June 29, 2010 Similkameen News Leader
RYKERS RETIRES FROM TOWN CREW
After serving the Town of Princeton for the past 24 years, Works Foreman Henry Rykers will be retiring. Mayor Randy McLean presented him with a Certificate of Excellence at the June 21st regular meeting of Town Council. “It’s no secret we have probably one of the best town crews anyone is aware of,” McLean stated. "There’s been a pride among the crew that if you aren’t there to work you’re probably not going to fit in.” McLean credited that attitude to the leadership provided by Rykers. Rykers started on the job June 5, 1986 – a year after McLean was first elected to Council, “And although I’ve come and gone, he’s been here all along,” McLean pointed out.
ARTS COUNCIL LAUNCHES WEBSITE
In late 2009 the Princeton Community Arts Council received a $1,427 grant from 2010 Legacies Now Catalyst Program to assist in the development and design of a website to promote Princeton’s arts, culture and heritage. The main objective of this website is to keep local residents, community
neighbors and the world informed about the fantastic art and culture community in Princeton. The new website (www.princetonarts.ca) is home to information about Princeton Community Arts Council’s initiatives, programs, events and monthly business. It boasts a fantastic calendar of activity for all its member groups.
PRINCETON LIBRARY HOSTS GRAND OPENING
The Princeton Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) may have only moved down the street, but the new location is completely updated with more room for computer use, lounging and meeting, and natural light. To celebrate the move, the ORL is inviting all members of the public for a free open house complete with ribbon cutting and refreshments at the new branch at 107 Vermilion Avenue on Wednesday, July 7 at 2:00 PM. Staff and ORL Board members will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours. Registration is not necessary, but if you have questions please call the Princeton Branch at 250.295.6495.
After serving the Town of Princeton for the past 24 years, Works Foreman Henry Rykers will be retiring. Mayor Randy McLean presented him with a Certificate of Excellence at the June 21st regular meeting of Town Council. “It’s no secret we have probably one of the best town crews anyone is aware of,” McLean stated. "There’s been a pride among the crew that if you aren’t there to work you’re probably not going to fit in.” McLean credited that attitude to the leadership provided by Rykers. Rykers started on the job June 5, 1986 – a year after McLean was first elected to Council, “And although I’ve come and gone, he’s been here all along,” McLean pointed out.
ARTS COUNCIL LAUNCHES WEBSITE
In late 2009 the Princeton Community Arts Council received a $1,427 grant from 2010 Legacies Now Catalyst Program to assist in the development and design of a website to promote Princeton’s arts, culture and heritage. The main objective of this website is to keep local residents, community
neighbors and the world informed about the fantastic art and culture community in Princeton. The new website (www.princetonarts.ca) is home to information about Princeton Community Arts Council’s initiatives, programs, events and monthly business. It boasts a fantastic calendar of activity for all its member groups.
PRINCETON LIBRARY HOSTS GRAND OPENING
The Princeton Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) may have only moved down the street, but the new location is completely updated with more room for computer use, lounging and meeting, and natural light. To celebrate the move, the ORL is inviting all members of the public for a free open house complete with ribbon cutting and refreshments at the new branch at 107 Vermilion Avenue on Wednesday, July 7 at 2:00 PM. Staff and ORL Board members will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours. Registration is not necessary, but if you have questions please call the Princeton Branch at 250.295.6495.
Friendly Putting Challenge?
Photo: Princeton Golf Club
We think the mother/daughter combo of Wanda and Angie Marshall are engaged in a friendly putting challenge at Princeton Golf Club. The club is offering free golf to children aged 6 to 16 during 'Take A Kid To The Course Week' which runs from July 5 to 11. To find out more call Princeton Golf Club at 250.295.6123. No word though on whether or not Angie beat Wanda.
Cooling Down On A Hot Day!
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Cody McKinnon, Kendra Krenn and Adam Gullason cool off playing at the Princeton Water Park, located in Rotary Park on Lime Street, Princeton. The park is located only blocks from downtown with the Tulameen River flowing by. The water park is a favourite for locals and tourists stopping by for a picnic or just a rest after hours on the road.
June 22, 2010 Similkameen News Leader
PXA REVIEWS WORKLOAD
The management organization that plans and supervises maintenance at the fairgrounds is called Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA). This board of management is made up of volunteers and one Town Council representative. The PXA met on Tuesday, June 15, to review work done and work to be done in preparation for horse racing on July 3. The PXA is responsible for renting the grounds and for ensuring the grounds are in good condition for whatever event is to take place. There are four major events yet to take place this year: horse racing on July 3, the ATV jamboree in July, the Fall Fair August 27, 28 & 29, and the BC Bull Riding Finals on September 11 & 12. Each of these events earns money for the PXA and is barely enough to cover the cost of utilities and small repairs.
WELCOME TO SIMILKAMEEN TEEN
Similkameen Valley teens now have a place they can gather, chat and play games online. It’s called Similkameen Teen and it was created by 15-year old PSS student Adam Gullason. The website contains items teens would make use of while online including a chat window, streaming music, links to popular online games, jokes and homework assistance with more items to be added. The finished product went online last week and can be found at www.similkameenteen.com. The Similkameen News Leader ‘sponsors’ the site by funding a portion of it. Online advertising and PayPal donations will generate revenue, which will be split between the creators. Cell phone and mobile device users can find the site at www.similkameenteen.mobi.
NEWS LEADER RELEASES FIFTH HISTORIC PAPER
With demand still high for anything related to the history of Princeton, Similkameen News Leader released Volume 5 of ‘Princeton BC News’ last week. “It’s a historic information guide that sort of took a life of it’s own,” explains Similkameen News Leader Owner/Publisher George Elliott. “The first couple of issues, publishing in summer ’08 and fall ’08 were to test the water and we were pleasantly surprised with the response.” For years the News Leader published both a summer and winter Tourist
Information Guide titled, ‘Discover The Similkameen’ and eventually phased out the winter edition. Soon after the summer issue was squeezed out of the market. “We were just going to just give up on trying to publish a second project on the side until one day a conversation with Nick Mills of Princeton Museum led to the historic information guide concept.” Princeton BC News was born and support from local businesses has been tremendous ever since.
The management organization that plans and supervises maintenance at the fairgrounds is called Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA). This board of management is made up of volunteers and one Town Council representative. The PXA met on Tuesday, June 15, to review work done and work to be done in preparation for horse racing on July 3. The PXA is responsible for renting the grounds and for ensuring the grounds are in good condition for whatever event is to take place. There are four major events yet to take place this year: horse racing on July 3, the ATV jamboree in July, the Fall Fair August 27, 28 & 29, and the BC Bull Riding Finals on September 11 & 12. Each of these events earns money for the PXA and is barely enough to cover the cost of utilities and small repairs.
WELCOME TO SIMILKAMEEN TEEN
Similkameen Valley teens now have a place they can gather, chat and play games online. It’s called Similkameen Teen and it was created by 15-year old PSS student Adam Gullason. The website contains items teens would make use of while online including a chat window, streaming music, links to popular online games, jokes and homework assistance with more items to be added. The finished product went online last week and can be found at www.similkameenteen.com. The Similkameen News Leader ‘sponsors’ the site by funding a portion of it. Online advertising and PayPal donations will generate revenue, which will be split between the creators. Cell phone and mobile device users can find the site at www.similkameenteen.mobi.
NEWS LEADER RELEASES FIFTH HISTORIC PAPER
With demand still high for anything related to the history of Princeton, Similkameen News Leader released Volume 5 of ‘Princeton BC News’ last week. “It’s a historic information guide that sort of took a life of it’s own,” explains Similkameen News Leader Owner/Publisher George Elliott. “The first couple of issues, publishing in summer ’08 and fall ’08 were to test the water and we were pleasantly surprised with the response.” For years the News Leader published both a summer and winter Tourist
Information Guide titled, ‘Discover The Similkameen’ and eventually phased out the winter edition. Soon after the summer issue was squeezed out of the market. “We were just going to just give up on trying to publish a second project on the side until one day a conversation with Nick Mills of Princeton Museum led to the historic information guide concept.” Princeton BC News was born and support from local businesses has been tremendous ever since.
GamesTown Gold Is Heavy!
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
2010 Winter Olympic Gold Medalist Ashleigh McIvor (Womens Ski Cross) gives the News Leader an up close and personal look at her Gold Medal when she was in Princeton June 15th. Aside from being large in size and heavy as a result, the face of the medal is part of an Inuit painting. Each medal contains a small portion of the painting making each medal unique.
The Band Is Called Deafening!
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
"Deafening" played their final public gig June 17th during a music recital at Riverside Theatre. The band, which consists of Adam Gullason, Adam Dobbs, Morgan Dobbs and Sam Kastor, will break up later this Summer when lead singer Adam Dobbs moves to Vancouver to further his education. The remaining members of Deafening are already active in other local bands they have formed with each other along with other local high school musicians.
June 15, 2010 Similkameen News Leader
NEW STORE SPARKS COMPLAINTS
Two citizens, Marshall Davies and Dave Bates, appeared before Town Council at the June 7 meeting to criticize the plan for a new grocery store to be constructed later this year on the site formerly occupied by Princeton Hotel. They are residents of Harold and Angela Avenues. Council was dealing with variances for parking and setbacks and a development permit which would enable construction to proceed. The citizens were concerned about noise and flashing lights in the middle of the night due to trucks delivering to the store, and were concerned there was not enough space allowed for trucks to back into the delivery lane behind the store. They expressed the fear that properties in the area would decline in value, and that traffic on Harold and Angela Avenues would become too congested. They added they thought there should be more than 80 parking stalls at the store.
MAN LOSES LICENCE TWICE
A 57 year old Princeton man appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on June 10 to plead guilty to a charge of driving while prohibited. Donald G. Cathro was seen by a police officer on March 23 this year loading something into his vehicle. The officer knew Cathro had a driving prohibition and warned him not to drive. The officer returned to where Cathro had been seen but the vehicle had moved. Cathro was later arrested and charged. He was ordered to pay a $500 fine and is prohibited from driving for one more year.
SCHOUTEN RECEIVES CANNINGS AWARD
Madelon Schouten of Princeton has been awarded the Steve Cannings Award for outstanding contributions to ornithology (bird study) in British Columbia. The award was announced on May 29th at the annual meeting of British Columbia Field Ornithologists in Revelstoke, and a commemorative plaque was presented to Madelon on June 8th at the monthly meeting of the Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists in Princeton. British Columbia Field Ornithologists (www.bcfo.ca) is a province-wide organization, founded in 1991, for people who are interested in watching or studying birds. Most BCFO members are amateur birders or birdwatchers, but the membership also includes quite a few professional ornithologists. Starting in 2007, BCFO has presented an annual award to an outstanding ornithologist in BC.
Two citizens, Marshall Davies and Dave Bates, appeared before Town Council at the June 7 meeting to criticize the plan for a new grocery store to be constructed later this year on the site formerly occupied by Princeton Hotel. They are residents of Harold and Angela Avenues. Council was dealing with variances for parking and setbacks and a development permit which would enable construction to proceed. The citizens were concerned about noise and flashing lights in the middle of the night due to trucks delivering to the store, and were concerned there was not enough space allowed for trucks to back into the delivery lane behind the store. They expressed the fear that properties in the area would decline in value, and that traffic on Harold and Angela Avenues would become too congested. They added they thought there should be more than 80 parking stalls at the store.
MAN LOSES LICENCE TWICE
A 57 year old Princeton man appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on June 10 to plead guilty to a charge of driving while prohibited. Donald G. Cathro was seen by a police officer on March 23 this year loading something into his vehicle. The officer knew Cathro had a driving prohibition and warned him not to drive. The officer returned to where Cathro had been seen but the vehicle had moved. Cathro was later arrested and charged. He was ordered to pay a $500 fine and is prohibited from driving for one more year.
SCHOUTEN RECEIVES CANNINGS AWARD
Madelon Schouten of Princeton has been awarded the Steve Cannings Award for outstanding contributions to ornithology (bird study) in British Columbia. The award was announced on May 29th at the annual meeting of British Columbia Field Ornithologists in Revelstoke, and a commemorative plaque was presented to Madelon on June 8th at the monthly meeting of the Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists in Princeton. British Columbia Field Ornithologists (www.bcfo.ca) is a province-wide organization, founded in 1991, for people who are interested in watching or studying birds. Most BCFO members are amateur birders or birdwatchers, but the membership also includes quite a few professional ornithologists. Starting in 2007, BCFO has presented an annual award to an outstanding ornithologist in BC.
It's All About B-Ball!
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton area elementary school students were featured last week during the annual Princeton Basketball Association Spring League Championship. Play was hosted at Princeton Secondary School Gym which offered spectators a great venue to watch the games. There are enough students in the system this season that a total of ten teams were formed to fill out the tournament schedule.
Johnston Dribbles To Kwantlen
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Last month Makenzie Johnston signed with Kwantlen College to play on their 2010-11 Womens Basketball team. Johnston captained the Rebels to a 9th place finish at the 'A' Provincial Championships and earned multiple All-Stars and Tournament MVP awards throughout the season. She was also named an Okanagan Valley All-Star in 2010.
June 08, 2010 Similkameen News Leader
SECOND CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN TILE MAKING WORKSHOP
If you missed the first workshop, this is your second chance to become part of the Princeton Community Mosaic Mural. The second workshop will be held on June 12 at Riverside Community Centre between 2:00 and 5:00 PM. Under the supervision of Potters Guild members you will choose a clay tile, decorate it with a glaze of your choice and the finished piece will be included in the mural to be unveiled at Riverside on Sunday, September 5th. The process is fun, it's easy and it only take about 20 minutes. Bring a friend, bring the whole family, and make your contribution to this community art work.
BOARD APPROVES PLAN FOR FUTURE OF VALLEY
Every resident and every landowner in the Similkameen watershed will be affected by a strategy endorsed by the Similkameen Valley Planning Society. The strategy is a positive groundwork for development of the valley during the next 10 years. A document titled Strategy for a Sustainable Similkameen Valley (2011 - 2020) will be sent to Keremeos Village Council, Princeton Town Council, Councils of Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands and to Regional District for endorsement by September 1. Then an action plan will be developed for implementation next year. Planning sessions will involve the general public.
CMMC SIGNS DEBT FINANCING AGREEMENT
Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (the “Company” or “Copper Mountain”) announced on May 31st that Project Finance Agreements for US$322 Million have been executed by Similco Mines Ltd. (“Similco” 75% owned by the Company) for the Copper Mountain Project located 15 km south of Princeton. The Project Financing consists of two tranches: (1) a Senior Credit Agreement for US$162 Million provided by a consortium of Senior Lenders comprising The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., and (2) a Term Loan of US$160 Million provided by Japan Bank for
International Cooperation (“JBIC”), the international arm of Japan Finance Corporation.
If you missed the first workshop, this is your second chance to become part of the Princeton Community Mosaic Mural. The second workshop will be held on June 12 at Riverside Community Centre between 2:00 and 5:00 PM. Under the supervision of Potters Guild members you will choose a clay tile, decorate it with a glaze of your choice and the finished piece will be included in the mural to be unveiled at Riverside on Sunday, September 5th. The process is fun, it's easy and it only take about 20 minutes. Bring a friend, bring the whole family, and make your contribution to this community art work.
BOARD APPROVES PLAN FOR FUTURE OF VALLEY
Every resident and every landowner in the Similkameen watershed will be affected by a strategy endorsed by the Similkameen Valley Planning Society. The strategy is a positive groundwork for development of the valley during the next 10 years. A document titled Strategy for a Sustainable Similkameen Valley (2011 - 2020) will be sent to Keremeos Village Council, Princeton Town Council, Councils of Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands and to Regional District for endorsement by September 1. Then an action plan will be developed for implementation next year. Planning sessions will involve the general public.
CMMC SIGNS DEBT FINANCING AGREEMENT
Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (the “Company” or “Copper Mountain”) announced on May 31st that Project Finance Agreements for US$322 Million have been executed by Similco Mines Ltd. (“Similco” 75% owned by the Company) for the Copper Mountain Project located 15 km south of Princeton. The Project Financing consists of two tranches: (1) a Senior Credit Agreement for US$162 Million provided by a consortium of Senior Lenders comprising The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., and (2) a Term Loan of US$160 Million provided by Japan Bank for
International Cooperation (“JBIC”), the international arm of Japan Finance Corporation.
Teachers Retire, Celebrate Service
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
School District 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) hosted their annual Long Service/Retirement Celebration May 31st in Princeton. In addition to staff members receiving ten, fifteen, twenty and twenty-five year pins, a total of three staff members will retire at the end of the school year. School District Trustee Dave Rainer, left, and Board of Education Vice-Chair Gordon Swan, right, assist teacher Wah Fee Low in celebrating 35 years of teaching in the district.
Rotary Presents Fellowship
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The biggest honour a Rotary Club member can hope for is a Paul Harris Fellowship. Princeton Rotary Club presents one annually to either a member or an outstanding community leader. Princeton Rotary President-Elect Ken Blower, left, presented Rotarian and Town of Princeton Mayor Randy McLean with a Paul Harris Fellowship at the June 1st Rotary meeting. McLean was nominated based on his years of civic duty.
June 01, 2010 Similkameen News Leader
CAMPER DISPUTE LEADS TO GUNFIRE
Princeton RCMP report responding to a complaint of a camper being shot at in the early morning hours of Monday, May 24th at Kennedy Lake Resort. “The investigation revealed that a dispute arose between two separate campsites,” says Princeton RCMP Sgt. Dave Clare. “This confrontation escalated from a physical altercation to a rifle being produced and a shot being fired into the air.” Police seized two rifles and arrested a 55-year old man from Surrey at the scene.
PACE PICKS UP FOR FALL FAIR
Princeton Fall Fair Association held a very busy session on May 25 as plans for the August 27 Fall Fair move ahead. Princeton Garden Club pumpkin growing contest was welcomed to the fair. Students Grades 1 to 7 will be growing pumpkins which will be displayed and judged at the fair as part of Junior Fair activities. The opening of the fair is set for 3:00 PM Friday, August 27. The first hour of the fair will be devoted to awards to top exhibitors and the opening of the exhibits buildings.
MLA HARRY LALI SETS RECORD
Harry Lali, the long-time New Democrat MLA from Fraser-Nicola, surpassed his close friend and former New Democrat MLA and cabinet minister Moe Sihota last week to become the longest-serving South Asian MLA in British Columbia and Canada. “It really has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Fraser-Nicola and the people of British Columbia for all these years and reach this historic milestone,” said Lali from the legislature. “I am honoured that the people of my constituency have consistently put their trust in me to represent them in Victoria.” Lali has represented Fraser-Nicola, formerly known as Yale-Lillooet, as MLA for almost 15 years. He was first elected in 1991, then re-elected in 1996, 2005, and 2009.
Princeton RCMP report responding to a complaint of a camper being shot at in the early morning hours of Monday, May 24th at Kennedy Lake Resort. “The investigation revealed that a dispute arose between two separate campsites,” says Princeton RCMP Sgt. Dave Clare. “This confrontation escalated from a physical altercation to a rifle being produced and a shot being fired into the air.” Police seized two rifles and arrested a 55-year old man from Surrey at the scene.
PACE PICKS UP FOR FALL FAIR
Princeton Fall Fair Association held a very busy session on May 25 as plans for the August 27 Fall Fair move ahead. Princeton Garden Club pumpkin growing contest was welcomed to the fair. Students Grades 1 to 7 will be growing pumpkins which will be displayed and judged at the fair as part of Junior Fair activities. The opening of the fair is set for 3:00 PM Friday, August 27. The first hour of the fair will be devoted to awards to top exhibitors and the opening of the exhibits buildings.
MLA HARRY LALI SETS RECORD
Harry Lali, the long-time New Democrat MLA from Fraser-Nicola, surpassed his close friend and former New Democrat MLA and cabinet minister Moe Sihota last week to become the longest-serving South Asian MLA in British Columbia and Canada. “It really has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Fraser-Nicola and the people of British Columbia for all these years and reach this historic milestone,” said Lali from the legislature. “I am honoured that the people of my constituency have consistently put their trust in me to represent them in Victoria.” Lali has represented Fraser-Nicola, formerly known as Yale-Lillooet, as MLA for almost 15 years. He was first elected in 1991, then re-elected in 1996, 2005, and 2009.
Speeches, Fashions & Chocolate!
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Taylor Kostiuk, a Princeton Youth Ambassador Candidate, models formal wear as part of the 2010 Youth Ambassadors Fashion Show/Speech Night and Chocolate Extravaganza May 27th at Princeton Secondary School. The eight candidates (seven girls, one boy) gave speeches on the subject of their choice then modeled antique clothing followed by contemporary formal wear.
The Signs of Summer
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The water fountain at Veterans Square in downtown Princeton was 'switched on' last week. It has not been running during the Winter and is on a timer which controls when it starts in the morning and stops in the evening. The fountain, designed by local resident Kazumi Tanaka, has been a focal point of the downtown core since it was completed last year.