March 27, 2012 - News Leader
BC FUNDS LOCAL RECREATION PROJECTS
Two area communities are receiving a total of $420,000 for recreation projects that will help encourage physical fitness and provide more activity options for families, announced March 22nd by Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Of this funding, $240,000 is going toward installing a roof on the Tulameen ice rink arena - the only rink in the village. A covered, outdoor skating rink will encourage families to skate together, offering an active option regardless of weather. This improvement will make it simpler to plan skating activities. The Town of Princeton will see construction of a pedestrian stair and path system, thanks to a $180,000 investment. The pedestrian walkway and sidewalk improvement project will replace the existing trail, creating easier grades for pedestrians. This will give residents better year-round access between the residential area and downtown, while offering spectacular views for visitors to the community. Under the $30-million Community Recreation Program, the Province is funding up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for 98 projects that will enhance recreation infrastructure provincewide. Projects include trails, bike paths, walkways, playgrounds and other indoor or outdoor recreation centres. The total value of approved projects is more than $70 million, which will create an estimated 458 direct jobs and 251 indirect jobs.
CATCH THE SPIRIT FESTIVAL
The Similkameen Spirit Festival is back again in an expanded version. It starts with a special display at the museum featuring the history of the powwow in the Similkameen Valley. The museum is honored to have, as part of this special display, the powwow regalia of Oli Bent. The museum will be open from March 28 to April 14, Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The next phase of the Spirit Festival moves to Princeton Secondary School, with a powwow beginning at 7:00 PM April 6 (Good Friday) to 11:00 PM in the gym. Saturday will see workshops for children, and art exhibition and two powwow grand entries, 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Sunday will welcome the dancers again from 12 Noon to 5:00 PM. Admission is free. Oli Bent is arena director, meaning he is running the powwow portion of the weekend fun. The powwow weekend features eight drum groups (maybe more!) and competitive dancing with some special dances. There will be intertribal dances, where everyone is expected to get up and dance. These are lots of fun. Competitive dances include men’s and women’s traditional, jingle dancers, grass dancers and boys and girls combined dances. There will be a concession all weekend. The word is that there will be fried bread and Indian tacos served! Vendors are welcome at $25 a day or $50 for the whole weekend. A lot of interest has been shown for vendor booths. If interested call Vicki at 778.235.3592 or send an e-mail to similkameenspirit@gmail.com.
Spectators are welcome to bring cameras and take photographs. If there will be a special ceremony or dance where photographs should not be taken, the ban on photographs will be announced. This powwow should be a lot of fun for everyone. People are coming from all over B.C. to enjoy the weekend. There is plenty of parking at Princeton Secondary School in the parking lot and along the road.
Two area communities are receiving a total of $420,000 for recreation projects that will help encourage physical fitness and provide more activity options for families, announced March 22nd by Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Of this funding, $240,000 is going toward installing a roof on the Tulameen ice rink arena - the only rink in the village. A covered, outdoor skating rink will encourage families to skate together, offering an active option regardless of weather. This improvement will make it simpler to plan skating activities. The Town of Princeton will see construction of a pedestrian stair and path system, thanks to a $180,000 investment. The pedestrian walkway and sidewalk improvement project will replace the existing trail, creating easier grades for pedestrians. This will give residents better year-round access between the residential area and downtown, while offering spectacular views for visitors to the community. Under the $30-million Community Recreation Program, the Province is funding up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for 98 projects that will enhance recreation infrastructure provincewide. Projects include trails, bike paths, walkways, playgrounds and other indoor or outdoor recreation centres. The total value of approved projects is more than $70 million, which will create an estimated 458 direct jobs and 251 indirect jobs.
CATCH THE SPIRIT FESTIVAL
The Similkameen Spirit Festival is back again in an expanded version. It starts with a special display at the museum featuring the history of the powwow in the Similkameen Valley. The museum is honored to have, as part of this special display, the powwow regalia of Oli Bent. The museum will be open from March 28 to April 14, Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The next phase of the Spirit Festival moves to Princeton Secondary School, with a powwow beginning at 7:00 PM April 6 (Good Friday) to 11:00 PM in the gym. Saturday will see workshops for children, and art exhibition and two powwow grand entries, 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Sunday will welcome the dancers again from 12 Noon to 5:00 PM. Admission is free. Oli Bent is arena director, meaning he is running the powwow portion of the weekend fun. The powwow weekend features eight drum groups (maybe more!) and competitive dancing with some special dances. There will be intertribal dances, where everyone is expected to get up and dance. These are lots of fun. Competitive dances include men’s and women’s traditional, jingle dancers, grass dancers and boys and girls combined dances. There will be a concession all weekend. The word is that there will be fried bread and Indian tacos served! Vendors are welcome at $25 a day or $50 for the whole weekend. A lot of interest has been shown for vendor booths. If interested call Vicki at 778.235.3592 or send an e-mail to similkameenspirit@gmail.com.
Spectators are welcome to bring cameras and take photographs. If there will be a special ceremony or dance where photographs should not be taken, the ban on photographs will be announced. This powwow should be a lot of fun for everyone. People are coming from all over B.C. to enjoy the weekend. There is plenty of parking at Princeton Secondary School in the parking lot and along the road.
Children's Author Comes to Town!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Children’s author Duane Lawrence was in Princeton March 22nd. Lawrence, who grew up in Princeton and still has family here, dropped into John Allison Elementary School where he spent the morning reading from his book series ‘Sammy Squirrel and Rodney Raccoon.’ Both books involve animal antics centered in Stanley Park and reviews from Resource Links Magazine call the books ‘absolute treasures’ and
recommend them for children aged 7 to 10. Copies of Lawrence’s books are available for $12.95 each at the Similkameen News Leader office at 226A Bridge Street, Princeton.
recommend them for children aged 7 to 10. Copies of Lawrence’s books are available for $12.95 each at the Similkameen News Leader office at 226A Bridge Street, Princeton.
Meet The March Student of the Month!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton Secondary School Student of the Month for March is Felicia Northway. The Grade 12 student was nominated “for all her work on the Grad Hockey game.” PSS PAC sponsors the Student of the Month program.
March 20, 2012 - News Leader
MAN LOSES LICENSE
In Provincial Court in Princeton on March 15, Justin Gee entered a guilty plea to a charge of driving while prohibited. He was ordered to pay a $500 fine and will be prohibited from driving for one year. The same morning, Aaron O'Grady, of Penticton, was fined $1,000 for driving without due care. He was initially charged with impaired driving. David E. Groff entered a guilty plea to refusing to provide a breath sample to police in Whitecourt, Alberta. The 42 year old Princeton man was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and is prohibited from driving for one year. Robin E. Steen-Massot, of Lumby, entered a guilty plea to a charge of obstructing a police officer. The offense occurred on August 21, 2011, when a police officer stopped Steen-Massot on Highway 3 because his vehicle had no tail light. Despite being asked repeatedly for driver's license and vehicle registration, Steen-Massot would not hand these documents to the officer. Eventually, with back-up on scene, the officer broke the driver's window and the driver was pulled out of the vehicle. Steen-Massot's father attended court and apologized, saying he had been telling his son not to provide the documents. Steen-Massot was given a conditional discharge, put on probation for nine months, and was ordered to do 25 hours of community service.
CUPE, SCHOOL DISTRICT SETTLE
School District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen) has been in contract negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in what Board of Education Chair Gordon Comeau describes as "friendly and cooperative" discussions. The negotiations were delayed for some time while both sides waited for the provincial government to establish a framework for negotiations. CUPE voted 96 percent in favour of the agreement reached. On March 14, the Board of Education trustees voted unanimously to ratify the agreement. The new contract covers 2010 to 2012 and falls within the net zero mandate.
URBAN DEER WORKSHOP ATTRACTS COUNCIL
A major conference dealing with urban wildlife problems has attracted the attention of Princeton’s Town Council. At the strategic Council meeting held March 12, Council agreed to send Councillor Jason Earle and Recreation Director Lyle Thomas to Cranbrook in mid April to attend the two-day conference. Two days may seem a long time to discuss wildlife problems in urban areas, but there are communities having problems with bears, bats, geese, two species of deer, coyotes, rabbits and elk, although raccoons were on the list of wildlife with the potential to cause problems. There was no mention of marmots or cougar as urban problems. One of the problems with all of the urban wildlife is a people problem: people who feed wildlife continue to attract the wildlife to their downtown and residential areas. Fences will be mentioned and other means of deterring wildlife. For more information on dealing with urban deer visit www.urbandeer.org.
In Provincial Court in Princeton on March 15, Justin Gee entered a guilty plea to a charge of driving while prohibited. He was ordered to pay a $500 fine and will be prohibited from driving for one year. The same morning, Aaron O'Grady, of Penticton, was fined $1,000 for driving without due care. He was initially charged with impaired driving. David E. Groff entered a guilty plea to refusing to provide a breath sample to police in Whitecourt, Alberta. The 42 year old Princeton man was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and is prohibited from driving for one year. Robin E. Steen-Massot, of Lumby, entered a guilty plea to a charge of obstructing a police officer. The offense occurred on August 21, 2011, when a police officer stopped Steen-Massot on Highway 3 because his vehicle had no tail light. Despite being asked repeatedly for driver's license and vehicle registration, Steen-Massot would not hand these documents to the officer. Eventually, with back-up on scene, the officer broke the driver's window and the driver was pulled out of the vehicle. Steen-Massot's father attended court and apologized, saying he had been telling his son not to provide the documents. Steen-Massot was given a conditional discharge, put on probation for nine months, and was ordered to do 25 hours of community service.
CUPE, SCHOOL DISTRICT SETTLE
School District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen) has been in contract negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in what Board of Education Chair Gordon Comeau describes as "friendly and cooperative" discussions. The negotiations were delayed for some time while both sides waited for the provincial government to establish a framework for negotiations. CUPE voted 96 percent in favour of the agreement reached. On March 14, the Board of Education trustees voted unanimously to ratify the agreement. The new contract covers 2010 to 2012 and falls within the net zero mandate.
URBAN DEER WORKSHOP ATTRACTS COUNCIL
A major conference dealing with urban wildlife problems has attracted the attention of Princeton’s Town Council. At the strategic Council meeting held March 12, Council agreed to send Councillor Jason Earle and Recreation Director Lyle Thomas to Cranbrook in mid April to attend the two-day conference. Two days may seem a long time to discuss wildlife problems in urban areas, but there are communities having problems with bears, bats, geese, two species of deer, coyotes, rabbits and elk, although raccoons were on the list of wildlife with the potential to cause problems. There was no mention of marmots or cougar as urban problems. One of the problems with all of the urban wildlife is a people problem: people who feed wildlife continue to attract the wildlife to their downtown and residential areas. Fences will be mentioned and other means of deterring wildlife. For more information on dealing with urban deer visit www.urbandeer.org.
Teachers, Grads Play to 6-All Tie!
Photo: Morgan Dobbs
The annual Grad Hockey Game was Wednesday, March 14th at Princeton Arena. The Grad Class of 2012 took on a team made up mostly of Princeton Secondary School teachers along with some help from Princeton Posse players who had spent the past hockey season in Grade 12. The event is a fundraiser held to raise money for a variety of activities planned for the Grad Class.
Senior Girls Take Bronze!
- photo submitted
Similkameen News Leader congratulates PSS Senior Girls Basketball team on their Bronze Medal win in the Provincial Championships in Prince George March 7-10. The girls went to Prince George as the Okanagan Champions - and were ranked 4th in British Columbia.
March 13, 2012 - News Leader
TOWN APPROVES AIR SHOW BUDGET
Town Council gave approval on March 5 for a $20,000 budget for the fifth annual Princeton Air Show. The Town will spend $17,500 and Area H will contribute $2,500. The Town will be looking for sponsors to help cover the costs of the air show. A T-33 World War II fighter jet is being mounted at the entrance to the airport at a minimal cost, $750, as the work is being done by volunteers. COPA for Kids is a new initiative of the Airport Committee. Working with Penticton Flying Club, the Airport Committee will provide opportunities for youth aged 8 to 18 to ride in an airplane, learn about flying, and develop an interest in aviation.
TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS
There were a number of items commented on at the March 5 meeting of Town Council. Rotarians received praise for the excellent wine festival held March 3 at Riverside Centre. Councillor Frank Armitage had a lot of praise for his home teams, the Posse, and the teams sponsored by Princeton Minor Hockey. He complimented the hockey association on the excellent work they do in providing youth with the opportunity to enjoy the sport. He had attended hockey games all weekend before the meeting and thoroughly enjoyed himself. The resolution by Town Council to stop the erosion of services in rural areas was unanimously endorsed by Regional District. The resolution will continue to climb the government ladder. Mayor Fred Thomas attended a community sustainability event, saying the focus of the workshop was the role of the community in preventing illness. Mayor Thomas said he would like to see all of the people who work in the Princeton area living in the Princeton area. The mayor is interested in the Lower Similkameen Indian Band's revival of a plan for a grasslands national park in the area between the Similkameen Valley and the Okanagan Valley near Osoyoos. There appears to be more support for this proposed park. Councillor Kim Maynard displayed paper replicas of bright green and white signs slated to go up near the gateway to the TransCanada Trail showing people where the KVR section of the trail begins.
CURLING CLUB REPORTS TO COUNCIL
Shirley Campbell and Lloyd Wilson attended the March 5 Town Council meeting to report on the activities of 82 year old Princeton Curling Club. The club has been working on a seven year plan, and this year purchased a $20,000 dehumidifier for the rinks. The ice is affected by too much humidity, and when the club hosts bonspiels, visitors come because the ice is so good. The club is hosting three adult bonspiels this winter in addition to regular season play. There is a strong junior program in place in addition to adult curling. The juniors learn some of the moves at school then go to the rinks and enter the sport. All of the work of maintaining the building and the ice is done by volunteers. The building is in operation from the autumn through to July. When the curling season is over, the ice is maintained to provide a storage area for seeding trees until tree planting season is past. Volunteers put in about 1,000 hours of work each year. The present goal is to increase club membership, have good signage in place and improve the appearance of the property.
Town Council gave approval on March 5 for a $20,000 budget for the fifth annual Princeton Air Show. The Town will spend $17,500 and Area H will contribute $2,500. The Town will be looking for sponsors to help cover the costs of the air show. A T-33 World War II fighter jet is being mounted at the entrance to the airport at a minimal cost, $750, as the work is being done by volunteers. COPA for Kids is a new initiative of the Airport Committee. Working with Penticton Flying Club, the Airport Committee will provide opportunities for youth aged 8 to 18 to ride in an airplane, learn about flying, and develop an interest in aviation.
TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS
There were a number of items commented on at the March 5 meeting of Town Council. Rotarians received praise for the excellent wine festival held March 3 at Riverside Centre. Councillor Frank Armitage had a lot of praise for his home teams, the Posse, and the teams sponsored by Princeton Minor Hockey. He complimented the hockey association on the excellent work they do in providing youth with the opportunity to enjoy the sport. He had attended hockey games all weekend before the meeting and thoroughly enjoyed himself. The resolution by Town Council to stop the erosion of services in rural areas was unanimously endorsed by Regional District. The resolution will continue to climb the government ladder. Mayor Fred Thomas attended a community sustainability event, saying the focus of the workshop was the role of the community in preventing illness. Mayor Thomas said he would like to see all of the people who work in the Princeton area living in the Princeton area. The mayor is interested in the Lower Similkameen Indian Band's revival of a plan for a grasslands national park in the area between the Similkameen Valley and the Okanagan Valley near Osoyoos. There appears to be more support for this proposed park. Councillor Kim Maynard displayed paper replicas of bright green and white signs slated to go up near the gateway to the TransCanada Trail showing people where the KVR section of the trail begins.
CURLING CLUB REPORTS TO COUNCIL
Shirley Campbell and Lloyd Wilson attended the March 5 Town Council meeting to report on the activities of 82 year old Princeton Curling Club. The club has been working on a seven year plan, and this year purchased a $20,000 dehumidifier for the rinks. The ice is affected by too much humidity, and when the club hosts bonspiels, visitors come because the ice is so good. The club is hosting three adult bonspiels this winter in addition to regular season play. There is a strong junior program in place in addition to adult curling. The juniors learn some of the moves at school then go to the rinks and enter the sport. All of the work of maintaining the building and the ice is done by volunteers. The building is in operation from the autumn through to July. When the curling season is over, the ice is maintained to provide a storage area for seeding trees until tree planting season is past. Volunteers put in about 1,000 hours of work each year. The present goal is to increase club membership, have good signage in place and improve the appearance of the property.
Forget Class, Let's Play Hockey!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
While teachers across the province withdrew their services March 5th, 6th and 7th, schools advised parents to not send their children to class and to make alternate arrangements. In Princeton some students took advantage of the free time and played hockey at Princeton Arena.
Here They Come - Rain Or Shine!
Copyright 2012 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton Skating Club wraps up its season each March with their annual 'carnival' and this season was no exception. "Rain Or Shine" was the title and theme of the March 11th event in Princeton Arena which featured the skating skills of all skaters with music and costumes matching the weather-related theme.
March 06, 2012 - News Leader
WILL LITTLE BRITCHES GO AHEAD?
There is some doubt as to whether Princeton will have a Little Britches Rodeo this year. The event last year was considered the best Little Britches Rodeo in the province, so the provincial Little Britches Rodeo Association wants to have another rodeo in Princeton. Rodeo Club members really want to host the Little Britches Rodeo, and have been given July 21-22 as reserved dates for Princeton, but Princeton Rodeo Club wonders whether the community will support a Little Britches Rodeo. Last year there were just 12 spectators, and the Rodeo Club is not aware of any youngsters in the Similkameen Valley who would participate in a Little Britches Rodeo. If the Rodeo Club decides to go ahead with a Little Britches Rodeo, it will cost the club money for prizes and a lot of volunteer work of local people. Jennifer Bernard is willing to run the concession and help organize volunteers, but the question of whether the local area can support the event must be answered at the next Rodeo Club meeting on April 12. Any youngster willing to enter a Little Britches event, and any person willing to volunteer or sponsor prizes for it, should contact Jen Bernard at jenb1@telus.net as soon as possible.
RODEO PLANS LOOK GOOD
The Stan Thompson Memorial Rodeo to be held May 12 and 13 will have a featured event, bareback riding, with $2,000 in prize money. Terry Wright is organizing a day of team roping on May 11, the Friday before the BCRA rodeo, with the concession stand open and perhaps an evening barbecue in the refreshment area hosted by the Rodeo Club. Wright has two hand-tooled saddles as prizes for the top roping team. Local entries for the rodeo must be in by April 28, and all entries should be solid by May 1. Sponsorship letters go out this week, with follow-up by Rodeo Club members. In the meantime, as soon as the snow melts, Rodeo Club members will be out at the rodeo arena doing repairs (a lot of welding must be done) and clearing the area of weeds. The PXA is planning a work party for all user groups in April so the grounds and buildings can be cleaned up and ready for the rodeo, the first event of a busy season. Individual members have been given areas of responsibility for the date of the event, but volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to participate should contact Sue Gereau or any Rodeo Club member.
There is some doubt as to whether Princeton will have a Little Britches Rodeo this year. The event last year was considered the best Little Britches Rodeo in the province, so the provincial Little Britches Rodeo Association wants to have another rodeo in Princeton. Rodeo Club members really want to host the Little Britches Rodeo, and have been given July 21-22 as reserved dates for Princeton, but Princeton Rodeo Club wonders whether the community will support a Little Britches Rodeo. Last year there were just 12 spectators, and the Rodeo Club is not aware of any youngsters in the Similkameen Valley who would participate in a Little Britches Rodeo. If the Rodeo Club decides to go ahead with a Little Britches Rodeo, it will cost the club money for prizes and a lot of volunteer work of local people. Jennifer Bernard is willing to run the concession and help organize volunteers, but the question of whether the local area can support the event must be answered at the next Rodeo Club meeting on April 12. Any youngster willing to enter a Little Britches event, and any person willing to volunteer or sponsor prizes for it, should contact Jen Bernard at jenb1@telus.net as soon as possible.
RODEO PLANS LOOK GOOD
The Stan Thompson Memorial Rodeo to be held May 12 and 13 will have a featured event, bareback riding, with $2,000 in prize money. Terry Wright is organizing a day of team roping on May 11, the Friday before the BCRA rodeo, with the concession stand open and perhaps an evening barbecue in the refreshment area hosted by the Rodeo Club. Wright has two hand-tooled saddles as prizes for the top roping team. Local entries for the rodeo must be in by April 28, and all entries should be solid by May 1. Sponsorship letters go out this week, with follow-up by Rodeo Club members. In the meantime, as soon as the snow melts, Rodeo Club members will be out at the rodeo arena doing repairs (a lot of welding must be done) and clearing the area of weeds. The PXA is planning a work party for all user groups in April so the grounds and buildings can be cleaned up and ready for the rodeo, the first event of a busy season. Individual members have been given areas of responsibility for the date of the event, but volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to participate should contact Sue Gereau or any Rodeo Club member.
PSS Celebrates Pink Shirt Day!
Photo: Adam Gullason
Wednesday, February 29th was Pink Shirt Day across the country. It's also known as Anti Bullying Day. Schools throughout the Similkameen Valley marked the day with students being encouraged to wear pink clothing. Some students put extra effort into their wardrobe choice for the day wearing as much pink as they could find. This is a group of students at Princeton Secondary School showing their support for Pink Day.
Students Support Teachers!
Photo: Adam Gullason
Late in the afternoon of Friday, March 2nd, Princeton Secondary School students participated in a 'walk out' in support of Princeton District Teachers. Students carried signs and banners and kept their display restricted to the centre of downtown Princeton on Bridge Street in front of the post office building. Teachers have withdrawn their services from schools Monday, March 5th to Wednesday, March 7th and parents are advised to keep students home on those days.