Comox Valley Echo - April 28, 2015

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.COURTENAY,BC. APRIL 28, 2015

ECHO

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Saturday Sunny.

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Vancouver Aquarium CEO announced as Expo keynote speaker Valley event sessions about seafood and aquaculture In 2014 the Government proclaimed June as BC Seafood Month; no better month to do so thanks to June also being the month of the 9th annual BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival, June 12-21, which has become BC’s largest of its kind.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 28, 2015

3

19 Wing urban rescue crew tapped for Nepal disaster assistance mission

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Seven local residents have been selected to participate in Canada’s mission to help victims of the earthquake that has rocked Nepal. The 19 Wing fire fighters, members of two Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) platoons, learned early Sunday morning they would need to drop everything and go. They left by Sunday afternoon.

“They’re the first people on the ground whenever there’s a disaster,” said Warrant Officer Blayne Buckler, deputy fire chief at 19 Wing. “They’re expecting to see a lot.”

The death toll has already exceeded 4,000 and 1.4 million people need food and water.

These Comox Valley fire fighters joined the assessment team, medical personnel and relief supplies aboard a CC-177 Globemaster III. They’ll use a variety of

Loading up the Hercules for trip to Trenton to join rest of contingent heading to Nepal

Group photo of CAF firefighters deployed to Nepal. Back row, left to right: Cpl J.A. Balthazar, MCpl W.J. Cartwright, WO M.G. Patey, Cpl C.L. Burden. Front row, left to rightt: Sgt D. Hillier, Cpl V. Nair, Cpl J.L. Dewar. Photos: MCpl Jeffrey Mason, 19 Wing Imaging. tools and techniques to assess the safety of buildings and rescue victims.

They have a small drone

with four engines to get an aerial view of structures. They use acoustic mapping devices to detect

any breathing, whimpers or other noises that could point them to people who are trapped in the rubble.

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T Courtenay and District Museum The is i celebrating the City’s 100th anniversary with the publication a of a coffee table style book with the help of the Comox Valley Echo.

It is a high quality magazine style publication with a durable cover.

Historically rich content focuses on activities of people who have shaped our community over the decades. Proceeds from the sales of book copies will help the museum with funding development of programs and activities. Copies are $5.00 each which includes GST, and are available at the Museum and the Echo.

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And snake-like cameras will help these rescuers see things they ordinarily could not.

Buckler says the 19 Wing members are prepared for exactly this kind of a situation.

“They’ll do a reconnaissance of the building,” he said, noting it comes right down to yelling, “’Hey! Is anyone there?’”

The fire fighters have been training here in Comox but also at a special Urban Search and Rescue

facility in Esquimalt.

The assessment team will assist the Interdepartmental Strategic Support Team (ISST) in performing a needs assessment.

The others will provide initial support and medical assistance once they arrive in Nepal.

DART is a big part of the way Canada helps during calamities abroad. The Candian government has also committed $5 million to provide life-saving assistance.

4

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 28, 2015

Merville man reported missing after Nepal earthquake located

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff A 19-year-old traveler from Merville who visited Everest days before the devastating earthquake that has killed more than 4,000 people was located over the weekend, much to the relief of his family.

Coreen Cherry said her son had been MIA for 24 hours following the disaster, despite carrying a GPS tracking device on his journey.

“I didn’t know where he was,” she said. “I was imagining a lot of worst case scenarios about him.”

Brian Cherry had just finished a kayak trip near the epicenter of the quake.

His family knew he had returned to Pokhara, Nepal prior to heading out on a whitewater rafting adventure. But they didn’t know whether or not he had headed into harm’s way.

“I was extremely worried about him,” she said.

“We didn’t know which

direction from Pokhara he went.”

Whether he wanted it or not the journey has made a man out of Brian.

Brian technically left a boy - aged 18 - and turned 19 during the trip. It was his first trip abroad alone.

From the get-go things were anything but dull.

His plane through China ran late, for one. He arrived in Kathmandu fine, but found a Korean airliner had slid off the runway just days before, adding chaos to the atmosphere.

Naturally, his baggage was nowhere to be found and so Brian had to kick around the capital for four days until it showed up.

He hiked to Mount Everest Base Camp and did the Annapurna Circuit.

His last Facebook message was posted April 23.

Then, silence.

Unbeknownst to his mom and dad and 17year-old sister back in the Comox Valley when the earthquake hit he was by the side of a river eating

Brian Cherry visited Mount Everest Base camp just days before the tragic earthquake. lunch.

He tried multiple times to use his GPS device to let the outside world know he’s safe, but for some reason the digital info wasn’t being transmitted.

This led his mom to call the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, as well as the Red Cross, to no avail.

She started reaching out to rafting companies in Ne-

pal and eventually found an Australian woman who said she would help track him down.

She was able to find the company he had booked with and passed on the good news Sunday night that Brian had headed in the opposite direction of the epicenter.

Eventually the GPS device started working again. But his mom was still anxious to hear his voice - something that didn’t happen until 6 a.m.

Monday morning.

“It was a huge relief,” she said. “I couldn’t sleep again after that.”

Brian was a bit surprised by the concern, since he had been under the impression the GPS tracker had been working.

But he admits it was a close call. After all, he’s decided to kick around Pokhara until he has to leave, because the backpacker hotel where he stayed in Kathmandu was one of the quake casualties.

Free Travel Clinic will teach you to pack lighter and smarter Packables Travel Solutions Travel Clinic is holding a free a 90 minute workshop on all things travel.

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Glacier View remains closed due to norovirus outbreak

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Just when Glacier View Lodge thought it might be out of the norovirus woods, another case of the nausea, vomiting and diarrhea-causing infection popped up, and symptoms reappeared in two people who had been getting better.

By last Friday, 19 residents and 13 staffers at the complex care facility in Courtenay had come down with norovirus. The gastric flu first appeared in the dementia unit at Glacier View April 20 and officials expect the

residential care site will remain closed to the public for days.

“We’re basically on lockdown,” said Bev Powell, director of resident care, commenting on the unusual atmosphere. “It’s really quiet.”

After eight people began exhibiting norovirus symptoms in the special care unit public health was notified and battle lines were drawn.

“The medical health officer directs us to quarantine the place,” Powell said.

“What happens in a community like this where caregivers are going from room to room is

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it spreads very quickly. It’s highly contagious.”

The Glacier View outbreak follows recent cases at Retirement Concepts’ Comox Valley Seniors Village and in some local schools.

To launch their assault against norovirus Glacier View officials have confined affected residents to their rooms, closed the facility to the public and temporarily suspended day programs.

That mean for now there will be no adult day program, a service which allows in-community caregivers to have a break, and no community bathing program,

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which helps people who can’t safely take a bath at home.

But Glacier View does have a few advantages in the fight.

“We’re lucky that we have private rooms here so people who are exhibiting symptoms are confined to their room,” she said, noting employees are now donning gowns, gloves and masks when providing care to these individuals. “Staff attending those rooms use isolation precautions.”

Overall the norovirus outbreak appears to be dying down, however they discovered two new cases April 23 - meaning they’re

not out of the weeds yet.

Once viral symptoms dissipate officials must wait 96 hours before the facility can be reopened.

Powell said the frontline workers have been fantastic throughout.

“It’s not a very pleasant time,” she said. “I’m really proud of how the staff have handled it all.”

The new and reoccurring cases discovered Monday represent a setback and officials don’t expect the facility to open to the public for about another week, if all goes well.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 28, 2015

5

Family Walk for Hearts set for May 3 in Courtenay The Comox Valley Chapter of the First Open Heart Society is hosting the 9th Annual Family Walk for Hearts on May 3.

Taking part in and raising funds for the walk will allow low-income participants to take part in the Cardio-Pulmonary Wellness program and help it become more sustainable, through local funds.

The walk is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Florence Filberg Centre Evergreen lounge in Courtenay. You can walk whatever distance suits your ability.

You can make a donation and support this important community program.

The society has raised over $30,000 for many initiatives, which benefit local people diagnosed with heart disease, including support to the St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation “Cardiac Care Unit,” education for ICU nurses (cardiac care procedures), and donations to the Heart House (accommodation for low income families undergoing treatment in Victoria).

Since 2013, $8,500 has been donated to the St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation to support Cardiac Wellness and Cardiac Re-

FOOT

habilitation. This includes the development and management of the Cardio-Pulmonary Wellness program. The concept for this program started when a healthcare team from St. Joseph’s saw a need for an accessible and sustainable exercise programs for people with heart and lung problems. A pilot project was completed in 2014 via funding from the First Open Heart Society and St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation.

A physician referral is required, and is available at http://www. cvhospitalfoundation.com/why_ give/cvcp_wellness_ program/ The education component of the program utilizes the Living Well with COPD and St Paul’s Healthy Heart education modules. Participants have access to a social worker, registered dietitian and a respiratory therapist during the education sessions. The Division of Family Practise has

supported this integral part of the program.

The exercise component is led by a CSEP Certified Exercise Physiologist, BCRPA 3rd Age Fitness Leader. The first group of 12 participants is now graduating from the program with better coping skills, improved nutrition, and better fitness - graduates from the pilot project had a 20 per cent increase in cardiovascular fitness! Questions about the

program can be directed to Sarah Wright at cvcpwp@gmail.com or the Comox Community Centre.

Most of the steering committee for the Cardio-Pulmonary Wellness program will be in attendance for the walk. Come out and ask questions about the program and meet previous graduates.

For pledge sheets for the walk, call Bruce Russell at (250) 335_1751 or Bernie Poole (250) 339_5349.

Bean supper carries on Cumberland tradition May 1 event adds a small parade to mark old-time May Day celebration Friday, May 1st community members and friends of the Cumberland Museum & Archives will come together to celebrate the struggles and triumphs of working people around the world.

Since its inception in 1997, Workers’ Day Bean Supper has become an anticipated annual community gathering in Cumberland.

While International Workers’ Day, May 1st, isn’t an official holiday in Canada today, it held a significant spot on the calendar for the miners and other workers throughout Cumberland’s history; and is celebrated as a national holiday in more than 80 countries around the world.

This year’s event will feature

NOW OPE N DAILY

musical guests Trinitude, a Celtic-folk family trio from Nanaimo who’s repertoire includes traditional and original songs inspired by the lives of Vancouver Island miners.

There will also be a special excerpt performance from the upcoming TheatreWorks play Threads of Change about the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire of 1911 in New York that killed 147 workers.

Of course there is the main course: the bean supper. During the 1912 strike, miners evicted from company houses were forced to live with their families in tents on “Striker’s Beach”.

As a compassionate gesture, or perhaps as a way to deflate rising

tensions, the provincial government sent boxcars of dried navy beans for the strikers and their families.

Big Strike Beans kept them alive over the long winter.

For our supper the beans are accompanied by corn bread, cole slaw and a dessert, and perhaps a glass of something from the Cumberland Brewing Co. This year will also see a revival of the May Day parade: a joyous, radical celebration of all working people and those who struggle for a better world.

All are welcome to bring banners and picket signs, costumes and flags, instruments and noise makers and gather at the village square at 5pm.

Together with the cast of Threads of Change, the parade will move west along Dunsmuir to the parking lot behind the Museum.

This is an event for everyone.

After all, most of us spend a significant portion of our lives as workers of one sort or another.

Workers’ Day Bean Supper takes place on Friday, May 1st, 6 pm at the Cumberland Cultural Centre.

Tickets are only $15 for Museum members and $20 for nonmembers. To purchase tickets visit www.cumberlandmuseum.ca or stop by the Cumberland Museum and Archives.

The parade gathers at Village Square at 5pm and is free.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 28, 2015

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Make workplaces safe and healthy Across the country this week, on April 28, ceremonies marked the annual Day of Mourning for Workers Killed and Injured on the Job. From 2010 through 2013, over 3800 Canadians are known to have died as a result of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. Those are the official numbers.

In fact, those numbers only include people with workers compensation benefits.

Many workplace injuries and exposures to possible sources of occupational diseases go unreported.

The one million Canadians who juggle multiple jobs often can’t afford to take time off and don’t report incidents.

Injuries sustained by the nearly half a million temporary foreign workers are not counted.

From the very beginnings of the labour movement, unions have sought to make everyone’s workplace safe. Unions believe it is fair and reasonable to expect that employers and employees will work together to ensure that workers return to their families without injuries after a day’s work. We also expect governments to hold employers responsible for the safety of the workplace.

Yet, rather than enforc-

ing laws that could save lives, we have a federal government today that has weakened and in some cases eliminated basic health and safety protections across the federal sector.

The federal government refuses to move forward with a registry of buildings containing asbestos despite deadly exposure for construction, renovations and building trade workers.

Against the advice of health and safety experts, it eliminated protections from substances that damage the reproductive system and erased all references to workers’ protection from reproductive hazards from Canada’s Labour Code.

It changed the definition of “danger” to make it harder for workers to exercise their right to refuse dangerous work.

This needs to change.

The labour movement has stood up for safe workplaces from the very beginning and will continue to do so.

April 28 is the day we remember those whose lives were lost and those whose lives were forever changed because of a workplace accident or occupational disease.

It is also the day when we renew our commitment to make every workplace

COMOX VALLEY ECHO A division of Black Press Ltd.

407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 www.comoxvalleyecho.com Phone 250-334-4722 • Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 1-866-415-3535 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 The Comox Valley Echo is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org. All original content in this publication is copyright material belonging to Black Press. Any re-use or reproduction without the expressed, written consent of the copyright owner is strictly prohibited.

safe and healthy.

Anne Davis Vice President Campbell River Courtenay and District Labour Council

FIGHT FOR THE LIVING Every year we commemorate April 28th as a day to remember those who have been killed by their work.

It is important to remember that the Day of Mourning is a day that was developed and recognized

by Labour for Labour. The April 28th Day of Mourning is now recognized in more than one hundred countries: there are candle light vigils, religious ceremonies, memorials, demonstrations and many other events bringing attention to a single fact — no matter where we are in the world and no matter how advanced our technologies, people are still dying on the job.

Every year approximately one-thousand workers are killed across Canada and millions more globally because of their work. In fact this number is much higher because many deaths go unreported or workers die of occupational diseases that were not thought to be workrelated.

In this province alone, 173 workers died because of their work.

For many of us, April 28th is a very personal experience. Most of us have

either had an injury on the job or know someone who has had one. And many of us worked with or knew someone who was killed or injured at work. We know it could happen to any of us. The effects can be devastating. We need only think of the Sawmill explosions in BC, the tragedy at the Nanaimo Sawmill and the deaths of our friends and family right here on Vancouver Island to realize how close to home these deaths really are.

That is why remembering those who died is so important. It reminds us that our efforts to work safely and to encourage our employers to make work healthier and safer have a deeper meaning.

It reminds us how many working people come close to losing their lives every day.

Please take a moment to remember not just our members who died because of their work, but all workers who die or are injured because of their work.

Remember, it is not enough for us to be sad for all these lost lives or the thousands of others who died because of occupational disease. Each and every one of us needs to do something to make our workplaces healthier and safer. We must remember that we have a right to refuse unsafe work and that there is a process to

be followed when you do so. Employees cannot be reprimanded when they invoke the right to refuse.

It has been more than two decades since the Westray mine disaster in Nova Scotia and a decade since amendments were made to the Criminal Code of Canada to hold corporations, their directors and executives criminally accountable for the health and safety of workers.

Even though more than 1,000 workers each year are killed at work, police and prosecutors are not utilizing the Westray amendments, and not investigating workplace fatalities through the lens of criminal accountability.

This must change.

So let us mourn for those who have died, but let us also fight like hell for the living.

Rick Wangler 1st Vice-President United Steelworkers, Local 1-1937

DOESN’T SOUND LIKE PILLAGE Re: Pillage By The Sea The 2014 Mack Laing Housing Report (available online) describes in detail the MLHS plan to create and expand a North Island centre offering educational programs like the Swan Lake Nature Centre and eco-tourism activities like the Strathcona Wilderness Institute - the “Two

Economic Models for Baybrook”.

The following quote is just one example: “... if Baybrook modelled its operations on Swan Lake’s educational programmes, and established a conservation tourism hub, it should at minimum gross about $124,746 annually. Given that this figure could easily be doubled ...”

Aside from mentioning “the usual grant support” in reference to the SLNC, the Report fails to acknowledge that facilities like this do not survive without massive infusions of taxpayer dollars.

Ms. Burns apparently believes that her moral superiority justifies her “outspoken contempt” for her neighbors.

This attitude confirms the wisdom of Comox Council’s decision to leave Baybrook undeveloped, rather than allow it to become a clubhouse for the MLHS and a playground for eco-tourists.

If “Business is all that really matters in Comox”, the waterfront Baybrook property would have been left in the hands of private owners.

Foregoing thousands of dollars in annual property tax revenues to extend Mack Laing Park doesn’t sound like “Pillage by the Sea” to me!

Bill McLeod Comox

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Players are encouraged to wear colourful costumes and decorate or dress their mallets

Croquet for YANA combines with grad fund-raising events Looking for a fun family event while supporting local non-profit YANA and the Mark Isfeld and Highland Grads?

Then the fourth annual ‘Croquet for YANA.’ event at Isfeld Secondary School in Courtenay on Sunday May 3th and at Highland Secondary May 10th is the perfect fit.

The event will include the popular annual ‘Croquet for YANA, the opportunity to test drive a new Ford vehicle, and Grad Carwashes and Barbeques.

Christopher and Wendy Smith kindly initiated Croquet for YANA (You are Not Alone), the local non-profit group that helps families cover the cost of outof-town accommodation and expenses whilst a child is receiving medical treatment outside of the Comox Valley. The Smiths started hosting the event three years ago, the day after their wedding!

Chris lost his wedding ring somewhere on the croquet pitch and still has not found it saying “... it must still be honeymooning!”

Although the Croquet for YANA event has been successful, the Smiths understand that business owners can be overwhelmed by requests to support charities. So they began to explore ways to add to the charity event but lessen the blow to the business community by combining a number of charities under one tent. This year the Smiths are partnering with the Mark Isfeld and Highland Secondary Grad Executives to help with their Grad fundraising.

The Smiths believe the concept of ‘Croquet for YANA’/Drive One for the

Community is all about giving local business ‘exposure’ for their charity efforts.

Each supporting business is given a plot of land on the croquet field to advertise themselves anyway they want but they must also add a croquet ‘hole’ with a start and end and at least 5 wickets. It is just like mini golf.

Tickets are sold, by donation, to players wanting to play the various creative holes.

Players are encouraged to wear colourful costumes and decorate or dress their mallets. Croquet equipment is all provided by the Smiths and no experience is necessary. The activity is suitable for all ages and last year croquet players ranged in age from 5 to 90.

Both school Principals, Mark Isfeld’s Jeff Taylor and Highland’s Dean Patterson are supportive of the events as part of YANA week in the schools.

Smith concluded by saying, “A small community working together can accomplish amazing things, let’s come together on consecutives Sundays at 11:30 -3 p.m. and support YANA, recognize the businesses that support our community and make some memories.”

Tickets, by donation, will be available at 11 a.m. at pre-registration table in the parking lots at both schools prior to the event which starts at 11:30 a.m.

For more information contact Chris Smith at 250-339-1860, Mark Isfeld Secondary at 334-2428, Highland Secondary at 250-339-5525 or the YANA office at 250-871-0343. And, remember, in the Comox Valley, You Are Not Alone!

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 28, 2015

GEORGIA STRAIGHT JAZZ SOCIETY

Celebrate Jazz Day with Swing Street ‘Secret Trial 5’ film showing April 29 Imagine spending years in a Canadian prison without being charged with a crime or knowing exactly what you’re accused of.

This disturbing reality is exposed in the award-winning film, The Secret Trial 5, to be screened by World Community on Wednesday, April 29 at 7 pm in the Upper Florence Filberg Centre, Courtenay.

A film about the human impact of the “War on Terror,” The Secret Trial 5 is a sobering examination of the Canadian government’s use of security certificates, a Kafkaesque tool that allows for indefinite detention without charges, based on evidence not revealed to the accused or their lawyers.

Over the last decade, this rare and highly controversial device has been used to detain five men for nearly 30 years combined.

To date, none has been

charged with a crime or seen the evidence against them.

Through the experience of the detainees and their families, the film raises poignant questions about the balance between security and liberty.

“It is no wonder this film won the Audience Choice award at the Vancouver Amnesty International Film Festival” notes programmer Wayne Bradley.

“With the even more draconian Bill C-51 being pushed by the Harper government, it is frightening to see what powers the Canadian security services already possess.” The film was also a “Top Ten” Winner at the 2014 Hot Docs Film Festival.

The Comox Valley Peace Group is co-sponsoring the screening. Admission is by donation. Everyone is welcome. FMI: 250 337-5412

The Swing Street Band will be recognizing International Jazz Day at the Avalanche Bar this Thursday at 7:30 pm.

And what is that? I hear you ask...

UNESCO declared April 30th International Jazz Day in November 2011, and this year’s message is as follows: “In times of change and uncertainty, we need the spirit of jazz more than ever before, to bring people - especially young women and men - together, to nurture freedom and dialogue, to create new bridges of respect and understanding, for greater tolerance and cooperation.”

- Irina Bokova, Director General, UNESCO, Message on the occasion of the International Jazz Day 30 April 2015 UNESCO made this declaration for the following reasons: * Jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance; * Jazz is a vector of freedom of expression; * Jazz is a symbol of unity and peace; * Jazz reduces tensions between individuals, groups, and communities; * Jazz fosters gender equality;

* Jazz reinforces the role youth play for social change; * Jazz of traditional music forms into new ones; * Jazz stimulates intercultural dialogue and empowers young people from marginalized societies encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion.

For more information, go to http://www.un.org/ en/events/jazzday/ At Georgia Straight Jazz

Society, all we aspired for was to have fun, promote live jazz, and provide talented musicians with an opportunity to perform their art in front of a discerning audience. Clearly, we have become part of something global, and if we can be measured against these statements, then we’re proud to be contributing in our own way to making the world a nicer place.

Drummer Bill Street told me, “We will be pre-

senting the very essence of Jazz Music in acknowledging some of the great standards that have become so much of jazz for many decades, together with some fine originals by our fine trombonist Jeff Agopsowicz. Jeff ’s compositions are ‘fantastic’ in the words of keyboard player Mike Eddy: They are difficult to play, possess rich harmonies as well as being very catchy.”

(Continued on page 9)

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Jazz Day celebration (Continued from page 8) Swing Street is honoured to present Jeff who is relatively new to Comox Valley.

He brings with him a life of musical experience as well as being a fine trombonist. Audiences across Canada love his playing and fine technique.

Bill continued, “Alongside Jeff will be the valley favourite Jay Havlaar on trumpet and flugelhorn; a well-known face with our regular jazz audience.

“Added to these treats will be our very own local male vocalist super star Ralph Barrat who will swing like the proverbial clappers and likely will put a smile on Frank Sinatra’s face up above, in celebration of the hundred years since Frank was born.”

The fine Mike Eddy will be on keys displaying his great technique and taste which has caused him to become a favourite among musicians and jazz fans in the Comox Valley scene.

“Professor” Don McKay, bass, returns at last from his Mexican adventures refreshed and ready

to provide the fine playing for which he is renowned.

Bill Street will be in the “kitchen” playing the pots and pans he has been thrashing since he was twelve.

This will be an evening of tribute to jazz on a day that the jazz world will be in accord. (Paris is officially designated the capital jazz city this year.)

The Comox Valley has become a jazz haven over the last ten years, and is now riding the crest of a popular wave since word’s out that this is the community with the jazz scene second-to-none in British Columbia.

So you’re invited to join regular jazz aficionados at the Avalanche for this special evening of fine music, and your favourite jazz drink; and remember, there always is the very special, very reasonable Jazz Dinner menu.

If you plan on dining, arrive early; it’s become a popular spot to meet friends. Admission is $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers.

For more information about the jazz society, visit www.georgia straightjazz.com or follow us on Facebook.

Mapping the Island Strathcona Wilderness Institute presents special talk Friday How many know that when James Douglas, who founded Fort Victoria on the southern end of Vancouver Island in 1842, described it as “a perfect Eden” and even the harsh taskmaster Captain George Vancouver called it, “the most lovely country that can be imagined.”

Fewer know Vancouver Island was frequently called “Quadra or Vancouvers Island” [SIC] on various maps after the two sea captains met at Nootka Sound and made a gentlemanly agreement to encourage Spain and England not to go to war over it.

That’s one of the hundreds of fascinating details to be found in Michael Layland’s book The Land of Heart’s Delight: Early Maps and Charts of Vancouver Island, a visual treasure chest for anyone curious to know how British Columbia evolved into a unique society and a political construct.

Layland’s assemblage of obscure maps about “the back of the world” as Vancouver Island was

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also called - or “the ragged green edge of the world” as novelist Jack Hodgins called it - will engage even those for whom the word geography is only slightly less daunting than a trip to the dentist.

Beyond the visuals, Michael Layland outlines the history of the British Columbia coastline as it is revealed chronologically by his array of maps from various expeditions and fur traders.

He neatly sidesteps the veracity of unproven claims that Sir Francis Drake could have reached Vancouver Island, and he deftly skims over the more convincing argument that

a Greek mariner from the island of Kefalonia, Ioannis Phokas, better known in Spanish as Juan de Fuca, almost certainly was the first European to see Vancouver Island in 1592.

He is more forthcoming when claiming the Spanish captain Juan Pérez made the first recorded sighting of Vancouver Island by any European on August 5, 1774, off the west coast at around 49 degrees north while sailing northward.

Strathcona Wilderness Institute is pleased to present Michael Layland with his superb slide show presentation titled “Early

9

Maritime Explorations and Mapping of Vancouver Island.” Layland will also have his book for sale at the presentation.

Born and educated in England, Michael Layland was trained as an officer and mapmaker in the Royal Engineers, where he served for seven years in Cyprus, Arabia and Africa. After leaving the British Army, he worked on civilian survey projects in Central and South America and North and West Africa, among other places.

He has served as president of the Friends of the BC Archives and the Victoria Historical Society, and is on the committee of the Historical Map Society of BC. Michael Layland lives in Victoria and is acknowledged as one of Vancouver Island’s foremost map historians.

The presentation is in the Stan Hagen Theatre at the North Island College facility on Ryan Road in Courtenay on May 1.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 and followed by a question and answer period.

There is a cover charge of $10 per person, student’s half price, at the door.

10

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 28, 2015

Sue Medley and Friends in concert Saturday night The Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series is thrilled to present a very special “In The Round” performance with “Sue Medley & Friends”, this Saturday, May 2 at the Little Red Church Comox at 7:00, featuring Mary Murphy, Mae Moore, Paul Keim and John Mang.

Juno Award winner Sue Medley is one of Canada’s most acclaimed female singer-songwriters.

With a string of radio hits including Dangerous Times, Maybe The Next Time, When The Stars Fall and touring success with the likes of John Mellencamp, Bob Dylan and

many more, Sue Medley has earned a reputation as one of the best. Sue’s newest release These Are The Days, features all new songs, including the 2014 Vancouver Island Music Awards Pop/Rock song of the year High Time. The album received 3 more VIMA nominations for 2015.

Saturday’s performance will feature some of Canada’s finest musicians, singers and songwriters, all of whom have dedicated their lives to the Art and Craft of music. The performance will be “In the Round”, a unique performance format that brings

Sue Medley performs with her friends on Saturday night at the Little Red Church out the very best in every performer.

Special guest Mae Moore has many claims to fame. As a recording artist, Mae was a major label success story, scoring nine top forty hits, two Juno nominations and two Socan awards for commercial radio airplay.

As an Indi Artist, Mae Moore has most recently garnered two Canadian Folk Music award nominations for Solo Artist of the Year and English Songwriter of the year.

Mae continues to attract a sizable fan-base to both her live performances and recordings.

Poet Laureate up to more rhymes

Poet Laureate Kevin Flesher

The ComoxValley’s own Poet Laureate is clearly taking his role seriously.

Fresh off winning the Poet Laureate Search last month, opening for Shane Koyczan, then organizing a poetry walk and haiku creation event among the cherry blossoms, Kevin Flesher is far from resting on his laurels.

He has now come up with a public poetry event in the Zocalo Café this Saturday (May 2) and he is urging poets of all ages and styles to share their works.

“Sign up, your name goes in a hat, when we pull it out you read for eight minutes,” he says. “How about that?”

Sue’s other very special guest is Mary Murphy. It may be her gift of melody and lyric that is so attractive or her rich and seemingly effortless vocal style or perhaps that enticingly warm Irish nature ... but whatever moves this woman, these qualities promote and sustain fans

from every age group and from every walk of life.

Multi talented musician John Mang performs regularly with Sue Medley.

John is a veteran performer, multi - instrumentalist and long time CBC music producer/engineer. J The Bates Beach Jazz Series is made possible by the generous volunteer and financial support of the Obal family (Mike, Grace & Ben).

Saturday’s performance at the Little Red Church is family friendly with a concession offering tea, coffee, soft beverages and goodies. Net profit from the concession is matched

by Sunwest RV and directed to veterans with PTSD. Doors open at 6:30 and performance begins at 7:00.

Tickets at the door $18 Advance tickets $15 available at Bop City in Courtenay and Red Carpet Boutique in Comox. Youth tickets $8 (under 19).

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Flesher sees engaging the public as a critically important role in his twoyear poet laureate mandate.

The position and the search were initiated and organized by the Comox Valley Community Arts Council.

“Creating more opportunities for more people to experience more poetry is what I do,” he says. “When good words are rolling off a thinking person’s tongue, it touches us where it tickles.

The emotional energy in a room goes up; we feel more.

Poetry makes us more human.”

The event gets underway at 6 p.m. and there is no charge.

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28 TUESDAY COMOX VALLEY VOLLEYBALL CLUB • Will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) as follows: Tuesday, April 28, 7:30 - 8:30 PM, Hightland Secondary School- Multipurpose Room.

PEARL ELLIS GALLERY IN COMOX PRESENTS • “A GROUP SHOWâ€? by “THE MONDAY BUNCHâ€? From April 21st - May 10th. 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.

29 WEDNESDAY PINTS & POLITICS • With your Federal Liberal candidate, Carrie Powell-Davidson, Wednesday, April 29 at Billy D’s for 5 p.m.

EVERGREEN CLUB LIFELONG LEARNERS • Barrister and Solicitor Michael Holland speaks at 1:00 PM April 29 on his expertise: family law, estates, conveyancing, wills, and more. Lifelong Learners meeting fee is $1 for Evergreen Club members. They meet at Rotary Hall, Filberg Centre, Courtenay on Wednesdays, 1-3 pm. For info, call 250-941-8885 or email: arabella888@gmail.com 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

1 FRIDAY GLACIER VIEW LODGE AUXILIARY GARAGE SALE • At 1150 26th St. in Courtenay on May 1, 2 and 3 and also May 15-16, 9 am to 2 pm All by donation. Hope to see you there.

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). 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

2 SATURDAY EXPLORE’S GIANT GARAGE SALE • Donations of quality used goods & garden plants are needed for Vanier’s Explore program annual fundraiser Saturday, May 2 8 am to

3 SUNDAY CORONATION STREET FAN GATHERING • Sunday May 3rd - 2pm-3pm, Kiwanis Village, 635 Pidcock Avenue. Enjoy a good chin wag about the happenings such as what the heck is going on with Tracy and Tony? and what’s up with Nick and Carla? Along with the rest of the gang on the “Streetâ€?. 3.00 cash at the door Bring along a friend or two! More info call Wendy 250 897-3697 Email: cvcorriefanclub@ shaw.ca

4 MONDAY 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.

10 SUNDAY “ON BOARD THE TITANICâ€? • A Mother’s Day cruise with the Comox Valley Concert Band - music from the infamous ocean liner and the stories behind its musicians - Sunday, May 10, at 2:00 pm in the Conference Hall of the Filberg Center - $5.00. Sponsored by the Evergreen Club. FMI: 338-1000

Three new shows opening Thursday night at CVAG feature contemporary art by emerging and established Valley artists The Comox Valley Art Gallery is hosting an opening public reception on Thursday evening, April 30th, for three new shows that investigate relationships between research, documentation and contemporary art practices.

The pre-show event will start at 6 p.m. with an informal artist talk by recent BFA graduates Sylwia Gustyn, Natasha Ouimette and Terri Stelfox, along with faculty and staff from North Island College/Emily Carr Fine Arts Programs.

The preshow talk offers the public a glimpse into the diverse ways in which artists make their work, their education experiences and the issues that inspire their production.

The opening reception will run from 7-9 p.m.

The talk and reception are family friendly, free and open to the public.

Everyone is welcome. “As You Are� is a group show featuring local emerging artists Gustyn, Ouimette and Slelfox, who have earned their degree from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design external BFA program, offered in partnership with the Fine Arts Department at North Island College campus, here in the Comox Valley.

Like many contemporary artists, these three graduating students utilize a variety of processes in their art making including painting, drawing, printmaking, video, image software and bookmaking.

Sylwia Gustyn’s proliďŹ c body of printmaking will be on exhibit as part of this show. Gustyn’s work focusses on an experimental approach to printmaking, inuenced and inspired by her extensive research into quantum mechanics and the work of sociologist and philosopher Bruno Latour. “Sidescrollâ€? is Natasha Ouimette’s extensive me-

dia work based on a daily drawing challenge that she initiated in September, 2014. The artwork was produced using digital imaging software which was then assembled into a scrolling video, representing a snapshot of this past year of school.

Terri Stelfox’s project “Verna’s Bicycle,� is a personal narrative that documents changes in a family member’s life. Working with solar plates to create intaglio and relief prints, Stelfox then combines these with hand drawn imagery in the creation of a large format handmade book.

Concurrent with the BFA exhibition, CVAG is presenting “re.search,� a group show by NIC and ECUAD Fine Arts Staff and Faculty including: Jeff Brett, Linda Perron, Joyce Lindemulder, Sandra Semchuk, Sara Vipond, Gordon Hutchens, Carrie Tannant, Alan Burgess and Scott Bullick.

The third project on display at CVAG is a group show entitled “Pathways,� by children from three local early learning centres including Roseberry Preschool, Brooklyn StrongStart and Tigger Too preschool.

The groups have created an exhibition of their research around the theme of pathways, in response to encounter with local and imaginary ora and fauna, using a diverse range of approaches and media.

All three shows will run at CVAG from May 1 to June 6. The gallery will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for statutory holidays.

The CVAG gift shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more details about shows and events at the gallery, please visit www. comoxvalleyartgallery. com

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TUESDAY.APRIL 28, 2015 2 pm. Donations can be dropped off at G.P. Vanier Secondary on Friday, May 1st or call Freya @ 250.732.7620 for pick-up or drop off prior to Friday, May 1st.

GROW YOUR OWN MUSHROOMS WORKSHOP • Learn easy ways to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms. Build yourself a shiitake log and oyster mushroom bag to take home. Errington. 1-4:30pm. Cost $70. To register visit www.jessicawolf.ca or call 250-734-1422.

EVERGREEN CLUB’S FAMOUS PANCAKE BREAKFAST • The members of the Evergreen Club are extending an open invitation to everyone to come to their famous Pancake Breakfast Saturday, May 2nd.

7:30am to 12 pm in the Conference Hall of the Florence Filberg Centre in downtown Courtenay. For only $5 a person you will get a choice of tea/coffee and juice. Choice of regular or Buckwheat pancakes and bacon or sausages. FMI contact 250-338-1000 or got to their website at www.evergreenclub.me PARISH SPRING PLANT SALE • at St. John the Divine Anglican Church Hall, 579 5th, 10 AM to 1 PM. If you like growing things or just enjoy the scent and sights of spring you are invited to St. John’s Anglican Church Spring Garden and Plant sale! Join the fun - a good variety of plants at very reasonable prices. Everyone Welcome! A gardener’s delight.

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.

“The Mousetrap� is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

12

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 28, 2015

18 holes for All skill levels

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Memberships Available to book a tee-time, call:

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New major sponsor for annual North Island tourney

Sponsors and organizers getting ready for North Island Golf Tournament, left to right, Adrian Merrilees, Jesse Moussa, Kathy Branch, Nadine Ash and Gregg Hart.

As usual the Comox Golf Club will be hosting the Annual Ladies’ North Island Golf Tournament on Mother’s Day , May 10th.

Gregg Hart, owner and managing broker of Royal LePage in the Comox Valley, has taken on the responsibility as the new major sponsor. Visual Sound and the Canadian Western Bank will continue as our Hole in One sponsors again this year.

Jesse Moussa, the new General Manager of the Comox Golf Club and his wife Nadine Ash, a retired LPGA player and golf professional, are ready to welcome this year’s participants to a fun filled weekend. All entries received by May 1st will be entered into a draw for one person to win a free

PGA Tour Q-school coming to Crown Isle For the second consecutive year, the Canadian Qualifier will take place at Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community May 5-8 with participants from all over the world.

The field of 132 competitors includes top professional golfers from across

the world. The top 18 players will earn exempt status for 2015, with players finishing 19th through 40th plus ties earning conditional status.

“Crown Isle is thrilled to once again host this year’s PGA Tour Canada Qualifier.

“Over the past several months our staff has worked tirelessly to prepare the course in order to meet the challenge of this event”, says Rod Prieto, Director of Golf at Crown Isle.

This is a unique opportunity for residents and

visitors of the Comox Valley to experience golf at one of its highest levels of competition.

Spectators are welcome on the grounds and clubhouse facilities for Monday’s practice round and all four competition rounds.

Save big on golf this year with BC Lung discount book

Comox Valleys’ own Natalie Doust, a Development Assistant for the BC Lung Association is encouraging local golfers to pick up a Golf Privilege Club Membership Book, a great way to enjoy golf savings while supporting the Lung Association’s work to improve lung health.

Flowers are blooming and the weather’s improving - sure signs for golfers to swing into savings with the BC Lung Association’s Golf Privilege Club Membership Book.

“Our membership book saves golfers hundreds of dollars for less than the price of one round of golf.

It’s also a great way for golfers to pay less and play more while supporting the Lung Association’s work to improve lung health in British Columbia,” says Comox Valleys’ own Natalie Doust, a Development

Assistant for the BC Lung Association For only $35, the membership book entitles golfers to discounts at more than 120 courses across BC and Washington State.

All proceeds go to BC Lung Association’s various programs and services.

Save on golf while supporting the 1 in 5 British Columbians living with breathing problems. Buy a Golf Privilege Club Book today! Visit www. golfandsave.ca or call 1.800.665.5864.

Great day of golf, dinner for a good cause The Boys and Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island is pleased to invite you to the 13th Annual Golf Tournament, taking place at the Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community on May 29th.

This popular annual event is a major fundraising initiative of the club and a great opportunity for local businesses, families, and friends to join the fun and share a unique community experience.

The golf tournament is fun for any skill level, even if you’ve never golfed before, and a great social outing to share with your staff, your fa-

vourite clients, or neighbours.

If you can’t spend the day, there are lots of other ways to be involved including donations of silent auction items, gift certificates for services, on site sponsorships, or by being a volunteer.

“We have lots of activities planned for a fun-filled day on the course followed by a delicious dinner and entertainment,” says BGCCVI Director and Event Coordinator Robin Smart. “We’re looking forward to working with some new faces and community partners this year, and spending the day getting to know

the people in the business community who support us.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses wanting to feature on-site samples, displays, or get their business mentioned to listeners of 98.9 The Goat, whose radio personalities will be on location sharing the day’s events.

For more information on how to register your team, ask about sponsoring opportunities, or donate items to the silent auction, please email rsmart@bgccvi.com, call 250218-0904 or visit the BGCCVI website at http://www.bgccvi.com.

lesson with Nadine.

Adrian Merrilees, owner and head chef of the Tee Box Restaurant has an amazing banquet planned. A breakfast buffet will also be available.

John Brownlee and his crew have been preparing the course all winter and it looks fantastic!

Returning Chairman, Kathy Branch and her committee, invite everyone to join in the fun. Come out and enjoy the horse race and chipping contest on Saturday afternoon. You might also be treated to some Karaoke entertainment.

Call Sharon Crowe at 250-339-7450 or mail your entries in to Sharon Crowe, 1792 Astra Rd. Comox, B.C. V9M4B6.

COMOX VALLEY BOOK FRIENDS

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.APRIL 28, 2015 and abilities, and the National Veterans Festival which saw 39 Canadian forces members from across the country participating in snowsports. (A pretty good effort for a winter season that only lasted 8 weeks).

Investors Group recognize the hard work and dedication of these VISAS volunteer instructors who teach students with disabilities 7 days a week, in a variety of disciplines including nordic skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding. One of their own employees, Chris Nagle, the division

Director of Investors group, is an adaptive Nordic instructor. During the winter weekends, Nagle volunteers his time to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to learn Nordic skiing. The Investors Group wanted to recognize Nagle’s volunteer contribution and donated a generous $500 to the organization! Chris Nagle, Division Director, and Janet Gee, Associate Consultant for Investors Group present Alvin Gossen (right), Vice-President of VISAS with a cheque for $500.00.

‘Ball at the Hall’ starts Friday in Black Creek Investors Group helps Adaptive Snowsports Investors Group know and appreciate, that despite the challenging winter conditions, lack of snow and Mount Washington’s early closure, the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS) taught as many students as they could, a total of 1640 hours worth of lessons!

This included their annual snowsports festival for individuals of all ages

Black Creek is organizing local softball for all ages and all skill levels. Lets get some community softball started in Black Creek! “Ball at the Hall” starts this Friday, May 1st from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Black Creek Community Centre, 2001 Black Creek Rd. Everyone welcome!

Coach Cristi Sacht has combined the “T-Ball” and “Youth Baseball”

age groups into two hours of Community Softball at the Black Creek Community Centre. Kids will be split into groups according to age, where they will learn fun drills, and skill development. The second hour will be spent playing a game where kids get to put their practice into action. The focus is on teamwork, skill development, sportsmanship, and having fun. Parent involvement is

encouraged.

“Ball at the Hall” season runs Fridays, May 1 to June 19, 2015 with a year end wind-up celebration on June 26.

Registration starts now! Ages 4-6 $39.00 (member) $45 (non-member); ages 7 and up, $47.00 (member) $55.00 (non-member). Email: info@blackcreek-cc.com or call 250337-5190.

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