June 28, 2011 - News Leader
POOL COMMITTEE HOSTS FIRST MEETING
It started with an open house-style gathering at Riverside Centre on June 21st and shifted to a presentation and question period regarding the proposed pool project. Approximately 90 people attended the event, including most members of the 20-member pool committee. The committee was formed with the number one task of providing information to allow residents to make an informed decision when voting on the upcoming referendum in September. The committee also has in its mandate the requirement of encouraging public input every step of the way leading up to and following the referendum vote. On first glance through the handouts provided at last week’s public meeting it became very clear that the committee is trying very hard to be transparent and unbiased. A recreation Master Plan conducted in 1998 identified a new indoor aquatic centre as the top priority in the community and the new Official Community Plan confirmed the need for such a facility was a high priority. Since then, a number of community meetings were held in 2008 to examine the feasibility and design of the Princeton and District Family Aquatic Centre, but economic conditions in 2009 forced a temporary shelving of the project. Positive changes in interest rates, the local job climate and an increase in the Home Owners Grant to residents in rural BC have sparked a renewed interest in the project, which led to the formation of the local pool committee. The referendum is set for Saturday, September 24th and if passed will allow the Town of Princeton to borrow up to $6-million for the $9.3-million project. Residents will assist in the payback of that loan through a system identified as a Parcel Tax. In other words, everyone pays the same amount on their property taxes rather than a formula measured against assessed value of local properties. At the time of last week’s meeting the Parcel Tax was estimated to cost each homeowner $129.60 (loan repayment) and $155.00 (operating expenses) for a total of $284.60 per year for twenty years. The rate will fluctuate
slightly based on changes in interest rates and the number of properties paying the Parcel Tax. Again, at the time of last week’s meeting there were a total of 3,549 parcels with improvements in Princeton and Area H, which would share the expenses of the pool project. RDOS Finance Manager Warren Everton summed it up with the statement, “It’s not a cheap proposition, that’s for sure.” The annual operating expenses are projected to total in the neighbourhood of $592,000 with an operational deficit each year pegged at roughly $542,000. Those numbers are based on operating the pool 90-hours per week, 12-months of the year although it was pointed out that September to May
would probably be the busy time of the year for the facility. Consultant Bill Webster said the Princeton pool would likely be open 75-hours per week and pointed out, “Pools, like libraries, attract the broadest spectrum of your population.” Some discussion after the presentation revolved around what the preferred of the six design options available did not have, such as only four lanes and no deep end, but Recreation Director Lyle Thomas emphasized more than once that the preferred design was a place to start and public input would be used to direct the project. There will be many more meetings in the future and you are encouraged to attend them so that you are able to make an informed decision on referendum day.
It started with an open house-style gathering at Riverside Centre on June 21st and shifted to a presentation and question period regarding the proposed pool project. Approximately 90 people attended the event, including most members of the 20-member pool committee. The committee was formed with the number one task of providing information to allow residents to make an informed decision when voting on the upcoming referendum in September. The committee also has in its mandate the requirement of encouraging public input every step of the way leading up to and following the referendum vote. On first glance through the handouts provided at last week’s public meeting it became very clear that the committee is trying very hard to be transparent and unbiased. A recreation Master Plan conducted in 1998 identified a new indoor aquatic centre as the top priority in the community and the new Official Community Plan confirmed the need for such a facility was a high priority. Since then, a number of community meetings were held in 2008 to examine the feasibility and design of the Princeton and District Family Aquatic Centre, but economic conditions in 2009 forced a temporary shelving of the project. Positive changes in interest rates, the local job climate and an increase in the Home Owners Grant to residents in rural BC have sparked a renewed interest in the project, which led to the formation of the local pool committee. The referendum is set for Saturday, September 24th and if passed will allow the Town of Princeton to borrow up to $6-million for the $9.3-million project. Residents will assist in the payback of that loan through a system identified as a Parcel Tax. In other words, everyone pays the same amount on their property taxes rather than a formula measured against assessed value of local properties. At the time of last week’s meeting the Parcel Tax was estimated to cost each homeowner $129.60 (loan repayment) and $155.00 (operating expenses) for a total of $284.60 per year for twenty years. The rate will fluctuate
slightly based on changes in interest rates and the number of properties paying the Parcel Tax. Again, at the time of last week’s meeting there were a total of 3,549 parcels with improvements in Princeton and Area H, which would share the expenses of the pool project. RDOS Finance Manager Warren Everton summed it up with the statement, “It’s not a cheap proposition, that’s for sure.” The annual operating expenses are projected to total in the neighbourhood of $592,000 with an operational deficit each year pegged at roughly $542,000. Those numbers are based on operating the pool 90-hours per week, 12-months of the year although it was pointed out that September to May
would probably be the busy time of the year for the facility. Consultant Bill Webster said the Princeton pool would likely be open 75-hours per week and pointed out, “Pools, like libraries, attract the broadest spectrum of your population.” Some discussion after the presentation revolved around what the preferred of the six design options available did not have, such as only four lanes and no deep end, but Recreation Director Lyle Thomas emphasized more than once that the preferred design was a place to start and public input would be used to direct the project. There will be many more meetings in the future and you are encouraged to attend them so that you are able to make an informed decision on referendum day.
Our Future Is In Good Hands!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton Secondary School gym was filled to capacity as family, friends and neighbours attended the annual Graduation Ceremonies June 25th. A number of dignitaries were present, each with a special message for the graduates. Fraser-Nicola MLA Harry Lali, who’s daughter graduated the day before in Merritt, reminded students, “It is with great pride that everyone joins together to celebrate, up to this point, the most important day in your lives.” Town of Princeton Mayor Randy McLean pointed out, “Many of you will spread your wings which will take you to all corners of the world, and we’re okay with that.” He added that each of them would always be welcomed back to their hometown. District 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) Superintendent of Schools Bob Peacock
shared practical life lessons as observed through the Vancouver Canucks run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Guest Speaker Crystal Larsen talked about the growth of the students over the past school year. “You figured out how to balance your lives. It isn’t easy to find time for your family, friends and academic studies.” PSS Principal Sandee Blair announced that the community provided over $11,000.00 in funding for Dry Grad for the 2011 graduating class – of which saw a 97% participation rate in the Dry Grad activities over the past weekend. The Governor General’s Academic Award was presented to Rachel Halipchuk, who also received the Bernice Wardle Top All-Around Student Award. A total of 27 of the 36 Graduates (33 from Princeton Secondary, 3 from The Bridge) shared in the bursaries and scholarships with five students collecting five each and four receiving four each.
shared practical life lessons as observed through the Vancouver Canucks run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Guest Speaker Crystal Larsen talked about the growth of the students over the past school year. “You figured out how to balance your lives. It isn’t easy to find time for your family, friends and academic studies.” PSS Principal Sandee Blair announced that the community provided over $11,000.00 in funding for Dry Grad for the 2011 graduating class – of which saw a 97% participation rate in the Dry Grad activities over the past weekend. The Governor General’s Academic Award was presented to Rachel Halipchuk, who also received the Bernice Wardle Top All-Around Student Award. A total of 27 of the 36 Graduates (33 from Princeton Secondary, 3 from The Bridge) shared in the bursaries and scholarships with five students collecting five each and four receiving four each.
FortisBC Hangs Us Out To Dry!
Photo: Brenda Engel
FortisBC PowerSense Community Ambassadors Alice Reynolds, left, and Brigitte Leyland handed out free clotheslines June 23rd in Princeton's Veterans Square. The pair brought 500 of them to town. It's all part of FortisBC's PowerSense education program encouraging customers to cut down on power consumption during warmer months by taking advantage of Mother Nature when it comes to drying clothes.
June 21, 2011 - News Leader
PROGRAM CELEBRATES EARLY SUCCESS
While the name Community Prevention Education Continuum may not mean much to you, evidence presented June 16th in Princeton Legion Hall showed that CPEC has already met with a tremendous amount of success and support in Princeton since it’s introduction last November. In simple terms CPEC is a framework with a simple message: If you want to succeed, you need to be clean and sober. Success stems from the message being repeated consistently through activities and programs offered to school-aged children. Community stakeholders and supporters gathered last week for a barbeque to celebrate the success of the Princeton CPEC program and to hear how the framework has taken hold in the community.
According to Regional Drugs & Organized Crime Awareness Service Coordinator Cpl. Amelia Hayden, the casual get together served as an important milepost in the lifespan of Princeton CPEC. “We’re here to celebrate the successes and to move it forward.” PSS Principal Sandee Blair spoke of the impact of one program used as part of the CPEC framework – an event called CHOICES Day. CHOICES being Choosing Health Over Injury by Caring for Every Student. The main event on CHOICES Day was a mock accident scene with first responders on site extracting students who were ‘acting’ as accident victims. The students who visited the accident scene also followed the accident ‘victims’ into the hospital emergency ward and eventually to the morgue. Blair said the event was “very impactful” and added, “Our vision and hope is to add two more grades in the next two years” to participate in CHOICES Day. She added that “we need to change the mind set” related to drug and alcohol use in the community. Princeton Youth Ambassador Taylor Kostiuk explained, “CPEC gave the Ambassadors a great opportunity to talk to other students.” She viewed the Ambassadors as good role models, which assisted in getting messages across to younger students about making healthy choices. Kostiuk added that at one school they discussed the negative impact of peer pressure as a motivation to push some kids into making bad decisions. “It also helped us as we know how to connect with them.” Weyerhaeuser Manager Jeff Larsen expressed confidence in the program but added “life is more complicated than when we were kids” and that is a reason why they need more support through such things as CPEC. Larsen pointed to changing attitudes about drinking and driving as an example of progress. “Things are changing for our town. The seed’s planted in Princeton and I think it’ll go beyond that. Every kid deserves our support.” Princeton RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Dave Clare stated, “I felt this program would work well in this community. It’s worked well in the community and we need to push it forward.” Mayor Randy McLean told the gathering that discussions take place frequently in Council Chambers about what is going on in Princeton in relation to programs used as part of CPEC. “We’re doing a good job of taking care of our kids,” he said. He added that activities that get local youth more actively involved in their community are a positive move. “One of the reasons why this works is that it doesn’t take a lot of effort if you get a lot of people involved.”
While the name Community Prevention Education Continuum may not mean much to you, evidence presented June 16th in Princeton Legion Hall showed that CPEC has already met with a tremendous amount of success and support in Princeton since it’s introduction last November. In simple terms CPEC is a framework with a simple message: If you want to succeed, you need to be clean and sober. Success stems from the message being repeated consistently through activities and programs offered to school-aged children. Community stakeholders and supporters gathered last week for a barbeque to celebrate the success of the Princeton CPEC program and to hear how the framework has taken hold in the community.
According to Regional Drugs & Organized Crime Awareness Service Coordinator Cpl. Amelia Hayden, the casual get together served as an important milepost in the lifespan of Princeton CPEC. “We’re here to celebrate the successes and to move it forward.” PSS Principal Sandee Blair spoke of the impact of one program used as part of the CPEC framework – an event called CHOICES Day. CHOICES being Choosing Health Over Injury by Caring for Every Student. The main event on CHOICES Day was a mock accident scene with first responders on site extracting students who were ‘acting’ as accident victims. The students who visited the accident scene also followed the accident ‘victims’ into the hospital emergency ward and eventually to the morgue. Blair said the event was “very impactful” and added, “Our vision and hope is to add two more grades in the next two years” to participate in CHOICES Day. She added that “we need to change the mind set” related to drug and alcohol use in the community. Princeton Youth Ambassador Taylor Kostiuk explained, “CPEC gave the Ambassadors a great opportunity to talk to other students.” She viewed the Ambassadors as good role models, which assisted in getting messages across to younger students about making healthy choices. Kostiuk added that at one school they discussed the negative impact of peer pressure as a motivation to push some kids into making bad decisions. “It also helped us as we know how to connect with them.” Weyerhaeuser Manager Jeff Larsen expressed confidence in the program but added “life is more complicated than when we were kids” and that is a reason why they need more support through such things as CPEC. Larsen pointed to changing attitudes about drinking and driving as an example of progress. “Things are changing for our town. The seed’s planted in Princeton and I think it’ll go beyond that. Every kid deserves our support.” Princeton RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Dave Clare stated, “I felt this program would work well in this community. It’s worked well in the community and we need to push it forward.” Mayor Randy McLean told the gathering that discussions take place frequently in Council Chambers about what is going on in Princeton in relation to programs used as part of CPEC. “We’re doing a good job of taking care of our kids,” he said. He added that activities that get local youth more actively involved in their community are a positive move. “One of the reasons why this works is that it doesn’t take a lot of effort if you get a lot of people involved.”
Wrestlers Come To Princeton!
All-Star Wrestling returns to Princeton this weekend. The Similkameen Battle Royale kicks off at 7:30 PM Saturday, June 25th (doors open at 6:30 PM) at Princeton Arena featuring the Thrash Wrestling Title (Collin Cutler vs. Disco Fury), Beauty vs. The Beast (Kyle Sabastian against Gorgeous Michelle Starr), Girls Gone Wrestling (Raven Lane vs. The Waspette) and the All-Star Wrestling Cruiserweight Title Match featuring Adam Ryder against The Kasaki. Tickets are $15 (front row) and $12 and are available at Princeton Arena, Shoppers Drug Mart and Keremeos Hardware. They are also available at the door. To find out more about ASW visit their website at www.aswcanada.com.
Local Kids Raise $$$ For Slave Lake Kids!
Photo Submitted
Pictured here are students from the Princeton Secondary School's textile class. The students are showing off their aprons that they will auction off at their 2011 Fashion for the Fire Fashion show on June 29th. The Students are fund-raising for the children of Slave Lake who lost all their clothing in the recent fires. They hope to raise funds to help them buy new clothes. The event will be at the Princeton Legion on Wednesday, June 29th starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available at Shoppers Drug Mart and at the high school for $5.00 each. They hope the community will come out and enjoy the great evening of entertainment and bid on some of the beautiful clothing that they will auction off. They will show off their own sewing talents and they will fashion and auction lots of clothing donated by retailers. Come for some great clothing bargains!!!
June 14, 2011 - News Leader
DRIVER LOSES LICENCE
Sammy Holmes stood trial on May 12 in Provincial Court in Princeton. He was found guilty and returned to court in Princeton on June 9 for sentencing. Holmes had been charged with impaired driving on April 2, 2010, when a civilian reported a possible impaired driver and described the vehicle. Holmes had been found in the driver’s seat with four passengers. When taken for a breath test, Holmes readings were .230 and .220. Due to the high readings, Judge G. Sinclair ordered a higher than usual fine. Homes must pay $1,200, and loses his right to drive for one year.
DISTRICT HONOURS DEDICATION
The School District 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) annual Long Service/Retirement Celebration was held June 6th in Princeton Secondary School Library. A total of 15 Princeton area teachers and support staff qualified for recognition with two more retirees also honoured.
Princeton Secondary School:
15-Year Pin - Guadalupe Gutierrez-Ogrinc; 20-Year Pin - Gordon Bibby, Kitty Lynch, Kathy Schneider, Lynn Willis; 25-Year Pin - Sharon Bamford, Sharon Clarke, Shane O’Malley. Retiring - Lynn Willis (20 years)
John Allison Elementary School:
15-Year Pin - Carol Mack; 20-Year Pin - Shirley Low; 30-Year Pin - Robert Tarswell
Vermilion Forks Elementary School
15-Year Pin - Judy Lee, Verena Luchsinger; 20-Year Pin - Rod Miller, Georgina Tarswell
Maintenance - Princeton
Retiring - John Dunsmore (17.5 years)
Board Office Staff
Retiring - Bruce Tisdale (33 years)
COPPER MOUNTAIN PROCESSES FIRST ORE
Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (TSX: CUM) (the “Company” or “Copper Mountain”) announced June 6th that construction of the processing plant is complete and on scheduled for June 2011 production from the Copper Mountain Mine. Mining is proceeding as planned and has been delivering ore to the primary crusher since mid April. The Company has been stock piling ore as part of preproduction mining activities. The coarse ore stock pile at the mill has in excess of 190,000 tonnes of mill feed that has been crushed in the Company’s new primary crusher. On May 28, 2011 the commissioning of the mill was started with the first ore being processed. With the mechanical equipment adjustments completed, production commenced on June 4, 2011. The start up has gone smoothly and it is anticipated that full production will be achieved by mid June. “Following the receipt of our production permit on April 1, 2010, our contractors, suppliers, and our operating team have preformed an outstanding job in completing all the challenges for our planned June 2011 production start. The processing plant and related facilities are all functioning well and meeting our expectations,” states a news release. The Official Mine Opening Ceremony will be held in mid August 2011, details will be announced in the near future.
Sammy Holmes stood trial on May 12 in Provincial Court in Princeton. He was found guilty and returned to court in Princeton on June 9 for sentencing. Holmes had been charged with impaired driving on April 2, 2010, when a civilian reported a possible impaired driver and described the vehicle. Holmes had been found in the driver’s seat with four passengers. When taken for a breath test, Holmes readings were .230 and .220. Due to the high readings, Judge G. Sinclair ordered a higher than usual fine. Homes must pay $1,200, and loses his right to drive for one year.
DISTRICT HONOURS DEDICATION
The School District 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) annual Long Service/Retirement Celebration was held June 6th in Princeton Secondary School Library. A total of 15 Princeton area teachers and support staff qualified for recognition with two more retirees also honoured.
Princeton Secondary School:
15-Year Pin - Guadalupe Gutierrez-Ogrinc; 20-Year Pin - Gordon Bibby, Kitty Lynch, Kathy Schneider, Lynn Willis; 25-Year Pin - Sharon Bamford, Sharon Clarke, Shane O’Malley. Retiring - Lynn Willis (20 years)
John Allison Elementary School:
15-Year Pin - Carol Mack; 20-Year Pin - Shirley Low; 30-Year Pin - Robert Tarswell
Vermilion Forks Elementary School
15-Year Pin - Judy Lee, Verena Luchsinger; 20-Year Pin - Rod Miller, Georgina Tarswell
Maintenance - Princeton
Retiring - John Dunsmore (17.5 years)
Board Office Staff
Retiring - Bruce Tisdale (33 years)
COPPER MOUNTAIN PROCESSES FIRST ORE
Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (TSX: CUM) (the “Company” or “Copper Mountain”) announced June 6th that construction of the processing plant is complete and on scheduled for June 2011 production from the Copper Mountain Mine. Mining is proceeding as planned and has been delivering ore to the primary crusher since mid April. The Company has been stock piling ore as part of preproduction mining activities. The coarse ore stock pile at the mill has in excess of 190,000 tonnes of mill feed that has been crushed in the Company’s new primary crusher. On May 28, 2011 the commissioning of the mill was started with the first ore being processed. With the mechanical equipment adjustments completed, production commenced on June 4, 2011. The start up has gone smoothly and it is anticipated that full production will be achieved by mid June. “Following the receipt of our production permit on April 1, 2010, our contractors, suppliers, and our operating team have preformed an outstanding job in completing all the challenges for our planned June 2011 production start. The processing plant and related facilities are all functioning well and meeting our expectations,” states a news release. The Official Mine Opening Ceremony will be held in mid August 2011, details will be announced in the near future.
Local Author Writes Christian Book!
Photo: Brenda Engel
“Ready or Not the Bridegroom is Coming!” is not a book about weddings. Linda Rytkonen, left, has written a book for Christians who want to prepare themselves to meet Christ. Rytkonen has a unique way of showing how to prepare by comparing the lessons of the scriptures to the lessons she had to learn before she could ride a motorbike. As one lesson leads to another, she weaves a series of motorbike lessons into the fabric of leading a good Christian life. This is not a large book nor is it difficult to read. Anyone who is a Christian will be familiar with the Bible passages she quotes, and will undoubtedly get a chuckle out of her experiences with motorcycle riding. She shows how the life of a Christian needs a road to follow as well as balance and dedication. The last chapter of the book is called “The Thrill of the Ride” of a Christian life as well as the motorcyclist. “Ready or Not” is available at the Similkameen News Leader.
A Little Damp To Camp Here!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The Similkameen Farm Workers' Association established a campground for Keremeos-area farm workers last summer. It is located in a quiet location along Similkameen River. Rising water forced campers to move to higher ground June 6th and 7th as the river flooded out the low-lying areas normally filled with tents.
June 07, 2011 - News Leader
LOCAL DOCTOR SHORTAGE CUTS ER SERVICE
Interior Health advises local residents that there will be some nights during the month of June that physician services at Princeton General Hospital’s Emergency Department will be limited. The Emergency Department will remain open during these times and urgent cases will be seen by the physician on call. However, patients with less urgent needs may find they are either transferred to a nearby hospital for care, or offered appropriate options. All patients will be assessed as usual by our trained nurses. Patients can anticipate adjusted physician response from 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM on Thursday, June 16, Tuesday, June 21, Saturday, June 25, Sunday, June 26 and Thursday, June 30. If you are unsure what services you need, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse. For further information, call Princeton General Hospital at: 250-295-3233.
NASTY KEREMEOS CORNER SLATED FOR CHANGE
On June 1, Keremeos residents were invited to attend an open house presentation regarding changes to the downtown area. The route of Highway 3 through Keremeos is quite orderly until the junction downtown at the corner where Home Hardware and Valu-Plus are located. This is a nasty corner for local residents and confusing for drivers who do not know the area. The corner has a high potential for traffic accidents and can be a real bottleneck for local drivers, especially during the summer months. Residents had an opportunity to view maps and hear about the planned changes, and could comment on what they saw. The plans are not written in stone but the decision to go ahead or alter the plans will be made soon.
CHURCH RECEIVES DECONSECRATION SERVICE
On the evening of June 1st a Service of Deconsecration took place for the Parish of St. John's Anglican Church, Hedley. The small historic church has recently been sold to Angelique Wood, a Hedley resident since 2005. The service was conducted by the Most Reverend John E. Privett, Bishop of Kootenay and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of B.C. and Yukon, and the Bishop of Kootenay and Canon Dr. Randall Fairey, Executive Officer of the Diocese of Kootenay, having traveled from Kelowna. Approximately 12 people were in attendance, some sharing memories of the
old church and the new owner sharing thoughts and hopes for what it may become in the future. St. John's Church is a Hedley heritage building. It was dedicated and consecrated in May of 1918 and it's last service was held in 1968. The old church has not been used as a place of worship for many years. It was opened for a time in the 1990's as a thrift shop but otherwise has remained unused.
Secularizing the consecrated building was a bittersweet moment for the Bishop and Canon, in that they would rather open ministries than close them. However, they are pleased and have faith that the old church will be cared for in a respectful and loving manner. It is Angelique's intension that the building and garden will function as a meaningful and creative gathering space, a peaceful sanctuary in the Heart of Hedley.
Interior Health advises local residents that there will be some nights during the month of June that physician services at Princeton General Hospital’s Emergency Department will be limited. The Emergency Department will remain open during these times and urgent cases will be seen by the physician on call. However, patients with less urgent needs may find they are either transferred to a nearby hospital for care, or offered appropriate options. All patients will be assessed as usual by our trained nurses. Patients can anticipate adjusted physician response from 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM on Thursday, June 16, Tuesday, June 21, Saturday, June 25, Sunday, June 26 and Thursday, June 30. If you are unsure what services you need, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse. For further information, call Princeton General Hospital at: 250-295-3233.
NASTY KEREMEOS CORNER SLATED FOR CHANGE
On June 1, Keremeos residents were invited to attend an open house presentation regarding changes to the downtown area. The route of Highway 3 through Keremeos is quite orderly until the junction downtown at the corner where Home Hardware and Valu-Plus are located. This is a nasty corner for local residents and confusing for drivers who do not know the area. The corner has a high potential for traffic accidents and can be a real bottleneck for local drivers, especially during the summer months. Residents had an opportunity to view maps and hear about the planned changes, and could comment on what they saw. The plans are not written in stone but the decision to go ahead or alter the plans will be made soon.
CHURCH RECEIVES DECONSECRATION SERVICE
On the evening of June 1st a Service of Deconsecration took place for the Parish of St. John's Anglican Church, Hedley. The small historic church has recently been sold to Angelique Wood, a Hedley resident since 2005. The service was conducted by the Most Reverend John E. Privett, Bishop of Kootenay and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of B.C. and Yukon, and the Bishop of Kootenay and Canon Dr. Randall Fairey, Executive Officer of the Diocese of Kootenay, having traveled from Kelowna. Approximately 12 people were in attendance, some sharing memories of the
old church and the new owner sharing thoughts and hopes for what it may become in the future. St. John's Church is a Hedley heritage building. It was dedicated and consecrated in May of 1918 and it's last service was held in 1968. The old church has not been used as a place of worship for many years. It was opened for a time in the 1990's as a thrift shop but otherwise has remained unused.
Secularizing the consecrated building was a bittersweet moment for the Bishop and Canon, in that they would rather open ministries than close them. However, they are pleased and have faith that the old church will be cared for in a respectful and loving manner. It is Angelique's intension that the building and garden will function as a meaningful and creative gathering space, a peaceful sanctuary in the Heart of Hedley.
Westland Insurance Celebrates 31st!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
It was all smiles June 1st at Westland Insurance on Bridge Street. The local office marked the company’s 31st anniversary with cake and goodies. From left, Jaci Colbourne, Manager Sharon Laine, Shelagh Newcombe and Tisa Holland pause long enough for a group photo. Missing: Elly Edwards.
May Student of the Month!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Skylar Daponte is the May Student of the Month at Princeton Secondary School. Daponte, a Grade 12 student, was nominated for his many contributions over the years in the classroom, hallways and as part of the school band. Student of the Month is sponsored
by PSS PAC.
by PSS PAC.