Comox Valley Echo - May 5, 2015

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VOL. 21, NO. 36

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NEWS

ARTS

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The ‘40 Houses’ recommended for Heritage Register

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Forty Courtenay houses have been identified for consideration of inclusion into the City’s Heritage Register.

They are properties in an area bounded by 17th Street, Lewis Avenue, 18th Street and the E & N Railway.

The subdivision was developed following World War II to provide veterans and their families affordable and appropriate

housing.

This was achieved through a federal veterans housing program.

In March, letters were sent to property owners of the intent to add their houses to the Heritage Register this month.

Land Use Planner, Erin Ferguson, stated in the letter, “the 40 houses represent a significant period of development in the community and are representative of similar housing developments across Canada.”

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The ‘40 Houses’ neighbourhood of Courtenay The subdivision identifies characteristics of other veterans housing projects located across the country.

The layout consists of small uniform lots, homes are simple structures of a modest size, typically two

or thee bedroom options, and were constructed using standardized housing plans produced to facilitate quick and efficient development of housing for returning veterans and their families.

Property owners that

were notified were asked to contact staff and provide their concerns and comments.

Only three owners responded.

Two sought clarification on the impact it would have on any future development plans and one sent a letter of support to the proposal.

So what does it mean to be added to the Heritage Register?

The register helps recognize and manage heritage resources.

It identifies properties that might have sufficient heritage value to warrant preservation in the future.

But it does not provide formal protection and will not impact property rights.

Owners still have the choice to make alterations they desire.

However, the Heritage Register does provide council options to temporarily withhold building and demolition permits to allow heritage inspection or to discuss alternative

development options with property owners.

But before council could do that, it would need to approve a bylaw or resolution to withhold permits or invoke temporary protection tools.

The Courtenay Heritage Register, adopted in 2009, currently lists 21 historic places including residences, commercial buildings, places of assembly, parks, and natural features.

The Heritage Advisory Commission was involved in the creation of the Heritage Register and continues to update it as part of their work plan.

Courtenay staff has asked council to support the addition of 40 houses to the Heritage Register in accordance with sections 954 and 974 of the Local Government Act. Staff also sought authorization to notify property owners and the minister responsible for the Heritage Conservation Act of this change to the Heritage Register within 30 days.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015

Former city mayor passes Celebration of life to be held at Native Sons hall May 13

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff When Starr Winchester thinks of George Cochrane, she said his laughter always comes to mind.

That’s how Winchester described the former City of Courtenay mayor, who passed away recently.

“That is absolute one thing that defined him because every single time I ran into him or was within his presence, he was kidding me about something,” said Winchester, who has known Cochrane all of her life.

“I know everyone will agree with me, his laughter is what defined him. And that’s a great gift. He had that gift.”

A celebration of life will be held at the Native Sons Hall on May 13 at around 3 p.m.

The flags at Courtenay City Hall flew at half-mast this week to honour Cochrane, who also served as councillor before he became mayor.

Winchester said Cochrane took over as mayor of the city after her father, Bill Moore, passed away in 1982. Cochrane, she said, was also instrumental in helping her become mayor as well.

“I didn’t want to be mayor,” said Winchester. “I was quite happy to serve as councillor. But I was honoured to have George Cochrane and George Hobson come to my house and sign my nomination papers. It was cool and was a real highlight for me.

They coaxed me along with Ron Webber to run for mayor.”

Winchester said she’s learned so much from Cochrane, who she also described as being a

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

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Cunberland High School Basketball Team 1951-51: Back Row: John Milburn, Bill Roses, Terry Tobacco, Stan Mounce; Front row: Harold Banks, George Cochrane, Marvin Watson, Emlyn Wynne.

Dr. Sterling Desmond

visionary.

“He had a remarkable ability to bring people together to ensure his vision became a reality,” said Winchester. “He did not simply teach us values and morals. He taught them by example. He lived his life by the same values that he instilled in us. I will miss him dearly as will the City of Courtenay.”

Mayor Larry Jangula remembered meeting Cochrane for the first time when he arrived in Courtenay in 1985 as a member of the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment.

“He was very well-known in the community when I got here,” said Jangula. “He was a very respected mayor. He was always very approachable, a very friendly person, someone you could always go and talk to.”

Former city fire chief Lawrence Burns said Cochrane had lots of life and spark to him.

“He didn’t take any nonsense. That was his nature,” said Burns, who served as fire chief from 1969 to 1996. “When I was fire chief he was mayor and also TM

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George Cochrane, Jan. 1, 2015 alderman during those days.

Minister of finance we used to call him. So when we didn’t get enough money, for the fire department, it was his fault. But George was a real good guy. He got things done.”

Cochrane grew up in Cumberland and was a member of several championship basketball teams while in high school.

He served as Courtenay councillor between 1972 and 1981 and was mayor from 1982 to 1990. He also worked as a schoolteacher and administrator at G.P. Vanier Secondary School.

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HUNT FOR HISTORY WITH JUDY HAGEN

The inimitable Ruth Masters turns 95

If you went up on Wednesday to see Ruth Masters you won’t find her at home. She’s at the hospital visiting the “old folks”.

Armed with her purse, a piece of the leather work she crafted herself, she strolls through the halls of the Views stopping to play a hymn and ditty or two on her harmonica, before moving on to cheer another “poor soul”.

“They “took” my licence away” is a story I hear often now when I take Ruth to events. I complain about the purse, calling it her luggage, and she wrinkles up her face and laughs at me. I also berate her for feeding the deer that come each night to her front yard. I tell her that she knows you mustn’t feed the wildlife, and she laughs at that too.

She knows better because

Ruth at 6 months and at 88 Photos from “Us Dames Have Come A Long Way” written by Hazel Lennox. she supports about 2 dozen animal rights groups For her friends who have been on protests with her, or worked on projects to save the environment, we are an unlikely pair. Our “roots” go back to when she was very little, it might be said, since she was born

in 1920. Her neighbour, Bert Pearce, who would bounce Ruth on his knee, married my father’s sister, so this makes Ruth “almost family”.

Now to meet Ruth is to become involved with her “causes”. So while visiting at our home, Ruth mentioned that we seemed to have a lot of newspaper for the garbage. “Why don’t you bring those bundles up to my place and when I have enough I’ll get it all down to Victoria for recycling”. Now recycling was a new concept in 1968 and we diligently began to take bundles of newspaper up to her garage. We learnt that she supports over 2 dozen environmental causes.

She grew up on Powerhouse Road, where her father, a returning veteran from the Great War, received a grant of land. She

will tell you that they were as poor as church mice; in fact, she and her mother shared one pair of shoes.

When she got home from school her mother would put on the shoes and walk into town.

She talks of the great friendship she had with Catherine Capes who included her in the great adventures that the Capes family would have exploring the mountains. Ruth’s love of nature and her concern for the environment was enriched by these “rambles”. On one occasion, Catherine saved her life. They were crossing the Glacier and Catherine called out stopping Ruth from falling into a deep crevasse. Now Ruth marvels at how any of them survived before cell phones and rescue teams!

(Continued on page 5)

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

Hunt for History (Continued from page 4) Ruth, who had no money, wanted to take the business course from Mrs. Tull; it was agreed that Ruth would pay for her lessons when she found work. Many others had the same agreement, but Ruth says she was probably among the few that did pay up later!

She served in the Air Force and though she did not see the world, she saw England, experienced the horrors of war and from to time met up with hometown boys that she knew from hiking through the local mountains. After the War, she would ensure that lakes in local mountains were named for those friends who never returned home.

Ruth and I served on the Board of the Courtenay and District Museum. I loved it when at the beginning of the meeting she would drop a sack or box on the table and pull out treasures she had secured from the estate of some “poor old sod” that had just died. What would be of no interest to the family was of great value for the Museum collection. During political campaigns

we would be at meetings wearing opposing buttons!

I am sure that the relationship of the Hagens and Ruth would seem incongruous given our differing political views and the way Ruth went about proclaiming her causes, but while we may differ in the “way” to go about doing something, we had the same goals.

Ruth had a rascally minded friendship with Stan. She called him, His Highness. She wrote him a letter just about every week and took it into the Constituency Office so that she didn’t have to pay postage. She let him know her current issues and he listened.

Even before he was elected, he had come to appreciate Ruth’s interests, so in 1984, when he was working on the Federal MILAP program to restore the fish habitat on streams up and down the west coast, he asked her to join the steering committee. “You know Ruth,” he said, “You can do more work inside the tent than standing outside with a protest sign.’’ She agreed to attend the first meeting and since she could do

TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015 Ruth will celebrate her 95th birthday on Thursday May 7th. Friends are invited to attend her party at the Courtenay and District Museum 2-5. No gifts! But friends may donate to a newly established North Island College Ruth Masters Bursary for Environmental Studies. shorthand, took the minutes. She liked what was happening and appointed herself secretary.

Between 1986-88, when there were protests about changing the boundaries of Strathcona Park, Stan listened to Ruth’s arguments and went to battle for her. The boundary was not changed. Ruth gave him a Hero Spoon.

To honour the men whose names are listed on the Sandwick War Memorial Cairn on Mission Hill, Ruth compiled a unique book, “Lest We Forget”.

She contacted the families for photos and searched newspapers for information. At that time there was neither internet nor computer to assist her.

She asked for no grants.

She spent her noon hours and evenings putting it all into a book whose covers she had worked in leather.

The book was donated to the Courtenay Museum.

When she was honoured as Citizen of the Year, it was to be a secret so they asked Ruth to speak at the Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner. After they presented her with

the honour she asked, can I speak now, and was not happy they wouldn’t let her!

There are many “layers” to Ruth including her work with Search and Rescue.

Rescue is a good word to describe her since she was always the first to “rescue” all manner of wild life. On one occasion she went between the wildlife officer and a bear which is about to tranquilized. It was the only time she was “apprehended”, and was on the front page of the newspaper being hauled away by two burly RCMP officers. She was not arrested. She did not believe that being arrested for any cause would do any good, though she admired those who would stand up for their beliefs.

Among her “layers” she is known as an environmental activist, generous benefactor of the Ruth Masters Greenway and to a select group of unmarried friends, she is one of the “unclaimed jewels”. Ruth is indeed a rare gem that has enriched the Comox Valley in her own very unique way.

Comox Lake Road stabilization completed thanks to federal Gas Tax Fund Residents and visitors of Cumberland and the wider Comox Valley can once again enjoy the only road-accessible public land on Comox Lake, at Cumberland Lake Park.

Access to this family-oriented beach, campground and boat launch had been restricted since May 2012, when a portion of Comox Lake Road, along the shore of the reservoir, was reduced to a single lane due to the instability of its adjacent slope.

Completed in March, a 200-metre section of the road’s westbound lane was repaired with soil nails to stabilize the steep embankment.

Soil nailing is a technique for retaining earth which involves the insertion of slender reinforcing elements, such as reinforcing bars, into the slope.

It has been widely used for similar projects around the world, and on Vancouver Island.

The project was

made possible thanks to $308,000 of the federal Gas Tax Fund and $200,000 from BC Hydro.

The Village of Cumberland provided the remaining costs of the total project cost of $683,650.

This road rehabilitation and stabilization project is helping to ensure safe and efficient access to this popular recreation destination - in time for Summer 2015, and for years to come.

Quick Facts * The Government of Canada provides $253,276,892 in annual funding for municipal infrastructure in British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund. * The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC, in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia. * Since 2006, the federal Gas Tax Fund has made $1,331,381 available to the Village of Cumberland.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Remembering George Cochrane It was so sad to read of George Cochrane’s passing.

A former fellow student and I met “George” at Marina Park, last summer and had a great discussion on the old days. We were both students of Mr. Cochrane in the early 60’s at Lake Trail Junior High.

A very fine school that operated with military precision.

At that time, it was not uncommon to see a line up for the strap at the office. However, none of Mr. Cochrane’s class were in the line up.

Although he had a great sense of humor and joked with many, he was serious about learning. Students respected Mr. Cochrane.

If a student could not grasp a concept, likely he would be staying after school with coaching, until it became clear.

There were many fine teachers in the day, but Mr. Cochrane will always top the list. We will miss him.

Phil Harrison Comox

WHAT CUTS MEAN TO KIDS In the 2014-15 school year, School District 71 had to cut $2.2 million due to declining enrollment

and under funding from the provincial government. Trustees are now trying to figure out how to cut another $2.2 million from next year’s budget an impossible task to do without directly effecting services to our most vulnerable students.

This means that if your child has learning challenges and receives help from a Learning Support Teacher (LST), there will be days when she will not get help because LSTs and other specialist teachers may not be replaced on the first day they are off sick.

If your child is supported by an Educational Assistant (EA) because of a documented learning disability, there will be days when he will not be supported because many EAs are not replaced on the first day they are away for budget reasons.

Office Administrative Assistants and Library Clerks are now re-deployed to be lunch time supervisors which means that there is no coverage in the office and your child may not be able to access the library at lunch or during the library clerk’s lunch break.

Custodians are often not replaced when they

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.

are off sick so your child may have to sit at a sticky desk with crumbs left over from yesterday’s lunch because the remaining one custodian just doesn’t have the time to get to the entire school.

If your child has a suspected learning difficulty, you can expect a wait of two to three years for a psychoeducational assessment, if they are assessed at all. Some schools, due to a limited number of Educational Psychologists are slated for only a few assessments a year. To receive additional funding for support from the Ministry of Education, your child needs to have at least a psycho-educational assessment to be designated into a specific category.

But even a designation does not guarantee extra funding.

There are over 100 students diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum in the Comox Valley. Currently, there is one autism specialist teacher.

Your child with a severe stutter or speech/language disability which is impacting her social and academic success will see a Speech and Language Pathologist about once a week for about half an hour. This is only if your child has a level of severity and reaches the top of the priority list. Many

children are never seen.

If your child has no learning challenges, one has to question how long it will be before he does.

There are just not enough teaching specialists or EAs to help the students who do need the extra help, and the teacher’s time must divided between all his students; more often than not there just isn’t enough time because 80% of a teacher’s time is taken up by 20% of the students who need the additional support.

Teachers are given the time and resources to run 100 metres and are asked to run a marathon.

You will read much rhetoric from all education stakeholder including teachers, support workers, the provincial government and the local school board of trustees on the woes of the economy and the underfunded system. As a parent, you will live with these realities every day.

If you are wealthy enough, you can send your child away to a private school. If you are a concerned citizen, you will lobby the government to set their priorities on our children.

They are the future of our society and deserve nothing less. Every single parent in the Comox Valley needs to make an appointment with MLA Don

McRae to express their concern to him.

Nick Moore President Comox District Teachers’ Association

WE CALLED THEM TBIRDS Silver Star indeed!

Though agreeing with most everything young Yogi 24 had to say, us older folk never called the T33 a Silver Star. This was a hokey name dreamed up by some desk jockey back in 1962 or 3. My first flight on it was in 1964.

My instructor called it a TBird. So did I and most everyone else. My last Air Force flight in 1981 was in a TBird. Perhaps it became a Silver Star again after I left.

Never a Yogi but once a Cudgel.

John Glover

LEGENDARY I read with interest your article on “legendary” Cumberland and the gyrations about this word use on the sign.

You must realize by now that one cannot please all of the people all of the time. There will always be someone who objects.

A small review of most projects which have been put up for discussion (or not) will probably prove my point.

Whether Cumberland is

legendary may be debated ad nauseam, but it would seem to me after reading your newspaper and others for some time, it is the history of the village which is the focal point of most articles and discussion when your Council seeks the way forward.

In order to appease at least a large portion of your audience, may I suggest that you remove the sign and replace it with an electronic one, like the banner style used by Quality Foods.

Then you can run multiple variations of whichever buzzword or phrase is currently in favour by lazy and unimaginative writers.

Most of these will eventually disappear as new meaningless phrases come into play.

Some suggestions may include: Cumberland - it’s Legendary.

Cumberland - it’s not Dodge. Or is it?

Cumberland - is it on your radar?

Cumberland - will you attend (pick an event)?

It’s going viral!

Cumberland - five things you need to know.

The sign of course should be solar powered in the spirit of saving the Earth. Just a thought.

M Bush Comox

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015

By

Agatha Christie

Youth group aims to help Tia

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff

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A local youth organization is helping raise funds for Tia Lawrence, who is suffering from a rare pineal cyst in her brain.

The coordinator of a girl’s community group run by Youth Unlimited is holding a car wash and bake sale fundraiser on May 9.

Bridget Irwin said she is a good friend of Lawrence, who is also loved by the members of this group. They are hoping people would come out to help and make a donation.

Treatment for Lawrence’s condition is not available in Canada. She and her mother Anne have to go to the United States to get the cyst removed. It’s also not covered by Health Canada.

Lawrence is scheduled to go for surgery on May 6 at the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Tex-

as. She will be operated on by neurosurgeon Dr. Dong Kim, who specializes in treating diseases of the brain.

Her mom, Anne, has been trying to raise the funds they need for the operation.

But it’s not cheap.

They are hoping to raise $145,000 Canadian to cover the four-hour surgery, three-week recovery and travel expenses.

So far they’ve raised around $75,000 through the gofundme website.

Irwin said they’re still hoping to be able to achieve their fundraising goal while they’re in Houston.

“I am hoping that our event will be able to help her,” said Irwin.

The car wash will be hosted at Westveiw Ford - 4901 North Island Highway, Courtenay - on May 9 from 11am-3pm.

There will also be hot dogs and baked goods for sale.

Anyone wishing to donate can also go online at http://www.gofundme. com/helpTiaNow

Rotary Book Sale coming to Comox Mall May 6-9 our next great reading adventure is waiting for you at the Courtenay Rotary Club’s Book Sale Fundraiser, coming to the Comox Centre Mall - May 6th-9th. This popular event raises money that supports community projects - specifically the ongoing renovations to the Courtenay Train Station, and is made possible by many hard working volunteers who gather donated books from a wide variety of sources throughout the year.

Discover a new interest, embark on a travel adventure, or add to your collection of classics for the great price of $2 per book or 3 books for $5. Books will be available Wednesday to Friday from 9:30am-7pm and Saturday from 9:30am-5pm. The selection of available items changes as space allows, so come back often to find more great titles, DVDs, puzzles, games, VHS tapes, records, and collectible books.

Don’t miss the popular Bag Day on Saturday, May 9th - when you can purchase whatever you can fit into a Canadian Tire bag for just $5.

“Our biggest fundraiser each year is coming up and we are absolutely overwhelmed with the efforts of our volunteers,” says Rotarian Audrey Craig. “We receive incredible support from the Comox Valley community. We are grateful for the line-ups of people who come to each sale and help support our projects!”

The money collected is distributed back to the community through the Courtenay Rotary Club which helps to fund the needs of many Comox Valley charities and organizations. For more information about the Rotary Club or how to become a member, visit their website http:// portal.clubrunner.ca/671 or Facebook page http://www.facebook. com/CourtenayRotary.

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TUESDAY. MAY 5, 2015

Is there any way to whiten my denture teeth?

What's a good remedy for itchy eyes this spring?

What is the difference between a single stage and variable speed heat pump?

No, not really. None of the teeth whitening products on the market today are meant for dentures, they are likely to damage your denture if you try them. Regular care and maintenance can help them remain at their original colour.

Some food and drinks can lead to staining of denture teeth like blueberries, wine and coffee. Smoking can also cause denture staining. Some staining can be addressed by soaking your denture in undiluted white vinegar twice a week for half an hour each time followed by a thorough rinse and brushing.

I suppose you suspect you have some allergies to the local flora and that you've taken steps to avoid coming in contact with allergens, like watching the pollen count, and keeping your skin and clothes away from outdoor plants. Having truly itchy eyes is a weird, uncomfortable experience! If you don't have medicated allergy eye drops, try non-prescription artificial tears, which can dilute the allergens fairly well. Keeping the eye drops refrigerated adds a soothing effect. Cold compresses can help too. Ongoing scratchy or sandy feelings in the eyes might not be ocular allergies and would warrant further investigation.

Severe swelling around the eyes or more generalized allergy symptoms require some medical assistance. Try your best to get through the season!

A variable speed heat pump contains a compressor that has the ability to run from 30% capacity to 100% capacity.

This range in capacity allows the system to add only the amount of heat required to achieve temperature set point. The capacity of a compressor is changed by the speed at which the motor moves. Variable speed compressors can operate at a much higher speed allowing the system to provide more heat at lower outdoor temperatures. A single stage compressor is a compressor containing a motor that operates at only one speed. This means the system only operates at 100% designed capacity. The end user of a single stage system my find the system will provide heat differently as outdoor temperature changes.

Are you offering anything special for Mother's Day?

Q: Is flossing really worth it?

I just don’t have the time and it hurts my gums!

Dr. Colleen Clancy & Dr. Ann Lu

At first, it may take some time to floss all your teeth and your gums may be sensitive.

As you become more regular with building this habit, flossing will be faster and your gums will be healthier and therefore less sensitive. Keeping your teeth clean and gums healthy is definitely worth it!

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

Kids at school make fun of people wearing glasses.

What should I do since I see better when I wear them but I don't want to be made fun of?

Be yourself..........don't worry about what others say. Answer them with a complement about how nice they look.

250-334-0209

“A beautiful experience�

Derek Rice FIXED OPERATIONS MANAGER

Leanne OWNER

We are celebrating MOM this year by offering some very special packages as well as having a Facebook contest.

THE MOTHER’S DAY GREATEST GIFT CONTEST !

What’s the GREATEST GIFT your mom has given you?

Comment on our facebook page & Share with your friends the greatest gift your MOM has given you & be entered to WIN one of 3 prize packages! GRAND PRIZE valued over $400.00! Includes: MOM & ME SPA PACKAGE‌Side by Side, Perfect Paraffin Pedicures for 2 so you and your mom (or daughter) can enjoy some pampering together. Each will receive a take home gift and Mom will receive a $20 product credit to be redeemed at time of service. Also a $100 Gift Card to Penny Tyme Fashions & $50 to Signature Oil & Vinegar plus a Floral Arrangement valued at $100 from Purely Flower Boutique.

2nd PRIZE: $50 gift certificate to Crown Isle Resort, $50 to Signature Oil & Vinegar & $25 worth of Level 10 goodies!

3rd PRIZE: $50 Level 10 Eurospa Gift Certificate.

Please phone the salon or go to our website for info on our special spa packages for MOM!

INDEPENDENCE

A: The truth? Yes, it is worth it. Flossing does make a difference to the health of your teeth and gums.

Brushing cleans the plaque off the top and sides of teeth, but floss cleans between the teeth. When plaque and bacteria build up between teeth, not only do the gums become irritated, but both the front tooth and the back tooth can be affected. It’s not uncommon for cavities between teeth to form on the front surface of one tooth and the neighbouring surface of the next tooth because of this.

MOTHER'S DAY

Dentists

What do I need to do to get my car ready for spring?

www.level10eurospa.com

My parents are not able to manage the stairs in their home anymore.

Are there any solutions that would allow them to stay in their home Paula G ranger rather than moving?

O wner

Yes, a Stairlift is often the perfect solution for people with mobility problems, allowing them to retain their independence and stay at home where they feel comfortable. Stairlifts can be installed in most homes, and a simple solution such as this is far less costly than moving entirely! The Home Medical Shop'sÂŽ experienced technicians are happy to provide you with an in-home quote. In addition, some Medical Plans will cover the cost of a Stairlift.

250.338.0903 www.theHomeMedicalShop.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Always use a non-abrasive cleaner when brushing your denture. Toothpaste, for example, is abrasive and can leave micro-abrasions on your denture that can lead to easier staining. Modern denture teeth are very detailed to resemble natural teeth, make sure you are happy with the teeth chosen whenever you get a new denture. Your Denturist will have teeth in many colours, shapes and sizes to choose from.

Have questions? Email us at comoxdentureclinic@gmail.com

DENTISTRY

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

Winter is over, and even though we didnt get much of a winter, there are still some important things you need to do to get your car ready for spring. Road trip season is ahead!

First step, you need to put on your summer tires. While the wheels are dirt have washed over your brake calipers, and most of the grease T in good condition, and your coolant is topped up.

Last and not least, replace your windshield wipers as they have been well used.

Drive safe!

We Service All Makes & Models 'SFF $BS 8BTI 7BDVVN XJUI FWFSZ 4FSWJDF

Spring

SERVICE SPECIAL INSPECTION INCLUDES:

Lube, Oil & Filter Service, Fluid Level Check, Wiper Check, Tire Pressure Check, Drive Belt Check, Battery Test & Report, Front & Rear Brake Inspection, Exhaust Leak Check

Full Report Included!

$69.95 Check out our Online Showroom: www.CourtenayToyota.com 445 Crown Isle Boulevard

250.338.6761

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

TUESDAY. MAY 5, 2015

WHAT IS EATING BITES ON THE EDGES OF MY RHODODENDRON AND HOW DO I CONTROL IT?

What should I be aware of when traveling to Europe?

The likely culprit is the rhododendron weevil, a tiny beetle that hides during the day, then climbs your plants and feeds at night. To control, fasten a waterproof collar or tape around the trunk of your plant and smear with Tanglefoot insect barrier to catch them.

If you dig around the root zone you may also find small white grubs, which are feeding on the roots.

Mature rhododendrons can withstand them, but newly planted ones can be damaged or even killed.

There is a naturally occurring biological control for the grubs that specifically targets rhododendron weevil grubs. They are microscopic worms called nematodes which when applied to the soil kills grubs and does not infect humans, pets, plants or other insects.

You are far less likely to be the victim of a violent crime in Europe than you are in your own Country but avoiding bar fights eliminates more than half the possibilities of violent crime being committed against you.

I'm not telling you to avoid bars in Europe, because it's a great way to socialize. Just walk away from confrontations.

Pickpockets are what you should beware of. In major tourist destinations like Rome, Florence, and Barcelona you will likely see or hear about someone having their pockets picked or their purses picked or snatched. Women : abandon the whole idea of purses. Men : don't carry your wallet in your back pocket. All of you: carry your valuables (money, passport, credit cards) in a sturdy, below-the-belt security wallet.

Carry a passport that is valid well beyond the date of your anticipated return to Canada. Keep a copy of the identification page separate from the original. Obtain any required visas well in advance. Arrange for health and travel insurance. Register on-line with a Canadian government office abroad. Prepare for your flight by carefully attending to luggage, documentation and airport security.

Q: May is Better Hearing and Speech Month.

How prevalent is hearing loss?

My child has a wart on his foot.

What Is the best way to treat it.

Jennifer Frey, Registered Audiologist

Warts are a very common disease. They are caused by viral infection and are easily transmitted in such places as locker rooms, and gym floors. They respond to treatment well, but often take time to resolve. The best way to start is with a salicylic acid solution, gel, or bandage with a salicylic acid patch in it like Compound W. Before applying the product soak the affected foot in warm water to soften the skin, then file the wart with a foot file or pumice stone. After that apply the salicylic acid solution and cover with a bandage.

Repeat this process daily until the wart is gone.

A home treatment that freezes the wart with an aerosol is also available. It does provide quicker treatment, but it is painful. If this does not work follow up with your pharmacist or possibly your physician. To try and prevent them in the future wear flip flops in locker rooms and avoid going barefoot in public areas if at all possible.

Is there a Memorial Society Approved Funeral Provider in the Comox Valley?

A: The World Health Organization says that 360 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss and that a large percentage of people living with hearing loss can benefit from early identification and intervention.

With over 1.1 Billion people at risk of hearing loss it is amazing to think that over half of all cases can be prevented through early identification. We tend to put so many things ahead of our hearing heath…yet hearing is one of our most important senses. May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, so be proactive about your hearing health and schedule a hearing evaluation with a qualified Hearing Care Professional today.

1.888.850.9979

I’m thinking of refinancing for a lower interest rate. What do I need to know about mortgage penalties?

When you break your mortgage early, lenders charge a penalty. However, mortgage payout penalties vary significantly by lender: the minimum is typically 3 months interest, but the maximum is determined by your lender’s interest rate differential (IRD) formula and some lenders (typically the traditional banks) use an IRD formula that leads to really large IRD penalties. For example, if you start a 5 year, $250,000 mortgage today and break it in 12 months (assuming interest rates stay the same), the traditional bank’s mortgage penalty would be an IRD of over $15,000 whereas with a non-bank mortgage (arranged through a mortgage consultant) the penalty would be roughly $1,700.

So the decision to refinance has to take into account not just how much you would save through a lower interest rate, but also the cost of breaking your mortgage and arranging the new one. As an independent mortgage consultant working for your best interests, we'll make sure you understand the full picture, comparing all the costs against the benefits to show you your true ‘net gain or loss’ from your refinance.

When is it safe to start planting annuals in my gardens and do you provide this service?

It is safe to plant annuals in the garden after all chances of frost are gone. Typically, this is after May 24 although some years, it is possible to plant 2 weeks early because of the great spring weather. I plant all of my clients' flowers after May 24 just to be on the safe side, unless they ask otherwise. Annuals are a must for constant color. They bloom continually for 6 months whereas most perennials only flower generally for a few weeks. We plant borders and also splashes of color throughout the garden for constant color. We plant for upcoming outdoor parties, weddings, birthdays and barbeques. Also, we do plantings for those who are putting up their houses for sale. Curb appeal is most important and the annuals will give you 6 months of bloom time for the sale of the house. Businesses could also reap the rewards of planting annuals by making a statement at their front entrance. If no gardens exist at the front entrance of a business, ceramic pots with plants spilling out of them give a nice, relaxed atmosphere in which to shop. Make sure to book early if you are requiring this service!

Eric Toneff

FUNERAL SERVICES

FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Toneff Funeral Services has always honoured Memorial Society Memberships and as of March 2015 we entered into a contract with the Memorial Society of British Columbia to be the approved Funeral Provider for all Memorial Society members in the Comox Valley area. We are now able to offer our dedicated services at Memorial Society prices. If you are a member or interested in becoming a member of the Memorial Society, contact us to find out what benefits are available to you and your family members.

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

COMOX VALLEY ECHO 1–204 North Island Highway, Courtenay

Call us

250.338.4463

9

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

10

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015

Learn proper techniques to avoid injury from piano playing Workshop on Friday will help you maintain healthy practices

Evergreen Club hosts CV Concert Band on Mother’s Day The Evergreen Club once again is pleased to host the Comox Valley Concert Band’s annual Mother’s Day concert.

It happens this Sunday May 10th at the Florence Filberg Centre in the upstairs Conference Hall. Join them as they present the music and some of the memories from the famous fated voyage of the Titanic. The Titanic boasted two musical ensembles and a playlist of over 300 songs! Along with well known hymns ‘Eternal Father’ and ‘Nearer my God to Thee,’ you will enjoy tunes from Pirates of Penzance and a moving arrangement of the anthem ‘Jerusalem’ by C. H. Parry. The

music, the stories , and the passion of some of the musicians who have been immortalized by their actions (over a hundred years ago) will enlighten the audience. You will leave filled with the tunes and details of life aboard the most magnificent ocean liner of its day.

Refreshments like tea, coffee and cookies are included in the ticket price of just $5.00 per person. Doors will open for this show at 1:30pm and the concert will commence at 2pm, everyone welcome!

Tickets are sold at Courtenay Recreation’s Filberg office or at the door. For more information call 250-338-1000 or check out the website www.evergreenclub.me

Whether you are a beginning piano player or advanced student; a teacher, or the parent of pianists; if you’ve suffered from hand or arm strains in the past, or hope to avoid such strain, plan to attend this workshop.

Catharine Kemp-Roth offers training crucial from the early stage of a child’s piano playing that should be developed and further refined over the course of a musician’s studies. If you are eager to learn healthy and effective piano playing technique to help defend against injuries from incorrect positioning and practices, this workshop is for you!

She will offer insights on creating confidence in the studio and on the stage, on managing students’ stress levels, and on developing creative practise methods for success.

There will also be time allotted for an interactive question/answer period during the workshop.

Catharine Kemp-Roth Prepare to be inspired with ideas and creative approaches to renewing and maintaining healthy piano playing practices and lifelong enjoyment at the piano.

Catharine Kemp-Roth obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Calgary and her piano teaching certificate from the Conservatory of Victoria under May-Link Kwok.

She has performed, accompanied, and lectured professionally for many years.

Speaking from her personal life journey, KempRoth presents immensely helpful and potentially life-altering techniques gained from many years of trials and setbacks.

Kemp-Roth currently lives in Victoria, where she teaches piano to students of all levels.

The workshops will take place on Friday, May 8, 2015, at the North Island College in the Stan Hagen Theatre.

Participants may register for the full day or for individual workshops.

The 3:30pm, kid-friendly workshop, entitled “Treasure Hunt Practice: Uncovering nuggets and avoiding pitfalls” will be of particular interest to students and parents.

For further information on Kemp-Roth, see www. healthypiano.com For workshop schedule, registration, registration deadline, costs, visit www. comoxvalleypianosociety. com or contact Jill @ 250897-4600 or jill@tcplayhouse.com .

with 3 options at Crown Isle You’re at home here

Brunch Buffet at 10:00am or 12:30pm, with chef-attended omelet and crepe stations

DIRECTORS’ DAY BBQ

Dinner Buffet at 5:00pm with chef-attended roast beef carvery

Members, Join us in the park!

Come to the SIMMS MEMORIAL PARK to enjoy MUSIC, FOOD & FUN! There will be draw prizes throughout the day!

Call 250-703-5050 for Reservations

399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay

250-703-5050

IT’S PAY DAY! SAT, MAY 9TH Co-op members!

Pick up your dividend cheque, have a hot dog and join the fun at our

Annual Family BBQ! Saturday, May 9th 11am-2pm SIMMS PARK 489 ISLAND HIGHWAY Membership Pays!

REGISTER NOW FOR BIKE TO WORK WEEK 2015 www.biketowork.ca/comox-valley

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250-338-8181

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015

11

Enjoy the sounds of Georgia Strait Big Band at Thursday night jazz club Expect another musical treat, as the Georgia Strait Big Band performs tunes made famous by The Count, Gillespie and Ellington and all expertly led

by Conductor Greg Bush, Professor of Jazz Studies at Vancouver Island University when Comox Valley’s very own 19 person Big Band hits the Avalanche stage this Thursday at 7:30 pm.

The Georgia Strait Big Band is continuing a music legacy in the Valley dating back over 70 years, when Big Band Saturday night dances were held at the Native Sons’ Hall....way back when in the post war years. In recent years, the band has gone through a renaissance thanks to the dedication of Greg Bush who, for the past eight years has traveled weekly from his home in Nanaimo to support and direct Big Band music in the Valley.

Special in this week’s concert will be “Avalanche Premieres” of original Big Band arrangements and compositions, writ-

ten by Greg especially for the Band, indicative of his special rapport with the musicians. Everyone in the band is in awe of Greg for his incredible musical skill, professionalism and mentorship that literally makes better musicians out of every member of the band. Perhaps the most significant legacy of Greg’s involvement in Comox Valley music is the learning and performance experience provided to young Comox Valley musicians who have gone on to pursue a post-secondary degree in music.

This Thursday’s performance will also showcase

the elegant vocals of Jackie Zbirun, who will take you down memory lane with beautiful renditions of classic favourites of the Big Band era.

So, if you’re a fan of big band music, plan on coming down to the Av for an exciting and nostalgic evening. Jazz night dinner specials will be available, as usual, so plan on meeting friends and get a head start on weekend with an entertaining and affordable night out. Google us for more information about the Georgia Straight Jazz Society, or find us on Facebook.

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We are celebrating Mother’s Month!

Book a session, or buy a gift certificate in May and receive a special gift!

Comox Valley Reflexology Centre “Rest, Relaxation andRejuvenation” Downtown Courtenay | 216 5th St.

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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 May 1. 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. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2015 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved.

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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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*Limited time weekly lease offer and all other offers are from Honda Canada Finance Inc., on approved credit. #The weekly lease offer applies to a new Civic DX model FB2E2FEX/Fit DX model GK5G3FE (“Specified Models”) for a 60-month period, for a total of 260 payments of $38.95/$39.97 leased at 0.99%/2.99% APR based on applying $1,100.00/$1,175.00 “lease dollars” (which are deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). ‡In order to achieve $0 down payment, dealer will cover the cost of tire/battery tax, air conditioning tax (where applicable), environmental fees and levies on the Civic DX and Fit DX only on customer’s behalf. Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $10,127.00/$10,392.20. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. **MSRP is $17,245/$16,070 including freight and PDI of $1,495/$1,495 based on new 2015 Specified Models described above. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. */#/**Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent's fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer on Specified Models only. Offers valid from May 1st through 31st 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.

*Limited time weekly lease offer and all other offers are from Honda Canada Finance Inc., on approved credit. #The weekly lease offer applies to a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES (“Specified Models”) for a 60-month period, for a total of 260 payments of $69.89 leased at 1.99% APR based on applying $400.00“lease dollars” (which are deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). ‡In order to achieve $0 down payment, dealer will cover the cost of tire/battery tax, air conditioning tax (where applicable), environmental fees and levies on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD on customer’s behalf. Down payment of $0.00, fist weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $18,171.40 Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. **MSRP is $27,685 including freight and PDI of $1,695 based on new 2015 Specified Models described above. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. £For more information about the 2015 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® award, visit http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/2015_honda_cr_v_is_the_motor_trend_suv_of_the_year

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This time crew members will have to set up the big top without the help of fifth-generation tentmaster Robert Fosset.

Acrobatic artists, electronic wavemakers and local diamonds in the rough will all have a chance to shine during the four days of North of the Oyster, a series of private ticketed events May 8, 9, 15 and 16.

Benjamin Howells, founder Project Intent and co-founder of Little Island Productions, said the event was created in part as a thank you to all the volunteers and participants of the inaugural Atmosphere Gathering, which was the first appearance of a real Italian big top in the Comox Valley.

“Last year we literally got the circus tent a few days before Atmo-

sphere,” he said, adding this time it will go up without the help of a fifth-generation tent master. “I’m really looking forward to seeing the crew set it up on their own.”

In order to prepare for North of the Oyster, which will serve as a celebration of the final stages of Project Intent’s innovative crowdfunding campaign to secure the tent in the first place, they’ll be without Robert Fosset, the tightrope walker with a Hungarian wife and a militant sense of circus arts production.

But Howells hopes the participation of local community members either as crew or attendees will make preparations a breeze and help encourage more circus and

1025 Comox Road, Courtenay 250-338-7761

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BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

www.islandhonda.ca

LEASE FOR

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16 www.comoxvalleyecho.com

TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015

North of the Oyster organizers set the stage for diverse shows performance arts in the Comox Valley.

The rural site for the shows, titled Abundance, is located at an interesting geographic location near the Oyster River - the boundary point between the Comox Valley and the rest of the North Island.

The North of the Oyster name itself came about as a way to referring to a the site’s location, but carries special significance for Howells.

“I used to run an oyster farm on Cortes Island in my 20s,” he said, considering the amazing features of the region. “We do live in a really beautifully rich place. And there is a lot of abundance.”

(Continued on page 13)

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015 (Continued from page 12) North of the Oyster is open to everyone and will appeal to fans of a variety of styles of music. The idea is to let past attendees interact with contributors and new faces, creating a unique familial environment.

Howells is hopeful the circus motif will serve to inspire a helpful ethos through the four days of presentations.

“It’s about following your dreams, encouraging creativity and giving back to your community,” he said.

“Because we believe creativity leads to good ideas and allows us to do more blue-sky thinking.”

Organizers have selected the hash tag #thenorthislandwilldance to encourage participants to stay connected.

“We have a strong musical culture on the North Island,” Howells said.

“The music is diverse like the people.”

The proof, as they say, is in the lineup.

You’ll be able to catch folk rock singer-songwriter Greg Drummond, the dirty hard-hitting blues of Jesse Roper and West Coast legends Roots Roundup.

The event will also feature live-electronic composers that use in-person instrumentation or vocalization, like Sabota and Moontricks.

Some local residents will be most eager to catch Joy District - the newest incarnation of Denman Island-based musicians MCM. “They’re taking their music to the next level,” Howells said. “They have a whole new arsenal of music that has yet to be heard by the Comox Valley - and will be heard for the first time under the big top on May 8.”

It wasn’t easy finding that delicate balance between production costs,

ticket prices, a mixture of out-of-town bands and local up-and-comers, but organizers hope they’ve hit the sweet spot.

This particular configuration will give folks like Quadra-born Sean the Sudz Box a chance to spread their wings in a supportive environment.

This onetime sax player was forced to expand his repertoire after sustaining a hand injury. Now he creates music on the fly with a Roland Loop Station while beatboxing.

Organizers hope at the end of the concert series a unique positive effect will be left to linger over the community, having inspired a certain amount of excitement through the shows.

“When you follow that bliss you follow your own creativity,” Howells said.

The event is $40 per night and $70 for a weekend pass ($35/night).

Go to www.littleisland.ca to find out more or purchase tickets.

Variety’s

Radiothon

Thank you for helping us help children like Talia in the community!

Together we raised:

$43,578

A nerwd! reco

All funds raised stay in the community to help local children who have special needs.

Special thanks to our event partners including:

Special thanks also to Rough Bay Enterprises.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$

COURTENAY Rt. 7125 – Salsbury, Bood, Barford Rt. 7134 – Salsbury, Mills, Rachel, Houlgrave COMOX Rt. 2118 – Comox Ave, Mack Laing, Baybrook, Orchard Park Dr. Rt. 2121 – Anderton, Robb, Sable, Holly, Noel P.M.Q’s

– C.F.B. Comox

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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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MAY 5, 2015

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