Comox Valley Echo - January 6, 2015

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • Tuesday, January 6, 2015

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TUESDAY.COURTENAY, BC. JANUARY 6, 2015

ECHO

NEWS Comox Valley Weather

FREE Brake & Mechanical Inspection (with coupon)

2215 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay 338-5411

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Tuesday Cloudy. 30% chance of showers in the morning.

High 8°C.

Wednesday Cloudy.

Low 5°C. High 9°C.

Thursday Cloudy with 40% chance of showers.

Low 4°C. High 8°C.

Friday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 4°C. High 6°C.

Saturday Cloudy with 40% chance of showers.

Low 3°C. High 5°C.

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

Police Blotter Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents Dec. 23-29: On December 23rd the Comox Valley RCMP attended to a theft and mischief complaint at the Lewis Centre located at 489 Old Island Highway. It was reported that a young male had broken into several lockers in the change room and had spray painted several areas as well. When police attended it was found that the young male had fled.

This investigation is continuing. (2014-16137) On December 24th police responded to a report of a break, enter and theft at the Serious coffee shop located at 2760 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. An unknown male suspect smashed a window in the business and once inside stole an undisclosed amount of cash. This investigation is continuing.

(2014-16171) Police responded to a report of a 3-year-old toddler walking a dog in traffic on Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay on December 24th. The investigation revealed that the toddler had escaped from his residence to walk the new puppy. The mother and child were united without incident. Police wish to thank the concerned citizen that stopped and cared for the child until police arrival.

(2014-16184) Two separate incidences of break, enter and theft, were attended at the Mark Isfeld secondary school, located at 1551 Lerwick Road in Courtenay. Entry to the school was made by smashing a window and once inside the suspect smashed their way into a vending machine and stole items from it. (201416316) During the early morning hours of December 28th police responded to a glass break alarm at the

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

Jody Patrick VERHAEGHE

Jesse David BAKER

DOB: 1971-06-21 185 cms, 82 kgs, Brown hair, Hazel eyes Warrants: Theft under $5000 Fail to appear Comox Valley file # 2014-4127

DOB: 1979-04-21 175 cms, 78 kgs, Black hair, Brown eyes Warrant: Breach of probation Comox Valley file # 201416139

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca Too Good to be Threw Thrift Store located at 367 6th Street in Courtenay. Unknown persons smashed a large pane glass window in the business. (2014-16323) On December 28th police responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on the 4300 block of Minto Road in Courtenay. The investigation revealed that a vehicle traveling down Minto Road had run into a parked vehicle at that location. The driver was found to have been consuming alcohol and was issued with a 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and had his

vehicle towed and impounded. (2014-16327) On the night of December 28th police located and stopped a suspected impaired driver on Anderton Avenue in Courtenay. The driver was spoken with and was found to have been consuming alcohol prior to and at the time of the stop. The driver was given a 90 Immediate Roadside Prohibition and had the vehicle he was driving impounded for 30 days. The driver was also given a ticket for open liquor in a vehicle.

(2014-16358) The Comox Valley RCMP entered into a Mis-

chief complaint during the early morning hours of December 29th in the downtown area of Courtenay. Two young males were seen spray painting a building. Police attended and located and arrested the two males. Evidence of paint was located on both of the males’ hands.

Charges of mischief under $5000 are being laid and they will appear in court on a later date. (201416359) On December 29th police received several reports of thefts from vehicles in the Ashwood Place area of Courtenay.

Numerous vehicles were entered and several items were taken which included identification, money and electronic devices.

In all the cases the vehicles had been left unlocked. The public are reminded that locking your vehicles will stop these types of thefts.

On December 29th a report of mischief was reported to the Comox Valley RCMP. The mischief occurred at a business on the 900 block of Comox Road in Courtenay.

Two vehicles at that location had had their rear windows smashed sometime between December 27th and December 29th.

(2014-16369)

Property values remain stable in the Valley Owners of more than 34,000 properties throughout the Comox Valley can expect to receive their 2015 assessment notices in the next few days.

“Most homes in the Comox Valley are remaining stable in value compared to last year’s assessment roll,” said Vancouver Island Regional Deputy Assessor Bill Dawson “Most home owners in the Comox Valley will see modest changes in the -5% to +10% range.”

Overall, the Comox Valley Assessment Roll increased from $9,622,255,797 last year to $9,721,134,245 this year. Of note, a total of almost $89,000,000 was added through subdivisions, rezoning and new construction.

In general, commercial property assessments have changed within the -10% to +5% range in the Comox Valley but with most properties seeing very little change.

The taxable commercial assessment roll is $959,252,803 this year. A total of over $1,700,000 in

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new commercial value has been added due to various changes including subdivision, rezoning and new construction.

“Property owners who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2014 or see incorrect information on their notice should contact BC Assessment as indicated on their notice as soon as possible in January,” said Dawson.

“If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by February 2, for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel,” added Dawson.

The Courtenay assessment office is located at 2488 Idiens Way, Courtenay. During the month of January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Property owners can contact BC Assessment toll-free at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) or online by clicking “CONNECT” at www.bcassessment.ca.

80.70 55.22 65.54 53.71 41.76 37.35 27.34 10.33 27.78 43.35 58.02 16.13 19.28 36.71 18.09 45.90 26.72

Commissions, trailing commissions, management tees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Rates and prices as of Jan. 2, 2014 . Rates and prices subject to change and availability. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2014 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 6, 2015

3

New Year baby born two weeks early

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Lauren and Brendan Somers had a bright and very happy start to the New Year.

Their happiness came in the form of a healthy baby boy, Hunter Dean Donald Somers, who was born at around 8.04 a.m. on January ďŹ rst at St. Joseph’s Hospital, making him the ďŹ rst baby of 2015.

It was an unexpected bundle of joy for the Comox couple because Hunter wasn’t due to be born until Jan. 15. “We knew he was going

We will never forget his birthday. He will always have a stat holiday birthday, a day off for something to celebrate.�

LAUREN SOMERS New Year baby mom

to be born early but we didn’t think it was going to be that early,� said Lauren, who went into labour early in the morning and went on to give birth

to Hunter via emergency Caesarian section. “We didn’t expect him to be born on the ďŹ rst. So it was a different New Year celebration for us that’s for sure.â€?

The proud father, Brendan, sporting a million dollar smile, had their seven pounds, three ounces baby in his arms.

It’s their ďŹ rst child. “It’s exciting to have a baby,â€? said Brendan. “Happy and healthy was more important for us more than anything else.â€?

Lauren said January ďŹ rst will now bear multiple signiďŹ cance for them.

Sally Ann meets kettle drive target

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Salvation Army rang in the New Year with cheerful news.

After encountering a slow start to its annual Christmas kettle campaign, the community came through in a signiďŹ cant way to help the organization meet its fundraising target of $125,000. “It looked bleak at one stage because we were signiďŹ cantly down $5,000,â€? said Pastor Kevin Elsasser. “We went to the public and told them what we needed to end up with.â€?

Their plea for help was heard loud and clear and when the ďŹ nal amount was tallied, Sally Ann wound up with $128,755. “We did $3,000 over so we’re very happy with the public,â€? said Elsasser. “We want to thank everyone in the Comox Valley for generously giving to the Salvation Army.â€?

Elsasser said it’s only during Christmas the Salvation Army goes out to ask for monetary contributions from the community through its kettle campaign.

It’s a major fundraiser he said and the main source of funding for the myriad of services Sally Ann provides in the community. “It’s important because if you don’t make your budget, you have to start

It looked bleak at one stage because we were significantly down $5,000 ... We did $3,000 over so we’re very happy with the public.�

PASTOR KEVIN ELSASSER Salvation Army

at looking at cutting costs or cutting programs,� said Elsasser.

Elsasser said every year they set realistic goals. In 2013 they raised $133,000 and Elsasser said this year they pegged their target on an amount they believed they could achieve, which was $125,000.

Among the many uses of the money raised included the annual Christmas Hamper. Last month Sally Ann produced 750 Christmas hampers, which were up from 500 in 2013. The funds are also applied to services that include the soup kitchen, its food bank, family services program, and other future programs for the valley.

While Sally Ann is pleased to have met its fundraising target, there are groups or businesses in the valley that struggled to meet their target.

The staff at Coast Realty Group held its 26th annual Christmas hamper program. They were able

to distribute 545 hampers, which are down from their previous amount of 580.

In the last couple of years, it’s been going down. “We didn’t have as many sponsors which we used to do,� said organizer Annette Bowden. “It’s the sign of the times. There was also a lot of fundraisers going on.�

However, overall Coast Realty was still pleased with their program as they were able to help out people in the community.

Despite the numbers going down, Coast Realty will continue to distribute hampers during Christmas. “We’ve been doing this for 26 years now so we’re not going to stop it,� said Bowden. “We will keep it going. We might go down a little bit every now and then but it will go up again I am sure as the times change.�

The hampers contain around $100 worth of groceries that include ingredients for a nice turkey dinner. Bowden said they also contain gifts for the children. “It’s probably a $200 hamper by the time it’s all done, depending on how many kids are in the family,� said Bowden.

Coast Realty wants to express their sincere gratitude to the many individuals, businesses and donors that helped make their hamper program a success.

Lauren and Brendan Somers are proud parents of Hunter Dean Donald, who was born on Jan. 1 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. “We will never forget his birthday,� said Lauren. “He will always have a stat holiday birthday, a day off for something to celebrate.�

The couple of ten years

and married for two years had no preference in the gender of their ďŹ rst baby. “It didn’t matter if it was a boy or a girl,â€? said Lauren. “We’re happy.â€?

Both are now looking

forward to raising Hunter.

It’s a new beginning for them and a new experience. “It’s pretty special for us,� said Lauren. “It’s a whole new world for us.�

DISASTER FLOOD RELIEF IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT BC

Major flooding on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland from December 8-12, 2014 has caused property and content damages. As a result of the damages sustained from this event, provincial Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) has been authorized for qualifying claimants, such as home owners, residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, charitable organizations and local government bodies, who were unable to obtain insurance to cover these disaster-related losses.

In the Comox Valley, Disaster Financial Assistance has been authorized for: Comox Valley Regional District - electoral areas A, B and C, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland. ´$OO DSSOLFDQWV VKRXOG Ă€UVW FKHFN ZLWK WKHLU LQVXUDQFH DJHQW WR GHWHUPLQH if their current insurance policy provides coverage for the resulting damage. Depending on the circumstances, businesses and farmers may have been able to obtain commercial insurance for certain losses. $V SDUW RI WKH ')$ TXDOLĂ€FDWLRQ SURFHVV EXVLQHVVHV IDUPHUV DQG charitable/volunteer organizations will need to provide a letter from their insurer indicating that they could not have purchased insurance to cover these disaster-related losses.â€? “Information about Disaster Financial Assistance is available on the DFA website at: www.embc.gov.bc.ca/em/dfa_claims/dfa.html. There you ZLOO Ă€QG WKH ')$ $SSOLFDWLRQ )RUP Âś'LVDVWHU )LQDQFLDO $VVLVWDQFH *XLGHOLQHV IRU 3ULYDWH 6HFWRU¡ DQG Âś2QH 6WHS DW D WLPH ² $ *XLGH WR 'LVDVWHU 5HFRYHU\¡ Âľ “Although we encourage people to submit their application to us as soon as possible so that we can have the damage assessment completed promptly, the deadline date for EMBC to receive this form is March 12, 2015.â€?

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 6, 2015

The whole thing stinks, for lack of a better term.

There was no public process. There was no transparency.”

MARY LEE Affected resident

New Comox Valley Regional Board member Rodney Nichol of Area B,left, and Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula listen to the residents on Beech Street raise their concerns about the property (located just behind the group) chosen for the Comox No. 2 sewer pump station.

Residents raise stink about CVRD sewer station project Claims that they were never consulted before RD purchased land

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The residents of the Croteau Beach-Hawkins Greenway neighbourhood feel they were blind-sided by the Comox Valley Regional District when it purchased a parcel of land on Beech Street for the development of the Comox No. 2 sewer pump station.

They said the decision “stinks” because the board approved the deal without consultation with residents, who are going to be affected by the $11 million development plan.

The vacant property is located in a residential area and smack between two homes. It was assessed as the best site for the project by Heuristic Consulting Associations, which was retained by the CVRD to evaluate suitable areas to build the future sewer pump station.

Residents were informed about the purchase of the land and plan

to build a sewer pump by the CVRD on Dec. 15. It caught them all by surprise.

“The whole thing stinks, for lack of a better term,” said Mary Lee, whose home will be directly affected by the project because it is adjacent to the chosen location.

“There was no public process. There was no transparency. Legitimacy is in question, that’s why we’ve hired a lawyer to look into this.”

Lee questioned why the CVRD would choose to build an industrial facility in the middle of a residential area that’s been categorized as greenway.

T h e m a j o r p ro j e c t is a high priority in the CVRD’s capital plan.

That’s because of the environmental risk posed by the beach erosion that was discovered along Willemar Bluff in 2002 that exposed significant portions of the pipes that deliver wastewater from the City of Courtenay and the Town of Comox to the

Basically they were told this is what’s going to happen in your neighbourhood ... too bad” ROD NICHOL CVRD director

Residents raised a sign up an a utility pole along Beech Street to indicate where the CVRD is proposing to build the Comox No. 2 sewer pump station.

Comox Valley water pollution control centre.

In 2005, a study done by the CVRD recommended that a new sewer pump station be constructed near the intersection of Croteau Road and Docliddle Road and that a new inland

forcemain alignment be built from the new pump station to the CVWPCC that will bypass Willemar Bluff.

In determining the ideal site, the company hired to evaluate properties in the area for the project used a

detailed selection methodology that included technical, environmental and financial factors. The Beech Road property received the highest score and the CVRD board endorsed the recommendation to purchase it for $300,000.

The residents in the area have written a letter to CVRD chair Bruce Joliffe expressing their disappointment and outright opposition to the plan. Copies were also sent to Courtenay and Comox mayors Larry Jangula and Paul Ives respectively, and also to the ministers responsible for municipalities.

Rodney Nichol, the CVRD board representative for Lazo North, came out on Friday to meet with residents around Beech Road. And he raised concerns and disagreed with the process applied to purchase the land by former members of the CVRD

board.

“This decision was made in-camera without any public process whatsoever,” said Nichol, who is one of the new members of the board.

“Basically they were told this is what’s going to happen in your neighbourhood ... too bad. That’s just not the way to do business. The public is supposed to be involved, they’re supposed to know what’s going on, and we’re supposed to listen to the input before we make the final decision.”

Jangula said he was not aware of the land purchased and would like to see this decision deferred until the new board has had the opportunity to discuss the issue.

“The public needs to hear why this area was selected, what other options or alternatives that could have been used,” said Jangula. “The neighbourhood has to have input. They have to be heard from.”

The CVRD has indicated in the pamphlets distributed to residents that the station is going to similar to the View Royal Craigflower pump station of the Capital Regional District in Victoria. The difference though is it is situated in a park and residential community with the closest home located 150m away.

The Beech Street property is just over a third of an acre, the two homes beside it are no more than 20m away and the two other residents on a hillside within 30m.

Lee said the facility is a “monstrosity” because it will be at least three storeys high and greatly affect the aesthetic of the area. There’s also going to be a huge issue in regards to noise and traffic during construction and after.

There will also be concerns about the odour.

The inaugural 2015 sewage commission meeting will be held at 1 p.m. today.

A new chair and vice-chair will be elected.

Fo l l ow i n g t h a t , t h e CVRD will be hosting a public meeting on January 7, 2015 simply to provide additional information to the community, concerned citizens and to address their questions.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 6, 2015

5

Happy 100th birthday, Courtenay!

New Year’s Day pancake breakfast kicks off start of Centennial Year celebrations for city and fire department Music, marching, pancakes, birthday cake, bagpipes, politicians, Freemen of the City, police and firefighters, the military, Sid Williams and K’omoks First Nations - Happy 100th Birthday, City of Courtenay!

The city celebrated the start of its centennial year on New Year’s Day with a free pancake breakfast in the upper hall of the Florence Filberg Centre. Just a few hours earlier several hundred partiers had enjoyed a memorable New Year’s Eve, “Memories are Made of This”, with musical acts designed to represent the decades of the city’s life.

The City was first incorporated as a municipality in January 1915, later attaining City status.

Courtenay’s Fire Department is also celebrating its centennial this year, so it’s a double celebration.

The pancake breakfast was prepared and served by the experienced hands of the Evergreen Club volunteers, accompanied by the piano and vocal stylings of local entertainer Rob Petrie, then the ‘Swing Set’ singers.

The dignitaries were marched to the stage at noon by the Comox Valley Pipe Band, followed by a traditional greeting from the K’omoks First Nation’s Andy Everson whose grandfather, the late Chief Andy Frank, had a long-time associa-

Cutting the birthday cake, from l. to r., Comox Valley MLA Don McRae, heritage commission’s Lawrence Burns, Mayor Larry Jangula and centennial chair Ron Webber

display July 4 at the airpark. The fireworks will be let off from a barge at the mouth of the Courtenay River.

On August 8 the city will honour its military past with a special Military Day parade involving 19 Wing, HMCS Quadra sea cadets, the Canadian Scottish regiment, and the sea cadets’ famous ceremony of the flags at Lewis Park.

There’ll be numerous other events throughout the year sponsored by the many local sports and cultural groups.

And, in order to leave a legacy from this centennial year, the Comox Valley Community Foundation is setting up a special fund where donations can be made to be invested in perpetuity with the interest going each year to a worthy charitable group.

Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula then read the official notice to close out the official ceremonies: “With deep appreciation for those who have come before, for all that we have and for the promise of all this City may become, we officially proclaim this year, two thousand and fifteen, as Courtenay’s Centennial Year, a year of celebration that all may enjoy.”

The centennial cake, prepared and donated by Quality Foods, was then cut up and served.

318 A Duncan Ave., Courtenay (Corner of Duncan & 3rd St.)

Sid Williams impersonation, by Edwin Grieve, acting out and singing ‘Century Sam’ character created by Williams for the B.C. centennial. tion with, and had great respect from, the City of Courtenay.

The stage featured

New year.........

Time for a new you!

representatives from all facets of city and Valley life - Comox Valley MLA Don McRae, Courtenay

Mayor Larry Jangula, Comox Mayor Paul Ives, Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird, Regional District

CUMBERLAND CULTURE and ARTS SOCIETY ANNUAL AGM Cumberland Culture and Arts Society

•Cuts •Colors •Perms

chair Bruce Jolliffe, 19 Wing Comox’s Lt. Col Waters, Courtenay Fire Chief Don Bardonnex and Deputy Chief Kurt Macdonald, RCMP Insp.

Tim Walton, Freemen of the City Lawrence Burns, Doris Weislein and Ron Webber, former mayors Starr Winchester, George Cochrane, Ron Webber and Greg Phelps. Councillor Doug Hillian was the master of ceremonies.

Edwin Grieve, the Area C representative on the regional board and longtime chair of the city’s July 1st committee, did an original musical number in the ‘Century Sam’ guise of the late Sid Williams, for whom the local theatre is named.

Centennial committee chair Ron Webber then briefly outlined the activities planned for the special year ahead.

‘Homecoming Week’ has been declared for June 26 to July 5, with the July 1st parade and festivities schedule right in the middle, on the Wednesday. Red Robinson, famed broadcaster who grew up here, has agreed to be Parade Marshall.

There’ll also be a tailgate party at the sports centre, to remember all the B.C. Lions football team training camps held in Courtenay; a downtown street dance; neighbourhood block parties; and a massive fireworks

•Manicure •Pedicure •Facial

•Waxing •Lash tinting And more!...

Call today for your appointment!

Tuesday-Friday 10:30-3:00 Open Saturday 9:00-3:00

will hold its annual general meeting

at 7pm on Thursday January 29, 2015.

The meeting will be held at Studio Live, 2679 Beaufort St. Cumberland, BC. Coffee, tea and refreshments will be served.

Bring your ideas for the New year and future plans.

Lori Ste. Croix Investment Advisor UÊ/ - ÃÊ UÊ,,-*ÃÊ UÊ/>ÝÊ* > } UÊ,, ÃÊ UÊ ÃÊ UÊ/>ÝÊ- i ÌiÀÃ UÊ-Ì V ÃÊ UÊ `ÃÊ UÊ ÕÌÕ> Ê Õ `Ã

2250-338-2702 5

6

TUESDAY. JANUARY 6, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

My nose pieces are yucky.

How do I clean them?

What should I do if I want my loved one to pass away at home?

What are micro-greens and can I grow them inside during the winter?

You can't clean them once they become that dirty. They have absorbed the oil and other chemicals from your skin and need to be changed. Bring them in and I can give your glasses a bath and put on new nose pads.

Nose pads should be changed on a regular basis however, everyone is different. When you notice they are yucky or your glasses are slipping that's a sign that it's time for new ones.

Having a planned or expected death occur at home can provide a dignified, personal end to one's life.

When it is planned to have a "natural or expected death " occur at home, there are procedures in place for before and after death that have to be followed.

You must have an "Expected Notice of Death at Home" form, signed by the doctor. This will allow you to contact the funeral home without having to involve emergency responders, RCMP, coroner for example.

Following the death, a minimum of 60 minutes must pass before the funeral home can attend to transport your loved one. If more time is wanted or needed for family and friends to say a private goodbye, you can take as much time after the death occurs that is comfortable.

Yes, with the help of a grow light you can easily grow micro-greens to harvest throughout the winter months.

Micro-greens are simply baby salad greens similar to sprouts but grown in soil. The options for micro greens are almost endless; choose arugula and mustard for a spicy bite or sunflower and scallions for a mild flavour.

Once you have germinated the seeds and the first sprout is visible you will want to use a full spectrum light such as a T5 grow light, or a grow light garden. Optimal light conditions will keep the micro-greens compact. Make sure to position the light close to the greens, and move up as they grow. You will want to harvest when the first leaf pair opens fully and turns green. Use a pair of scissors and cut what you’d like, or pull micro-greens out of soil and rinse. The roots are edible too!

Make your mortgage New Year's resolution!

You must present proof of health insurance in order to enter the country. Upon arrival, travelers may be required to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate or medical assistance card valid for the period of their stay in Cuba.

Those who do not have proof of insurance coverage may be required to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company when they arrive.

Temporary residents also have to hold valid health insurance policies. Although proof of Canadian provincial health insurance is sufficient for visitors to enter Cuba, your provincial plan may cover only part of the costs and will not pay the bill up-front, as required. It is therefore recommended that you purchase supplemental health insurance. Note that some private insurers also require the traveler to pay costs up-front and be reimbursed later. Cuban authorities will not allow anyone with outstanding medical bills to leave the country.

All health insurance policies are recognized, except those issued by U.S. insurance companies, as they cannot provide coverage in Cuba. For additional details on this requirement, please consult the Embassy of Cuba in Canada.

Send your questions for any of these professionals to us by mail, email or fax Professional: Question:

COMOX VALLEY ECHO 407 - E Fifth Street, Courtenay, BC V8N 1J7 or send your question to Keith Currie at kcurrie@comoxvalleyecho.com or by fax to 250-334-3172

If you haven't made a New Year's resolution yet - or even if you have! - please take a minute as we start 2015 to think about what you'd like to achieve for your mortgage this year. If you already own your home, now's a great time to evaluate your budget and see if you can commit to larger payments or switch to accelerated biweekly payments to pay your mortgage down faster. You'll feel great ending 2015 when you see that you're 2 or 3 years closer to being mortgage free!

Or, if you are an aspiring home buyer, give us a call to discuss your pre-qualification. We'll help you set goals for saving up for your down payment and closing costs and make sure you'll be ready to buy as soon as possible. Don't put it off another day - give us a call or use our website contact form to book your free mortgage consultation and we'll help you make the most of 2015!

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

TUESDAY. JANUARY 6, 2015

I am having a hard time hearing my friends and family during the holidays.

Could I have hearing loss?

Do I need really need dental x-rays?

Jennifer Frey, Registered Audiologist

What should I be pruning in the winter months?

Dr. Colleen Clancy & Dr. Ann Lu

Dentists

Make better hearing your New Year’s resolution.

Cavities between teeth are hard to detect early unless an x-ray is taken. By the time these are visible to the naked eye, the cavity is often large and deep. An x-ray of an aching tooth can show clues as to why it hurts. Infections at the roots, and lesions and cysts in the jaw can go unnoticed until they appear on an x-ray.

Did you know that people wait an average of seven years before they deal with hearing loss? In that time, our brains can get out of practice processing the sounds that are no longer being heard. This is why we recommend that people speak to a professional about hearing loss sooner rather than later, before it affects one’s lifestyle or ability to communicate with others.

You may have hearing loss if: • It’s hard to hear when there are multiple conversations

• Family or friends say your TV or radio is too loud • It’s hard to hear a person speaking from another room Call Connect Hearing today to book a complimentary hearing evaluation. Let this be the year you stay connected to the sounds you love.

1.888.850.9979

Is it harmful to read in the dark?

No, it's just annoying. Low light levels make it hard for the eye to focus, so it leads to some temporary strain, as opposed to permanent damage. However, current research is suggesting that low-wavelength blue light (emitted by tablets and cellphones) is potentially harmful just like UV light, and this may increase the risk for cataracts and other eye problems.

DENTISTRY

• You are asking people to repeat themselves often

7

Dentists practice by the radiation A.L.A.R.A. – as low as reasonably possible – principle. All reasonable methods are employed to minimize radiation doses. A lead vest with thyroid collar prevents unnecessary chest and neck exposure.

We take as few radiographs as necessary to provide an informative picture of your oral health.

Additional visual records, in the form of photos with mirrors and with a small camera that can be placed close to your tooth, may be taken to help build a full picture of your oral state.

Winter is a great time to prune fruit trees, wisteria, kiwi, grapes and ornamental trees because they are still dormant and you can clearly see the structure of the branches. Pruning is necessary if the value and quality of the trees in the landscape are to be maintained. The main reasons for pruning are removal of dead, damaged, diseased or crossing/ rubbing branches; to improve the form, shape or size; to stimulate the formation of flowers and fruit buds; to rejuvenate older plants and for safety and convenience. Careful attention to pruning and training young trees will ultimately determine their productivity and longevity.

Good pruning and training will also prevent later injury from weak crotches that break under snow or fruit load. Pruning should be done with an understanding of how the tree responds to each cut. Improper pruning can cause damage that will last for the life of the tree, or worse, shorten the tree’s life.

Never compromise…...always hire a professional! We will be starting our pruning in January. Call now for a free estimate.

Dr. Colleen Clancy and Associates #98-1742 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2K8 Phone: 250-338-2599 Web: www.drcolleenclancy.com

I have Athlete's Foot, What should I do.

Athlete's Foot is a fungus.

Fungi are microorganisms that grow in warm moist areas, they are also called mold or yeast. Fungi are normal inhabitants of the body but when they multiply they can cause troublesome infections such as thrush, athlete's foot and vaginitis.

Athlete's foot is characterized by redness and irritation, peeling skin, tingling and itching and occasionally fissuring.

Treatment includes keeping the skin dry, drying the skin thoroughly after bathing, wear loose-fitting clothing and apply an antiperspirant. Wearing cotton socks and allowing shoes to dry completely between use can help.

There are several antifungal products on the market.

They are typically applies twice a day for two to four weeks. Consult a physician if the over-the-counter products fail to fix the problem.

Send your questions for any of these professionals to us by mail, email or fax Professional: Question:

COMOX VALLEY ECHO 407 - E Fifth Street, Courtenay, BC V8N 1J7 or send your question to Keith Currie at kcurrie@comoxvalleyecho.com or by fax to 250-334-3172

What are the advantages of a ductless heat pump?

Ductless heat pumps are a great way to save on heating costs and air condition a house without ductwork. The most common applications for ductless heat pumps are houses with electric base boards. A ductless system can provide up to 4 zones of comfort making it easy to cover most living areas of an average home and installation takes no more than a few days. For more information on heat pumps check out our blog at tempriteclimatesolutions.com

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 6, 2015

Concern for sea lion in distress

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff A sea lion with an entanglement around its neck has been spotted in Fanny Bay and has drawn concerns from animal advocates.

A wildlife photographer from Campbell River has alarmed the authorities about this particular sea lion which appears to be in pain from what she believes to be a rope that is deeply cutting into the animal’s flesh.

“He is in very bad shape,” said Netonia Chatelaine from Campbell River, who has been photographing sea lions in the region and played a role in the rescue of other sea lions in distress last year. “The first day I took pictures I could see a bit of a rope but now it’s right down inside where the esophagus is, in the solid area past the blubber.”

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as well as the Vancouver Aquarium, are now aware of this heartbreaking situation. There are no plans to do a disentanglement but it’s uncertain as to when it’s going to hap-

Animal advocates are worried about a sea lion, spotted in Fanny Bay, that has a rope cutting into its flesh pen because rescues are resource-intense.

They often take place in remote locations and, because they require the right team, equipment and weather conditions, take time to coordinate.

Deana Lancaster, spokesperson for the Vancouver Aquarium, said

they are hoping to do it earlier this year because they believe there are hundreds of sea lions entangled in marine debris and garbage.

“Regarding the sea lion in Fanny Bay, the BC Marine Mammal Response Network is monitoring him to see if there’s a pattern

when he’s present,” said Lancaster. “We’re working with DFO to pull together our team, resources and necessary permits to try and help him as soon as possible.”

Lancaster added that the best way the public can assist them right now is to continue reporting

Nominations accepted until

January 30th, 2015!

For nominations forms and event details, visit:

www.20under40.ca

any sightings.

Last year, the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue and DFO combined forces to conduct two successful rescues of ensnared and injured sea lions near Fanny Bay. It was led by Vancouver Aquarium head veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena - one of only a few veterinarians in the world, and the only one in Canada, who has experience immobilizing sea lions with an anesthetic drug delivered by a dart.

“Rescue efforts involving sea lions are extremely challenging and can be very dangerous,” says Dr. Haulena.

Marine mammal anesthesia is risky he said.

It took a 15-year process to develop an effective combination of drugs and protocols to safely dart sea lions for the removal of entangled gear, usually around their necks.

Lancaster would like to remind the public to be careful when discarding garbage, and to make sure to cut any loops in packaging.

As well, she advises the public to not dispose of debris into our rivers, lakes and oceans. Shoreline debris can often be confused by marine animals as food or they may become entangled.

For the most up-to-date information on the boil water advisory visit

www. comoxvalleyrd.ca/boil

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 6, 2015

9

YANA cracker prize creates big surprise Ted Sauve was sporting a great big smile when he stopped by the YANA office to pick up the grand prize from YANA’s annual cracker sale. He received the winning cracker at the Hollis Wealth client appreciation Christmas party.

“It was a big surprise,” laughs Suave. “When you open one of these things you just expect a little toy.” As well as a toy, he found a special tag. “It said ‘Congratulations!

You have won a $1500 pair of diamond earrings from YANA’.”

Of course this wonderful gift would not be possible without the generous support of our community.

Every year Mark Dalziel donates the grand prize, a stunning piece of jewellery, and Tim Haley donates the appraisal.

FREE SCUBA Try-it Sessions!

Winner Ted Sauve with his diamond earrings “Mark has a long history of supporting YANA,” says Lesley Hunter, YANA board director and volunteer who coordinates this event. “People call Mark the ‘Gold Guy’, he definitely has a heart of gold.”

YANA is so grateful for everyone who makes this holiday fundraiser a success; the volunteers who hand craft these fun crackers, the local businesses who sell them, and the people who make them a part of their Christmas

24 HR Service 250-338-8026

During the Thursday 6-8pm everyone welcome swim 13 Years and up

celebrations. With the help of the Comox Valley community YANA is able to offer direct funding and accommodation to local families who must travel for the medical care of a child or a pregnant mother.

What did he do when he found out he won? “I called my wife right away and told her I knew what she was getting for Christmas,” says Sauve.

We hope she liked her gift!

s (OT WATER TANK REPLACEMENT s $RAIN CLEANING mUSHING s 0OLY h"v REPLACEMENT s 6IDEO INSPECTION terranovaplumbing.ca

Parents must sign waiver

Starting January!

CVRD Sports Centre Pool Regular admission rates apply 30 minute sessions, first come-first served Sign up on deck

For schedules visit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec or call 250-334-9622

JANUARY IS

NO TAX MONTH AT

Open Sunday: 11am to 5pm | Open Monday to Thursday: 9:30am to 5:30pm Open Friday: 9:30am to 3pm | Closed Saturday

Follow comoxvalleyrd

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 6, 2015

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Croteau Beach residents need your support To the residents of Courtenay & Comox: The residents of Croteau Beach neighbourhood need your help!

Why? Because your municipal counselors recently announced to our community that they decided, without any prior consultation, without any public or transparent process, to send all of your sewage through our neighbourhood – to construct Pump Station 2 on a currently empty residential lot in our small rural neighbourhood, that lies between Macdonald Park and Goose Spit. We have no elected representative on the Sewerage Commission that voted for this location.

Why? Because in this neighbourhood we are all reliant on shallow or drilled wells – reliant on unmapped, underground streams and aquifers for our drinking water. We are used to practicing due care and diligence with our individual sewerage (septic) systems, for the very reason that we rely on the water beneath us. We can find no hydrology study examining the potential effects of this major construction project on the safety of our drinking water.

Why? Because we have been told that the estuary foreshore will be excavated to accommodate a metre-

diameter forcemain – and construction of this forcemain will require excavation up the Beech Street right of way to Lazo Road and on to the treatment centre.

We can find no environmental assessment or mapping of existing eagle aeries, heron nests, or barred owl nesting sites along that route; unable to find studies examining the impacts of such construction on the marine wildlife that populate Balmoral (Croteau) bay.

Why? Because this project as currently conceived (regardless of location) promises to use huge quantities of your (usually) potable water to help scrub the inevitable sewerage smell somewhat before it is belched out into the surrounding air. Are you really comfortable with using more of your drinking water to scrub your sewage? How does this fit with Sustainability plan for the regional district?

Why? Because your tax dollars are being committed to a location and a multimillion dollar project that is ill understood by many of your newly elected representatives.

This has huge implications for your municipal sewerage taxes that already rose 12% in 2014, with proposed increases of 12%

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

Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without written authorization from the publisher.

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538

each year out to 2017 as per Tilley Manthey, Feb 2014, City of Courtenay Financial Services Director.

We need your help. We need you, because, as voters, you have influence on those who have the power to revisit this decision.

We need you to call your elected representatives, to write to them, to go to Sewerage Commision and Council meetings to demand that your representatives demonstrate a deep understanding of the problem they are trying to solve with this project; to demand that they demonstrate a broad understanding of all of the alternative solutions and sites that were examined and eliminated in favour of this so-called solution to your sewerage problems. If they cannot demonstrate that depth and breadth of understanding, we need you to demand that they cease all planning or construction of any one “solution” until they can.

We regularly say hello to many of you and your dogs as you walk through our neighbourhood -- a popular walking destination from Comox through Brooklyn Creek and Macdonald Park to Goose Spit.

Next time you’re down here for a walk say hello, stop for a chat, ask us questions, and then, please… help.

T. Crossin M. Lang

Docliddle Road COME TO MEETING I received a letter on December 19, 2014 from the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) informing me that they plan to divert the large sewer pipe overland. The CVRD also plans to build a pump station in a quiet residential neighbourhood near The Spit.

The CVRD refers to the Docliddle Pump Station in February 2014, but did not inform neighbours until December. There has been no consultation with homeowners.

This route will cross the popular Hawkins Greenway and possibly Lazo Marsh.

To see if your home is on the pipeline route, go to www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/ comox2pumpstation or come to a “Neighbourhood Meeting” on Jan. 7 at 7 pm at d’Esterre House, 1801 Beaufort.

Vivian Muir Victoria

LIVING WITH NATURE Another flurry of letters calling for a third vehicle crossing off 29th Street and across the estuary, as a reaction to recent flooding events, requires a response.

The building of a bridge/ causeway to cross the estuary is a non-starter on a number of fronts, including ecological, cultural, and economic to name but a few.

The root causes behind Courtenay’s flooding issues have also been raised in several letters.

I agree with those that point out that the removal of mature forests from our watersheds is more than likely a contributing factor to the problems we face.

It has been the case in other areas that mature, forested hillsides have evidenced a much better ability to retain heavy rainfalls and so prevent the rapid, turbulent runoff which occurs on logged-off slopes.

Road developments with hard surfacing, culverts and ditches, which all channelize water runoff, can also create problematic drainage issues: the more water that accumulates, the bigger the problem.

The excessive turbidity created in our drinking watershed (Puntledge River/ Comox Lake), which has necessitated the recent extensive “boil water advisory” can also be attributed, at least in part, to these factors.

Of course, had the city not extended development onto an historical floodplain, this problem would not exist.

Extensive channelization through the now-developed floodplain has been done in an attempt to route the runoff from three major watersheds through a pinch-point at the 5th Street Bridge.

This is not good hydrological thinking. Huge wa-

ter flows after heavy rain events are denied their historical relief route over the floodplains (the agricultural lands) and into the estuary.

These issues could possibly be addressed by raising the arterial/emergency routes, such as Highway 19A, Ryan Rd.and the Old Island Hwy, as required, which would allow for water movement underneath via box culverts and/or bridges.

Secondary streets, such as Puntledge, Tsolum and Rye Roads, could be lowered to allow for these flows to reach their historical flooding areas and then drain into the Komoks Estuary through Dike Slough and/or under an elevated Comox Road.

Continued attempts to tame extreme flooding events by further channeling with concrete and steel when we should be attempting to work with nature and traditional flow patterns makes no long-term sense.

Let’s learn from the City of Calgary (watch http:// www.cbc.ca/doczone/episodes/weather-gone-wild), by practicing floodplain retreat and making “Room for the River”.

Extreme weather events, a changing climate and sealevel rise around the planet are part of the “new normal” and we had best get back to learning how to live with nature.

Bill Heidrick Comox Valley

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 6, 2015

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SINGING

Choral Society rehearsals start tonight Bach to Beethoven to Bernstein on the menu for spring concert performances phony, also known as “Ode to Joy” from the famous poem written by the German poet Friedrich Schiller. The symphony and particularly the fourth movement have become strongly associated with the celebrations of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

The NICS April concerts are popular with audiences, who travel from well beyond the Comox Valley to hear the performances. Choir members come mainly from the Comox Valley, although some come from neighbouring Campbell River and elsewhere.

This year is an important milestone for artistic director Paul Colthorpe.

He is celebrating his 20th. year with the Choral Society. He makes the rehearsals a delight and the performances memorable. Thanks to a skilled perception of what the choir needs to hear as it rehearses, accompanist Elvera Penner brings musical certainty to the singers.

North Island Choral Society in dress rehearsal for the recent performance of Handel’s “Messiah.

New singers join the Choir every year.

“We really need more tenors,” says President Bärbel Raynolds. “Our tenors are great,” she adds, “...we just need more of them and they can be male or female!” Raynolds

Courtenay Legion to host Burns Dinner at branch on Jan. 18 The Courtenay Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is holding a Robbie Burns Dinner on Jan. 18.

It will be held at the legion starting at 2 p.m.

The dinner is a fundraiser of the Courtenay legion and the cost is $15 for a home-cooked roast beef dinner with haggis and all the trimmings.

The event will also feature the formalities of a Burns dinner with excellent entertainment by soloist Jacqueline Lambeth, the excellent Celtic band the Travellers, and piping.

Tickets are available from the Royal Canadian Legion, Courtenay Branch 17 located at 367 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay.

Those wishing to attend can contact the legion from Tuesday to Saturday at 250-334-4911 or you can call from Ken MacLeod at 250-338-924.

Tickets are limited, so if you would like to attend, get your tickets soon.

thinks the variety of songs to be sung in the upcoming concerts should attract new singers. NICS welcomes those of all ages who want to sing classical choral music and there are no auditions to scare you off ! It is a choir of the

community.

The first New Year rehearsal is on Tuesday January 6th at 6.30 pm to allow for registration. The rehearsals are at Mark Isfeld Secondary School, 1551 Lerwick Road, Courtenay. The re-

hearsals usually start at 7.00 pm and end at 9.00 pm.

Membership is $50 (Students - $30) for the Spring Session. The first rehearsal is free.

For more information: northislandchoral.ca/

Comox Valley Transit

Service Change Effective January 5, 2015 • 34 C2C Express: new express service Courtenay to Comox • 12 North Valley Connector: direct service to NIC from north of Courtenay on weekdays • 2 Cumberland: improved routing east side of Cumberland

Fare Change Effective January 1, 2015

Cash Fare Tickets (20) Monthly Pass Day Pass

Adult $ 2.00 18.00 52.00 4.50

Senior $ 1.75 15.75 42.00 4.00

Youth $ 1.75 15.75 30.00 4.00

Post-Secondary $ 2.00 18.00 44.00 4.50

Child 4 or under, free.

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

Robbie Burns

4143-2

The singers of the North Island Choral Society are still glowing with success from their sold out seasonal performances of Handel’s “Messiah.”

Audience feedback showed these concerts were “their best performances so far” thanks also to superb accompaniment by the very well-rehearsed NICS Orchestra (concertmaster Corrine Innes) and pianist Elvera Penner, all under the skilled direction of artistic director Paul Colthorpe.

The Choir starts rehearsals on Tuesday 6th.

January for their Spring Concerts 2015, featuring choral music from J. S. Bach to Beethoven to Bernstein and beyond.

There is no guessing what work by Bernstein will be performed, but pretend you are in New York and once lived in Puerto Rico.

The highlight, though, of the two upcoming performances in April will be the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Sym-

Transit Info 250·339·5453 • www.bctransit.com

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 6, 2015

ECHO

etc.

EVERGREEN DANCE FRIDAY NIGHT The Evergreen Club Friday Night Dancing is presenting our favorite western band “CROSSTOWN EXPRESS” Friday night, Jan. 9.

Join us in the Rotary Hall at the Filberg Centre.

Great dancing music, sorry no bar service but of course our usual coffee, cookie break at 9 pm.

The fun starts at 7:30 pm till 10:30 pm. Non-members are welcome.

FIDDLER, CELLIST IN CONCERT What better way to march into the new year than with a rousing fiddle and cello concert with two of the world’s top celtic/ world music entertainers. On Friday, January 9th, sizzling Scottish fiddler, Alasdair Fraser, and explosive American cellist, Natalie Haas, will be in concert at the Big Yellow Merville Hall.

The pair are on tour throughout the North American west coast and, lucky for us, the Big Yellow Merville Hall is one of their venues.

The Friday concert starts at 7:30 and doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $18 adult/$10 youth and will be on sale at The Music Plant in Campbell River, Blue Heron Books in Comox and Long & McQuade in Courtenay. At the door, $20 adult/$12 youth. Call 339-4249 for more details.

CLIMATE CHANGE COURSE JAN. 8 Comox United Church and the Comox Valley Unitarian Fellowship are sponsoring a six session course on The Climate Change Era. The Fourth session, entitled CLIMATE CHANGE, EARTH LAW AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE will take placed on Thursday, January 8, 2015 from 7-9 p.m. in the main hall of Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive in Comox. Cost by donation.

Long before there was human law there was Earth Law-and there still is. Earth Law has existed since time immemorial. It guides the development of nature, sustains its eco-systems and ensures their survival. Human law should flow from Earth law but that is not happening. We’ve turned things on their head. Our human laws are now invading and controlling Earth Law. One of the most severe results is carbon induced climate change.

This workshop will discuss both the limits of human laws and the

benefits of Earth Law. The session will be led by Mike Bell. For further information contact Mike at 250-890-3671 or mikefbell@shaw.ca

TRANSITION TOWN MEETING JAN. 8 Transition Town Comox Valley is kicking off 2015 to a running good start. Thursday, January 8, 7--9pm at the House of Now ( 536-A 5th St. Courtenay) groups and individuals are warmly invited to share action strategies for revitalizing the Comox Valley Sustainability Strategy as the most accessible and doable path to creating a sustainable Comox Valley.

2015 is the 5th anniversary of creating the Comox Valley Sustainability Strategy (CVSS)-- a visionary document that clearly identifies what a Sustainable Comox Valley would look like and describes the actions needed to achieve it.

Everyone attending will be invited to share their view on how our valley can move toward a more sustainable Comox Valley and especially how CVSS can be used as guide and reference for individual actions and collective strategizing.

FMI: Contact: Norm at nreynolds@shaw.ca; 250-3380155

CVCAC OFFERING ART WORKSHOPS The CV Community Arts Council and Alice Grange team up to help you open up blocked ideas, inspirations and motivations... and start 2015 on a fresh foot.

Are you a creative person who is feeling blocked in any way? Do you frequently hear the voices of family members, teachers, or friends who have belittled your artistic efforts in the past?

We have a workshop designed expressly for you.

Unlocking Your Creativity!

With Alice Grange, The Tapping Detective. Two different dates & times to choose from: Tuesday evening, Jan 6, in Downtown Courtenay at the Centre for the Arts (above CVAG), and Saturday afternoon, Jan 17, in Cumberland at the Abbey Studio.

Full details at www. comoxvalleyarts.com/creativityworkshop Learn more about EFT and Alice Grange, the EFT Tapping Detective, at www. tappingdetective.com, Registration for the workshops is now open www.comoxvalleyarts. com/creativity-workshop $50 for non-members, $30 for members of the CV Community Arts Council.

If you are not a member yet, you can get your annual membership online athttp:// www.comoxvalleyarts.com/ membership

GEORGIA STRAIGHT JAZZ SOCIETY

A farewell show Thursday night for young musician John Lee Welcome to a new year featuring fine live jazz music every Thursday evening at the newly renovated Avalanche Bar and Grill.

Not resting on our laurels following the memorable sold-out Christmas concert by B3 Kings just before the break, 2015 kicks off with a special and sentimental performance at 7:30pm when The Andrew Janusson Quartet will be playing an exceptional farewell show for one of our fine young jazz musicians, John Lee, much respected by jazz society members for his exciting appearances in 2014.

After a brief stay at home in Nanaimo, John will be heading back to Boston, Massachusetts to Berklee College of Music to finish his Bachelor’s Degree in music.

The quartet will be playing a selection of classic jazz standards, and hard hitting bebop tunes with a special emphasis on the virtuosic music of Charlie Parker.

John Lee is perhaps one of Canada’s best young jazz musicians. The highly talented, multi-instru-

John Lee will be on the drum kit for this farewell performance mentalist has performed in major cities such as Toronto, New York City, Boston, Vancouver and Washington D.C. in many high profile venues and festivals.

He was awarded the Slaight Family Music Scholarship for Canadian high school students that gave him a full ride to the world famous, highly prestigious Berklee Col-

lege of music in Boston, Massachusetts. More recently he has blown away his Courtenay audiences as a stunning saxophonist and drummer. For this farewell performance John will be on the drum kit.

Admission is $10 for members and $12 for non-members.

If you like, plan on meeting friends for din-

ner prior to the show; there’s always a Thursday night a la carte three course supper special, including a vegetarian option.

For more information about the Georgia Straight Jazz Society and its forthcoming events, please visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com, look for us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Philosophers’ Café asks the question “Don’t people care about the future of our country?”

54-40 FRONTMAN PERFORMS Neil Osborne, lead singer and chief songwriter of 54-40, who achieved critical acclaim having released a dozen albums in more than three decades. Osborne has penned and sang such fabulous signature 54-40 songs as ‘I Go Blind, One Gun, Since When and Ocean Pearl which have crossed from the realm of rock to a broader base. Neil will be performing an intimate solo concert at Crown Isle Resort on January 22. Tickets at winterjam.ca

We say we are proud to live in a country like Canada. We seem to know democracy is to be treasured. Choosing our governing officials is a privilege not shared in much of the world.

And yet voters often decide not to take part in our Municipal, Provincial, and Federal elections.

Only 61 percent of Canadian voters cast a ballot in the 2011 federal election, in BC it was only 56 percent. In the Comox municipal election, nearly 60 percent of eligible voters didn’t bother. And it seems that the trend is toward even less voter participation. Why? What, if anything, should be done?

Come to the Philosophers’ Café as Tony Daigle leads a discussion on apathy in our democracy. Tell us if you think there is a problem, and if so what should we do about it.

Once a month a speaker will introduce a theme to

Tony Daigle will lead the discussion the Café, and then all who attend can join in respectful, non-partisan conversation, or just sit back and listen. You are welcome to propose topics and introduce them at future Cafés. Themes should be of broad interest and national significance, and have an element of controversy to them.

As with each Café, Tony Daigle will have just 10

minutes to introduce the topic, and then the floor is open for 50 minutes of moderated discussion.

When: Wednesday, January 7, 7:00-8:00PM Cost: Free Location: Comox Quality Foods Café (in the solarium) 2275 Guthrie Road, Comox, BC V9M 4G1 More Info: peter@peterschwarzhoff.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 6, 2015

13

BENEFIT CONCERT

Community raising funds to help with US treatment Search for the ‘All Comox Valley squash’ On January 8th at 7:00 PM the Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers will host their first meeting of the New Year.

In our ongoing quest to find varieties that can be considered to be “All Comox Valley Winners or outstanding performers year after year despite climate change and our multiple habitats, we will discuss all Comox Valley Squash winners and how to find possible winners in the seed catalogues.

The search for the “All Comox Valley” squash will be led by Royann Petrell (director).

She will point out the differences between the different species as well as describe basic seed saving tips. The seed catalogue discussion to be led by Sylvain Alie (Chair) will pertain to varieties and quality of service and product.

Your input on how those suppliers have served you are important to us. Bring us your stories as well as new and old catalogues to share with others.

The meeting will also have an overview of the Seedy Saturday volunteer requirements led by our Seedy Saturday Coordinator Sue Moen. Mark your calendar. March 7th is Seedy Saturday.

Our theme this year is “Preparing for Climate Change”.

As this is the first meeting of the year annual membership dues will be collected. The cost is $20 for singles and $30 for families.

Following the meeting there will be free delicious refreshments and opportunities to speak to experienced growers. The meeting is free for members and by donation for nonmembers.

Creekside Commons is at 2202 Lambert Street.

From Cumberland Road take Willemar to 20th St. Turn right, three blocks to Lambert Street on the left. There is limited parking at Creekside, so please park on Lambert.

Please bring slippers as shoes are not permitted inside to protect the floors.

For more information contact Sylvain Alie at 250-336-8632

Mom diagosed with aggressive brain tumour

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Just before New Year’s day, Sunday Dennis, a local business owner in Courtenay, was diagnosed with a very aggressive and lifethreatening brain tumor.

After undergoing tests at Victoria General Hospital, the neurosurgeon Dr. Even Frangou had indicated that Dennis, who owns Sock Soiree in Courtenay, possibly has high grade Glioma, a fast growing and aggressive form of brain cancer also known as Glioblastoma.

Treatment for this type of cancer in Canada is limited. It can be removed and dealt with radiation and high levels of chemo, but it’s not a cure, according to Dennis’ husband, Jason McMahon.

However, a friend of the family, who does brain tumour research and advancements of curing these types of cancers, recommended that Dennis can seek treatment in the United States by taking part in a clinical cancer treatment study that’s being conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles. McMahon said it

offers her the best hope for a positive outcome.

The UCLA study is led by world renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Linda Liau.

The study is on Dendritic Cell Vaccine. It involves taking some of Dennis’ blood and training its dendritic cells to destroy tumours.

The withdrawn blood, after it’s been reformed, is then re-injected back into Dennis’ system and hopefully eliminates all Glioblastoma cells.

But for Sunday to qualify for the study, the protocol requires the tumour be removed by Dr. Liau at the UCLA Medical Center. The cost is going to be significant for the family because they have to pay part of this operation themselves. Following that, every other procedure will be covered by the clinical study.

An online fundraising effort was quickly organized on Jan. 2 and in a couple of days, over $100,000 has been raised. But the goal is to raise around $300,000 by the end of this week in order to get Dennis the treatment she needs.

There is an urgency because of the aggressiveness of the tumour and risk of it spreading throughout Dennis’ brain. The amount, McMahon said, will cover most of the cost.

“If you have money or anyone that you know has money I am asking for substantial donations to be made for Sunday’s care,”

Sunday Dennis.She owns a downtown business, said McMahon.

“This is my wife’s life and the momma of our three children, so I am not afraid to ask. Please help us in any way that you can.

“Know that any contributions made will help save Sunday’s life and contribute to saving hundreds more, as it will help in the advancement of this kind of groundbreaking technology, Dendritic Cell Vaccine.”

A fundraiser “Bright Light for Sunday” has been organized at the Waverley Hotel in Cumberland this coming Saturday starting

at 7 p.m.

The artists performing that night include Juno award-winner Helen Austin, The Moon Band, Joshua David a.k.a. Klame, Pamela Tessmann, Joanna Finch, Marc Atkinson, Casey Ryder, Corwin Fox, Kevin Jay Flesher, The Cumberland Brothers and The Willowwishes from Quadra Island.

Anyone wishing to donate and help Dennis can go online at http://www. youcaring.com/medicalfundraiser/hope-for-sund ay - d e n n i s /2 8 6 0 76 # .

VKrMBZ7Fsaz.facebook

Rob Everson re-elected chief of K’ómoks Overwhelming support from voters of local First Nation band

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

K’ómoks First Nation members gave Rob Everson another term in the chief’s chair and a huge vote of confidence with sizeable win over the lone contender, former councillor Stewart Hardy, during the band election Jan. 5.

Out of 128 ballots cast Everson wound up with 89 to Hardy’s 39 (two ballots were rejected).

The reelection will allow Everson to continue his vision of KFN as an economic powerhouse in control of its own

affairs.

The band has pursued an agenda of stability and development over the last term, developing partnerships with government agencies and businesses across a wide variety of sectors and planning an expansion into the lucrative world of geoduck, sea urchin, sea cucumber and horse clam cultivation.

With 74 votes Joshua Frank secured the second-most support in the councillor election.

He joins incumbents Melissa Quocksister (with 81 votes) and Barbara Mitchell (with 68 votes).

The election displaces councillor Ken Price who got 62 votes. Katherine Frank got 54 votes, while Bernadette Savoie got 36. In total 129 ballots were cast (one was rejected).

K’ómoks First Nation is a community of around 200, which grew 62.5 per cent from 1996 to 2006. Around 40 per cent of the community was under 30 years of age at the time of the 2006 census.

K’ómoks First Nation is in the process of following in the footsteps of First Nations like the Nishga, Maa’nulth and Tsawwassen, which have all developed modern treaties with

the federal government. KFN is entering the final stages of negotiation and as of February 2014 expected to either obtain more than 2,500 additional hectares of land through the treaty or other acquisition methods such as purchasing property outright.

Everson, Quocksister and Mitchell were all part of the Comprehensive Community Plan process that highlights the unique opportunities for the band due to the Comox Valley setting and illustrates the course of community development from 2014 to 2024.

The Comox Valley Regional

District was scheduled to discuss a Community to Community forum with KFN, during its Committee of the Whole meeting Jan. 5. CVRD staff recommended regional district directors vote to set $5,000 aside for the event.

Back in 2010 the regional district signed a protocol agreement for communication and cooperation with KFN. After some other British Columbia First Nations completed their treaty process with the federal government the communities have chosen to become part of the regional government in the area.

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