley Council of Canadians is hosting an evening of information and discussion on the ramifications of fracking and LNG development.

Come and learn what you can do in the fight against fracking, fracked gas pipelines and LNG terminals. Everyone welcome.

Admission by donation. FMI call Kathie 334-4608 Tuesday, November 4, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Mark Isfeld Secondary School, 1551 Lerwick Rd, Courtenay.

FMI call Kathie 250-334-4608

10 ways to conserve energy this winter Conserving energy in the winter is a concern for many men and women.

Whether your goal is to save energy and do your part for the environment or to trim a few dollars from your winter utility bills, here are 10 ways to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort this winter.

1. Have the furnace serviced. You can reduce furnace fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent by having the system serviced yearly. Late spring or early autumn is a good time to schedule an inspection and have filters replaced in forced-air systems. All radiators and other elements should be kept free of dust.

2. Remedy drafty windows. Drafty windows not only let cold air in, but also let warm air out. This is a one-two punch in terms of energy waste, forcing heating units to work harder to regulate a consistent temperature.

Caulking and weatherstripping applications are easy do-it-yourself projects.

If windows are old and especially drafty, consider replacement. If such an undertaking will stretch your budget, use tightly sealed plastic sheeting to insulate drafty windows until you can afford to replace them.

3. Address additional leaks. Windows and doors are not the only places where cold air can get in or warm air can escape. Leaks occur around pipes and plumbing penetrations to the home, and cold air also can enter through utility cut-throughs, light plates and outlets. Use insulation or weatherstripping to seal leaks in these areas.

4. Decorate with light-colored furnishings. Light-hued walls and furniture will reflect the sunlight that makes it into a home while also reflecting artificial light more effectively than darker shades. This can help you reduce your reliance on lamps and other lighting.

5. Make use of the sun. In the win-

ter, the sun’s rays are not as powerful as during other seasons. That’s due to the tilt of the planet’s axis. However, you can still maximize daylight time for warmth. Open curtains and drapes on southern-facing windows and let warm sunlight shine through. Then close the curtains again when evening falls. You may be able to turn down the heat during the day when the sun is warming your home.

6. Use fireplaces properly. Fireplaces can be unnecessary sources of drafts and leaks. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter, allowing warm air to go right up the chimney. When the fireplace is in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox or open the nearest window slightly and close doors leading into the room. If your fireplace is more decorative than functional, keep the damper closed at all times and consider sealing the chimney.

7. Conduct an energy audit. A home energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment, is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate which measures you can take to make your home more energy-efficient. Many times these government-sponsored programs are free, and an auditor will go through your home with a fine-toothed comb looking for potential energy losses.

After the audit is conducted, you can choose which repairs or modifications make the most sense for your budget and needs.

8. Adjust the direction of your ceiling fan blades. Blades that spin clockwise will trap heat inside to keep your rooms warmer during the cooler months. Adjust your ceiling fan to a low setting to gently push hot air back down.

9. Wear warmer clothes. Layer cloth-

ing when you’re in the house to reduce the need to adjust the heat. A sweater, pair of thick socks and a throw blanket can keep you cozy.

10. Only heat the rooms you use. Close off venting or turn off radiators in spaces that are not in use. There is no point in heating unoccupied rooms.

Any modifications you make to insulation, window drafts, thermostats, and HVAC systems are not just beneficial for the winter, but they also should help you save money and energy in the summer, too.

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A10 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014

What’s On

etc.

Local actors being filmed in Valley play Three years ago, Steve Hill had an idea to write a play for older actresses for whom few meaty roles exist.

Despite naysayers wondering why a man would undertake this project, his play, When I’m 64, is being filmed in Shaw TV’s Campbell River studio.

And the Comox Valley Women’s Business Network will premier the play March 28 at the Sid Williams Theatre as their major fundraiser for L’Arche’s I Belong! campaign.

It’s been quite the journey for Hill.

Writing, workshops, rewriting.

Countless rejections. More workshops, writing.

Hill retired as Director of Pastoral Care and Ethics at St. Joseph’s Hospital to write full time. There were readings at Elder College, Comox Probus, three invitations and successful road trips to Victoria.

Last July, the Artistic Director of Victoria’s Shakespeare by the Sea called Hill’s play, “the best writing for women since Lillian Hellman.”

The stage play-turned-screenplay is being filmed by SRay Productions in co-operation with Shaw TV for primetime broadcasts in 2015.

“We’re totally committed to this project to give the play and actresses a wider audience,” says Shaw manager Chas Leckie.

This marks the first time local television will broadcast local actors in dramatic roles.

Local film locations include the Comox Cenotaph, Remembrance Day, the Comox marina dragon boat dock, and Rhodos Cafe. Local music legend Sue Medley performs her song These Are the Days in the film and will sing live at the Sid on March 28.

Several actresses have enjoyed the roles Hill lovingly created and nurtured for them to play. In the part of Trish, a breast cancer survivor and dragon boater, experienced stage actor Lynn Hodge is excited to act in front of the camera.

“We might do five or six takes of a particular bit and have to be emotionally up each time. Film is demanding,” says Hodge.

ECHO

Carmen in Met Opera at the Rialto Theatre

Carmen is coming to the Rialto on Saturday, November 1, at 10 am.

Richard Eyre’s mesmerizing production of Bizet’s steamy melodrama features mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili singing her signature role of the ill-fated gypsy temptress.

Aleksandrs Antonenko plays her desperate lover, the soldier Don José, and Ildar Abdrazakov is the swaggering bullfighter, Escamillo, who comes between them.

Pablo Heras-Casado conducts the irresistible score, which features one beloved and instantly recognizable melody after another.

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 or visit Landmarkcinemas. com.

Streetwoman (Patricia Foster) panhandles in winter. (Photos by Steve Ray) Cameraman Steve Ray, a recent newcomer to the Valley, is a retired filmmaker and educator with 35 years in video production. His dedication to get the right shot is noteworthy.

“I’m amazed by Ray’s patience with film neophytes,” says Patricia Foster, who plays a bag lady.

Hill remembers when his play was just an idea. Now, the hope he had to create intelligent, meaty roles that explore a rich tapestry of older women’s struggles and triumphs through discovering their own inner wellsprings of strength is being filmed for TV. Thanks to the Women’s Business Network, it will premiere March 28 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Sid Williams Theatre as a fundraiser for I Belong!

The I Belong! Campaign is raising money to build a home for L’Arche Comox Valley to help adults with developmental disabilities.

For tickets to the March 28 performance of When I’m 64, call 250-338-2430 or visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com

Coronation Street fan gathering on Sunday The next Coronation Street fan gathering is Sunday, November 2nd at the Kiwanis Village Meeting Room, 635 Pidcock Avenue.

Gathering goes from 2:00pm 3:00pm. Enjoy a good chin wag, discuss all the current happenings such as Peter’s Trial, Kiley’s dilemmas along with the rest of the gang on the “Street”. $3 cash at the door. Bring along a friend or two!

More information call Wendy 250 897-3697 Email: cvcorriefanclub@shaw.ca Or be our friend on Facebook

Comox Community Market set for Sunday The Comox Community Market is a local, family-friendly all year round market which is located in the Little Red Church Hall.

Its purpose is to provide a place for a variety of vendors including crafters, jewelry, beauty & skincare, health & wellness, textiles, household items and more, to promote their goods and services, without competition to the local community!

Sunday Nov 2 from 10-3 at The Little Red Church Community Arts Centre, 2182 Comox Ave., www. comoxcommunitymarket.com, 250792-3652

Trish (Lynn Hodge) gets ready at the Comox marina for dragon boating.

Barrows of bargains at the Merville Grand Mothers second ‘Fabulous Fabric Sale’ Highlight Saturday November 1 on your calenders and plan to come between 10am and 3pm to St. Georges United Church hall for fabulous bargains.

Expect to find an array of yarns, upholstery, quilting, costume and clothing fabrics as well as notions, patterns, sewing and knitting machines.

Most materials are priced at $2 per metre.

Knitters, weavers and crafters will be delighted by the collection of beautiful yarns that have been added this year. Fabric artists will discover treasures in the cotton quilting section. Costume designers and home decorators will be inspired by large bolts of materials and flashy performance fabrics, and clothes makers will find everything from wools and cottons to silks and synthetics.

All proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation for African grandmothers raising orphaned children.

Thanks to all who so generously contributed to this exciting assortment of sewing supplies.

Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in this colourful bazaar November 1st at Fitzgerald and 6th. Please bring your own bags,

All candidates meeting for Comox on Monday There will be an All Candidates Meeting for Town of Comox Mayor, Council and School Board positions which will be held at the Comox Recreation Centre on Monday November 3rd. 7-9:15pm.

Sponsored by the Comox Town Residents Association.

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What’s On/Community

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014 A11

Reports of German ‘spies’ taken seriously in WWI HUNTForHistory

by JUDY HAGEN One hundred years ago the east coast of Vancouver Island was such a long way from the fighting on the “Western Front” that it should have been the last place to find anything remotely connected to the War. Yet there was in our backyard a very newsworthy event that was picked up by newspapers in the United States including the New York Times.

“GERMAN LAUNCH SEIZED Craft of suspicious appearance is taken by Military Authorities and Police at Comox.

“An important capture was made in the Comox Spit or Union Bay yesterday when Captain G R. Bates assisted by the Provincial Police acting under instructions from Victoria captured a 90 ton gasoline launch supposedly German owned and at the same time arrested the crew of two men and a woman all by the name of Kohfe.

“The launch had a 9 month supply of provisions aboard, carried auxiliary engine and equipment, wireless apparatus it is suspected that they were intercepting messages from the wireless station at Cape Lazo.” (British Colonist 15 October front page) Earlier in the week the ship had been in Victoria harbour and authorities had warned those onboard to stay in port, but they had left without clearance papers so word was sent up to Capt.

Bates, a Provincial Magistrate living in Comox, to apprehend the vessel.

He had previously been notified to arrest enemy aliens living in Campbell River. With the help of the Frontiersmen, a local militia group, both the launch and all the aliens were taken into custody without incident.

It was later reported that the two enemy aliens captured in Campbell River were also members of the Kohfe family.

All were charged as being German spies and sent to Nanaimo.

The Courtenay Review (15 October edition) provided more details: “On Monday a strange craft put into the harbor at Comox on account of the storm. By some means her actions aroused the authorities and on investigation by

Captain Bates, above, with the ‘Frontiersmen’ militia. Below, a painting of Capt, Bates commissioned by the City of North Vancouver in honour of his receiving the OBC for WW II civil defence duties (Photos from private collection)

COME MEET A WATER BUFFALO!

■ GEORGIA STRAIGHT JAZZ SOCIETY

Acclaimed guitarist Bill Coon special guest at Thursday night jazz at the Av Jazz at the Avalanche Bar this Thursday was originally billed as The John Hyde Trio. There’s nothing unusual about that; John makes regular appearances on our stage, and is well known and respected as a superb bassist. But then we received press information last week to say that in addition to Aaaron Amar on drums, Bill Coon was joining them to make up the trio. To anyone reading this with a passing knowledge of who’s who in Canadian Jazz these days, you should know that Bill Coon is one of Canada’s foremost jazz quitarists. John Hyde sprung this out of nowhere, and we’re grateful to receive such surprises.

So plan on joining John Hyde and Aaron Amar as they welcome guitarist Bill Coon from Vancouver in an intimate evening of familiar tunes from the golden age of Jazz. Bill Coon’s melodic touch and style is that of a master instrumentalist.

Juno nominated guitarist/composer/arranger, Coon is one of Canada’s most highly respected and sought after musicians. He has been performing professionally for over twenty-five years and has worked with numerous jazz artists including Jimmy Heath, Eddie Daniels, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Campbell Ryga, Brad Turner, and PJ Perry. GSJS supporters have heard him at Christmas time with the B3 Kings Concert.

Bill Coon’s performing and writing has been documented on over two-dozen CDs to date, while big bands and orchestras throughout the world have performed his arrangements. Among them, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, the VSO, the Woody Herman Jazz Band, the CBC Radio Orchestra, and Dal Richards Orchestra. Recently he has conducted and performed with the 23-piece Bill Coon Orchestra featuring jazz vocalist Denzal Sinclaire in a musical tribute to Nat King Cole.

John Hyde spent 30 years as an in-demand freelance bassist, music educator and the artistic director of the jazz program at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Quiet and unassuming by nature, John comes alive with a stand-up bass in hand, and his style is magical and extremely rhythmical.

Amar brings his professional jazz experience from Toronto where he was active on the jazz scene for several years. In the five years or so that Aaron has lived in Comox Valley, he has earned a solid reputation as one of the finest drummers around, and we’re pleased to welcome him back. His rhythmic talents are much sought after and he performs with numerous local groups.

Showtime is 7:30pm. Admission is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Plan on arriving by 7:00 if you intend to meet friends and sit together; this will be a popular performance. For more information about our forthcoming events, please go to www.georgiastraightjazz.com, or see us on Facebook.

This is a last reminder for members that the Society’s 2014 AGM will be held at the Avalanche, starting at 5:30pm - two hours before show time.

Capt Bates, who had been notified from Victoria to be on the lookout. a party of Germans was found on board who had left Victoria harbour after being told not to do so by the authorities. They are believed to be spies and were taken to Victoria on Tuesday by boat.”

While the two newspaper accounts gave stories giving differing details as to where the vessel was captured, and as to where the spies were sent, of interest to local readers, the Courtenay Review said that “the yacht is now lying in the river at the Builders Supply wharf”.

The Review article does not end there.

“Yesterday morning a German traveler, named Barnett was taken into custody namely on leaving Victoria without a passport. He made desperate efforts to connect with Vancouver which were frustrated.”

The newspaper article now named a local man, Otto Altschuler who had been seen talking with the German Barnett so was now under suspicion by association. Otto was ordered to report every 24 hours to authorities in Cumberland.

The war and spies are serious business even when the Comox Valley is half a world away from the War in Europe.

Otto Altschuler, a young man aged 24 years, had emigrated from Germany in 1909 and was working as a carpenter/builder in the valley. At the time of the 1911 Census he was boarding with the Saumes family in Union.

He was known well enough to be mentioned in the “Local Lines Column” of the Courtenay Review Newspaper on 05 February 1914: “Otto Altschuler is at Vancouver this week, on a business trip”.

Now 8 months later he has been linked to the captured spies. Otto was not pleased, he was not going to have his reputation impugned, claiming that the editor had it out for him.

Courtenay Review 22 October 1914: “Otto Altschuler takes exception to the item in the last week’s issue mentioning the fact that he had been requested to report to Cumberland once every 24 hours, and intimates that the item in question was given purely for personal differences. Otto should know better that we have no personal differences with him and if we had it would have had no influence with us. We never allow our personal differences to sway our opinions in columns of the Review.

“The item complained of was the continuation of a chain of circumstances arising out of the capture of the sloop containing supposedly German spies and Otto was inadvertently drawn into it by an introduction to one of the partners.”

Three weeks later Otto left town: “Otto Altschuler decided to leave town last Friday without the formality of bidding his friends goodbye or reporting to the police. He secured a rig and drove it to Cumberland, then back to the train.

“Constable Hannay got wise and phoned to the Chief of Police at Nanaimo. The soldiers boarded the train at Nanaimo, found Otto and took him in charge and now Otto is at the county jail.” (Review 12 November 1914.)

On the last day of 1914, the Review reported: “Otto Altschuler who was detained at the Concentration Camp at Nanaimo, was released a couple of weeks ago “He was in town for a few days and says he is going to live on the West Coast” No charges were ever laid against Otto.

Everyone invited to enjoy Open House at Tsolum Mobile Veterinary on Saturday Meet a Water Buffalo! Tsolum Mobile Veterinary Health is calling ALL pet lovers to join us at our Open House this Saturday, Nov. 1 from 11:00 - 2:00.

We would like to thank all of our clients and their friends for making the first year in our new location such a great success.

To show our appreciation we are offering FREE nail trims from Maggie of K9 Design, refreshments, BBQ, great door prizes and a petting zoo including a water buffalo!

Extend Halloween by one day and bring up your costumed pet for a pet portrait too. It will be a guaranteed

great time.

Come on up and to say hi to our great staff while enjoying a hot chocolate. At Tsolum Mobile we are about community, animals and friends - we look forward to spending time with you - See you there! Like us on Facebook and watch the countdown to our event!

Tsolum Mobile Veterinary Health is a mixed Animal practice situated in the heart of Merville. Though our building may be small our hearts are big for all the pets - large or small - in our community. We are located in Merville right behind the Merville General Store, 6635B Island Highway.

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay Bill Coon is considered one of Canada’s finest jaz guitarists

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A12 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014 A13

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$

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

The Comox Valley Echo, a twice weekly, long established and award winning newspaper in Courtenay, has an opening for an advertising sales consultant.

The successful applicant will have at least three years of sales experience and training, preferably in traditional and/or digital media. You are results driven, marketing minded and a team oriented person. You will be computer literate, excel at developing client relationships and provide top notch service, ideas and solutions, to our print, insert and digital customers.

You will also thrive in a changing, fast moving marketplace.

Superior communication and time management skills are required as well as a valid B.C. drivers license and reliable vehicle.

The position offers a very competitive compensation package including bonuses, benefit package and car allowance.

Please direct resumes to: The Publisher, Comox Valley Echo 407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay B.C. V9N 1J7 Email: dmacdonald@comoxvalleyecho.com Thank you to all who apply, but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

A14 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 28, 2014

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