By Drew A. PennerEcho Staff

The miracles of modern technolo-gy and transportation have opened up unimaginable horizons, but have also made the possibility of a global biological scourge arriving on our peaceful shores real. As the death of a patient with Ebola in Texas and the infection of the protected health care workers who tried to help him con-tinues to raise concerns that

Vancouver Island residents could be at risk if someone with the virus turned up here, local health officials

have been developing a defence strat-egy.

“We started approximately a month ago with preparations,” said Bonnie Duncan, an infection prevention con-trol specialist at St. Joseph’s General Hospital. “The first thing we looked at was recognizing the case when it comes in the door at triage.”

The World Health Organization has admitted to mishandling the ini-tial stages of the West African Ebola response and the Texas hospital has apologized to the family of the Liberian man who died in their care Oct. 8.

In September officials at St. Joseph’s in Comox began following the lead of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), to

make sure they would be ready for even a worst-case scenario.

Right away St. Joseph’s put in place a process that ensured they were properly screening for Ebola and verified their isolation room would meet public health require-ments.

This designated area can be accessed from outside so any infected patient wouldn’t have to be trans-ported through uncontaminated sec-tions of the hospital.

Officials also made sure they have appropriate gear available should somebody walk through the door with the virus.

“We have equipment on site that we’ll be using until what Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island

Health) recommends is available, Duncan said. “It shouldn’t be too long until it’s here.”

They already have personal protec-tive gear that can guard against Ebola, but the current equipment is more bulky that the brand new tools Island Health is sending to hospitals on Vancouver Island. The health authority has stocked up on 700 new kits, which it sent out to hospitals last week.

Island Health began developing an anti-Ebola strategy in August.

“We formed a cross-health authori-ty working group to start preparing contingency plans,” said Island Health spokesperson Sarah Plank.

(Continued on page 2)

Canada has never experienced any cases of Ebola, but St. Joseph’s General Hospital is preparing for an outbreak just in case. (Image courtesy of the BC Centre for Disease Control)

St. Joseph’s prepares for risk of Ebola outbreakHospital nurses say they’ve received little information

Hells Angels enjoy an afternoon at the Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup in 2013. Photo by Drew A. Penner/Echo Staff

HELLS NO!

By Drew A. PennerEcho Staff

The Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup has seen considerable growth in recent years with 6,000 visitors turning up for the 2014 edi-tion of the street festival.

In order to make sure the event remains “incident free” in future, organizers are rejigging things, including removing some of the bike rodeo games and barring outlaw motorcycle groups like the Hells Angels from wearing their colours in downtown Cumberland during the event.

Jean Cameron, chair of the Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup Association, announced a series of changes to the structure of the event during a presentation to the Village council Oct. 13.

A central event registration booth that can collect official statistics on participants and visitors will be brought into force and will help maintain effective quality control on the event, Cameron said.

In order to “maintain a certain amount of decorum” a new vendor application form will be implement-ed that will help organizers get a better idea of what products will be on display.

Some of the bike rodeo games,

deemed unsafe, will be eliminated.Outlaw motorcycle gangs, such as

the Hells Angels, which in the past have had multiple booths at the event, will no longer be allowed to take part in the motorcycle extrava-ganza held on Dunsmuir Avenue, at least officially.

Cameron explained that her orga-nization will have the authority to prevent biker gangs from turning up in uniform (“wearing their colours”) during the event, but noted that after the roundup is over freedom of expression laws would prevent offi-cials from doing anything about it.

“This is a free country right?” she said. “Because the main street is an actual event site we can ask them not to wear their particular colours.”

The change in policy arose after meetings with the RCMP and liquor regulation authorities, both of which will play a key role in identifying the specific outlaw motorcycle gangs that need to be barred from the street festival.

“Our change of policy will include the committee not accepting regis-trations from these particular outlaw motorcycle gangs as vendors,” she said. “Once the barricades come down at 5 o’clock...what can we do?”

(Continued on page 2)

Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup tweaking rules to bar biker gangs from wearing colours at event

Comox resident Joanne McEwan has enjoyed working at the Rocky Mountain Café, which she says is a safe environment that has allowed her to grow professionally and personally.

Community Living Month highlights hidden abilitiesBy Drew A. PennerEcho Staff

Jennifer Fleming moved to Courtenay from Charlottetown, PEI and has dreams of one day running her own veterinary clinic. Her developmental disability made gaining skills in a traditional post-secondary environment a challenge, but she’s recently found success after transitioning to the veterinarian medical office assis-tant program at Excel Career College.

“When I was at North Island College my class was about eight people,” she said. “Here it’s one-on-one. So it makes a big differ-ence. There’s just my teacher and I and that’s it.”

The learning model, which focuses on job skills training through a combination of paper-based and computer activities, allows Fleming to spends any-where from four hours to seven hours a day pursuing her studies.

(Continued on page 2)

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae visited veter-inarian office assistant student Jennifer Fleming as part of Community Living Month activities.

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(Continued from page 1)

She is quick to point out that the likelihood of Ebola spreading on Vancouver Island is quite low. “There are no direct flights to Vancouver Island from any of the areas in Africa that are affected.”

Nevertheless, health care workers at St. Joseph will have access to water resistant gowns with a hood, full face shield, a water resistant mask, and two pairs of gloves - one to go up each arm and the other to cover over the cuffs of the gown.

“When we have a patient come in with suspected Ebola the nurses will buddy up, because they’re going to make sure that going into that room they have all the personal protective equipment on absolutely correctly,” Duncan said. “They’re going to put it on and their buddy’s going to check. Then when they’re done caring for the patient and come out of the room - and this is the critical point - they’re going to have their buddy watch them take it off to make sure they didn’t con-taminate themselves.”

In the days ahead St. Joseph’s employees will get a chance to run through drills where they will prac-tice putting on and taking off the protective gear in the proper fash-ion.

An Ebola Preparedness Committee is being set up to focus on promoting increased knowledge about responding to the virus at the Comox hospital.

“It’ll always be a risk,” notes

Leesa Ferguson, director quality and risk management at St. Joseph’s. “I think the drills will be really helpful for staff.”

Juanita Moore, the shop steward at St. Joseph’s for the BC Nurses Union, says there hasn’t been much direct communication with staff so far.

“At this point we have only been given direction to follow VIHA’s protocol which is on our intranet,” she said. “Nothing more has been given to the front line workers.”

These protocols dictate Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria will be the main Ebola treatment facility on the Island, so any patient found to be suffering with the virus would be taken there with great precaution in relatively short order.

Plank says Island Health is aware that even though Ebola isn’t trans-mitted through the air the way influenza is, health care workers do have to be careful.

She acknowledged the BC Nurses Union’s concerns that front line staff in the province are not ready for Ebola, but says the health authority’s new plan and protocol addresses their fears.

“The tasks that health care work-ers are doing put them at risk because they’re dealing with bodily fluids,” she said, stressing, “Ebola is not really easy to transmit.”

In response to the BC Nurses Union’s criticisms the province’s health minister has already ordered a review of protocols for dealing with Ebola.

Going through the motions of preparing for Ebola, even though it may never arrive, can be an import-ant part of making sure hospitals here are ready for other outbreaks, such as of new antibiotic resistant organisms, Plank said.

For now health officials are cau-tioning that despite the many sto-ries on the news about Ebola, it remains one of the least likely things that could impact people here directly.

“We have a global communica-tion system,” Plank said. “It feels closer than it is.”

Alan Ball withdrew his candidacy for council Oct. 15 citing personal reasons to do with a family mem-ber. He had filed his paperwork Oct. 7. There remains eight prospective and incumbent councillors vying for just four spots at the table. Each term will now be four years in dura-tion instead of three, due to new municipal election rules.

Michael Walton will also be run-ning in the Cumberland election and should have been included in the list of councillor candidates printed Oct. 14.

(Continued from page 1)

A biker gang convention in Campbell River is scheduled for the same week-end as the Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup this year.

“The upside is they come here and then they leave and they go to their party,” Cameron said. “Really, there’s been no trouble with them at all.”

From the public gallery Michael Walton, who is running for council in this year’s election, said he was a bit concerned to hear that Village officials thought there might be a law on the books restricting this kind of expres-sion, during the question and answer segment at the end of the meeting.

“I’m wondering whether the Village has a complete list of outlaw motorcy-cle gangs that they will not allow, because is it going to be ad-hoc at the registration booth?” he questioned. “If a Christian Fellowship Rider arrives, is that an outlaw motorcycle gang. Who is going to make that determination? Where is the list?”

Acting mayor Coun. Kate Greening noted that likely the RCMP would have an official list of outlaw motorcycle gangs.

“If it’s the RCMP list then what is the basis for that list?” he said, referencing a discussion that took place earlier in the meeting where council members discussed whether bikers were already

prohibited from wearing gang signs in the Village or not. “I’m a little con-cerned that the Village could be pass-ing bylaws that breach people’s Charter rights.”

Village staff confirmed that the bylaw brought up earlier did not, in fact, contain a provision preventing Hells Angels or any other motorcycle gang members from wearing their colours in the municipality.

During her delegation, Cameron explained that as the Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup moves into its seventh annual year of festivities the organizing committee is looking to give even more back to the Village.

“Because of our numbers and consis-tent growth we now may become in a position to largely benefit our commu-nity financially,” she said. “Our goal is to make Cumberland an even more appealing community for our fellow residents and tourists alike. Monies from this event go to different Village improvement and enhancement proj-ect.” A portion of the proceeds goes to support the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, she noted. “We would also like to put in place a Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup Trust Fund to be awarded annually to a local child meeting the criteria which we will approach the Village at a later date for help with,” she said.

(Continued from page 1)

“Everybody has different learning styles,” explained Pauline Stevenson, the college’s president. “We have a really personalized approach and we recognize that everybody’s an individual.”

For people who grew up segregated in separate class-es, stigmatized with “learning disabilities”, being empowered as a decision maker in their own education can have a significant impact on educational outcomes, she said.

“We’ll never make it easy,” she said. “We’ll just make it possible and respectful.”

As part of B.C.’s 16th annual Community Living Month, local MLA and Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae stopped by the school to visit Fleming, who recently was awarded a BC Government and Service Employees’ Union scholarship.

“I’m really proud of you Jennifer,” he said, pledging to bring his pets by if she stays in town to work at a local pet hospital. “Best of luck with school.”

Community Living Month is meant as a time to recog-nize the unique contributions that people like Jennifer make in society.

“We’re celebrating the successes persons with devel-opmental disabilities have in our communities,” McRae said. “We’re also dealing with some of the struggles that people are having.”

Recently the provincial government released its Accessibility 2024 plan, which aims to boost the quality of life for people with disabilities and make British Columbia the most forward-thinking community in the province on the subject.

McRae says that means making sure people can socialize, engage in recreation activities and hopefully find work in their home communities.

As part of Community Living Month the government is highlighting a number of brand new programs it hopes will ensure this becomes a reality.

Local resident Sherwin Strong had the opportunity to job shadow McRae as part of one of these efforts.

“I have a slight interest in politics,” he describes. “I’m tagging along with Minister McRae, seeing what he’s doing.”

The young man is serving as a “self advocate liaison,” thanks to a program through Vancouver Island Community Connections that began Oct. 1, helping to give a voice to people who too often go unheard from.

“It’s called the Mentorability Initiative,” explained Barbara Legg, regional employment coordinator for the Central/Upper Island region with Community Living British Columbia BC, who told Strong about the oppor-tunity. “We encourage them to spend part of a day with someone who can mentor them in a job they’re really interested in.”

McRae said the key is to match persons with diverse abilities and disabilities to the right employer.

“When that success happens everybody benefits,” he said. “You get an employee who’s enthusiastic about the company they work for. And they’re often going to stick around with the company and be an asset for a very long period of time.”

You don’t have to look any further than Comox resi-dent Joanne McEwan to get a sense of what he means. McEwan has enjoyed the chance to spread her wings while working at the Rocky Mountain Café, which has hired three people through the Vancouver Island Community Connections employment program over the last four years.

“I love it,” she said, adding she enjoys interacting with the other staff members. “They make me laugh - which is a good thing.”

McRae popped in to the business to formally launch a call for nominations for the Widening Our World Awards Oct. 14. British Columbians are being asked to point out employers that are doing a good job of hiring people with developmental delays or similar challenges.

McEwan says having a place that feels like home even when she’s at work has been an important ingredient to her quality of life.

“It’s a supporting environment,” she said of the cute coffee shop tucked away in downtown Comox. “I can feel relaxed, goof around and make mistakes.

“I can really be myself - my true self.”

CORRECTION: Michael Waltonrunning for village council

Alan Ball withdraws asvillage council candidate

St. Joseph’s prepares for ebola outbreak

Sherwin Strong shadowed MLA Don McRae to get a sense of the realities of political life.

Special month highlights hidden abilities

By Michael BrionesEcho Staff

Voters in Courtenay this year will miss out on one important event that virtually happens at every election - an all-candidates forum.

The Comox Valley Chamber of

Commerce has decided not to orga-nize one. According to president Dianne Hawkins, it’s a time con-suming event that doesn’t really allow each of the candidates ample time to fully answer and express their views on a variety of issues as well as their concerns.

“Because of the size of the munic-ipal elections, it’s more difficult to get all those questions out on the floor. We would be there all night, even in a two hour period,” Hawkins explained. “One year we had 13 can-didates. Two minutes for opening statements and a minute each for

closing statements now we’ve just taken half an hour for opening and 15 minutes or probably 20 for closing. That’s almost an hour right there taken. So if you’re holding it from 7 to 9 and then every question is answered by every candidate, that makes it more challenging as well.”

The chamber has opted to hold a Meet The Candidates session instead to be televised by Shaw Cable. However, it’s not open to the public. Hawkins said the chamber holds this every time there is an election.

“We do this because it’s a way for people to have an opportunity to see the candidates on TV talk about their policy statements and positions on certain things in the valley,” said Hawkins. “We see this as a great ben-efit to residents.”

The chamber also has decided to focus more of its energy on motivat-ing people to come out and vote.

“We’ve found that in the Comox Valley, we have a high turnout for provincial elections and not so high for the municipal elections,” said Hawkins. “Municipal government is really what impacts you and I on a day to day basis. So we are working on a vote campaign to encourage peo-ple to vote.”

Courtenay has two people vying for the mayoral position - incumbent

Larry Jangula and former councilor Jon Ambler.

For a spot in council, the candi-dates include incumbents Bill Anglin, Manno Theos, Starr Winchester, and Doug Hillian. The others are Terry Chaney, Dan Doerksen, Erik Eriksson, Marcus Felgenhauer, David Frisch, George Knox, Rebecca Lennox, Stu MacInnis, and Bob Wells.

There are four vying to become school trustees. They consist of incumbents Janice Caton and Donna Gambacorta. The others are Jordan Huber and Alex Robertson.

In the other municipalities in the valley, residents in the Village of Cumberland will get a chance to see all candidates in a forum to be held Monday, Nov. 3 at the Cumberland Cultural Centre. It will be hosted by Nick Ward, formerly of the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce, who now runs the popular Facebook group Currently Cumberland.

In Comox, the Comox Town Residents Association will be holding an all candidates forum.

The moderated and timed event will be held at the Comox Recreation Centre on Noel Avenue on Monday, November 3rd. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the All Candidates Meeting will begin at 7 pm and run for 2 hours.

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By Michael BrionesEcho Staff

The Comox Valley’s lone First Nations court worker was out on strike outside the Courtenay court-house Monday morning.

Georgia Colclough wasn’t alone though.

Friends, as well as members of the K’omoks First Nation, Wachiay Friendship Centre and councillor Roger Kishi came out to support Colclough, as well as other native courtworkers across the province, which are being paid less than pub-lic sector-staff in similar jobs.

The starting salary for the posi-tion is $31,800 a year, compared to $45,100 for a comparable classifica-tion, according to the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union.

Native courtworkers have not had a wage increase since 2009 and only a nine per cent pay hike since 2002. The BCGEU stated that infla-tion has gone up 18 per cent in that time.

The chief councillor of the K’ómoks First Nation Rob Everson said “it’s all about fair wages and fair compensation.”

“The native courtworkers do a wonderful job,” he said. “Look at the statistics nationwide including British Columbia - native women

Lone native courtworker in Comox Valley protests unfair wages

First Nations groups come out to support Comox Valley’s only native courtworker Georgia Colclough as well as those from across the province who are fighting for fair wages.

missing, incarceration rates of First Nations people including women. These are frontline workers that make a huge difference in our soci-ety and make a huge difference for our First Nations people. Why wouldn’t we give them fair wages?”

Colclough works as the sole First Nations courtworker at the Campbell River courthouse as well. Throughout B.C., there are only 23 native courtworkers and they have been on the job without a collective agreement since 2011. She said there

used to be more aboriginal workers but they’ve been downsized dramat-ically.

The union blames the difference on the failure of the B.C. govern-ment to bring the workers into the Community Social Services

Employers’ Association Aboriginal bargaining unit when it was created in 2003.

“This dispute is fundamentally about a government wage policy that treats workers differently,” BCGEU president Stephanie Smith said. “These workers are paid artificially low wages compared to their peers. It’s time for the government to fix this injustice.”

B.C. Corrections holds a contract with the Native Courtworkers and Counselling Association of B.C., and the salaries of native courtworkers are paid by the association, said a state-ment from the Ministry of Justice.

The ministry is not directly involved in the labour dispute and negotiations, which are between the courtworkers’ association and the BCGEU, said the statement.

Darlene Shackelly, the association’s executive director, said the operating budget for the courtworker program, which is completely funded by the Justice Ministry, has not changed since 2008.

“We’ve tried to encourage the prov-ince to increase the funding,” she said. “The program had a deficit last year and this year, and we have been trying to maintain actual operation of the program. But without the support of additional funding resources, it leaves the program in a very unstable position.”

The Council of Canadians is mourning the passing of Comox Valley chapter activist Gwyn Frayne. She had been battling lung cancer.

Gwyn’s activism with the Council of Canadians was noted in numerous campaign blogs.

Notably, she spoke out against fracking, the Raven coal mine, high tuition fees for university students, the Northern Gateway pipeline, the purchase of F-35 fighter jets, deep integration with the United States, and on many other issues. She was also a keen supporter of the peaceful direct action coalition.

Of the Northern Gateway pipeline, Gwyn said, “Protecting our environ-ment includes our forest lands, our rivers and our ocean. Putting a pipe-line across the first two and tankers across the latter will put the future in jeopardy.

“The land, water and animals are all at risk if we allow a pipeline to transport oil to tankers. The Council of Canadians Comox Valley chapter supports the First Nations which are trying to safeguard their traditional territories. They are trying to save their lands and their livelihoods and they have put themselves on the line

for their principles. ‘“In the process they are teaching all

of us how democracy could work.”Gwyn was a medical social worker

in Montreal, Ontario and the United States before moving to Courtenay, in 1991.

“Gwyn was a caring person who showed us all how to be an exempla-ry activist and who also gave us an enduring lesson in how to face our own mortality with courage. She will be deeply missed” said a posting on the Council of Canadians’ website.

The Council of Canadians extends our sympathies and condolences to Gwyn’s family, friends and fellow chapter activists.

Gwyn Frayne and Maude Barlow, May 2014

Council of Canadians activistGwyn Frayne dies after illness

By Michael BrionesEcho Staff

The Comox Business Improvement Area has a newly-de-signed website.

It’s a lot more user-friendly and easier to navigate. It features a range of businesses that include restaurants, retail stores, profession-al services, financial companies and real estate. As well, it contains information on different events and activities, photos, maps and direc-tions on how to get to Comox.

Comox council got the opportuni-ty to view the website before it officially went on line last week.

The executive director of the BIA, Mary Ruth Harris, explained the many features of the website. She said the best part of it is, “it’s tablet and phone friendly” meaning it can be easily accessed.

The new website was designed by a Cumberland company called The Update Company and it cost under $4,000.

Councillor Ken Grant commented that a lot of work was put into the new website and welcomed the update.

Comox BIA launches new website

Stay away from the river: Hydro

By Drew A. PennerEcho Staff

Comox Lake Reservoir levels jumped by almost a meter over the weekend as the body of water was hit by peak inflows of 230 m3/s Sunday - the largest jump in over a year. While just weeks ago BC Hydro was worried about the unprecedented lack of H2O, it now faces the opposite concern.

“There’s no middle ground,” said BC Hydro spokesperson Steven Watson, commenting on the change in weather conditions. “It’s pretty remarkable how the system has changed.”

Because just over 1100 mm of rain had fallen since last October, last month experts announced the Comox Lake reservoir had experi-enced the lowest inflows in half a century.

On Monday the reservoir hit 133.9 metres and continued to approach the 135.3 metre limit, at which point water will freely spill over the dam.

“The reservoir has gone through the middle elevation range and is entering into the higher range,” Watson said. “BC Hydro is uncom-fortable with the reservoir above 134 m for flood risk management considerations and future storm systems.”

BC Hydro decided to increase the

discharge from Comox Dam to about 50 m3/s Monday. From there the Crown corporation hoped to maintain that rate of release during the day throughout the week, except for on Wednesday.

At night, from about 7:00 pm to about 7:00 am, the flow would have been increased to over 100 m3/s or more to control the reser-voir.

Just hours later, as officials poured over weather charts fore-casting stormy conditions Tuesday and Wednesday, authorities decid-ed daytime flows would have to be higher to compensate, and 100 m3/s is now the planned action.

While not as heavy a flow as over the weekend, BC Hydro expects an average water inflow rate of 160 m3/s on Tuesday.

“It takes time for the water at the dam to get downstream,” he said. “People should stay away from the Puntledge.”

This won’t be welcome news for the up to 100 fishermen and women who are right in the throes of another chum salmon season, which has garnered rave reviews in

recent years.“People come from around North

America and around the world to fish the Puntledge River,” he said, noting BC Hydro has no choice but to tell anglers to stay away - for now.

“It may not even be fishable at that rate.”

Meanwhile the utility is working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to make sure the animals themselves aren’t significantly impacted by the shift in water lev-els.

If BC Hydro lets too much water out at once, the velocity could force the chum right out of the river.

The public is being asked to stay out of the river from the Puntledge Diversion Dam down to the gener-ating station due to the “dangerous river flows” - including Nymph Falls and Stotan Falls.

BC Hydro is urging people in the Puntledge Park and Condensory Bridge areas to be cautious.

Meanwhile, the 24-megawatt power plant, which was shut down through the summer, will be run-ning at full capacity.

Puntledge system goes from low H20 to overabundance

A4 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 21, 2014News

By Blair Qualey

These events happen each fall,but it never hurts to remindmotorists about paying closerattention behind the wheel asconditions change.That’s especially true today, aspeople become more reliant ontheir smartphones and staying inconstant communication.

John Dickinson, ICBC’s director of roadsafety, says too many drivers automatically reachfor their phone when they hear it ring or a textmessage comes through.It’s a bad habit that needs to be broken.“Getting people to leave their phone alone whiledriving will go a long way to making our roadssafer, and in reducing claims costs and insurancerates,” Dickinson says.An Ipsos Reid survey commissioned by ICBC

shows that 84 per cent of B.C. drivers who owncell phones agree that texting while driving isrisky, yet 25 per cent admit to doing it.That’s why, among the other driving tips being

laid out this fall - including slowing down inschool zones and stopping for school buses whenthe lights are flashing - the provincial governmentand ICBC have stepped up their campaign againstdistracted driving.Drivers are four times more likely to crash if

they’re using their phone while driving, saysTodd Stone, B.C.’s Minister of Transportationand Infrastructure.Statistics show distracted driving is the second-leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C.,behind impaired driving. On average, 88 peopleare killed each year in our province due to driverdistractions.“We are asking drivers to leave their phones

alone and stay focused on the road.A text or a callis not worth risking your life over,” says Stone.ICBC is also distributing decals for motorists todisplay on their vehicles as a statement to othersthat they don’t use their cellphone while driving.They’re also meant to encourage other drivers tomake the same pledge.That said, simply staying off the phone while

driving isn’t enough to keep our roads safe.Motorists also need to watch for pedestrians

who may be distracted by their smartphones orother electronic devices as they cross the street.That includes children as they travel to and fromschool.While parents are encouraged to teach their

children about safety on the roads, includingremove headphones and putting awaysmartphones to stay alert when crossing thestreet, it doesn’t always happen.

On average in B.C., five child pedestrians agedfive to 18 are killed and 290 injured in 270 carcrashes every year, ICBC says using data from2009 to 2013. While distracted driving isn’talways the cause, it’s certainly a risk.That’s why drivers need to be diligent. That

means yielding to pedestrians: It’s not only theright thing to do, it’s the law.The best advice always is to drive defensively.

Play your part in keeping our roads safe.For more safe driving tips and information visiticbc.com.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the NewCar Dealers Association of BC. Email him atbqualey@newcardealers.ca.

Fall Tips for Drivers: ICBC says “Leave Your Phone Alone”Special Information Supplement

Kids are back in school, the weather is getting cooler, and the daysshorter. All three have implications for our roadways and how we drive.

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Employers representing various employment sectors are attending to share information about jobs and job requirements for different posi-tions within their organizations.

Employers will also be on hand to answer questions and provide infor-mation about their hiring process. Some employers will be interview-ing and potentially hiring!

Morning Session Employers: 9:00 am to 12 noon

· Skilled Trades Employment Program-BC Construction Association

· Seymour Pacific Developments· Coastal Community Credit

Union· Island Health· Graham ConstructionAfternoon Session Employers:

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm· Comox Valley Regional District· The Salvation Army· First Credit Union and Insurance· McDonalds - Comox Valley· Broadstreet PropertiesMount Washington Resort will be

bringing managers from many departments and this is one of their key hiring events. They are in atten-dance from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm

Dress for success - bring a resume - and connect with local employers!

For more information stop in at The Job Shop, check out the Job Shop website at www.thejobshop.ca, or contact The Job Shop at 250-334-3119.

The Employment program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Ccanada and the Province of British Columbia.

EmploymentExpo Friday atThe Job Shop

By Michael BrionesEcho Staff

It was raining, the wind was blowing hard and it was cold. It certainly was good weather for the ducks.

Ducks Unlimited Canada, howev-er, might not have felt that way. A little bit of sunshine and some warmth would have been ideal during the unveiling of its latest project for the Courtenay River estuary last Friday afternoon.

However, the not so pleasant weather was not enough to dampen their spirits. The group was excited to mind the depressing element, as they were eager to show off the 64-acre Beks Farm project that Ducks Unlimited regards as a vital

component of its conservation plans for the area.

The event was attended by Vancouver North Island MP John Duncan, Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula, Courtenay councillor Bill

Anglin, and Comox Valley Regional District Area B Director Jim Gillis.

The project features the preserva-tion of the vast agricultural land located along Comox Avenue near the 17th Bridge in Courtenay. Ducks

Unlimited bought the 26-hectare property for $1 million. It is one of the most important estuaries on the B.C. coast for waterfowl.

“This is a popular fueling stop for migrating birds,” said Dan Buffett,

regional planning and research biolo-gist for DUC. “Geese and ducks are the main ones, trumpeter swans as well. Then you also have some shorebirds as well that use this farm as a feeding ground during migration.”

Agricultural areas around the mouth of the Courtenay are under pressure from nearby development. Ducks, geese and swans graze the farms for leftover grasses and pro-duce. Comox Valley is home to about a tenth of the world’s trumpeter swans - a species of particular concern.

Buffett said this agricultural land would not remain idle. They have leased the land to a farmer - Hans Bek - for agricultural purposes for 20 years.

“This is a long-term goal. We want to maintain the farmland and the pro-duction of grass, greens, vegetables, and corn,” said Buffett. “We’ve seen a lot of loss of farmland from anything to development, urbanization, indus-try development, people building houses on smaller lands. So the idea is to maintain the farmland, conserving it and being able to maintain it.”

This latest acquisition would not have been possible without help from partners. The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and Environment Canada via the Nature Conservancy of Canada provided funding for the proj-ect as part of the Natural Areas Conservation Plan. Hank Beks and his family also donated a substantial por-tion of the land to Ducks Unlimited’s conservation efforts.

Ducks Unlimited adds Courtenay farmland to its conservation plans

Vancouver North Island MP John Duncan helps Ducks Unlimited Canada unveil the new Beks Farm sign that indicates an agriculture and wildlife partnership that will protect the 26-acre farmland located on Comox Avenue just near the 17th Street Bridget in Courtenay.

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Luxe Aesthetic Medicine is now under new ownership. “We are excit-ed about the added services we can offer Luxe patrons,” says new Manager, Candyce Bell BSN RN. “We are excited about the new services we are offering both women and men in the Comox Valley.” she added.

As an Advanced Certified Medical Aesthetics Nurse and a Clinical Nurse Educator, Candyce Bell brings with her a wealth of experience and looks forward to sharing her knowl-edge and expertise with you. Candyce is an approved Clinical Educator for Allergan, the maker of Botox and Juvederm and a full time injector at Luxe. She is also the lead clinical nurse educator for a top laser company in Canada. “We are com-mitted to listening to our client’s concerns and dedicated to working together to achieve realistic and sat-isfying cosmetic results.” She added.

Familiar faces include Dawn Martynyk, a fully certified Laser Technician, she has spent more than 15 years in laser technology in both hospital and private clinic settings before joining the Luxe treatment team. She is also a trained skin care consultant and can provide detailed information on the cosmeceutical lines available at Luxe. Dedicated and passionate about her chosen field and her client treatment out-comes; Dawn provides high quality laser hair removal, laser skin rejuve-nation, fungal nail, Venus Freeze(tm) and Hydrafacial(tm) treatments.

“We’ve expanded our service offerings to give you more options,” says Dawn, “including VI Peel and illumiWave Laser Hair Rejuvenation, acne scar laser treatments and laser lipo.”

VI Peel is an advanced chemical peel that contains a blend of effective ingredients suitable for all skin types. This peel provides DRAMATIC results with virtually no pain, no prep and little to no downtime. Rather than needing six chemical peels of a lower grade you only need one to three, depending on goals of treatment. It improves tone, texture and hyperpigmentation including Melasma; softens lines and wrinkles, clears acne skin conditions, reduces or eliminates acne scars and stimu-lates the production of collagen for firmer, more youthful skin.

illumiWave Hair Rejuvenation

enables new and healthier cells in the scalp to increase hair quality, hair thickness and hair regrowth.

The illumiWave Lipo contour offers a painless and non-invasive laser treatment solution to contour and sculpt individual trouble areas anywhere on the body, reduce cellu-lite and improve overall appearance. Results are quickly noticeable and measureable.

OPEN HOUSE - October 22 (4-8pm) for more information please call 250-871-5893

Luxe Aesthetic Medicine is located at Orchard Gate, 105-501 4th Street, Downtown Courtenay

Drop by to learn more about Luxe’s expanded services and to meet the staff. Open House Specials include Botox Injection and VI Peel skin rejuvenation packages offered at incredible savings for those who attend the Open House.

Luxe Aesthetic Medicine under new ownershipOpen house set for Wednesday night

Candyce Bell BSN RN, Manager, Advanced Certified Aesthetic Nurse Injector

Courtenay Alberni NDP pick Gord Johns as candidate for 2015Sunday afternoon New Democrats

gathered and nominated Gord Johns, the former Executive Director of the award-winning Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, as their can-didate to take on the Conservatives in Courtenay Alberni in 2015. Johns defeated Comox Valley candidate Ronna-Rae Leonard for the nomina-tion.

In 2011, in addition to the 103 New Democratic MPS elected, NDP candidates came second to Conservatives in 106 other ridings - including both of the ridings that are

now encompassed by Courtenay Alberni. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Johns now lives in Tofino with his family. He served three years as a

member of Tofino Council. “It’s an honour to receive the support of so many; today and throughout this nomination.”

Gord Johns

Cambodia is located in the south-ern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. After years of war the Khmer Rouge took over in 1975. This regime devastated the country.

A culture of impunity that grew during the years of unrest continues to exacerbate corruption at all levels of the administration. These systemic problems make it especially difficult for women to ensure they are afford-ed equality in a society where tradi-tionally women are subservient to men.

In 2012 Living Hope Christian Fellowship partnered with Asian Outreach Cambodia which resulted in a youth centre being built in Kandal province, Lvea Em district, complete

with 10 computers and classroom furniture. In 2013 we were able to provide food relief after devastating floods hit the area and destroyed crops.

This year we hope to fund a Women’s Empowerment project. This project will give women the rare opportunity to make positive changes to their current living standards and a greater quality of life in the future.

Once again a team of 6 men and women from Living Hope are going over to Cambodia in January 2015. We are hoping to raise $22,000 to teach faith-based life skills to women by empowering them to stand up to domestic violence, training to act as mentors, providing livelihood train-

ing, and developing their future plans and supporting their goals.

You are invited to participate in this project with others in our com-munity by attending our Silent Auction fundraiser, Friday, October 24 from 7 to 9pm at the Comox Recreation Centre, 1855 Noel Avenue. Live music provided by Small Vices from Nanaimo. Desserts and refresh-ments are included for a $10 admis-sion with children 12 and under free. Many Comox Valley businesses have contributed merchandise and services as auction items.

All proceeds are going to the 2014 Cambodia Women’s Empowerment Project.

Bob Scales, president of the Comox Valley Lions Club pres-ents a cheque for $1,300 to Lynn Dashkewytch, executive director of St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. The Lions Clubs of the Comox Valley purchased the Telehealth system for the Cancer care Unit when it opened in 2007. This vital piece of equipment has helped support Comox residents in saving time, effort, money and the environment by using Telehealth instead of travelling to Victoria for all of their the doctors appointments.

The Lions club members are very grateful to have a specialized cancer care team in our community and wanted to support this renovation to help provide the space needed to ensure cancer patients can be treated in our own community in an environ-ment that is free from crowding and has a comforting environ-ment. Also in the photo from left to right are registered nurses Coral Forbes and Lindsay James. If you would like to make a donation visit the website at cvhospitalfoundation.com

Lions support hospital

SILENT AUCTION ON FRIDAY TO SUPPORT CAMBODIAN WOMEN

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: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538

Letters to the Editor

College integrity in short supply

A6 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Integrity has long been a scarce com-modity at the BC College of Pharmacists.

The grossly misleading and shockingly defamatory broadside contained in the College press release of September 26, however, achieved a new low in terms of vicious defamation and patent lack of con-cern for accuracy or honesty.

The essence of the September 26 press release is the claim that the College action in staging a Gestapo like raid and seizure of product was motivated by a concern for public safety and was necessitated to pro-tect the health of Marigold clients.

The history of the College in harassing and vilifying natural pharmacists general-ly, and Marigold in particular, indicates otherwise.

We think the evidence over the last few years would convince independent observ-ers that concern for public safety has never been a primary motivation for the College. Rather the motivation of the College would seem to be the protection of chemical med-icine (products of Big Pharmaceutical Corporations) against a perceived threat from proponents of natural health prod-ucts, which are far cheaper than prescrip-tion pharmaceuticals, are free of the some-times lethal side effects from chemical pharmaceuticals, and are seen by those who purchase them as far more effective than chemical pharmaceuticals.

All pharmacies in the province are inspected on a regular basis by the College, on average about once every three years. A typical inspection of even the largest phar-macies involves one inspector for about a half day. Concerns turned up in the inspec-tions are discussed with the pharmacist and adjustments in protocols are made.

But a College inspection of Marigold involves a team of six inspectors occupying Marigold’s small premises for two days, ransacking inventories, records, file cabi-nets, and prescription records, searching painstakingly with a fine tooth comb for any possible breaches they can turn up. Marigold has undergone three inspections in the past year alone.

Before the College raiders even arrived at Marigold pharmacy on September 26, the College had already sent out its scurrilous and defamatory attack on Marigold to all provincial media in a clear attempt to destroy the reputation of Rudy Sanchez and Marigold. We see this contemptible tactic as simply the latest in a long and sustained campaign by the College to drive Mr. Sanchez into bankruptcy.

The College alleges that what the inspec-tors found on March 4 last (almost seven months ago) “shocked” them and caused them to fear that clients of the pharmacy might be at risk for serious damage to their health, or worse. They then demonstrated their alleged concern for public safety by allowing the pharmacy to continue its operations, and to dispense the allegedly “dangerous” products to the public. Seven months later, after carefully constructing a paper case against Marigold, the College finally decides to actually protect the pub-lic.

The College makes reference to a previ-ous raid having resulted in a fifteen month suspension and in Mr. Sanchez paying a fine. The facts surrounding the previous Gestapo raid and resulting suspensions would outrage every citizen who values basic fairness and due process.

The 2010 suspension was largely based on an accusation that Marigold had sold a regulated drug without a prescription. As it turned out, the product required a prescrip-tion only if the scheduled ingredient was present in a quantity greater than that

which had been sold. Sanchez/Marigold were also accused of selling certain com-pounded products which lacked expiration dates and lot numbers on the bottle labels. Technically that was a violation of require-ments.

But we found compounded products that were sold from five major chain pharma-cies and they too had failed to fill in the expiry dates and lot numbers. This was brought to the attention of the College. None of these pharmacies were raided and shut down by the College.

After the raid of 2010, Marigold brought a lawsuit against the College in the Supreme Court of BC.

Thereafter many months of discussion and negotiation followed. At the outset, the College stated that the matter would go to their Inquiry Committee and a hearing would be held. Several inquiry meetings were held, but Mr. Sanchez never had the opportunity to confront his accusers before any tribunal, accompanied by counsel. The matter never went in front of a Disciplinary Committee hearing.

But after approximately fourteen months, with a lawsuit against the College looming, the College offered to reinstate the sus-pended licences on certain conditions. The College press release of September 26 claims that Mr. Sanchez paid a fine as one of the conditions. THIS STATEMENT IS A BLATANT UNMITIGATED LIE.

Mr. Sanchez did indeed make a substan-tial payment to the College as one condi-tion for his reinstatement. But it was not a fine! And it could not have been a fine because no hearing had ever been held and Mr. Sanchez had never been found to have violated any regulations. But after a sus-pension which nearly bankrupted Mr. Sanchez, and after the much trumpeted College concern for

public safety, the College agreed to rein-state his licences on the basis of two prima-ry conditions: First,

that he would discontinue his lawsuit against the College; second, that he make a substantial “payment”

to the College. The Consent Agreement between the College and Sanchez/Marigold makes no mention of a fine and the phar-macy would never have entered into the agreement had that been the case.

The “payment” actually amounted to no more than extortion. The pharmacy had been closed for more than fourteen months “to protect the public”. Now, the College was for all intents and purposes saying, “If you discontinue your lawsuit against us and pay us a large sum to compensate us for our raid and seizure of your inventory, then the public will no longer be in dan-ger”.

The so-called “education” measures the College says Mr. Sanchez undertook as a part of the Consent Agreement were thrown in merely as face-savers for the College. They were largely trivial and did not involve any testing. Mr. Sanchez was required to read certain manuals and regu-lations and confirm within thirty days that he had read them. He also was required to take a two day compounding course.

All this was strictly to create the impres-sion that the suspensions really were based on concern for public safety and that the College had done something to alleviate this concern.

Today, the College makes sensationalist and inflammatory statements about Rudy Sanchez engaging in human placenta encapsulation. Among other things the College asserts that he is providing this service “despite the lack of a proper facility or the regulatory approval to provide it”.

Guess what? There is no regulatory author-ity for this activity! It is currently being done by midwives and doulas, generally in their home kitchens.

Mr. Sanchez is providing this increasing-ly demanded service in a sterile environ-ment and is taking the additional step of having the mother’s treating physician, midwife, or doula provide consent for the process by signing a prescription form in advance.

The scurrilous, scandalous, and totally false accusations by the College about lack of hygiene at Marigold were never once, at any time, brought to Mr. Sanchez’ atten-tion, until the September 26 SWAT team made its surprise raid. The College inspec-tors who participated in the March 4 gang inspection never once mentioned anything about hygiene or lack of cleanliness of any kind. This is something created out of whole cloth as a last minute afterthought on the morning of the raid. It is completely false and highly defamatory.

Clearly, enforcement policies are quite different, depending on whether they involve Shoppers Drug Mart or Walmart on the one hand, or Marigold on the other.

Mr. Sanchez has been a licensed phar-macist for more than 35 years. He worked for a number of years running the pharma-cy in Walmart. He underwent all the usual inspections over the whole course of his career and never once was disciplined or threatened by the College. He only became a concern to the College when he opened a Natural Pharmacy and became a threat to the Big Pharmacy industry.

Clive AnsleyLawyer for Marigold Pharmacy

The CVRD directors seem to be way off track on their question of funding the homeless. My view is that they have been contributing to the issue of unaffordable housing by approving large increase in fees for services. They should have been ques-tioning the cost of administering these ser-vices. They have been missing the big pic-ture and bickering on details - wasting money and resources, for too many years.

As others have pointed out, the problem of housing the chronic homeless is complex and is the responsibility of the Province. Agencies such as the Salvation Army seem to do a good job and should be supported.

The question should have been, “do you support P3 affordable housing”. How can anyone not support this initiative with so many lower income people in the Comox Valley?

Comox Valley taxpayers are supporting a P3 hospital, why would they not support P3 affordable housing - local taxpayers, the Province and Private investors?

This would not require new taxes or fees - the CVRD has $67 million in various reserve funds. CVRD directors could make this happen, with support of the Province.

This is an important issue. Vote ‘No’ on this nebulous referendum and vote yes for new CVRD directors who will move for-ward with affordable housing. Building affordable housing could start in 2015 with-out any new money from Comox Valley taxpayers.

The present CVRD directors have made no real progress on this important issue-they have not earned 4 more years.

Thankfully, there are many candidates in this election, but to see real change you have to vote on November 5th, or 12th or 15th.

Phil HarrisonArea B

Letters

My family has lived in our Baybrook area home for 25 years. We are proud to support the Mack Laing Heritage Society (MLHS) and applaud its plan to save a historic and beautiful house that we have long admired from a distance. We were thrilled when the Town and the BC Nature Trust purchased the property. What a wonderful oppor-tunity it represents!

However, a handful of people are consistently demonstrating a lack of comprehension and/or distortion of the facts. Despite two detailed reports and several informational brochures pro-duced by the MLHS, they continue to parrot each other - as if repeating falsehoods will miraculous-ly convert them into truth.

We can create something special to inform vis-itors of the natural, ecological, scientific and social history of Comox - in an existing heritage building directly associated with them. Mack Laing was a Renaissance man. What better place to celebrate his many accomplishments and con-tribution to our town?

Baybrook is just one of many parks and streets in Comox with access to the shoreline - but no other has a building suitable for an interpretive centre. The MLHS will “re-purpose” a home which was occupied for most of its 90 years and is in good condition. To suggest otherwise is an insult to the Society and its partners, CVN and Project Watershed. The house will be repaired, not redeveloped. In fact, there will be less of it when this work is completed - and it will conform to modern standards of safety and accessibility.

The nature pre-school would teach children outside for the entire three hour a day program. It is not a daycare.

There will be no “conference centre”. The home’s main room is 20’ X 24’, smaller than a double garage. The smaller room, suitable for an office, is 12’ x 12’.

The MLHS financial plan was presented at the request of the Town of Comox. The Society is non-profit, but will repair and maintain the house, pay salaries, create displays - plus pay the property taxes, insurance and utilities. This would be unique for a non-profit in Comox.

Talk to the residents living near unattended parks, or the Parks employees who pick up and repair the damage, before claiming there’s no problem with vandals. The MLHS proposes to have someone on site. There would be an invest-ment to protect - and the whole neighbourhood would be safer as a result.

Demolishing the house would be very costly - and taxpayers will foot the bill and the cost of any pavilion or signboards later erected. Revisionist history will not improve that. Why not utilize this building instead of destroying it?

An interpretive centre is something we would be proud to show visiting relatives and it would be a positive draw for businesses and young fam-ilies, as well as an educational experience for everyone.

In the face of the strident few, there is only one thing to do - stand up and be heard. Many citi-zens do not condone their anti-social, short-sight-ed behaviour.

Finally, consider who stands to gain if the house is demolished (no one - the property would be a liability), and who would benefit if it remains (everyone - even the naysayers).

Pretty obvious, isn’t it?A. Beingessner

Comox

“Local government is the hell’s kitchen of sus-tainability.” That’s what a former Mayor of Nanaimo once said to anyone who would listen, to anyone who doubted the importance of munic-ipal government.

Her name was Joy Leach, she was a mentor to me, and she was a strong advocate for people getting out to vote, and getting educated on the issues. Joy passed away this fall.

Her legacy was a body of important work on sustainability in BC, particularly the “Georgia Basin” - Vancouver Island, the Salish Sea, and the Lower Mainland. Her other legacy was to encour-age people to take local government seriously.

Local government is still where so much that is important hits the road. Yet in many BC commu-nities voter turnout is significantly less than 40%. Let’s change that on November 15, 2014.

Municipal government doesn’t get much respect - from any of us: citizens complain end-lessly about services and taxes, and senior levels of govt download and squeeze.

We don’t vote. We complain. We don’t like the results we’re getting. But we’re not doing much to change things.

November 15, 2014 is our opportunity to exer-cise our “democratic muscles,” to elect Mayors, Councillors, School District Trustees, and Regional District Directors who will start taking steps towards more sustainable decisions. If we “up” the voter turnout, maybe they’ll even be moved to stand up to senior levels of govt that don’t take them seriously.

My small homage to Joy Leach is to encourage people to think about the important issues facing local government (long term, sustainable land use planning, long term community economic development, long term community quality of life) - and to get out and vote.

Wherever I can I’m using the tag #VoteNov15 to pass on this message.

FMI on where to vote etc see http://www.municipalelections.com/faq_elections.html

Hans Peter MeyerCourtenay

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What’s OnComox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 21, 2014 A7

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Join acclaimed Cumberland author Kim Bannerman on Wednesday, October 22 as she offi-cially releases Mark of the Magpie, her latest novel and the much-antic-ipated sequel to her Victorian mur-der mystery Bucket of Blood. Part of the Write Here Readers Series spon-sored by North Island College (NIC), this free public reading will take place at 7 pm in the Stan Hagen Theatre at NIC’s Comox Valley cam-pus.

Set in the late 19th century, Mark of the Magpie is a gothic mystery of corruptions, bitter artistic rivalries, betrayal, and clandestine affairs. Here, in a shining seaside city of flowers and fine china, everyone has something to hide and nothing is quite what it seems. When Lizzie Saunders and Chen Shaozhu arrive in the port city of Victoria, she dares to imagine a place where they can enjoy a happy future together. When a gruesome murder stirs up ghosts from her past, someone - or some-thing - begins to haunt her through the city’s dark alleys, seedy taverns, wharves, and opium dens. Is it her imagination, her guilty conscience, or a killer who knows her secret?

“Bannerman writes in a very clean style of prose, but every so often she’ll turn a phrase so striking that it’s poetry,” Frank Zafiro, author of The Last Horseman, Waist Deep, and the River City Crime

series.Bannerman is the author of four

previous novels, and her short sto-ries have appeared in publications across Europe, Australia, and North America, including She’s Shameless (Tightrope Press, 2009), Teen Angst Poetry (St. Martin’s Press, 2005), Elan (Wingate Press, 2005), Wolf Girls (Hic Dragones Press, 2013), The Girl at the End of the World (FoxSpirit Press, 2014), In the Company of Animals (Nimbus Press, 2014), and the upcoming anthology In An Undiscovered Country (FoxSpirit Press, 2015). Find out more about Bannerman at www.kbannerman.com.

Mark of the Magpie will be avail-able for purchase at the event. For more information about the 2014-2015 Write Here Reader Series at North Island College, visit www.nic.bc.ca/events or call 250-334-5000 ext. 4017.

Join acclaimed Cumberland author Kim Bannerman on Wednesday, October 22 as she reads from Mark of the Magpie, her latest novel and the much-anticipated sequel to her Victorian murder mystery Bucket of Blood.

Cumberland author Kim Bannerman readsfrom her new novel at NIC on October 22

Robert Goodlad, artist, photographer: ‘See it, capture it, recreate it’

Robert Goodlad’s life experiences as artist and photog-rapher are expressed in bold canvas vignettes with a com-pelling 3D quality now being shown at Whytes Framing and Gallery.

Robert’s lifelong affinity to art and is one of seeking mentorship, self-learning, and experimentation.He uses photography as a base, a starting point in the field. Images that express his emotions at the time are selected for stu-dio work: adding illusion of depth, impact of subject, and colour.

His goal is to take a memorable and beautiful event and recreate his reaction and response on canvas and thick cotton art paper.

Robert’s design techniques include the use of high res-olution medium and DSLR cameras able to capture extreme tone and colour detail (Phase/Alpa and Nikon D800). He works with the image emphasizing the design and perceived luminosity by progressive steps adjusting tone and colour. These steps recreate what his eye sees versus what the camera sees in the field.

Some images are taken further. If they are abstract in nature, he layers on impasto medium sometimes mixed with colour for texture and boldness. All images are fin-ished with a UV and water protection varnish. He loves bold vignettes finished and presented in large format sizes.

Robert’s early years in art creation consisted of sketch-es, photography, and the dream of pursuing a career in the field of architecture; however, with the persuasion of pro-fessionals, he was aptly advised to find a paying job.

And although the following years brought about raising a family and working 35 years in healthcare and informa-tion technology field, art never left him.

In fact, his job often required him to travel across North America and part of the United Kingdom, providing him with a unique opportunity to capture, camera in hand, every region he visited.

His career also introduced him to technologies which served to bring a new dimension to an art experience, digital imaging, and “some of the earliest versions of art software.”

Robert explains, “This truly was a period of crude experimentation with crude and awkward tools. However, it was the gold rush of having a personal computer and software for experimentation. I felt part of the evolution.”

For Robert, it is the simplicity, the apparent beauty and essence of nature which capture his attention while in the

field and studio. Always looking for a broader context for his art, he continues to follow his mantra “See it, capture it, recreate it.

See his work presented at Whytes Framing and Gallery the last two weeks of October or on his website: www.robertgoodlad.com.

A8 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 21, 2014What’s On

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Sportage SX Luxury shown hwy / city 100km : 7.0L/10.0L

WEEKLY

DON’T PAYNEXT YEAR‡

+OWN IT FROM

WEEKLY

$76WEEKLY

OWN IT FROM

2015

Offer includes delivery, destination, fees and a $1,250 loan rebate†. Offer based on 2015 SorentoLX AT (SR75BF) with a selling price of $27,532.

0%FINANCING FOR

84 MONTHS

$0DOWN

PAYMENT

LX AT

Sorento EX shown hwy / city 100km : 9.0L/12.7L

DON’T PAYNEXT YEAR‡

+

WEEKLY

7L

UP TO

CASHBONUS*

$5,0002014 SPORTAGE

Sportage SX AT Luxury AWD shown

UP TO

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$3,7502014 RIO

Rio4 SX with Navigation shown

UP TO

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$5,0002014 OPTIMA

Optima SX Turbo AT shown

“HIGHEST RANKED SMALL SUV IN INITIALQUALITY IN A TIE IN THE U.S.”

Sportage SX AT Luxury AWD shown h h

LAST

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OCT. 31

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EVENT

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AVAILABLE ON 2015 FINANCING OFFERS ONLY‡

OR CHOOSE GREAT CASH OFFERS

84UP TO

MONTHS0% FINANCING

ON SELECT 2015 MODELS

+

AVAILABLE ON CASH, FINANCE OR LEASE*

Offer(s) available on select new 2014/2015 models through participating dealers to qualified retail customers who take delivery from October 1 to 31, 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. All pricing 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 to qualified retail customers on approved credit for the new 2015 Sportage LX MT FWD (SP551F)/2015 Sorento 2.4L LX AT (SR75BF) with a selling price of $24,782/$27,532 and includes delivery and destination fees of up to $1,665, tire tax and AMVIC fee of $22 and a $0/$1,250 loan rebate. 364 weekly payments of $68/$76 for 84 months with $0 down payment. Credit fees of $0. Total obligation is $24,782/$27,532. See retailer for complete details. Cash purchase price offer for the new 2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F) with a selling price of $12,999 includes delivery and destination fees of $1,485, tire tax and AMVIC fee of $22 and a $4,503 cash credit (including a $3 dealer contribution). See retailer for complete details. *Cash bonus amounts are offered on select 2014/2015 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/$3,750 maximum cash bonus amount only available on the 2014 Sedona EX Luxury (SD75CE)/2014 Optima SX AT (OP749E)/2014 Sportage SX AT (SP758E)/2014 Rio4 SX AT (RO748E). †Loan rebate amounts are offered on select 2014/2015 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 October 31, 2014. See your dealer for complete details. ‡“Don’t Pay Until 2015” on select models (90-day payment deferral) applies to purchase financing offers on 2015 models on approved credit. No interest will accrue during the first 60 days of the finance contract. After this period, interest starts to accrue and the purchaser will repay the principal interest monthly over the term of the contract. Offer ends October 31, 2014. Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2015 Forte SX (FO748F)/2015 Sportage SX AT Luxury AWD (SP759F)/2015 Sorento 3.3L EX AT AWD (SR75HF)/2014 Sportage SX AT Luxury AWD (SP759E)/2014 Optima SX Turbo AT (OP748E)/2014 Rio4 SX with Navigation (RO749E) is $26,695/$38,495/$34,495/$38,295/$34,795/$22,295. Highway/city fuel consumption is based on the 2015 Sorento LX 2.4L GDI 4-cyl AT/2015 Sportage 2.4L 4-cyl AT/2015 Forte 1.8L MPI 4-cyl MT. 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 consumption will 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 study results 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.

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Rainbow Youth Theatre is pre-senting ‘Gypsy’ at the Sid Williams Theatre, co-directed and choreo-graphed by Dannette Bell and Susan Bradshaw.

This Broadway hit is the story of Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous bur-lesque queen from the 20’s and 30’s, and her domineering demand-ing mother, Rose. ‘Gypsy’ is full of well-known songs that audience members will want to hum along to. Let Me Entertain You, Everything’s Coming up Roses, and Together Wherever We go are just a few of the big numbers.

Musical Director, Denise Marquette, began working on the music for ‘Gypsy’ when the boxes of music arrived from New York in August. With 38 years of band and choral work teaching for the Vancouver School District, Marquette brings a wealth of expe-rience to RYT.

Dagmar Kilian has been a per-forming pianist and teacher for many years and has accompanied Rainbow shows for the past few. She has attended every rehearsal since September, accompanying soloists and choral numbers.

Over the last two months, Marquette gathered 11 more fine musicians to be players in the pit orchestra along with Kilian on piano.

Regular Sid attendees will recog-nize some of these musicians from previous musical theatre produc-tions over the years - Linsay Duncan and Al West on strings, Tom Spratt

and Ed Jones on winds, Celine Ouelette and Ross Robinson on brass. Rounding out the orchestra are Marcie Haley, Jan Adams, Chris Lewis, Anthony Dean-Boucher and Sean Pisto.

Individually, each of these instru-mentalists is an experienced, talent-ed musician; put them together in

an orchestra and the sound will soar through the rafters!

And what would musical theatre be without some superb singing? In the lead role of Rose, Susan Bradshaw and understudy Chelsea Keene, are strong actors and dynam-ic singers.

Vocal directors Lynn Hodge and

Susan Archibald certainly had an easy job as both experienced ladies came to rehearsals fully prepared. Playing Rose’s daughters, Michaela Demeo and Avery Payne have beautiful voic-es, and with strong chorus numbers throughout the show, Gypsy is sure to be a hit with music lovers.

Come to the Sid to be entertained. Come for the spectacle, the costumes, the story and characters. Or come for

the singing, dancing and acting, Or come to hear this great orchestra. You will not be disappointed.

Tickets for GYSPY are on sale now at the Sid Williams Theatre Box Office, or by phone (250-338-2430) and on-line at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com. Performance dates are: October 23, 24, and 25th at 7 pm.

- Article by Lynn Hodge

Last week to see ‘Gypsy’

Left to right, Michaela Demeo as Louise, Susan Bradshaw as Rose and Avry Payne as June. Photo by Terry Penney

FLAMENCO DE LA COSTA IN COURTENAY FOR ONE NIGHT ONLYFlamenco de la Costa is a collaboration of flamenco artists who have lived and studied flamenco on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Currently living across the Island, from Tofino to Victoria, the group retains its West Coast flare for flamenco.Flamenco de la Costa adds its own Vancouver Island flare to the already complex expressions that flamenco exudes. The show will ignite your passions for all of life’s beauty, pain, oppression, humour and joy.The troupe is coming to the Bridge Lounge in Courtenay for one night only: Friday October 24. Doors open at 8:00 PM and the show starts at 8:30. Tickets are $12 at the door. The show will feature 5 dancers performing solo and group numbers. They are accompanied by percussionist Thérese Bouchard of Tofino, and renowned flamenco guitarist Gareth Owen from Victoria. Check out Gareth Owen’s website for a sample of his world-class flamenco. http://www.flamencoguitar.ca/

COMOX VALLEY FARMERS MARKET • 9-12 every Saturday at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay. Come for the fresh-ness, stay for the fun! FMI: Mkt. Mgr. Vickey 250.218-0321 or or www.comox-valleyfarmersmarket.com & keep in touch on Facebook.COURTENAY LEGION • Meat draws every Saturday 2-5 p.m. in the lounge.COMOX LEGION • Meat draws are held every Saturday 3 p.m. plus Ace of Spades draw.

COMOX SENIORS TEA DANCE • Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month between 2 -4 p.m.. People of all ages welcome. Come and Dance or just listen to the live music and join us for tea/cof-fee.$5.00 per person .1801 Beaufort Ave.Comox

CRIBBAGE • Every Monday night, 7:00, at the Royston Hall, corner of Old Island Highway and Royston Road. No need to bring a partner. FMI: 250-334-1883.LADIES AUXILIARY DROP-IN BINGO • Comox Legion Ladies Auxiliary Drop-in Bingo, upper hall. Doors open 6 pm, bingo 7 p.m. All money goes to charities. Free coffee and tea.

VISIT THE COMOX VALLEY LIONS CLUB • On Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 pm at the Lions Den, 1729 (rear) Comox Ave., and learn how you can help our community. Call 250-339-4628 for more information.

ANNUAL BAZAAR • The Comox United Church Women will be holding their Annual Bazaar on Nov. 1, Saturday, from 9:30 am to 12 noon at Comox United Church, 250 Beach Ave., the corner of Comox Ave. and Beach. There will be home baking, sewing, knitting, crafts, books, puzzles, DVDs, a Treasure table, Calendars and Tea Tables. All are wel-come. FMI call Laurie Davis at 339-4229.

ENGAGED VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT • Morning workshop Wednesday, Nov. 5, 9 - 12 noon; learn the basics of volunteer management, from recruitment & selec-tion, to training, evaluation & recogni-tion. $20; Courtenay Firehall, upstairs; Register at the Lewis Centre 250-338-5371.TIME MANAGEMENT FOR NON-PROFITS • Afternoon workshop 1:30 - 4 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 5; learn vital skills to help you manage your time wisely. $20; Courtenay Firehall, upstairs; Register at the Lewis Centre 250-338-5371.MEET & GREET FOR MANAGERS OF VOLUNTEERS • 12:15 - 1:15 pm, Courtenay Fire Hall Upstairs; Nov 5 is International Volunteer Managers Day; come and celebrate, meet AVRBC rep Anne-Marie and learn about the Administrators of Volunteer Resources BC; make great connections and find out about a host of resources available for you. Time: 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm, free, Coffee, tea and snacks provided. FMI Volunteer Comox Valley 250-334-8063.

LOST FAMILIES FOUND • Everyone wel-come to attend. Genealogy Meeting Nov 6th from 7-9 Maritime Heritage Centre. Our speaker is Heather McEdie who will unravel the DNA trail of her family and explain how to do your own DNA testing. Library open 6-7 before meeting. For info Janice 250-203-0585 Campbell River Genealogy Society

PEARL ELLIS GALLERY IN COMOX PRES-ENTS • A SHOW & SALE BY “THE COMOX VALLEY CAMERA CLUB” From Oct 21st - Nov 9th. Open Tues - Sat from 10 am - 4 pm, Sun 1 - 4 pm, Closed Monday. Free Admission. Located at 1729 Comox Avenue. FMI see www.pearlellisgallery.com or see our virtual gallery on our web site or our Facebook pageSAVE PUBLIC HEALTH CARE TOWN HALL MEETING • Comox Valley Council of Canadians welcomes Maude Barlow, national chairperson of the Council of Canadians, as part of an expert panel discussing threats to our public health care system - and what each of us can do to protect it. 7:00-9:00 pm, Tuesday, Oct, 21, Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. FMI call Kathie at 250-334-4608ROYAL PURPLE DROP-IN BINGO • Every Tuesday night, 7 p.m., at the Elks Home on Sixth St.COMOX VALLEY WOOD CARVERS • If you are interested in any type of wood carv-ing please join us at the Royston Community Hall every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 3 PM for a day of carving and learning about carving. No experience necessary. FMI call Al at 250-331-0156 or Jim at 250-339-5350.CUMBERLAND LEGION BINGO • Every Tuesday night, guaranteed 22 games per night. Doors open 6 p.m., first game 7 p.m. Come out and support your com-munity.

PLAY BRIDGE • Every Wednesday at 7:00 pm at the Royston Hall, 3902 Old Island Hwy and Royston Road. FMI: 250-334-1883 or roystonhall.com and on Facebook at Royston Community ClubCOURTENAY LEGION • Every Wednesday: Drop-in Darts 1:00.COMOX VALLEY NEEDLEARTS GUILD • Meets at Berwick Comox Valley Retirement Residence, 1700 Comox Avenue, 7:00-9:00pm, every Wednesday. New members are welcome; we do crossstitch, canvas-work, Hardanger, Huck embroidery, etc., bring your stitch-ery! Call FMI 250-334-0935.

COURTENAY LEGION • Every Thursday: Crib & Gucci 6:30, Men’s Darts 7:00. FMI: Courtenay Legion office at 250-334-4322.THERAPEUTIC RELAXATION PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH CANCER IN THEIR LIVES • Thursdays, 3-4 p.m., Nursing Centre, 615 10th St., Courtenay. Free. Sponsored by BC Cancer Foundation, BC Cancer Agency, Pacific Therapy and Consulting. FMI: Diane Davies 250-338-2700.THERAPEUTIC RELAXATION PROGRAM FOR PERSONS EXPERIENCING CHRONIC PAIN OR ILLNESS • Thursdays, 1:15-2:30 p.m., Nursing Centre, 615 10th St. Free. Sponsored by the Nursing Centre. FMI: Diane Davie 250-338-2700.COMOX VALLEY SCHOOLHOUSE QUILTERS GUILD • Meets every Thursday, from 9 A.M. till 9 P.M. at the Cumberland Cultural Centre (Buchanan Hall). For further information please contact - Carol 871-6671 or Nerissa 941-1809.

COURTENAY LEGION • Meat draws every Friday, 5-7 pm.COMOX LEGION • Meat draws every Friday, 3 p.m. Open to all Legion mem-bers and signed in guests.

FREE SYMPHONY COMMUNITY DAY • Saturday October 25, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Port Theatre, Nanaimo. Musical Instrument Zoo, Meet the Conductor, Symphony Rehearsal (Complimentary Tickets: 250-754-8550). www.vancou-verislandsymphony.comAFTERNOON JAM • With Gord Kruger and “The Amigos”. Enjoy a lively after-noon of dancing and relaxing with Gord Kreuger and his band every Saturday, 2pm to 6pm in the Courtenay Legion Lounge. 367 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay.

EVERY ONEMAKES A

DIFFERENCE

It only takes one drop of oil to contaminate a milliondrops of water – and thankfully, it only takes onesimple act to prevent this from ever happening.Please do your part, by doing your best to recycle.

Whatever the item – from used oil and antifreeze, tocar tires and old medications – just visit BCRecycles.orgor download the BCRecyclepedia App to find a recyclingcentre near you.

Get the app:BC Recyclepedia

What’s OnComox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 21, 2014 A9

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

COURTENAY

Rt. 7107 – Grieve to McPhee, 13th to 17th

Rt. 7120 – Cliffe to Fitzgerald, 1st to 4th

Rt. 8111 – Tull to Piercy, 21st to 19th

Rt. 8121 – Cousins, Rosewall

COMOX

Rt. 1109A – Highwood, Ascot, Beaconsfield,

Buxton, Chantry

Rt. 2118 – Comox Ave., Orchard Park Dr.,

Baybrook, Filberg Rd.

MISSION HILL

Rt. 5102 – Stafford, Valecourt, Cruikshank.

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

WHAT’SONIn the Comox Valley

21 TUESDAY

22 WEDNESDAY

23 THURSDAY

24 FRIDAY

25 SATURDAY

26 SUNDAY

27 MONDAY

28 TUESDAY

1 SATURDAY

5 WEDNESDAY

6 THURSDAY

We have been fortunate to attract Norbert Kögging to Courtenay four times during the past four years. This year is no exception. Dutch vocalist, Kögging is delighted to return to Canada for a fifth year and to cele-brate the release of his sophomore album, “Sketches of Ordinary Life” in what has become his second home-land.

It’s an indication of the growing stature of Courtenay as a centre for live jazz performance; Kögging’s tour touches Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta before arriving at the west coast. Courtenay is - as before - the westernmost venue, and we’re proud to be on the schedule. His previous performances have been stellar, as he has entertained us with primarily his self-penned material combining mod-ern jazz with poetic lyrics, largely based on his life experiences.

Norbert Kögging, (composer/lyri-cist) vocals is accompanied once again on this tour with Folkert Oosterbeek, (composer) piano; Tobias Nojboer, bass and Felix Schlarmann, drums. Georgia Straight Jazz Society is really fortunate to be able to attract this European talent to the Avalanche

stage.Norbert Kögging graduated from

the Masters Vocal Jazz program at the Conservatory of Amsterdam in 2009 after a trip to the Banff Centre’s ‘Creative Music Winter Residency’.

A couple of years later, after a long night in their favorite Amsterdam pub, he and pianist Folkert Oosterbeek made their plans to form a band to play and develop the music he had created in Canada. With drummer Felix Schlarmann and bass player Tobias Nijboer on board, the newly formed group KØGGING, returned to the Banff Centre in 2011 to record their debut album, Daydreaming.

Following the Canadian recording, Norbert took the opportunity to get on the road and tour across the coun-

try. This was the start of KØGGING’s special relationship with Canada and since then, the band has returned to tour each year.

After ‘Daydreaming’ Norbert want-ed his second album to be based on a cohesive concept. He took the idea ‘Sketches of Ordinary Life’ as a start-ing point. Norbert wanted to write an album with lyrics that would display the things that concern him privately and publicly. ‘Right From The Start’, for example, is about the birth of Norbert’s daughter in 2013. Observations are also an important source for his lyrics and can be heard on songs like ‘Yesterday’s Horizon’ and ‘Fly Out’. Folkert Oosterbeek and Norbert K_gging worked together to create all of the compositions on the new album.

Although ‘Sketches of Ordinary Life’ seems to be very broad as a framework, it was enough for Norbert to work with. Because it remained as a strong anchor point throughout the whole writing process, it felt logical to use it as the album title: ‘Sketches of Ordinary Life’.

So this Thursday promises to be very special. Come on down and dis-cover why Courtenay has become a significant jazz hotbed. Show time is 7:30pm. Plan on arriving early for the best seats, especially if you’re meet-ing friends; earlier still if you’re plan-ning on ordering one of the jazz night Greek dinners before the show. Admission is $10 for members, $12 for non-members. For full informa-tion on the Society’s forthcoming events, visit www.georgiastaightjazz.com, or find us on Facebook.

Society members are reminded that the AGM will be held at The Avalanche at 5:30pm on October 30.

Norbert Kögging

Lynn Jackson

Jilli Martini opens for Ontario songstress Lynn Jackson Thursday at the Zocalo

This Thursday, Oct. 23 there will be a special evening of music at The Zocalo, in Courtenay. Comox Valley local singer Jilli Martini, is delighted to open the night for the lovely and talented Lynn Jackson, of Kitchener Ontario.

These two performers met when Lynn came out west for a tour in 2013.

Lynn Jackson, a folk-roots singer/songwriter (on the label Busted Flat Records (www.bustedflatrecords.com ) has been performing for 15 years and touring Canada regularly since 2006. She has shared stages with the likes of Ron Sexsmith, Fred Eaglesmith and Jay Semko (The Northern Pikes)

An authenticity runs through Canadian artist Lynn Jackson’s music that reflects a deep commit-ment to telling stories that ring true with listeners. Combine this with her gentle voice, rich instrumenta-tion and sweet melodies and you get a sound that is roots-Americana with a hint of folk-pop.

As audiences warm to her soulful storytelling style, Jackson is solidify-ing her place as one of the most original and compelling voices on the Canadian folk music scene.

For info, visit www.lynnjackson.net / The Jilli Martini Band on Facebook

Thursday Oct 23 at 7pm, Zocalos in Courtenay.

Some great things turn into traditions at Thursday night jazz club meetings

A10 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 21, 2014 A11

A great read for any pet owner.

Runs 2nd Tuesday ofevery month!

Book your ads now with one of our

Sales Representatives

250-334-4722

Give A TipONLINE

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

Tell uswhatyou know,not whoyou are.

CARRIERS WANTEDEARN $$$$$$$$

No Collection RequiredCall COMOX VALLEY ECHO

250−334−4734or drop by 407−D 5th Street, Courtenay

COURTENAYRt. 7107 – Grieve to McPhee, 13th to

17thRt. 7120 – Cliffe to Fitzgerald, 1st to 4thRt. 8111 – Tull to Piercy, 21st to 19thRt. 8121 – Cousins, Rosewall

COMOXRt. 1109A – Highwood, Ascot,

Beaconsfi eld, Buxton, Chantry

Rt. 2118 – Comox Ave., Orchard Park Dr., Baybrook, Filberg Rd.

MISSION HILLRt. 5102 – Stafford, Valecourt,

Cruikshank.

The Comox Valley Echo, a twice weekly, long established and award winning

newspaper in Courtenay, has an opening for an advertising sales consultant.

The successful applicant will have at least three years of sales experience and training, preferably in traditional and/or digital media. You are results driven, marketing minded and a team oriented person. You will be computer literate, excel at developing client relationships and provide top notch service, ideas and solutions, to our print, insert and digital customers. You will also thrive in a changing, fast moving marketplace. Superior communication and time management skills are required as well as a valid B.C. drivers license and reliable vehicle.

The position offers a very competitive compensation package including bonuses, benefit package and car allowance.

Please direct resumes to:The Publisher, Comox Valley Echo

407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay B.C. V9N 1J7Email: dmacdonald@comoxvalleyecho.com

Thank you to all who apply, but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

WesternOne.ca250.331.07482981 Moray Ave,

Courtenay

250.339.4518662 Anderton Road,

Comox3.99% Finance Rate for 36 Months: This is a limited time offer which is valid for the purchase of selected qualifying models and is subject to credit approval from TD Auto Finance (TDAF) on qualified purchases financed during this program. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change and may be extended or terminated without further notice. See participating retailers for complete details and conditions. Rates from other lenders may vary. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Minimum amount to finance is $5,000. Example: $7,500 financed at 3.99% over 36 months = 36 monthly payments of $221.40 with a cost of borrowing of $470.40 and a total obligation of $7,970.40. Freight, license, PPSA/RPDRM, insurance, registration, any retailer administration fees and other applicable fees and taxes are not included in the financed amount. Dealers are free to set individual prices, but must be enrolled with TDAF to participate. Offer is valid only in Canada and does not apply to prior purchases. The 3 Year Factory Warranty offer consists of a standard 1 year factory warranty plus an additional 2 years of additional factory warranty coverage. The 2 Year Factory Warranty offer consists of a standard 1 year factory warranty plus an additional 1 year of additional factory warranty coverage. The additional factory warranty offer is subject to a $50.00 deductible per visit after the first year. All rebates are paid to the dealer. Factory Authorized Clearance offers are effective on all new 2012 - 2015 Polaris snowmobiles purchased from a participating Polaris dealer between 10/1/14 and 10/31/14. Polaris 2015 snowmobiles that were ordered under the SnowCheck program do not qualify. See your local dealer for details.

GREAT DEALS – GOING ON –

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A12 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, October 21, 2014

• A Little Lift

• 40 Knots Winery

• Blue Moon Winery

• Canadian Western Bank

• Comox Valley Echo

• Comox Valley Lifeline Society

• Comox Recreation

• Connect Hearing

• Courtenay Family Chiropactic

• Courtenay Recreation

• Cure for Clutter

• Dennis Richardson Purple Shield

• Diamond Counselling

• Evergreen Seniors

• First Insurance

• Georgia Straight Jazz Society

• Gordon Hearing Services

• Luxe Aesthetic Medicine

• Roxanne`s Fashions

• Royal LePage/Robynne & Mike Fisher

• Square 1 Travelplus

• Uniglobe Travel Alliance

• Volunteer Comox Valley

• Woofy’s Pet Foods

NOON - 1PM

2 PMFashion Show by Roxanne`s

Drums then Country Linedancing Demos with Gloria Greive

Music Provided by

Georgia Straight

Jazz Society

11 AM - NOON

1 PM - 2 PM

11:30 - 12:15 PM

Cure For ClutterAn informative talk on professional organizing servicesJill Brown

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$2 OFFany 2.3kg bag

2400 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay .................................250.338.0455

2056 S. Island Hwy, Campbell River ..................250.923.5881

#46-1760 Comox Ave, Comox ............................250.339.2272

#12-795 Ryan Rd, Courtenay ..............................250.338.0424

SCAN THIS

CODE

with your

phone

FURminator Grooming Essentials Kit for Dogs

WANT SOME MORE DEALS?For Weekly Specials and Special Offersonly found on our website go to

www.woofys.ca

Flyer in Effect Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014 - Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014 (or While Supplies Last) * Special Orders not Included * Free Delivery on Wednesdays with a minimum $25.00 order * HST applicable to all Promotions * All Discounts based on Regular Non-Sale Prices

* Sunday Shopping Cash & Carry Only *Coupons must be from the Original Flyer. Photocopies not accepted.

*7 Day Specials / Coupons Valid Tuesday, Oct 21, 2014 - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2014*

THE LARGEST PET FOOD SELECTION

on the North Island“Quote from Pete”

FREE DELIVERY 1 DAY/WEEK250.338.0455 • 250.923.5881

The journey of life is sweeter when

traveled with a dog.

AMAZING OFFER FROM

Value Added Promo!&

• High levels of premium

quality animal protein• No grain or gluten added

25%OFF

REG. PRICE

HILL’S TRUCKLOAD SALE

NIGHT OR DAYSAFETY REFLECTIVE VEST

GREAT DOG TREATS!

GREAT CAT TREATS!

GREAT SAVINGS!

$5599DOG FOOD13.6 Kg Bag

Reg. Price $79.99

• Premium Lamb & Rice

• Puppy, Adult, Light or Senior Dry

• Dog Collars• Dog Leads• Dog Harnesses• Dog Floatation Vests

• All Sizes • All Flavours

• All Sizes • All Flavours• 3oz bag

Dog and Cat Food Tins

BUY 5 GET 2 FREE

2 FOR $4

D1

R

CAT FOOD7.9 Kg Bag

Reg. Price $57.99

C7

R

SALE PRICE!All Flavours & Sizes

SALE PRICE!Natural Dog Food

$5499

CAT FOOD• All sizes V• Tins & Bags

• New & Improved Formula & Packaging

20%OFF

REG. PRICE

25%OFF

REG. PRICE

20%OFF

REG. PRICE

20%OFF

REG. PRICEBAGS OR TINS!

CANINE & FELINEHEALTH NUTRITION

GREAT SAVINGS!ALL SIZES & FLAVORS

CAT FOODALL FLAVOURS • ALL SIZES

NEW AT WOOFY’S NEW AT WOOFY’S

$300OFF

REG. PRICE

*7 Days Only* Offer Ends Tues, Oct. 28, 2014 or while supplies last.

7DAYSONLY!

7DAYSONLY!

1 FREE ENGRAVED DOG TAG

WITH $20 PURCHASE AND THIS COUPON. ONE PER PURCHASE / PER CUSTOMER

Buy one bag of FirstMate New Chicken with Blueberries Cat 1.8kg and 4.54kg bags and receive

1 FREE 8kg Natural Grain-based Cat Litter BagOffer expires Wed. Nov. 12, 2014

Offer expires Fri. Oct 31, 2014 or While Supplies Last

Colors:Gold, Red

Orange OnlyDark Green

Only

7 DAYS ONLY! 7 DAYS

ONLY!HILL’S TRUCKLOAD SALE

$4599

35%OFF

REGULAR PRICE7 DAYS

ONLY!

Pet Costume CONTEST!

10 DAYS ONLY

PPP e ee

S U N DAY, O C T. 2 6 AT 2 : 0 0 P M Dress your pet in a fun or frightening

costume and bring them to the Comox Rec. Centre *Stage* 250-339-2272 1855 Noel Ave,

Comox and your Pet could win a Prize!

*7 Days Only* Offer Ends Tues, Oct. 28, 2014 or while supplies last.

*7 Days Only* Offer Ends Tues, Oct. 28, 2014 or while supplies last.

Expires Wed. Nov 12, 2014 or While Supplies Last

While Supplies Last

$4999

7 DAYS ONLY! 7 DAYS ONLY!

25%OFF

REG. PRICE

ALL WEST PAW

TOYS

N.C. LID Lamb & Rice Adult 13.6kgN.C. Lamb & Rice Small Bites Adult 13.6kgN.C. Lite Adult 13.6kgN.C. LID Lamb & Rice Senior 13.6kgN.C. LID Lamb & Rice Large Breed Adult 13.6kgN.C. LID Lamb & Rice Large Breed Puppy 13.6kg

*7 Days Only* Offer Ends Tues, Oct. 28, 2014 *7 Days Only* Offer Ends Tues, Oct. 28, 2014