Comox Valley Echo - March 10, 2015

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • Tuesday, March 10, 2015

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ECHO

NEWS Comox Valley Weather

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Tuesday Mainly cloudy. 30% chance of drizzle in the morning.

High 12°C.

Wednesday Periods of rain.

Low 7°C. High 11°C.

Thursday Cloudy.

Low 8°C. High 12°C.

Friday A mix of sun and cloud.

Low 7°C. High 13°C.

Saturday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 8°C. High 13°C.

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

Mayor Larry Jangula presents commendations to Courtenay firefighters and Comox Valley RCMP officers for the dramatic rescue of Baby Grant Weaver from the Puntledge River on Jan. 30th. (From left to right) Deputy Fire Chief Kurt MacDonald, firefighter Chris Mur-

Two Courtenay firefighters and two Comox Valley RCMP officers were recognized for their

acts of bravery in rescuing a seven-month-old baby from the Puntledge River on January 30.

Firefighters Margaret Hamilton and Chris Murdock, and constables

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dock, Cst. Mike Wheeler, Jangula, Cst. Steve Trevor, firefighter Margaret Hamilton, and RCMP Officer in Charge, Inspector Tim Walton.

Firefighters, police officers honoured by Courtenay mayor for saving baby Grant

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff

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Steve Trevor and Mike Wheeler were presented commendations for their heroic deeds by Mayor Larry Jangula in Monday night’s regular council meeting.

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freezing and fast-moving river for a baby and his mother, who were reported by passers-by after seeing them floating in the water.

The four individuals honoured were credited for locating baby Grant Weaver, pulling him out of the water and administering CPR that saved the young toddler, who is now on the road to recovery at Victoria’s Queen Alexandra pavilion. The mother, Veronika Weaver, 26, was located an hour later and rescued. But she did not survive.

“This reward is significant and special because in the face of extremely hazardous and difficult situations, two firemen and two policemen, placed their lives in jeopardy, they wandered into very dangerous, swift-moving, deep water to eventually rescue a child,” said Jangula.

(Continued on page 5)

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Jangula said the dramatic rescue event was an extremely difficult day for all the first responders from all agencies as they went to desperately search with the utmost urgency the

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HEALTH

Pharmacist wants e-cigs use restricted Local vapour shop owner says devices do not emit smoke, only vapourized fluid BYMICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff A local pharmacist wants the Town of Comox to introduce a bylaw that restricts the use and sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

Laurel Sanders, pharmacy manager at Comox Rexall, wrote to town council about this issue. She indicated she was inspired by a BC Lung Association news release supporting a proposed Vancouver bylaw to ban the selling of these battery operated devices and also limiting their use to the same places cigarettes can be used.

Sanders recommended Comox council to introduce a similar bylaw because she sees a growing trend that is negatively influencing young people.

“My concern is that the purchase of electronic cigarettes has become fashionable by minors, who buy these products and join their friends in the school smoke pits,” Sanders stated in her letter. “I have seen young teenage boys clustered around the displays of electronic cigarettes in the Rexall at Comox Mall. I have heard about the smoke pits from friends with children of this age group.”

According to the BC Lung Association sales of e-cigarettes have risen tenfold to be a $3 billion worldwide industry. This is in part thanks to aggressive marketing efforts, including celebrity endorsements

E-smoking supplies with cartridges to put in the device and TV advertising, which have been banned for traditional cigarettes for over 50 years.

The association sees the visible use of any inhalation device as a way of re-normalizing a highly addictive and harmful substance.

“E-cigarette manufacturers are making the act of smoking acceptable all over again,” said Veda Peters, the association’s education coordinator. “Limiting tobacco use from public view is one of the major reasons that BC has been able to achieve the lowest smoking rate in Canada – at just 14 percent. E-cigarettes threaten to under-

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mine all of that work.”

Sanders said common sense would dictate that no one would sell a minor these products but unfortunately it’s not always the case.

“Common sense does not always follow legislation and so selling these products to minors is legal,” said Sanders. “It is then up to the retailer to choose and unfortunately, it seems they are going for the sale rather than taking a moral stand.”

Mayor Paul Ives said this is a provincially regulated issue and beyond the scope of council’s jurisdiction.

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The provincial government has just introduced legislation to limit the use of e-cigarettes to designated smoking areas only as well as prohibit the sale of these products to minors.

Health authorities in Vancouver Island and in the Mainland applauded the news.

Dr. Charmaine Enns, medical health officer for Island Health, north Island region, is pleased the government is introducing this legislation in spring.

“There is increasing evidence that e-cigs are being taken up by youths that have never smoked before,” said Enns. “It might be

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My concern is that the purchase of electronic cigarettes has become fashionable by minors, who buy these products and join their friends in the school smoke pits.”

LAUREL SANDERS Pharmacy manager

There is increasing evidence that e-cigs are being taken up by youths that have never smoked before. It might be true in the adult population that e-cigs are being used to reduce or stop cigarette smoking but that’s not necessarily the case for youth.”

DR. CHARMAINE ENNS Medical Health Officer

If e-cigarettes are categorized as tobacco products, Capone said it would adversely affect their business as they won’t be able to display their products and would not be able to advertise them.

“It’s not really fair for us,” said Capone.

Capone said their shop strictly enforces a policy not to sell to minors and do not encourage people to smoke inside malls and buildings.

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true in the adult population that e-cigs are being used to reduce or stop cigarette smoking but that’s not necessarily the case for youth.

So this is good news.”

Under the new legislation, e-cigarettes cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 19, or be used in workplaces, indoor spaces or on school grounds — essentially regulating them like regular cigarettes.

One of the owners of Simatech Vapour Shop in downtown Courtenay agrees with the provincial legislation but opposed the classification of e-cigarettes as a tobacco product.

“They are not tobacco products,” said Renato Capone. “They’re their own products. It’s way different than tobacco. There’s no tobacco in e-cigarettes.”

Capone said it’s not smoking because it doesn’t burn tobacco. The e-cigarettes, which contain juice products that are vapourized, do not emit harmful smoke associated with traditional cigarettes and cigars.

“It’s not smoke that it produces, it’s vapours,” said Capone. “It’s an illusion that people are smoking but they’re not. It’s like steam coming out of your coffee. It’s not smoke, it’s water vapour.”

That means a person using an e-cigarette inhales a vapour mist, which users call “vaping” rather than smoking.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

HEALTH

Mother orchestrates film project to shed light on rare growth disorder

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff A Comox mother of a daughter with a rare growth disorder is taking her trials and turning them into a beacon of light for others facing a similar rocky path, whether they know it or not. Melanie Varney, 27, is on a quest to relieve sorrow and confusion for parents of children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), and has organized a film project she hopes will be an important first step.

“I never want people to feel the way that I felt when I found out,” she said, noting the overgrowth syndrome is so rare she was disbelieved by doctors at every turn. “How could I not do something? There’s kids that are dying because they’re not being screened properly.”

Varney met her husband Gabby Mason, 30, in Australia five years ago. She stayed abroad and together they’ve been running a surf shop in Cairns, while raising their son Joey, who turns two March 11.

On March 10 last year Varney had fraternal twins, Ocea and Indigo.

Right away she started to notice something was up with Ocea.

“Why can’t she latch?”

she wondered, attempting unsuccessfully to breastfeed. “I know what I’m doing. I know how to feed.”

The infant also had really low blood sugar, but signs weren’t pointing to diabetes.

So began a painfully frustrating odyssey as the couple searched for answers, while trying to get medical staff to believe them.

“All the nurses and doctors were going, ‘It’s cute.

Her tongue’s always out,’” she said, noting the doctors didn’t seem too concerned her daughter had a particularly lengthy one.

“No one would be saying it was cute if it was a liver that was enlarged.”

Visits to five different general practitioners and two pediatricians proved fruitless. Meanwhile Ocea’s condition seemed to be getting worse.

“She was so miserable because she wasn’t getting enough food,” she said.

“She definitely looked different from my other kids at that stage.”

It was the dark “stork mark” on Ocea’s forehead and on the back of her head that tipped Varney off. She came across BWS through a Google search and knew she would have to fight for the diagnosis.

“I didn’t even know how

Melanie Varney with her one-year-old fraternal twins Ocea, left, and Indigo

I never want people to feel the way that I felt when I found out.

There’s kids that are dying because they’re not being screened properly” MELANIE VARNEY Mom of BWS baby

to pronounce it or anything,” she said of the genetic spectrum syndrome.

“Right away I could tell, Yep this is it.”

One doctor even told her, “I think you’re ‘chasing a fantasy,’” she remembers.

“That doesn’t make sense why your fantasy would be having a syndrome.”

Eventually she forked out the money for a flight to Brisbane to meet with a geneticist who confirmed Ocea did, in fact, have BWS. Since then their family’s world has changed

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dramatically. Because kids with BWS, an overgrowth of cells, are hundreds of times more likely to develop childhood cancer, they need to be screened every six weeks as well as having blood work and ultrasounds done every three months (at least until they’re eight years old).

“So far everything ’s been trending the way it’s supposed to,” she said. “It’s kind of a scary syndrome.

You just have to hope for the best.”

By far the most difficult experience so far has been allowing her infant to go under the knife for a tongue reduction surgery.

“It was horrible,” she said. “It was the worst few weeks of my life.”

While they had already faced close calls where Ocea started choking because of her oversized tongue, it wasn’t an easy call to make.

“It wasn’t as if we were removing a tumour or get-

ting a surgery that was medically necessary,” she said. “It was something that would aid in her comfort and be aesthetically better for her.”

Watch Varney play with the twins - even feeding an eager Ocea crackers - and the results of the operation speak for themselves.

And while screenings are ongoing, Varney has turned her attention to the broader cause of raising awareness about BWS. On March 14 she’ll be holding a gathering for family, friends and supporters from 12-3 p.m. at the new K’ómoks First Nation administration building.

But she’s not just going to be handing out pamphlets.

Varney has recruited two Highland Secondary School grads based in Vancouver to capture the event and tell her story in hopes the film will inspire and educate families who have a

child with BVS. Matt Collings and John Hilhorst, co-owners of Capture the Moment Media, are thrilled at the chance to attend the event and cook up a powerful documentary in the process.

“What she’s trying to do with this event is to start the conversation,” Collings said. “It’s going to be really cool to come back home and tell a story about something that can make a difference.”

Collings says Varney’s passion for creating change beyond her own family’s situation was evident from the very first email.

“She’s really outgoing and positive and she’s got a lot of energy,” he said, explaining that while Varney will make a good subject, they have their eyes set on a higher goal. “It’s not really about her. It’s about how we can help other people.

Using her story as an example is a great way to do it.”

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

5

Safety and understanding highlighted at Queneesh event Elementary student gives peers a glimpse into life without a limb

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff The lunchtime War Amps Child Amputee Program (CHAMP) presentation at Queneesh Elementary School Feb. 27 had all the hallmarks of an engaging high school assembly. There was the video with the computer-animated robot, an important message for children about being aware of safety hazards and eye catching visual aids.

What captivated the primarily Grades K-4 students the most was the in-person stories shared

by North Island College student Julian Telfer Wan, 19, and fellow Queneesh student Elijah Sulz.

Julian is missing his left hand and part of his left arm, and Elijah, in Grade 5, is missing his right foot and part of his right leg.

They were born this way.

That seemed to make the message about some

Elijah Sulz, 10, and Julian Wan, 19, talked about what it’s like to wear a prosthetic during a presentation at Queneesh Elementary Feb. 27.

Mayor honours police, firefighters (Continued from page 2) The commendation awarded by the mayor is a rare honour.

“This is the first one I have ever done,” said Jangula.

The recipients of the prestigious city award all felt humbled but indicated “overall” it was a team effort. They recognized that the RCMP, BC Ambulance, Courtenay Fire Department and the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue all worked well together.

“I am just happy like everyone else that we were able to do our part,” said Cst. Trevor.

Cst. Wheeler said it’s an honour to receive an award but “in the face of a tragic situation, our thoughts remain with the families right now. Thank

God, baby Grant is still alive and we are hoping for the best.”

Murdock said he won’t easily forget that day. He wasn’t thinking about anything except locating the baby and the mother.

“It was a difficult day, it was a difficult week afterwards but I was happy to be there in the right place in the right time to play my part,” said Murdock.

Just knowing that they’ve saved the life of a young child gives them a sense of joy and relief despite the sadness of not being able to revive the mother.

“We weren’t sure if he was going to make it or not,” said Murdock. “There was a lot of mixed-feelings in the week following but now that we know he’s going to be okay, it definitely is a good feeling.”

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very scary and very real dangers in the environment that could cause the loss of a limb to go down a bit easier for the children.

These students were on the edge of their seats listening to Julian and Elijah’s stories of overcoming obstacles.

They even got to pass around a variety of prosthetics.

One student was even called up to throw a basketball back and forth with Julian, after he put on a special scooped hand.

What was it like for Elijah to present in front of his peers, just days in front of his 11th birthday?

“Nervous, freaky, fun and it was awesome,” he said, admitting it was “a little scary.”

That’s no big surprise considering he knew a lot of the kids sitting on the bleachers.

Some Grade 6 and 7 students even showed

up specifically to see him speak.

Elijah said he’s glad to “spread the word about CHAMP and the War Amps,” adding he wants to make sure all the kids in his school are aware of health hazards in their environment.

“Don’t run after your ball if it goes on the street,” he said. “Look both directions and then go.”

His mom Caterina Alberti, 38, was in attendance and was quite proud of how her little guy did.

“I was interested in how impressed the kids seemed,” she said. “I think it means a lot to him.”

Her son fields the same questions about his injury time and time again, so it was nice to address the obvious ones in front of everyone during the assembly, she noted.

Plus she was touched when she noticed a

number of the kids tucking their arms into their sleeves as a way to imagine what life might be like without a limb.

Dan Costain, principal, said disability is an important topic to address as part of building a culture of acceptance.

“When I went to school it was gross what we did or what we said,” he remembers. “We had no sensitivity back in the day.”

Costain said the safety presentation was more about promoting abilities instead of focusing on disabilities.

“We’re all in the same boat together,” he said.

“We’re all human beings.”

Plus he was excited to see Elijah overcome his shyness to talk to his peers.

“You could tell he was a little bit nervous,” he said, noting he quickly overcame those jitters. “I was surprised he took his prosthetic off.”

CV Emergency Program needs to upgrade communication system

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Comox Valley Emergency Program has been having challenges regarding its current radio communication system.

Scott Goodman, CVEP emergency communication coordinator, and Randy Zaleschuk, Technology Manager NI 911 Corp, relayed the need for a tower, radios and proper filtration to the Comox Valley emergency program administration committee last month.

The cost to improve its communication system is estimated to be around $42,000. The committee recommended that it be included in the Comox Valley Regional District’s financial plans for 2015 to

2019.

The committee stressed the critical importance of reliable communications for the emergency operations centre during an emergency. They are recommending to the CVRD board that the CVEP budget be amended to include a transfer from reserves of $35,000 to be added to the $7,000 currently in the district’s financial plan for the tower for a total of $42,000.

A special report will be presented to the CVRD committee of the whole tonight. The following equipment that is going to be purchase include: • 2 Commercial-grade VHF Base Antennas $ 2,000 • 5 Commercial-grade VHF Base Radios $11,000

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• 1 60 foot free-standing Tower $ 7,000 • 1 Multicoupler Antenna Filter System $20,000 • 200’ LMR-600 Coax Antenna Cable $ 600 • 1 Battery Charger (55 Amps w/smart charge) $ 400 • 2 100 Amp Hour 12 volt DC Batteries $ 600 • 1 Equipment Rack (existing) • 1 Miscellaneous Hardware & Connectors $ 400 The committee requested Zaleschuk also work with fire departments and municipal public works department to consider how these systems will function with the emergency operations centre communication upgrades in the event of an emergency.

Zaleschuk will provide a

report back to the CVEP administration committee with any recommendations relating to upgrades required for each municipality. Each CAO will advise their public works department that they will be contacted.

CORRECTIONS A story about the Raven Coal Mine environmental application withdrawal in the March 6 edition of the Echo incorrectly spelled the first name of a Council of Canadians campaigner. His name is Harjap Grewal.

A caption included with the 60 Minutes Toastmasters meeting in the March 3 edition of the Echo should have stated Maggie Komar, not Marla Limousin, led the Table Topics section. We regret the error.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10 2015

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Let nature use fish in best way March heralds the annual herring spawning season, one of nature’s major phenomena.

Unfortunately, for me it is a sad time of remembering the way it used to be prior to DFO sanctioning the herring roe fishery back in 1972.

Fisheries maintains that the roe fishery does not affect the herring stocks but I beg to differ.

During my lifetime in the Valley I have observed a marked decline in fishing, some of which, I feel, is a direct result of this commercial fishery.

Shortly after it began in the early 70’s, herring, which used to be abundant in Comox Bay during the winter, disappeared and along with it the winter Chinook fishery off the dock in Comox and out in Comox Bay. A common practice in the 50’s and 60’s was to go down to the dock and fish among the boats for the winter springs that were attracted to the abundant herring schools.

Sadly this is no more.

Recently hitting the news is the 50% decline in the Seagull population over a period that mysteriously coincides with the herring roe fishery.

In addition the resident Orca population has shown a similar decline over this period.

There should be no suprise here as their diet consists solely of Chinook Salmon which in turn depend on herring for 62% of their diet.

The answer is simple.

Over fish the bottom of the food chain and you adversely affect all that lives above.

The specialized market for herring roe in Japan is drying up for obvious demographic reasons..... the younger generation have different tastes from their parents. Yet the roe fishery continues.

In my opinion fishing these integral fish for roe and fish meal is a gross waste and is affecting each and every one of us in a negative way.

Let’s let nature use these fish in the most efficient way possible, providing the vital link between their food, plankton, and the many species depending on them further up the chain.

We would all be better off using our fishing resources further up the food chain where collateral damage is less likely to occur.

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.

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Bill Morrison Comox

QUESTIONS FOR TIMBERWEST Unfortunately I was unable to attend the “ReThink Our Watershed,” forum hosted by the Comox Valley Conservation Strategy group up at the Stan Hagen Theatre on 24th February; especially since I had a couple of questions that I was hoping that representatives from TimberWest might have been able to answer for us.

So perhaps if I raise them now, the company could kindly respond via this paper, and address some of the concerns we here in the local community have had for some time?

1. Word coming off the local claim (Oyster River Division) in past few years has it the minimal, “sustainable” timber stands that TimberWest plans to harvest in the future, will be only be some 40 years old, or is it, gad sakes, even 30 year old trees that will be comin’ down as some are saying??

(For those who may be unaware of it, our Ministry of Forests... indeed confirms that, “..the determination of minimum harvest age on

private-managed forest land - i.e. like the entire east coast of Vancouver Island south of Campbell River - is at the discretion of the owner.”)

2. Also, I’ve heard a rumour going around the Valley that TimberWest has now determined on its own that actually once some of their stands that have been logged off, that restocking (replanting) these new cut blocks is really not all that necessary after all.

So, I guess we are now to believe and accept that they will just reseed and regenerate themselves on their own? Well, that certainly will save on the overhead and make the corporate giant more attractive on the T.S.E.!

And, oh yeah, before I close off here, we never did hear back and get those figures we asked for a couple of years back: the annual harvest rate on the Oyster River Division that has gone down for each and every year for the past 15 on the Oyster River Division claim??

And preferably in a figure as it’s measured in cubic metres on Crown, (public) land claims.

Looking forward to hearing back, Rick James Sandwick

NOISE UNBEARABLE I live on Arden Road, two weeks ago we were informed by the developer that they were going to be clearing the forest beside us and behind us, before nesting season begins. We knew at some point this land would be developed, we did not know that we would be so assaulted.

I know the new bylaw allows the work to go on from 7am until 10pm, six days a week and 8am until 10pm on Sundays.

There is some motherhood and apple pie statement before the hours are listed, statements about quality of life but those parameters are hard to qualify. It seems that commerce triumphs a community and its citizens.

Our lives have been totally disrupted, we can not be outside, the fumes and the noise make that impossible. My low grade headache has been a constant companion.

I would challenge any one of you to come and spend eight hours in my yard.

I would like the bylaw to have an amendment, that either the city or the developer/contractor must notify the community in

a half kilometer radius of the work that is about to take place one month in advance, either by indivdual address mailouts or through an advertisement in the local papers.

I would also like to suggest that the council revisit the ability for this type of work to take place on a Sunday. Everyone deserves one day of the week where industrial type work can not be heard.

I have spent a day listening to a skidder, chain saw and an excavator, not very relaxing when I have work in the morning.

My quality of life has been greatly compromised, I dread coming home each day.

I, like most of the citizens in this community, failed to notice the change in the bylaw but I am feeling the effects of the change most deeply.

I cannot wait for construction to begin that should be a real blast, (sarcasm intended).

I would like to thank the two councillors who answered my email last Sunday, Rebecca Lennox and David Frisch, the rest of the council and mayor were silent and that speaks volumes.

Laurel Hodgins Courtenay

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

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The Comox Valley Chapter of Bicycles for Humanity is holding its second annual bicycle collection day on Saturday, March 14 from 9:30 am to 12 noon at Comox Moving and Storage located at 1734 Ryan Road in Comox. The organization is collecting up to 500 fat tire adult bikes in good working order, parts and accessories in support of the Karamoja Bicycle Initiative in north eastern Uganda. Efforts to date have yielded over 240 bikes that are packed up and ready for shipping.

Bicycles for Humanity is a grassroots movement that was founded in 2005 by Pat and Brenda Montani of Whistler, British Columbia.

Since its inception, B4H has grown to 50 chapters in 8 countries and has shipped over 100,000 bicycles to Africa. By recycling bicycles that may otherwise make their way to landfills, these gifts of mobility can empower change and economic improvement in rural African villages. Health care workers, who could perhaps see one patient while travelling on foot, can now see five or more patients. Women walking for several hours to collect water for their family can now make the trip in a fraction of the time. A bicycle can also empower students and business people in their daily lives.

Karamoja is located in

north eastern Uganda that borders Kenya in the east and Sudan in the north. It is a rugged, largely savannah area that is covered by grasses and thorned plants and is characterised by a harsh climate and low annual rainfall. Since giving up their arms after nearly 20 years of war, the Karamajong, the people of the region, have returned to their traditional life of farming and herding cattle and goats. The Karamoja Bicycle Intiative led by former professional cyclist, Paul Sherwen, is working with Bicycles for Humanity to improve the mobility of the Karamajong by delivering 25,000 bicycles to the region over five years.

Concurrent with the bicycle collection effort, B4H Comox Valley is also raising $15,000 to $20,000 in order to purchase a shipping container and pay for shipping to landlocked Uganda.

Once the container arrives at the nearest African port, organizations on the ground

take care of the logistics to move the container from the port to the Ugandan village.

One unique feature of the B4H program is that the shipping container is transformed into a Bicycle Empowerment Centre and becomes an integral part of the village. Doors and windows are cut-out of the steel container, a heat-resistant roof is installed on top and the shipping container becomes a community-based bicycle repair shop. Five to six jobs are created as locals are trained in bicycle repair.

B4H has formed upwards of 125 Bicycle Empowerment Centres in 10 African countries.

In addition to bikes and money, B4H Comox Valley is also looking for volunteers to help support this initiative to change lives in Uganda.

Further information is available at www.b4h-comoxvalley.org or on Facebook (Bicycles for Humanity - Comox Valley).

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

March is all about Oral Health!

Only a few weeks left to take advantage of our dental month.

Now Give us a call to learn more about ourOpen specials and to book your complimentary oral health exam Sundays! with one of our veterinarians today!

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EVERYTHING FOR EVERY PET

HOW TO BEAT YOUR FURRY COMPANION’S BAD BREATH! Bad breath is a common complaint amongst pet owners. So much so that we often assume our companion’s bad breath is normal. Bad breath is not normal. The most common cause of bad breath (halitosis) is periodontal disease caused by a plaque buildup in the mouth. Within days the plaque becomes mineralized producing calculus. As plaque ages and gingivitis develops into periodontitis, bacteria changes from irritating stains on the teeth to bone destroying types that produce hydrogen sulfide, causing halitosis.

Periodontal disease is painful! Some dogs or cats will have problems chewing hard food and may even start using just one side of their mouth to chew. They sometimes paw at their mouths or even rub their faces along the furniture or carpet. Unfortunately most will not show any signs at all.

Other causes of bad breath can range from eating malodorous food or

stool, metabolic disease such as diabetes, respiratory disease (rhinitis or sinusitis) to gastrointestinal complications from a foreign body, neoplasia or megaeshophagus. If you notice your pet suffers from bad breath the best place to start is with a visit to your veterinarian. A thorough oral health exam should be performed at least annually to help maintain good oral hygiene and assess your pets overall health. If the diagnosis is not obvious after an oral exam, blood tests may be recommended to check for internal diseases.

Treatment will depend on the cause.

Periodontal disease has four recognized stages. The first two (early gingivitis and advanced gingivitis) are treated by professional teeth cleaning. As the disease advances, bone loss occurs causing periodontitis which may require surgery or tooth extraction.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to kill the bacteria.

Once the underlining disease has been treated, halitosis will disappear. If due to periodontal disease, daily tooth brushing will help maintain good oral

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Here Kitty Kitty! Where are you?

I have a cat named “Professor” and she truly is one. She seems to be present in every family photo we have. Nothing passes her eye unnoticed . Like when rats move uninvited into our barn, she took to accounting principles lining them up in rows on our porch while announcing to us the catch of the day.

Then there was the time when a friends shih tzu, here for a visit one day, found himself in harms way of another visiting dog on the attack to which The Professor promptly intercepted and raked the perpetrator into submission while we watched mouths agape. Where did she come from? She’s everywhere we realize all the time and we wonder how. Some things are better left a mystery.

I wonder of a time without her. We thought it was near when said rats gave her a life threatening liver infection and left her with ongoing kidney disease. It took me some time to realize she was getting thin. She seemed herself. She hid it so well. And yet she’s here now typing this for me. I owe her so much.

I think I am not alone in this. Our cats are here to help us. They show us the way to lead lives of 95% leisure 5% industry, ever patient and present for events of significance, marking our milestones with a smile and a meow. I tip my hat to your “professors” and wish you as happy a relationship as I have with mine as it makes the world seems a little less big.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

9

EVERYTHING FOR EVERY PET

BENEFITS OF LIVE PLANTS IN A HOME AQUARIUM Many people are drawn to home aquariums because of the beauty and visual interest fish tanks can offer. In addition, fish are relatively lowmaintenance pets when compared to other companion animals, like dogs, cats and birds.

Data from the National Pet Owners Survey from the American Pet Product’s Association states more than 60 percent of American households have a pet.

Of these pet owners, there are roughly 170 million freshwater fish and 12 million saltwater fish swimming in hobbyists’ aquariums across the country.

The goal of some fish tank owners is to create a stunning display that’s a beautiful component of home décor. Others’ goals may be to establish an aquarium environment that is as close to nature as possible. In both instances, including live plants in the design of an aquarium can reap many benefits.

Featuring live plants can make the aquarium more attractive and healthier for the fish and other animals that call the tank home. For various reasons, many fish thrive in an aquarium that includes live plants.

• Aeration: Live plants produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and ammonia in the water that fish generate. Hobbyists may use a pump and air stone to push fresh oxygen into the water to keep fish alive.

However, in a planted aquarium, the live plants may be able to provide all the air that fish need to survive.

• Food source: Some aquarium plants can be colonized by microscopic food sources, such as protozoa and algae, upon which aquarium fish will feed. When consumed in conjunction with commercially produced fish food, the aquarium fish will be getting all the nutrients they need to thrive. In addition, some fish experts say that miniscule food sources are especially beneficial for baby fish, or fry, to feed on when newly born.

• Hiding places: In a natural environment, fish will use plants and other outcroppings as shelter.

According to the aquascaping news organization Aquatic Eden, fish that feel they do not have enough protection by way of places to hide can become stressed and more susceptible to disease. Live plants have soft leaves and stems and can be comfortable places to duck behind.

• Manage algae: Live plants can play an important role in managing algae growth. The plants will utilize nutrients in aquarium water that otherwise may encourage excessive algae growth. That leads to less

maintenance and fewer problems for the fish.

• Filtration: In utilizing nutrients in the water, live plants act as an additional filtration system. Plants will work in conjunction with a mechanical filter to keep water sparkling clean and healthy.

• Breeding ground: Fish may be more inclined to mate and breed in an environment with natural plants. Those hoping to propagate their fish can include some live plants into the tank landscape.

Remember to select true aquatic plant species that will be fast-growing and establish good roots in the tank. Certain water conditions, including the right temperature and adequate lighting, will be necessary to keep live plants flourishing.

Consult with an aquarium specialist about which plants will thrive in a tank and optimize water quality.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

James “Stocky” Edwards and retired major general Brian Vernon present Richard Hilton with the Congressional Gold Medal.

99-year-old member of First Special Forces Unit presented top US medal

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Head to the 19 Wing Fitness & Community Centre gym and you’ll see a banner with an elite soldier brandishing the latest in high-tech military hardware in dramatic lighting, an advertisement for Joint Task Force 2. Hit the video store and pick up a copy of Zero Dark Thirty for a visual account of the US Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 taking out Osama Bin Laden. Flip through the newspaper and read about Canadian special forces engaging in firefights with Islamic State terrorists in Iraq.

The legacy of the First Special Service Force - a joint Canadian and American contribution to World War II - has left its fingerprints on plenty of aspects of daily life today. On Sunday, March 9, at the Seniors Village retirement complex in Courtenay, Richard Hilton, a 99-yearold man with a wry sense of humour, received the Congressional Gold Medal for participating in that pioneering outfit.

This honour is the top award bestowed by the U.S. Congress.

“They did well by us,” said Canadian Forces retired major-general Brian Vernon, in a speech where he traced the evolution of these commando units.

“I think that the award is most appropriate.”

The allied forces faced a Nazi enemy that had steamrolled through Europe and built up a formidable military defence system. In 1942 Canadians and American men were recruited to form a unique band of fighters with ads that read ‘’Vigorous Training, Hazardous Duty: For Those Who Measure Up, Get into the War Quick.”

This lured lumberjacks, trappers, mountaineers and miners to the command of Col. Robert Frederick. They were known as the Devil’s Brigade.

The 2,800 who signed up were “somewhat irreverent about senior officers - the present company not excluded, I think,” Vernon said, adding they “did a superb job under very difficult circumstances.”

(Continued on page 11)

Richard Hilton with his U.S. Congressional Gold Medal

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

Local veteran receives highest US honour (Continued from page 10) After a planned mission in northern Norway was cancelled, they headed to the Aleutian Islands.

Finding Japan had already withdrawn its soldiers, they returned to Europe to play an important role in the retaking of Italy, and later, France.

Their story was turned into a Hollywood tale - in the form of a 1968 film directed by Andrew V. McLaglen for MGM. The official American ceremony took place Feb. 3 at Emancipation Hall in Washington, D.C. The bipartisan political outpouring of honour was full of prestige and emphatic language.

Nancy Pelosi, minority leader of the House of Representatives said the Devil’s Brigade had done no less than help “to free the world of tyranny” through their actions.

“They trained for stealth combat and arctic conditions,” she said.

“Together they sacrificed personal safety to save the world.”

Mitch McConnell, the

Majority Leader of the Senate, said the story of the first special forces unit proves sometimes truth is more impressive than fiction.

“They advanced on skis and through the air,” he said. “They survived on stealth and trained in demolition.”

Republican John Boehner even teared up while he spoke.

On the Canadian side of the border, top officials made sure to give credit where credit is due.

Defence minister Jason Kenney even paid a personal visit to Hilton’s residence at Casa Loma to congratulate him on the award.

During the local March 9 ceremony, 19 Wing base commander Col. Tom Dunne shook Hilton’s hand with a smile after giving his remarks.

Alongside Vernon, decorated WWII flying ace James “Stocky” Edwards, who participated in the Italy campaign from above, presented Hilton with the shiny gold medal, as cadets stood behind holding flags.

11

‘Chalk Talk’ sensory room a first here Valley View Elementary School is the first to have a Sensory Room for children with special needs.

Todd & Kirsten Jenkins were instrumental in obtaining a grant for the equipment used in the room, named Chalk Talk Sensory Room.

Their daughter Emily has Downs Syndrome and needed a place during school hours that did not disrupt other children.

Working with Principal Erica Black and Vice-Principal Catherine Manson through School District 71 Esther Shatz, Director of Student Services and Allan Douglas Director of Elementary Instruction they were able to use a Portable on site at Valley View.

School District 71 has been instrumental in pulling together much needed tables, window covering and mats for the floors, but more items are still required to finish off the room Grant funding was obtained through the Ricky Ryp Foundation. Rick Rypien was the modern day hockey David in a battle versus Goliath.

While small in stature, Rick’s passion and work

Front row left to right VP Catherine Manson, Kirsten Todd, Courtenay Councillor David Frisch, Principal Erica Black & Todd Jenkins. Photo by Kim Sleno Photography ethic helped him conquer obstacles that arose along the way.

Being undrafted to both Junior and the professional level was not the only challenge Rick overcame.

Rick battled depression during his rise through the hockey ranks but his personal struggles did not stop him from dedicating himself to help others.

Not only did Rick give back to the community he grew up in but he was

involved in many charities in the towns and cities his career took him to.

Aside from his monetary contributions and gift of time, Rick also added to his community simply through his example of hard work and tenacity.

He was someone you could relate to and cheer for, always striving to over achieve.

Within his hometown of the Crowsnest Pass specifically, he has inspired a

generation of youth who seek to follow in his footsteps, both as an athlete and community leader.

The Chalk Talk Sensory Room will be available for all children with special needs in the Comox Valley. * For more information or if you have items that might be useful please telephone Erica Black at Valley View Elementary 250 897 0343.

Pacific Rim Whale Festival March 14-22, 2015

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• Parade of Wonders • Chowder Chow Down • Sea-Change Panel • Dark Sea Spectacle• Maritime Kid’s Days • The KERPLUNKS • Barnacle Blues

www.pacificrimwhalefestival.com Thank you to our major sponsors

12

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

Spring Registration Make the gym work for you from the get-go Many people aspire to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, which medical professionals have long advised is an essential element of a healthy life. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week and some muscle-strengthening activities that focus on all the major muscle groups on two or more days per week.

While adhering to such an exercise regimen might not appear that difficult on the surface, many men and women know just how difficult it can be to make the transition from a relatively inactive lifestyle to one in which exercise is a significant part of the daily routine. Much of that difficulty stems from the intimidation many people feel when visiting a gym. Walking into a gym for the first time can be similar to the first day of school, when a lack of familiarity with one’s surroundings inspired fear and anxiety.

But there are ways individuals can make their first forays into the fitness club a success right from the start.

• Familiarize yourself with the layout prior to your first workout.

It’s easy to feel like an outsider when visiting a gym for the first time. Your fellow members already know their way around, and you might be hesitant to ask any of them for advice as to where certain equipment might be. To avoid a wasted workout opportunity spent wandering around the gym, ask a gym representative to show you around once you’re ready to

start exercising. Such a tour was likely provided when you signed up for the gym, but the layout is easily forgotten between that visit and your first workout. Allow a trainer or another gym employee to show you the ropes right before your first workout so you don’t feel as though you’re lost in a vast sea of dumbbells and treadmills.

• Accept the gym’s offer of a free training session. Many fitness clubs offer a free consultation with a personal trainer to new members. Accept this offer regardless of your fitness level or familiarity with the facility. The trainer can help you find your way around and tailor your workout to meet your goals. You may even find working with a personal trainer is something you want to do, and this can prove a great introduction to a service that many men and women find valuable and motivational.

• Don’t worry about what your fellow members are doing and thinking. One of the biggest mistakes you can make at the onset of a new fitness regimen is paying too much attention to what your fellow members are doing.

Just because someone working out next to you can bench press a few hundred pounds does not mean you should attempt to follow suit. It’s easy to feel as though your fellow gym members are watching you workout and judging your performance, but oftentimes nothing could be further from the truth. They’re likely too locked in on their own workout to notice what you’re doing, so don’t feel embarrassed if you feel like you’re not lifting enough weight or going easy on yourself on the treadmill.

The more you workout, the more

comfortable you’ll become and your performance will reflect that comfort level. What’s more, the more comfortable you become the less attention you will pay to your fellow members.

• Find a time that works for you. When beginning a new workout routine, it helps to visit the gym at different times to find the time that best fits your schedule and makes you feel most comfortable. Beginners often prefer to avoid peak hours when fitness clubs tend to be most crowded.

Many clubs are most busy during the post-work hours of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During these hours, beginners may feel intimidated by other members who appear to be in tiptop shape or frustrated when having to share machines with other members. But some beginners might be motivated by a packed gym. To find the time that’s right for you and your schedule, visit the gym at various times of day over the first couple of weeks of your membership. Once you find a time that fits, commit to visiting the gym at that time several days per week. Establishing a routine is essential to making your exercise regimen a success.

• Go with a friend. Enlisting a friend to workout with you on the buddy system is a great way to stay committed to a workout routine. A friend who works out with you can motivate you to go on those days when you really don’t want to, which is a significant hurdle to clear for beginners and veterans alike. When choosing a workout partner, make it known to each other that you both expect to be held accountable to your joint commitment.

Beginning a new workout regimen can be exciting and intimidating. But beginners can employ several strategies to ensure their new lifestyle is a hit right off the bat.

CINDY FORT is now sharing her inward, meditative style of yoga at

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. Spring Session - 10 Weeks . April 13th - June 24th . Mon & Wed. . 9:15 - 10:30 am Hatha ( mixed levels ) . 11 am - noon Gentle Yoga To register, please email cindyfortyoga@gmail.com or call 250-897-8365

s e l u d e h c S g n Spri Swimming Aquafit Skating Swim & Skate Lessons Shinny Hockey Roller Hockey Leadership Courses Yoga

Watch for our special spring break schedules in effect March 30 - April 12

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

13

Spring Registration Fun & Fitness for Everyone!

Register Now for Minor Baseball and Softball Register online at

www.cvba.ca

Register now for Spring Programs!

Divisions: Blast Ball 2011 - 2010 T-ball 2009 - 2008 Rookie 2007 - 2006 Mosquito 2005 - 2004 Peewee 2003 - 2002 Bantam 2001 - 2000 Midget 1999, 1998 or 1997

Girls U12-U19 Softball

Spring Football April 14th til June 21st

For more information about our program visit www.cvba.ca

Want to learn how to quilt?

Expand your quilting skills?

Practices Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays at Woodcote Park Courtenay – Ages 8-10 Boys & Girls $100 Ages 11-13 Boys & Girls $100 Kids receive pictures and a Father’s Day fun game and BBQ

Quilting Classes Books & Pa erns Demos • Notions • Fabrics Call or email to receive our Class Schedule

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

‘When I’m 64’ fund-raising show tickets on sale now When I’m 64 by Comox writer Steve Hill comes home to the Sid! Mayors Larry Jangula, Paul Ives and Don McRae MLA lend support to the L’Arche I Belong! fundraiser produced by Comox Valley Women’s Business Network. Steve Hill’s ‘ode to older women’ about six Comox Valley women in transition received accolades and sold out audiences in Victoria. Tickets for the March 28 fundraisers at 2PM & 7:30PM are available on-line or Sid Williams Box Office.

Photo by: Terry Penney

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

A public speaking challenge

Ivan E. Coyote reads March 12 as part of NIC’s Write Here Readers Series. Robin Toma Photography.

Ivan E. Coyote reading at NIC Thursday Join NIC for an evening 7 pm, Thursday, March 12 with Ivan E. Coyote, an award-winning author and musician who pushes boundaries and blurs gender lines through persuasive voice, flawless pacing, and an impeccable sense of story.The event is in the Tyee Hall Student Lounge.

Born and raised in Whitehorse, in the Yukon, Coyote is the award-winning author of eight short story collections, one novel, the creator of four short films, and three CDs that combine storytelling with music.

The seasoned stage performer’s first love is live storytelling. Coyote’s stories have become an audience favourite at international writer’s, film, poetry, and folk music festivals from Anchorage to Amsterdam.

As one of Canada’s only transgender household names, Coyote’s work has long provided a space for discussion surrounding all things gender-related.

Coyote’s writing often grapples with the complex and intensely personal issues of gender identity, family, class, social justice, and queer liberation, but always with a generous heart, a quick wit, and the nuanced and finelyhoned timing of a gifted raconteur.

Among the selections Coyote will read March 12 is the Tomboy Survival Guide, a new unpublished book described as part anthem, part campfire story, and part instructions for the dismantling of the gender stories we tell ourselves and each other.

Learn more about Ivan E. Coyote at www.ivanecoyote.com or www.facebook.com/ivanecoyote.

The series is made possible through the Canada Council of the Arts.

Toastmasters say public speaking can increase a person’s confidence.

A local member of the Comox Valley Toastmasters club, Frank Appleyard, says he is extending a challenge and a welcome to the Valley residents to come and speak or hear what people are passionate about. The challenge is set to start at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 11 at the Lewis Centre.

Club members will briefly show how Toastmasters can build confidence in speaking and leadership, and then open the much anticipated soap box event.

On other occasions, soap box events on the island have attracted as many as 60 participants and audience members, so people are encouraged to arrive early.

Speech topics have included everything from politics to art exhibits and business aspirations.

For more information, contact Frank Appleyard at 250-703-2146 or check the Facebook page of local Toastmasters at https://www. facebook.com/CVToastmasters

15

Find your next job at NIC’s biggest career fair yet

Standing atop the Toastmasters’ soap box, Frank Appleyard calls upon all local speakers to join him in accepting the Toastmasters Challenge on Wednesday, March 11

The 5th Annual NIC Career Fair moves to a new venue at the Comox Recreation Centre March 11, to accommodate one of the North Island’s biggest events for employers and job seekers alike.

“Almost every employer is hiring now and expects to choose people to interview at the fair, says Treena Nadon, NIC’s Employment Advisor. “This is the perfect opportunity to meet hiring personnel, ask questions, and make a great first impression.”

The fair connects 50 employers from Vancouver Island’s trades, tourism, health, accounting, education, and government sectors with hundreds of students and community members looking for work.

Employers to date include the Four Seasons Whistler, the Canadian Armed Forces, Island Health, St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Pateman, Cloutier & Matthews Chartered Accountants, the City of Courtenay, and the BC Construction Association, to name a few.

The free event is open to the public and runs from 1 to 4:30 pm.

A full list of attending employers and community partners is available online at www.nic.bc.ca. To connect with an employment advisor before the event, or find out how your company can participate, email employment.resources@nic. bc.ca.

Texas Hold ‘Em charity poker tournament March 14 Calling all poker players. The Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise is organizing a Spring 2015 series of Charity Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournaments in support of our local and international projects.

The next event in this series will take place on March 14 upstairs in the Courtenay Legion on Cliffe Avenue starting at

6:45 pm. Doors open at 5:30pm with registration from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Advance registration can be made at the Comox Valley Echo or call Keith at 250-334-4722. Pre-registered seats will be held until 7:30 pm.

For the $50 buy-in, you will have a chance to win up to $1,000 cash. Bring your friends and have

some fun. This is a great opportunity to enjoy yourself while supporting Rotary’s projects.

A few of the club’s local projects include renovations at Camp Gilwell Scout Camp, playgrounds installation and construction of public trails. Support has also been provided to other agencies including Comox Valley

Child Development Association, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox Valley Hospice Society, Y.A.N.A, L’Arche Society Comox Valley and school bursaries.

Our international projects include funding for prosthetics and wheelchairs in India, organic farming in Assam, India, and the construction of school toilet facilities and

teachers’ accommodation in Mexico. The club has also been a big supporter of Rotary International’s global effort to eradicate polio.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise and Rotary International, please go to our website www.rotarystrathconasunrise.org.

Public lecture hosted

by Project Watershed On Saturday, March 14th Comox Valley Project Watershed Society is pleased to host a one-day workshop entitled Climate Change Solutions and Habitat Restoration at the Community Level, Results of Projects completed by Comox Valley Project Watershed in 2014-15 The workshop will be held at the Crown Isle Resort silver room at 399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay.

Following the workshop there will be a free public lecture at the Stan Hagen Theatre of North Island College at 7:30 p.m.

Keynote speaker Karen Richardson, Director of Programs for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), will be giving the evening presentation: North America’s Blue Carbon: The Role of Coastal Habitats in the Continent’s Carbon Budget.

Registration is limited to 50 participants (first come/first serve) and costs $20, including lunch and refreshments. Please complete the online registration form at http:// projectwatershed.ca/ workshop-march-14/ or by calling at 250 703 2871,

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HUNT FOR HISTORY with JUDY HAGEN

Royston’s famed rhododendron growers Spring has come early this year. Throughout the valley there is an abundance of snow drops, wild violets, daffodils and early Rhododendrons. Gardeners are opening seed catalogues in anticipation of getting outside “Half the fun of gardening is being able to pass it on, all good gardeners share and you can’t resist giving someone something they haven’t got. It’s a happy life to be a gardener and the people who haven’t got that happy streak miss an awful lot” Mary Greig. (Comox District Free Press 01 June 1983) In 1965, Ted and Mary Greig decided that they would close the Royston Nursery. So they negotiated with the Vancouver Parks Board to sell at a nominal fee of $1500 their stock which was a world renowned collection of Rhododendron and Azalea specimens. In all there were 10,000 plants comprised of 331 different species with 91 varieties.

At that time, Mary said that when they began gardening they had no formal training but Ted had a “’green thumb”.

Ted and Mary married in Portland, Oregon in 1919 and honeymooned at Royston where they would remain for the rest of their lives. They were like so many residents of Royston after the Great War, “ex-pats”, who created a little English community at the edge of the sea.

Edward, always known as “Ted” was born in 1892 in Calcutta, India. His family came to Duncan in 1911, the same year as the Sillence family arrived from Bournemouth, England. In 1915 Ted enlisted in the 88th Battalion Victoria Fusiliers.

After Ted and Mary established theIR new home, Mary’s family would also come to Royston where her father ran the Royston store, but opened a photo studio in his home.

Early in their marriage they had 4 children within 5 years: a son James, twins, Greta and Betty and a third daughter Susan.

Ted was first employed as the customs officer in Cumberland, later as a bookkeeper at the Canadian Collieries Office, but would be for many years be the wharfinger at Union Bay. They created a garden was comprised of their interest in ornamental

Ted and Mary Greig shrubs. It was much later that they would learn that Royston was ideal for Rhododendrons because of the moderate climate, the amount of rain and the acid soil.

The Greigs were active in the community. Ted sang in the Comox and District Musicals Choir and joined the horticultural society as well as the Mountaineering club.

Mary said, “As we had three daughters it seemed to be a good idea to become involved in the Girl Guides” * She would be active in the movement for 25 years. She was also a life long member of the Women’s Auxiliary at St. John’s Anglican Church in Courtenay.

It was through the Girl Guides that Mary met Hilda Leighton, her brother Arthur who was living in Nanaimo and then the Berkeleys, all of whom were keen gardeners.

As Mary explained “Ted was madly keen about rare alpines, we were given various gentians and much good advice. Ted never recovered from the alpine attack.”* In 1934 with his children Jim and Susan to take care of him he roamed the hills of Idaho and Montana collecting alpine species.

Many specimens would be sent to the Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland. This was considered the “most magnificent collection of mountain plants ever received”. (undated article

by Dorothy I. Stubbs) It was the Berkleys, retired biologists, who suggested that Ted visit Buchanan Simpson at Co-

wichan Lake because they had a nursery dedicated to alpine plants.

Then in 1935, the Simpsons “sold up” and Ted and Mary agreed to buy all their stock.

“The few rhododendrons they had were almost left at the lake, but Simpsons told us we should find them surprisingly interesting so we took them on too.”* At that time, the only rhododendrons known were old Dutch hybrids.

In time Mary realized that the alpine plants were

“not happy” in the Royston climate and suggested that they concentrate on the rhodos which thrived in their garden.

They began to import stock from England via Blue Funnel line and grew others from seed purchased from KingdonWard, Ludlow, Sherriff and Rock suppliers in England.

Eventually they were selling plants across the United States from California to New York.

During the Second World War they could no

longer ship plants overseas so they were forced to reduce their inventory, they simply didn’t have enough space to maintain everything.

Among local gardeners to benefit during those years were Tom Stewart of Comox and Charles Simms of Royston. As well, 800 plants were sent to the University of British Columbia.

The Greigs had become interested in the natural species of rhododendrons within North American and became known for their accurate identification.

In 1966, they were jointly awarded, an American Rhododendron Society Gold Medal for their contribution to the understanding and availability of the genus Rhododendron in North America.”

By 1966, Ted’s ill health forced them to close their nursery. The Vancouver Parks Board carefully lifted the plants that would be placed in three locations: on the north slope of Queen Elizabeth Park, in the Rhododendron

Chapter Test Garden and the larger collection in Stanley Park as the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden Ted died in December 1966. Mary remained in Royston, working a much smaller garden for her own enjoyment. She continued to write for a variety of gardening publications and to lecture, passing on all that she had learnt. She continued donating plants including Van Dusen Garden, the University of Victoria, and Filberg Park in Comox.

She died in 1990 and was posthumously awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science degree from the University of Victoria.

She was survived by 4 children, 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild. *quoted from a letter written by Mary Greig and published in the American Rhododendron Society Journal Fall 1984 p96 “In Veronica’s Garden” by Margaret Cadwaladr

2015 COMOX HARBOUR

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 7114A – Keeneland, Arlington, Lexington, Mitchell, Robert Lang Rt. 7125 – Salsbury, Bood, Barford Rt. 7134 – Salsbury, Mills, Rachel, Houlgrave COMOX Rt. 1125 Rt. 2107A Rt. 2118

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COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106 – Loxley, Avonlee, Sea Terrace Rt. 4107 - Coral, Fern, Kingfisher, Mariner, Avonlee MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111 – Seaview Road SINGING SANDS AREA Rt. 4102 – Wilkinson, Singing Sands VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3132 – Hebrides, Fyfe, Inverclyde

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

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

19

TEXT YOUR TIP ANONYMOUSLY! Along with our 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) line, tipsters can report information via our secure WebTips application at www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers. bc.ca and now we accept anonymous tips via Text Messaging.

TEXT CVCSTIPS TO:

CRIMES

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to All the Students who Participated in our Design An Ad / Eduation Week 2015 Feature 261 5 Street

250.334.4523

Cour tenay

Teyia Tyler • Grade 7 • Brooklyn El.

Thank You

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 10, 2015

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