Comox Valley Echo - April 7, 2015

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.COURTENAY,BC. APRIL 7, 2015

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For the latest Comox Valley Weather visit: www.comoxvalleyecho.com 250.334.4732

THE PLOG If a web log is a ‘blog’ then a paper log is a ‘plog’ ...

Guess the Comox Valley has lost interest in the annual ‘Earth Hour’ promotion where you turn off all your lights, computers, etc. for one hour. Courtenay and Comox were tied with Fort Nelson as having the lowest reduction in electricity load in the province - a measly .01 per cent. The champ was Whistler at 7.2 per cent according to ďŹ gures compiled by BC Hydro. Earth Hour is an annual global event hosted by the WWF. People around the world are encouraged to turn off unnecessary lights and electronics for one hour. It started as a one-city initiative in Sydney, Australia in 2007.

COMOX VALLEY FARMERS’ MARKET MOVES OUTSIDE NEXT SATURDAY: Spring is here and the veggies are back - so the Comox Valley Farmers Market is moving outside for the summer season. Starting April 11th they’ll be back on the Headquarters Road ďŹ eld every Saturday 9-12 with 50+ of your favourite food

THE POPULAR ‘DINING FOR AFRICA’ FUND-RAISER in support of the Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) is now SOLD OUT. The Merville Grand Mothers, above, will be cooking a delicious three-course meal on Sunday, April 12 while Glacier Grannies provide behind-the-scenes

organization. All profits go to the Campaign and are then sent to carefully evaluated grass-roots projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. African grandmothers are unsung heroes as they fight the stigma of HIV/AIDS and raise awareness about the virus, while caring for their orphaned grandchildren.

and farm vendors. Come see why they were voted ‘Market of the Year’ by the BC Association of Farmers Markets last year. FMI www.cvfm.ca or info@ cvfm.ca.

THE COMOX VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S 96th Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 16th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The White Whale. Both Chamber members and the general public are welcome to attend, however you must register in advance.

WINE WEDNESDAY MUSIC SERIES: 40 Knots Estate

Winery says it’s thrilled to launch an exciting music series, on Wine Wednesdays. Held approximately two evenings a month, you’ll be able to hear a variety of music, while enjoying fabulous food and wine, on the Vineyard Terrace. Starting on May 20th, each evening will have a speciďŹ c theme. A few of the fabulous music styles you can expect are: jazz, blues, a cappella, orchestral, amenco, and a music comedy night.

Watch the website, Facebook page, or sign up for their email newsletter, for information on Wine Wednesday upcoming events, and how to get

tickets. A portion of ticket sales will go to the Comox Valley Marine Rescue Society. Email infoat40KnotsWinery@gmail. com, for more info.

MUSICFEST LAUNCHES “CAPTURING THE SPIRIT� WEB GALLERY: There’s an exciting new addition to the Vancouver Island MusicFest website.

The “Capturing The Spirit Gallery� is an on line showcase of selected works created by local artists during the 2013/14 Festivals at: www.islandmusicfest. com/spirit/ (Continued on page 3)

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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 April 2. 2015 . 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. ŽRegistered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. Š 2015 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 7, 2015

The Plog (Continued from page 2) Originally started in 2009 the “Capturing The Spirit” initiative invites local Comox Valley artists to attend MusicFest and to use their creative talents to capture the spirit of the Festival.

In partnership with the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ), selected works from VIMF “Capturing The Spirit” collection will be displayed in designated areas of the terminal building. The exhibition will be part of YQQ’s public art program, which showcases Vancouver Island artists and aims to enhance the passenger experience by displaying art depicting the people, places, events and environment of northern Vancouver Island.

The YQQ showcase begins May 15, 2015 and runs through to November 1st.

IN THE ‘TOO MUCH NEWS, NOT ENOUGH PAPER’ DEPARTMENT: Read these stories and more at www.comoxvalleyecho.com Be sure to check the various categories out: Local Entertainment, Local Business, Community, Special Events, Sports, Lifestyles, and more.

• Reporter Drew A. Penner has a chat with Shred Kelly, performing Thursday in Cumberland.

• City of Courtenay settles on its strategic priorities for the coming months.

• Courtenay working on ‘cutting edge’ analysis tool with Comox Valley Economic Development Society.

• Reporter Drew A. Penner visited a cutting edge texile show recently.

• Cumberland going ahead with sidewalk cafes, but cutting the costs.

• A look at ‘underground art’ in the Valley.

• Comox council gets into debate on ‘right to healthy enviroment.’

3

Courtenay to host AVICC convention A thank you rally being planned Friday at Florence Filberg Centre

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The City of Courtenay will be hosting the annual Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities Convention later this week from April 1012.

The three-day convention is packed with activities, discussions and debates on a variety of issues that affect communities on the island. It officially starts at around 1:45 p.m. on Friday at the Florence Filberg Centre.

One of the main topics that has been a major concern to every municipality Jim Abram, chair of the Strathcona on the island is the future Regional District

of BC Ferries.

There is a large rally planned to take place in front of the Filberg Centre prior to the opening of the convention at 1 p.m. However, it is not going to be a negative demonstration.

“People from all over up and down the island, Central Coast and Sunshine Coast will be coming to thank the local government for taking a stance they have taken against the actions regarding BC Ferry,” said Jim Abram, chair of the Strathcona Regional District and also director for Discovery Islands-Mainland Inlets.

“The local government, the AVICC and the Union

of BC Municipalities did the socio-economic impact study on Sept. 23rd last year that was presented at UBCM. It was basically the work that the province should have done but local government did it.”

The report highlighted the impact of the high cost of ferry fares to the economy on the island. It showed that the province lost $2.3 billion over the last 10 years because of fare increases annually.

“It’s way beyond the inflation level,” said Abram.

“The report stated federal, provincial and local taxes had suffered by $600 million per year because of stubbornness on the part

of the provincial government. We the people of BC feel it’s important to thank the people at the AVICC that put that through unanimously at the Union of BC Municipalities.”

Abram doesn’t know how many people would show up but he believes as much as a hundred from Quadra Island would be there. He also expects a lot of people from the Comox Valley to come out to join the rally.

The convention will feature keynote speakers that include leader of the BC official opposition John Horgan and UBCM president, Sav Dahliwal.

Homeowner wants golf balls to stop raining on his property

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff A home owner has raised serious concerns about stray golf balls raining on his house on 273 Church Street in Comox.

Dr. James Ingrey has turned to Comox council for help after failing to get a response from the Comox Golf Club.

He told council, when they bought the property they were aware of the peril of living near a golf course. But what they were not prepared for was the severity of the threat.

Ingrey’s property, which is currently rented right now, is located alongside the 7th tee.

He said, when they first cleared their front yard, they unearthed 93 golf balls.

“Our tenants reveal that on average 12 golf balls enter the front yard each week,” said Ingrey. “While some bounce down Church Street, they recall several entering the yard on the fly at significant speed.”

Ingrey said because of the fear of getting

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struck by one of the balls, his tenants, who have a three-year-old daughter, no longer use the front door. They enter through the back door and also park their vehicle at the rear of the property.

Adjacent property owners that he talked to, Ingrey said, share his concern as they’ve seen damage to vehicles and broken house windows.

“They have previously expressed their concerns and submitted a petition to the golf course but the issue remains,” said Ingrey.

“They said for a time things improved with the fir trees that line the fairway - these do not screen our home. This benefit was short lived as Telus required the trees to be cut back to keep their lines clear.”

Ingrey said he has nothing against the golf club. As a keen golfer, he uses the course.

What he would like to see is for the club to position a higher net or fence - 20 to 30 feet tall and running for 50 feet down from the 7th tee - to reduce the risk to people and property

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Cinema #4: “Vermeer and Music: The Art of Love and Leisure” Great Art on Screen, from the National Gallery, London Saturday, April 4, 10:00 am (ends 11:35 am). Doors open at 9:30. Approx. 1 hour, 35 minutes Cinema #1: “Furious 7” 14A: Frequent violence. Pass restricted until April 17th Nightly: 6:30 (9:00) & 9:30 (12:00). Daily Matinees: 12:25 (2:55) & 3:25 (5:55) Cinema #2: “Cinderella” G: No Advisory Nightly: 6:40 (8:40) & 9:25 (11:25). Daily Matinees: 12:35 (2:35) & 3:15 (5:15) Cinema #1: “Home 3D” G: : No Advisory, Friday to Tuesday nights: 6:30 (8:45) & 9:25 (11:40) Wednesday night: 9:25 (11:40) - NO EVENING SHOWS THURSDAY Saturday to Thursday Matinees: 12:30 (2:45) & 3:20 (5:35) Cinema #3: “Divergent: The Insurgent 3D” PG: Violence.

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“As in many circumstances such as this, what would ensure change and greater protection would be an actual case of significant personal injury or motor vehicle accident, both of which are a real possibility on Church Street,” said Ingrey. “My hope is for it not to come to this.”

Ingrey said he is aware of the sensitive nature of the area in terms of preserving its look and feel.

“In this instance, however, safety and public protection need to be the first concern,” he said.

Ingrey said they are hoping to move back to the property in April.

“My first responsibility will be to make it safe for my children,” he said. “It is not safe presently.”

Council has directed staff to write a letter to Comox Golf Club to express Ingrey’s concerns. Following that, staff will create a report to present to council.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 7, 2015

Push on to get valley talking about end-of-life care her advance care plan with a more involved sensibility. She admits she’s not quite finished and points out death isn’t the easiest subject to think about.

But as with anything else, getting started is half the battle.

“I think the biggest first step is sitting down and talking about the ‘What Ifs,’” she said, “It’s about what’s important to you.”

Advance Care Planning a gift to loved ones as death is knocking

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff A number of voices from across the Comox Valley are coming together to inspire community members to tackle difficult conversations about end-of-life care.

The Comox Valley Hospice Society is offering two introductory workshops on advance care planning April 16, which has been designated National Advance Care Planning Day. Organizers hope this will provide an important tool to spur Valley residents towards contemplating something that can be difficult to talk about. Their aim is to help make the big final chapter of life as special and stress-free as possible for people.

Advance care planning is the process of explicitly detailing how you want to be cared for in the event you can’t speak for yourself.

It’s something everyone needs to do, according to Audrey Craig, president of the Comox Valley Hospice Society.

“There’s just so much stress when someone’s sick,” she said. “It just makes it easier.”

While she has had to deal with the loss of both her parents over the past five years, Craig says she’s glad there was no uncertainty around how they hoped to be cared for in their last days.

“We knew what their final wishes were,” she said.

“It’s all about having the conversation.”

Unlike a will, there is no cost associated with preparing an advance care plan. It’s not viewed as a static decree, but instead as a living document that can evolve over time.

While it might take some thinking and soul searching to put together, health care officials say it doesn’t have to be a difficult exer-

Comox Valley MLA Don McRae hopes people of all ages across the Comox Valley embrace advance care planning.

Having conversations about end-of-life care can alleviate stress as loved ones reach the end of their lives. The Craigs recently got started on the advance care planning process.

cise by any stretch of the imagination.

People are encouraged to approach the advance care planning process in whatever way makes sense to them, Craig said.

For example, Ray, her husband of 18 years, took a more pragmatic approach to creating his plan. He dispassionately sat down to explore the options, think about his beliefs and health care preferences and put everything together in document form quite rapidly.

Audrey, on the other hand, enjoys considering

Hospital challenges Every day hospital employees face the challenge of discerning the wishes of those who are incapable of communicating effectively as they near the end of their life.

Jane Murphy, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s General Hospital, says advance care planning adds clarity to an often frustrating and murky time.

“I’ve personally seen many instances where the wishes of the patient were not known,” she said. “The lack of mutual understanding created divisions for families and loved ones.”

She understands endof-life issues can be tough to bring up, particularly in our modern world.

(Continued on page 5)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 7, 2015

Man to face Supreme Court judge for firearms

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff A 32-year-old Courtenay man charged with a number of firearms offences is heading to trial. Defence lawyer Eric Chesterley agreed to the consent committal of Bryce McDonald in front of judge Peter Doherty at a preliminary hearing in Courtenay Provincial Court March 31.

McDonald elected, through counsel, to be tried by judge alone in BC Supreme Court.

In November 2013, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit British Columbia (CFSEUBC) began an investigation into McDonald, a man they believed had links to at least one Vancouver Island organized crime group, was actively selling drugs and in possession of firearms contrary to gun laws.

He was arrested December 19 near his home on Flicker Place.

Police said they seized 19 firearms, six grams of crack cocaine, a machete, and equipment believed to be used for the sale of drugs.

McDonald was charged with 13 criminal offences, including careless storage of a firearm, possession of a restricted firearm and eight counts of possession of a firearm in an unauthorized place.

The Crown is not pursuing trafficking charges and did not seek McDonald’s detention.

A preliminary hearing is held to determine if there is enough evidence to trigger a trial.

McDonald is scheduled to go to trial in May.

Residents welcome mosquito abatement plan

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Residents in the Lazo, Kye Bay and Wireless road areas are pleased that there is a plan to address the pesky mosquitoes that left a stinging mark on the quality of their summer last year.

Around 40 concerned people attended a public meeting at the Comox Community Centre recently that was jointly organized by the Town of Comox, Comox Valley Regional District and Current Environmental Ltd, the company commissioned to find the breeding grounds and problem areas.

Comox councillor Hugh MacKinnon, who attended the event, felt the reaction from the public was positive.

“My sense of it was, people were quite impressed and thankful that the regional district and the Town of Comox were taking the bull by the horns, so to speak, with attempts to solve the problem and involve the public,” said MacKinnon.

Comox parks superintendent, Al Fraser, and Vince

Van Tongeren, engineering analyst for the CVRD, co-hosted the event.

At the meeting, they spoke on several issues that included problems they face as a local government in terms of regulatory requirements.

Fraser said the goal of the meeting was to also alleviate fears and temper some of the immediate reactions to what are being construed as effective and immediate counter measures like cracking open berms and intertidal flushing to and fro.

The type of mosquito that emerged and infested that area is known as Aedes Dorsalis, the most

Advance care planning (Continued from page 4) “I think culturally for many people it’s very difficult to talk about death,” she said. “We’re a youth oriented society. The focus is on living and not dying.”

An advance care plan is a relatively simple tool that can prevent a situation fraught with despair or angst from arising, providing more peace and serenity instead, she explained.

“I think it’s a real gift for your family and loved ones to do this,” she said, adding, “even though it may be hard.”

Promoters of advance care planning believe if the Valley takes action,

our community can serve as a beacon of light for the whole country, she said, adding, this is already underway.

“I think the Comox Valley has been progressive in starting to talk about it and provide supports,” she said. “It’s exciting to think that as a community we could show the way.”

Taking guess work out Comox Valley MLA Don McRae is just as fired up about the idea.

“We want people to be aware of the supports that are out there,” he said, explaining he’s happy he’s had the chance to engage with his own family members about end-of-life issues. “It takes the guess-

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ICU nurse Joyce Kuhn, witnessed the benefits of advanced care planning when her sister-in-law died. ing out of your health care planning.”

ICU nurse Joyce Kuhn remembers when her sister-in-law, who lived with a number of health conditions, went to the hospital in pain. Because she had clearly articulated her

end-of-life wishes to both her doctor and her loved ones ahead of time - and even arrived with a Do Not Resuscitate order in hand - when things took a turn for the worse there was no confusion.

“One nurse came run-

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annoying mosquito pest specie in Western Canada.

Although it’s very aggressive, Fraser said, they do not pose any health risk.

“It’s a nuisance mosquito and people are genuinely being affected by it down there,” said Fraser.

“The slough is in our jurisdiction and it is in terrible shape. It is full of woody debris from storm surge over the years and very difficult place to get in and out of both by foot and to access by machinery. It’s large and fronting a number of homes.

There’s some interesting dynamics about what can and cannot be done down there.”

ning with an IV tray; you could hear the crash cart on its way,” the Courtenay resident explained.

“And her niece who was with her was able to say, ‘She doesn’t want that, and she has a DNR.’” Kuhn, who also volunteers with the Comox Valley Hospice Society, had told her sister-in-law about the importance of advance care planning.

“She had had the conversation with her niece, plus she had the paperwork that she needed,” she said.

“She had a peaceful, dignified death in a hospital emergency department with her loved one holding her hand and stroking her face - instead of probably having CPR, defibrillation and who knows what.

“That’s the difference advanced care planning

Fraser said there is an urgent need to take action because it won’t be long for the little but terrible insects to emerge as the weather heats up.

“The degree of the areas affected and the number of water bodies that we’ve identified that have larvae in them is very, very alarming,” said Fraser. “There’s a lot of work ahead of us.”

Current Environmental is currently identifying all the problem areas and is hoping to map it all out soon as well as determine how to best use the resources from both the town and the CVRD to mitigate the problem.

Last year, residents in the area endured severe swarms of mosquitoes that had kept them mostly indoors and prevented them from enjoying sitting out in their yards and porches.

It was a complete disruption to their lives and they’re hoping the local governments will swat them out soon just in time for the summer months.

can make.”

To find more information about advance care planning visit: http://advancecareplanningcv.ca Mark your calendars for the upcoming event to be held Thursday April 16th, 2015: -2:00pm - 4:00pm - Presentation - Part 1, Introduction to Advance Care Planning 6:30pm - 8:30pm - Encore Presentation - Part 1, Introduction to Advance Care Planning (Part 2, Working on Your Advance Care Plan” will be hosted at a later date to be confirmed with participants.)

To register or to find out more information please call 250-339-5533 or email reception@comoxhospice.com

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What are the ventilation changes to the new building code?

My scooter has been sitting all winter. Should I have it serviced?

Paula Granger

The new ventilation code states that a new house requires fresh air distribution to every bedroom and living area working with a system that exhausts air 24 hours a day. This is why principal fan sizing is more important than ever before. An HRV is the most efficient way to meet code however there are several options available. Temprite technicians have been through the Quality First Ventilation Guidelines training. The Ventilation Guidelines course put on by the Thermal Environmental Comfort Association (TECA) certifies Temprite technicians to design, install and sign off on all ventilation systems. If you are or know someone who is building a new home contact Temprite Climate Solutions ltd. for more information and check out our blog at tempriteclimatesolutions.com

Yes, it is important to have some key areas checked over before venturing out on your scooter. Your specialty gel cell batteries may need to be replaced if your scooter hasn't been plugged in and charging while not in use.

Tires should be checked and replaced if they are not holding air or are showing excessive wear. Your safety is important, so make sure you have a safety flag installed, as well as a mirror so you can see what's behind you. You also might want to consider installing a canopy to protect you from the sun and rain. In addition, some extended medical plans may help cover the cost. Drop by The Home Medical Shop® and pick up your complimentary copy of our common sense tips for scooter drivers, “Safety on Wheels”, and re-familiarize yourself with your machine.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

It appears I have seasonal allergies, what can I do?

Wellness

Owner

Seasonal allergies vary in intensity and most commonly manifest themselves as allergic rhinitis.

They usually occur only at particular times of the year although they can last from March through October.

Symptoms usually include runny itchy nose, congestion, post-nasal drip, cough and itchy watery eyes.

These symptoms can vary widely in intensity. There is a vast array of treatments available. They can be taken alone or in combination. Eye drops have a local effect while oral antihistamines have a more global effect.

Starting treatment before exposure is most effective.

Most remedies are available over the counter but some must be prescribed by a physician. A pharmacist can help you choose the product that best suits your needs.

Another option is desensitization which must be done by a physician.

250.338.0903 www.theHomeMedicalShop.com

How do I care for my dentures?

Dr. Colleen Clancy & Dr. Ann Lu

Brush your dentures daily using a soft bristled toothbrush or a denture brush. Brushing should be done using a mild, soft soap. Toothpaste is not recommended for dentures as it has an abrasive quality that will wear down denture surfaces over time. This abrasive quality can leave very fine scratches on your denture ultimately leaving it more susceptible to staining. Brushing is best done over a towel or over a partially water filled sink; if your denture slips out of your hand during brushing you could prevent fracturing it by providing a soft landing.

Dentists

Manual toothbrushes come in a variety of bristle shapes, softness, and sizes. Soft is best. You can keep your smile healthy and clean just as well with a manual brush as you can with an electric brush, but to do the same job as an electric, you need to be a little more diligent to be sure you have reached into those hard-to-get-at areas, all the while keeping your brushing technique soft and gentle. It is easy to travel with a manual brush and they are free when you visit the dentist to have your teeth cleaned!

Electric toothbrushes are great to clean all hard to reach places (like wisdom teeth or teeth that are angled). It is a little easier to position the toothbrush and allow it to vibrate or rotate the plaque gently off the teeth. There is a higher cost to change the brush head, and you have to make sure to keep them charged.

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

FACIAL CARE

What is all the buzz about facial cleansing devices?

My Family live in another province and cannot attend the Memorial Service. What can I do?

Leanne OWNER

Facial cleansing devices are all the rage! We offer the revolutionary LUNA™ that was developed in Sweden and a winner in the 2014 Elle Beauty Awards.

Combining innovative T-Sonic™ pulsations with a silicone brush design, the LUNA™ mini brings a radical new approach to facial-cleansing that is both deeper and gentler. These T-Sonic™ pulsations are applied across the dermal surface to help instantly refresh the look and feel of the skin. Up to 8,000 pulsations per minute are channelled through soft silicone touch-points to gently remove dead skin cells, as well as unclog pores of 99.5% of dirt and oil, and 98.5% of makeup residue. The LUNA™ is effective, gentle enough to use every day and is suitable for all skin types. The silicone brush is nonporous to resist bacteria buildup, making it up to 35x more hygienic than standard sonic-cleansing brushes so we feel confident in recommending the Luna to our clients. Stop by today and check it out!

FUNERAL SERVICES

I POWER RAKED LAST YEAR, BUT THE MOSS IN MY LAWN IS WORSE THAN EVER, WHAT CAN I DO?

Controlling moss in the lawn is the most asked question we get each spring. You need to kill your moss first, otherwise power raking or de-thatching just spreads tiny bits of live moss all over your lawn, and you will likely have a bigger problem the next year. Moss is an ongoing issue here on the coast, and milder winters along with wet springs encourage more moss. Spring is a good time to kill moss with either a granular or liquid moss killer.

If it has been applied correctly, after a few warm sunny days it will turn black. This is the time to power rake. Over-seed bare patches where moss has been removed with new grass seed and add lime to sweeten the soil. For more information, pick up a Spring Lawn Renovation and Moss Control pamphlet next time you visit us.

Repositioning Cruise is when the cruise ships have finished their Mexico and Caribbean routes and are cruising up to Vancouver for the summer Alaska runs; usually in late April and early May. Repositioning Cruises are generally shorter – 2/3 days, depending on the itinerary and there are no ports of call. You get on the ship – usually in L.A. – and off the ship in Vancouver. The complete itinerary – cruising AND land package is usually 5 – 7 nights. One of the biggest sellers is the Cruise and Anaheim package. You would fly to L.A., spend a few days at Disneyland and then cruise home. Packages like this costs as little as $599 but keep in mind that Disney passes are extra.

A: Either!

DENTISTRY

When it comes to soaking your dentures I recommend using straight white vinegar twice a week, half an hour each time.

It helps prevent staining and tartar/calculus build-up, it’s also affordable and easy to find. After soaking them brush or rinse your dentures thoroughly. When you are not wearing your dentures they should be kept in water.

What is a repositioning cruise?

Should I get a manual or electric toothbrush?

Eric Toneff FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Toneff Funeral Services is the only local certified Funeral Home with Alive Streaming. Our working relationship with Alive Streaming allows us to broadcast your service through our website so that those who are not able to attend can still view the funeral or memorial service. If family and friends are not be able to view the service live, due to personal circumstances, we will keep the service on our website for up to 60 days to give everyone an opportunity to watch the service at their convenience. For more information about this service or other services that we offer, call Toneff Funeral Services to speak with Eric or Emma.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com

My mortgage is up for renewal.

Does it make financial sense to switch to a new lender?

TUESDAY. APRIL 7, 2015

Q: Sometimes my hearing aids cut in and out, especially during warm or humid weather. How can I remedy this?

7

Why do we get dilating eye drops during an eye examination? I hate that.

Jennifer Frey, Registered Audiologist

There are several factors to consider, but in many cases switching at renewal can save a lot of money. We see dozens of clients every year who receive renewal letters from their current lender with significantly higher rates than the client deserves. The lender hopes the clients will simply sign to renew without researching other options.

What many people don’t realize is that a small difference in interest rate can actually mean thousands of dollars in interest costs: for example, on a $250,000 mortgage (5 yr term, 25 yr am), signing at a rate of 2.99% instead of 2.69% will cost you an extra $3,391 in interest. The rates don’t seem very different, but the end result is significant!

Whenever your mortgage is up for renewal, take 5 minutes to call an independent mortgage professional to check your options. We can provide you with a free, no obligation cost/benefit scenario so you’ll have peace of mind knowing you made the best financial decision.

Why is my Check Engine Light on?

Derek Rice FIXED OPERATIONS MANAGER

AUTOMOTIVE

Got that annoying yellow light on your dash that says Check Engine? That is your check engine light. Better get it checked out!

The Check Engine Light (or Malfunction Indicator Light) comes on when one of your vehicle’s many electronic sensors picks up a fault. This could be as simple as leaving your fuel cap off or something terribly wrong going on inside your vehicles engine. While the vehicle may still run fine, it is not running to its optimum potential. In the short term, this is mostly harmless, but if it is left long enough, you could potentially cause damage to major engine components. If the light is flashing however, this is an indication of something serious. Pull your vehicle over as soon as possible and call a towing company to get your vehicle towed to your preferred repair facility. While some may recommend the old ”Disconnect the battery to clear the light” trick, this makes it harder for repair shops to diagnose, as they can’t diagnose what isn’t currently there.

A: Hearing aid components can be susceptible to moisture in the ear or from the atmosphere and can respond by functioning intermittently. Hearing aids exposed to these environments should be stored nightly in a tightly sealed jar filled with a desiccant to keep the working parts dry. Hearing aid dispensaries have these drying kits for sale. In addition, electric dryers with ultraviolet lights are available for purchase when significant moisture problems are not alleviated by the simple drying kits. Call me today if you have any questions on how to properly maintain your hearing aids.

Pupil dilation is a memorable part of a routine eye examination. In short, the eye doctor uses a pharmaceutical eyedrop to relax the pupil-constricting muscles in the iris. This way, the interior of the eye can be inspected fully- this is an excellent way to examine for cataracts, floaters, and problems in the retina. Have you ever noticed red pupils in a flash photograph? The doctor's examining equipment lights up the interior of the eye in the same way, using magnification and focus. Pupil dilation is a small nuisance as it creates sensitivity to light and some focusing difficulty for the patient - wearing sunglasses after the examination is recommended for this reason. You should feel comfortable bringing up any concerns about pupil dilation with your eye doctor.

1.888.850.9979

Glasses make me look smarter.

Can I wear them even if I don't need them?

I'm not sure I believe that glasses make a person look smarter. We are all individuals, original in every way. If you worry about looking "smarter", maybe you should take a closer look at yourself and be more accepting of who you are.

Do you have any tips for a low maintenance garden?

There is no such thing as a maintenance free garden, but you can reduce the workload with some careful planning. Here are some useful tips. Plant shrub beds instead of perennial beds as shrubs will need minimum care, perhaps pruning once a year whereas perennials will need to be divided every 3 years or so and cut down every fall. If planting perennials, choose plants that don't self seed to minimize weeding. If planting annuals, choose plants that don't require deadheading. A gravel garden is a great option for a low maintenance garden so long as landscape fabric is laid out before placing the gravel. Install permanent edging solutions such as brick. This will reduce the need for hand edging. Adding bark mulch at a depth of 3 inches after weeding the garden will minimize any future weeding. If weeds are a serious problem, lay down several layers of newspaper before mulching. Plant the right size plant in the right place.

It will help you avoid constant pruning.

Feel free to visit our Facebook page photos to see some of the projects we have done.

Call your local repair facility as soon as your able to get your vehicle’s condition diagnosed!

Happy Spring everyone!

Courtenay Toyota now offers state of the art tools, equipment and software that can check this light on ALL MAKES and MODEL, come see us today!

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COMOX VALLEY ECHO 445 Crown Isle Boulevard

250.338.6761

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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

8

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 7, 2015

Hummingbird stuck to Easter bouquet doing well Local florist shocked to find out a little bird was included in package

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff An Easter floral bouquet with all the trimmings is certainly a nice gift. But when you add a hummingbird to the package, now that surely would be a big surprise.

It sounds cuckoo but this happened over the weekend.

A small hummingbird was discovered stuck on the tape of the cellophane package and it had miraculously survived quite an ordeal as the bouquet of flowers traveled quite a long distance from Courtenay to a resident in Victoria.

Nancy Packard got quite a surprise when she received the Easter present from her sister, Louise Gage-Cole in Courtenay. She heard a buzzing sound and at first she thought it was a

nursed and fed, round the clock, the bird, which apparently is still a baby.

The bird, identified as Anna’s hummingbird, a specie common on Vancouver Island, is on the road to recovery. It is now feeding on its own. It is being monitored closely and before it can be released, staff needs to be certain it is able to survive back in the wild “It’s doing well at this point,” said Wild ARC as-

sistant manager Heather Schmitt. “For this little hummingbird, we have to make sure she is eating independently and has the ability to fly well and she can avoid predators. When she reaches that point and when she is conditioned to living outside again then she’ll be released.”

Meier said the bird is a survivalist. They aim to be a little bit more vigilant when they do their bouquets.

Baby Anna’s Hummingbird doing well at SPCA rescue centre in Metchosin (Photo courtesy Times Colonist) bee. When she opened it, she was shocked to find a hummingbird.

The owner of Courtenay 5th Street Florist, the shop that did the packaging and delivery, had no clue a miniature wingedcreature was inside the bouquet.

“I was pretty shocked when I found out because usually we don’t have any wildlife going out with our [shipment],” said Steven Meier, the owner of the

shop.

Meier said anyone could easily miss it because the nest was so small and hardly visible at all.

“Our salal picker is 85 years old and his eyes aren’t so great,” Meier quipped. “He didn’t notice it and it got mixed with everything else. It went to our back cooler and apparently, that’s what saved its life. When they’re in a cooler, they go dormant and I guess dur-

ing the ride to Victoria, it one came out and the rest is history.”

Packard’s son untangled the bird and attempted to free it. But it didn’t fly away. They attempted to feed it but it refused to eat.

Following solicited advice from neighbours and bird experts, Packard took the helpless fowl to the SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre in Metochsin. Staff there

s

BRITISH COLUMBIA ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES COMMISSION

Tell us your views on our Preliminary Report before May 26, 2015.

Now is the time to have your say and shape your province.

In a Preliminary Report to the Legislative Assembly, the British Columbia Electoral Boundaries Commission is proposing changes to the area, boundaries and names of electoral districts in B.C. Read the Preliminary Report at www.bc-ebc.ca/reports.

Tell the commission your views on the Preliminary Report online at www.bc-ebc.ca, at a public hearing during April and May, or by email at info@bc-ebc.ca.

All submissions and presentations to the commission must be made before 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

For a schedule of public hearing locations and dates, and more information, visit www.bc-ebc.ca

WEBSITE:

www.bc-ebc.ca EMAIL:

info@bc-ebc.ca PHONE:

1-800-661-8683

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 7, 2015

9

End of an era for local marine rescue unit The Bruce Brown II replaced by the new Lazo Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) Unit 60 Comox said a ďŹ nal good-bye to the Bruce Brown II on 2 April 2015.

This vessel was purchased by the Comox Valley Marine Rescue Society in 1997 thanks to the generosity of the people of the Comox Valley.

The Bruce Brown II was among the ďŹ rst purpose built vessels dedicated to marine search and rescue on the coast which is ďŹ tting since the Comox Valley Marine Rescue Society was amongst the ďŹ rst organizations to conduct marine search and rescue in BC. Prior to the arrival of the Bruce Brown II the unit used a repurposed hydrographic vessel.

You might be wondering about the recurrence of the naming of the vessels.

the Lazo, newly purchased with the aid of the people of the Comox Valley as well as BC Gaming.

The Unit conducts one crew course per year beginning in the Fall for anyone interested in joining this organization.

You can ďŹ nd out more about us at http://www. unit60comox.ca/index. htm or on Facebook at Bruce Brown II or RoyalCanadian-Marine-Searchand-Rescue-Station-60Comox.

Bruce Brown II handing over responsibility for safety on the water to the Lazo.

This was done to honour the second Unit Leader Bruce Brown who served in that position from around 1981 until around 1985. His son Garry is still an active member of the unit and has served slightly longer than the Bruce Brown II. In the almost 20 years that Bruce Brown II provided safety on the waters of the Comox Valley (middle of Baynes Sound to Oyster River, officially) the Bruce Brown II has been involved in all of the Snow-to-Surf races carry-

ing an untold number of canoes and canoeists to safety; searched for many overdue boaters/kayakers and unfortunately some teens in trouble; and towed a great many boaters having a bad day.

Although Bruce Brown II has moved on to lighter duties as a trainer and electronics test bed at RCMSAR headquarters in Sooke, Unit 60 Comox continues to respond to around 40 calls for assistance every year.

Those duties will primarily be carried out by

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 7, 2015

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

South sewer: Go with the flow During the ongoing CVRD consultation process, it was clear that Baynes Sound was the favored recipient of treated effluent from not only Royston and Union Bay, but Cumberland as well (including any future megadevelopments). Much to the CVRD’s chagrin, the advisory committee recommended that Cape Lazo was the #1 (pun intended) option over the #2 choice- Baynes Sound, due to environmental and commercial (shellfish industry) concerns. At the 11th hour, the CVRD had one more card to play to turn the tide and ensure the #2 (Baynes Sound) option would become the #1- more filtration. Unfortunately for the CVRD, the committee was not convinced that Baynes Sound would not be negatively impacted by the following: 1. Baynes Sound does not have the flow (aka “flushing rate”, as was noted in the consultants original documents) necessary to effectively and efficiently transport treated sewage away, as is required. Without an adequate flow to remove the effluent quickly, all shellfish tenures in Baynes Sound are at risk for contamination from micro-toxins.

2. NO filtration system can effectively remove all pharmaceuticals excreted by humans allowing them to bio-accumulate and mix with other chemicals producing unknown short term and long term effects on the marine environment in the immediate area and elsewhere.

3. NO filtration system can effectively remove all the tiny particles of plastic that come from washing your clothes and using personal care products such as toothpaste and facial scrubs. Baynes Sound has already been identified as a “hot spot” for microplastic contamination.

4. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, sewage outfalls are big contributors to acidification as is upwelling, oxygen depletion and increased temperatures all of which will be present at the outfall. Acidification prohibits mollusks from forming shells and is destroying the shellfish industry and marine ecosystems worldwide.

5. Baynes Sound is an estuary with many sources of fresh water flowing into it already, but to add the volume of fresh water coming from three rapidly expanding communities’ effluent would drastically change

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

the salinity and alter the marine environment.

6. Existing Federal, Provincial, Regional Health, Importing and Exporting regulations do not address all micro-contaminants that will be present in the discharge into Baynes Sound and will be taken up by the filter feeders such as clams and oysters that are consumed by humans.

Health Canada guidelines currently limits the amount of regularly consumed shellfish due to the toxic heavy metals present. When the “regulators” decide to do thorough toxicology testing, the presence of contaminants make this food source less likely to be deemed suitable for human consumption.

Baynes Sound is not the appropriate place for a sewage outfall location due to its inadequate flushing rate which could cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems, including the shellfish industry.

So, go with the flow and the status quo and insist on Cape Lazo!

Edina Johnston Denman Island

Advertising Manager Keith Currie

NON-VOTERS TO BLAME

Office Administrator Deb Fowler

This angry letter is to the 38% of the population who chose to not vote in the last federal election in 2011.

Only 24% of the eligible voters gave the current Conservative government a majority mandate: allowing Canada’s US-inspired

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

involvement in an unclear long term expensive military aggression against ISIS in Iraq, and now Syria. Also fighting against ISIS in Syria are: President of Syria Bashar al Assad’s National Army; a myriad of Assad’s local paramilitary militia; Iranian forces; the Lebanese-based Hezbollah; and miscellaneous Palestinian groups (all supplied and financed by Russia.) Fighting against Assad in the Syrian civil war are: ISIS, Al Queda; the Free Syrian Army; the Islamic Front; Sunni Islamists; and various Kurdish forces (variably financed and supplied by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, USA, Europe).

Not to be ignored are the Popular Protection Units, including Kurds and Christian Syriac Military Council. Wow, it is complicated, and confusing. The common enemy may be ISIS, but who are our bedfellows in this non-UN non-NATO sanctioned military action, are we now pro-Assad? I thought we were for the Kurds, yet they appear to be against Assad?

Why are we participating in violence related to the over 1000-year old ShiaSunni split? The undoubtable consequence of our involvement, on any side can only be for Canada to make new enemies in the Middle East.

So, for you 38% who chose not to vote, by your inaction, you are responsi-

ble for allowing Canada to be embroiled in this Syrian civil war.

Georgina Price Black Creek

TIME FOR A PLACARD I am a retired Police Officer and can hardly be described as a placard toting radical. The thought of “civil disobedience”, in my opinion is still breaking the law.

That said, I attended a forum at the Florence Filberg Centre on Thursday evening, March 26th where a discussion pertaining to Trade Agreements and Treaties was presented by Alice de Wolff, the local Chairperson for the Council of Canadians, Brenda Sayers of the Hupacasath First Nations and finally Ellen Gould of the Centre of Policy Alternatives.

At the end of the presentations, I was left with a profound sense that our sovereignty as a nation is at risk and that the effectiveness of our high Courts to intervene in disputes between corporations, governments (at all levels) and nations could very well be superseded by tribunals.

These are not agreements where “I buy your corn and you buy my wheat” but rather these agreements enshrine investor rights and Corporations as if they were persons.

The proposed agreements involving European nations on one hand and

Pacific rim nations on the other will affect our way of life and our children’s ability to earn a living in the future and yet our Federal government moves ahead on these treaties in secrecy with only minimal information being released prior to ratification.

To the naysayers, Ms. De Wolff, Ms. Sayers and Ms. Gould point to the Province of Newfoundland where taxpayers were forced to pay AbitibiBowater $130 million in such a dispute over water and timber rights. For those involved in the soft wood forestry industry, how has NAFTA worked for you?

I say again that these treaties will potentially affect our municipal governments and provincial government’s ability to enter into contracts and also unions and local businesses may well find themselves competing against foreign corporations for jobs here at home.

So I am left with the question...”why were there no MP, MLA, City Council Members or Rural Directors, Unions or businesses in attendance at this most important information meeting? Where are your voices in all of this?” Once our Federal government ratifies these agreements, it will be too late as Ms. Sayers has witnessed.

Perhaps it is time to pick up a placard!

Warren McDonald Courtenay

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 7, 2015

11

HUNT FOR HISTORY WITH JUDY HAGEN

65 years of faithful service by local Kiwanians The Kiwanis “family” began 100 years ago as a men’s service organization that would over the last century grow to include “the Builders”, for elementary school students, “Key Club” at High Schools and “Circle K” at colleges and Universities.

Moving with the times, they have asked women to join their local units.

In August 1949, it was advertised that any men interested in forming a branch of the “Kiwanian” club to meet at Sunnydale Golf Club. That night they elected their inaugural Board. The Charter Members would be the Who’s Who of the valley with Lawyers, Accountants and local Politicians.

The Charter for the Courtenay Kiwanis Club was presented on 26th October with Kiwanians from Nanaimo in attendance. The Argus newspaper reported that this would be the first Kiwanis Club north of Nanaimo.

In time the Courtenay Club would sponsor new groups in Powell River, Campbell River, Comox and a second group in Courtenay who were known as the Forbidden Plateau Breakfast Club.

In 1984, after 35 years serving the community, the list of activities for that year included: forming the Key Club at Vanier, working their Salmon Enhancement rearing pond on Morrison Creek, funds sent to the Cowichan Easter Seal Camp, serving at the Citizenship Ceremony for New Canadians, manning Salvation Army Kettles at Christmas, operating a hamburger stand, supplying transportation to track and field events for handicapped athletes as well as helping at their two-day Victoria Track Shoes Event.

They funded a bursary for a High School graduate, supported minor hockey and baseball and held their annual “Wheelies Race” on July 1st.

(Free Press 31 October) The motto of Kiwanis is “Supporting the Children of the World”. The “scrapbooks” recording the activities of the past 65 years have been lost; so now the early history of their activities is not known. Relying on the memories of current members it is recalled that one fund raiser

it will be a continuing project. We shall always be in the middle of a new phase of the project until the last stage is completed.”(Free Press 28 June 1961).

The sod turning was held on November 9th.

When the first units were rented couples in a 4-plex, paid $12 per month and the single units cost $8.

Renters had to pay phone and hydro, but one couple said, “Now we can buy groceries”.

When the first units were completed in 1962, the club members were put on a roster to maintain the grounds and the buildings. Eventually there were 5 phases completed which currently provides housing for 45 residents and in the newest low cost housing across the road are 21 residents.

In recent years, like many clubs in the valley, the Kiwanis groups found that it was difficult to recruit new members.

The three groups joined, The usual crowd of bargain hunters waiting for the doors to open at another successful Kiwanis Club of meeting in Courtenay.

Courtenay Junktique held recently.

Women were invited and was cutting trees from a Christmas Tree Farm, another was clearing a wood lot where they chopped down the Alder trees and sold each cord of wood for $35 DELIVERED. They were not “loggers” and may not have followed safety requirements, but it was always a wonderful day of fellowship.

The Comox Kiwanis Club spearheaded the refurbishing of the “little white church” on Mission Hill. This became a community project with the help of church members, as well as interested volunteers from the public who stripped, cleaned and varnished wood walls and pews to bring St Andrew’s Anglican church back “up to snuff ”, including the restoration of the original stained glass window.

The Key Club at Vanier ran a school store, held donut sales, volunteered to help at therapeutic riding and visited the seniors at Laurel Lodge.

Members attended Conferences at Tacoma, Spokane, and Portland.

The “Builders” at elementary schools held clean up days around their school and helped to plant the “mile of flowers”. None of the students were ever children of

Kiwanis members. Many of the Key Club members would continue their service at the Circle K clubs in colleges.

Probably the best known project is Kiwanis Village in Courtenay.

On 18 May 1960, the Courtenay and District Free Press headline read “Kiwanians Plan Housing Campaign.” They had to raise $3,000 as their portion towards the low cost rental housing for pensioners. The plan was to build 6 homes, 4 would be rented to couples and 2 for single seniors. A “mail-out” would contact 3,500 people and if more than $3.000 was raised, then more units could be built.

Over the next six months, more details would be in the newspaper about the “low rental housing project” which was kicked off with a Garden Party to introduce the plans to the Old Age Pensioners. By the end of June, $2,170 had been raised towards the total cost of $30,000. Once the initial 10% was raised the Provincial Government would provide a grant of $10,000 and the Federal Government the remaining $17,000.

“Eventually the club expects to have housing worth $225,000 because

although some men were disgruntled about it, they found that women had good ideas about how to raise money. A popular event now, is the “Downton Abbey Tea” held at the Therapeutic Gardens.

While gaming monies are a steady funding source, for many years, the Junktique Sales have provided funds.

Recognizing new needs within the community Kiwanis helps fund the Sonshine Lunch Program at St. George’s Church, the Good Samaritan program at the Foursquare Church and the Food Bank. For many years they have built ramps for wheel chair accessibility for families under stress after an illness or an accident.

To celebrate their 65th Anniversary, the 100th anniversary of the Kiwanis International and the Centennial for Courtenay, the Courtenay Kiwanis Club will host a block party for all the residents of Kiwanis Village, Abbeyfield House and the Recovery Centre.

12

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 7, 2015

WHAT'SON In the Comox Valley 7 TUESDAY PEARL ELLIS GALLERY IN COMOX • PRESENTS: “LANDSCAPES AND OTHER THINGS” - A SHOW & SALE by “DAVID NETTERVILLE & JOCK MacNEIL” From March 31st - April 19th. Open Tues - Sat from 10 am - 4 pm, Sun 1 - 4 pm, Closed Monday. Free Admission.

Located at 1729 Comox Avenue.

FMI and to see a virtual gallery of the current show go to www.pearlellisgallery.com ROYAL PURPLE DROP-IN BINGO • Every Tuesday night, 7 p.m., at the Elks Home on Sixth St. COMOX VALLEY WOOD CARVERS • If you are interested in any type of wood carving please join us at the Royston Community Hall every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 3 PM for a day of carving and learning about carving. No experience necessary.

FMI call Al at 250-331-0156 or Jim at 250-339-5350.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE • Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., Comox Seniors Centre.

8 WEDNESDAY “LAUGHTER WELLNESS” SESSION FOR APRIL 8 IS CANCELLED • Due to logistics issues, the presenters of “Laughter Wellness” cancelled their session for Evergreen Club’s Life-long Learners scheduled for April 8, 1:00-3:00 PM at the Rotary Hall of Filberg Centre. The next meeting of the Lifelong Learners is scheduled for April 22, when Arabella Benson and Fraser McAllan facilitate fun, interactive discussion and science-based exercises on “Moving Makes You Smarter” and “Brain Gym”.

PLAY BRIDGE • Every Wednesday at 7:00 pm at the Royston Hall, 3902 Old Island Hwy and Royston Road. FMI: 250-334-1883 or roystonhall.com and on Facebook at Royston Community Club COMOX VALLEY NEEDLEARTS GUILD • Meets at Berwick Comox Valley Retirement Residence, 1700 Comox Avenue, 7:00-9:00pm, every Wednesday. New members are welcome; we do crossstitch, canvas-work, Hardanger, Huck embroidery, etc., bring your stitchery! Call FMI 250-334-0935.

FUN DARTS • 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Courtenay Legion.

More players (Legion members and their signed-in guests) always welcome.

COMOX LEGION • Wednesday is Beer and Burger night, $10.00 per person 5.00 pm until 6.30 pm.

family and friends, most welcome.

Hope to see you there! FMI call Glenda 250 338 7792.

THE COMOX VALLEY MS SELF HELP GROUP • (aka The Day Trippers) will be having their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 9th at the Whitespot meeting room, 11:30-1:00.

This month our presenter is Kazimea Sokil, a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Creative Arts Therapist from Resonance Arts, Courtenay. This a perfect spring topic. Hope you can join us. Please contact Jan Elman 250-339-3053 or Cherie Kamenz 250-890-3439 if you are able to attend.

14 TUESDAY NORTH ISLAND RHODODENDRON SOCIETY • For their monthly meeting Tuesday, April 14, members of the North Island Rhododendron Society (NIRS) will journey “down under” with Garth Wedemire and

his wife, Sue, to view images of remarkable gardens in both the north and south islands of New Zealand.

NIRS holds its meetings at the Comox United Church, 250 Beach Avenue on the second Tuesday of each month. Doors open at 7 pm followed by a business meeting and the presentation at 7:30pm.

11 SATURDAY MARS ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE • Saturday April 11th 11 am to 4 pm at the Wildlife Centre 6817 Headquarters Rd. “Meet the Ambassadors” Live Birds of Prey. Phoenix the MARS Mascot, refreshments, Tour the facilities. Join the 20th anniversary Celebration and support us to “Spread our Wings” Meet volunteers and board members. Conservation displays, gift items & raffle tickets on sale now.

Call us to contribute to our Book and Plant sale 250-337-2021. FMI www.wingtips.org COMOX VALLEY FARMERS MARKET • 9-12 every Saturday at the Headquarters Road fair grounds, Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. Come for the freshness, stay for the fun!

FMI: Mkt. Mgr. Vickey 250.2180321 or or www.comoxvalleyfarmersmarket.com & keep in touch on Facebook.

COURTENAY LEGION • Meat draws every Saturday 2-5 p.m. in the lounge. Dancing to Gord Kruger and friends.

COMOX LEGION • Meat draws are held every Saturday 3 p.m. plus Ace of Spades draw.

9 THURSDAY

13 MONDAY

CV HARD OF HEARING SUPPORT GROUP • The April meeting of the ‘CHHA’ will be held Thursday, April 9, at the Tsolum Building (behind Lewis Center Ctny near tennis court). There will be a short business meeting first, than the team from the “Costco Hearing Aid Center” will give a presentation on their Center and Services offered.

Following the presentation there will be time to ask questions. Meeting starts at 10 am. New members,

CRIBBAGE • Every Monday night, 7:00, at the Royston Hall, corner of Old Island Highway and Royston Road. No need to bring a partner.

FMI: 250-334-1883.

LADIES AUXILIARY DROP-IN BINGO • Comox Legion Ladies Auxiliary Drop-in Bingo, upper hall.

Doors open 6 pm, bingo 7 p.m. All money goes to charities. Free coffee and tea.

search through Family Stories and Photo’s” . Everyone welcome. For more info..Marlene 250-334-3080 Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Society AGM CV SENIOR PEER COUNSELLING SOCIETY • AGM is on Tue. April 14 at Comox Rec Centre from 12.00 to 1.30pm.

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay COURTENAY Rt. 7125 – Salsbury, Bood, Barford Rt. 7134 – Salsbury, Mills, Rachel, Houlgrave

10 FRIDAY CYCLING • Come join us on our Friday rides. We are a road cycling group of active adults and members of the Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society (CCCTS) www. cccts.org. At 10am (except in the months July and August when the start time changes to 9AM because of the heat). We meet at the Filberg Centre’s lower parking lot, 411 Anderton Courtenay, before setting off on a bike ride. See www.cccts. org under tabs Day Rides/Comox Valley for the schedule or email bikehikepeople@gmail.com COURTENAY LEGION • Meat draws every Friday, 5-7 pm.

COMOX LEGION • Meat draws every Friday, 3 p.m. Open to all Legion members and signed in guests. Friday is still drop in darts night 7.30 pm toe line, $2.25 per person.

COMOX VALLEY GENEALOGY CLUB • Will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from 7-9 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints - 1901 20th St Courtenay. Please enter from the rear of the building. Our speaker, April Shopland will give a presentation on””K’omox First Nation Re-

COMOX Rt. 1125 Rt. 2118 Rt. 2121 P.M.Q's Rt. 2142 Rt. 2112A

– Daye, Hudson – Comox Ave, Mack Laing, Baybrook, Orchard Park Dr. – Anderton, Robb, Sable, Holly, Noel – C.F.B. Comox – Murrelet, Plover Court – Arbour Village - 680 Murrelet

COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106 – Loxley, Avonlee, Sea Terrace Rt. 4107 - Coral, Fern, Kingfisher, Mariner, Avonlee MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111 – Seaview Road

Jenn Forsland returns to the jazz club this Thursday

GEORGIA STRAIGHT JAZZ SOCIETY

VALLEYVIEW SUBSTITUTES NEEDED

Earn extra $$$$ for A favourite local all that fun stuff that mom won't buy! jazz singer returns Thursday night 2015 COMOX HARBOUR with her group TIDE GUIDE After last week’s international jazz musicians from the US, Canada and UK, when Tunnel Six wowed a packed house with exciting modern jazz, we return to arguably the most popular local performer from this part of the world.

It’s been almost a year since The Jenn Forsland Group graced our stage.

Now, by popular demand, she returns to charm, and flirt with her audience. As many of you know, Jenn, in addition to being a superb jazz songstress, is a wonderful entertainer and accomplished pianist who laces her material with anecdotes and a stage presence second to none.

In today’s telephone interview, Jenn told me, “Each time I contemplate a show for Georgia Straight Jazz Society, I always try to plan something new - even at the risk of leaving my comfort zone; the audience is always discerning and attentive, and that adds to the challenge which in turn drives up the calibre of out preformance.

“Well, this time my show will feature familiar

melodies and well-known standards, with a focus on the Great American Songbook. For me, it is like going full circle, back to my early performance days, but doing so in a much more critical context. This is no longer playing music in the background with an indifferent audience.

“Today people really concentrate on the quality of performance, and that’s great.

“Offering an evening of classic songs may come as a surprise to those folk who know my work and have seen it develop over the past seven years, but this show will focus on technical excellence between a group of musicians who are well versed in playing together as they return to tried, true jazz numbers.

“Of course, I will include one or two of my perennial favourites, including ‘Love for Sale’ and ‘Nature Boy’ but you can expect an evening filled with familiar romantic tunes dating from the 30s through to the turn of the millennium.”

(Continued on page 16)

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CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 7125 – Salsbury, Bood, Barford Rt. 7134 – Salsbury, Mills, Rachel, Houlgrave COMOX Rt. 1125 Rt. 2118 Rt. 2121 P.M.Q’s Rt. 2142 Rt. 2112A

– Daye, Hudson – Comox Ave, Mack Laing, Baybrook, Orchard Park Dr. – Anderton, Robb, Sable, Holly, Noel – C.F.B. Comox – Murrelet, Plover Court – Arbour Village - 680 Murrelet

COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106 – Loxley, Avonlee, Sea Terrace Rt. 4107 - Coral, Fern, Kingfisher, Mariner, Avonlee MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111 – Seaview Road VALLEYVIEW SUBSTITUTES NEEDED

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

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Poetry blossoms as Laureate leads walk

Forsland at jazz club

Punctuated by poems, stroll ends with Japanese town haikus

(Continued from page 12)

The Comox Valley’s newly minted Poet Laureate is wasting no time in stirring up interest in the art form, with an event of “fresh air, fresh ideas and fresh rhymes.”

Kevin Flesher plans to lead a nature walk Saturday afternoon from Cumberland’s Chinatown to Japanese town, featuring 12 stops along the way for 12 poems about nature.

Poem topics will include slugs, eagles, worms, beavers, lichen, inter-permeation and coal.

“It’s a new and unique way to interface with nature,” Flesher says. “There will be a variety of poetry styles and some special guests and surprises.”

The walk will end in Japanese town among the blossoms at the memorial cherry grove, where all present will be invited to write and perform some haiku poetry.

Flesher says the event will end with a flaming pinata full of poetry.

“Bring sake and sushi!”

Flesher says.

“This is poetry pot luck.”

Poet Laureate Kevin Flesher The walk begins at 2 p.m. at Jumbo’s Cabin on Comox Lake Road, in the Coal Creek Historic Park in Cumberland.

Flesher, who last month won the Comox Valley Arts Council’s Poet Laureate Search, is working on sev-

eral other project ideas to bring forth poetry among the masses, including: · Poems about islands and ferries, in which poets will meet, read and listen at every ferry station on the way to Denman and Hornby Islands and back.

· Poems by and inspired

by Shel Silverstein, read by the ‘Laureate Cohort’ (Flesher and other finalist poets from the Search) at a library or café. · Mountain-top poetry, featuring poetry at the top of Mount Washington.

Dealer #8182

RANDY BEATSON

“Everyone is welcome to all these events,” said Flesher.

“I am stoked to begin a legacy of events and experiments that will provoke a poetical response.

I hope folks of all ages and experience show up.”

JON BEEKMAN

LAURA BROWN

In addition to Jenn, vocals and keyboard, you will experience some of the Valley’s finest instrumentalists: Rick Husband, guitar; Tom Tinsley, percussion; Graeme Edwards, bass, and Tony Morrison, Tenor Sax. These musicians are both well known, and well versed in creating the smooth accompaniment to Jenn’s style, with years of refining a blend of sounds which is enviable.

As Jenn added, “These guys are so talented, and we always have so much fun - whether we’re rehearsing or on stage.

They’re the best!”

Jenn’s shows are always popular and well attended, so plan on arriving a bit earlier than usual if you’re expecting to meet and sit with friends. Dinner specials will be available as usual.

For more information about the Jazz Society and its forthcoming events, please visit our web site at www.georgiastraightjazz. com of find us on Facebook.

BRANDON BERGH

250-338-1221 • www.sunwestvw.ca • 401 Ryan Road, Courtenay • sales@sunwestautocentre.com

- Submitted by Malcolm Holt

DAVID BUI

BROOKE PRICE