March 04, 2008 - News Leader
PSS REQUIRES COMMUNITY MENTORS
by Bill Lawrence, PSS Principal
Next year we are offering our students a slightly different way of earning high school credits. It’s called Independent Directed Studies (IDS) for grades 10, 11 and 12, and it allows our students to co design and explore their own course, in an area of interest or personal passion. Working with our teachers, their peers and a Community Mentor, each student creates and carries out an individualized learning project over the course of a semester. A Community Mentor would be paired with a young learner who shares one of their passions, talents or dreams. Princeton is home to many skilled and talented people with expertise that could enrich the lives of the young people in our community. The people in our community are a wonderful resource that we would like to tap to help our students follow their passion, and help show them that learning occurs everywhere. How does it work? Our students will identify areas that they are interested in pursuing. Horseback riding, quilting, coaching, animal husbandry, fitness, mechanics, carpentry, photography, dance, gardening, and natural history are just some of the possibilities. As long as we can find one learning outcome from a Ministry approved course that fits, and a Community Mentor who shares that interest, the student can design a course. Where does it happen? At school and away from school. Portions of the course design are research based and will be done here at PSS. Community mentors will most likely work with our students away from here, unless we have specialized equipment required for the skill or talent. Do you believe in the power of community when it comes to raising happy and healthy young people? Do you love discussing and sharing your talents, passions and enthusiasm with other interested people? Do you enjoy the energy, wonder and inspiration of being around young learners? If you answered YES to these questions we want YOU to be one of our Community Mentors. For more information call me at (250) 295-3218.
PET OWNERS BEWARE
An autopsy has revealed that a dog that died on Princeton’s second bench February 14th was poisoned. The 2-year old Border Collie/Sheltie cross was killed with strychnine. Although Princeton RCMP responded to the incident, they are not continuing with a further investigation, nor have they issued a warning to dog owners in the area.
CLOCKS GO AHEAD THIS WEEKEND
Spring ahead, Fall back! Daylight Savings Time goes into effect at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 9th this year as North America moves clocks ahead one hour. Daylight Savings Time will run for a total of 34 weeks, ending on Sunday, November 4th when clocks will then go back an hour for Daylight Standard Time. The easiest way to stay ‘on time’ this weekend is to change your clocks Saturday night before going to bed. Spring ahead, means moving clocks ahead one hour this weekend.
by Bill Lawrence, PSS Principal
Next year we are offering our students a slightly different way of earning high school credits. It’s called Independent Directed Studies (IDS) for grades 10, 11 and 12, and it allows our students to co design and explore their own course, in an area of interest or personal passion. Working with our teachers, their peers and a Community Mentor, each student creates and carries out an individualized learning project over the course of a semester. A Community Mentor would be paired with a young learner who shares one of their passions, talents or dreams. Princeton is home to many skilled and talented people with expertise that could enrich the lives of the young people in our community. The people in our community are a wonderful resource that we would like to tap to help our students follow their passion, and help show them that learning occurs everywhere. How does it work? Our students will identify areas that they are interested in pursuing. Horseback riding, quilting, coaching, animal husbandry, fitness, mechanics, carpentry, photography, dance, gardening, and natural history are just some of the possibilities. As long as we can find one learning outcome from a Ministry approved course that fits, and a Community Mentor who shares that interest, the student can design a course. Where does it happen? At school and away from school. Portions of the course design are research based and will be done here at PSS. Community mentors will most likely work with our students away from here, unless we have specialized equipment required for the skill or talent. Do you believe in the power of community when it comes to raising happy and healthy young people? Do you love discussing and sharing your talents, passions and enthusiasm with other interested people? Do you enjoy the energy, wonder and inspiration of being around young learners? If you answered YES to these questions we want YOU to be one of our Community Mentors. For more information call me at (250) 295-3218.
PET OWNERS BEWARE
An autopsy has revealed that a dog that died on Princeton’s second bench February 14th was poisoned. The 2-year old Border Collie/Sheltie cross was killed with strychnine. Although Princeton RCMP responded to the incident, they are not continuing with a further investigation, nor have they issued a warning to dog owners in the area.
CLOCKS GO AHEAD THIS WEEKEND
Spring ahead, Fall back! Daylight Savings Time goes into effect at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 9th this year as North America moves clocks ahead one hour. Daylight Savings Time will run for a total of 34 weeks, ending on Sunday, November 4th when clocks will then go back an hour for Daylight Standard Time. The easiest way to stay ‘on time’ this weekend is to change your clocks Saturday night before going to bed. Spring ahead, means moving clocks ahead one hour this weekend.
March 11, 2008 - News Leader
TOWN COUNCIL COURTS DOCTORS
Members of Town Council have been actively courting doctors to encourage them to move to Princeton. The good news is that two doctors have signed a letter of intent to set up practice in Princeton General Hospital. Councillor Pam Jones announced at the March 3 Council meeting that Dr. Johan Van Heerden, a South African doctor, and Dr. J. McLeod, a Canadian, will be working in Princeton soon. Cascade Medical will be moving to the new offices created at Princeton General Hospital on March 28. Public Health will be moving from the space slated for doctors down to the hospital basement on March 14. Thanks to some interested locums, the ER will remain open. The Health Committee is looking for volunteer drivers to take people from downtown to the hospital for medical appointments. To encourage doctors to move to remote rural communities, one doctor suggested the government should give an income tax credit rather than higher pay. The committee is looking into this possibility.
THE MUMMY 3 SHOOTS AT SIMILCO
“The Mummy III” starring Brendan Fraser and Jet Li shot Visual Effects shots at the Similco Mine on February 26. The effects shot required the set up of three large explosions within the mine, filmed by two cameras on the ground, and one Wescam Aerial Camera. Due to the extensive set up needed for these Visual Effects shots, crew with the production were housed in Princeton for three days prior to February 26, and for two days afterwards for set up and take down of the elaborate set ups. Key members of the crew were flown in daily for the shoot. The various shots will be seen in the film, but may be difficult to pick out, as the shots will be digitally enhanced to appear as though they are in China and Tibet where most of the production’s principle photography was filmed. “It is a unique experience to have the valley involved in one of these visual effects shoots that hasn’t otherwise occurred in the past at this scale,” says Film Commissioner Jon Summerland. “This shoot is an example of our versatility as a film destination. There is incredible diversity across the entire Okanagan Boundary Similkameen region, and this production is testament to that available range in what we as a film sector have to offer.” Local Location Manager Robin Mounsey was with the production, and was incredibly appreciative of the locals both at Similco Mine and in the town of Princeton. The assistance of those at Similco Mine was extremely helpful during the prep, shoot, and wrap days and represented the area with courtesy and professionalism that the region is known for. The Okanagan Film Commission wishes to thank all those that assisted with this production and their continued support of the film industry with the Okanagan Boundary Similkameen Region.
Members of Town Council have been actively courting doctors to encourage them to move to Princeton. The good news is that two doctors have signed a letter of intent to set up practice in Princeton General Hospital. Councillor Pam Jones announced at the March 3 Council meeting that Dr. Johan Van Heerden, a South African doctor, and Dr. J. McLeod, a Canadian, will be working in Princeton soon. Cascade Medical will be moving to the new offices created at Princeton General Hospital on March 28. Public Health will be moving from the space slated for doctors down to the hospital basement on March 14. Thanks to some interested locums, the ER will remain open. The Health Committee is looking for volunteer drivers to take people from downtown to the hospital for medical appointments. To encourage doctors to move to remote rural communities, one doctor suggested the government should give an income tax credit rather than higher pay. The committee is looking into this possibility.
THE MUMMY 3 SHOOTS AT SIMILCO
“The Mummy III” starring Brendan Fraser and Jet Li shot Visual Effects shots at the Similco Mine on February 26. The effects shot required the set up of three large explosions within the mine, filmed by two cameras on the ground, and one Wescam Aerial Camera. Due to the extensive set up needed for these Visual Effects shots, crew with the production were housed in Princeton for three days prior to February 26, and for two days afterwards for set up and take down of the elaborate set ups. Key members of the crew were flown in daily for the shoot. The various shots will be seen in the film, but may be difficult to pick out, as the shots will be digitally enhanced to appear as though they are in China and Tibet where most of the production’s principle photography was filmed. “It is a unique experience to have the valley involved in one of these visual effects shoots that hasn’t otherwise occurred in the past at this scale,” says Film Commissioner Jon Summerland. “This shoot is an example of our versatility as a film destination. There is incredible diversity across the entire Okanagan Boundary Similkameen region, and this production is testament to that available range in what we as a film sector have to offer.” Local Location Manager Robin Mounsey was with the production, and was incredibly appreciative of the locals both at Similco Mine and in the town of Princeton. The assistance of those at Similco Mine was extremely helpful during the prep, shoot, and wrap days and represented the area with courtesy and professionalism that the region is known for. The Okanagan Film Commission wishes to thank all those that assisted with this production and their continued support of the film industry with the Okanagan Boundary Similkameen Region.
March 18, 2008 - News Leader
KEREMEOS POLICE REPORT INCIDENT
SUBJECT: Flight from Police
Suspect Arrested
On Tuesday, March 11th, 2008, RCMP in Penticton had stopped a driver for motor vehicle act offences. The 34-year old male from Westbank, fled the scene in his vehicle, a white Honda Prelude with expired plates, towing a trailer with an ATV on it. The male then refused to stop, and the information was relayed to Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos RCMP Detachments. The suspect vehicle was sighted on Highway 3A southbound near Yellow Lake and the driver still refused to stop.He then proceeded to throw marihuana
plants and pots out the sunroof of the vehicle. A sawed off shotgun was recovered after the male discarded his knapsack in Penticton. RCMP air section and two dog units, as well as several South Okanagan Traffic Units attended the area, west of Keremeos on Highway 3. The suspect attempted to flee on the ATV but ended up abandoning it, he then attempted to hitch hike. The male was located with the help of an RCMP dog - he was hiding on the mountainside above the highway. The male was arrested and was held in custody and faced several charges under the Criminal Code in Penticton Court last week.
SUBJECT: Impaired Driver
Motor Vehicle Collision
On Saturday morning, March 8th, 2008, at approximately 8:00 AM, RCMP in Keremeos attended to a
single vehicle collision that occurred on Coulthard Avenue in the Cawston area. On arrival the investigating police officer noted the driver was under the influence of alcohol and was detained for investigation of that offence. The vehicle had moderate damage and was towed and impounded for 24 hours. The driver was issued a 24 hour driving prohibition, and provided samples of his breath which were 160 and 160 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (breath to blood alcohol ratio). Charges of impaired driving and driving while over .08 are pending against the 18-year old male from Penticton. RCMP in Keremeos and area are committed to ensuring our roads and communities are safe from impaired drivers who cause risk of injury and death to other motorists and pedestrians.
MUSEUM PREPARES FOR NEW SEASON
The past and the future run together at any Museum Society meeting. On March 11, members and three Missezula Lake residents reviewed the budget for the coming year. The museum has a new toll-free number: 1-866-582-7632 and a new email address: princetonmuseum@ telus.net. The website
needs modernizing and should be updated by tourist season.
Opening date - Princeton Museum will be open to the public on April 26. The foyer of the building will play music from the Traditional Music Society and feature a display in celebration of 50 years since Princeton Museum Society was established. August is Heritage Month in Princeton, and the museum will be involved in displays in local shops. Nick Mills is writing articles for the News Leader about B.C. history as part of the province-wide 150th anniversary. A new rack card was approved. The new card advertises the Traditional Music Festival to be held in August. The 6,000 cards will be distributed in a variety of locations.
Princeton’s music - Rika Ruebsaat reported the Traditional Music Festival has now confirmed nearly half of the performers expected to fill two downtown stages. In addition, the Traditional Music Society has applied to the Community Forest Corporation for money to produce a CD of Princeton’s traditional music. The society has accumulated 27 songs and several poems from the Princeton area for the CD and will produce 1,000 copies. The CDs will be available to the public for a $20 donation. The proceeds will be split between the Museum Society and the Traditional Music Society.
Learn to research - Princeton Museum Operations Manager Nick Mills will run a course at the Skills Centre on May 7 to show people how to research the museum archives for information about the past. Many people want to know about their family history, and this is one way to learn how to do the research. The evening course costs $20, and the proceeds go to Princeton Museum.
Wonderful Hedley visitors - School children from Hedley were special visitors to Princeton Museum this winter. Nick Mills said they were “absolutely charming” and “one of the nicest groups of children ever to visit the museum”.
Tulameen Treasures - A booklet titled “Treasures of the Tulameen” is being produced this year. A lot of information has been obtained from the Hudson Bay Company archives as well as from Princeton Museum. This has been a project of Kelley Cook. On July 26, there will be a celebration at Jacobsen Lake and a hike to Palmer’s Pond. Look for more information later this spring and perhaps plan an outing on the old Hudson Bay Trail. The next meeting will take place on the second Tuesday of April (April 8) at 2:30 PM at the Chamber of Commerce meeting room (downstairs at the Tourist Information Centre).
SUBJECT: Flight from Police
Suspect Arrested
On Tuesday, March 11th, 2008, RCMP in Penticton had stopped a driver for motor vehicle act offences. The 34-year old male from Westbank, fled the scene in his vehicle, a white Honda Prelude with expired plates, towing a trailer with an ATV on it. The male then refused to stop, and the information was relayed to Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos RCMP Detachments. The suspect vehicle was sighted on Highway 3A southbound near Yellow Lake and the driver still refused to stop.He then proceeded to throw marihuana
plants and pots out the sunroof of the vehicle. A sawed off shotgun was recovered after the male discarded his knapsack in Penticton. RCMP air section and two dog units, as well as several South Okanagan Traffic Units attended the area, west of Keremeos on Highway 3. The suspect attempted to flee on the ATV but ended up abandoning it, he then attempted to hitch hike. The male was located with the help of an RCMP dog - he was hiding on the mountainside above the highway. The male was arrested and was held in custody and faced several charges under the Criminal Code in Penticton Court last week.
SUBJECT: Impaired Driver
Motor Vehicle Collision
On Saturday morning, March 8th, 2008, at approximately 8:00 AM, RCMP in Keremeos attended to a
single vehicle collision that occurred on Coulthard Avenue in the Cawston area. On arrival the investigating police officer noted the driver was under the influence of alcohol and was detained for investigation of that offence. The vehicle had moderate damage and was towed and impounded for 24 hours. The driver was issued a 24 hour driving prohibition, and provided samples of his breath which were 160 and 160 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (breath to blood alcohol ratio). Charges of impaired driving and driving while over .08 are pending against the 18-year old male from Penticton. RCMP in Keremeos and area are committed to ensuring our roads and communities are safe from impaired drivers who cause risk of injury and death to other motorists and pedestrians.
MUSEUM PREPARES FOR NEW SEASON
The past and the future run together at any Museum Society meeting. On March 11, members and three Missezula Lake residents reviewed the budget for the coming year. The museum has a new toll-free number: 1-866-582-7632 and a new email address: princetonmuseum@ telus.net. The website
needs modernizing and should be updated by tourist season.
Opening date - Princeton Museum will be open to the public on April 26. The foyer of the building will play music from the Traditional Music Society and feature a display in celebration of 50 years since Princeton Museum Society was established. August is Heritage Month in Princeton, and the museum will be involved in displays in local shops. Nick Mills is writing articles for the News Leader about B.C. history as part of the province-wide 150th anniversary. A new rack card was approved. The new card advertises the Traditional Music Festival to be held in August. The 6,000 cards will be distributed in a variety of locations.
Princeton’s music - Rika Ruebsaat reported the Traditional Music Festival has now confirmed nearly half of the performers expected to fill two downtown stages. In addition, the Traditional Music Society has applied to the Community Forest Corporation for money to produce a CD of Princeton’s traditional music. The society has accumulated 27 songs and several poems from the Princeton area for the CD and will produce 1,000 copies. The CDs will be available to the public for a $20 donation. The proceeds will be split between the Museum Society and the Traditional Music Society.
Learn to research - Princeton Museum Operations Manager Nick Mills will run a course at the Skills Centre on May 7 to show people how to research the museum archives for information about the past. Many people want to know about their family history, and this is one way to learn how to do the research. The evening course costs $20, and the proceeds go to Princeton Museum.
Wonderful Hedley visitors - School children from Hedley were special visitors to Princeton Museum this winter. Nick Mills said they were “absolutely charming” and “one of the nicest groups of children ever to visit the museum”.
Tulameen Treasures - A booklet titled “Treasures of the Tulameen” is being produced this year. A lot of information has been obtained from the Hudson Bay Company archives as well as from Princeton Museum. This has been a project of Kelley Cook. On July 26, there will be a celebration at Jacobsen Lake and a hike to Palmer’s Pond. Look for more information later this spring and perhaps plan an outing on the old Hudson Bay Trail. The next meeting will take place on the second Tuesday of April (April 8) at 2:30 PM at the Chamber of Commerce meeting room (downstairs at the Tourist Information Centre).
March 25, 2008 - News Leader
LOCAL POLICE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE
Princeton RCMP would like to extend an invitation to concerned citizens of Princeton and surrounding area to participate in a Community Consultative Group (CCG) that the RCMP is establishing. “The purpose and objective of the CCG is to promote the ideals of Community Policing through information exchange and cooperation between the community and police,” says Princeton RCMP Sgt. Gary Macahonic. “Further, the CCG will strive to identify policing and crime concerns within the community and work with partners to find solutions for problems and assist with the development of policing strategies.” The group will work to develop, promote and implement Community Policing strategies and related programs. This will be accomplished through planning, acquiring resources and promoting the CCG program in Princeton and area. “The Community Consultative Group will be chosen from a broad range of citizens; elders, business associates, youth, professionals, etc.,” Macahonic explains. “These individuals will be responsible to represent their segment of the community by bringing forward their issues and concerns for discussions and resolution.” Group members will liaise with people in the organization or segment of society that they represent to identify policing issues to be tabled at the CCG meetings. They also will be relied upon to keep the people they represent informed of the groups activities and goals. “Finally, CCG members will be expected to take an active role in finding solutions to problems and furthering the community policing partnership.” The Community Consultative Group will initially meet every second month and then determine their need to meet to keep abreast of concerns and issues that are current. “If anyone has any questions about the CCG they are invited to contact myself, Sgt. Macahonic, at the Princeton RCMP office.” The phone number is (250) 295- 6911.
WANT TO HELP PRINCETON LOOK BETTER?
Constable Mike Leiding decided something should be done about the trash in ditches and on roadsides in Princeton area. On March 17, he attended the Town Council meeting to ask for the Town’s cooperation in his project. Cst. Leiding is calling on a number of local groups, including the ATV Club, to turn out at 10:00 AM March 29 at the arena parking lot to do a clean-up. A barbeque will follow at about 12:30 PM. He asked if the Town would donate garbage bags and pick them up. Council liked the plan, and agreed to provide the bags and pick-up service. In addition, Mayor Randy McLean thought the Town could provide some drinks and snacks. Any group or individual is invited to help with the project, and those with quads are invited to bring them to work the roadsides.
Princeton RCMP would like to extend an invitation to concerned citizens of Princeton and surrounding area to participate in a Community Consultative Group (CCG) that the RCMP is establishing. “The purpose and objective of the CCG is to promote the ideals of Community Policing through information exchange and cooperation between the community and police,” says Princeton RCMP Sgt. Gary Macahonic. “Further, the CCG will strive to identify policing and crime concerns within the community and work with partners to find solutions for problems and assist with the development of policing strategies.” The group will work to develop, promote and implement Community Policing strategies and related programs. This will be accomplished through planning, acquiring resources and promoting the CCG program in Princeton and area. “The Community Consultative Group will be chosen from a broad range of citizens; elders, business associates, youth, professionals, etc.,” Macahonic explains. “These individuals will be responsible to represent their segment of the community by bringing forward their issues and concerns for discussions and resolution.” Group members will liaise with people in the organization or segment of society that they represent to identify policing issues to be tabled at the CCG meetings. They also will be relied upon to keep the people they represent informed of the groups activities and goals. “Finally, CCG members will be expected to take an active role in finding solutions to problems and furthering the community policing partnership.” The Community Consultative Group will initially meet every second month and then determine their need to meet to keep abreast of concerns and issues that are current. “If anyone has any questions about the CCG they are invited to contact myself, Sgt. Macahonic, at the Princeton RCMP office.” The phone number is (250) 295- 6911.
WANT TO HELP PRINCETON LOOK BETTER?
Constable Mike Leiding decided something should be done about the trash in ditches and on roadsides in Princeton area. On March 17, he attended the Town Council meeting to ask for the Town’s cooperation in his project. Cst. Leiding is calling on a number of local groups, including the ATV Club, to turn out at 10:00 AM March 29 at the arena parking lot to do a clean-up. A barbeque will follow at about 12:30 PM. He asked if the Town would donate garbage bags and pick them up. Council liked the plan, and agreed to provide the bags and pick-up service. In addition, Mayor Randy McLean thought the Town could provide some drinks and snacks. Any group or individual is invited to help with the project, and those with quads are invited to bring them to work the roadsides.