comox valley echo - september 5, 2014

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By Philip RoundSpecial to the Echo

Comox resident David Durrant is a third generation Vancouver Islander.

Now he’s managing aspects of a pio-neering Island project to benefit not only the present but also future generations.

And ‘generation’ is a particularly apt word, for he is in charge of operating and maintaining a series of wind tur-bines at the Island’s first wind park, just inland of Cape Scott.

Fifty-five sleek steel towers, each as tall as a 27-storey building, have been constructed on the land of three First Nations, and their huge blades turn tur-bines that now pump electricity into the BC Hydro grid that serves the entire north island, including the Comox Valley.

His work there is very different from what he has known before, but he bub-bles with enthusiasm about the job and the enormous potential for “harvesting the wind.”

It’s a long way from his first job as a grade five student at the former Bay Store in Comox, and soon after at the Comox Centre Mall.

In his adult career he became well known as the Comox recreation director and later as assistant administrator for the Village of Cumberland, as well as through his volunteering with a host of local projects and groups.

He thought of retiring after leaving his job at Cumberland in 2012. “I did retire - for about five seconds,” he recalls. “But I decided to reinvent myself.”

Away from regular work he become interested in the issue of energy sources and sustainability - not just coal, gas and

oil, but also geothermal, nuclear, solar and wind power.

“The wind industry captured my imagination,” he says. “In North America, 38 per cent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are from the power sector - especially coal.”

He suggests the potential for clean wind energy is “immense,” particularly here on Vancouver Island, and he believes wind power in general could supply more than 20 per cent of the world’s electricity needs.

“For me, I saw nothing but opportuni-ty; this is a high paying, advanced tech-nology profession where project budgets run into the billions of dollars. But what truly captured my imagination was that it was good for our community and our country as well.”

(Continued on page 2)

Comox resident David Durrant pictured at the Cape Scott wind park, where he manages the operation of 55 turbines on the Knob Hill Plateau, north of Holberg.

Wind blows Comox man’s career northward on Island

A member of the Port Hardy Fire Department demonstrates the ultimate self-rescue tech-nique using ropes from one of the 80-metre high towers.

Maximus the bear is, says David Durrant, the real site manager. “He is definitely in charge - he regularly appears to inspect what we are doing.”

By Michael BrionesEcho Staff

With schools still closed due to the teachers’ strike, some parents of children with disabilities find themselves in a difficult predicament.

Some may have to give up work to take care of their children as the cost to put a child with disabil-ities in a day care is more than that of a healthy child.

Ken Jensen, whose 13-year-old son Ryan is autis-tic, said it is a financial burden. Children with spe-cial needs, who are under the age of 12, get a day care subsidy from the government. But for anyone above that age, no funding is available.

“Because there’s no funding, we don’t have enough income to put him into day care,” said Jensen. “Children with disabilities, day care costs much more money because they have special needs. So the reality is we’re left choosing between our jobs, which income may be the same as what the child-care is. This is kind of left on us. We’re two parents stuck in the middle not knowing what to do.”

They’ve asked the Comox Valley Child Development Association for help. But Kim Griffiths, a family resource consultant at the Comox Valley Child Development Association, wrote to Jensen that their program only provides services for children up to 12 years of age.

“This situation seems to be a real challenge for families with children who have unique needs and it does not seem to be an issue anyone has addressed,” she indicated in her letter.

Jensen said his wife works from 2 p.m. to mid-night. He now has to be at home during the period his wife is out to watch his son Ryan.



The Kye Bay community has been getting a high dose of unwanted buzz recently.

A swarm of mosquitoes has emerged in abun-dance this year and it is causing residents and visi-tors great irritation.

It has turned from nuisance to a plague.Rosalind Creed, owner of the Kye Bay Guest Lodge

and Cottage on Windslow Rd., raised this concern with the Town of Comox and the Comox Valley Regional District.

They’ve never experienced this before, she said.“They are horrific,” Creed said. “We have them

day and night but much worse at night.”These pesky pests, whose stings could be a source

of disease, are affecting their business, said Creed, as guests can’t sit out in the evening and children can’t play on the lawn without being “bitten alive.”

Some residents who go for walks in the area are being attacked by these blood-sucking critters. It’s futile to swat them as they are persistent and aggres-sive.

Their bites swell to an unbelievable size, said Creed.


Kye Bayresidents wantbuzz to stopMosquito infestation driving everyone nuts

Teachers strike causing financial grief to parents of kids with disabilities

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Comox Valley Weather

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Saturday, 6 September

Sunny. Low 12°C. High 25°C.

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Tuesday, 9 SeptemberA mix of sun and cloud. Low 11°C. High 20°C.

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The source of the mosquitoes is from the lagoon down by the park that has been left sitting. It is not a natural pool but is has become a serious breeding ground for these irritating insects. It’s dirty and stinky, said Creed.

Creed wants the town to get rid of the lagoon, which she also considers to be dangerous.

“I have seen kids trying to run across the logs,” said Creed, despite the danger sign. “I have seen families play-ing in the water along the edge. If a child fall between the logs, they would have a hard time getting back out. It is time something is done about that lagoon before someone gets hurt ... please.”

There are also other possible breeding grounds in the area. Some properties have ponds and there are also swamps, sewers and other deep dugouts nearby.

It has spoiled the summer for many residents and they want it addressed.


He wrote to Vestas-American Wind Technology Inc., a Danish turbine company with global interests, which was involved in developing the Cape Scott site. “One evening the phone rang, and the next thing I knew I was off to Portland and Chicago,” he recalls.

He’s now been with the company for more than a year, and in that time has traveled far and wide to learn more about the most effective opera-tion of wind parks.

At Cape Scott, he is the hands-on manager for Vestas. “I climb every week, and help up the towers as much as I can - it is incredibly inter-esting work, especially when viewed from 80 metres up.”

He explains in the right conditions the turbines can be remotely operated at or near 100 per cent efficiency, as it’s possible to pitch the giant blades and rotate - or ‘yaw’ - the turbines to maximize benefit. “Any pilot would be interested in what we do, because in many ways we fly the turbines,” he says.

The electricity generated at the wind park is supplied to BC Hydro through the overall project owner, GDF Suez Canada, which also has people on site at Cape Scott. The power is transmitted via a new trans-mission line to Port Hardy to connect with the Hydro grid.

Durrant believes wind energy can help revitalize and diversify rural economies as well as providing new short and long-term jobs. Financially,

they can provide extra income for local governments to use in their communities as well as lease pay-ments to landowners in return for hosting the equipment.

“Unlike other forms of electrical generation, where fuel is shipped to a processing plant, wind generates energy right at the source of the fuel - and the fuel is free,” he says.

“The price of electricity from fossil fuels can fluctuate greatly due to high variable mining and transportation

costs,” he notes. “Wind can help buf-fer those costs.

“In fact, the cost of wind generated electricity has fallen from nearly 40 cents per kilowatt hour in the early 1980s to between 2.5 and 5 cents today, depending on wind speed and project size.”

But he accepts that to drive signifi-cant growth in the wind industry, subsidies are still required to ensure the massive investment in infrastruc-ture continues. “However, wind

receives considerably less subsidy than some other forms of energy,” he suggests.

Durrant also accepts that there are perceived negatives to the develop-ment of wind parks, or wind farms as some people know them.

“People have widely varied reac-tions to seeing wind turbines in the landscape,” he accepts. “Some people see graceful symbols of economic development and environmental progress, or sleek icons of modern technology. Others might see indus-trial encroachment in natural and rural landscapes.”

He also accepts wind turbines are not completely silent: “The sounds they produce are typically foreign to their rural settings, but as turbine technology has improved over the years, the amount of sound has fallen considerably.”

Turbines can also create a flicker-ing shadow effect on the ground as the blades turn, so where and how they are positioned can be crucial in minimizing impact on people as well as wildlife. “As for chopping up birds and bats, not so much these days,” he insists.

But he enthuses about the positives and the bigger picture. “For the sake of the planet, energy security, rural economic revitalization and resource preservation, we must promote a renewable energy economy,” he says.

“Wind power can be the corner-stone of a sustainable energy future - embracing wind energy today will lay the foundation for a healthy tomorrow.”

Durrant says each of the 55 Cape Scott turbines is capable of supplying enough electricity for 800 homes annually. Each 80-metre tower car-ries three blades powering the tur-bine on top, but from the ground they look way smaller than they actually are.

“From tip to tip of two blades is a distance of 100 metres - the length of a football field,” says Durrant. “To get to them and the nacelle - which houses the turbine generator, gear box, components and some 3,000 sensors - a single ladder goes up the middle of each tower, attached only by really strong magnets.

“In order to be hired, everyone must pass a climb test - you make it to the top, or you’re not hired. Then there’s the joint-rescue technique with ropes - that’s something else. There is also basic training to attend.”

“As a Valley boy, the first thing I did as manager of this project was to hire two other Valley boys into long-term jobs - one from Cumberland, the other from Courtenay.”

“I’m also proud to have hired the first Kwakiutl person into the wind industry - Steve Child who lives in Fort Rupert, just outside Port Hardy. I intend to hire many more First Nations people, and am currently setting up a national First Nations training program.

“Wind is an affordable industry to enter and stay in - and something that is very clear to me is that more wind parks are on the way - on the Island, in BC, and across Canada.

Wind blows Comox man’s career northward on Island


The Jensens can still count their bless-ings because there are two of them. But what about the single parents that have disabled children, he asked.

“There’s no way that they can afford day care up front and go to work,” said Jensen. “They will have to choose between their job and their child.

“I can see people losing their jobs if this strike continues. We’re talking about single mothers and fathers. I am here to stand up for these disabled children and stand up for parents who don’t have a voice.”

Although Ryan is 13, Jensen said his son cannot be left alone as he has difficulty comprehending things. Should something happen, like a fire for instance, he will not leave the house.

“They need adult supervision constant-

ly,” he said.As there are also no facilities available

for disabled children in the valley, Jensen said, they’re stuck at home seven days a week.

“We really don’t even have a life,” said Jensen. Just imagine that situation in school, he added.

“There’s not enough EAs in the class-room,” said Jensen. “Classes with four to eight students that are disabled in a regular classroom and as a parent with one child, I honestly don’t know how a teacher could handle four to eight students. It is insanity.”

Class size and composition are one of the main stumbling blocks in the stalled con-tract negotiations between the teachers and the provincial government.

Jensen feels the government doesn’t seem to recognize disabilities based on the funding cuts it has implemented and also

from refusing to address the issue with teachers.

As a way to express his disappointment over the current labour dispute in the schools, Jensen called Premier Christy Clark’s office.

“I wanted to talk to her about the teach-ers strike and how us, as taxpayers, don’t seem to get our dollars worth in this field and touch base with disabled children,” said Jensen. “She (Clarke’s administration) told me write us a letter or email us. So we got into it. She actually doesn’t want to hear what I got and she hung up on me.”

Jensen wants to see both the teachers and the government return to the bargain-ing table and deal with the issues with “cooler heads.”

Ryan is in Grade 7 this year. He wants to go back to school. He said he misses his friends and also playing sports.

Ken Jensen has to miss work to take care of his 13-year-old autistic son during the teachers’ strike. Some parents of children with disabilities are facing financial burdens because there’s no funding for special kids who are aged above 12 years old.

Strike causing financial grief to parents of kids with disabilities

One of the huge gearboxes that are an essential part of each wind tower’s mechanism is ready to be hoisted to the top of one of the structures.

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News

Comox Valley Echo Friday, September 5, 2014 A3

By Drew A. PennerEcho Staff

It took several people to subdue Jason Christian in the air but just one man in robes on the ground to put him in his place.

The Comox Valley resident who caused a disturbance on a WestJet flight so serious he had to be restrained was sentenced to a day in jail and 12 months probation in Courtenay Provincial Court Aug. 28. His punishment covered both his dangerous airborne behaviour as well as a drinking and driving inci-dent.

“He’s flown on that flight hun-dreds of times,” said defence lawyer Al McGarvey, relaying his client’s contrition. “He’s treated those peo-ple badly.”

On July 15 Christian got on the 6:30 p.m. WestJet Flight 179 from Calgary to Comox already drunk.

The plane hadn’t been in the air long before Christian tried to order more alcohol.

Noticing his level of intoxication flight attendants refused to serve him, but he had brought a bottle of liquor with him and kept drinking during the trip.

He was so belligerent that by the time the plane began nearing the Comox Valley Airport Christian was restrained.

It took several crew members and four passengers to get him under control.

The crew got into their jump seats moments before the plane landed as scheduled.

The RCMP boarded the plane and arrested Mr. Christian, who had such difficulty walking police had to use a wheelchair to take him across the tarmac.

The Comox Valley man was ver-bally hostile with police as they took him into custody, though his lawyer said this wasn’t an attempt to get back on the airplane.

Christian was charged with inter-fering with the performance of a

crew member under the Aeronautics Act.

Christian’s brother was killed in a car accident two years ago and the effects still linger. But he now says he knows he has more work to do to fix his attitude and actions.

“He’s been a pain in the ass to his family,” lawyer Al McGarvey put it bluntly, adding he’s got a whole batch of reasons to get his alcohol-ism under control, including an ulti-matum from his wife who told him, “Either you stop this or I’m gone.”

His lawyer noted his wife is in effect his new jailer. The proof? She was the one who turned him in after he hopped on a motorcycle drunk Aug. 3.

Christian didn’t bother seeking release after the clear breach of his bail conditions. His lawyer noted a 25-day stint in jail has helped him get a head-start on his recovery, but said his client needs to head back to Alberta to save up enough money so his family can be reasonably com-fortable while he attends a residen-tial treatment program in a few months.

He’s already secured a job in a “dry” work camp in Alberta with a company that operates its own char-ter flights in and out of the oil patch.

Before learning his fate Christian apologized for his behaviour on the plane.

“I may have endangered the safety of those on the flight,” he acknowl-edged. “I’m not coming back here at all.”

While Christian could have asked for an alcohol prohibition that allowed him to drink within his home he chose not to contest an absolute ban for 12 months.

Judge Brian Saunderson looked at the man in the prisoner box and told the court he believes Christian’s speaking truth.

“You’ve learned your lesson,” he said. “I accept what you say.”

Christian must also pay a victim surcharge of $100 by Oct. 28.

Belligerent WestJet passenger apologizes for behaviour

Courtenay woman overwhelmed by support during son’s emergencyBy Drew A. PennerEcho Staff

It was a parents’ worst nightmare.Following birthday celebrations for

her three-year-old son Brayden Bullen, Ashley Reidl turned to finish making his lunch. As she put his food for the next day in the fridge, her energetic boy climbed over a three-foot railing on the deck, jumping after a ball.

He hit the concrete hard, landing on his right side and cracking his skull from the top of his head to his ear.

“You just have to remain calm,” she thought, recalling what went through her head during the Aug. 11 incident. “If you fall apart everything else will fall apart.”

Brayden had blood coming out of his ear but was still conscious. An ambulance arrived a few minutes later and the rest is a blur.

But what has increasingly come into focus over the past few weeks, as doctors examined the youngster with a passion for trucks, is the over-whelming support from people in the community for someone who is a total stranger in many cases.

“It was a really stressful time - I thought my son was gonna die,” she said. “I was overwhelmed, scared, exhausted, drained, nervous.”

Bad things happen in a blink of an eye, but so can good things, too.

Seemingly out of nowhere, and without prompting, community members started lining up to help out in any way they could.

A crowdfunding website called GoFundMe has raised $6,750 to date to support the family’s emergency needs, surpassing the fund’s goal within days. Most donations arrived in small increments, many anony-mously and many from people Ashley has never met.

Tara and Jamie Rennison gave $25 and passed along their well wishes.

“Wishing little man a speedy recov-

ery!” they wrote. “All our thoughts are with you guys.”

By the early hours of Aug. 12 Brayden was at Children’s Hospital in Vancouver where specialists moni-tored the boy’s vitals and determined his brain was bleeding.

Reidl has had more than enough on her mind. Brayden spent his offi-cial three-year anniversary in hospi-tal. Reidl was busy learning more about his condition, as details came out. The last thing she could worry about were financial consequences. After all, to this day she still doesn’t know the extent of her son’s injuries.

Now, as Brayden recovers at home, Ashley can’t work. Her son wears a helmet and still needs to be super-vised at all times.

“He’s broken right now,” she said, noting her son may not regain hear-ing in his right ear.

Luckily the community stepped up.“I just couldn’t believe people

would do this for somebody they don’t even know,” adding she will look for an opportunity to pay it for-ward in future. “It was just so many people.”

There are many challenges yet to come, but the family has been com-forted by help from groups like the Town of Comox, the Comox Fire Department, Buckley Bay Petro Canada, Marc St. Jules at Cave Fitness, the Comox Valley Slow Pitch Association, the Campbell River Slow Pitch Association, Fitness Etcetera, the Cumberland Hotel and many more.

There are still countless steps in Brayden’s journey to recovery, but Ashley feels full with gratitude, ready to tackle the next challenge.

“I did not ask for this to be start-ed,” she said of the funding website initiative. “It’s amazing.”

Ashley doesn’t know how she’ll repay the kindness of friends and strangers. But she says these contri-butions helped her get through the most difficult stage of this horrific ordeal.

“Thank you Comox Valley and sur-rounding communities,” she said. “Your genuine support has been a blessing and we are at a loss of words.

“So again thank you!”

Ashley is thankful for the community support shown for her son Brayden, who is recover-ing after an accident at home.

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If you are strolling Downtown Courtenay’s Fifth Street and notice there are pictures of individuals in some of the storefront windows, don’t worry, they are not missing persons.

What they have in common is that they have all been inducted into the Comox Valley Walk of Achievement and they spent a significant portion of their lives living in the Comox Valley.

Adjacent to their photos you will find a plaque in the sidewalk that permanently commends their contri-bution to the world through science, sport, cultural, social or political achievements.

“We’ve honoured nine recipients with a plaque in the sidewalk since 2006,” says CVWofA Committee Member, Neil Havers.

“We felt this was not enough, and thanks to a generous donation by Mr. Bruce McPhee, we were able to put together a CVWofA website and place window decals for each recipi-ent adjacent to their sidewalk plaques to better bring awareness to their accomplishments.

“Thank you Bruce, we truly appreciate your contribution,” Havers added.

The Comox Valley Walk of Achievement recognizes Comox Valley residents who have made sig-nificant and lasting contributions in their professional or personal lives.

The purpose of the Walk of Achievement is threefold:

• To recognize outstanding achievement of individuals from the Comox Valley who have excelled in their field of endeavour.

• To inspire Comox Valley youth to believe in themselves and to explore the limitless possibilities the world has to offer.

• To instill a sense of pride throughout the Comox Valley that we are a community that nurtures achievement.

Comox Valley Walk of Achievement seeks nominations for 2014 Inductee.

“We live in such a vibrant com-munity and a testament to that is the individuals who have already been inducted,” says Committee Member, David Durrant, “We are looking for the community’s input for nomina-tions for a worthy recipient for 2014,” he added.

If you know of someone you feel meets the criteria, please mail your Letter of Nomination to Comox Valley Walk of Achievement - 391 11th Street, Courtenay, BC V9N 1S4

Who are those people in the windows?

or email it to [email protected].

The nomination letter should include a detailed bio and an outline of the distinction that has been achieved by the individual. The nom-inee must have been raised in, or lived a significant portion of his or her life in the Comox Valley.

An announcement for this year’s honouree will be made in October.

“This will be out tenth inductee, I look forward to seeing who is select-

ed for the honour in 2014,” added Committee Member Erik Eriksson.

“From Red Robinson in 2006 to Brian Howes in 2013, congratulations to all of you for your achievements.” - Jackie Green, Committee Chair.

“We’re excited each year to find out who the Walk of Achievement committee have chosen to honour downtown. Knowing that these high-ly successful individuals have come from our area is inspirational, and the Downtown Courtenay Business

Improvement Association is proud of the growing number of plaques dis-played in our sidewalks. They are interesting pieces of our heritage for people to follow.”

- Kim Stubblefield, Executive Director, Downtown Courtenay BIA

To have a look at the accomplish-ments of the Comox Valley Walk of Achievement honourees go to www.walkofachievement.com

Kim Stubblefield, DCBIA Executive Director is pleased with the inclusion of the Walk of Achievement plaques and decal bios along Downtown Courtenay’s streets. Photo: Neil Havers

Comox Valley man survives fatal car crash near KelownaBy Drew A. PennerEcho Staff

A woman in her 60s was killed in a head-on collision when the car she was in struck a pickup truck driven by a 33-year-old from the Comox Valley just before 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Witnesses told police a Dodge pickup crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic at the south end of Duck Lake near Kelowna, B.C., striking the Ford sedan she was in.

Police said the impact caused exten-sive damage to the car’s front end and sent the truck rolling into the north-bound lane, pinching the front end of another car.

As the truck caught fire a passerby helped the Comox Valley man escape from the vehicle, which had come to rest on its side. He was taken to Kelowna General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Firefighters had to rescue the two Manitoba seniors from the Ford.

The male driver was rushed to the Kelowna hospital with serious head injuries, while the woman died at the scene, police said.

Const. Kelly Brett, with the RCMP disclosure unit in Kelowna, explained the crash is still under investigation and no charges are currently pending.

While some portions of Highway 97 are divided, the crash happened at a section that wasn’t, she added.

“It’s a thoroughfare through Kelowna,” she said of the route to and from lake country. “Typically it’s a busy portion of the highway regardless of the day. Any highway in BC is always bus-ier on a long weekend.”

Police suspect speed was a factor in the collision.

Jenn White, an employee of nearby Race Trac Gas said this isn’t the first car crash on that stretch of road.

“There’s been quite a few accidents in this section of the highway,” she said. “A couple times the traffic’s been backed up through here.”

As police blocked off both lanes traf-fic died, emptying the gas station and The Jammery restaurant across the road, until Highway 97 was reopened around 1:15 p.m.

NewsComox Valley Echo Friday, September 5, 2014 A5

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Bursaries for Medical Students

The Comox Valley School District administers annual bursaries

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School who are presently taking courses leading to a career in the medical field.

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607 Cumberland RoadCourtenay, B.C., V9N 7G5

Looking for a fun, fall, family event that involves fiddles and food? There’s only one: the fourth Annual L’Arche Pig Roast takes place on Saturday, September 13 at the big yellow Merville Hall.

The festivities start at 6pm with an entire roasted pig served up alongside home-baked beans and salad. But before you eat your fill, consider the dessert auction to follow: fabu-lous home-baked pies and cakes that you can bid on with friends, auctioned off by fast-talking Jon Ambler. Then the fiddles come forth as local musicians Fiddlejam takes the stage. Kick off your shoes and free your feet to dance the fall evening into darkness.

This event will celebrate L’Arche International’s 50th Anniversary and raise funds for L’Arche Comox Valley’s I Belong! campaign. Tickets are just $20 for adults, $10 for children and a great deal for a family (two adults, two children) at $50. You can purchase them at Laughing Oyster Books, Blue Heron Books, the Merville General Store and the L’Arche Outreach Centre on Fitzgerald. Join the fun; support a great cam-paign - you can do it all!

Get your tickets now for Annual L’Arche Pig Roast

Hungry diners at last year’s L’Arche fund-raising pig roast

One of Comox’s most productive urban natural areas is getting a buzz cut soon.

Lazo Marsh, located in the Lazo Marsh - North East Comox Wildlife Area, will have large portions of in-grown vegetation removed next week to better the overall health of the marsh.

“As summer moves to an end, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and our partners are taking advantage of low water levels in Lazo Marsh to complete a restoration project that will reopen areas of the marsh that have been overtaken by vegetation,” says Jeanine Bond, DUC conserva-tion specialist,

“Keeping open water in wetlands is key for maintaining important wildlife habitat. This work will ben-efit waterfowl and also many other species including amphibians, song-birds and other wildlife.”

Lazo Marsh is part of the Lazo Marsh – North East Comox Wildlife Management Area and the upcom-ing work is being completed in col-laboration with British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and other partners in the Vancouver Island Conservation Land Management Program.

The restoration work at Lazo Marsh is made possible through DUC’s partnership with the Province of British Columbia and funding from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the generous support of DUC’s local funders, groups and individuals.

The on-site work will take place from September 8 to 12.

“Urban wetlands such as the Lazo Marsh can be subject to ingrowth of vegetation over time and the natural processes are no longer at work to maintain or increase open water habitat,” says Bond. “DUC will work with a local contractor to mechani-cally remove portions of vegetation, and this will increase open water as well as habitat complexity.”

DUC has been involved at Lazo Marsh since the 1980’s and installed the water control structures that now maintain the water levels in this marsh throughout the year.


Lazo Marshenhancementwork startsnext week


News

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The partners on this project have also been involved in previous habi-tat restoration work to increase open water, with the most recent work completed in 2004.

“After the last habitat enhance-ment project at Lazo Marsh, we observed over 5,000 waterfowl using the marsh that fall,” says Dan Buffett DUC’s Head of Conservation Programs for the BC Coast.

Lazo Marsh is important habitat for wintering and migrating water-fowl in the region.

It is also is a valuable site for local songbirds, amphibians, and other wildlife. Studies are underway with the Lazo Marsh - North East Comox

Wildlife Management Committee and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to investigate potential improvements to amphibi-an habitat along Lazo Road.

This work would improve passage for amphibians such as the Red-legged Frog during movements between the north and south por-tions of Lazo Marsh.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-prof-it organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environ-ment.

Learn more at ducks.ca.

Work at Lazo Marsh

Kids at the rally outside MLA Don McRae’s office on Sept. 2 encouraging passing motorists on 5th Street to honk in support of getting schools open again. They and their parents were part of a crowd of about 200 parents, grandparents, students, and teachers who turned out in support of public education. (Photo by Brent Reid)


Chants of lies and recall were just a few harsh words Comox Valley MLA Don McRae endured from angry parents, teachers and resi-dents during a protest held in front of his constituency office on Fifth Street in Courtenay on Tuesday.

The demonstration was organized

by unhappy parents, who were visi-bly upset and frustrated over the stalled contract negotiations between BC Teachers Federation and the BC Public Schools Employers Association that have kept schools from officially opening on Sept. 2.

A barrage of questions and com-ments were hurled at McRae, who stood bravely in front of the crowd, trying his best to answer questions,

and to remain calm and composed.Some pointed out that as a teach-

er, McRae should be at the forefront of the dispute fighting for students.

One parent asked McRae to explain the letter he wrote in 2008 when he was still a social studies teacher, complaining of overwhelm-ing class sizes, which incidentally is one of the major stumbling blocks in the current contract talks.

McRae wrote to then Minister of Education Shirley Bond, about hav-ing to manage classes of up to 34 students with four special needs

MLA FACES BARRAGE OF QUESTIONSSome parents want him to join the fight, serve as an independent

MLA Don McRae, a former teacher, listens to crowd outside his office

kids, and doubts how effective he would be with his workload.

“If I continue to teach classes of this size and composition, I do not see how the system will get 18 more years of service from me. I would eventually break or stop caring, and

then it would be time for me to move on.”

McRae, who is the Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, simply replied that “I have never stopped fighting for good quality education in the province.”

He also stated that he supports the public school system.

Other parents and teachers have asked McRae not to tow the party line. They would like to see him stand up and do what is right.

School District 71 trustee Shirley McDonnell presented McRae a letter she wrote that urges him to stand behind the will of his constituents, even if it means abandoning his party.

“If you cannot convince your col-leagues of what’s right and what you know is right as a teacher, then you’re in the wrong sandbox,” said McDonnell. “You need to sit as an independent. We would respect you if you sit as an independent and repre-sent our interests.”

One teacher told McRae that there’s a big recall campaign happening and that she’s willing to be involved in that effort. “It’s time to do the right thing,” she warned before she started chanting “recall, recall, recall.”


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McRae replied, “you know what, if you’re saying you want to see me recalled, there are two things that can go on. One, you can wait for another representative to lead this province or lead this riding. You don’t bully people.”

One parent read the labour relations code that states “our government could appoint an indus-trial inquiry commissioner. Our government could agree to binding arbitration. Our govern-ment could even legislate an end to the strike by drafting a bill that does not violate teachers’ constitutional rights.”

“Don McRae do the next right thing,” she said.

“I want to see a scenario where we have the government and the BCTF reach a negotiated settlement,” McRae said. “Not a legislated settle-ment. That to me would be the ultimate, greater resolution. I am committed to trying to work with my colleagues and the BCTF, that both parties get to a place where we could get a nego-tiated settlement. It’s not an easy thing to do.”

McRae endured all the shouting and yelling from all quarters for over ten minutes and when it became a little too intense for any civil conver-sation to continue, he thanked everyone and went back to his office.

The parents planned to continue protesting at McRae’s office and are asking people to come

out every day.Meanwhile, the BC Teachers’ Federation could

ask members to vote on whether to continue their job action. It’s uncertain how long the ongoing dispute would last with the provincial government.

The teachers voted to go on strike in March and have been picketing since June 17. It has kept the schools from opening. It also is causing financial difficulties for some teachers who are struggling to make ends meet.

BCTF vice-president, Glen Hansman, said the 41,000 striking teachers could be asked to weigh in on the future of job action if a stalemate with the provincial government shows no sign of ending.

“We may decide to do that depending on where things are at,” Hansman told the Vancouver Sun on Tuesday.

“I think it will be really dependent on how things unfold over the next few days. If we aren’t getting the employer’s bargaining team to the table, or if they do come to the table and they are being obstinate about their E80 propos-al (a government proposal the BCTF says would nullify recent court victories on bargaining) then we’re going to have some decisions to make, and those decisions could take a variety of forms.” The union will also gauge teacher opinions during study sessions planned in local school districts across the province this week.

The 6th annual Old House Village Hotel and Spa Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic is set to get under way. Founder Roger McKinnon, Old House Manager Jill Rushton and Comox Mayor Paul Ives are at the tiki bar already prepping for the Hawaiian themed event. There are 8 hole in one prizes of vehicles, snowmo-biles, a hundred thousand dollars and a Hawaiian

vacation to be won. The real winners of course will be local charities, recipients of more than $160,000 over the past five years. Call Jill Rushton at 250-703-0980 to make a donation or register for the 12:30 shotgun start on Sept. 12 at Crown Isle Resort and Golf community.

Tiki fun set for Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic

MLA meets with crowd of protesters

Comox Valley RCMP responded to the follow-ing incidents between Aug. 26 and Sept. 1:

On August 26th the Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a theft of a Kayak from a property on the 6300 block of Eagles drive in Merville. The kayak is a white and yellow col-ored Nimbus Solander valued at $2800.00. (2014-10703)

On the afternoon of August 26th police responded to a report of a man assaulting a woman on the 1000 block of Braidwood road in Courtenay. Bystanders attempted to subdue the suspect but he assaulted one of them and then fled. The man was located and arrested and held in custody to appear in court on two assault charges. (2014-10721)

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying 2 men in a small 2-door blue and silver car that were driving on Cumberland road on August 26th at about 7:40 P.M. This car was involved in a collision of sorts with a cyclist at the time. There was a woman who came to the cyclist’s aid and the police want to speak to the woman to find out what had occurred. If you know this person or are this person please call Cst. A. Turner at the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.

On August 21st police received a report of mischief to a gate located on the Wolf Lake road just off the Duncan Bay main. There was approx-imately $5000 damage done to the gate some-where between Sunday, August 17th and Wednesday, August 20th. If you have any infor-mation about this crime you are asked to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321 or you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

On August 28th police were called to assist in the search for a missing Comox Valley woman. The woman suffers from Dementia and had wandered off from a medical office before she could be escorted home. Dementia is a mind debilitating disease robbing the person of mem-ories or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. The missing woman was located a short time later walking on the Old Island high-way and Headquarters road, by a neighbour who knows the missing woman’s condition. Had her neighbour not seen her or stopped and picked her up, the woman could have suffered serious consequences. The Comox Valley RCMP would like to thank Pauline Parker for her act of kind-ness and for being a good neighbour.


POLICE BLOTTER


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On August 29th police responded to their second vehicle versus cyclist collision on two weeks. The investiga-tion revealed that the cyclist drove his bike across the path of a vehicle start-ing into traffic. The cyclist had a red light at the time and was not wearing a helmet. The cyclist was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital for a minor injury. (2014 - 10881)

Police responded to a report of a man unconscious and not breathing at the bird sanctuary on Comox Avenue on August 30th. Upon atten-dance the man was found to be under

the influence of alcohol and was just passed out. It was further determined that the man was on Criminal Code release condition of not to consume alcohol, from a past charge. The man was rearrested and held for court. (2014-10924)

On September 1st police were called about a theft from a residence on the 1900 block of Marten Drive in Comox. The owners reported that their son had had a party and it seems that one of the party goers helped themselves to some jewellery from the parent’s bedroom.

This investigation is continuing. (2014 11030)

Jordan AshleyBODECHON

DOB: 1994-06-03170 cms, 73 kgs, Brown hair, Blue eyesWarrants: AssaultFail to appear for courtComox Valley file # 2014-6695

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

WANTED

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

Cops for Cancer cheque presentation August 29th at The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre - a $2500 cheque from the August 15th “Pirates of the Caribbean Long Table Dinner” was presented to Dr. Chris Kippel (Auxiliary Police - 2nd from right)

and Matt Pidgeon (Military Police - 2nd from left) by Maria Gustafssan (centre) and Graeme Sargent (centre) along with John Stoyles (far left) and Executive Chef Drew Martin (far right).

Pirates’ dinner helps Cops for Cancer

POLICE BLOTTER


Tinney Davidson fired up the fireplace early Tuesday morning. She felt cold. Looking out her window, the day looked dull and dreary as dark clouds hovered above with rain pouring down.

Conditions turned a bit gloomi-er for this senior lady from Comox as she sat to watch the street in front of her house, a daily routine she has been doing since 2007. There was nobody to wave at. The students she normally expects to see walk by her house on their way to Highland Secondary, some of whom she’s used to waving at every morning were nowhere to be seen.

All she encountered was an eery, lonely silence with only the din of the passing vehicles break-ing the stillness of the morning. That’s because the scheduled first day of school didn’t happen on Tuesday. The ongoing bitter labour dispute between BC Teachers Federation and provincial govern-ment has kept students out of the classroom for an extended period.

“It’s been lonely,” said Davidson. “I missed the children not waving and just walking by. No question it’s a dull day, which doesn’t help. It’s very quiet out there. There’s not much traffic than there normally is. I think they’re hiding from the rain.”

Davidson loves waving at the students passing by. She believes that her gesture brightens their day.

“It’s a really fun thing,” said Davidson. “It’s something I look forward to in the morning and in the winter.”

The students enjoy it too. Last Valentine’s Day, students at Highland Secondary honoured her at a school assembly with cards and gifts.

The ensuing CHEK News video coverage went viral - even show-ing up on CNN.

The teachers’ strike has disrupt-ed Davidson’s happy moment. She doesn’t want to take sides but

feels both par-ties are equally at fault.

“I support the teachers to a degree. I don’t like what the govern-ment is doing but I think the teachers went a little over-board also with their expectations,” said Davidson. “I do not agree with teachers going on strike. The children need their educa-

tion. It’s time that they got together and agreed on some form of it.”

The Guthrie Road resident was hoping to see new faces Tuesday.

She is hoping a resolution to the dispute will be reached that will bring the children back to school. She’s eager to see them again.

Tinney misses waving at students on way to school

Tinney Davidson in her window seat; she misses waving at the passing students

Community News


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Many seniors would prefer to live as independently as possible, in their own home for as long as possi-ble, but find day to day tasks and upkeep more and more difficult. Perhaps they no longer drive and may feel isolated.

They may decide to move to a more supportive living option because they cannot locate or afford supports that might help them remain in their own home.

Support our Seniors’ September meeting addresses such concerns with a presentation by Sheena Campbell, Program Manager for the Better at Home Program.

With over 25 years of experience in community development and health education, Sheena has a wealth of information to share.

She will provide an overview of services the Better at Home program can provide to seniors living inde-pendently in the Comox Valley, and information about how to access these services.

Better at Home is a provincially funded program, administered through local non-profit organiza-tions, available in 68 communities across the province.

This meeting is an opportunity to provide input and direction for future development of the program, to ask questions and to discuss how to advocate for needed services.

Seniors and people concerned about supports for seniors are encouraged to attend to discuss this important topic.

The meeting is free and open to the public, although donations to help with the costs of refreshments are always appreciated.

Join us Monday, September 8, 2-4 pm. This meeting is in a new loca-tion, Lewis Centre (489 Old Island Highway), Craft room A.

FMI: Sheila, 250-335-2246. Check http://supportourseniorscomoxval-ley.com for more information about our group.

Support Our Seniors to discuss home supports atmeeting

The Courtenay Target store has donated $1,000 to United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island to boost the organization’s efforts to help the most vulnera-ble people in our community.

Target has been giving and vol-unteering at United Way since its first store opened in the U.S. in 1962. In 2013, Target contributed more than $250,000 to local chapters of United Way across Canada.

“Target is committed to fight-ing poverty and to supporting the communities where our team members live and work,” said Chris Gow, Store Team Leader for the Courtenay Target.

The $1,000 donation will go towards United Way’s Community Fund that supports 18 programs in the Comox Valley that give hope to 3,400 people, including: 52 parents from impoverished families who enjoy activities with their toddlers; over 660 adults who need support as they care for aging seniors; and 20 women struggling with abuse, addiction and poverty who are housed and provided with com-passionate services.

“United Way needs the support of the entire community to work on the root causes of the social issues that so many people in our region struggle with,” commented Laura Heikkila, Resource Development, Annual Giving with United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island.

“Donations from corporations like Target go a long way towards helping the most vulnerable in our community and to inspiring

others to give to local charities.”United Way works to create

opportunities for a better life for every person in our community.

They focus on helping kids be all that they can be, move people from poverty to possibility, and create healthy people and strong commu-nities.

United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island:

Since 1958, United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island (UWCNVI) has been mobilizing collective action to strengthen our community’s social support net-work so that every person has access to the help they need during a crisis and for the long term.

Thanks to the hard work and generosity of thousands of commu-nity heroes, this year UWCNVI invested in 12 life-changing pro-grams that give hope to almost 3,400 people in the Comox Valley.

Staff from Target in Courtenay present a cheque for $1,000 to Signy Madden, Executive Director, United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island (front, centre)

Courtenay Target gives $1,000 to United Way

OpinionsECHO

THE COMOX VALLEY ECHOAn independently owned and operated

newspaper published by Echo Publications at

407-D Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7

All material herein is protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without written

authorization from the publisher.

Publisher Dave MacDonaldEditor Debra MartinAdvertising Manager Keith CurrieOffice Administrator Deb FowlerCirculation Manager Hedi MacDonaldProduction Manager Ryan GetzPhone 250-334-4722 Fax 250-334-3172Classifieds 250- 334-4215 Circulation 250-334-4734E-mail: [email protected]

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538


Letter

A friend explained this to me - it makes everything a lot clearer.

Justice Griffith found that the BC Liberals had torn up a legally-binding, negotiated con-tract (that contained class size and composi-tion language) and that they had bargained in bad faith.

Because the Liberals appealed the decision, they have avoided re-instating class size and composition language into the contract under negotiation.

If the Liberals legislate teachers back to work, they will confirm to the courts that they are once again unable to negotiate a contract with teachers.

The Griffin ruling will therefore remain as the most ‘current’ language in the contract

If the BCTF “accepts” the current offer on the table (that does not include class size and com-position language), it would trump the Griffin ruling and any hopes of re-establishing class-room size and composition to past levels.

Why would the BCTF accept anything less than what the courts have told them is legally theirs?

Kathie WoodleyCourtenay

It’s all aboutthe court ruling

THIS IS A BIG BOUQUET for the store of Roxanne’s. I had the best customer service ever!! I am from Langley and I come over to Courtenay about once a month for several days to spend time with my 92-year-old mother. She has mobility challenges and wears leg braces and uses a walker. Therefore it is a challenge to buy clothes for her, especially pants as she can’t come to the store to try them on. Last month I found a pair of pants in Roxanne’s and they let me bring them home to my Mom so she could try them on. I did not have to pay for them. They took my name and phone number and told me to either return them the next day or call in and pay by credit card if my Mom wanted to keep them. My Mom tried them on, thought they were great, and paid for them by phone. This month, I am back and my Mom told me she has this pair of pants that didn’t come off easily over her braces that first time she tried them on. She wondered if I could fix them. I phoned Roxannes and told her the situ-ation. No I didn’t have the receipt (she paid by phone), no there were no tags on the pants, but the lady at Roxanne’s said, “Come on in and we will see if we can find another pair for her.” There was one pair that might work. The lady gave me a straight exchange, even though the second pair was a bit more expensive. But, my Mom still needed to try them on and see if they would work. No problem, she gave me a note to bring back, NEXT MONTH, if the pants didn’t work for her. Amazing service!!! So grateful!!

SENIOR CITIZENS BEWARE and check your yard care bills. We have just found a certain yard care business has been doing work that he has not been told to do and billing for this work at an unheard of rate charge, so check your bills to make sure that your provider is giving you the work that you requested. This operator has now been reported to the Better Business Bureau and cannot be named as of yet pending legal action on his business license. I hope he reads this and realizes his days of preying on the elderly are over.

I TOOK MY RECYCLING to the Country Market recycling station the other day, and as is too often the case, I was once again shocked and disappointed to see all the rubbish mind-less people had left all over the ground and piled around the recycling containers. I can’t imagine why the Country Market has been will-ing to put up with this for all these years, and now that they’ve spiffed up the store with such an attractive image and even prettified the recy-cling area itself, it must be an extreme annoy-ance to them to have to clean up the mess some of you folks seem determined to create there. Honestly folks, did your mothers really raise you this way? Do you really think your mothers are still going to come and clean up after you? Leaving bags full of just plain non-recyclable garbage, and bags or piles of stuff strewn all over that you can’t be bothered to push into the slots, broken household appliances and office chairs etc. etc... really, you should be named and shamed with photos of your mess in the papers. And surely, surely everyone knows by now that glass is no longer recyclable. Why do you continue to leave all your glass piled on the ground there? It’s people like you who make society have to resort to expensive surveillance cameras and other forms of monitoring, and/or locked fences with limited hours of access. Grow up!!! Take responsibility for your own waste!!! This is NOT a dump for stuff you can’t be bothered to dispose of properly. I would think that sooner or later the extreme patience the Country Market has shown in this regard will wear too thin, and we all will suffer when we lose one of the two recycling stations still left to us. So smarten up, you mindless, incon-siderate slobs!!!

A BASKET FULL of flowers to Andrena Koch-Schulte who happens to be the BEST real estate agent on Vancouver Island. During a very stressful downsizing, sale of our beloved family home, and relocation we happened across Andrena who was a gift from the heavens. She went the extra mile, helped us to find the home

that was a perfect fit for us, gently guided us, spoke the ‘truth’, and had our backs. These are all traits that people appreciate in a realtor. Though I am still wondering if we should have taken the green one? :) In the end we chose the yellow one and have started to love it, in time it will become the perfect fit for us. Job well done! Thank- you Andrena.

JUST GOT MY CVRD water bill, which has about doubled. Even with the 2 new CVRD, tier one and two surcharges for gardening use, it is less than my Shaw cable/Internet bill! It’s not about our cost of the water, but the fact that our neighbors in Comox and Courtenay pay the same, for the same Shaw Services, but a much lower price for water on the same system. Go figure - two surcharges for CVRD rural garden-ers and flat rate for Comox and Courtenay - on the same Comox Lake water system! The CVRD does not need the money - they have collected a $67 million cash surplus. Not to worry, Comox and Courtenay will likely have their one and two gardening surcharges to fund their cash surplus accounts soon - the next 4 years.

TO THE CITY of Courtenay, E. Courtenay,

recycling gentleman who on Aug. 26th went the distance to try and salvage my library book from obliteration in the jaws of his truck. Your act of kindness was truly appreciated.

BOUQUET AND THANKS to the hard-work-ing city crew who cleared the brush alongside Menzies Road a couple of weeks ago. To some, this may have looked like unnecessary destruc-tion, but the place was becoming a filthy gar-bage dump. They took out a huge amount of trash—mouldy sleeping bags, empty contain-ers, rotted blankets, cigarette butts, plastics, decomposed organics, and yes, needles, which the police took out. It was a high risk area for fire and rats, and the bush smelled like a latrine, sorry to say.

NOT SO MUCH A BEEF as a request. I fre-quently walk at the air park and with this warm weather, usually walk on the south end through the woods. There are a couple of bridges and boardwalks on that portion of the walk. My request is to bike riders - please don’t yell “Coming Through” and somehow expect me to jump off or squeeze up against the railing. If I am walking on the boardwalk, you can wait for me. If you are riding on the boardwalk, I will wait for you. Just a little common courtesy please. And thanks to all the bike riders and walkers who already do this.

A BEEF to the organizers of the “Atmosphere” festival held in Cumberland. The businesses may have been busier than usual but it was a totally disgusting event as far as I am con-cerned. I have been a resident for the past 10 years here and been through every event held in the park - Big Time Out, BMX races, Biker ral-lies, and more. Of all the events this one over the 3 days showed total disregard and disre-spect for the residents living in the area around the “circus” and overflow camping. It was 3 days of not music but the bass played so loud it vibrated tables across patios, shook the pictures on my walls, knocked knickknacks off my shelf and Fri. and Sat. it went on til 1 a.m. and Sunday until 1:30 a.m. The participants didn’t hesitate to openly urinate wherever they were including our front yards, drop their pants wherever they were to do their business, curse and swear at anyone that asked them to leave their premises, openly drinking alcohol and smoking pot even on the main street, in the early hours of the morning having to chase 7 different individuals out of my yard who were smoking pot between my residence and my shed, dropping their garbage, bottles and cans wherever they happened to be! One woman alone picked up over 100 beer cans off the street in one afternoon. I only knew about this event 2 weeks before when a flyer was dropped on my porch. Numerous residents packed up and left for the weekend rather than try and deal with it. For the person who congratulated the Village of Cumberland and can’t wait for to see what the next event will be - for me it will be

far too soon!! I will send a huge bouquet to the organizers of the Biker Rally - it was well orga-nized, respectful and considerate of the com-munity as well as the participants cleaning up after themselves, leaving the community as they found it.

ICBC ARE PENALIZING every BC driver for those that cause accidents - distracted, speeding drivers. Distracted drivers are a problem, but speeding drivers cause more serious injuries and have driven claims cost up by $10,000/claim. Unfortunately, Transportation Minister Stone is unaware of the facts. Higher speeds only mean higher costs for the people of BC - higher fuel costs, more carbon and carbon tax and now a 5.2% increase in ICBC premiums. Never mind the pain and suffering - it just costs more to go faster, Minister Stone. Time for photo radar, drones -”hands off” is not working on BC Roads.

A BOUQUET to Maureen Clarke for letter to

the editor on Aug. 26. If her letter is as well researched and factual as it sounds, she certain-ly makes some excellent points. The BCTF’s story about the strike being all about the stu-dents really does sound like a lot of the stuff that falls on the ground behind a bull!!! $$$$?

A HUGE PILE of Steaming Neighbour Beef: To the Neighbours of mine that own the yappy little dog that aggressively barks and charges at me and my family when ever we are in our back yard. Please train your dog. I can hardly step in my back yard with out your precious dog going bonkers and nearly having a stroke whenever it hears something. Your yappy dog is ruining our outdoor enjoyment. And while you’re at it. Maybe try parking your car in the driveway. You park so close to my driveway that at times I worry I may accidentally plow into your VW. Gravel or not it’s still on my property and it’s still my driveway. FYI don’t be surprised when it gets towed. IT WAS ME. It’s not that you don’t park in your driveway EVER. It’s that you’re not allowing me to have free access to my property and driveway. I really wish we were able to talk to you about ALL the problems we have with you/wife. But you have both made it very clear you’re not interested in being good neighbours. I would just like to not hear you yelling at your children constantly “You Stupid stupid little boys”. Please park in your driveway like the rest of us. You don’t own the street, only the driveway you paid for. And how about training that dog, I can recommend some trainers since you’re clearly not interested in training it. Door is always open to talk. When you all decide to be adults. So BEEF to you.

TO THE YOUNG DRIVER (in small black car, license #——-) with your lovely “N” in the window, I think you should go back and restudy your manual. Nowhere does it say if the car in front of you does not go the speed limit you wish to be doing AND you are on the road in front of Seal Bay Walking Trails on a SOLID YELLOW line are you allowed to whip past said car in front of you (who happens to be doing the speed limit). There isn’t anywhere on God’s green earth that you needed to be at that speed, at that place, at that time ... that could have been on your head stone.

SPECIAL THANKS to Thrifty Foods, Crown Isle for supplying the food, beverages, cake and tents. As well as Salish Seafood who donated the ice for the Kitty Coleman 70 Year Anniversary of becoming a Provincial Park. Thank you for all that came to enjoy a beautiful day at the park including the volunteers. Sincerely, The Kitty Coleman Park Board.

THE BCTF NEEDS to rethink their failed bargaining strategy. At least the $40/day will allow some parents to seek private schooling for their kids. The Liberal BC Government has a recent history of “privatizing” public services. Some examples are BC Ferries, BC Forests, Public Hospitals and Bridges. They may be cre-ating an environment for privatizing education in BC. Parents are tired of this ongoing non-

sense and some will seek out private education. Fewer students in public school means less funding for public education. The BCTF is on a lose/lose/lose path. Students/Parents/BC pub-lic school teachers are the losers with the BCTF approach.

BEEF TO THE DOG OWNER who relies on good citizens to make sure his little dog crosses the highway safely to explore the boat launch and then return home. If you are too tired or lazy to walk him then place an ad and give him to someone more caring and responsible. I am surprised he hasn’t been picked up yet, given his lovely disposition.

WESTERN PROVINCES of Canada are

resource rich and very fortunate. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are silently booming. Alberta is blasting away. We see more Alberta plates in the Comox Valley than any other vistor. Alberta is booming and looking for skilled and and unskilled labor - they pay big money for oil jobs. Labor challenged Alberta employs fewer temporary foreign workers than BC. Silently booming Manitoba employs 5,572. Even more booming Saskatchewan employs 9,349 while BC leads the country with 74,216 TFWS. Resource rich BC is leading the race to the bot-tom with low cost labor. Who cares? Certainly not BC politicians, who remain silent. BC resi-dents deserve better jobs - in BC!

SO THE WEALTHY SKI RESORT of Whistler

is being” crippled” by new temporary foreign worker rules which requires 70% Canadians employed at the Resort. The BC Government is a huge supporter of the foreign worker pro-gram, while BC’s unemployment rate is 6.7% . BC government policy of deregulation is not working well- (70,000 temp. workers, mining, forestry, speed limits, liquor outlets) . Deregulation, Crown corporations, P3 projects are not reducing Debt. The BC Government is borrowing $400 million a week. A large num-ber of Gas, Coal and OIl jobs, created from BC resources, will go offshore .There is no 10 years labor peace with teacher’s, as promised by the Premier. The BC government is way off track on many issues.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK the following

people who helped me make the CVEX live-stock/animal areas a great success.

Wayne and Mary Schaad for lending their trailer for the back drop for 4-H photo and Art Knaaps for loaning us the flowers and trees for making the photo area beautiful so that the 4-H winners would have a great area for pictures.

Thanks to the Comox Valley Calf club and Shamrock Gumbooters 4-H club for all of their hard work in setting up the Poultry, Sheep and Livestock barns as well as take down at the end of the fair.

Thanks to Mike Trimble from Woofy’s who graciously donated the Grand Champion Showmanship belt buckles that were awarded to all of the Grand Champion Showman in each of the animal projects.

Thanks to Gary and Krissee from West Coast Slam for running the Amooz’ing Race on both Friday and Saturday. The teams that ran the race had a great time.

I would be remiss if I did not thank Janet Martyn for keeping me organized with the paperwork and ribbons and a huge thank you to Ed Martyn for cleaning the showers every morning.

Thanks to Subway for the donation of sand-wiches for lunch on Saturday for the 4-H mem-bers and to Geoff for bringing them to the fair grounds for us. Thanks also to McDonalds for the coffee and orange drinks that were supplied for the weekend.

Thanks to our Judges: Michelle Henry, Tim Boley, Darlene Hammer, Bill Thompson, Ross Springford, Keegan Mercer, Cheryl Penner.

Thanks to CFB Comox for the loan of your security fencing. We used it to make rings for the animal shows and for keeping the Barrel Racing horses safe when going into the ring.

A final thank you to anyone who I may have forgotten. - Dolina, Director CVEX

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This week’swinner Our weekly feature, Beefs and Bouquets,

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ents and caregivers into considering private school as their only option. You already have a more than fair “deal” and you should be grateful to work for one of the best quality and well-structured education systems on the planet with excellent wages, pension and a truckload of benefits. And stop blaming the government, it’s not their job to educate our chil-dren, it’s yours and that’s what you’re paid to do. You need to show up and do your job like the rest of us. The bottom line is simple. If you’re so unhappy with your job, get anoth-er one and stop dragging our kids through the mud.

I WAS SURPRISED that one of your letters in Beefs and Bouquets described the Cumberland Roundup as ‘family friendly.’ I’m not criticiz-ing people who love motorcycles. However, the active encouragement of the Hell’s Angels, a criminal orga-nization that deals in guns, drugs and murder, to participate should be re-thought because once they estab-lish a Comox Valley Chapter, you’ll never get rid of them. Wandering through the show I was surprised by some of the t-shirts that were being sold, one of which said ‘When I wear this t-shirt I get more c***.’ How do you explain that to your 10-year old daughter who can read? I also saw very young women wearing low cut t-shirts and thongs hunched over two bikes. Were the bikes for sale or the women? If I were with my chil-dren I wouldn’t want them seeing that display any more than I’d want them to watch Susie Does the Toronto Argonauts. This event is only going to grow larger every year, perhaps the time is now to define who is wel-come to participate.

IMPATIENT DRIVERS, if you see a vehicle with a red colored “L” on the back of a vehicle it means the driver in that vehicle is learning to drive. Our daughter is learning to drive, she has an “L” on her car, and she even has bright colored signage stating “Student Driver” posted on the back of her car. On two occasions now she has yielded to turn right up Ryan Road, turning off of the Dyke Road (by Superstore) and has had two other drivers honking at her while she is following the rules of the road. One driver was in a large white 4-door car, and the other driv-er was in a small blue 4-door hatch-back car. In both situations the Dyke Road traffic heading in the direction to cross Ryan Road had a RED LIGHT and was stopped, which means either the traffic crossing Dyke Road and going up Ryan Road had the GREEN LIGHT or the traffic turning left up Ryan Road had the advance GREEN LIGHT, and there is also a crosswalk to pay attention to. She was yielding to ensure it was safe to advance into the lane and she was following the rules of a Yield Sign. A yield sign means yield to traffic that has the right of way and when it is safe to do so then move into traffic. When new drivers are doing nothing wrong they do not need someone blasting on the horn. Honking the horn at a new driver could startle an

inexperienced driver and they could drive into traffic when it is not safe to do so, possibly causing an acci-dent, causing damage to vehicles with bodily injuries or even death. Most other drivers are quite consid-erate on the road; however, for those who aren’t, please show some con-sideration and have a little patience when you see a learning driver on the road. That being said, she is get-ting a quick lesson on ignorant driv-ers.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK Dr.

Jennifer Lawrence and all of the staff in the Emergency Room at St. Joseph’s Hospital for the care and compassion that they showed my daughter when we were obliged to visit the ER last week. From our arrival, through the doctor’s visit, and all of the tests - all of the staff were efficient and caring. Dr. Lawrence went above and beyond. Thanks so much!

LOCAL ELECTION NOTICES are appearing in local papers. Bouquets to all new candidates who will chal-lenge incumbents, for more cost effective, cooperative, democratic local government for the next 4 years. Incumbents deserve recogni-tion for past service, but it is time for change.

THE PEOPLE that organized the motorcycle roundup should have a look around Cumberland and give their heads a shake. If there ever was a time that the Hell’s Angels would be welcome, it’s not now. Some of the t-shirts were so crude you could only hope your kids couldn’t read and hear when some guy is chanting “Who loves boobies”? What is this? What a terrible idea. Do we need a new council and mayor in Cumberland?

BOUQUET to the person who left

the beautiful painted pebbles along the trails at Seal Bay Park. What pretty little treasures to find! I found two, and left you some blank stones (tee-hee). If I find any more, I’ll leave them for some one else to have the pleasure of finding a tiny work of art. Thank you.

IT WOULD BE A BOUQUET if BC

teachers got the picture on BC Government finances. BC. Borrowing $400 million a week is unsustain-able. BC teachers are very important to our kids future, but please get the picture, BCTF - there is no more money and the big income folks are not willing to pay more taxes. Want more money - move to Fort McMurray or get a job with BC Ferries Management, BC Hydro or Premier Clark’s PR team. 50 hour plus weeks - 52 weeks a year! Get a grip, BC teachers - we need you in the class-rooms!

TO THE PEOPLE OUT THERE

that are blaming the teachers for their children not being back at school—Fassbender would have set-tled the dispute long ago if it were not for Christy Clark. She has told him if he settles he is fired. That is

the only reason. Period.

WE HAVE TO SEND a well-earned bouquet out to Dustin from Main Street Renovations. He recently fin-ished our en-suite bathroom - taking it from the studs to a ‘hotel’ quality beautiful room. He came to the job on the date promised, did all the work very efficiently (great tiling) and in the end, he finished on time and under budget. After the 2nd day of watching him work, we developed complete confidence in his abilities and backed off and just requested the ‘Mike Holmes’ moment when he was finished. We were very happy with the finished job and inevitably his suggestions turned out to be win-ners. So, if you need someone for your home renovations - bathroom, kitchen etc., do yourself a favour and give Dustin a call.

DOGS SHOULD NOT only be able to use the swimming pool, they should have more pools! And their own HEALTH spas! And ski resorts! And free kibbles! And city councils MUST provide free limo service to TAKE dogs to the pool and SPA! Why do we CONTINUE to treat our pre-cious dogs like ... like ... animals! Those HATERS don’t want my dog to have a good time! I HATE those hat-ers! Grr! Arf!

ENDLESS PUPPY DOG kisses to Lisa at Courtenay Groomers. Freddie loves coming to see you and no mat-ter how I want him cut for the month you always do an outstanding job on every single cut. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

A PILL BOX FULL of “let’s think straight” pills to all those parents and others who think that the teacher/government labour strife is primarily caused by the teacher’s union. If you actually believe that the Government gives two hoots about your child’s education then you certainly have faulty thinking. If they did, would they take back all the money saved by not having to pay the teachers and other educational support per-sonal and spend it elsewhere or would they let the School Districts keep it and spend it on much needed supplies, maintenance, and extra support for students. Why is this labour problem chronic? When pri-vate companies experience labour shut-downs, they diminish profit by loss of production and product/ser-vices sales. Not so with the Government. They save millions of dollars and get to spend it on any-thing other than what it was intend-ed for from education taxes. The teachers on the other hand lose wages that they will probably never gain back from the increase in wages and benefits they finally settle on. The labour strife between teachers and the Government is chronic sim-ply because the Government benefits from any shutout or strike. They extend it as long as they think they can get away with it politically before beginning to negotiating in good faith. You should be happy that the teachers are holding out because of class size and composition issues.

ONLY IN BC! The world news is gruesome. ISIS, beheadings, Russian invasion, Israel/Palestine/Iraq. I say at least we only have a teachers strike. The wife says why only in BC - why again? The kids are the losers every time. I say we are very fortunate that this is our biggest issue. BC kids in private schools will solve tomorrow’s world problems. Don’t worry - be happy!

A HUGE BOUQUET to Lin at Square 1 Travel and Cruise / Travel Plus for stepping up when a national airline (whose motto is “We’re not happy until you’re not happy”) left me stranded in Fort St. John due to their own self-inflicted flight delays. Faced with “I guess you’ll have to spend another night here, and we’ll try to get you out tomorrow (maybe)”, I con-tacted Lin and she immediately went to work finding me a supposedly non-available seat from Vancouver to Comox, and worked with both our valued local airline and our not-so-valued national carrier to get me home only 2 1/2 hours later than originally scheduled. This is a prime example of why I always use a travel agent - professionalism when the unexpected happens.

MY FAMILY, four sons, three daughters-in-law, six grandchildren and one great-grandson, deserve a large bouquet for a very well orga-nized surprise party on August 23. Fifty-two people came to it. My two brothers and their wives, plus a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, an aunt, cousins, old friends and neighbours. I was given some wonderful gifts. And I am saying thank-you to everyone, as I did not get to do it at the party, with such a big attendance. “THANK YOU EVERYONE!”

A VERY LARGE BOUQUET of roses to the very kind and honest per-son who turned in my “lost” Walmart cad on Friday, August 22. Thank you indeed!

I HAD TWO hearing aid tests. I decided to have one more at Costco. After I was greeted by Christine I had a feeling this would be the one. The hearing manager Josephine took me in and did my test. In all my years I have never had a more professional and friendly experience, from both ladies. I love my new hearing aids. When I walk by now they call me by my first name and ask me how my hearing aids are. Is that customer ser-vice or what. Christine offered to clean them while I shopped.

WAY TO GO BCTF and the teachers who support them, thanks for con-tinuing to hold our children hostage to your greedy and unrealistic demands. The Anti-Bullying Campaign should be changed to include you, because that’s exactly what you’re doing - bul-lying our kids by withholding their right to education, and bullying par-

The Government doesn’t give a hoot.

A HUGE BEEF to all those people who complain about the cats roaming through their neighborhood and, god forbid, do their business on their prop-erty. In my neighborhood we have three outdoor cats who all get along lovingly, and yes, go somewhere to do their dodos. So far I haven’t come across any. Not even in my well cared for garden. So, where do you always find the stuff you are complaining so much about? Be happy that the cats have a healthy outdoor life and are not contained indoors to their litter box and sitting on the window sill looking longingly to the outside they miss.

A LOVELY BOUQUET of gratitude roses to Ramona. We run a vacation rental near the Goose Spit in Comox and refer our visitors to the I-Hos Gallery. On this occasion, I invited our visitors from France to catch a ride with me, I could interpret and provide transportation to Courtenay while I ran my own errands. We stopped in to the gallery where they found some unique gifts and souvenirs. The next day, one of our guests discovered in the evening (way past closing) that her credit card and driver’s license were not in her bag. We left a phone message and sent an email to the manager of the gallery to ask if they might have found these items. It was very important to have them before opening hours because they were scheduled to leave by bus for their next destination. The manager, Ramona, was kind enough to respond immediately and return to the gallery to go look for the items, they had been discovered in the parking lot. Our guest is leaving the Comox Valley with her cards and an incredible sense of gratitude to all involved. I’m sure she will sleep well tonight. The gallery appeals to all because of their selec-tion and the friendly service, we always stop there for host gifts as well when we travel abroad. We will con-tinue to be loyal customers and will proudly recommend the I-Hos Gallery, they go above and beyond for their clients, near and far.

BOUQUETS to CVRD director Bruce Joliffe for representing constitu-ents’ views on more Oyster Rafts. While the” experts” need to review how much aquaculture pressure is sustainable, the visual noise problem is obvious to anyone driving by, and to those who enjoy this waterway for recreation. Other CVRD directors claim to be protectors of our environ-ment, and natural beauty of the Valley, but only director Joliffe represented his constituents on the more Oyster Rafts vote. In November - elect those who will do as they say.

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Offer(s) available on select new 2014/2015 models through participating dealers to qualified retail customers who take delivery by September 14, 2014. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All offers are subject to change without notice. Allpricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,665, other fees and certain levies (including tire levies) and $100 A/C charge (where applicable), and excludes licensing, registration, insurance, other taxes and variable dealer administration fees (up to $699). Other dealer charges may be required at the time of purchase. Other lease and financing options also available.≠Representative finance example: 0% financing offer for up to 84 months available O.A.C. to qualified retail customers, on approved credit for the new 2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F)/2015 Rio LX MT (RO541F) with a selling price of $16,002/$14,102 and includes delivery and destination fees of $1,485, tire tax and AMVIC fee of $22 and a $1,500 loan rebate. 364 weekly payments of$44/$39 for 84 months with $0 down payment. Credit fees of $0. Total obligation is $16,002/$14,102. See retailer for complete details. *Cash bonus amounts are offered on select 2014 and 2015 models and are deducted from the negotiated purchase price before taxes. Available on finance, lease or cash purchase offers. Offer varies by trim. Certain conditions apply. $7,000/$5,000/$5,000/$5,500/$4,000 maximum cash bonus amount only available on the 2014 Sedona EX Luxury (SD75CE)/2014 Optima SX AT (OP749E)/2014 Sportage SX AT (SP758E)/2014 Rondo EX Luxury 7-seat (RN757E)/2014 Forte SX AT (FO748E). †Loan rebate amounts are offered on select 2014 and 2015 models and are deducted from the negotiated purchase price before taxes.Available on financing offer only. Offer varies by trim. Certain conditions apply. Offer ends September 14, 2014. See your dealer for complete details. ΔModel shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2015 Forte SX (FO748F)/2014 Forte SX (FO748E)/2015 Rio4 SX with Navigation (RO749F)/2014 Optima SX Turbo AT (OP748E)/2014 Sportage SX AT Luxury AWD (SP759E)/2014Rondo EX Luxury 7-seat (RN757E) is $26,695/$26,395/$22,395/$34,795/$38,295/$30,795. Highway/city fuel consumption is based on the 2015 Rio LX+ ECO (A/T)/2015 Forte 1.8L MPI 4-cyl (M/T). These updated estimates are based on the Government of Canada’s approved criteria and testing methods. Refer to the EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumptionwill vary based on driving habits and other factors. The 2014 Kia Sportage received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among small SUVs in a tie in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM. Study based on responses from 86,118 new-vehicle owners, measuring 239 models, and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary studyresults are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed from February to May, 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.

WE’VE GOTYOU COVERED*5-year/100,000 kmworry-freecomprehensivewarranty.

TH

ANNIVERSARY

Graham Kia Victoria2620 Government Street, Victoria, BC

(250) 360-1111

Courtenay Kia1025B Comox Road, Courtenay, BC

(250) 334-9993

KiaWest688 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, BC

(604) 931-5425

Richmond Kia3351 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC

(604) 273-1800

Kia South Vancouver396 Southwest Marine Drive

Vancouver, BC (604) 326-6868

Harris Kia2575 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC

(250) 751-1168

Applewood Kia16299 Fraser Highway, Surrey, BC

(604) 635-3010

Applewood Langley Kia19764 Langley By-Pass, Langley, BC

(604) 533-7881

‘Tacos for Tenderness’ fundraiser supports local Hospice

This Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, you can feel good about support-ing an important local cause while also rewarding your taste buds.

Tin Town Tacos, the popular Mexican-inspired food cart, will donate all net proceeds from tacos sold between 9 am and 12 pm to the Comox Valley Hospice Society.

“I’m very proud to host the 2nd Annual Tacos For Tenderness fundraising event at the Saturday Farmers’ Market,” says Tin Town Tacos owner and cook Fred Smith.

“It’s a simple gesture of giving back to those who are doing real-ly important end-of-life work. Their care and compassion touch-es everyone in the community in some way.”

Smith says he was inspired to support the Hospice Society, which provides care and resourc-es to those who are facing death, grief and terminal illness, because of the invaluable support that hospice societies have shown to his loved ones in the past.

Terri Odeneal, executive direc-tor of the Hospice Society, was deeply grateful to hear that Tacos for Tenderness would take place

for a second year in a row. “We are totally dependent on the

generosity of this wonderful com-munity to fund the compassionate care the Society has been providing Comox Valley families for over 25 years,” said Odeneal.

During the fundraiser, Tin Town Tacos’ regular menu will be avail-able, including: Farm Fresh Egg Scramble topped with Pico de Gallo and a signature sauce; and Slow Roasted Chicken Tacos with home-made Tomatillo Salsa, a sprinkling of red cabbage and cilantro. Vegetarians can savour tacos made with locally grown, oven-roasted carrots, spiced and pureed on corn tortillas and topped with the fresh-ly made Black Bean and Corn Salsa.

Bring your appetite, bring your friends, enjoy some fresh tacos, and make a donation that will help make a lasting positive impact in people’s lives and memories.

The Tacos for Tenderness fund-raiser for the Hospice Society hap-pens this Sat. Sept. 6 from 9am-12pm at the Farmers’ Market, located at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds on Headquarters Road.

You can also visit Tin Town Tacos, along with a variety of other local vendors, at the Wednesday Farmers’ Market, located on England between 5th and 6th Street in Downtown Courtenay. Hours are 9am-1pm until the end of September.Fred Smith serving tacos at the Farmers’ Market

2nd annual eventat Farmers Market

ExtraThe COMOX VALLEY ECHO ❑ Friday, September 5, 2014

Comox Valley, BC

ECHO

ECHOetc.

Birds of a feathersave together.

Swoop in and save:sign up for Optik TV & Internet

and get both at only$50/month1 for 12 months.

Watch content on your smartphone,

tablet or computer with Optik on the go -

included with Optik TV™

1. Offers available until November 3, 2014, to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS TV or Internet in the past 90 days. Cannot be combined with other offers. Regular prices apply at the end of the promotional period. TELUSreserves the right to modify channel lineups and packaging, and regular pricing, without notice. HDTV-input-equipped television required to watch HD. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for the services will be determinedby a TELUS representative. Offer not available in all areas. Call now for eligibility. Price when TELUS services are bundled together. An additional $5/mo. will apply otherwise. Offer subject to change without notice.Bundle discount applicablefor customers with more than one TELUS Home Service.Cancellation fee will be $19/mo multiplied by the number of months remaining in the service, plus applicable taxes. Offer available while quantities last and cannot be combined withpromotional prices. TELUS reserves the right to substitute an equivalent or better product without notice. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., used with permission. The TELUS logo and Optik TV are trademarksof TELUS Corporation, used under licence. © 2014 TELUS

Dance tonight (Friday, Sept. 5) in the lower Rotary Hall at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay, to the music of the Crosstown Express.

Dancing starts at 7:30 pm. Bring your friends, wear your country duds, and enjoy a fun-filled evening. Come early for good parking.

The Comox Valley Newcomers’ club is a friendly, warm and welcoming social group for women who have moved to the Comox Valley within the past two years. We help women new to the valley feel comfortable, meet friends and learn as much as they can about this wonderful place that is now home. The Comox Valley has so many attrac-tions and opportunities that the month-ly meetings are always entertaining and informative! We are able to do this by focusing our attention on what is important to new residents of the val-ley.

The club’s membership base is approximately 170 women. This year is shaping up to be a busy one as we cur-rently have 25+ activities for our mem-bers, some being co-ed. An individual can become involved in anything from hiking, bridge and book club, to music makers, biking, gardening and stitch-ing.

Meetings are held the second Monday of the month at the Crown Isle Club House, 399 Club House Drive, Courtenay. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the meeting starting promptly at 7:00 pm.

For more information email us at [email protected] or check out our website at www.cvnewcomers.net

For its first meeting of the 2014-2015 season, Tuesday, September 9, the North Island Rhododendron Society (NIRS) will feature a road trip taken by NIRS members earlier in the year.

Nadine Boudreau and Lois Clyde were two of a group visiting Oregon and California gardens and nurseries along with the majestic California red-wood forests. Their power-point pre-sentation will trace the route from San Francisco and Mendocino to the huge rhododendron gardens in Oregon

NIRS meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month in the Comox United Church hall, 250 Beach with doors opening at 7pm and the meeting starting at 7:30PM. Refreshments are served and guests interested in mem-bership are welcome to attend.

Courtenay Legion Br. #17 is Holding a Harvest Dinner and Dance on Sept. 19. The band will be Canuck Country. Dinner and Dance is $25.00 per person Dance only is $10.00 per person. Dinner at 6 pm, Dance at 8. ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY. Cut-off is 15 Sept. Tickets can be purchased at the Legion Lounge or call Marj Walters 250 335-0656.

The first annual North Island 4-H Auction held for the North Island 4-H memberst is set for the Coombs Fairgrounds on Saturday September 13.

A dedicated group of 4-H leaders, 4-H mem-bers and family members from the Nanaimo, Parksville/Qualicium, Port Alberni and Comox Valley districts organized this Auction so the 4-H members could have an opportunity at the end of the season to sell their animal projects that they raised during the year.

They have spent the time training and raising these animals for the end purpose to go to mar-ket.

On the Auction day, 4-H members will be showing at 9:30 am. During the show, the members will show off their animal projects in front of a judge, who places the Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion and the following places for each class.

The animals that will be auctioned off for

this year are beef, goat, pig, lamb, rabbit and quail.

At 1:30 pm the Auction will begin with Glen Hersley from Arrowsmith Auctions as the auc-tioneer.

4-H is a youth agricultural organization that is for the ages of 6 to 21. 4-H members are taught public speaking, record keeping, animal husbandry which includes feeding, vaccinating, training and selling of their project.

This year 4-H in British Columbia is celebrat-ing its 100th year anniversary, and it is the Canadian 4-H’s 101st anniversary as well.

For the 4-H members, the auction rep-resents the culmination of their year in 4-H.

They look forward to your support and rely on the income to help pay for the costs of rais-ing their projects or will be put aside for future investments such as post-secondary education.

The auction encourages 4-H members to con-tinue in the agriculture industry and to become

the farm producers of the future. It also offers them a unique opportunity to

participate with the business community.If you are interested in buying great quality,

local meat come to the Auction on September 13.

If you are not interested in buying a whole animal, the Auction Committee can match you with other buyers with similar needs.

If you are an organization and would like to give back to your community, you can do so by purchasing an animal and donate the meat to the food bank.

If you are a company and want to give back to your employees, you can purchase an animal and give the meat to them as a Christmas pres-ent. (This can all be written off as a tax bene-fit).

There is going to be a silent auction as well. For more information contact Kim Wilson at

1-250-954-5501. Hope to see you all there.

4-H Club members from the North Island will vie for ribbons, and then auction prices, at Sept. 13 auction in Coombs

A chance to stock up the freezer

A Perfect PairingThe paintings are on display and the wine

has been honoured. All that remains is to ensure the invitation is widely known for a wonderful Sunday afternoon outing.

Blue Mooon Estate Winery at Nature’s Way Farm presents “Weaving the Spirit”, a collection of abstract paintings by Lori Ann Kenney.

You are invited to enjoy samplings of Blue Moon Estate Winery’s award winning wines as you view Lori’s recent works, and we wel-come you to stroll the beautiful grounds of the winery and farm.

Nature’s transmutations provide the inspi-ration for Lori Ann, whose style continues to evolve through the exploration of pattern, color and texture in the landscape.

Her metaphorical landscapes are a pure celebration of its mysteries. A vision that is at once gestural and poetic, meticulously detailed with exquisite surface, depth and color.

Marla Limousin and George Ehrler of Blue Moon Estate Winery and Nature’s Way Farm invite you to meet the artist and enjoy a complimentary tasting of award winning wines.

“Art and wine are a perfect pairing, both are a creative process in different mediums. There are many wonderful artists in the Comox Valley and we love providing our

space to promote their work. The spirit of the landscape and the artist shine through in Lori Ann’s abstract paintings,” explains Marla.

On Sunday, Sept 7th, Blue Moon Estate winery is presenting a “pairing” of art and

wine between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at 4905 Darcy Road, Courtenay.

For more information, go to their website at www.bluemoonwinery.ca or call 250 338 9765. You may also contact Lori Ann Kenney at [email protected]

Nature’s transmutations provide the inspiration for painter Lori Ann Kenney

North Island 4-H members having their first-ever livestock auction

Lori Ann Kenney abstract paintings at Blue Moon Winery on Sunday

Dancing tonight to music of Crosstown Express

Newcomers’ Club invitesyou to monthly meeting

Rhododendron Societystarts season Tuesday

Harvest dinner-danceat Courtenay Legion

B2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, September 5, 2014

What’s On

Public Hearing Notice

Thursday, September 11, 2014CVRD boardroom, 550B Comox Road, Courtenay

7:00 p.m.Bylaw No. 310

federal Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation.

Bylaw No. 311

Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation.

ed bylaws and related information may be viewed at the

Enquiries should be directed to:

• •

Comox Valley.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONThe North Island Hospitals Project (NIHP) is hosting a community information session to provide an update on the new, 153-bed Comox Valley hospital slated for completion in late 2017.

Tuesday, Sept. 16th, 2014, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Stan Hagen Theatre, Komoux Hall (K104)

North Island College, 2300 Ryan Road

Courtenay, BC

The meeting will start with a presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session related to the procurement, design and construction of the new facility. The NIHP teamand representatives from selected proponent Tandem Health Partners will be on hand to answer questions and gather input. For more information visit the NIHP website at: nihp.viha.ca

The Rangers are rockin’ The Mex Pub this Saturday night September 6th. C’mon out and burn up your dancing shoes! Great food, fabulous service, and good old rock and roll ... this weekend at The Mex Pub! It’s the place to be!

RANGERS AT THE MEX PUB

Science is proving what those of us who sing have known all along…singing makes us feel good.

Studies are now demonstrating the truths of ancient wisdom, that sound, vibration, and music can benefit our health and wellbeing. Our physical and emotional systems are affected in positive ways when we sing together. One study even showed that heart beats syn-chronize when people sing together. We all carry a valuable instrument with us. We are born wanting to sing and at any stage of life we can benefit from more singing. It just feels good to sing. There is a feeling of belonging to the community you stand with as you

sing … there is nothing like it. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if children could hear their

community singing? In order to sing with each other, we need to know the

same songs. Letz Sing offers instruction in songs, chants and rounds in the oral tradition of call and response that can accompany you through the rhythm of your day. Come and learn melodies and harmonies you can sing with your friends and the children in your life.

As we focus on listening and using our voices during each 1 1/2 hour session, the mind clears. Many people report feeling refreshed and relaxed after a Letz Sing session. Each session includes a warm-up for voice and body, instruction on breath and voice, the learning of new material, and time to sing from the growing reper-toire of common songs.

Come and join the chorus. Letz Sing offers weekly instruction starting Sept. 8 in three locations in the Comox Valley. With a paid membership to Letz Sing you can attend one, two or all three sessions each week.

Every single voice is welcome in this inclusive singing community. There is no experience necessary, no audi-tions, no need to read music, no performances and no homework…. just a place you can come and sing and learn new songs with a lovely community of singers each week.

The term fee for ten sessions is $110 (there is a sliding fee scale available). Shouldn’t you be singing?

Courtenay Sings on Mondays 7:30 – 9:00 pm Lower Native Sons’ Hall. Comox Sings on Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:30 am Lions Den, 1729 Comox Ave (behind building) Black Creek Sings onWednesdays 7:30 –9:00 pm Halbe Hall, 8369 Island Highway FMI: www.letzsing.com

Letz Sing starts programs next week

Back Eddy and the Procrastinators bring the Cortes Island vibe to Cumberland, with Mikey Reggae, on Friday, September 5, at The Waverley Hotel. Tickets $12 advance available at Bop City, the Waverley Hotel, by phone (250) 336-8322 or online at cumberlandvillage-works.com or $15 door. Doors at 9:30 pmThis 7-piece horn driven SKA band make their point known that their goal is for a no nonsense, booty shaking, jogging on the spot dance floor madness all night long. Nothing makes the dance floor move like ska music does, and this is the driv-ing theme behind Back Eddy and the Procrastinators’ music.This seven piece band comes from Cortes Island, where know-ing how to dance is a survival skill. Grinding tunes with accents of trumpet and trombone, will make you wanna bump and strump with us; Back Eddy make the club get krunk!https://www.facebook.com/BackEddyAndTheProcrastinatorshttp://www.backeddy.org/

BACK EDDY AND THE PROCRASINATORS

It’s hard to believe, but the Just in Time Vocal Jazz Choirs are about to begin their 10th season. This sea-son’s rehearsals start on Wednesday September 10th, at Highland Secondary School, and every Wednesday at 7:30-9:15 until concert time on December 6th. (Please check Just In Time website for alternate location of rehearsals in the event that Highland is closed.)

New and returning members of all singing ability lev-els are welcome. Please pre-register at www.justinti-mevocaljazz.ca or come try the first rehearsal ready to sing and explore some musical history with this year’s theme, “Iconic.” We will feature familiar songs from each decade since 1910, from jazz classics to Queen and Coldplay.

Under the gifted direction of Wendy Nixon Stothert and with the assistance of the ubiquitous Sean Mooney on the ivories, we sing, we learn, we laugh, we make friends, we tap our toes. This is a special anniversary year so if you have considered joining us, or re-joining us, this is the perfect time. Just in Time Vocal Jazz Choirs practice every Wednesday starting Sept. 10 (Photo by Tim Penney)

Just in Time choirsstart new season

‘Rising Appalachia’ at The WaveRising Appalachia brings to the

world new sounds, stories, and songs collected across oceans and originally sculpted to embody our human journey, our global com-munity, and the treasures and troves of soul harmony.

Don’t miss this internationally reknowned group making its first foray into Canada on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Waverley Hotel, with special guest Lady K.

Tickets $15 advance available at Bop City, The Waverley Hotel, by phone (250)336-8322 or online at cumberlandvillageworks.com. Doors at 9:30pm.

Growing up in the American South, and taking great inspira-tion from global roots music from their travels around the world, Sisters Leah and Chloe tear into sound with sensual prowess as stages ignite.

Listen to their beautiful sound for strong poetic vocals, soul sing-ing, spoken word rallies, banjos, fiddles, many beats of drums, kalimbas, beat box, eclectic instrumentation, groove and dance parties alike...

Intentionally self-managed and produced for the last 6 years, they have toured heavily both nation-ally and internationally boasting events all across the board but including: Joshua Tree Music Fest, Envision Festival, Burning Man, Rootwire, Naropa University, the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, National Public Radio All Songs Considered, The School of Americas Vigil, Nunez Arts Festival New Orleans, Emory University Schwartz Center, The

Floyd Festival, The Beacon Theater NYC, The Lake Eden Arts Festival, Radio Popular Italy, Guerilla Radio Amsterdam, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Highlander Center 75th Reunion, Urkult Sweden, and this year their line up includes several new markets includ-ing Lightening in a Bottle, Symbiosis, and the Ozara festival in Hungary.

They have self-produced 5 albums, one full length documentary DVD, a new collab-orative release with The Human Experience, and more coming on the daily.

Special guest Lady K’s passion for music began as a 4 year old child, playing a paper keyboard and hearing music in her head.

After finishing a bachelor of music in edu-cation and composition 20 years later, she walked away from the classical world to explore more basstastic realms.

Her passion for tropical beats, world rhythms and bass bangers ignites her unbri-dled enthusiasm, which she spreads effort-lessly and relentlessly. It is her goal in life to leave no bootie unshaken.

She is based in the Comox Valley and plays regularly all over Vancouver Island.

http://www.risingappalachia.com/h t t p s : / / w w w. yo u t u b e. c o m / u s e r /

RisingAppalachiaRA

Sisters Leah and Chloe of Rising Appalachia

ADVANCE VOTER REGISTRATIONA current list of registered City of Courtenay Resident Electors has been produced on the basis of the Provincial List of Voters prepared under the Provincial Election Act.Is your name on the current list of electors? If you are not sure, you can find out by calling 250-334-4441 or visiting City Hall between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Advance elector registrations will be accepted Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until close of business on September 23, 2014 at Courtenay City Hall, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, B.C.With the exception of registrations on voting days, elector registrations will not be accepted during the period September 24, 2014 to November 15, 2014.

RESIDENT ELECTORQUALIFICATIONS

In order to be registered as a Resident Elector, a person must meet all of the following requirements on the day of registration:

• 18 years of age or older on general voting day;• a Canadian citizen;• a resident of British Columbia as determined

in accordance with section 52 of the Local Government Act for at least six months immediately preceding the day of registration;

• a resident of the City of Courtenay as determined in accordance with section 52 of the Local Government Act for at least thirty days prior to registration;

• not disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or be otherwise disqualified by law. NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

In order to be registered as a Non-Resident Property Elector a person must meet all of the following requirements on the day of registration:

• not entitled to register as a resident elector;• 18 years of age or older on general voting day;

• a Canadian citizen;• a resident of British Columbia as determined

in accordance with section 52 of the Local Government Act for at least six months immediately preceding the day of registration;

• a registered owner of the real property used for qualification at least 30 days immediately preceding the day of registration;

• not disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in the election or be otherwise disqualified by law.

A person may only register as a non-resident property owner in relation to one parcel of real property in the City of Courtenay.If more than one individual is a registered owner of the real property, then only one individual is entitled to vote with the written consent of a majority of all other registered owners that are on the title including the person requesting registration. If a corporation is on title with other individuals, or if an individual on title is holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust, none of the individuals are eligible to be registered as non-resident property electors.In addition to advance registration, persons qualifying as Non-Resident Property Electors may register at the time of voting by completing the required non-resident property elector registration forms. Two documents that provide evidence of the applicant’s identity, at least one of which must contain the applicant’s signature must be provided when registering, along with the written consent of a majority of all other registered owners if applicable. Valid proof of property ownership (i.e. certificate of title, tax notice) is also required.LIST OF REGISTERED ELECTORSBeginning September 30, 2014 until the close of general voting for the election on November 15, 2014 a copy of the list of registered electors will, upon signature, be available for public inspection, at the Courtenay City Hall, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, B.C., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.

An elector may request that personal information respecting the elector be omitted from or obscured on the List of Electors for protection of privacy reasons.OBJECTION TO REGISTRATION

OF AN ELECTORAn objection to the registration of a person whose name appears on the list of registered electors may be made in accordance with the Local Government Act before 4:00 p.m. on October 10, 2014. An objection must be in writing and may only be made by a person entitled to be registered as an elector of the City of Courtenay, and can only be made on the basis that the person whose name appears has died or is not qualified to be registered as an elector of the City of Courtenay.

MAIL BALLOT VOTINGMail ballot voting will be available for certain City of Courtenay Electors. The only electors who may vote by mail ballot are the following:

• Persons who have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at another voting opportunity; and

• Persons who expect to be absent from the municipality on general voting day and at the times of all advance voting opportunities.

Application forms for mail ballot voting are available at Courtenay City Hall, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, B.C., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.Persons applying to vote by mail should confirm their eligibility with the Chief Elections Officer and ensure they are registered as an elector prior to the close of business on September 23, 2014. For further information on these matters please contact the Chief Elections Officer or Deputy Chief Elections Officer at telephone 250- 334-4441 or [email protected]

John Ward, CMCChief Elections Officer

City of Courtenay

2014 Local General ElectionThe Corporation of the City of Courtenay

Same-day voter registration and mail ballot voting in November 2014 local government elections

ALL those eligible to vote in the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) electoral areas must be registered. You may only register either at the time of voting on November 15, 2014, or during the advance voting opportunities on November 5 and 12, or at the special voting opportunities. You must meet all of the criteria to be eligible to vote. Non-resident property electors are encouraged to contact the CVRD prior to voting day.EVERYONE who wishes to vote on November 15, 2014 will need to provide two pieces of identification at the voting places:- One piece of identification with your signature, and- One piece of identification with your residential address (if you do not have any identification showing your residential address, you may complete a declaration of residency).The CVRD will also conduct voting for Denman and Hornby Islands Trust trustees and for the School District No. 71 trustees in Areas ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’.MAIL BALLOT VOTING

The CVRD is conducting mail ballot voting in 2014. Qualified electors may vote by mail if they: have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at another voting opportunity, OR expect to be absent from the CVRD on general voting day and at the times of all advance voting opportunities.

REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACKAGE

Before 4 pm on November 13, 2014 you must submit the following information to the CVRD office in person or by mail (600 Comox Road, Courtenay, BC, V9N 3P6), telephone (250-334-6000), fax (250-334- 4358) or email ([email protected]):(1) Full name,(2) Residential address,(3) Address of the property in relation to which you are voting (for non-resident property electors),(4) Method of delivery of your mail ballot package:(a) pick up at CVRD office, OR(b) regular letter mail through Canada Post to residential address, OR(c) regular letter mail through Canada Post to an alternate address that you provide when requesting the ballot package,(5) You must indicate whether you are going to be registering as a resident or non-resident property elector.The CVRD will send out mail ballot packages on or about October 27, 2014. To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the chief election officer no later than 8 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2014.Please visit the CVRD website at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/vote for additional information on voting requirements or call the CVRD offices at 250-334-6000.James Warren Chief Election Officer

What’s OnComox Valley Echo Friday, September 5, 2014 B3

TOWN OF COMOX2014 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTION

ADVANCE VOTER REGISTRATIONA general local election for the Town of Comox will be held on Saturday November 15,

2014. Is your name on the current list of electors?

If you are not sure, you can find out at Comox Town Hall by calling 250 339-2202 or visiting

1809 Beaufort Avenue between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding statutory

holidays).

Before you can vote in the Town of Comox general election, you must be registered to vote.

Advance voter registration will be accepted at Comox Town Hall, Monday to Friday (excluding

statutory holidays), between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until Tuesday September 23, 2014.

With the exception of registrations on voting days, registrations will not be accepted

between September 24, 2011 and November 15, 2014.

RESIDENT ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONSIn order to be registered as a Resident Elector, a person must meet all of the following

requirements:

18 years of age or older on general voting day;

a Canadian citizen;

a resident of British Columbia as determined in accordance with section 52 of the Local Government Act for at least six months immediately before the day of registration;

a resident of the Town of Comox as determined in accordance with section 52 of the Local

Government Act for at least thirty days immediately before the day of registration; and

not disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an

election or be otherwise disqualified by law.

NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONSIn order to be registered as a Non-Resident Property Elector, a person must meet all of the

following requirements:

not entitled to register as a resident elector;

18 years of age or older on general voting day;

a Canadian citizen;

a resident of British Columbia as determined in accordance with section 52 of the Local

Government Act for at least six months immediately before the day of registration;

a registered owner of the real property used for qualification at least 30 days immediately

before the day of registration; and

not disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in the

election or be otherwise disqualified by law.

A person may only register as a non-resident property owner in relation to one parcel

of real property in the Town of Comox.

If more than one individual is a registered owner of the real property, then only one of those

individuals is entitled to vote, with the written consent of a majority of registered owners that are

on the title including the person requesting registration.

If a corporation is on title with other individuals, or if an individual on title is holding the property

in trust for a corporation or another trust, then none of the individuals are eligible to be

registered as non-resident property electors.

In addition to advance registration, persons qualifying as Non-Resident Property Electors may

register at the time of voting by completing the required non-resident property elector

registration forms. Two documents that provide evidence of the applicant’s identity, at least one

of which must contain the applicant’s signature, must be provided when registering, along with

the written consent of a majority of all registered owners if applicable. Valid proof of property

ownership by way of a State of Title Certificate or Town of Comox 2014 Property Tax Notice is also required.

LIST OF REGISTERED ELECTORSBeginning Tuesday September 30, 2014 until Friday November 14, 2014, a copy of the list of

registered electors (voter’s list) will, upon signature, be available for public inspection at Comox

Town Hall, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays). The list will

also be available at the voting locations during voting hours. An elector may request that

personal information respecting the elector be omitted from or obscured on the List of Electors

for protection of privacy reasons.

OBJECTION TO REGISTRATION OF AN ELECTORAn objection to the registration of a person whose name appears on the list of registered

electors may be made in accordance with the Local Government Act before 4:00 p.m. on

Friday October 10, 2014.

An objection must be in writing, may only be made by a person entitled to be registered as an

elector of the Town of Comox, and can only be made on the basis that the person whose name

appears has died or is not qualified to be registered as an elector of the Town of Comox.

MAIL BALLOT VOTINGMail ballot voting is available to eligible electors. You can apply to vote by mail if you meet the

following requirements:

1. You have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects your ability to vote at another voting

opportunity, or

2. You expect to be absent from the Town of Comox on all three voting opportunities:

November 5th, 12th and 15th.

Persons wishing to vote by mail must be registered before submitting an application to vote by

mail. Please ensure you are registered to vote prior to 4:30 p.m. on September 23, 2014 if you

wish to apply to vote by mail.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact the Chief or Deputy Chief Election Officer

at phone 250 339-2202 or email [email protected].

Shelly Russwurm

Chief Election Officer

2014 Local Elections

Some animals never know kindness. The good news is, you can fight animal cruelty in your commu-nity by registering and fundraising for the 2014 Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk, held each September to raise funds for abused, injured, neglected and homeless animals throughout B.C. This year, participants in 31 communities throughout the province will walk to raise funds to help animals in need across British Columbia.

The Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk to fight animal cruelty in Comox will be held at Marina Park on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 9:30 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m. Proceeds from the Comox walk will benefit animals at the Comox Valley & District SPCA. Participants can enjoy a variety of entertainment and fun activities, including the famous dog bowl licking contest, top fundraising prizes, fun games for dogs and the family, and much more!

Generously supported by our local sponsors - CTV, The Eagle 97.3 Radio Station, Van Isle Veterinary Hospital, Investors Group Financial Services Inc., and First Insurance - the event brings animal lovers and their furry friends from all walks of life together for a great time as well as a fantastic cause.

“This is the largest single event to help fight animal cruelty in British Columbia,” says Krista Constantineau, manager of fundraising events at the BC SPCA. “We are overwhelmed by the amazing par-ticipation each year - it’s so great to see thousands of people come together across the province to help B.C.’s most vulnerable animals. Our supporters not only raise essential funds, the events are so much fun for two-legged and four-legged participants.”

Thank you to our provincial sponsors: Scotiabank, Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, PwC, Global BC, CKNW AM 980, Classic Rock 101, and TV Week.

To register or donate, and to get all the latest news and information, visit spca.bc.ca/walk.

Paws for a Cause event Sunday helps Valley’s animals

Join the effervescent vocalist Joanna Finch for six weeks of liberating, playful and fascinating explorations into voice, physical expression and community building.

Two sessions are being offered this fall beginning on Monday, September 15 in Cumberland at the Abbey Studio on First and Penrith and Thursday September 18 at The House of Now, 536 A Fifth Street in Courtenay.

“Elemental Ahhs” begins with an intro-ductory FREE class on Monday, September 15 at 5:30-7:00 at the Abbey in Cumberland. Learn the basics of how improvisation con-nects you to your body, improves your vocal abilities and forges new pathways of com-munication in this six week series. Adults of all ages are welcome. No previous singing experience is necessary. For creative kids and youth: “SWITCH!” character improv class begins in October.

“Elemental Ahhs” Level ONE explores these elements in the art of Vocal improvisa-tion:

Physical Voice...move out of your head and into your body in a series of warm ups that connect you to your breath and release tension to prepare you to sing with freedom and ease! Moving while learning helps the brain to integrate sound into the fibre of your being. And it feels great!

Body rhythm...use your body to keep the beat while your voice creates polyrhythms- a great brain booster!

Mouth percussion...how can lips and tongues become a fascinating instrument?

Holding a pattern...short, simple melodic

sketches are transformed into complex inter-locking ‘Sound Mandalas’

Harmony... learn how to move through triads, chords and dissonance to gain confi-dence in your ability to create and hold harmony.

Listening... In learning to leave space we more fully experience the sound of silence. Feel the pauses between the notes and learn how to listen with your heart.

Witnessing & Support... in a circle we hold the song pattern while one by one we take turns soloing freely, expressing our unique gestures in sound.

World music... we use the songs of vari-ous cultures to provide a basis to the impro-visations. These include Gospel, Blues, African, Indian, Middle Eastern, Native American, European and more!

Joanna is a gifted and experienced vocal instructor, recording artist, teacher and 5th generation islander who leads with warmth and humour and always makes everyone feel welcome and safe. Check out all VocalEase programmes and testimonials from happy students at www.vocalease.ca “Like” us at https://www.facebook.com/jobirdsvocalease.

To register and find out about our super affordable rates please call 250 792-3717 or email [email protected].

We have ‘family’ rates available for 2-4 people. Be sure to take advantage of the free”Elemental Ahhs” introductory session on September 15. Bring lots of friends and check it out! Pre-register by September 15 and get $15.00 off!

Free Your Voice with VocalEase classes


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Why is Monday so farfrom Friday and Fridayso near to Monday?

Find us on Facebook

facebook.com/ComoxValleyEcho

No collection required. Great exercise!Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay

Substitutions for East Courtenay and Mission Hill

COURTENAYRt. 8130 – Cliffe - 19th to 10th, Riverside Lane, BeckensellRt. 7127 – Marsden, Baird, Lanyon, Charter, ArnettRt. 7105 – 3rd to 1st Urquhart to Willemar

COMOXRt. 1107 – Eastwicke, Highwood, Kingsley, Islington, Foxwood Rt. 1109A – Highwood, Ascot, Beaconsfield, Buxton, ChantryRt. 1120 – Sandpines AreaRt. 2118 – Comox Ave., Orchard Park Dr., Baybrook, Filberg

Rd. Rt. 2139 – Hector, Acacia

CROWN ISLERt. 3120 – Monarch, RoyalRt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex

VALLEYVIEWRt. 3110 – Back Road, Glen Urquhart, 10th St. E., Hobson,

6th St. E., AstonRt. 3123 – Nechako, Chemainus, 5th St. E., Cowichan, 6th

St. E.Rt. 3132 – Inverclyde, Carstairs, Hebrides, Fife

MISSION HILLRt. 5114 – Muir, Bryden, McLaughlin, Ashwood Pl,

Cruickshank Pl. Rt. 5123 – Braidwood Rd.

Earn extra $$$$ for Earn extra $$$$ for all that fun stuff that all that fun stuff that mom won't buy!mom won't buy!

CARRIERS WANTED

“FREE”INTRO TO FEMALE HOCKEY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH9AM—1:30PM at SC2

This event is for young ladies aged 6 -15years, who would like to learn hockey in a non -

competitive environment

For info please contact Louise Gauthier at [email protected] or 250 -339 -7367

Walk -ons accepted

Helmet with facemask, gloves, skates, stick, elbow and shin pads, and neck guard are

Mandatory.

Comox Legion Men’s and Ladies House Dart Leagues are just about ready to start a new season.

Men’s Meet and Greet this coming Monday, Sept. 8th at 7.30 p.m.

Ladies Meet and Greet is Wednesday, Sept. 10th at 7 p.m.

Anyone interested is advised to attend, as teams will be made up from the final lists.

FMI: Dave, 250-339-9592 or [email protected]

Meet and Greetsfor Legion darts

Well, believe it! We have been treated to such glorious weather this summer that we almost forgot what RAIN was like! Well, almost forgot! The Crown Isle ladies who played 18 holes in the rain on Tuesday remem-ber what it is like!

THE GAME: Move up/Move back. Everyone starts on the White tees. A bogey or worse moves you forward to the red tees. A par keeps you on the same tees. A birdie moves you back to the green tees. That format contin-ues through the 18 holes. Some ladies didn’t know if they were com-ing or going and others just knew that they were going to the clubhouse for coffee and warmth and to forget the silly game!!

AND THE WINNERS ARE:1st low gross (tied)- May Mitchell

and Raelene Robertson 2nd low gross (tied) - Dee Horie and Marsha Mackinnon

1st low net (tied) - Sandy Linhart and Marlene Horvath

KP Queens were Carol Ayley #7 and Pat Chalmers #12 Par 5 Queen was Marlene Horvath

The birdies were not flying far from their nests today - only 3 - Pat, Raelene and May

Kudos to Sandy Linhart for doing a great job of organizing the Crown Isle Interclub Match Play for the year. The final results were as follows:

1. Glacier Greens-237 2. Myrtle Point- 225.5 3. Crown Isle-223 4. Storey Creek- 210 5. Comox- 208.5 and Sunnydale- 192

Remember ladies to mark your calendar for the final CROWN ISLE NINE AND WINE for 2014.,SEPT. 10th, 5PM SHOTGUN. Everyone will get to play-NO waiting list! Register individually or as a team at the pro-shop 250 703-5031. The theme is SWING WITH BLING so wear your blingiest golf outfit and there will be lots of BLING prizes. Your entry fee includes 9 holes of golf with special hole sponsor prizes, appys, wine or beer, dessert, coffee, prizes and a complimentary golf clinic with Bert at 4 pm. Lots of fun and laughter will be had by all!!

- Submitted by Donna Cunliffe

Comox Ladies results for August 26th and 28th:

The game of the day on Tuesday was throw out your 2 worst holes. Low gross for the day was Suzy Venuta with 74. She also won KP on #9 and 18 for the 0-24 group. Grace Coulter and Nancy Newton were tied at 77.

Low net was won by Pat Schmidt in a count back with Mary Ann Aikman with 52. Mary Ann won KP 24+ on #5 and 14 in 2 shots. Linda Broadbent, Yvonne Baker and Linda Diamond were tied for 3rd, 4th and 5th with 58. Amber Dufour and Jean Kirby were tied with 59 for 6th and 7th.

A chip in by Pat Belanger earned her team jelly bellies.

Bernice Sutherland won closest to the bucket on #1, Brenda Good was closest to the hole on #4 and 13 in 4 shots.

For the 0-24 group, June Fraser was closest in 3 shots on #7 and 16. The longest putt was won on #8 and 17 by Pat Schmidt. Sponsors for the day were Playtime Gaming, Looneyrama(ComoxMall), Panago Pizza, Gibby’s Pro Shop, and the Tee Box Restaurant.

Thursday Aug. 28th was a bit cool-er but there were some hot scores. Jan Dafoe shot 37 and won the prize donated by Signature Wines. First low net was won by Grace Coulter with an impressive 32. Pat Everett shot 40 for 2nd low gross. A net score of 34 earned Suzy Venuta 2nd low net.

Because there were too many tied with low putts, it was decided to give a ball to Barb Siska and Marg Walker for the highest number of putts.

Longest putts went to Laurie Appleyard and Nancy Riva. Mae McKenzie won closest to the bucket for a prize from Arizona Gifts.

Jan Dafoe won Kathy Branch’s donated prize for the longest drive for 0-24.

The longest drive for the handicap group of 24+ was Marg Walker and closest in 2 on #18 who won prizes donated by Chinook Forest Products and Thrifty’s.

Kathy Branch won closest to the flag on #5 and 14 and won the prize donat-ed by The Tee Box Restaurant. Gibby’s Pro Shop sponsored the prize for clos-est to the flag on #4 and 13 in 3 shots, which Suzy Venuta won.

A prize for the most sand shots went to Barb Siska and the water draw sponsored by Mid Isle Gifts was won by Sue Leakey. Fran Robinson won the non members draw for green fees for the next Thursday evening. Please remember to support our sponsors and shop locally.

See you Tuesday AM and Thursday PM. Call the pro shop to sign up at 250-339-4444. Make sure you sign up for the Club Championships Sept. 6th and 7th.

- Submitted by Nancy Riva

40 golfers played on another sunny Sunday morning with the following great results:

0-16 low gross Nick Usher 67, Bob Irvine 74,

17 + low gross Jack Burgess 80, Kyle Law 83,

Low Nets Ken Loga 60, Brian Haslett 62, Mark (Skinny) Vandervoort 64

Billy Schneider 65, Dan Hutcxhings 66, John (Buff) Hope 66.

KP Prizes 10 2nd shot 0-16 Club Captain

Terry Christie, (Bowlzy Brkfst Comox Pacific Express)

11 3rd shot 0-16 Scott Fraser (Men’s Club)

12 Long Drive 17+ Ken Tait, (Westview Ford Sales)

12 Long Putt 17+ Hank (V12) Vanderhalven (Little Caersar’s Pizza)

13 2nd shot 17+ Jimmy Slater, (Men’s Club)

14 All Brian Buchanan, (Men’s Club)

15 2nd shot 17+ Hank (V12) Vanderhalven, (Bowlzy Brkfst Comox Pacific Express)

16 Long Drive 0-16 Jeremy Vanetta. (Westview Ford sales)

18 All Brian Buchanan, (Men’s Club)

Deuces for Nick Usher (and three birdies), Ken Loga, and Brian Buchanan x 2.

Remember Club Championships Saturday 6 Sept 1 PM and Sunday 7, 8.30 AM starts

Register latest 12 noon Saturday.

- Submitted by Vic Crisp

Amidst some serious rain drops the card game played today at Glacier Greens was indeed a close race. Each player on their team represented either an Ace, King or Queen and taking turns being the Jack. They found their card on the following hole to take the score of that person on the previously played hole. On a countback with 73, Gene Renaud, Ellie Nicholas and Wendy Dowe edged out Rosslyn O’Rourke, Janet Edwards and Glenda Kinney who squeezed out Connie Alexa, Ann Johnston and Lori Cameron with a 74. Janet Edwards claimed the KP on #4 and Rosslyn O’Rourke on #15.

Next week is the final week before the shoot-out and will be a pin day. Personally, I aim to shoot an 89 even if it means taking an exit on the 16th or 17th hole.

- Submitted by Lori Cameron

Saturday, Aug. 23rd, 79 players played the white/blue tees at Glacier Greens. With the forecast of showers and the maintenance to the greens, which has to be done this time of the year, makes for tough putting but the scores still were good. The showers did not start until the last 3 holes. The results are as follow:s

HCP 0-131st Low Gross Clint Perry 75, 2nd James

Dickson 77 c/b, 3rd Al Cabilan 771st Low Net Adrian Haut 65, 2nd

Willie Oliver 67, 3rd Carl Webber 68Snips Hole 4 & 7 Dave Broker, 6

Richard Martin, 12 Willie Oliver, 14 Al Cabilan

HCP 14-191st Low Gross Mike Gibbs 81 c/b,

2nd Steve Ellis 83 c/b, 3rd Gabe Tremblay 83,

1st Low Net Paul Schroeder 64, 2nd Nick Mykitiuk 65, 3rd Keith Allan c/b,

Snips Hole 1 Don Curickshank, 2 Mike Gibbs, 3 Bud Bryan, 8 John Holley, 12 Gabe Tremblay

HCP 20+1st Low Gross Hank Fortin 87, 2nd

Len Doyle 90, 3rd Tim Hautzinger 93 c/b,

1st Low Net Garry Wood 65, William Chiki 68, 3rd Elmo Guinan 70,

Snips Hole 1 & 18 Garry Wood, 15 Richard Wand, 16 Ron Carter

Next week tee times and 8:30 am shotgun with blue/white tees; last time for blue tees till next year. Red tees on Sept. 13th. Remember get your entry in for the DEVILS SCRAMBLE Oct. 4th. Cut-off Thursday Oct 2nd at noon; Team Draw at 1pm Oct. 3rd. C lub House improvement was won by Steve Ellis. Till next week see ya.

- Submitted by Ron Carter

On Saturday August 23rd Glacier Greens Golf Club hosted a Canadian Pairs qualifi-er. Twenty-two, two-person teams partic-ipated and after the last putt had dropped and the scores tallied the team of Len Doyle and Wayne Wood were declared the winners. They will now represent

Glacier Greens Golf Club at the Western Canada Pairs final being held at Crown Isle Golf Club on Sept 26th and 27th. A win there and the lucky pair are off to Pebble Beach in December for the International finals.

- Glacier Greens Golf Club

NEXT STOP PEBBLE BEACH

GOLF NEWS

RAIN AT CROWN ISLE - UNBELIEVABLE

THROW OUT THE WORST 2 HOLES

BURGESS WINS 2 WEEKS IN A ROW

CLOSE RACE AT GLACIER GREENS

TOUGH PUTTING AT GLACIER GREENS

On Saturday ,August 30th, Glacier Greens’ Golf Course Supervisor Wayne Wood (left), and Glacier Green’s Saturday Morning Men’s Director Len Doyle accepted the ALS ice bucket challenge from Len’s son Jeff of South Surrey and after getting very wet and very cold have challenged - “nominated” - all the members of the Saturday Men’s Morning to the ALS ice bucket challenge.

Sunnydale Club Champions Greg Koster and Carolyn Walker

Sunnydale Golf and Country Club held its club championship on August 23 and 24. For the first time we combined the men and women playing on the same two days.

We had a shotgun start on Saturday with the women starting on the front nine and the men on the back nine. On Sunday we reversed the starting positions. It was a great turn out, as we had 36 women and around 60 men.

This year our organizing commit-tee made a great effort to encourage our high handicappers to come out and join in.

First off, we would like to thank our sponsors who generously donat-ed to our club. Chinook Forest Products, Uptown Yarns, First

Insurance, Speer Golf Ltd., Planet Clean, Fifth Street Florist for the amazing bouquets, Charlene Cebryk, and Sunnydale Ladies Club. The men’s club were very helpful with their time and enthusiasm. An extra thank you to Rob Heron and Dave Pye.

Susie Currie and Sharon Littler planned all the details to make sure our joint venture went smoothly. (The bottled water in iced coolers on some of the tee boxes was really appreciated).

On Sunday afternoon our kitchen served us with either bar be qued steak or chicken and fresh veggies and salads. Thanks so much to you all for your hard work.


Club champs crowned

Ice bucket challenge at Glacier Greens

Contest Closes Dec. 19, 2014 - Winner to be Drawn at that Time

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, September 5, 2014 B5

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May 9 - 15, 2014

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Robert Carlyle stars in “Once Upon a Time”

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Mail subscriptions availableContact the Comox Valley Echo 250-334-4734

Now availableevery Friday atthe followinglocations:

(Continued from page B4)

Now for the results:Ladies Low Gross and Club

Champion is Carolyn Walker with a total of 176 for the 2 days

2nd low gross and runner up is Crystal Friesen with 185

Ladies Low Net winner is Lois Westbrook with 143

2nd low net winner is Frances Shaw with 146

There was a battle going on for the longest drive on the 2 days, Crystal Friesen won both days on #14 and Joan Rallison won both days on #7

KP’s on Saturday: #10 Betty Lund, #15 Charlene Cebryk, #17 Doris Squire

KP’s on Sunday: #10 Monique Fawcett, #15 Terri Sleigh, #17 Maylene Friesen

Bente Wilkes won closest to the squiggly line in #6

The most improved golfer over the 2 days is Pat Rudolph, most sportsman like golfer Rita Dalby

Tean Prize went to Barb Dixon, Kathy Reid, Maggie Miller and Sheila Coad

Cheryl Bickle won a dozen golf balls, donated by Planet Clean

Pat Costello won a wine and choco-late basket, donated by Charlene Cebryk

Low Gross and Club Champion is once again Greg Koster 139

Low Gross runner up, Tyler Vananrooy with 143

Low Net winner is Scotty Matoon 137 on a count back

Low net runner up Damon Gaudet55+ low gross is Mitch Carr-Hilton

with 15055+ low net is Rob Heron with 13965+ low gross is Butch Williams

15665+ low net is Rick Bono 139

Yes you heard it correctly! Crown Isle had penguins in August! Many wine bottles turned into penguins adorned the Silver Room. The Crown Isle ladies’ Nine and Wine was a sell out success. Most of the ladies arrived in their best penguin black and white golf attire to enjoy nine holes of golf, a glass of wine or beer, pizza, Caesar

salad, dessert, coffee and prizes. There was lots of laughter as the ladies told penguin jokes and walked like a penguin. The winner of the best penguin joke was Sandy Linhart who won fan-tastic beauty products donated by ADELE DEEGAN. The best penguin walk was a hoot when Adele arrived with her pet stuffed penguin to walk among the ladies. She won a gorgeous Mex purse donated by Diedre from SUBLIME Ladies’ Fashions in the 17th St. Mall. Sublime also provided $25. gift certificates for everyone attending this golf event. Make sure you get into to Sublime-gorgeous clothing and you won’t be disappointed! Thank you so much Diedre!

Kudos to Bert for his complimentary clinic on putting.

The first place team winning the card off with a score of 33 was Jan Dafoe, Mary Buchanan, Lorelei Banford and Janice Nicklin. Many thanks to our Title Sponsor EAGLE FM radio for provid-ing a cooler with many goodies inside including one $50. gift certificate for Crown Isle won by Lorelei. Second place team losing on a scorecard playoff with also a score of 33 was Linda Callendar, Linda Broadbent, Laurie Appleyard and Mary Finan. Thanks to CROWN ISLE for providing Crown Isle fabric purses for their golf bags.

Winners of the sponsored holes were:#3 PHARMASAVE at Quality Foods-ball in the

greenside bunker- Robin Manning#4 ASSANTE Financial -ball in the water-

Louise Bustard#5 WHITE SPOT Restaurant-closest to the

white spot on the fairway-Jenny Lavery#6 PRIME CHOPHOUSE AND WINE BAR-

longest putt- May Mitchell#8 CROWN ISLE -closest to the Bull’s eye tar-

get on the tree-Marilyn McCusker#9 CASCADIA LIQUOR STORE -longest drive-

Jan Dafoe.The huge success of this golf event is due

largely to the faithful support of all of our spon-sors so please visit them! We want to thank HEART AND HOME GIFTS in Black Creek, TOSCANOS, Selma de Haas, Nicole Deters, Robin Manning and of course all the hole sponsors. We also applaud Crown Isle for the many prizes they provide from the pro shop and free 18 hole golf vouchers for courses all over the island and on the lower mainland. The final game was HEADS AND TAILS to win a BC Island Golf Card to play 11 courses on the Island FREE!!!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OUR FINAL NINE AND WINE on Sept 10th. 5PM SHOTGUN 9 holes of golf, appys, wine or beer, dessert, coffee and prizes. Our theme is SWING WITH BLING and there will be lots of ‘Bling” prizes!! We are opening up the whole course so no one will be on the waiting list. Everyone plays. Register as a team or individually at the proshop 250 703-5031. Don’t forget to wear your “blingiest” golf attire! See you there.

Submitted by Donna Cunliffe

GOLF NEWS

PENGUIN NIGHT AT CROWN ISLE

Team Jonsson, representing Team BC in the senior women’s 55+ curling category, had Kim skipping the team of Mary Holden, 3rd; Sharon Walker, 2nd and Mickey Colburn, lead.

They played a round-robin format against Nova Scotia, PEI, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and realized their goal of playing in the 1 - 2 game at the 2014 Canada 55+ Games at Sherwood Park, Alberta this past week.

The competition was tough in the final game against Nova Scotia. The opponent team was skipped by Colleen Pinkney from the Truro Curling Club and she and her lead had won the Canadian Senior curl-ing title last season in PEI, taking the trophy for the 2nd time.

To top that off, her team competed at the World Senior Curling Championship in Dumfries, Scotland in April, 2014 and took the silver medal against Scotland.

The Jonsson team had a slow start in the final game with Pinkney taking an early lead.

However, the Jonsson team came back strong and tied the game in the 8th, going to an extra end. It was shot for shot, coming down to the Jonsson team lying 2 in the house without hammer and Pickney needing a perfect shot to break the tie and win the gold.

It was a nail bitter with the gallery focused on the exciting end with Pickney’s last rock slightly over curling but settled in for shot. What a great game and there was a comment that the silver medal was really white gold!

Heather Nedohin, who has competed in the Alberta and Canadian Scotties as well as at the Ford Worlds, presented the curling teams with their med-als in an exciting finish to an incredible four days of curling.

Team Jonsson will have the week off and then will compete in the 2014 BC Senior Games in Langley from September 9-13. They will be defending their gold title from last year’s games in Kamloops and this was certainly a good trial run for the team. Go team!

NATIONAL SILVER MEDAL FOR LOCAL CURLERSSilver medal winners (L. to R.) Kim Jonsson, Mary Holden, Sharon Walker, Mickey Colburn

Comox Valley Echo September 5, 2014 B7



Thursday, Aug. 28 saw the last Thursday Night race of the season take place; racing now switches back to Saturday mornings.

A good group of locals and some out of towners made their way to Coal Hills BMX Track for summer’s last race before the fall schedule takes place. 44 racers gave it their all and had a fun night of racing. Here are the results:

4 year old Strider - 1st Riley McCarthy, 2nd Jack McInnes

2 year old Strider - 1st Cole Adams, 2nd Oliver Cornbill

17-20 Cruiser - 1st Aleasha Wiebe, 2nd Evan Yaretz, 3rd Jacob Sorg

41-45 Cruiser - 1st Andrew Templer, 2nd Dave Erwin, 3rd Geoff Letwin, 4th Jim Webber

5 & under Novice - 1st Maxim Lefbvre, 2nd Archie Hotsenpiller, 3rd Tomei Pozzolo, 4th Remie Pozzolo, 5th Elliot Purich

7 Novice - 1st James Odarich, 2nd Emma McCarthy, 3rd Raymond Kevis, 4th Christpher Corona

9 Novice - 1st Carson Reddin, 2nd Jason Sekulich, 3rd Alexander Corona

6 Intermediate - Austin Cornbill, 2nd Jeremy Purich, 3rd Brailyn Webste,r 4th Samuel Johnson

9 Intermediate - 1st Justin Yaretz, 2nd Macklin Johnson, 3rd Oliver Sorg, 4th Arland Berry, 5th Iain Petersen, 6th Anna Purich, 7th Cole Bernard

7 Expert - 1st Isaac Templer, 2nd Dane Kerluck, 3rd Austin Salt

11 Expert - 1st Quinn Webber, 2nd Evan Yaretz, 3rd Jacob Sorg

13 Expert - 1st Aiden Webber, 2nd Hayden Fieret, 3rd Serena Smythe

17-18 Expert - 1st Yuriah Kaska, 2nd Zackery Fieret, 3rd Kevin Lebrun

A reminder that racing now goes Saturdays, sign-up 10-10:45.

Check www.coalhillsBMX or on facebook @Coalhillsbmx for more info.

Thursday nightBMX racingover for thesummer

Anna Purich receiving her certificate for moving up in Girls Class. Great job Anna, keep up the hard work.

Brooke Lamoureux and Coach Kris Bell were both selected by Swimming Canada to attend the 2014 FINA World Junior Open Water Championships to be held in Hungary.

Lamoureux, who is 15, has been training throughout the summer at the outdoor pool, the base pool and at Comox Lake in preparation for her Team Canada selection.

This is the Sharks’ first ever selection to Team Canada.

It was Lamoureux’s outstand-ing performance in her first ever open water international compe-tition in the Cayman Islands that clinched her selection.

Coach Kris Bell is very excited for the opportunity this has given Brooke and the Sharks program.

The Sharks will be starting their 2014-2015 season upon their return from Hungary, the week of September 8th.

Coach Kris Bell aims for growth within the club and hopes to assist swimmers achieve their goals within both competitive and noncompetitive swimming.

The Sharksoffer several swim-ming programs. Their Shark school program is aimed at swim-mers ages 10 and under and offers the basic building blocks to build swimmers’ knowledge and confidence to potentially become competitive swimmers.

This program offers 3 levels of instruction, working on comfort

in the water, basic swimming strokes and skills, to a pre-com-petitive level.

The Sharks competitive pro-gram is for any age of swimmer who has graduated from the Sharks school OR has mastered the basics of swimming and is interested in in the competitive aspect of the sport; this program is offered for any age.

The Sharks also have a non-competitive stream at this level for those who enjoy swim-ming but are not attracted to com-petition.

They also have a Masters pro-gram which caters to all adults who are interested in swimming with a coach.

The Masters program is geared to all levels of adults, whether you are just starting out, returning from a long “hiatus” in swimming or are a triathlete wanting to improve in the pool, this program offers coaching, guidance and competitive opportunities for those interested.

If you are interested in joining any one of the Sharks programs please feel free to contact coach Kris Bell at 250-650-1680 or [email protected].

Valley Aquatic Club pair selected for openwater Canadian team

Brooke Lamoureux and Coach Kris Bell were both selected by Swimming Canada to attend the 2014 FINA World Junior Open Water Championships to be held in Hungary.

If you would like to speak to Coach Bell in person and asses what program is best suited for you or your child, please stop in at the Aquatic Centre (Lerwick and Ryan) on September 10th or 11th between 5:00pm to 7:00pm for more infor-mation.

Remember to bring your swim-ming gear for the assessment.

The Sharks are looking forward seeing all returning swimmers for the 2014-2015 season and hope to see many more new faces on the pool deck.

CA$HREWARD$

1-800-222-TIPSwww.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

comox valley echo - september 5, 2014

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