June 26, 2012 - News Leader
COUNCIL AFFIRMS RIGHT TO BE ANGRY
Town Council met with Interior Health Authority (IHA) last week, and are committed to meeting with IHA once a month. Councillor Marilyn Harkness reported at the June 18 Town Council meeting that IHA and Council are working on both short and long term solutions to Princeton’s health care problems and are committed to 24/7 emergency coverage. Deputy Mayor Jason Earle referred to IHA’s efforts to find physicians for Princeton, stating, “Everything they are capable of doing, they’re doing.” Deputy Mayor Earle says he has confidence in the dedicated group of local citizens who have made every effort to ensure Princeton’s needs will be met. Councillor Kim Maynard added, “We all agree the community has a right to be angry.” IHA has a new website called betterhere.ca in which Princeton’s situation is described.
PXA PLANS FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES
Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA), the volunteer group managing the fairgrounds complex, met June 19 at the fairgrounds office. Most of the discussion focused on projects in process or planned for the near future. A new “memory wall” is in the making, and will face the main gates to the grounds. This wall will feature the names of people who have contributed their time and effort to user groups and the PXA through the years. This is the PXA way of honoring the people who make the events happen and who have built and maintained the grounds on behalf of the people of Princeton and Area H. Dan Kastor, PXA Vice-President, is working with FortisBC to improve energy efficiency at the fairgrounds. Following a tour of the grounds with a FortisBC representative, a report was completed, and plans are in the works to make the changes this summer. FortisBC has awarded $1,000 to the PXA for an electrical upgrade as a token of appreciation for the PXA hosting the Earth Hour ‘hot spot’. More than $2,000 was spent this year to upgrade the concession equipment and some painting was done in the concession kitchen area, so that project is completed. Carol Ruoss pointed out the poor condition of the flags at the main gate. She was given an okay to try to purchase new flags before the race meet on June 29. The condition of the barns was a hot topic at the meeting. The old barns, constructed during the 1960’s, are looking pretty sad, and need repairs. Members authorized hiring a person or persons to improve the condition before the races. The Crucil family has been hard at work improving the condition of the paddock area in time for the races. The race horses will be seen in a spruced-up area where flowers will decorate the center of the parade ring thanks to the Crucil family. Dan Kastor brought forward a list of improvements required for the Fall Fair buildings. He was authorized to bring an estimate of repair costs to the July 17 meeting. The Halloween committee requested use of the grounds for a second yard sale on August 11. Permission was granted, as nothing else is booked for that date.
FESTIVAL REQUIRES BILLET HOMES
by Johanna Nott
We are all looking forward to the 5th Annual Princeton Traditional Music Festival this summer to be held on August 17th to 19th. One of the pleasures of the festival is billeting our visiting musicians who perform for free. Here is what our billeters said about the experience: “For the last 2 years I have had the pleasure of billeting musicians coming to Princeton for the Traditional Music Festival. My first year was marvelous as Kate played the harp and sang Irish songs, mostly enchanting and beautiful lyrics and composition. I was transported back to my childhood in Dublin when my grandmother would sing to me. Kate’s friend and fellow harpist came to my house in the afternoon and they sat outside with their harps and practiced the concert they were to perform that evening. The harps and voices floated over the garden and soon my neighbours were gathering at the fence to enjoy the concert prelude. During the next day’s performance Kate stood on center stage and thanked me publicly for allowing her to stay at my home. People came up to me and told me I was lucky to be billeting such a talented artist, and that was an understatement. Her music lives in my house now through the DVD’s she left. Each year I look forward to the next artist who will be billeted at my home and whose music I will experience. It has all been rewarding.” If you would like to share this positive experience by billeting a musician you are asked to call me, Johanna, at 250.295.3875.
Town Council met with Interior Health Authority (IHA) last week, and are committed to meeting with IHA once a month. Councillor Marilyn Harkness reported at the June 18 Town Council meeting that IHA and Council are working on both short and long term solutions to Princeton’s health care problems and are committed to 24/7 emergency coverage. Deputy Mayor Jason Earle referred to IHA’s efforts to find physicians for Princeton, stating, “Everything they are capable of doing, they’re doing.” Deputy Mayor Earle says he has confidence in the dedicated group of local citizens who have made every effort to ensure Princeton’s needs will be met. Councillor Kim Maynard added, “We all agree the community has a right to be angry.” IHA has a new website called betterhere.ca in which Princeton’s situation is described.
PXA PLANS FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES
Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA), the volunteer group managing the fairgrounds complex, met June 19 at the fairgrounds office. Most of the discussion focused on projects in process or planned for the near future. A new “memory wall” is in the making, and will face the main gates to the grounds. This wall will feature the names of people who have contributed their time and effort to user groups and the PXA through the years. This is the PXA way of honoring the people who make the events happen and who have built and maintained the grounds on behalf of the people of Princeton and Area H. Dan Kastor, PXA Vice-President, is working with FortisBC to improve energy efficiency at the fairgrounds. Following a tour of the grounds with a FortisBC representative, a report was completed, and plans are in the works to make the changes this summer. FortisBC has awarded $1,000 to the PXA for an electrical upgrade as a token of appreciation for the PXA hosting the Earth Hour ‘hot spot’. More than $2,000 was spent this year to upgrade the concession equipment and some painting was done in the concession kitchen area, so that project is completed. Carol Ruoss pointed out the poor condition of the flags at the main gate. She was given an okay to try to purchase new flags before the race meet on June 29. The condition of the barns was a hot topic at the meeting. The old barns, constructed during the 1960’s, are looking pretty sad, and need repairs. Members authorized hiring a person or persons to improve the condition before the races. The Crucil family has been hard at work improving the condition of the paddock area in time for the races. The race horses will be seen in a spruced-up area where flowers will decorate the center of the parade ring thanks to the Crucil family. Dan Kastor brought forward a list of improvements required for the Fall Fair buildings. He was authorized to bring an estimate of repair costs to the July 17 meeting. The Halloween committee requested use of the grounds for a second yard sale on August 11. Permission was granted, as nothing else is booked for that date.
FESTIVAL REQUIRES BILLET HOMES
by Johanna Nott
We are all looking forward to the 5th Annual Princeton Traditional Music Festival this summer to be held on August 17th to 19th. One of the pleasures of the festival is billeting our visiting musicians who perform for free. Here is what our billeters said about the experience: “For the last 2 years I have had the pleasure of billeting musicians coming to Princeton for the Traditional Music Festival. My first year was marvelous as Kate played the harp and sang Irish songs, mostly enchanting and beautiful lyrics and composition. I was transported back to my childhood in Dublin when my grandmother would sing to me. Kate’s friend and fellow harpist came to my house in the afternoon and they sat outside with their harps and practiced the concert they were to perform that evening. The harps and voices floated over the garden and soon my neighbours were gathering at the fence to enjoy the concert prelude. During the next day’s performance Kate stood on center stage and thanked me publicly for allowing her to stay at my home. People came up to me and told me I was lucky to be billeting such a talented artist, and that was an understatement. Her music lives in my house now through the DVD’s she left. Each year I look forward to the next artist who will be billeted at my home and whose music I will experience. It has all been rewarding.” If you would like to share this positive experience by billeting a musician you are asked to call me, Johanna, at 250.295.3875.
The Things You Miss Without A Camera!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
There's been a lot of touching moments this week for graduates and we couldn't let this one pass us. Roya Massoudi comforts classmate Dillon Mervyn during a photo shoot for the News Leader the morning of graduation. We always snap small group photos for our annual Grad Issue which is stressful for all involved. Lucky for us there's also a silver lining waiting to be discovered!
PSS Class of 2012 - Grand March!
June 19, 2012 - News Leader
ARMITAGE WANTS TO BE MAYOR
Councillor Frank Armitage is the first out of the gate announcing last week his intention to run for the Mayor’s seat in the August 11th Town of Princeton by-election. Armitage shared his plan with the News Leader exactly twelve days before the opening of nominations on June 26th. “I’ve discussed it with my family and colleagues and all have given me their support,” Armitage said. What this means is instead of just voting to fill the Mayor’s seat, vacated by the passing of Mayor Fred Thomas, voters in the Town of Princeton will also be voting to fill Armitage’s seat on Town Council. For those not sure how this works, existing members of Town Council have until June 19th to resign from their current positions if they intend to seek nominations for the position of Mayor. The nomination period for this by-election runs from 9:00 AM Tuesday, June 26th to 4:00 PM Friday, July 6th. While it is not unusual for candidates to announce their plans early, the official list will not be known until after
nominations close.
24/7 ER FIGHT CONTINUES
The Town of Princeton and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Area "H" have been working actively to resolve the availability of Emergency Room Services to the community of Princeton and the Similkameen Valley. With strong partnerships with First Nations and Industry, the representatives are looking forward to meeting with Ministry of Health to collaboratively bring about a positive resolution that will protect the physical, social and economic health of the Similkameen Valley. Representatives are confident that Minister de Jong does share the concerns for the safety and well-being of, not only the constituents of the Similkameen Valley, but those who travel the highways of this beautiful part of the Province and therefore the safety and well-being of all British Columbians and their families. First Nations share this concern for the security of their workforce and their people, and industry has echoed this sentiment for the well-being of their working families. While all parties involved in seeking the resolution to the need for 24/7 Emergency Room Services understand that the Interior Health Authority is also working on long term solutions for overall hospital services, our immediate concern is to address this imminent threat to the safety and security of all. The Town of Princeton and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Area "H" are committed to keeping the public apprised of any new developments, including the announcement of a formal meeting date with the Ministry of Health which has been requested and is currently being scheduled. For further information please call Brad Hope RDOS 250.295.3512 or 250.295.2542, or Jason Earle 250.293.6747.
DRIVERS PLEAD GUILTY
In Provincial Court in Princeton on June 14, three local men entered guilty pleas to driving offenses. Shane Gallagher and Michael Twinn were each fined $500 and had their driving privileges suspended for a year after pleading guilty to driving while prohibited. Kenneth Kopola, after pleading guilty to driving with more than .08 blood alcohol, was sentenced to pay a $1,200 fine and is prohibited from driving for the coming year.
Councillor Frank Armitage is the first out of the gate announcing last week his intention to run for the Mayor’s seat in the August 11th Town of Princeton by-election. Armitage shared his plan with the News Leader exactly twelve days before the opening of nominations on June 26th. “I’ve discussed it with my family and colleagues and all have given me their support,” Armitage said. What this means is instead of just voting to fill the Mayor’s seat, vacated by the passing of Mayor Fred Thomas, voters in the Town of Princeton will also be voting to fill Armitage’s seat on Town Council. For those not sure how this works, existing members of Town Council have until June 19th to resign from their current positions if they intend to seek nominations for the position of Mayor. The nomination period for this by-election runs from 9:00 AM Tuesday, June 26th to 4:00 PM Friday, July 6th. While it is not unusual for candidates to announce their plans early, the official list will not be known until after
nominations close.
24/7 ER FIGHT CONTINUES
The Town of Princeton and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Area "H" have been working actively to resolve the availability of Emergency Room Services to the community of Princeton and the Similkameen Valley. With strong partnerships with First Nations and Industry, the representatives are looking forward to meeting with Ministry of Health to collaboratively bring about a positive resolution that will protect the physical, social and economic health of the Similkameen Valley. Representatives are confident that Minister de Jong does share the concerns for the safety and well-being of, not only the constituents of the Similkameen Valley, but those who travel the highways of this beautiful part of the Province and therefore the safety and well-being of all British Columbians and their families. First Nations share this concern for the security of their workforce and their people, and industry has echoed this sentiment for the well-being of their working families. While all parties involved in seeking the resolution to the need for 24/7 Emergency Room Services understand that the Interior Health Authority is also working on long term solutions for overall hospital services, our immediate concern is to address this imminent threat to the safety and security of all. The Town of Princeton and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Area "H" are committed to keeping the public apprised of any new developments, including the announcement of a formal meeting date with the Ministry of Health which has been requested and is currently being scheduled. For further information please call Brad Hope RDOS 250.295.3512 or 250.295.2542, or Jason Earle 250.293.6747.
DRIVERS PLEAD GUILTY
In Provincial Court in Princeton on June 14, three local men entered guilty pleas to driving offenses. Shane Gallagher and Michael Twinn were each fined $500 and had their driving privileges suspended for a year after pleading guilty to driving while prohibited. Kenneth Kopola, after pleading guilty to driving with more than .08 blood alcohol, was sentenced to pay a $1,200 fine and is prohibited from driving for the coming year.
No Drawbridge Or Moat!
Photo: Brenda Engel
Students in one classroom at John Allison Elementary School have had a shadow cast on their desks for a few weeks now. A giant castle has been constructed in the room to allow students to perform skits, plays and sing songs related to medieval times for family and friends.
Jam for the Valley Outdoor Concert!
June 12, 2012 - News Leader
BY-ELECTION WHEELS PUT IN MOTION
Town Council appointed Shirley McMahon Chief Election Officer and Carolyn Schmidt Deputy Chief Election Officer at their June 5th regular meeting. The appointments set in motion the process leading to a by-election for the vacant position of Mayor. Based upon the date of the appointment and in accordance with the Local Government Act, the CEO set the general voting day for Saturday, August 11th with an advance poll set for August 1st and based upon an August 11th general voting day, nominations will be accepted from 9:00 AM June 26th until 4:00 PM July 8th. Following the vacancy of a position on council, the local government, as soon as reasonably possible, must appoint a chief election officer for a by-election. Should sitting members of council consider a nomination, the member must resign from their office within 14 days after the day on which the CEO is appointed. The cost to conduct the by-election has been estimated at between $6,500.00 and $8,000.00.
TOWN AWARDS ZIG ZAG CONTRACT
Mierau Contractors Ltd. was awarded the contract for the zigzag pedestrian stair and trail project at the June 4th regular meeting of Town Council. Mierau’s tender bid of $206,117.00 was the lowest of the four received. Council engaged Bruce Carscadden Architects to develop options for the redevelopment and refurbishment of the trail following a single vehicle accident in 2010 destroyed the route. At the August 8, 2011 committee of the whole meeting council received three concept options from the consulting architect. At that meeting council requested additional information and costing on one of the concepts and at the September 19, 2011 regular meeting council was provided with an updated concept plan and budget estimates. A tender was issued for the zig zag trail in October 2011 and at the December 19, 2011 regular meeting council cancelled the tender opportunity due to budget constraints. Council resolved at the December 19, 2011 meeting to re-tender the project for a spring 2012 construction start-up. In the month of December 2011, council resolved to apply to the Community Recreation Grant Program for funding and received notification of approved funding in the amount of $180,000.00 on March 26, 2012. A new tender was issued May 11th and closed May 29th.
The financial plan established a $225,000.00 project budget with funding from three sources: $180,000.00 from the Provincial Community Recreation Grant Program, $17,500.00 from ICBC (insurance), and $27,500.00 in Federal Gas Tax funding. The project is expected to be completed in eight weeks.
Town Council appointed Shirley McMahon Chief Election Officer and Carolyn Schmidt Deputy Chief Election Officer at their June 5th regular meeting. The appointments set in motion the process leading to a by-election for the vacant position of Mayor. Based upon the date of the appointment and in accordance with the Local Government Act, the CEO set the general voting day for Saturday, August 11th with an advance poll set for August 1st and based upon an August 11th general voting day, nominations will be accepted from 9:00 AM June 26th until 4:00 PM July 8th. Following the vacancy of a position on council, the local government, as soon as reasonably possible, must appoint a chief election officer for a by-election. Should sitting members of council consider a nomination, the member must resign from their office within 14 days after the day on which the CEO is appointed. The cost to conduct the by-election has been estimated at between $6,500.00 and $8,000.00.
TOWN AWARDS ZIG ZAG CONTRACT
Mierau Contractors Ltd. was awarded the contract for the zigzag pedestrian stair and trail project at the June 4th regular meeting of Town Council. Mierau’s tender bid of $206,117.00 was the lowest of the four received. Council engaged Bruce Carscadden Architects to develop options for the redevelopment and refurbishment of the trail following a single vehicle accident in 2010 destroyed the route. At the August 8, 2011 committee of the whole meeting council received three concept options from the consulting architect. At that meeting council requested additional information and costing on one of the concepts and at the September 19, 2011 regular meeting council was provided with an updated concept plan and budget estimates. A tender was issued for the zig zag trail in October 2011 and at the December 19, 2011 regular meeting council cancelled the tender opportunity due to budget constraints. Council resolved at the December 19, 2011 meeting to re-tender the project for a spring 2012 construction start-up. In the month of December 2011, council resolved to apply to the Community Recreation Grant Program for funding and received notification of approved funding in the amount of $180,000.00 on March 26, 2012. A new tender was issued May 11th and closed May 29th.
The financial plan established a $225,000.00 project budget with funding from three sources: $180,000.00 from the Provincial Community Recreation Grant Program, $17,500.00 from ICBC (insurance), and $27,500.00 in Federal Gas Tax funding. The project is expected to be completed in eight weeks.
School District Honours Dedication!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
School District staff in attendance at the June 7th Long Service/Retirement Tea included District Board Chair Gordon Comeau, Executive Secretary Jill Yakimchuk and School Superintendent Dr. Robert Peacock. A total of nine teachers and support staff working in Princeton schools were honoured. The annual event, hosted by School District 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) has been a tradition for many years. Those honoured in Princeton were: Georgina Tarswell (retiring June 30th after 21 years), Paul Carter (25 year pin), John Kitts and Marie-Anne Roche (20 year pins), Sandee Blair, Raelene Campana, Laurie Thomas and Monika Vegara (15 year pins) and Neil Anderson (10 year pin).
Keremeos Grass Fire Incident!
Photo: Arlene Arlow
A grass fire near Keremeos got away June 2nd and BC Forestry Fire Crews were called in to assist Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department. Helicopter and water bomber activity continued for hours as crews fought to bring the blaze under control and to prevent it from spreading and becoming a forest fire.
June 05, 2012 - News Leader
SOHC PLANS PUBLIC FORUM
The Princeton Save Our Hospital Coalition (SOHC) will be holding a Public Forum to discuss solutions to the health care problems in our community. The Forum will be held on June 21st at Riverside Community Centre beginning at 7:00 PM. SOHC has invited the following panelists to speak to the community:
- Christy Clarke, Premier of British Columbia
- Michael de Jong, BC Minister of Health
- Adrian Dix, Leader of the Opposition,
- Mike Farnworth, NDP Health Critic
- Harry Lali, MLA
- Dr. Robert Halpenny, CEO Interior Health
- Charlotte Mitchell, Chief of Upper Similkameen Indian Band
- Jason Earle, Acting Mayor of Princeton
- Brad Hope, RDOS Area H Director
On May 1, the Interior Health Authority instituted scheduled closures of the Emergency Room at Princeton General Hospital. These closures, which will
last for one year, represent the latest in a long sequence of cutbacks that have a negative impact on our community. SOHC is demanding immediate restoration of 24/7 Emergency Room services to our community. They are also urging the BC Minister of Health and the Interior Health Authority to work with the community of Princeton to develop a long term plan. The public is invited to attend the Forum to hear what our elected and appointed representatives have to say. There will be an opportunity for the audience to present their questions to the members of the panel.
PRINCETON ARTS COUNCIL RECEIVES FUNDING
Princeton Community Arts Council has received a $15,000 operating grant from the BC Arts Council, and a $5,000 grant in aid from Town Council. The members will review priorities at a strategic planning session this month. Members met on May 30 to review and pass an important amendment to the Arts Council constitution making it conform to the requirements of all societies having charity status.
OSPREY LAKE CLEAN UP CHALLENGE
by Terry Tellier, Coordinator Roadside Cleanup - Friends of Osprey Lake
We challenge everyone in the Princeton area to pitch in and pick up litter in your area and encourage others not to pitch it out. Whether you play or live in this area you will notice what a difference the lack of litter along the roadside makes. On Saturday, May 26th the “Friends of Osprey Lake” cleaned up over 40 kilometres of roadways and trails around the Osprey Lake, Link Lake and Chain Lake area. We also cleaned approximately 4 km of the Trans-Canada Trail by Osprey and Link Lake. Fifteen volunteers gathered two truck loads of garbage from the Princeton – Summerland Road and the side roads from Shinish Creek Road to the Thirsk Lake area. The items collected included: cigarette packages, butts, plastic bags, drink bottles/cans, fast food containers, a pager, chairs, tires, metal banding, signs etc. This was our 5th annual spring roadside cleanup and our volunteers took approximately 450 kilograms of waste to the Princeton landfill.
The Princeton Save Our Hospital Coalition (SOHC) will be holding a Public Forum to discuss solutions to the health care problems in our community. The Forum will be held on June 21st at Riverside Community Centre beginning at 7:00 PM. SOHC has invited the following panelists to speak to the community:
- Christy Clarke, Premier of British Columbia
- Michael de Jong, BC Minister of Health
- Adrian Dix, Leader of the Opposition,
- Mike Farnworth, NDP Health Critic
- Harry Lali, MLA
- Dr. Robert Halpenny, CEO Interior Health
- Charlotte Mitchell, Chief of Upper Similkameen Indian Band
- Jason Earle, Acting Mayor of Princeton
- Brad Hope, RDOS Area H Director
On May 1, the Interior Health Authority instituted scheduled closures of the Emergency Room at Princeton General Hospital. These closures, which will
last for one year, represent the latest in a long sequence of cutbacks that have a negative impact on our community. SOHC is demanding immediate restoration of 24/7 Emergency Room services to our community. They are also urging the BC Minister of Health and the Interior Health Authority to work with the community of Princeton to develop a long term plan. The public is invited to attend the Forum to hear what our elected and appointed representatives have to say. There will be an opportunity for the audience to present their questions to the members of the panel.
PRINCETON ARTS COUNCIL RECEIVES FUNDING
Princeton Community Arts Council has received a $15,000 operating grant from the BC Arts Council, and a $5,000 grant in aid from Town Council. The members will review priorities at a strategic planning session this month. Members met on May 30 to review and pass an important amendment to the Arts Council constitution making it conform to the requirements of all societies having charity status.
OSPREY LAKE CLEAN UP CHALLENGE
by Terry Tellier, Coordinator Roadside Cleanup - Friends of Osprey Lake
We challenge everyone in the Princeton area to pitch in and pick up litter in your area and encourage others not to pitch it out. Whether you play or live in this area you will notice what a difference the lack of litter along the roadside makes. On Saturday, May 26th the “Friends of Osprey Lake” cleaned up over 40 kilometres of roadways and trails around the Osprey Lake, Link Lake and Chain Lake area. We also cleaned approximately 4 km of the Trans-Canada Trail by Osprey and Link Lake. Fifteen volunteers gathered two truck loads of garbage from the Princeton – Summerland Road and the side roads from Shinish Creek Road to the Thirsk Lake area. The items collected included: cigarette packages, butts, plastic bags, drink bottles/cans, fast food containers, a pager, chairs, tires, metal banding, signs etc. This was our 5th annual spring roadside cleanup and our volunteers took approximately 450 kilograms of waste to the Princeton landfill.
Oops, Someone Forgot The Key!
Photo: Brenda Engel
Officials from Interior Health Authority were in Princeton May 28th for a 'closed door' meeting with Town Council. A rally, planned by the Save Our Hospital Coalition, was taking place just outside the meeting room when the IHA officials arrived. Access to the meeting room was unavailable at the time as the door was locked. Some members of the rally went over to the IHA trio and introduced themselves. Others chose to keep their distance.
PSS Drama Students Get To Act Up!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The Drama Department of Princeton Secondary School presented a play May 31st at Riverside Theatre which was centred on a court case involving familiar characters. Big B. Wolf was on trail in the Enchanted Forest Court Room and witnesses included the Three Little Pigs, the Little Boy Who Cried Wolf, the Wood Cutter, Little Miss Muffet and more. The audience was even involved as the jury who got to decide Big B. Wolf's fate.