July 31, 2012 - News Leader
BY-ELECTION NOTES by W. George Elliott
The Town of Princeton by-election is very near. For many voters (myself included) it will be over this week with the Advance Poll August 1st, while many others will wait until General Voting Day (August 11th) to cast their ballot. What does this by-election mean to Princeton? It was called to fill the Mayor’s seat vacated earlier this year with the passing of Mayor Fred Thomas. The Town Council elected last November was only months into their three-year term of office when Thomas’ seat became vacant. The by-election could easily have been for just one seat on Town Council, but in a by-election, sitting members of Council can run to fill vacant seats. They have to resign their seat on Town Council first and one member did just that. The other side of the coin is that all sitting members of Town Council could have chosen to resign and seek the Mayor’s seat. Luckily for local residents, that didn’t happen but when one member of Council resigned his seat to seek the Mayor’s, it opened up another position on Town Council for voters to elect a member of their community to fill. There are a total of four candidates in the by-election. Two are running for Mayor (Frank Armitage and Rosemary Doughty), the other two (Doug Pateman and Rob Rubis) are seeking the Councillor seat on Council. Of those four, only one has experience on Princeton Town Council. What makes this election different from the one in November? Probably the biggest difference between the two elections is issues. While a number of them seemed to swirl around leading up to the November election, changes to local health care services have since become the single, solitary key issue going into the August by-election. All four Candidates have stated their positions on health care, and the Princeton hospital ER situation in particular, and although I haven’t heard anything new from any of them, I will say that for a change all the Candidates are standing firm and facing the same direction with this issue. So basically you have a one-issue election with four people to choose from to fill two seats. All candidates are on the same page regarding the only issue being discussed with this election and it pretty much matches with the position the existing Town Council has on the same issue. This means that – on paper at least – any two of the candidates elected should be a good fit. The only thing voters need to consider with this by-election is trying to choose the best fit of candidates to the existing council. The only other thing that will affect this by-election is the date. The date is nobody’s fault, I should point out, as guidelines set out by Elections BC spell out exactly when an election (or in this case, a by-election) can take place. An August election will likely have a poor voter turn out, but I hope I’m wrong. The Advance Poll will take place Wednesday, August 1st at the Public Meeting Room of Princeton Library (107 Vermilion Avenue). Polls are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. General Voting day is Saturday, August 11th at Princeton’s Royal Canadian Legion Hall (170 Bridge Street). Polls will be open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Good luck, Candidates! May the best ones be elected.
RCMP NEWS
At 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 26th, Princeton RCMP responded to a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 3 and Bridge Street in Princeton. A vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 3 turned north onto Bridge Street in front of a vehicle approaching westbound on Highway 3. Occupants from both vehicles were transported to Princeton General Hospital by BC Ambulance Service, and all parties were later released from hospital with non-life threatening injuries. At approximately 5:45 PM on Friday, July 27th Princeton RCMP received a report of a suspicious occurrence in the area of Allison Avenue and Asp Street in Princeton. Two children stated they were aggressively approached by a female who attempted to speak with them. The children did not know the female and went home and advised their mother of the incident. The female was a passenger in a silver car with a male driver. The intentions of the occupants of the vehicle are unknown at this time. The RCMP remind parents to speak with their children and to educate them on how to react when approached by strangers. If you have any information or knowledge of this incident you are asked to contact Princeton RCMP at 250.295.6911.
The Town of Princeton by-election is very near. For many voters (myself included) it will be over this week with the Advance Poll August 1st, while many others will wait until General Voting Day (August 11th) to cast their ballot. What does this by-election mean to Princeton? It was called to fill the Mayor’s seat vacated earlier this year with the passing of Mayor Fred Thomas. The Town Council elected last November was only months into their three-year term of office when Thomas’ seat became vacant. The by-election could easily have been for just one seat on Town Council, but in a by-election, sitting members of Council can run to fill vacant seats. They have to resign their seat on Town Council first and one member did just that. The other side of the coin is that all sitting members of Town Council could have chosen to resign and seek the Mayor’s seat. Luckily for local residents, that didn’t happen but when one member of Council resigned his seat to seek the Mayor’s, it opened up another position on Town Council for voters to elect a member of their community to fill. There are a total of four candidates in the by-election. Two are running for Mayor (Frank Armitage and Rosemary Doughty), the other two (Doug Pateman and Rob Rubis) are seeking the Councillor seat on Council. Of those four, only one has experience on Princeton Town Council. What makes this election different from the one in November? Probably the biggest difference between the two elections is issues. While a number of them seemed to swirl around leading up to the November election, changes to local health care services have since become the single, solitary key issue going into the August by-election. All four Candidates have stated their positions on health care, and the Princeton hospital ER situation in particular, and although I haven’t heard anything new from any of them, I will say that for a change all the Candidates are standing firm and facing the same direction with this issue. So basically you have a one-issue election with four people to choose from to fill two seats. All candidates are on the same page regarding the only issue being discussed with this election and it pretty much matches with the position the existing Town Council has on the same issue. This means that – on paper at least – any two of the candidates elected should be a good fit. The only thing voters need to consider with this by-election is trying to choose the best fit of candidates to the existing council. The only other thing that will affect this by-election is the date. The date is nobody’s fault, I should point out, as guidelines set out by Elections BC spell out exactly when an election (or in this case, a by-election) can take place. An August election will likely have a poor voter turn out, but I hope I’m wrong. The Advance Poll will take place Wednesday, August 1st at the Public Meeting Room of Princeton Library (107 Vermilion Avenue). Polls are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. General Voting day is Saturday, August 11th at Princeton’s Royal Canadian Legion Hall (170 Bridge Street). Polls will be open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Good luck, Candidates! May the best ones be elected.
RCMP NEWS
At 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 26th, Princeton RCMP responded to a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 3 and Bridge Street in Princeton. A vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 3 turned north onto Bridge Street in front of a vehicle approaching westbound on Highway 3. Occupants from both vehicles were transported to Princeton General Hospital by BC Ambulance Service, and all parties were later released from hospital with non-life threatening injuries. At approximately 5:45 PM on Friday, July 27th Princeton RCMP received a report of a suspicious occurrence in the area of Allison Avenue and Asp Street in Princeton. Two children stated they were aggressively approached by a female who attempted to speak with them. The children did not know the female and went home and advised their mother of the incident. The female was a passenger in a silver car with a male driver. The intentions of the occupants of the vehicle are unknown at this time. The RCMP remind parents to speak with their children and to educate them on how to react when approached by strangers. If you have any information or knowledge of this incident you are asked to contact Princeton RCMP at 250.295.6911.
Princeton Museum Crime Solvers!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton Museum Operations Manager Robin Lowe, right, demonstrates fingerprinting as part of the CSI Camp hosted at the site July 24th. With assistance from Princeton RCMP Cst. Anthony Pankratz, participants were introduced to a 'crime scene' and discovered clues which lead them to solve the crime!
Racing For the Gold!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The 'Olympic Celebrations' fun night at Princeton Centennial Pool was cancelled July 25th due to weather. Unsettled weather in the area has produced numerous thundershowers and as a safety precaution, this special event was cancelled. However, the clouds parted and sunny skies prevailed so those who braved the weather to swim in the pool got to play a number of games including races and diving contests.
July 24, 2012 - News Leader
TOWN COUNCIL IN BRIEF
The July 16 meeting of Town Council included several items of interest. Council had asked for proposals from local real estate agencies to market industrial lots owned by the Town. After reviewing the proposals, the contract was awarded to Realty Executives. The former Bugnut business location at 107 Vermilion Avenue was flooded during the July 9 cloudburst and requires some repairs. This site is owned by the Town, and Council invited the Arts Council to use the building to display art until a suitable tenant can be found. During Question Period, Al Kovaltsenko advised Council that the Crisis Assistance shop, located a few doors from 107 Vermilion Avenue, was also flooded in the downpour, and there was damaged to items donated for sale. Kovaltsenko asked that the Town find a solution to the backflow of rainwater at that location as this is not the first time excessive rainfall has flooded the store. The BCGEU sent a letter asking for support for their opposition to the sell-off of the provincial Liquor Distribution Branch warehouses and other assets. Council decided to receive and file this letter, meaning Council would take no action. At the same time, Deputy Mayor Jason Earle remarked he is sure the matter will be a ‘hot issue’ at the UBCM conference in September, and he would like to hear the government reasons before Council makes a decision. The 2011 Town of Princeton Annual Report is available. This document describes Town of Princeton activity for the year, including financial reports. The document is on the Town website and is available at the Town office. Council had mentioned the size and success of the car show held in July, and during Question Period, Rob Rubis asked if there had been any complaints from Bridge Street businesses about the closure of several blocks of the street. Council was not aware of any complaints. Business owner Ed Muckle informed Council that he had heard complaints of lack of traffic control and the number of streets blocked, and hinted Council may hear the complaints in the future.
ARTS COUNCIL ENDS GOOD YEAR
Princeton Arts Council has come to the end of another year of real progress. The group hosted a second, bigger Spirit Festival in 2012, following the success of the 2011 initial Similkameen cultural event, in which schools and the museum participated. The theatre group has put on plays and Arts in the Park was a project to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of provincial parks in B.C. An excellent concert series last year featured an evening with Ian Tyson, this year’s Grand Master at the Calgary Stampede. The art gallery on Vermilion Avenue has been a successful showcase for the work of local artists and artisans. Funding for the projects and programs has increased due to the diligence of Princeton’s Arts Council members proving the Arts Council is a vibrantly active group. The summer music program includes music in the town square on Monday evenings by Princeton Community Band and on Saturday afternoons by various groups. The live music downtown has been well received, with many people gathering to enjoy the bands. Crimson Tine Players was disappointed at the lower attendance of their production of “Glorious” in June, but is undaunted. Auditions are taking place this month for a Christmas play, and a variety show is planned for October. The Arts Council is booking a concert series for autumn with a string quartet, an African group, and two other groups. Local residents can look forward to a lively autumn of entertainment. A recent decision by Town Council to invite the Arts Council to use the former Bugnut premises for additional art displays has brought a lot of excitement to Arts Council members. Because the premises has such good display potential, individual artists will be able to put on a show, and perhaps some artists outside the area will be interested in doing a show. The annual general meeting of the Arts Council will take place on September 19. The Arts Council is an administrative body for a large number of member groups such as Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists and the community band. Anyone interested in the arts may join the Arts Council as an individual.
The July 16 meeting of Town Council included several items of interest. Council had asked for proposals from local real estate agencies to market industrial lots owned by the Town. After reviewing the proposals, the contract was awarded to Realty Executives. The former Bugnut business location at 107 Vermilion Avenue was flooded during the July 9 cloudburst and requires some repairs. This site is owned by the Town, and Council invited the Arts Council to use the building to display art until a suitable tenant can be found. During Question Period, Al Kovaltsenko advised Council that the Crisis Assistance shop, located a few doors from 107 Vermilion Avenue, was also flooded in the downpour, and there was damaged to items donated for sale. Kovaltsenko asked that the Town find a solution to the backflow of rainwater at that location as this is not the first time excessive rainfall has flooded the store. The BCGEU sent a letter asking for support for their opposition to the sell-off of the provincial Liquor Distribution Branch warehouses and other assets. Council decided to receive and file this letter, meaning Council would take no action. At the same time, Deputy Mayor Jason Earle remarked he is sure the matter will be a ‘hot issue’ at the UBCM conference in September, and he would like to hear the government reasons before Council makes a decision. The 2011 Town of Princeton Annual Report is available. This document describes Town of Princeton activity for the year, including financial reports. The document is on the Town website and is available at the Town office. Council had mentioned the size and success of the car show held in July, and during Question Period, Rob Rubis asked if there had been any complaints from Bridge Street businesses about the closure of several blocks of the street. Council was not aware of any complaints. Business owner Ed Muckle informed Council that he had heard complaints of lack of traffic control and the number of streets blocked, and hinted Council may hear the complaints in the future.
ARTS COUNCIL ENDS GOOD YEAR
Princeton Arts Council has come to the end of another year of real progress. The group hosted a second, bigger Spirit Festival in 2012, following the success of the 2011 initial Similkameen cultural event, in which schools and the museum participated. The theatre group has put on plays and Arts in the Park was a project to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of provincial parks in B.C. An excellent concert series last year featured an evening with Ian Tyson, this year’s Grand Master at the Calgary Stampede. The art gallery on Vermilion Avenue has been a successful showcase for the work of local artists and artisans. Funding for the projects and programs has increased due to the diligence of Princeton’s Arts Council members proving the Arts Council is a vibrantly active group. The summer music program includes music in the town square on Monday evenings by Princeton Community Band and on Saturday afternoons by various groups. The live music downtown has been well received, with many people gathering to enjoy the bands. Crimson Tine Players was disappointed at the lower attendance of their production of “Glorious” in June, but is undaunted. Auditions are taking place this month for a Christmas play, and a variety show is planned for October. The Arts Council is booking a concert series for autumn with a string quartet, an African group, and two other groups. Local residents can look forward to a lively autumn of entertainment. A recent decision by Town Council to invite the Arts Council to use the former Bugnut premises for additional art displays has brought a lot of excitement to Arts Council members. Because the premises has such good display potential, individual artists will be able to put on a show, and perhaps some artists outside the area will be interested in doing a show. The annual general meeting of the Arts Council will take place on September 19. The Arts Council is an administrative body for a large number of member groups such as Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists and the community band. Anyone interested in the arts may join the Arts Council as an individual.
Talk About Friendly Skies!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The 5th annual Princeton Air Show July 21st at Princeton Airport featured the usual 'static' display of planes and those in attendances were permitted to get up close and personal with planes, pilots and owners prior to the start of the air show flying performances.
More Crazy Weather!
BBQ King - Uncensored!
Photo: Arlene Arlow
By Arlene Arlow, Volunteer Reporter
Similkameen News Leader
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LOCAL BBQ KING CROWNED – full version
This full news article includes candid comments about the meals and wines offered up at the 2012 BBQ King Competition. The comments are those of our volunteer news reporter Arlene Arlow, who is admittedly NOT a food critic nor a wine critic: she simply likes other people’s cooking. The invitation to help judge at the BBQ King competition was put to the media, and the Similkameen News Leader accepted the challenge. Criteria and protocols within which to judge “Best Food And Wine Pairing” were not provided. But alas, we are a newspaper (we print stuff). Your feedback will dictate whether Arlene gets invited to judge food and wine anywhere else!
Here is Arlene’s story:
The third annual Similkameen BBQ King competition at the Grist Mill in Keremeos was sold out – and for good reason. Over 200 guests enjoyed both wines and food from the Similkameen Valley and culinary creations from as far as Kelowna. Included in the competition was Chef Bernard Casavant, a member of the BC Restaurants Hall of Fame.
Being a novice wine and food judge, I wanted to do the event justice, and scoured the internet beforehand in an effort to learn what foods go with what wine and how to judge a wine. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that essentially, white wines are traditional for white meats, and red wines are traditional for red meats. So far, so good.
The ins and outs of wines on the pallet, acidity, sweetness, tannins, bouquet, body, color, mixing air with the wine in the mouth, letting the wine cross the tongue and other details were a bit more than I could remember. I started getting nervous, and I wasn’t even at the event yet. But, I was relieved to learn that wine and food tasting and pairing is ultimately a personal choice. There is never a perfect match made in heaven. I was told by the BBQ King event coordinator to just go on my instincts, and ‘lo, the internet also said wine and food pairing was up to the individual. Yeah! I could relax. I took pen and paper in order to write down comments for each entry in case the wine got the better of me and I started giving everyone 10 out of 10. I was ready.
All chefs at the 2012 BBQ King competition had to include five key Similkameen Valley ingredients in their presentation: chicken, beets, parsley, rhubarb and warba potatos. Needless to say, the dominant color on everyone’s plate was red. Each chef’s creation was paired with a Similkameen wine, poured by either an owner or staff member from the respective winery.
The Delta Grand Okanagan in Kelowna sent Ross Derrick, Chef De Partie. His wine of choice was Forbidden Fruit Winery’s Cherysh Cherry Rose. Ross offered Blackburn Farms Tandoori BBQ Chicken with salad and potatos. The slightly-spicy meal was served in a cone cup with a bit of naan bread. The meal, I felt, was less than the name suggested. I found the dinner’s visual presentation rather lacking. The wine and food pairing was very good. The wonderful full-bodied fruity wine - together with a wonderful sherbet-like Rhubard Lassi Ice - made the meal.
The Hillside Winery & Bistro near Penticton sent Rob Cordonier, Executive Chef. His wine of choice was Eau Vivre 2009 Pinot Noir. Rob offered House Made Chicken Sausage with rhubarb pickles, truffled beet root and potato brioche. I personally found the sausage too rich. Aside from the sausage, the meal had a nice balance of taste. The pairing of wine and food was good. The wine was easy on the palette and presented an all-round pleasant drink.
The Penticton Lakeside Resort sent Chris Remington, Executive Chef. Their wine of choice was Cerelia’s Misceo MMIX (for those who aren’t familiar with Roman Numerals, MMIX translates to 2009). Chris offered up Grilled Organic Chicken on a beet and goat cheese. The meal was rounded out with salad, rhubarb chutney and potatos. The meal provided a pleasant array of food flavours. The wine was an interesting dry wine. The wine and food pairing was good, although the wine detracted slightly from the meal.
The Stuffed Pepper Restaurant in Summerland offered up owner and chef Ayman Kanaan. His wine of choice was a Plum Rose from Rustic Roots in Cawston. Dinner was Organic Mediterranean BBQ Chicken with shoestring potatos, cream sauce, and rhubarb beet chutney. As a first-time judge, I found the meal visually unexciting with rather blended flavours. The Plum Rose was exquisite, however, with a wonderful balance of fruitiness and tang. This wine would go well with almost anything.
The Manteo Resort sent Chef Bernard Casavant. His wine of choice was Orofino Winery’s 2011 Gamay. The dinner featured Black Bird Organics Free Range Chicken Roulade with a star anise glaze, saskatoon berry chutney, beet salad and fry bread. This meal was perhaps the most visually appealing, with care taken so as not to “blend” colors on the plate. The food flavours remained distinct on the pallete. The pairing of wine and food was excellent. This was Orofino’s rollout of its red 2011 Gamay.
The Terrafina Restaurant sent Chef Natasha Schooten. Her wine choice was Robin Ridge Winery’s 2010 Gamay. The meal offered up three distinct portions, all of which were delicious. The wine seemed rather neutral to the palette, yet it definitely held one’s interest. I felt the pairing of wine and food was great. The majority of the judges for this category thought that the pairing was more than “great” and gave the duo top marks: Terrafina and Robin Ridge were voted as Best Wine And Food Pairing at the 2012 Similkameen BBQ King Competition. Congratulations!
Walnut Beach Resort sent Executive Chef Justin Paakkunainen. The wine of choice was Seven Stones’ Speaking Rock 2011 Pinot Rose. The meal offered a nice balance of spicy, tangy and sweet. Visually, the meal was exquisite and balanced, with a few dynamic but delicate flower petals topping the presentation. I found the wine had a slight bite, but this simply enhanced the spice on the chicken. Pairing of food and wine was excellent.
Rounding out the field was Chef Gregor Fuchs, proprietor of Gregor’s Gourmet from Keremeos. His wine choice was Clos du Soleil’s Capella 2010. Gregor offered up Apple Smoked Chicken with beets, potatos, rhubarb chutney, hazelnut shortbread and rhubarb sorbet. Gregor’s visual presentation was excellent with deep colors and sorbet at the edge of the meal as a visual compliment. The meal’s ingredients were carefully prepared with respect to flavour and texture. Although pleasant on the palette, the wine wasn’t as exciting as the food. Thus, the pairing of food and wine, in my opinion, could have been a bit better. The majority found his meal superb: Gregor was crowned the 2012 Similkameen BBQ King! When asked, he admitted to spending 20 hours preparing for the competition. Gregor opened his humble catering business just one year ago, and has already taken the BBQ King crown from last year’s winner Chef Chris Van Hooydonk (who was unable to attend due to an emergency). Congratulations Gregor!
All in all, the evening was a wonderful experience. Folks from the Similkameen, Okanagan and tourists from all over enjoyed the food, wine, live music, socializing, weather and amazing lack of mosquitos. I learned later that there were professional food and wine critics doing the very thing I was doing at the Grist Mill July 14th. I expect their perspective will be void of comments on the local mosquito population, but even mosquitos can ruin a meal. I met some really nice folks, spun some yarns, learned that it takes almost 2 hours to properly judge eight meals and accompanying wines, and that wines really DO have different personalities. It was a daunting task (with fun, of course) but I pulled it off. I am no expert, but being an avid photographer and published author, I know what I like. There you have it.
All chefs in the competition donate their time, and as such, are to be applauded for their commitment. With recent accolades both in Canada and the United States, Similkameen wines are not a well-kept secret anymore: even EnRoute Magazine is taking notice. Check out the Similkameen Wineries Association websitehttp://similkameenwine.com/ to learn more. And hey, if you want a wine or food judge, just send a ticket. I’d be glad to help!
Similkameen News Leader
---------------------------------------------
LOCAL BBQ KING CROWNED – full version
This full news article includes candid comments about the meals and wines offered up at the 2012 BBQ King Competition. The comments are those of our volunteer news reporter Arlene Arlow, who is admittedly NOT a food critic nor a wine critic: she simply likes other people’s cooking. The invitation to help judge at the BBQ King competition was put to the media, and the Similkameen News Leader accepted the challenge. Criteria and protocols within which to judge “Best Food And Wine Pairing” were not provided. But alas, we are a newspaper (we print stuff). Your feedback will dictate whether Arlene gets invited to judge food and wine anywhere else!
Here is Arlene’s story:
The third annual Similkameen BBQ King competition at the Grist Mill in Keremeos was sold out – and for good reason. Over 200 guests enjoyed both wines and food from the Similkameen Valley and culinary creations from as far as Kelowna. Included in the competition was Chef Bernard Casavant, a member of the BC Restaurants Hall of Fame.
Being a novice wine and food judge, I wanted to do the event justice, and scoured the internet beforehand in an effort to learn what foods go with what wine and how to judge a wine. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that essentially, white wines are traditional for white meats, and red wines are traditional for red meats. So far, so good.
The ins and outs of wines on the pallet, acidity, sweetness, tannins, bouquet, body, color, mixing air with the wine in the mouth, letting the wine cross the tongue and other details were a bit more than I could remember. I started getting nervous, and I wasn’t even at the event yet. But, I was relieved to learn that wine and food tasting and pairing is ultimately a personal choice. There is never a perfect match made in heaven. I was told by the BBQ King event coordinator to just go on my instincts, and ‘lo, the internet also said wine and food pairing was up to the individual. Yeah! I could relax. I took pen and paper in order to write down comments for each entry in case the wine got the better of me and I started giving everyone 10 out of 10. I was ready.
All chefs at the 2012 BBQ King competition had to include five key Similkameen Valley ingredients in their presentation: chicken, beets, parsley, rhubarb and warba potatos. Needless to say, the dominant color on everyone’s plate was red. Each chef’s creation was paired with a Similkameen wine, poured by either an owner or staff member from the respective winery.
The Delta Grand Okanagan in Kelowna sent Ross Derrick, Chef De Partie. His wine of choice was Forbidden Fruit Winery’s Cherysh Cherry Rose. Ross offered Blackburn Farms Tandoori BBQ Chicken with salad and potatos. The slightly-spicy meal was served in a cone cup with a bit of naan bread. The meal, I felt, was less than the name suggested. I found the dinner’s visual presentation rather lacking. The wine and food pairing was very good. The wonderful full-bodied fruity wine - together with a wonderful sherbet-like Rhubard Lassi Ice - made the meal.
The Hillside Winery & Bistro near Penticton sent Rob Cordonier, Executive Chef. His wine of choice was Eau Vivre 2009 Pinot Noir. Rob offered House Made Chicken Sausage with rhubarb pickles, truffled beet root and potato brioche. I personally found the sausage too rich. Aside from the sausage, the meal had a nice balance of taste. The pairing of wine and food was good. The wine was easy on the palette and presented an all-round pleasant drink.
The Penticton Lakeside Resort sent Chris Remington, Executive Chef. Their wine of choice was Cerelia’s Misceo MMIX (for those who aren’t familiar with Roman Numerals, MMIX translates to 2009). Chris offered up Grilled Organic Chicken on a beet and goat cheese. The meal was rounded out with salad, rhubarb chutney and potatos. The meal provided a pleasant array of food flavours. The wine was an interesting dry wine. The wine and food pairing was good, although the wine detracted slightly from the meal.
The Stuffed Pepper Restaurant in Summerland offered up owner and chef Ayman Kanaan. His wine of choice was a Plum Rose from Rustic Roots in Cawston. Dinner was Organic Mediterranean BBQ Chicken with shoestring potatos, cream sauce, and rhubarb beet chutney. As a first-time judge, I found the meal visually unexciting with rather blended flavours. The Plum Rose was exquisite, however, with a wonderful balance of fruitiness and tang. This wine would go well with almost anything.
The Manteo Resort sent Chef Bernard Casavant. His wine of choice was Orofino Winery’s 2011 Gamay. The dinner featured Black Bird Organics Free Range Chicken Roulade with a star anise glaze, saskatoon berry chutney, beet salad and fry bread. This meal was perhaps the most visually appealing, with care taken so as not to “blend” colors on the plate. The food flavours remained distinct on the pallete. The pairing of wine and food was excellent. This was Orofino’s rollout of its red 2011 Gamay.
The Terrafina Restaurant sent Chef Natasha Schooten. Her wine choice was Robin Ridge Winery’s 2010 Gamay. The meal offered up three distinct portions, all of which were delicious. The wine seemed rather neutral to the palette, yet it definitely held one’s interest. I felt the pairing of wine and food was great. The majority of the judges for this category thought that the pairing was more than “great” and gave the duo top marks: Terrafina and Robin Ridge were voted as Best Wine And Food Pairing at the 2012 Similkameen BBQ King Competition. Congratulations!
Walnut Beach Resort sent Executive Chef Justin Paakkunainen. The wine of choice was Seven Stones’ Speaking Rock 2011 Pinot Rose. The meal offered a nice balance of spicy, tangy and sweet. Visually, the meal was exquisite and balanced, with a few dynamic but delicate flower petals topping the presentation. I found the wine had a slight bite, but this simply enhanced the spice on the chicken. Pairing of food and wine was excellent.
Rounding out the field was Chef Gregor Fuchs, proprietor of Gregor’s Gourmet from Keremeos. His wine choice was Clos du Soleil’s Capella 2010. Gregor offered up Apple Smoked Chicken with beets, potatos, rhubarb chutney, hazelnut shortbread and rhubarb sorbet. Gregor’s visual presentation was excellent with deep colors and sorbet at the edge of the meal as a visual compliment. The meal’s ingredients were carefully prepared with respect to flavour and texture. Although pleasant on the palette, the wine wasn’t as exciting as the food. Thus, the pairing of food and wine, in my opinion, could have been a bit better. The majority found his meal superb: Gregor was crowned the 2012 Similkameen BBQ King! When asked, he admitted to spending 20 hours preparing for the competition. Gregor opened his humble catering business just one year ago, and has already taken the BBQ King crown from last year’s winner Chef Chris Van Hooydonk (who was unable to attend due to an emergency). Congratulations Gregor!
All in all, the evening was a wonderful experience. Folks from the Similkameen, Okanagan and tourists from all over enjoyed the food, wine, live music, socializing, weather and amazing lack of mosquitos. I learned later that there were professional food and wine critics doing the very thing I was doing at the Grist Mill July 14th. I expect their perspective will be void of comments on the local mosquito population, but even mosquitos can ruin a meal. I met some really nice folks, spun some yarns, learned that it takes almost 2 hours to properly judge eight meals and accompanying wines, and that wines really DO have different personalities. It was a daunting task (with fun, of course) but I pulled it off. I am no expert, but being an avid photographer and published author, I know what I like. There you have it.
All chefs in the competition donate their time, and as such, are to be applauded for their commitment. With recent accolades both in Canada and the United States, Similkameen wines are not a well-kept secret anymore: even EnRoute Magazine is taking notice. Check out the Similkameen Wineries Association websitehttp://similkameenwine.com/ to learn more. And hey, if you want a wine or food judge, just send a ticket. I’d be glad to help!
July 17, 2012 - News Leader
24/7 ER SERVICES RETURN TO PGH
Interior Health Authority (IHA), in conjunction with the Stakeholder’s Table (Similkameen Valley Representatives’ Table), headed up by Town of Princeton acting Mayor Jason Earle and RDOS Area H (Rural Princeton) Director Brad Hope, have developed a funding solution through REEF (Rural Emergency Enhancement Fund) to restore 24/7 Emergency Services to Princeton General Hospital. The Town of Princeton and RDOS are in the process of securing a temporary locum residence to welcome doctors into the community. Local industry has put forward bridge-funding as a temporary stop-gap measure until REEF funding is in place.
STEEP FINE FOR COCAINE
Robert Keith Wharton appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on July 12 to enter a guilty plea to a charge of possession of crack cocaine. Police had been observing him under suspicion of being involved in a dial-a-drug business when they saw what appeared to be a drug transaction in progress. Wharton’s vehicle was followed and police stopped him then found $100 worth of crack cocaine in his possession. He was originally charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, but the charge was reduced to simply possession. Wharton, a Princeton businessman, admitted to being a user. He was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
COALMONT HOTEL MARKS 100!
This year the historic Coalmont Hotel is celebrating it's 100th birthday and everyone of drinking age is invited to the party July 27 and 28. A century ago, when the town of Coalmont was first started by the Columbia Coal company, one of the first buildings to go up was the Coalmont Hotel. After all, they needed rooms for prospective buyers and - a place to drink. Now they are inviting everyone to come join the two day party celebrating the survival of this authentic old west hotel and saloon which has proudly served visitors to Coalmont and the Tulameen Mining District since 1912. For more information on the 100th birthday celebration visit www.CoalmontHotel.com or call 250.295.6066.
Interior Health Authority (IHA), in conjunction with the Stakeholder’s Table (Similkameen Valley Representatives’ Table), headed up by Town of Princeton acting Mayor Jason Earle and RDOS Area H (Rural Princeton) Director Brad Hope, have developed a funding solution through REEF (Rural Emergency Enhancement Fund) to restore 24/7 Emergency Services to Princeton General Hospital. The Town of Princeton and RDOS are in the process of securing a temporary locum residence to welcome doctors into the community. Local industry has put forward bridge-funding as a temporary stop-gap measure until REEF funding is in place.
STEEP FINE FOR COCAINE
Robert Keith Wharton appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on July 12 to enter a guilty plea to a charge of possession of crack cocaine. Police had been observing him under suspicion of being involved in a dial-a-drug business when they saw what appeared to be a drug transaction in progress. Wharton’s vehicle was followed and police stopped him then found $100 worth of crack cocaine in his possession. He was originally charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, but the charge was reduced to simply possession. Wharton, a Princeton businessman, admitted to being a user. He was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
COALMONT HOTEL MARKS 100!
This year the historic Coalmont Hotel is celebrating it's 100th birthday and everyone of drinking age is invited to the party July 27 and 28. A century ago, when the town of Coalmont was first started by the Columbia Coal company, one of the first buildings to go up was the Coalmont Hotel. After all, they needed rooms for prospective buyers and - a place to drink. Now they are inviting everyone to come join the two day party celebrating the survival of this authentic old west hotel and saloon which has proudly served visitors to Coalmont and the Tulameen Mining District since 1912. For more information on the 100th birthday celebration visit www.CoalmontHotel.com or call 250.295.6066.
Rainfall Floods Downtown Streets!
Rainstorm Leaves Major Puddles!
July 10, 2012 - News Leader
THE BY-ELECTION RACE IS ON!
Nominations officially closed at 4:00 PM Friday, July 6th for the August 11th Town of Princeton by-election. Although there were plenty of rumours, only four candidates have been declared for two different seats. Frank Armitage and Rosemary Doughty are seeking the Mayor’s seat with Doug Pateman and Rob Rubis vying for the vacant Councillor position. General voting day is Saturday, August 11th with polls open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 170 Bridge Street, Princeton. Advance polls will be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 1st in the Public Meeting Room of Princeton Library at 107 Vermilion Avenue, Princeton. Chief Election Officer Shirley McMahon says resident electors, and non-resident property electors, will be required to produce two pieces of identification, one with a signature, to prove residency and identity. The by-election became necessary following the passing of Mayor Fred Thomas. The additional vote to fill a Councillor seat resulted from the resignation of Frank Armitage who chose to run for election to fill Thomas’ empty seat. The two successful candidates will serve the remainder of the three-year term that started December 2011 and will expire December 2014. For details on other election qualifications, see the Town of Princeton ‘Notice of Election by Voting’ notice on Page 18 of this issue of the Similkameen News Leader or contact Chief Election Officer Shirley McMahon at Princeton Town Office at 250.295.3135.
TOWN AWARDS SEPTIC PIT CONTRACT
Princeton Town Council awarded the contract for the construction of a new hauled liquid waste facility at their July 3rd regular meeting. The contract went to 582138 BC Ltd. for the tendered price of $29,898.40, which includes HST. Under the provisions of the Waste Management Act, the town is authorized to receive the discharge from septic tanks and sewage holding tanks at the site of the liquid waste disposal facility (sewage treatment lagoon). This allows for processing waste from the Klargester plant in Westridge, the sewage holding tank at the campground as well as waste from septic tanks in the town and Area H (hauled by local contractors). The existing facility is in need of replacement; the town issued an invitation to tender for the construction of a new hauled liquid waste facility (septic pit) at the liquid waste disposal plant. The project consists of an access road to the site, comprising a length of about 300-metres, the construction of two cast in place concrete septage receiving chambers and flumes along with final grading and slope trimming. As the existing hauled waste facility was constructed in 1998 it has reached the end of its useful life, which is why the invitation to tender was announced. This is the first portion of the total project of improvements to the Princeton sewage treatment facility, which is funded through the Federal Gas Tax Regionally Significant Projects program and is included in the Town of Princeton 2012 approved budget of $400,000.00. While 582138 BC Ltd. was the lowest of the four bids received, the highest was just almost double the winning bid. It was not announced at the Town Council meeting when the project would begin or when it was expected to be completed.
Nominations officially closed at 4:00 PM Friday, July 6th for the August 11th Town of Princeton by-election. Although there were plenty of rumours, only four candidates have been declared for two different seats. Frank Armitage and Rosemary Doughty are seeking the Mayor’s seat with Doug Pateman and Rob Rubis vying for the vacant Councillor position. General voting day is Saturday, August 11th with polls open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 170 Bridge Street, Princeton. Advance polls will be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 1st in the Public Meeting Room of Princeton Library at 107 Vermilion Avenue, Princeton. Chief Election Officer Shirley McMahon says resident electors, and non-resident property electors, will be required to produce two pieces of identification, one with a signature, to prove residency and identity. The by-election became necessary following the passing of Mayor Fred Thomas. The additional vote to fill a Councillor seat resulted from the resignation of Frank Armitage who chose to run for election to fill Thomas’ empty seat. The two successful candidates will serve the remainder of the three-year term that started December 2011 and will expire December 2014. For details on other election qualifications, see the Town of Princeton ‘Notice of Election by Voting’ notice on Page 18 of this issue of the Similkameen News Leader or contact Chief Election Officer Shirley McMahon at Princeton Town Office at 250.295.3135.
TOWN AWARDS SEPTIC PIT CONTRACT
Princeton Town Council awarded the contract for the construction of a new hauled liquid waste facility at their July 3rd regular meeting. The contract went to 582138 BC Ltd. for the tendered price of $29,898.40, which includes HST. Under the provisions of the Waste Management Act, the town is authorized to receive the discharge from septic tanks and sewage holding tanks at the site of the liquid waste disposal facility (sewage treatment lagoon). This allows for processing waste from the Klargester plant in Westridge, the sewage holding tank at the campground as well as waste from septic tanks in the town and Area H (hauled by local contractors). The existing facility is in need of replacement; the town issued an invitation to tender for the construction of a new hauled liquid waste facility (septic pit) at the liquid waste disposal plant. The project consists of an access road to the site, comprising a length of about 300-metres, the construction of two cast in place concrete septage receiving chambers and flumes along with final grading and slope trimming. As the existing hauled waste facility was constructed in 1998 it has reached the end of its useful life, which is why the invitation to tender was announced. This is the first portion of the total project of improvements to the Princeton sewage treatment facility, which is funded through the Federal Gas Tax Regionally Significant Projects program and is included in the Town of Princeton 2012 approved budget of $400,000.00. While 582138 BC Ltd. was the lowest of the four bids received, the highest was just almost double the winning bid. It was not announced at the Town Council meeting when the project would begin or when it was expected to be completed.
Let's Rodeo - Little Britches Style!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Tylee Cooper and MacKenzie Payton smile for the camera at the July 7th Little Britches Rodeo in Princeton. The pair were part of the Grand Entry as well as entrants in rodeo events. The two-day event would not have happened without the support of Jamie Payton and many of his friends and local businesses.
Rural Health Care Failure!
July 03, 2012 - News Leader
IHA ANNOUNCES FURTHER SERVICE CHANGES
Interior Health continues to struggle with service at Princeton General Hospital and announced June 26th further ‘temporary service changes’ to the emergency department. In addition to the already implemented changes Monday to Wednesday nights from 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM, adjusted physician responce times will also include 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM on Friday, July 6th to Sunday, July 8th. IHA has provided a clearer description of what to expect at the PGH ER during these times. “The Emergency Department remains open with a nurse at the site to assess patients, while the physician will be on call for emergent cases.” As has happened in the past, IHA reminds you that patients with ‘less urgent matters’ will be assessed by the trained nurse on site but, depending on their condition, may be transferred to a nearby hospital for care or offered appropriate options. If this is the case, IHA says it is important to be prepared when you arrive at the Princeton ER. “Bring your wallet, shoes, clothes and make arrangements for the return home.” Interior Health says additional dates when ‘temporary service changes’ will affect the PGH ER will be posted when they are available.
RACING DAYS ENDS WITH LOCAL WIN
Princeton Racing Days Association hosted the 44th running of horse races at Sunflower Downs on Friday, June 29th. With competing races in Vancouver and Washington State, only 32 horses were entered in a total of six races, but that didn’t seem to have much of an effect on the crowd, as attendance was incredible. The first race, a 440 yard Interior Bonus Challenge Quarter Horse Allowance, started with five entries but ended up with only three after two scratches. Shez Pretty Awesome won the race with a time of 22.23-seconds and paid out $3.10 to win and $2.10 to place. The second place finisher, Co Lani Jet, paid $2.10 to place. The Exactor was worth $18.60, Quinella $3.80 and Triactor $7.40. Race #2 was a four-furlong claiming race for three year olds and upwards. The five-horse field dropped to four following a scratch, which saw Victim Of Love win the event with a time of 43.93-seconds, and had payouts of $3.30 (win), $2.20 (place) and $2.10 (show). Tanya’s Toad was second ($3.20 place, $2.70 show) and Spirit Bear third ($2.10 show). The Exactor was worth $6.20, Quinella $4.50, Triactor $15.20 and the Daily Double paid $6.50. The third race was the 6th running of the Sport of Kings Sprint. The six horse field dropped to five due to a scratch and Brave Star won the 5 1⁄2 furlong allowance race for three year old and upwards (non-winners of two races) with a time of 1.08:96. Payouts were $5.30 (win), $2.80 (place) and $2.10 (show). Indulge finished second ($3.10 place, $2.10 show), with Brianville third ($3.40 show). Other winning wagers were Exactor $20.50, Quinella $12.00 and Triactor $44.90. The race saw rider Kassie Guglielmino go down with her horse (Absolute Magnitude) while rounding the final turn. The horse was alone on the outside and tripped up sending Guglielmino face first into the track. The horse rolled, then got up and kept running. Race officials later stated there was no interference and that the jockey was reported to be responsive and alert. Race #4 was a 5-1/2 furlong allowance race for three year olds and upwards and saw the complete 5-horse field enter the starting gate. Amalgamation took the win with a time of 1:07.61 and paid out $5.10 (win), $2.90 (place) and $2.10 (show). Regal Promise was second ($3.00 place, $2.10 show) and Delicate Dance third ($2.10 show). The Exactor was worth $20.10, Quinella $7.20 and Triactor $59.60. Missis Caldwell, which entered the starting gate with the rest of the field, did not leave the start after rearing up just before the gate doors were flung open. Race officials declared an ‘unfair start’ for the horse which did not affect the race results. The fifth race was a 5-1⁄2 furlong race for three year olds and upwards (non-winners of three or four races lifetime) which had a single scratch dropping the field to four horses. Aprils Secret Star took the win ($8.40, $3.30 place, $2.10 show) with a time of 1:07.42. Mr. Pendleton was second ($4.40 place, $2.10 show) and Giuseppe’s Runner was third ($2.10 show). The Exactor paid $25.80, Quinella $11.80 and Triactor $35.20. Race #6 was the 41st running of the Similkameen Cup, which had all six entries start. The 7-furlong race was won by A Lasting Peace, owned by Princeton’s June Dunte and trained by James R. Brown. The winning time for the race was 1:25.98 a full three seconds behind the track record, although A Lasting Peace won by two lengths. Those who bet on the only local horse entered won $3.10 for the win, $2.90 to place and $2.10 for show. West Walker finished second ($5.20 place, $2.90 show) with Dance Composer third ($2.10 show). The Exactor was worth $27.80, Quinella $10.80 and Triactor $128.10. Live horse racing returns to Princeton’s Sunflower Downs on Saturday, September 8th.
Interior Health continues to struggle with service at Princeton General Hospital and announced June 26th further ‘temporary service changes’ to the emergency department. In addition to the already implemented changes Monday to Wednesday nights from 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM, adjusted physician responce times will also include 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM on Friday, July 6th to Sunday, July 8th. IHA has provided a clearer description of what to expect at the PGH ER during these times. “The Emergency Department remains open with a nurse at the site to assess patients, while the physician will be on call for emergent cases.” As has happened in the past, IHA reminds you that patients with ‘less urgent matters’ will be assessed by the trained nurse on site but, depending on their condition, may be transferred to a nearby hospital for care or offered appropriate options. If this is the case, IHA says it is important to be prepared when you arrive at the Princeton ER. “Bring your wallet, shoes, clothes and make arrangements for the return home.” Interior Health says additional dates when ‘temporary service changes’ will affect the PGH ER will be posted when they are available.
RACING DAYS ENDS WITH LOCAL WIN
Princeton Racing Days Association hosted the 44th running of horse races at Sunflower Downs on Friday, June 29th. With competing races in Vancouver and Washington State, only 32 horses were entered in a total of six races, but that didn’t seem to have much of an effect on the crowd, as attendance was incredible. The first race, a 440 yard Interior Bonus Challenge Quarter Horse Allowance, started with five entries but ended up with only three after two scratches. Shez Pretty Awesome won the race with a time of 22.23-seconds and paid out $3.10 to win and $2.10 to place. The second place finisher, Co Lani Jet, paid $2.10 to place. The Exactor was worth $18.60, Quinella $3.80 and Triactor $7.40. Race #2 was a four-furlong claiming race for three year olds and upwards. The five-horse field dropped to four following a scratch, which saw Victim Of Love win the event with a time of 43.93-seconds, and had payouts of $3.30 (win), $2.20 (place) and $2.10 (show). Tanya’s Toad was second ($3.20 place, $2.70 show) and Spirit Bear third ($2.10 show). The Exactor was worth $6.20, Quinella $4.50, Triactor $15.20 and the Daily Double paid $6.50. The third race was the 6th running of the Sport of Kings Sprint. The six horse field dropped to five due to a scratch and Brave Star won the 5 1⁄2 furlong allowance race for three year old and upwards (non-winners of two races) with a time of 1.08:96. Payouts were $5.30 (win), $2.80 (place) and $2.10 (show). Indulge finished second ($3.10 place, $2.10 show), with Brianville third ($3.40 show). Other winning wagers were Exactor $20.50, Quinella $12.00 and Triactor $44.90. The race saw rider Kassie Guglielmino go down with her horse (Absolute Magnitude) while rounding the final turn. The horse was alone on the outside and tripped up sending Guglielmino face first into the track. The horse rolled, then got up and kept running. Race officials later stated there was no interference and that the jockey was reported to be responsive and alert. Race #4 was a 5-1/2 furlong allowance race for three year olds and upwards and saw the complete 5-horse field enter the starting gate. Amalgamation took the win with a time of 1:07.61 and paid out $5.10 (win), $2.90 (place) and $2.10 (show). Regal Promise was second ($3.00 place, $2.10 show) and Delicate Dance third ($2.10 show). The Exactor was worth $20.10, Quinella $7.20 and Triactor $59.60. Missis Caldwell, which entered the starting gate with the rest of the field, did not leave the start after rearing up just before the gate doors were flung open. Race officials declared an ‘unfair start’ for the horse which did not affect the race results. The fifth race was a 5-1⁄2 furlong race for three year olds and upwards (non-winners of three or four races lifetime) which had a single scratch dropping the field to four horses. Aprils Secret Star took the win ($8.40, $3.30 place, $2.10 show) with a time of 1:07.42. Mr. Pendleton was second ($4.40 place, $2.10 show) and Giuseppe’s Runner was third ($2.10 show). The Exactor paid $25.80, Quinella $11.80 and Triactor $35.20. Race #6 was the 41st running of the Similkameen Cup, which had all six entries start. The 7-furlong race was won by A Lasting Peace, owned by Princeton’s June Dunte and trained by James R. Brown. The winning time for the race was 1:25.98 a full three seconds behind the track record, although A Lasting Peace won by two lengths. Those who bet on the only local horse entered won $3.10 for the win, $2.90 to place and $2.10 for show. West Walker finished second ($5.20 place, $2.90 show) with Dance Composer third ($2.10 show). The Exactor was worth $27.80, Quinella $10.80 and Triactor $128.10. Live horse racing returns to Princeton’s Sunflower Downs on Saturday, September 8th.
Canada Day Fun For All Ages!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Destiny Earle, Trista Draeger and Kassandra Lee get into the Spirit of Canada Day, July 1st, in Princeton. The trio assisted with applying Maple Leaf tattoos and related activities in Veterans Square. In addition to the tattoos, there were Canada Flags and pins along with children's games and live entertainment. Giant Canada Day cakes were also served to anyone who needed a piece.