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[
"Gail Snider"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:21 | null | null | Saanich Volunteer Services provides a number of programs for seniors, including Better at Home | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fcommunity%2F390496441.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/72130saanichGailSnider2.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Volunteers know what it’s like to be appreciated | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Gail Snider is the executive director of Saanich Volunteer Services.
One of the conversations I frequently have with my peers is around their fear of being bored when they retire. Yes, contrary to popular belief, as the baby boomers age into potential retirement, many of them just aren’t ready to spend their days on the golf course or quilting.
The need to feel appreciated along with the satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution is ever present in many of the people I speak with when they are considering scaling back or retiring from their current positions.
At Saanich Volunteers (SVSS) we understand that what most people want in work and life, even more than the pay raise, is to be appreciated, make meaningful connections and feel like a part of a larger cause. We also know that our community impact is enhanced through collaborating with others who hold the same common purpose as we do at Saanich Volunteers. By partnering with Broadmead Care to jointly deliver the Better at Home Program, we have increased our opportunities for the nearly retired to make meaningful contributions to others, feel appreciated and avoid the “what will I do” fears associated with being a boomer.
The lion’s share of our volunteer drivers, visitors, handy-people, receptionists and gardeners are in the 55-75 age category, helping people that are either their peers or those who are older and need support. Without exception, they tell us that they get more out of volunteering than they ever imagined.
Perhaps part of the reason for this feeling of being appreciated and valued comes from testimonies and affirmations from our clients.
An SVSS client says, “Saanich Volunteer Services has been a Godsend to me.” She says that she has lived in her home for 40 years. Now in her 80s, she wishes to continue living there as long as she can. Drives to appointments and minor home repairs provided by safe and friendly volunteers help make it possible for her to stay. The recent addition of the subsidized housekeeping services of Better at Home are making that possibility greater.
“One of the positive aspects of the Better at Home program in Saanich is the ability we now have to offer housekeeping, a subsidized fee for service program, along with the excellent volunteer services already provided by SVSS for the past 24 years” says Kelly Sprackett, co-ordinator of the Saanich Better at Home Program at Broadmead Care.
“We realize, however, that SVSS will need more volunteers to meet the increasing demand for services that Better at Home is generating. Offering housekeeping on a sliding scale according to income along with free volunteer services will help seniors live independently at home longer.”
We are grateful for all of the volunteers who share their experiences and time with our neighbours in Saanich. We understand the demands being placed on all generations today and know many folks who would volunteer given the time to do so.
Keeping that in mind, anyone who wishes to feel appreciated, valued, part of a larger cause and have a great time while doing it is welcome to join our 150-strong volunteer group to ward off those boredom blues and help to keep our Saanich neighbours independent as long as possible.
Gail Snider is the executive director of Saanich Volunteer Services. | http://www.saanichnews.com/community/390496441.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/e4efd223385bc6f8443a4900e6fdc93d6de135e4a30f63a8ce0112cd89f5664e.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:04 | null | null | Photographers from across the province competed in amateur competition | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fcommunity%2F391187111.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/2985abbotsfordAmateurphotographjers.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Voting open for People's Choice Amateur Photography Competition | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Cameras were the focus as 70 photographers from across B.C., including Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Kelowna and Nelson, competed in the fourth annual Next Generation BC Amateur Photographer of the Year Contest at the recent Abbotsford International Airshow.
Sponsored by London Drugs and Black Press Media, the contest took place Aug. 12-14, as participants captured their best air, crowd, static, and wildcard shots.
Photographers experienced close-up action at the airshow including Friday's twilight show, and earned the "hot-side" tour at the airshow where they shot exclusive aircraft including the F-35, CF-18, FA-18, Breitling Jet Team, the Snowbirds and more for a chance to win the title of B.C.'s next Amateur Photographer title.
Awarding categories also include The Best in-air photograph ($750 grand prize), The Best ground/static scene photograph ($500 prize),The Best crowd scene photograph ($250 prize ), The Best video submission ($500 prize) all courtesy of London Drugs and honorary acknowledgement for Best Wildcard entry.
For the People's Choice Award Winner, the time has arrived for the public to vote on their favourite photo and be entered for a chance to win BC Lions game tickets.
For voting and contest information, click here. | http://www.saanichnews.com/community/391187111.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/d5d45e7828a16cb3e27854dc8bb8a6736079e4e58c2aa7d85c552b483b86bceb.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:29 | null | null | Now is the time to adopt a provincewide comprehensive housing strategy to prevent the contagion of unaffordable housing to spread | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390242131.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Cartoon draws attention to Liberal housing plan | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | There are times when a picture is truly worth a thousand words.
The cartoon by I. Rice, “ Oh what a difference a year before an election makes,” in the July 29 edition, exposes just how out-of-touch, cynical, ill-thought-out, and cosmetic the BC Liberal’s pre-election housing tax ploy is.
As we approach the fourth and final year of Premier Christy Clark’s regime, hurried, incoherent policies appear to be the order of the day.
For example, rather than formulate a comprehensive provincial anti-poverty strategy – such as exists in every other province – our provincial housing minister staggers from stating that social housing advocates in Vancouver are “whiners”, to using millions of dollars on crisis action triggered by the politically embarrassing pre-election Victoria court house encampment.
Waiting until the fourth and final year of her regime, Premier Photo-Op has made token, inconsistent housing taxation policies that apply only in Metro Vancouver despite the fact that housing affordability is an issue as far up the Fraser Valley as Chilliwack; here in Greater Victoria; in the Squamish-Whistler-Pemberton corridor, and in Okanagan centres such as Kelowna.
It is a tragic pattern that reflects the inadequate missteps of an out of-touch, incompetent government sticking its finger in a dike while a tsunami of speculation, money laundering and real estate flipping will destroy the hopes of hardworking British Columbians – particularly a whole younger generation – who will never be able to afford a place of their own. Those who must, or choose to, rent are equally victimized by ever-rising rents.
The proposed 15 per cent tax on foreign purchasers of property in Metro Vancouver will not deter a foreign money launderer who would view such a meagre tax as a simple cost of doing his nefarious business. American buyers, whose dollar is at least 25 per cent above the Canadian dollar, will still see a benefit to purchasing a Victoria condo for a brief annual holiday in Victoria – all the while waiting to cash in when Victoria condo prices approach those of their Vancouver counterparts.
Now is the time to adopt a provincewide comprehensive housing strategy to prevent the contagion of unaffordable housing to spread in a province blessed with forests, underutilized saw mills and unemployed workers. Poverty in the midst of plenty is a man-made, not a God-ordained condition.
As Gandhi said, “We have enough resources for every man’s need – but not every man’s greed.” We desperately need a new government that understands that affordable housing for all is a possible future for all who work by hand and brain to contribute to our common good.
Ron Faris
Saanich | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/390242131.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/563c61d0a0440561c7e0f0399744ddf935a06b39758842d5c874c69c38b48608.json |
[
"Andrew Weaver"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:06 | null | null | Oak Bay - Gordon Head MLA says long-term and ongoing data collection is vital to the future of homes in B.C. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2F389532001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Designated long-term rental units desperately needed | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Skyrocketing real estate markets across the Lower Mainland and Southern Vancouver Island are dragging the rental market with them.
Frances Bula recently wrote in The Globe and Mail, “as people are shut out of the housing market, more people have no choice but to remain as renters who are competing for a limited supply of housing in a system that has treated renters like second-class citizens for decades.”
She’s right, and for people who are young, non-white, have mental health issues, unemployed, recent immigrants, poor, disabled, or have pets, finding a safe, affordable home can seem nearly impossible in markets with vacancy rates around 0.6 per cent like Victoria.
With constrained real estate mobility, people have little choice but to stay in suites that would have previously been viewed as shorter-term student rentals and I am getting increasingly concerned about where the young people in my riding are going to live this upcoming school year. A representative from Camosun College told us he too is very worried about the situation and described it as a complete crisis with some students living in cars and others forced into overcrowded, expensive shared suites.
We so desperately need more designated long-term rental units in B.C. Spaces that people can make their home, places that welcome children and pets and have some outdoor space. Homes for people who will rent for large portions of their life, either by necessity or choice.
Co-operative housing arrangements are another promising avenue to bridge the gap between the rental and homeownership markets. They provide shareholders with a long-term, sustainable home and create diverse communities, supporting multi-generational residents of varying income levels.
Unfortunately, few co-operative housing developments have been built in B.C. since the 1990s when the federal government released its social housing responsibility to the province and existing units have multi-year waitlists. Given our current housing crisis, and the province’s new Housing Priority Initiatives Fund, I think the B.C. Liberals, in conjunction with municipalities and the federal government, need to step in to help housing co-operatives with land acquisition and planning costs.
Each level of government has various tools available to them that they can use to tackle the housing crisis from different angles. To guide these initiatives we need, and have needed for years, more comprehensive data about the trends impacting our housing market. The information about buyer nationality that the province began collecting this June is a start, but making major policy decisions based on five weeks of data – as the B.C. Liberals did with Bill 28 – is far from ideal.
Knowing that we are going to be faced with challenging housing decisions for years to come, we need to start collecting more data now so we can design informed policy for the future. Determining who is purchasing homes, and how many, in B.C. would allow the government to identify the flow of foreign investments, the role corporations are playing, and whether we are seeing speculation in our market coming from other regions in Canada.
Tracking house flipping (when investors buy a house to quickly resell it at higher price) is an important aspect of understanding an over-inflated market. Imposing a sales tax on homes sold within one or two years of purchase could be an effective way of curbing house flipping but, again, it is a policy that should be founded in comprehensive data.
Studying the impact of Airbnbs, I suspect, would shed a lot of light on changes happening in the rental market. Airbnb has already said it’s open to some restrictions tailored to tight rental markets, including banning hosts from using the popular online platform to run a business renting out multiple units, but governments (municipal and provincial) will need solid data to move forward with such policies.
Long-term and ongoing data collection is vital to the future of homes in B.C. – the sooner we start the better.
Andrew Weaver is the MLA for Oak Bay – Gordon Head. | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/389532001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/600fa0c427136050438e529891c6f7d650928a164cdbb9e6adce8ab82c162b4e.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-26T18:50:24 | null | null | Glendenning Road parking ban sparked a controversy with many park users | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391215841.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Mount Douglas Park access survey underway | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Mount Douglas Park goers have less than a week to complete a survey that will lead to better access to the famous Saanich mountain.
A parking ban implemented in 2015 that prohibited parking along the Glendenning Road entrance to Mount Douglas led to controversy for regular park visitors who appreciate the flatter trails that start where Glendenning meets Mount Doug.
Instead of adding or subtracting parking at Glendenning, council directed staff to run a full study on access to the park from all entry points.
Leading the study is a survey to help staff better understand when the park is being used most frequently and what types of activities are most popular for park users.
The survey is designed to take less than 10 minutes and is confidential. All surveys must be completed by Aug. 31.
Visit surveymonkey.com/r/W9SWYHY to complete the survey. | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391215841.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/44091a6726b7b4d2cf6be0cd835ae92a9b666ca27be34f0068ee5090f8491231.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:44 | null | null | Fundraiser being held Friday and Saturday at Fig Deli | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391216041.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/13220saanichparalympicsailing-1.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Couple ready to set sail for Paralympics | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | John McRoberts and Jackie Gay will be flying the flag for Canada - literally - on their SKUD 18 keelboat during the sailing competition at the Paralympics in Rio in a few weeks. Before they leave, they’re holding one last fundraiser at Fig Deli to help offset the cost of their trip and raise awareness for sailing as a sport.
The Olympics may be over, but the Paralympics are just getting started, and a Saanich husband and wife are making one last fundraising push before setting sail in Rio.
Jackie Gay and John McRoberts have been raising money for their trip to Rio and are hosting one last drive at Fig Deli this Friday and Saturday before taking their boat to the Games. The couple is mere weeks away from the Paralympic sailing competition, where they will literally fly the flag for Canada.
“Every team has their country’s flag on the spinnaker,” said McRoberts. “We’re going to have the Canadian flag flying. It’s just a beautiful flag and people can feel proud to be Canadian as well.”
In preparation for the world-class event, the couple has been competing in other regattas around the world, including a string of competitions in Europe earlier this year.
“We got a bronze medal at Garda Olympic Week – that was a good test because all the top teams were there,” said Gay. “We obviously showed that we have podium potential.
“In the world championships in Holland, we were in podium position, but we had a bad last day. But generally, it went really well. It was a hard trip, but it was great.”
While McRoberts has previously sailed in the Paralympics, Rio marks Gay’s debut at the Games, as well as their first Paralympics as a husband-and-wife team.
“It’s an interesting combination between an old vet and a very excited and enthusiastic newbie,” said McRoberts. “I think together, we balance each other out – I can settle Jackie down and she can get me excited.”
Both Gay and McRoberts said Rio is going to test their collaborative sailing skills in what could be anyone’s contest. Add to that the pressure of being on the world’s stage and you have the makings for an intense competition.
“It’s just another regatta, but yet it’s the biggest sporting event in the world,” said McRoberts. “We just witnessed at the Olympics where a No. 1 ranked team goes in there and they do not perform, but they’ve been performing for the last three years. And then a 23rd ranked person, who has no expectations, comes in and has the event of their life.”
“It’s a very fluky venue, in terms of the wind, so it can be very challenging racing,” noted Gay. “There’s nothing certain about this competition, it could go all sorts of ways.”
With the Fig fundraiser, Gay and McRoberts will be showcasing their SKUD 18 keelboat and talking with attendees throughout both days, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will also be selling T-shirts and books and collecting donations for their trip.
“Yasser at the Fig has been a friend and a supporter of ours for a number of years,” said McRoberts. “The sense of community that I feel in his store is unmatched anywhere I’ve been in Victoria.”
They will also be using the fundraiser as an opportunity to engage others about the sport of sailing and showcase the amazing achievements that people with disabilities have made in athletics.
“We’re interested in just connecting with people as much as we can. It’s something that we want to share with others,” said Gay.
“It’s an opportunity for us to let the community know we have a unique, husband and wife team that is representing Victoria and Saanich, and it’s a way for us to create awareness for ourselves and also to help offset some costs that we have,” said McRoberts.
The Fig Deli is located at 1551 Cedar Hill Cross Rd. | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391216041.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/d8064b7062f10e78eb48f3e2aa4b90bf28eb81793cb43f801ed2579dd37c4576.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-26T22:52:32 | null | null | Volunteers key to Mount Douglas’ success on the gridiron | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F391216921.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/13663saanichbacktoschoolSports.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Rams ready to mount another championship run | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Equipment manager Lyle Jenish, left, adjusts the helmet of a player at the first practice of the 2016 Mount Douglas Rams football season.
On a sunny August afternoon, Ed Pierik and Lyle Jenish sort through gear issues with one player after another.
It’s the first official practice of the season for the Mount Douglas Rams senior and junior boys football teams. That means Pierik and Jenish, the team equipment managers, are busy tying torn practice jerseys together, adjusting helmets to properly fit heads, and doing whatever is needed to get the kids on the field.
“We don’t provide practice jerseys but there’s always a way,” says Pierik, as Jenish ties the torn side of a jersey around the armpit of a player who showed up without one.
Another player walks up with too tight of a helmet.
“It hurts at the front, and at the sides,” he says.
“I can release some air from the [helmet’s air bladder] at the back but it’s probably still going to be tight,” Pierik says. “Any time a player puts on a new helmet they have to get used to it.”
You don’t have to go far behind the scenes of the most successful high school football program in B.C. this decade. The senior team has won the provincial AAA title four times in the past five years. It won the AA senior championship two years before that and has two junior titles in that time span as well.
It’s no secret that the success of the Rams has flowed from the leadership of program head Mark Townsend and several dedicated coaches. But it’s the little things such as a mom making cash runs to the bank, or a dad taking the time to learn how to send team helmets away for recertification.
Safety is paramount in a sport where concussion and spinal injuries are a reality, after all.
“After five years the helmets can be sent away for an X-ray and come back,” Pierik explains.
Pierik and Jenish have been with the Rams for three years. They followed their sons to the Rams from the Greater Victoria Minor Football Association where they had already put in six years of volunteering, Pierik said.
“I don’t know how long I’ll stay but I enjoy it. The idea is you’re constantly integrating new parents into the program,” Pierik said.
On an average week Pierik or Jenish will spend about three or four hours at the field. Training camp is a bit busier but moving forward only one will need to be at the field for a game or practice.
“The time we put in is nothing like the coaches do, and we try to split up the work,” Jenish said. “There’s always something that needs fixing, and it’s the best seat in the house for the games.”
The two were at the 2015 Subway Bowl in B.C. Place when the junior Rams lost but the senior Rams won. And they will join the Rams as the team travels to Oregon for an exhibition game versus Veronia high school over Labour Day weekend.
The Rams host their first B.C. High School Football game with an exhibition match versus John Barsby Bulldogs, Sept. 9 at Mount Doug (tentatively scheduled for 4:30 p.m.). This year the Rams will be in the AAA Western Conference with the crosstown-rival Belmont Bulldogs. The Spectrum Thunder will play in the Tier II division. | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/391216921.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/3869234a486c5b35188f3f251f771c007bc7e0bcc3a98658c505209e664a02c8.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:51:42 | null | null | Workers could take job action as early as Thursday -- right before the Labour Day long weekend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391776381.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/3630vicnewsEmpressWikipedia.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Empress Hotel workers give 72-hour strike notice | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Unionized workers at the Empress Hotel gave 72-hour notice of job action on Tuesday morning, right before the Labour Day long weekend.
The earliest a strike could begin is Thursday morning if a deal cannot be reached.
“The ‘new’ Empress has a dirty secret: the renovations have led to harm and stress on the people who work there,” Stu Shields with Unifor said in a statement.
He said staff are being forced to work overtime because they aren’t enough people on shift. Some have worked 60 days straight.
The hotel announced its renovation plans earlier this year, including in the popular Bengal Lounge.
“The renovations are incomplete if the staffing levels remain stuck in the past,” Shields said.
Uniform Local 4276 represents nearly 500 workers at the Empress, including those in housekeeping, groundskeeping, serving, engineering and guest relations.
More to come. | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391776381.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/307ef6d3b4dda71cd3f5d39b5e87c40eec66e6c7366b39ab627f5675ccb359f4.json |
[
"Ivan Watson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:12 | null | null | 15th annual Greek Fest runs from Aug. 26-28 and Sept. 2-5 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391219091.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/14367saanichgreekfest-4.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Festival brings a taste of Greece to Saanich | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | The Zéfyros Hellenic Dance Society perform at last year’s Greek Fest. The food and culture of Greece returns to Saanich for the next two weekends.
Festivals are much anticipated features of traditional village life in Greece. Every summer, delicious food and boisterous entertainment mix with welcoming locals and warm weather to produce an intoxicating hospitality that defines the essence of Greek culture.
For 15 years, the local Greek community has been bringing these special aspects of Greek culture to Saanich with their annual Greek Fest, running this year over two weekends – Aug. 26 to 28 and Sept. 2 to 5 – at 4648 Elk Lake Drive in front of Commonwealth Place.
“I think the unique feature of Greek culture is the hospitality,” said Michael Ikonomou, vice-president of the Victoria Vancouver Island Greek Community Society and Greek Fest chairman. “We have a word for that – philoxenia – there’s no equivalent in English, but it means ‘friends to the strangers’.”
The annual Greek festival welcomes over 25,000 guests who enjoy delicacies such as mouth-watering roasted lamb on the spit, irresistible loukoumades (honey drenched puff pastries), delicious souvlaki with homemade tzatziki and vegetarian options such as Greek salad and spanakopita (spinach pies). The large main stage hosts continuous entertainment, with over 25 different multicultural dance and musical groups from as far away as Athens, Greece.
The local Greek society dates back to 1974. For many years they participated in the popular Folk Fest at Centennial Square downtown and hosted sporadic events at their Elk Lake property. By the late 1990s, the local Greek community had grown to a size where it was feasible to fundraise to construct a Greek Orthodox Church and community centre, which was built on the Elk Lake site in 2000. The next year, the first Greek Fest opened its doors to the public.
“At the beginning it was all borrowed equipment,“ notes Ikonomou. “We only had one small tent and a small stage. It occupied about a tenth of what we occupy now.”
The event proved immediately popular.
“We got a lot more people than we expected that first year,” says current organizer Tim Petropoulos. He notes that since 2001, the festival has grown from strength to strength and is a source of pride for the approximately 150 Greek families who call Greater Victoria home.
There have been many memorable moments over the years. Petropoulos recalls the community’s excitement when Greece won the Euro football championship in 2004 and the pride when people from the community were chosen to be torch bearers as part of the 2010 Winter Olympic torch relay.
In 2012, the community opened a dedicated space in the Greek Orthodox Church to house a museum that tells the story of the local Greek community over the decades. Filled with fascinating artifacts, volunteers are keen to inform visitors that the Strait of Juan de Fuca was named after a Greek seafarer.
“He was a captain with the Spanish navy,” said Ikonomou. “He was from the island of Kefalonia and he had been working with the Spanish. He was the first one to come out here. His real name was Ioannis Phokas.”
Run by enthusiastic volunteers, Greek Fest is truly an all hands on deck effort.
“It literally takes a year to organize a festival of this size and scope,” said Petropoulos. “We have over a 100 people who band together and help out with the festival.”
In addition to the delicious food, the event promotes fun for the whole family with the heritage exhibit, arts and crafts, and face-painting.
Admission is free and food sales help the society to promote Greek culture as well as to support local charities. This year, the society is again partnering with Saanich Fire Department to raise funds for their Hot Lunch Program, which provides nutritious meals for school children.
Beyond their marquee summer festival, the Greek community hosts popular Valentine’s and New Year’s Eve dances, and bake sales at Easter and Christmas where the public can stock up on delicious Greek desserts. Cooking, dancing and language lessons and special ‘Taverna Nights’ round out a busy social calendar.
“We try to schedule as many events as possible,” said Petropoulos. “We try to keep the spirit of Greek Fest alive and flourishing throughout the year.”
Organizers are always looking for more volunteers and the festival will take place rain or shine – thanks to the large covered tents on site. And that spirit of Greek hospitality? “We hope that everyone becomes a big family,” said Ikonomou. “Basically that’s the idea of Greek Fest here in Victoria.”
For more information, visit: greekfest.ca. | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391219091.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/4d721acca1cffa0a393886d0d049f3d5090d765e375945f4ac0e587c572358a5.json |
[
"Don Denton"
] | 2016-08-29T22:53:06 | null | null | The Victoria Royals held the first day of their main training camp for the 2016-17 Western Hockey League season | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F391660721.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/48795vicnewsVN-VictoriaRoyalsCamp20161online.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Victoria Royals back on the ice for training camp | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | It may be sunny and hot outside but the ice is in and hockey is back.
The Victoria Royals held the first day of their main training camp for the 2016-17 season this morning at the Save On Foods Memorial Centre.
Head coach Dave Lowry and his staff were running drills on the ice through the morning. Familiar faces on the ice for the first session included goalie Griffen Outhouse and Jack Walker.
The Royals' first pre-season game will be September 2 in Kamloops against the Blazers with their first home pre-season game September 10 against the Vancouver Giants.
They kick off their season at home Friday, September 23 against the Prince George Cougars. | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/391660721.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/36deedd14ec6869b97543d049ece96f81e88e9b41259b080b52237c02f1aaa37.json |
[
"Rick Stiebel"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:57 | null | null | Realtor expects to see a major increase in the number of Vancouver and offshore buyers | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fbusiness%2F390497061.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Vancouver market has buyers looking at the Island | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Vancouver’s turbo-charged real estate market already has buyers and businesses looking at Vancouver Island, and that is likely to increase in light of the provincial government’s recent 15 per cent tax hike for foreign buyers.
Realtor Mike Nugent, president of the Victoria Real Estate Board, said that in 2015, the VREB handled about 8,000 property sales, a total he expects will rise to 11,000 in 2016.
Buyers in Victoria from Vancouver and other countries represented about two-and-a-half per cent for 2015, a total consistent with most recent years on average, Nugent noted, but he expects that to increase significantly once figures are finalized for 2016.
“Some immigrant buyers and buyers from the Mainland seem to like Saanich, Gordon Head, Oak Bay and Fairfield because those neighbourhoods are close to UVic,” Nugent said. “It could be up to a quarter of the sales for some of those neighbourhoods [by the end of the year].”
The B.C. Real Estate Association’s latest projections call for an increase in home prices of 15.4 per cent this year, followed by another 6.2 per cent in 2017.
A Chartered Professional Accountants of B.C. Regional Check-Up Report indicates that a surplus of home buyers equates to population growth, increased housing starts and overall job creation.
Eric Erikson, CFO for Redlen Technologies attended a CPABC Victoria economic roundtable earlier this summer. He said in a media release that the impact of Vancouver’s real estate market on Victoria is “massive.”
“We’re starting to see bidding wars that we’ve only heard of in Vancouver,” he said, citing as an example a home in Victoria listed for $800,000 that sold recently for more than $900,000 after offers were presented on a specific evening. “Cars were lined up around the cul-de-sac and not one of the potential buyers was from Victoria.”
High real estate prices in Vancouver are also responsible for driving talent in the $4 billion tech industry to Victoria, said another roundtable participant, CPA Mark Mawhinney an investment advisor at Odlum Brown Ltd.
Victoria’s amenities and culture are the most similar to Vancouver, he noted. “You can have a very fulfilling professional life here and I think Vancouverites are starting to figure that out,” he said. “Certainly the tech industry is seeing that. A number of Vancouver tech companies are opening offices here and relocating their staff.”
Sonterra Ross, a CPA and COO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, indicated the salary level matched against housing and living costs is responsible for an increase in talented young people considering a move to Victoria.
“For young professionals and their families, if they can get a good paying job here in Victoria and enjoy a lower cost of living, they’ll relocate here. It’s an opportunity for them to minimize debt and save,” said Ross, another participant at the CPABC roundtable.
The influx should address the challenge of finding qualified people, an issue common to many businesses in Victoria, said Simon Philp, director and team leader at CIBC. He added that relying solely on the quality of life to retain those workers could cause other issues
Chuck Chandler, a resident partner at Hayes Stewart Little & Co. in Victoria, said in CPABC editorial that it is important for the sustainability of the regional economy to take advantage of the growing in-migration and subsequent real estate boom.
“Growth in population means that businesses will benefit from a bigger pool of skilled talent,” Chandler said. “However, as a region we must work to retain incoming talent by offering greater incentives beyond higher wages to individuals and not rely solely on quality of life to retain them.”
For more on the CPABC Regional Check-up, check out bccheckup.com. | http://www.saanichnews.com/business/390497061.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/465e0cf9122b38dfe67bd43b543fd2ca2b2f9384f15faef9ce0abb51e5b6fb48.json |
[
"Dan Ebenal"
] | 2016-08-30T20:51:40 | null | null | 64-year-old walked more than 40,000 kilometres over past eight years | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391661741.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/49115saanichwalkinglightened.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich man conquers round-the-world odyssey | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | John Campbell laces up his runners to head out on another walk. Campbell recently achieved his goal of walking 40,075 kilometres, the equivalent of walking around the world.
For the past eight years, John Campbell has found the world waiting at his doorstep. Last week the wait was over and Campbell stepped over a hard-earned threshold.
The Saanich man conquered the goal he set for himself on New Year’s Day 2008, walking the 40,075 kilometres equivalent to a trip around the world.
“I always did it as a kid, since I was five years old I was always running or walking,” said the 64-year-old.
“I was kind of bugged by my relatives and friends saying why don’t you keep track of all this, you’re doing this every day. So on Jan. 1, 2008 I decided to keep track and I wrote it down every day.”
Campbell reached his goal Aug. 23 without any fanfare.
“People always say when you set a goal in life it’s the getting there that it’s all about, and then when you finally get there you go, ‘Hmmm, I’ve done it’.”
Campbell was planning to go out for a Sunday brunch with his family to celebrate his achievement (no word on whether he planned on walking there).
Campbell has been out, rain or shine, almost every day for the past eight years, most days walking about 16 to 18 kilometres.
“I did 367 miles (590 km) in July, which is the most I did in a month. The most I did in a day is 30 miles (48 km), I walked to all eight rec centres, in eight hours and four minutes. I give myself little challenges.”
One of his favourite walks is around Elk and Beaver Lake, and his mission followed him on holidays to Mexico and San Diego. He said his wife and family have been mainly supportive of his walk, although at times thought he was crazy.
“The wife says you can’t keep doing this everyday, you have to take a break every now and then.” He just shrugs. “It’s good for you.”
Campbell said he finds his walks relaxing and gives him time to think.
“The funny thing is the whole time I never got hobbled, and I play ball on two different teams, and I go to the gym everyday. I’ve had some minor things, but never stopped walking.”
Campbell says all that walking seems to have paid off, he never complains of aches and pains. “I’m very seldom tired and that’s what bugs people, they say you should be tired.”
His running shoes haven’t been so lucky.
“This is my 50th pair (of runners) I just put on today. I should have got a deal with a shoe company. After trying out all these different running shoes, I can safely say that some are better than the others.”
Now that he’s achieved his goal, the question is what comes next. “Just start again,” he says with a laugh.
By the end of last week he had gone about 50 kilometres. Only 40,000 and change to go. | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391661741.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/42e19ad1164ec6ae5ddab8548c83cf70a3726e93a8044b14f62398bad8b8518f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:41 | null | null | 15% tax on Metro Vancouver property could see foreign buyers looking at other parts of province | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2F389112771.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | New tax could push problem elsewhere | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | The provincial government is taking steps to cool down the red-hot Vancouver real estate market. While the goal is an admirable one, the direction headed could serve to stoke the coals of the simmering housing market right here in Victoria.
Beginning this week, foreign buyers will now have to dig a little deeper in order to purchase property in Metro Vancouver following the introduction of a 15 per cent tax on out-of-country buyers.
For that run-of-the-mill $1-million Lower Mainland home, an international buyer will be forced to cough up an extra $150,000 in tax. That $5 million luxury home? That’s an extra $750,000. An additional six-figure tax hit is likely to get the attention of any investor and will likely deter many from making the leap into Vancouver’s housing market. This will almost certainly have an impact on Vancouver’s housing market, but with so many Canadian buyers also looking to get in the market, it’s unlikely that homes in Metro Vancouver will become any more affordable for the average family.
But with the new tax discouraging many foreign buyers from jumping into the Lower Mainland market, they will be looking for alternatives to park their investment. And they won’t have to look far to find the booming Greater Victoria market, which has already witnessed an influx in offshore investment.
The provincial government deserves credit for trying to get a handle on a problem before it spirals even more out of control. But the government’s work is far from over on the issue. The province must closely monitor the situation to determine if it is simply spilling over into other jurisdictions. While other regions of the province may not have seen the same level of offshore investment as the Lower Mainland, their residents deserve the same levels of protection.
While looking to address a Vancouver housing market that has become out of reach for most British Columbains, the provincial government must be careful it doesn’t worsen the affordability issue in other parts of the province. | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/389112771.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/6eacdc54c19545d5eeabe94ba1a5b03d17e2166290b62ac06af8aaaa17e377ee.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:46 | null | null | Saanich Fusion Div. 1 squad expecting to lose a few core players | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F390960811.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/3442saanichFusionCoaches.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | New coach will guide top Fusion men’s team | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Matt Carr, left, and Ian Bush are the new coaches of the Saanich Fusion Div. 1 men’s side.
The Saanich Fusion’s top men’s soccer team is entering a new era as it turns to new head coach Ian Bush and associate coach Matt Carr.
Bush and Carr come into the program after Steph Steiner led the team for 10 years, including the past five straight seasons contending for the Vancouver Island Soccer League’s top honours at the Division 1 level. Under Steiner, the Fusion won the league title three straight years from 2012 to 2014 and finished third the past two seasons. The Fusion also made three straight trips to the Jackson Cup Island championship final, winning it in 2014.
But after 10 years, Steiner, now 40, is looking to step away to focus on his full-time role as the Saanich Fusion technical director as well as owner-operator of the World Cup Soccer academy with Brett Hyslop.
“The team is in good hands with Bush,” Steiner said. “Bush is very passionate about our club, a great guy, super good coach, and he’s totally into it.”
Bush, 35, comes to the team from a grassroots approach that is unlike Steiner’s.
Steiner will always carry legendary status in the South Island soccer scene. He was the only player to score a goal in the 1996 national university final, propelling the Vikes to the Canadian championship. Thirteen years ago, Steiner helped rebuild the Gordon Head Div. 1 men’s side (before it merged with Cordova Bay to create Saanich Fusion), and has helped it qualify for the senior men’s provincials for the past 10 years.
But Bush knows that, and is building his reputation as a coach one season at a time. With seven trophies in three years, he’s off to a solid start.
“There’s a lot of little things you can do to get better,” Bush said. “I film every game and re-watch them, then email players the hot links. It’s part of the little things you can do to gain two, three or five per cent, because soccer is such a low scoring game, that per cent is enough to get you a lot of points at the end of the season.”
Last year, Bush and Carr coached the Fusion U21 men’s team to the George Smith Challenge Cup Island championship, and led the Fusion’s Harris Dodge Div. 3A men’s team to a division title, earning them promotion into Div. 2. While the Fusion Harris Dodge team fell in the George Pearkes Div. 3 Challenge Cup final, it’s the promotion to Div. 2 that will benefit the Fusion program.
“It’s something I’m proud of,” Bush said. “It’s important to have that ladder [in the VISL]. It means you don’t have to cut players, you can refer them to the appropriate team for development and availability.”
Bush is on the board of the Saanich Fusion and started with the club as a coach a few years ago. He has his Provincial B coaching certificate, standard for this level of coaching, and is proud to come through the ranks.
As a teacher, he was at Reynolds secondary the last two years where he also coached the junior girls team and, with J.J. Atterbury, helped the Reynolds senior boys finish fifth at the 2015 provincials.
“I feel like coming up through the ranks helps me earn my credit,” Bush said. “It takes a lot of trial and error to make mistakes and learn.”
This year, like any, the Fusion are expecting to lose a few core players. The team has remained strong the past two seasons but hasn’t been the same as 2014 when VISL stars Patrick Nelson and Cooper Barry made it a league powerhouse. Those two have since helped Cowichan FC to a Jackson Cup and are on the cusp of a dynasty.
While it’s not reasonable to expect the Fusion to challenge Cowichan for the title in 2016-17, Bush does put pressure on himself for a successful season.
“I’m told we’ll lose a few guys, and that’s typical with any coaching change, but we will return Chris ‘Tower’ Peereboom on defence, a Jackson Cup MVP, and [former VISL rookie of the year] Leo Falzon, so we already have pieces of a strong team.”
To fill in the gaps, Bush will turn to some of the U21 players that he and Carr coached. There’s also players moving to town that have already emailed him, as well as Reynolds grads looking for a spot in the VISL’s top division. Continuity within the club happens to be a focus of Bush’s in his role as a board member with the Fusion.
“As a club, there is a struggle not to lose players after U18,” Bush said. “Parents invest so much in their children and then after U18, they quit. In might be even more severe on the girls’ side.”
Bush is one person at the club who’s trying to bridge that gap between the younger players and the U21 and adult levels.
“Bush is a good choice for our club with all he’s done,” Steiner said. “He’s done a great job with Div. 2 and U21, a logical choice to continue on with the program. He keeps good relationship with the younger players there.”
In the meantime, tryouts for the Saanich Fusion’s Div. 1 men started Aug. 17.
“If you tell me this team is a cohesive group working to get better at the end of the season, that’s fine, thats what I want,” Bush said. “But at the same time, do I want to come sixth? No.” | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/390960811.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/3278e216fbefe4c8cf23917b09620e7c12b23fe7b89748f0e228e4d75fdb58ab.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:21 | null | null | Online option now available for licences, paper version of limited entry hunting applications phased out for 2017 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Flifestyles%2F377444561.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/25265BCLN2007Moosebullwikim7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | B.C. hunting licences go online | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Moose and other big game hunting season is in fall, with limited entry draws in some areas of B.C.
The B.C. government has added an online option for buying hunting licences and entering limited-entry hunting draws.
The web portal accepts applications for resident hunting licences and the new Fish and Wildlife ID, which replaces the former hunter identification number.
Paper applications for limited entry hunting applications are no longer being issued and won't be accepted after the end of 2016. Licences and limited entry hunt applications can also be made in person at Service BC and FrontCounter BC offices, or at authorized vendors. | http://www.saanichnews.com/lifestyles/377444561.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/71596ae95ad9ecffec29c3e4e30f29194ff747650a3fe231cf89614318d276b3.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:58 | null | null | Legendary drummer Mick Fleetwood among those who will play University of Victoria venue in the fall | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fentertainment%2F390500661.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/73905saanichmickfleetwooduvic-1.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Farquhar attracts diverse lineup | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Fleetwood Mac drummer and co-founder Mick Fleetwood, with the band’s late ‘80s/early ‘90s vocalist and guitarist Rick Vito, is bringing a dose of British blues with the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band to the Farquhar Auditorium on Oct. 2.
A legendary rock drummer, a Scottish comedian and a troop of Chinese acrobats walk into Farquhar Auditorium – and make up one heck of an entertainment lineup.
The fall and winter seasons at Farquhar are no joke. The University of Victoria venue has a stellar series of concerts and performances scheduled over the coming months, including the newly announced Mick Fleetwood Blues Band (yes, that Mick Fleetwood) on Oct. 2.
The Fleetwood Mac co-founder and stickman will bring some British blues to the Island, alongside the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame group’s late ’80s/early ’90s vocalist and guitarist Rick Vito, rounding out his 13-date fall tour at UVic. Expect a solid set of original blues rock numbers and some Mac hits and deep cuts.
Farquhar will also get a double dose of laughter this fall, with Tacoma stand-up comic Jo Koy (best known for his 100-plus appearances on Chelsea Lately) on Sept. 30 and a two-night stint with Just for Laughs favourite Danny Bhoy on Oct. 25 and 26, bringing some Scottish storytelling to the auditorium.
The fall and winter lineups also promise some cultural performances, including the critically acclaimed Shanghai Acrobats on Sept. 3 and 4, and Indian singer/songwriter Kiran Ahluwalia, a modern purveyor of the great vocal traditions of India and Pakistan, on Feb. 26, 2017.
Of course, there is also a great variety of children’s entertainment at Farquhar this season, starting with Cicada and the Ant on Oct. 23. The Aesop’s Fable is being retold by the Sursaut Dance Company through a choreographic work enjoyable for young and old.
Then, on Dec. 4, award winning children’s musician Will Stroet of CBC’s Will Jams brings his educational and entertaining, high-energy show to UVic for an exciting 11 a.m. show.
Lastly on the kids’ docket, Axis Theatre presents Hamelin: A New Fable at Farquhar on Jan. 15, 2017, retelling the comedic, heart-tugging musical story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The show features a cast of five professional actors and musicians using masks and puppets to tell the delightful tale.
January also brings some talented musicians to the university venue, including Montreal’s Remi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble on Jan. 21. Accompanying Bolduc on the tour will be guest pianist Francois Bourassa, as well as his standard rhythm section, bassist Fraser Hollins and drummer Dave Laing.
Seventeen years strong, the International Guitar Night also returns to UVic on Jan. 29, highlighting the diversity of acoustic guitar. The show features IGN founder Brian Gore, Italian contemporary guitarist Luca Stricagnoli, Brazilian composer/performer Chrystian Dozza and India’s groundbreaking slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya.
Finally, Doug Cox brings Starman: Acoustic Bowie to Farquhar on Feb. 8, a posthumous tribute to the influential English rock star. Cox will be joined by Juno award-winning singer/songwriter Helen Austin, Wide Mouth Mason’s Shaun Verreault, longtime collaborator Sam Hurrie, Spirit of the West’s Linda McRae, Locarno percussionist Robin Layne and Canadian bassist extraordinaire Rick May.
The auditorium is going to be jam packed this season, with more events sure to be announced for this season. For tickets or more information, visit tickets.uvic.ca. | http://www.saanichnews.com/entertainment/390500661.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/d388def901615da50b231d36fcaeb3081bfd992b9bc594c705de0ed3c0167c27.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:53 | null | null | Councillor sees gaps in current housing initiatives | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391219371.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich delays creation of homeless task force | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | What seemed like a straightforward motion to create a Saanich task force for homelessness and affordable housing was met with resistance from council on Monday night.
Coun. Colin Plant said he respects the vote by council, which was 8-1 to postpone any creation of a task force. Plant brought the concept forward from the Healthy Saanich advisory committee he chairs, which fully supported the Gorge Tillicum Community Association report.
“My worry is that by postponing the motion, there’s nothing that says anything will happen now, and that is disappointing for me,” Plant said. “Council is interested but now that might not happen because nothing was put in place. We should have made it more formal by having staff give us a report on where there are gaps in Saanich.”
The creation of the task force came with a related item on Monday’s agenda, to add a social planner to Saanich’s staff. The social planner would be a paid Saanich position to work with the issue of homelessness and housing affordability starting in the 2017 fiscal year and budget. That motion was also postponed.
One issue other councillors had with the creation of a task force was that there are already multiple initiatives underway in the region. Couns. Vicki Sanders and Fred Haynes said a task force for homelessness and housing affordability was reinventing the wheel, while Coun. Vic Derman also questioned the scope of the task force compared to what’s already underway across Greater Victoria. But Plant argued the task force is exactly what is needed to measure what effect the region’s many affordable housing and homelessness initiatives are having on Saanich.
“I appreciate my colleagues wanted more information to see if we needed a task force, but I think that’s why we needed a task force, to see if we need to address these issues,” Plant said. “I respect the vote of council, I just didn’t agree with this vote.”
In the opinion of GTCA president Rob Wickson, who presented to council on behalf of the motion with GTCA member Dr. Trevor Hancock, the report came to council earlier than he anticipated. Wickson says he’s confident progress can still be made.
The report lists ongoing areas where homeless people take shelter in Saanich and a desire to include homeless people in the feedback and strategy planning. There are homeless people who choose to stay away from the social services available downtown, Plant said, and providing social services in Saanich would be welcome.
“Even if the task force was created just to talk to other organizations doing this work, council would know more,” Plant said. “I’m not saying this group would make rocket-science discoveries, just measure what is happening and how it affects Saanich, what’s working, what’s coming and what’s missing.”
Councillors picked the report apart saying it’s just too broad. Trying to include the mental health and addiction issues often attached to homelessness is its own area, while housing affordability is another, said Sanders. | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391219371.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/6b26b7f7b1a35384789d20176dfe43c5ca7f9f66becb096b2631456007e2a306.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:38 | null | null | Alzheimer Society of B.C. brings workshops to Saanich | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fcommunity%2F390496231.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Sessions offer insight on dementia | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | A pair of upcoming sessions from the The Alzheimer Society of B.C. promise to shed light on dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the second most feared disease for Canadians as they age.
To help residents understand this pressing health issue, the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. brings its free workshop, Getting to Know Dementia, to Saanich on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
Participants will receive basic information on dementia and the impact it has on individuals, their caregivers and their support networks.
The introductory session reviews the challenges of receiving a diagnosis of dementia. Participants will learn about the different types of support available throughout the dementia journey, how to begin planning for the future, and strategies for living well.
This session is intended for people experiencing early symptoms of dementia, as well as family members or friends who are currently supporting a person with a recent dementia diagnosis. The workshop is not intended for the general public or health-care providers.
The workshop runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alzheimer Resource Centre, 202-306 Burnside Rd. W. (at Tillicum Road). Pre-registration is required, by calling 250-382-2052 or e-mailing info.victoria@alzheimerbc.org.
Help for the many Saanich families living with dementia is about to take a new approach: a conversation over coffee.
The non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. will launch its new Dementia Question & Answer series, a casual question-and-answer session on dementia that can help families with the challenges they face, offer reassurance, and provide a sense of connection.
The Dementia Q&A runs on Thursday, Aug. 25. Participants can ask questions about dementia and caregiving, strategies to try, and community resources to explore. They’ll also get some important reassurance that they are not alone on the dementia journey.
Participants will receive basic information on dementia and the impact it has on individuals, their caregivers and their support networks.
The session runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Alzheimer Resource Centre, 202-306 Burnside Rd. W., at Tillicum Road. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. To register, call 250-382-2052 or e-mail info.victoria@alzheimerbc.org.
The informal dementia question and answer sessions are facilitated to allow caregivers to share their experiences and to take home practical information.
Both sessions are free thanks to partial funding by the province and a number of individual and corporate donors
People who are living with dementia or have questions about the disease can call the First Link Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, visit www.alzheimerbc.org. | http://www.saanichnews.com/community/390496231.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/d00a7bcc0314b4746d107ecbb86c0c43b293056a56e3ea98e2b67e634e2345a1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:02 | null | null | I commend Andrew Weaver for going at least part way to recognizing that Israel has a right to exist | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390963251.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Support for Israel commended | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | I commend Andrew Weaver for going at least part way to recognizing that Israel has a right to exist, in contrast to a majority of Green Party members.
Why do members of that party support enemies of Israel?
According to civil rights activist Bob Friedland and historian Henry Steele Commager, the success of Jews and Americans highlights the failure of Marxist economic notions, in contrast to the system of economic freedom called “capitalism”. Instead of accepting that reality, some party members support those who attack Jews and Americans, no matter how oppressive they are. An example is Kevin Potvin, the Green Party candidate who cheered Islamic attacks on the U.S. of Sept. 11, 2001 (Elizabeth May had the decency to fire him).
Members are running on emotions, the only fallback they have in their corrupted method of knowledge. But why do their emotions take the tack of assaulting peaceful productivity? All I can think of is a negative psychology - emotions are an automatic reaction using stored facts and values.
What amazes me is the female members who support the anti-female ideologies in the Middle East.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/390963251.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/ff01a045f4af972c1b29c5b6a7ab3791d43ff8fe61605d2f7350b9b4b230ecd7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:24 | null | null | University of Victoria professor among team aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals who live in long-term care settings | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fcommunity%2F390495771.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Project targets quality of life in care homes | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | For the next four years, an Island Health palliative care physician is partnering with a University of Victoria professor on a national research project to explore best practices to improve the quality of life for individuals who live in long-term care settings.
Dr. Leah MacDonald (Island Health) and Dr. Kelli Stajduhar (University of Victoria) will join researchers from Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta to evaluate promising programs, practices and policies in use in long-term care homes across Canada.
The recently announced $2 million research project is called Seniors – Adding Life to Years (SALTY).
“We know there are innovative care initiatives making a difference in long-term care settings and residential care homes across the country,” said Dr. MacDonald, medical director for Island Health’s End of Life program. “As a health care system and society, we need to provide an alternative to the highly medicalized way we approach the end of life. I am excited to be a part of this study, to bring a palliative care clinician lens to the research team.”
MacDonald’s passion to provide compassionate end-of-life care began early on in her medical training.
“It is such rewarding work, to be able to support individuals and their families who are impacted by advanced illness, to help them manage pain, distress and other symptoms, and to be part of an interdisciplinary care team to influence the quality of the living and dying experience for all involved,” she said.
Led by Dr. Janice Keefe from Mount Saint Vincent University, SALTY will involve decision-makers, clinicians, care providers and family/friend caregivers, ensuring that all voices will be heard.
“The focus on late-life care in nursing homes makes this project unique and urgently needed,” said Keefe, director of the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging. “Nursing home care in late life is under-researched and undervalued. This project brings together the leading researchers and influencers of change in long-term care in Canada.”
She added: “Our approach will actively engage the end-users of the research, challenge current thinking and practice, and involve robust multi-method health services research.”
Other project partners include: Dr. Carole Estabrooks, University of Alberta, Dr. Tamara Daly, York University, Dr. Ivy Bourgeault, University of Ottawa, and Heather Cook and Dr. Deanne Taylor, Interior Health Authority (Kelowna).
Together, the team will develop innovative strategies to understand and assess impact on quality of care and quality of life, with the aim of spreading effective approaches within and across jurisdictions. The project’s outputs will create change to improve long-term care and supports across Canada.
SALTY is funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and Alzheimer Society of Canada.
MacDonald and Stajduhar have also conducted collaborative research in this area supported by Island Health’s internal granting program.
“We are committed to supporting research to improve both quality of life and care for our patients,” said Cindy Trytten, Island Health’s director of research and capacity building. “Collaborations like this between academic researchers, clinicians and patients and their families are critically important to make sure that the research and results are relevant, and meet the needs of the people we serve.” | http://www.saanichnews.com/community/390495771.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/17b9d7fd9df050b1eddf853c808ddd7a904a2031d2ae285b1be1a2804b6cfeb4.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:21 | null | null | Premier Christy Clark isn't going into next year's election with a promise to jack up Canada's only significant carbon tax | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2F391051701.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/42735BCLN2007ClarkPolakNissanLeaf7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | BC VIEWS: B.C. fails to save the planet | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Premier Christy Clark and Environment Minister Mary Polak plug in an electric car at an announcement of the government's latest climate change plan in Richmond Aug. 19.
A B.C. Liberal operative was out with the online spin hours before Premier Christy Clark confirmed the much-leaked news in a Friday afternoon announcement at an obscure location in Richmond.
The, er, freeze is continuing for B.C.’s ground-breaking, world-saving carbon tax, which hasn’t changed since before Clark was elected in 2013.
The spin was Olympic-themed, with a picture labeled to show B.C. as a swimmer far out in the lead in the pool, to symbolize that it’s the other provinces that need to catch up in the race to save the planet.
Clark has been saying that for years, and there is merit to it. Even without a tax on “process emissions” such as from cement kilns, B.C.’s carbon tax encourages imports of non-taxed cement from the U.S. and China.
Alberta business professor Andrew Leach, who advised the Stephen Harper and then Rachel Notley governments on greenhouse gas policies, summed up the problem this way.
“Until the rest of the world has policies that impose similar cost, you’re not actually reducing emissions to the extent you think,” Leach said. “You’re just displacing the emissions and the economic activity to other jurisdictions.”
Alberta is moving to join B.C. with a modest carbon tax, but the NDP government plans to spend the proceeds rather than return them in income tax as B.C. has done. And Washington state and most of the rest of the world have no carbon tax as such, so their businesses benefit from B.C.’s “climate leadership.”
B.C.’s foreign-funded eco-radical community was, needless to say, appalled. The Pembina Institute’s Matt Horne and career protesters Tzeporah Berman and Merran Smith were named to the premier’s advisory committee last year, along with business, academic and aboriginal representatives.
They concluded that increases to B.C.’s broad-based tax on carbon fuels should resume its upward march in 2018.
Other committee members, including the mayors of Surrey, Comox and Burns Lake, were not heard from. Public discussion on this issue is now reduced to a staged conflict between those who demand a holy war on deadly carbon dioxide “pollution,” and those who don’t care if their grandchildren perish in a hell-fire of fossil fuel use.
We’ve just come off another El Nino year, like the hot year of 1998. Regular readers will recall the last time I discussed this topic was this spring, where I questioned the premier’s dire warnings of another horrendous forest fire season.
What followed has been one of the slowest forest fire seasons in the last decade, although dry conditions have finally emerged this month. Climate predictions, like next week’s weather forecast, are less than consistent.
I am regularly sent messages calling me a “climate change denier,” the nonsense term that continues to be used by federal Environment Minister Catharine McKenna among many others. I know of no one who denies that climate is always changing, at times dramatically.
If you wish to believe that paying an extra seven cents a litre for gasoline in B.C. is helping to slow the very gradual increase in temperatures we’re seeing in the northern hemisphere, you are free to do so.
You may even be persuaded to take a government subsidy and buy an expensive, short-range electric car. Me, I’m off to Prince Rupert and Revelstoke pretty soon, so I’ll stick with my little four-cylinder gas sipper for now.
Hydro-powered B.C. represents a small fraction of the less than two per cent Canada contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. We’re not the problem, and no, the world is not looking to us for guidance.
Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca Twitter: @tomfletcherbc | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/391051701.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/bda808b5c9b2e544dd4d9d7fc2712b248e1981bb3031258d558f77772a903071.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-31T00:51:48 | null | null | Saanich and Victoria cracking down on live-aboard vessels in the Gorge | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391663221.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/49524saanichGorgeBoats.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Derelict boats will test the waters of new bylaw | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Boats remain in Gorge Waterway off of Victoria’s Banfield Park past the deadline given by City of Victoria staff.
Many in Saanich are keen to see what happens now that the City of Victoria has expedited the impending removal of live-aboard and derelict boats in the Gorge Waterway by posting an online request for proposals.
The tender, which went to the public earlier this month, sought marine assistance that Victoria will use to remove sunken boats. It also backs up the city’s commitment to clearing out the remaining boats off Banfield Park, where the current live-aboards are past due on a final warning that came in late July. Victoria and Saanich both took steps to amend their bylaws, which now limit anchorage to 72 hours at a time within 300 metres of their shorelines.
Victoria Coun. Geoff Young says he suspects people are looking at the experience of tent city, where months elapsed between when the province asked people to leave, and when they did leave.
“So far, there’s been no compliance on the warnings put out, we’ll have to take firmer steps,” Young said.
Victoria and Saanich border a good portion of the Gorge Waterway, and are making efforts to limit the environmental impacts that come with poorly managed boats.
“There’s no question a lot of municipalities across Canada are becoming concerned with these types of vehicles, and are restricting mooring,” Young said. “Between the sewage release and fuel spills, and the recovery expense for sunken boats, they simply are not acceptable.”
Despite speculation that some owners of the anchored boats will pull their mooring and move upstream to non-Victoria waters, Saanich CAO Paul Thorkelsson says it’s unlikely.
“Given the similarity of the regulations between Saanich and Victoria, we do not anticipate vessels will be relocating from Victoria waters to Saanich,” Thorkelsson said, adding staff will monitor as necessary.
It is rare that live-aboards or, what amount to derelict boats, are buoyed in the Saanich section of the Gorge. It’s partly because live-aboards have gone mostly untested in the Victoria waters of the Gorge, and because the Saanich section is above the tidal waters that make passing below the Gorge Bridge challenging. However, Saanich council did take the steps with staff to ensure the boats could only anchor up to 72 hours once in a 30-day period.
“Council has taken the approach to deal with derelict boats on a case-by-case [basis],” Thorkelsson said. “In general, Saanich has found it efficient and expedient to undertake the removals of specific vessels by our own forces.”
In the meantime, the Veins of Life Watershed Society has not heard back from Saanich staff regarding a letter it sent earlier this year about a prolific number of non-licensed docks along the Gorge and Colquitz River.
John Roe led the Veins of Life during its successful campaign to clean up the Gorge in the late 1990s and says Victoria will be surprised when they see how much junk is below the water where the current live-aboard boats in the Gorge, assuming they plan a cleanup following their removal.
“You’ll be amazed what’s under there,” Roe said. “I know there’s batteries and pieces of scrap metal, not just a bunch of sunken boats. There was one fellow who had what amounted to a scrap metal business on a self-built marina, and he chucked anything he didn’t need. People will be shocked, there’s washing machines, and more.”
Rob Wickson, president of the Gorge-Tillicum Community Association, says they are aware of the potential for boats moving to the water off of Gorge Park and have asked council to prepare measures to ensure the current residents on the waters at Bamfield Park do not simply move upstream.
“This is another example as to why there needs to be a Gorge Waterway conservation authority, similar to the airport authority,” Wickson said. “It needs [the authority] to monitor and control all the various influences and impacts on the whole watershed from Elk Lake to the Selkirk Trestle.”
When the residents of the boats near Banfield Park do finally leave, Young expects many of the vessels will be abandoned.
“Getting rid of an old boat is cumbersome,” he said.
It’s also expensive, as they would need to be towed, with minimal options for safe mooring in the region.
Cadboro Bay does provide an option, with many live-aboards already stationed there, though it is a risky place for moorage, as demonstrated by the numerous boats that washed up on Caddy Bay beach this past winter. | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391663221.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/5e20297fa1841f17340aaa3dc08ea78c31651e2605a6b32c7d1f3e3949910256.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-27T16:50:27 | null | null | With every new school year comes new issues for elementary, middle and high schools in Saanich | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391217481.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/13814saanichbacktoschoolpacs-2.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | PACs prepare for a new school year | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Norm Tandberg, vice-president of the Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, is ready for the new school year and a new set of challenges. He said issues can vary greatly among schools, ranging from breakfast programs to seismic upgrades and everything in between.
It’s not just kids who are going back to school in a couple weeks – a lot of parents will be returning to their roles on local parent advisory councils.
With every new school year comes new issues for elementary, middle and high schools in Saanich, and PACs from across the district are readying for a new semester of challenges. The PACs are overseen by the Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, which represents local councils at the district level and primarily advises the school board on matters relating to education in the school district.
“We sort of look at ourselves as the advocate and connection for parents and students at schools,” said Norm Tandberg, vice-president of the VCPAC. “We advocate and lobby for good learning conditions and organize PACs to work with the school administration.”
The Tuesday after Labour Day may mark the return to classes, but Tandberg said many PACs get to work in the summer to prepare for the new school year.
“Every school’s entitled to gaming grants, and that has to be applied for in August or earlier,” he said, noting grants are used toward things like sporting equipment and musical instruments.
“Then in September, hopefully they have whoever was involved in the PAC last year, but if not, they have to go out and recruit. There’s always a new batch of new parents and students coming to the school, and some moving on.”
The range of issues a PAC can take on is endless, ranging from healthy lunches to recess times to playground safety. While there are some common needs among local schools, Tandberg said the issues can vary greatly from one school to another.
“Some schools need seismic upgrading, some need a breakfast program – every school is pretty individual,” he said. “We’re always advocating for resources in the classroom – a little extra funding never hurts.
“We actually have one of our board people this year taking on earthquake preparedness. Across the district, some schools are really well prepared, others have the bare minimum and some have hardly anything at all.”
Tandberg said the role of PACs has evolved over the years to include more fundraising, something that was not originally the responsibility of parent advisory councils.
“With funding disappearing from various sources, there’s been a lot of pressure on schools to fundraise for different things they need,” he said. “That never was really a PAC’s role, the role was more working with the administration and creating a good atmosphere in the school.
“They’re finding creative ways to make it work, and a few schools have actually engaged a few grant writers because there is grant money out there for various things.”
Ultimately, Tandberg said PACs are an extremely important group in making changes happen at elementary, middle and high schools across the school district.
“The elementary school PACs are amazing,” he said. “They usually have 25 or 30 members, and there’s a talent pool there – everybody’s got connections, they know where to look for different things.
“It gets a little leaner as you get further on, but the role has really stayed the same. It’s just about creating a good learning environment for students and supporting parents to make that happen.” | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391217481.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/05ba19a108f598c877d3d2a3b0b62be9c00be3de06f837cd4805dd5d4205eac0.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-30T22:51:45 | null | null | Atwell says single-site treatment option will be costly | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391663061.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich mayor supports Colwood sewage plan | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | One day after Rock Bay and McLoughlin Point were shortlisted as sites for a centralized sewage treatment plan, Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell spoke out in support of a decentralized sewage option.
It’s late, but Atwell is hoping that even in the face of the looming Sept. 7 deadline, the province-appointed project board will seriously consider the cheaper and more environmentally friendly plan that comes with decentralized treatment plants.
The technologies used in decentralized plants are some of the same that the CRD’s integrated resource management task force, which Atwell is part of, are interested in despite being mostly shutout of the project board’s work. But last week, the most advanced proposal for decentralized plants, which would use local sewage plants instead of one or two plants for the entire region, was presented to the project board by Saanich-based Aqua-Tex Scientific Consulting on Aug. 25.
It suggests decentralized, local plants provide tertiary sewage treatment that will be cheaper and better for the environment than the centralized secondary treatment being proposed. The centralized strategy is estimated to cost between $750 million and $1.1 billion, whereas applying the decentralized proposal across the region could be as low as $350 million, Atwell said.
“What [Aqua-Tex] is proposing is how every municipality should be treating their sewage, and it’s already happening all over the [United States],” Atwell said.
A powerpoint chart says the sewage treatment cost would be $34 per household, $50 per house in Langford, whereas the current model will be more than $500 per Saanich household, Atwell added. Smaller plants also give you an added ability to use the wastewater constructively. It can be treated to a point of usability, possibility to water local fields or flush toilets, such as at Dockside Green. On a centralized plan, the amount of wastewater at one or two regional plants is too great to deal with, and must be sent to sea, Atwell added.
In the meantime, the province-appointed project board will submit a final set of recommendations for core area wastewater treatment for Sept. 7, which, based on using Rock Bay and/or McLoughlin Point, is the centralized model. The Capital Regional District board will then decide which option to move forward with.
If selected, taxpayers will overspend on what is soon becoming obsolete technology, Atwell said.
“It’s technology that hasn’t been shared with the public,” Atwell said. “The [decentralized] proposal has been third-party, peer reviewed. I don’t know how the project board can ignore the work coming out of [Aqua-Tex], it’s ground breaking, socially acceptable, environmentally beneficial, financially beneficial.”
The local plants would deliver tertiary treatment that recovers heat and electricity from the sludge’s incineration process. It’s a cheaper and easier solution that leaves a residual of 50 per cent water and 10 per cent ash to deal with instead of the 50 per cent biosolids, Atwell said. Local plants would also avoid the Rock Bay/McLoughlin plan to pump sludge 18 kilometres up to Hartland, and then pump the wastewater back down to outfalls.
Colwood council has unofficially endorsed the Aqua-Tex proposal, though it’s ultimately up to the project board to include it in its recommendation.
If Rock Bay is used, either on its own or in tandem with McLoughlin Point, it will require hundreds of millions of dollars of piping infrastructure to get the sewage there. Plus, it has no outfall, which will mean Cook Street or another artery that runs to the ocean will be ripped open for up to a year, to install new pipes so the effluent can be pumped out to sea from Dallas Road, Atwell said.
On Thursday night, the local RITE Plan Coalition is hosting a presentation called Smart Sewers, Turning Wastes into Resources, with keynote speaker Ed Clerico, a leading engineer who’s company, Natural Systems Utilities, operates 210 decentralized sewage facilities in the United States.
The presentation is from 7 to 9 p.m. in room A102 of the David Turpin Building. | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391663061.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/c60322030a262a680d9ff60a3745e4643d2a4c142ab8ba524f605f8e6ebcd39a.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:15 | null | null | Designer of Kicking Horse and Jumbo resorts gets approval to proceed with $175 million project east of Prince George | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fbusiness%2F390477731.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/66407BCLN2007Oberti-Oberto7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | B.C. approves Valemount glacier resort plan | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | The B.C. government has approved a master development plan for a new year-round ski resort in the Cariboo Mountains west of Valemount.
Valemount Glacier Destination Resort is a $175 million project led by Oberto Oberti, who designed the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden and the controversial Jumbo Glacier Resort proposal west of Invermere.
The Valemount plan includes lifts and gondolas that would carry skiers and sight-seers to the summits of Mount Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Mount Arthur Meighen. Its vertical drop of 2,050 metres would be higher than Whistler-Blackcomb and the largest in North America.
"There are very few places in the world, and none in North America, where you go and ride a lift to the very top and the glacier is below you," said Jill Bodkin, a director of the company.
Valemount is a remote community of about 1,000 residents near the Alberta border east of Prince George. The region is west of Jasper National Park, which attracts visitors from around the world.
On the project's website, Oberti says people will travel to Switzerland for this kind of mountain resort experience, so a three-hour drive from Prince George isn't an obstacle to success.
Valemount Mayor Jeanette Townsend called the master plan approval "exciting news." She said the community attracts visitors who stay there to avoid the expensive accommodation in Jasper and the resort will take it to the next level.
Chief Nathan Matthew of the Simpcw First Nation said his community has been involved since the beginning, and he sees the project as an important economic development for the northern part of Simpcw's traditional territory. | http://www.saanichnews.com/business/390477731.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/ce00b447ad648c29049f38ba9adf01028db16ccf2009cce7c0f0b49d174ba1ae.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:52:06 | null | null | There is no need for redundant expensive outfall piping. If this was necessary, we would have sewage pipes from the Prairies | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391662501.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Proposed wastewater locations will flush taxpayer dollars away | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | I am extremely concerned with the site selection of the Capital Regional District wastewater facility locations. There is only a promise of future tertiary treatment with no inclusion of wetlands, resource recovery or gasification technology. Some of the appointed panel members were previously involved in projects with huge cost overruns. Being appointed to a board does not make them experts.
The CRD will be getting a secondary treatment facility in a tsunami zone that will harm the environment. The carbon emissions due to conveyance piping to Hartland Road is evidence that they are not qualified sewage engineers. With cost overruns, this secondary project will be over $1 billion.
This is unacceptable to the taxpayer. There is no need for redundant expensive outfall piping. If this was necessary, we would have sewage pipes from the Prairies.
Saanich director Vic Derman proposed the Nigel Valley site that is centrally located, due for renewal, socially acceptable, outside the tsunami zone and near a trunk line. The seven affected mayors should demand a cost-benefit analysis, resource recovery and gasification possibilities for this site. Heat, energy and clean water can be utilized on site. If extra energy is produced it can be put back into the power grid and bio-fuel can be used in transporting the bi-products.
If the secondary plan goes ahead, expect to pay $1 per flush, a toilet that “runs-on” for 30 years with no bathroom tissue. Be careful shaking hands. The proposed site locations smell like the white elephant in the room, that needs a scrub.
I believe the taxpayers deserve better site accountability for the money being spent. Fear and greed will likely have some of the CRD directors vote to build in a tsunami zone, use outdated technology, a cramped location, destroy the surrounding environment with pipes, then flush chemical toxins into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
We will all share in the costs of the $1 billion toilet that still flushes directly into the sea.
Art Bickerton
Saanich | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/391662501.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/36fd692dddbf9a011a950a2b2fcdb6c90808992df4b5ebedcd1697238b5be1dc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:08 | null | null | Learn to Fish program offers instruction and loaner equipment to help children aged 5 to 15 catch a trout | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Flifestyles%2F381548981.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/69540BCLN2007Rainbowpembertonfishfinder7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Free fishing lessons for kids [with video] | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Courses offer loaner equipment and training in casting and proper fish handling.
Children aged five to 15 can take advantage of fishing instruction sessions being held around the province by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. this summer.
The Learn to Fish program has been running since 2006. It provides loaned fishing gear as well as instruction on how to cast and retrieve, identify different fish species, handle fish properly and fish ethically within the regulations.
Locations and registration information for Learn to Fish courses is available here.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. is financed by revenue from B.C. fishing licence sales.
A sample of the instruction videos available on the society website: | http://www.saanichnews.com/lifestyles/381548981.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/42cf582ab474cc8a7bdfc3ee0d781890b840ab7c6723c85e183701eac076fd05.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:50 | null | null | The government should adopt the Delivering Community Power proposal, which calls for postal banking, services for seniors and other ideas | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390963101.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | New vision for Canada Post | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | I was so inspired by the vision for a renewed and imagined Canada Post. The Leap Manifesto proposes to transform this cherished national asset into a community and economy-building network. The government should adopt the Delivering Community Power proposal, which calls for postal banking, services for seniors, and coast-to-coast charging stations for electric cars, among other ideas.
Canada Post is the country’s largest retail and logistics network -- and as a Crown corporation, all of us own it.
Interested readers can learn more at DeliveringCommunityPower.ca.
Geoff Gosson
Victoria | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/390963101.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/504de7144bfca53d7c91f4a988afa009644f9ea0c107149d3115409578376c36.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-30T18:51:39 | null | null | Some urban districts struggle with overcrowding, special funds for declining rural schools, bus service to take effect | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391773061.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/2045BCLN2007Schoolstudentblurwide-BJ7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | B.C. school enrolment up for second year | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Students return to public school next week, with changes to curriculum and some provincial exams.
Students are returning to class next week in most of B.C.'s public schools, with enrolment expected to be up province-wide for the second year running.
Education Minister Mike Bernier says early forecasts show about 529,000 students, an increase of 2,900 from last year. But that increase is centred on fast-growing school districts, while many rural areas continue to struggle with declining student numbers.
Among changes that parents and students will see this year is a new curriculum in place up to Grade 9, with a test year for changes in the senior grades. Bernier said the new emphasis on collaboration and communication skills does not mean a watering down of the basic skills, and is designed to improve students' ability to work at modern jobs.
Report cards are to continue this school year, but the ministry is reviewing its system with an eye to providing more frequent updates. Parents are being consulted on the changes, Bernier said.
Foundation Skills Assessment tests in grades four and seven are also continuing after years of protests from teacher unions, but that program is also being examined for possible changes. FSA tests will be "enhanced" but not eliminated, Bernier said.
Provincial exams continue for graduates in math and English, but science and social studies will now be assessed at a classroom level rather than school-wide tests, Bernier said.
The ministry provided a series of top-ups to education funding this year, for bus service and to keep selected rural schools from closing. Applications are still being taken for a transportation fund until Sept. 30, requiring districts to drop across-the-board school bus fees to qualify.
Districts may still charge transportation fees for international students or those from outside a school catchment area.
NDP leader John Horgan highlighted the crowding in Surrey school district, where 7,000 students remain in portables despite an expansion program. The NDP says the B.C. government's claim of record per-student funding ignores a reduction of education funding as a share of the provincial economy.
"Since 2001, the B.C. Liberals have dragged public education funding in this province from the second best in Canada to the second worst," Horgan said. | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391773061.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/4b89e355a10cd3c6aa5039516c18b5d91102db9fb1e7e536773fe6ffbefc3c31.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T22:53:05 | null | null | Vancouver Whitecaps hold Vancouver Island Youth Prospects camp at PISE | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F391661331.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/48982saanichwhitecapscamppise-2.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Fancy footwork | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Luca Hutchison, 12, (right) winds up for a kick during drills against Kai Hirai, 12, at last week’s Whitecaps FC Vancouver Island Youth Prospects Camp at PISE. The camp saw U8 to U16 boys and girls hone their skills through a series of drills and exercises, with the chance to be scouted by Whitecaps FC Academy staff. | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/391661331.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/a4edf5f335a7925dcaf524a3bf8ae073ad6a546f6ce918e1a7672cec7e03777f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:10 | null | null | Site C dam will affect the equivalent to the total area of agricultural farmland within the District of Saanich | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391218061.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Dam leaves major footprint | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Ageism is here and now, no matter the context.
It is one thing to try and excuse a so-called “run of river hydroelectric project” (it’s a bloody dam, for crying out loud), but to have a go at a grandmother (ranting or otherwise) just because she got the numbers confused. Come on, please.
To put the so-called rant in context, the area of farmland to be inundated (i.e. drowned and lost forever) by the proposed Peace River Site C hydroelectric dam is equivalent to the total area of agricultural farmland within the District of Saanich.
Although it might seem to be too late to offer an argument about the merits of the project on the basis of costs, electrical demand, alternative energy, etc., because this regulated process was stymied by the B.C. Liberal’s provincial government (and its agency, BC Hydro) and a review by the B.C. Utilities Commission was sidelined, there are many willing to do so. Age notwithstanding.
Until May 2017, carry on ranting – then don’t forget to vote.
P.W. Bailey
Saanich | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/391218061.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/e1250295d578c4399e07df7ea1cd4d5803666492120fd76b7a269b2a615d71a5.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:08 | null | null | 1,800 new spaces in 30 communities to start construction this fall, minister Stephanie Cadieux says | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Flifestyles%2F381686451.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/36574BCLN2007daycarewikimedia7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Child care spaces funded for 30 BC communities | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Daycare spaces are in short supply in some areas of B.C. and costs are high.
More than 1,800 new child care spaces should be under construction by this fall, with the latest round of financing from the B.C. government.
New or expanded facilities in 30 communities have been selected from funding applications received in January, said Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux. The $11.3 million budget for this year is the third phase of a child care expansion project funded by the ministry.
The province's goal is to have construction underway by September.
"It will vary somewhat from provider to provider, depending on whether they are building a facility from the ground up with this money, or whether they are adding to an existing facility," Cadieux said.
Projects in the Lower Mainland include six sites in Surrey, two each in Abbotsford, Langley and Coquitlam and one each in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Burnaby, Delta and Squamish.
On Vancouver Island, funding goes to three projects in Duncan and one each in Nanaimo, Victoria, Comox, Port Hardy and Tofino.
In the B.C. Interior, three projects are approved for Kelowna, two in Penticton, and one each in Naramata, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Enderby, Princeton, Houston, Kamloops, Merritt, Vanderhoof and Dawson Creek.
For a full list of facilities and number of spaces, see backgrounder here.
The ministry has posted a new child care map on its website to help parents locate facilities here.
The province provides child care subsidies to qualified low-income parents, and covers about 15 per cent of daycare operating costs. But the cost of land and operations drives the price of child care up to $1,400 per month or more in urban areas. Cadieux said the province is working with municipalities to review regulations.
"We're looking at the restrictions we put on child care providers in terms of outdoor space, in terms of sun access," she said. "We want to make sure that child care is safe and that we have quality, but we also want to make sure that we're not creating a situation that is unreasonable." | http://www.saanichnews.com/lifestyles/381686451.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/f0a86e4d39d9ced380d46cf9abb3e34063e12567ab50a48a7d00fefb2bae2e50.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:54 | null | null | Totem symbolizes Coast Salish tradition of respectful listening, with little effect on ill-tempered debate in Victoria | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Flifestyles%2F379233101.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/77020BCLN2007talkingstick7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Talking stick tradition comes to B.C. legislature [with video] | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Aboriginal elders brought a Coast Salish talking stick into the B.C. legislature this week, in a solemn ceremony that had little lasting effect on the heckling and interruptions of political debate in Victoria.
A replica of the totem pole on the grounds of Government House, the ornate stick represents the right to speak and receive a respectful hearing in aboriginal tradition. It was carved by Songhees artist James Delorme and presented to former Lieutenant Governor Steven Point in 2011 at a ceremony to mark the official naming of the Salish Sea.
Current Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon was on hand May 11 to present the stick to B.C. legislature Speaker Linda Reid, with a ceremonial prayer in the SENCOTEN language by elders Elmer George and Mary Anne Thomas.
"We present it to everybody this House but also to everybody that may come through these doors in the future," said Chief Ron Sam of the Songhees Nation.
Reid said in a statement the talking stick will remain in the legislature until the next election in May 2017.
After the ceremony, Reid continued her struggle to maintain order in the rancourous debate of question period, which has declined more frequently into shouting matches as the next election approaches. | http://www.saanichnews.com/lifestyles/379233101.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/a7074ae1fdd0749fc41f1420b31d34b9824da24fa51a721e752a016f95ac9150.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:12 | null | null | Save-On Foods managers raise a toast to campaign that will see 25 cents from Phillips Sodaworks sales donated to United Way | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fbusiness%2F390959881.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/3168saanichsaveonfoodsphillipsunitedway.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Save-On signs on to United Way campaign | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | From left, Save-On-Foods store managers Justin McGregor (Sidney), Ted Pigeon (University Heights), Jeff Macleod (Saanich), Ross Prendergast (Westside Vilage) and assistant store manager Dean Corcese (Tillicum) are celebrating a new charitable campaign with Phillips Sodaworks. From now through Sept. 15, 25 cents from every bottle of Phillips soda sold will go to the United Way, as part of the United Together Campaign. | http://www.saanichnews.com/business/390959881.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/ec92dbd180f813487090666a333e7125347e7a363dababbe290821e61c4f7de8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:48 | null | null | Saanich rated best place to live on Vancouver Island | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2F389532401.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Report lets others in on Saanich’s secret | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | It’s news that shouldn’t come as a surprise to Saanich residents, as it’s something we’ve known for years.
Saanich was recently named as the best place to live on Vancouver Island.
An annual report from MoneySense magazine found Saanich topped the list of Island entries among 219 communities across the country based on 35 separate categories including amenities, income, weather and affordability. Saanich was rated 13th overall in Canada, well ahead of the next highest Vancouver Island community, Comox. Ottawa was named the top city in the country and West Vancouver (seventh) was the highest rated city in B.C.
Saanich scored among the top 25 per cent of Canadian cities in employment, access to health care, arts and sports opportunities, and crime rate. It finished in the top 10 cities overall for ease of access to walking, biking and transit.
It also received recognition as a great place for new Canadians, finishing sixth in the country in that respect. Employment, apartment rental costs, and an existing immigrant population of 17 per cent were cited as factors.
“While we can’t gauge many of the elements that people enjoy in their cities, the nearness of family, the friendliness of neighbours or even great sunsets, we have measured what can be measured and compared what can be compared,” according to report author Mark Brown.
The desirable qualities that make Saanich a special place are no secret (why do you think we live here?). But hearing it from others always serves to validate the opinions of our neighbours and is a significant source of community pride. And if it happens to bring in a few newcomers to stop by at our stores and beaches, that’s just another positive development. And we’ll be glad to show them what they’ve been missing. | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/389532401.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/12a4f296b08acbe512ccfee89ae6f9fbd7826826fbcb77c3b081e241f455ffa4.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T12:53:58 | null | null | St. Michaels University School and Victoria Film Festival hold weeklong film camp for youth | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fentertainment%2F388485851.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/4340saanichsmusfilmcamp.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Film camp puts focus on kids | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | From left, Thomas Cotton, Seren Bengtson, Annika Little, Liam Devlin, Alex Thomas and Devon Oneschuk made up this year’s group of youth at the SMUS film camp, in partnership with the Victoria Film Festival. The camp teaches youth about numerous aspects of film production, including writing, directing, filming, acting and editing.
St. Michaels University School might seem like an ordinary private school campus, but when its annual film camp sets up in the summer, anything can happen. Even zombies.
Last week, SMUS and the Victoria Film Festival held their weeklong film camp for youth called Shoot the Right Stuff, which serves as a crash course on writing, directing, acting and editing. Award-winning local filmmaker Barbara Hager has hosted the camp for five out of the last six years, offering her insight into the film industry.
“In 2008, I was the scholar in residence at SMUS and I was invited to spend a week at this campus meeting with kids and talking with them about being a filmmaker,” said Hager. “Then a year or two later, they asked if I wanted to do a one-week summer camp.”
While the camp is open to kids between 10 and 15, this year’s group of students fit within Grades 7 and 8. The half-dozen youth made their movie from start to finish, opting for a comedic zombie movie titled Zambies, a term that conjures up the image of an undead Bambi.
“I thought it would be cool to have a zombie movie and Liam [Devlin] thought it would be cool to have a funny movie, so we compromised on a bloody, funny movie,” said Thomas Cotton.
“We did a bit of improv before we started to write and kind of figured out which lines we wanted to keep. We wrote those ones down and then made a good copy of it,” said Annika Little.
The group got inspiration from short films from previous years of the camp, many of which had a thriller element to them that took advantage of the campuses layout.
“Almost every single movie had a stair chasing scene because everyone loves the stairs,” said Liam Devlin.
The camp offered each member a chance to try different roles you would find on a film set, from acting in front of the camera to filming behind it, and even touched on the business side of the industry.
“We took them out, gave them $20 for makeup, wardrobe and props,” said Hager. “They learned that you just don’t go and spend lots of money to make a movie, that there’s actually a budget or you lose money.”
The diverse roles also offered the youth the opportunity to see what they really enjoyed in filmmaking.
“I just love acting because it’s fun,” said Seren Bengtson. “I’m also not very good with cameras – I am very clumsy.”
“I got to do everyone’s makeup – all the black eyes, scars, stuff like that, it was really enjoyable,” said Devon Oneschuk.
“I like filming and working with pictures,” added Alex Thomas. “I think I get that from my grandpa. He loved painting and scenery, and he took a lot of pictures. I probably also get that from my mom and my auntie, who works in film.”
“I like the filming, and I like to start recording when I shouldn’t so I can get funny parts in,” said Devlin with a laugh.
At the end of the week, the camp hosts a miniature film festival, showcasing their short films for family members and getting to see the finished product on the big screen.
“We make popcorn and get Twizzlers and really treat it like it’s a film festival,” said Hager. “They have introductions and we show the films, and they have titles and music and credits.”
While the camp takes a week out of her busy schedule, Hager said it’s always a lot of fun to introduce youth to film and open them up to an industry that they may one day choose to pursue for a career.
“We have to give back and mentor and encourage young people to enter the field,” she said. “I know there are people who have gone on to film school after taking this course – I don’t know if we’re the reason for it, but I hope we helped.” | http://www.saanichnews.com/entertainment/388485851.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/1099a9fb207833a6e295e0ebeed13e1f9350b54db604c0d6bab676c752fe450c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:25 | null | null | The idea that the Site C project will flood 31,000 hectares of prime farmland is pure nonsense | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390241901.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Facts don’t back up claims | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | You featured a letter in the Aug. 3 Saanich News from a Raging Granny and give her space to present her rant that is just factually incorrect. She is entitled to be opposed to Site C, but at least in presenting her arguments she should be required to be honest with your readers. Opinions are one thing, facts are another.
The idea that the project will flood 31,000 hectares of prime farmland is pure nonsense. The proposed new reservoir in a relatively narrow and steep-sided valley bottom will only double the flooded area now covered by the river to a total of about 9,200 ha – and of the lands flooded only 3,800 ha are agricultural lands. Her letter also neglects to mention that a major feature and benefit of this “run of river project” is to utilize water already stored behind two upstream dams. Further, the Peace Valley is surrounded by 485,000 ha of arable farmland untouched by the project. So her diatribe is badly out of scale.
We can argue about merits of the project on basis of costs, electrical demand, alternative energy, etc. but critics badly overstate the environmental impacts as rationale to condemn this project.
James Anderson
Saanich | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/390241901.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/1573f581d878473da9111747b55556c6050a9754d80493755a78e96d086a547c.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:54 | null | null | Tongues in Trees: The Reminiscences of Long Gun Jack Irvine opens Friday at Victoria Fringe Festival | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fentertainment%2F391216731.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/13550saanichjackirvinefringefestival-2.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Historian breathes new life into role for festival | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Local historian Ben Clinton-Baker and Vanya Verenitch, pictured at the former home of Jack Irvine, each portray the early settler in Tongues in Trees, as part of the Victoria Fringe Festival. Clinton-Baker said he hopes to introduce more people to Vancouver Island’s history through the onstage performance, which features him playing several characters from Irvine’s lengthy memoir.
If you’re a Saanich history buff, you’ve likely heard of Jack Irvine, but if you haven’t, a local historian can tell you all about him through a new production at the Victoria Fringe Festival.
Ben Clinton-Baker is starring in Tongues in Trees: The Reminiscences of Long Gun Jack Irvine, chronicling the early Vancouver Island settler and the mark he left in Saanich. It’s almost a one-man show, with Clinton-Baker portraying Irvine and several real-life characters he met in the area, based on Irvine’s lengthy memoir.
“Right from the start, there was something about this memoir that really struck me,” said Clinton-Baker. “It was like he was narrating it – he’s very present in this memoir. He conjures these very vivid scenes and it’s very rich with material of different characters he met.
“I spoke with Caroline Duncan at the Saanich Archives and she said, ‘You should try doing some historical theatre.’ I said, ‘Sure, I’ll give it a shot.’”
Irvine’s family immigrated to the Island in 1851, arriving on a ship from the Hudson Bay Company. His father bought a 100-acre parcel of land called Rosebank Farm in Gordon Head, and later expanded to own 300 acres around where Shelbourne Street and McKenzie Avenue are today.
“Jack grew up in this area,” said Clinton-Baker. “He worked on the farm in his very early years, doing various chores and taking shipments to town and bringing provisions from town.”
While this is Clinton-Baker’s first time putting together a stage production, he said Irvine gave him a lot to work with through his written accounts of life in the mid to late 1800s and early 1900s.
“He was very down to earth and kind of a simple guy, but he loved to spin a good yarn,” he said. “I think that’s one of the real treasures of his legacy, these stories that he wrote down in his memoir.
“This was something new for me. I’ve never really been involved in theatre, but I do love storytelling – sharing the story and trying to make history more accessible and interesting and fun.”
The characters in Clinton-Baker’s production are pulled directly from the page, including a man who paddled around the Inner Harbour looking for scraps of metal and bottles, and a bushman who lived in the forests of Mount Douglas, trying to escape his stifling, aristocratic background.
“I focused in on a few stories from his memoir,” said Clinton-Baker. “There are three different people I’m [portraying] in addition to Jack, and they’re mostly people who had an impression of him.”
Joining him onstage is Vanya Verenitch, 12, who plays a younger version of Irvine, with the play running as a series of vignettes alternating between Irvine’s childhood and adult life.
“It’s been fun working on it and reading about the history of Victoria,” said Verenitch of his role. “He’s a very interesting character. He seems very adventurous and out in nature, down to earth. It seems like he really enjoys life.”
Through his performance, Clinton-Baker hopes to share his fascination with people who might not otherwise have heard of Jack Irvine, and to get them thinking about how Irvine’s work impacted Greater Victoria as we currently see it.
“To me, history is something that’s very much alive, and if you scratch the surface a little bit, that can be a portal into the past within the present,” he said. “I hope people will really think about the history of our area as something that’s very much alive and present with us today.”
The show opens Friday at the Metro Studio Theatre (1411 Quadra St.), with additional performances on Aug. 29 (6 p.m.), Aug. 31 (7:45 p.m.), Sept. 1 (10 p.m.), Sept. 3 (5 p.m.) and Sept. 4 (2 p.m.).
Tickets are available through the Intrepid Theatre box office (#2 – 1609 Blanshard St.), by phone at 250-590-6291 or online at ticketrocket.co. For more information, visit intrepidtheatre.com/festivals/fringe-festival. | http://www.saanichnews.com/entertainment/391216731.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/b8218c9e0d1ca1a362558ba83e106090fe213963d3d7ed83f272aeb8520b85ff.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-27T00:49:13 | null | null | Claremont has the lone dance program in SD63 and with its new Focus on Fine Arts (FOFA) diploma | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fentertainment%2F391217161.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/13738saanichBacktoSchoolARTS.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | School’s theatre program draws rave reviews | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | It’s the middle of the summer vacation and Chelsea Giordano is one of the only teachers in Claremont secondary.
Her presence – she was there to help co-ordinate the musical theatre’s 2016-17 program – is made even more impressive by the fact she’s about halfway through maternity leave.
“All teachers put in extra hours, not just me,” she says.
Giordano is in her 12th year at Claremont, a former grad who returned there and now leads the school’s dance and musical theatre programs. She’ll retake the lead for musical theatre, which will present the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical production of Cinderella in the spring, once she returns to work officially in January.
Unofficially, Giordano can’t help but contribute here and there, though the program is in good hands while she’s away with interim teacher Joel Danyluk, she says.
“I do it because I care about the school and I love the program, that’s why I’m still working even while on maternity leave, I’m volunteering to help the program.”
Students who enrol in Claremont’s musical theatre program automatically commit to a longer day as the class time doesn’t start until after school. And so does Giordano, who also runs The Beat dance studio near her West Shore home.
“[Giordano] is really supportive and pushes people in the best way, she knows your potential and is good at helping you reach it,” says Grade 12 student Jessica Corbin, who partakes in both annual dance night shows and performed in Claremont’s 2016 productions of Crazy for You and The Good Person of Szechuan. “She makes it a fun and creative environment but when people aren’t listening, she’ll get you in line.”
Claremont has the lone dance program in SD63 and with its new Focus on Fine Arts (FOFA) diploma, the school is drawing students from out of the catchment area. Students who complete 40 credits in fine arts receive an additional diploma as well as an annual showcase and graduation night. About 12 to 20 students graduate from the program each year.
“It’s interesting because the classes of FOFA were already there, we’ve always had kids in more than one fine arts class, which is why we moved to create FOFA and now it’s a success,” Giordano says. “It really celebrates what we do here, that we are now known as a fine arts school.”
Of course, it’s not always easy being part of the fine arts contingent at Claremont, especially since many of the students share the same classes each day, never mind rehearsal things
“Humour, you have to use humour to keep it light and make it fun,” Giordano says. “And they’re kids, so you also have to constantly remind them we need to put in the work to get the product we want.”
Claremont’s dance program runs two dance night performances, one in December and one in June. The theatre program, headed by Colin Plant, will announce its spring show soon after school starts. In the meantime, Giordano’s students are already preparing themselves for the upcoming Cinderella auditions. | http://www.saanichnews.com/entertainment/391217161.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/457c99f129f43a5bf5340c46575914b5f331bf62fd94b7bb7462476e05ef733c.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:39 | null | null | Horticulture Centre of the Pacific plays host to artists and musicians this weekend | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fentertainment%2F389113491.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/77128saanichhorticulturecentreartsmusic.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Art and music come into bloom in Gardens | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | From left, the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific’s Nathan Day, Chelsea Twaddle, Cheri LeBrun, Linda Petite, Anne Kadwell and Julie Bull. The HCP is hosting its 22nd annual Art & Music in the Gardens on Aug. 6 and 7, showcasing more than 45 artists and a dozen musicians over the weekend.
As if it wasn’t beautiful enough, the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific is going to get a bit more vivid and bright this weekend with the return of the Art and Music in the Gardens.
The two-day event, heading into its 22nd year, will see the magnificent outdoor landscape transform into a haven for local artwork and music. It is one of the non-profit society’s major fundraisers and promises a wide variety of art pieces and styles on display.
“We have such a great mixture of artists,” said Anne Kadwell, general manager of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific.
“Everything from pottery to fabric to glass to wood, and they all have that garden theme. Usually the paintings are flowers or landscapes and the wood is made from the trees.
“Even this year, we’re having some lip balm made for us with lavender and rose petals from our garden.”
About 45 artists and a dozen musicians will be on hand, lending to the serene nature of the expansive gardens. Many gardening societies are also participating, putting up unique displays throughout the horticulture centre.
“The Victoria Flower Guild does land art, so they actually incorporate art within the land,” said Kadwell. “One is a flower chandelier that’s going to be hanging from one of the trees. It’s really neat and inspirational.”
The vendors’ offerings include everything from plants and paintings to yard art and homes for gnomes.
The musical entertainment is equally diverse, with a lot of new musicians providing the soundtrack to the weekend.
“Our musicians this year are a little different than last year,” said Kadwell. “We have a marimba band this year on Saturday morning – that’s going to be some really fun, funky music.
“We even have mandolin players in the Takata Garden this year. We have such a nice variety of music, it’s great.”
Because parking is limited at the gardens, the horticulture centre has added a free shuttle, stationed at the Vancouver Island Technology Park, to transport guests to and from the HCP. The shuttle runs every 15 to 20 minutes out of Parking Lot 1 and features bus guides informing guests about the event.
And, instead of hosting liquor sales under a tent outdoors, the HCP has moved its beer and wine sales indoors.
“You can go in and have a glass of wine, you can relax and listen to the music, you can go find a piece of art,” said Kadwell. “It’s very tranquil.”
The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, located at 505 Quayle Rd. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, and free for children under 16 and HCP members. Admission counts for both days of the event.
For more information, visit hcp.ca. | http://www.saanichnews.com/entertainment/389113491.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/1922490dafdd7ba4830c28d4ce11fd5ab2d17d3aff63678c8a1b0fe3c92f1592.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:51 | null | null | Asian demand for B.C. wood products peaked in 2013, analyst says China sales on pace for 50 per cent drop | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fbusiness%2F391328001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/63096BCLN2007thomsonchinaosb7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Lumber exports shift to U.S. as China sales slump | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Wood products exports from Canada to Asia were down 18 per cent in the first six months of 2016, with the biggest decline being softwood lumber from B.C. to China, according to the Seattle-based Wood Resources International.
Lumber sales to China are on pace to drop by 50 per cent this year compared to 2014, as B.C. lumber producers direct their sales to a healthy U.S. lumber market, according to customs data tracked for the Wood Resources Quarterly (www.woodprices.com).
The latest edition notes that by value, 75 per cent of B.C.'s exports to Asia in 2015 and 2016 are in the form of lumber, while 77 per cent of exports from Washington and Oregon are logs.
Asian demand reached a record high in 2013, with China passing Japan as the largest importer of North American wood products in 2011. The B.C. and federal governments promote wood construction in China and Japan, and B.C.'s forest minister is required to conduct an annual trade mission to China, Japan and other Asian countries.
The shift in demand provides extra urgency for talks to renew the Canada-U.S. softwood lumber agreement that expired last year. B.C. sales are booming without the export cap that both Ottawa and Washington have agreed will be required. | http://www.saanichnews.com/business/391328001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/bad67726622b12eaee13f8935bcbb2ef8ab24add7c7bf32f92b704e0e20de51c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:42 | null | null | Kinder Morgan Canada president meets with students following donation to Coastal Skills Initiative | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fbusiness%2F390959971.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Camosun students discuss future of trades training | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Camosun trades students met last week with Kinder Morgan Canada president Ian Anderson for a roundtable discussion on the future of trades training in the coastal economy.
The discussion focused on how the coastal communities will respond to both the economic and social opportunities of a growing demand for skilled tradespeople.
“Camosun offers a wide range of training opportunities for students looking to advance their careers in the trades,” said Camosun president Sherri Bell. “As one of Canada’s largest energy companies and a strong supporter of skilled trades training, Kinder Morgan Canada is helping to ensure that the next generation of skilled tradespeople is prepared to meet the needs of British Columbia’s coastal communities.”
With over 168,000 new tradespeople needed in the next decade, demand for highly trained apprentices is growing. The Camosun Foundation and its funding partners – including major donor Kinder Morgan Canada – have stepped up with a focus on the college’s new Coastal Skills Initiative.
The Coastal Skills Initiative is a key component of the TRADEmark of Excellence campaign. It is designed to identify emerging issues, trends and opportunities and link them directly to a range of skilled trades programs at Camosun with an enhanced coastal perspective.
Kinder Morgan‘s $300,000 donation will go directly to a dedicated space to house the Coastal Skills Initiative at Camosun’s Interurban campus as well to support student bursaries and scholarships. Their contribution is the largest to date in support of the program, representing Kinder Morgan Canada’s sector leadership in supporting the training of trades students to meet the growing demands of the coastal economy. | http://www.saanichnews.com/business/390959971.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/621624ac43afce106e55fcb1150732c3eac6a2fe2c5a6778289d96529fe9fd09.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:34 | null | null | St. Michaels students will stage Disney's Camp Rock as part of the Victoria Fringe Festival | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fentertainment%2F390960961.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/3492saanichsmusmusicaltheatre.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | SMUS rocks out with musical theatre camp | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | The SMUS musical theatre summer camp is taking on a very fitting production: Disney’s Camp Rock. The 90-minute show is part of the Victoria Fringe Festival and will feature songs from the 2008 original and the 2010 sequel, which starred Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers.
Every year, St. Michaels University School hosts a musical theatre summer camp, so it’s fitting that this year’s performance is a production about a musical theatre summer camp.
Camp instructors Cam Culham and Donna Williams have turned it up to 11 with the SMUS production of Disney’s Camp Rock, with selections of songs from the 2008 original and 2010 sequel. The two-week program will see the cast of high school students perform several lively shows as part of the Victoria Fringe Festival.
“It’s that teenage energy – they just come in here pumped,” said Culham, who has served as the summer program’s drama instructor for about 16 years.
Ethan Ko and Molly Robson are no strangers to musical theatre, having each studied drama at school and taken roles in productions such as Phantom of the Opera and Legally Blonde. Some of the cast know the lyrics by heart, but others aren’t quite as familiar with the Demi Lovato-Jonas Brothers films.
“I have never seen either movie before in my life,” said Ko.
“It’s funny when you’re going through the songs and some of us are sitting there, rattling off all the words,” said Robson.
“It’s different now that everything’s so accessible with the internet,” added Culham. “They come in knowing all the songs and the moves because it’s so easy to find now.”
The show is double cast, with Ko starring as camp instructor Shane Gray (the role played by Joe Jonas) one night and Sander – originally a hip-hop dancer but rewritten as a DJ in the SMUS show – on the other night. Robson fills the role of Gray’s sister JC (originally Gray’s brother Jason, played by Kevin Jonas) and alternates to Dana, the love interest of Nick Jonas’ character Nate, in the second cast.
The program is open to students outside of SMUS and earns them a high school performing arts credit. It’s also a non-audition program, which takes some of the stress factor away, said Culham.
“A lot of these programs, you have to audition and already have had some experience, whereas we get some students here who’ve never been on stage before, which is kind of fun,” he said, noting Williams covers voice classes, breathing and projection to help students ease into the production.
While two weeks is quite a short amount of time to learn a musical, Robson and Ko said it always works out by the time they hit the stage.
“It’s always freaky when it’s two days before opening night and it feels like nothing’s where it should be, but every year, it’s come together just in time,” said Robson.
“All of us are here to have a good time – nobody doesn’t want to be here, and the show really reflects that,” said Ko. “We’re having fun.”
Performances are held at the theatre at the SMUS John and Anne Schaffter Hall for Music, which seats about 100 people – 60 per cent of whom are usually friends and family, but the shows are open to the public.
“When you get in there and you’re actually on the stage and the lights are in your face, you can’t see which ones are your family members – but somebody’s clapping,” said Robson.
“It’s pretty electric back here on opening night,” noted Culham. “There might be a bit of nervousness because some are stepping onstage for the first time, but they get onstage and they’re supporting each other. They’re very excited.”
SMUS is hosting shows this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 for children under 12, $9 for seniors and students, and $11 for everyone else.
Attendees must also have a Victoria Fringe Festival button, which can be purchased for $6 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased online through ticketrocket.co or by calling the Intrepid Theatre box office at 250-590-6291.
For more information, visit intrepidtheatre.com/festivals/fringe-festival. | http://www.saanichnews.com/entertainment/390960961.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/2786567fbe0ba271768ebf93f1567e50a59c259081ae29ff5e68b990f7fd46ca.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:08 | null | null | Premier Christy Clark has pulled out the duct tape to fix up rural schools, school buses and the minimum wage | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2F390325601.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/3565BCLN2007ClarkOakesruralschools7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | BC VIEWS: Premier Red Green’s fast fixes | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | A totally spontaneous expression of gratitude breaks out for Premier Christy Clark and Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes at the Quesnel rodeo after a rural school fund was announced in June.
Comedian Steve Smith, better known as Red Green, is touring B.C. in September, reprising his popular TV series in which he fixes every conceivable problem with duct tape.
Green’s “I’m Not Old I’m Ripe” tour hits Chilliwack, Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Surrey, Vernon, Kelowna and Prince George.
His formula for deploying the handyman’s secret weapon has proven so popular that Premier Christy Clark may have been inspired. She’s had quite a flurry of hasty repairs in the last few months. Here’s a recap.
The B.C. minimum wage was starting to lag behind other provinces, even after the overhaul it received in 2015, where annual increases are tied to inflation.
Like Red’s truck tires, there has been a lack of inflation, and a surge of government spending back east leaving B.C. in the dust. B.C.’s wage rose 20 cents last year and was set to go up by another whole dime this fall.
There was that familiar ripping sound in May as Clark and Jobs Minister Shirley Bond announced the September increase will be patched up to 40 cents, with another 40-cent increase next fall. Two wraps should hold it until after the election.
Remember the episode where Red taped two old Hyundai Ponies side by side to make a handyman’s Hummer? The school system has seen that kind of work in recent months.
The first roll was applied by Education Minister Mike Bernier when he announced in March that the ministry’s “fix-it fund” was going from $35 million to $40 million. Then in mid-May, he announced 80 successful projects. The “fix-it fund” had fattened to $45 million, and Bernier was just getting his sleeves rolled up.
Hey school districts, remember the $25 million in “administrative savings” the ministry demanded for the second year in a row? Now that you’ve squeezed that from your budgets, Bernier’s good news at the end of May was that the government’s giving it back to use for “front line services for students.”
One of those services could be “maintaining schools despite falling enrolment in certain regions,” Bernier announced May 31, foreshadowing the next layer of repairs.
Sure enough, a “rural schools fund” was rolled out on June 15. Clark and Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes made the announcement in Quesnel, where Kersley and Parkland elementary schools were going to close.
Also eligible for a special fund was Okanagan-Similkameen, where Osoyoos high school students were going to be bused a half hour to Oliver. This is hardly unusual in rural schooling around B.C., but these are swing ridings, you see.
Kootenay Lake district declined the opportunity to keep Yahk elementary open, with an anticipated fall enrolment of zero students. This all comes during the annual ritual combat between the ministry and Vancouver school board over keeping half-empty schools open.
Bernier had one more roll in his overalls. School bus service, one of those things jettisoned or saddled with hundreds of dollars in fees per student as districts scraped up those “administrative savings,” was selectively saved with another $15 million fund announced last week.
There have been a few other country fixes. They’re not going to ban weddings on farms any more, for instance.
That old jalopy in the back yard you’ve been trying to soup up and get back on the road? Soon you can get a collector plate for that thing, which is perfect if you can only get it running once or twice a year.
To paraphrase Red, if the voters don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.
Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca Twitter: @tomfletcherbc | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/390325601.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/f12fa883a6079534fb69a946dc021f5d0faab26f2d2348068c3094035c5b69fa.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:33 | null | null | District should consider efforts to protect tree in Saanich’s Gorge Waterway Park | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390963531.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Giant sequoia in deteriorating condition | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | I feel obliged to comment further about the deteriorating condition of the giant sequoia located in Saanich’s Gorge Waterway Park between Austin and Dysart avenues.
Perhaps the loss of adequate air, water and TLC over the past year is the last straw that will kill the camel’s back (asequoia). Even before the paved parking area surrounding the tree was taken over for storage by the sewer contractor, maybe the sequoia was only just managing to survive its urban surroundings.
In this instance, the preservation of the urban forest that is so dear to Saanich residents and visitors needs a re-appraisal of the status quo. When once the contractor has moved its stuff and gone away, the remediation and reinstatement of the park might benefit from some improvements.
I would like to suggest that the vehicle parking area that used to surround the sequoia be reassessed: We have been without it for over a year, with no adverse results.
Reinstate as pedestrian, cycle and wheelchair precinct only. If vehicle parking is that essential, then remove asphalt (which has deteriorated anyway) and replace with “permeable pavement” which would allow more precipitation to reach the sequoia tree roots. I question how an adjacent tree with a lower root zone area (with a protective wall) that is almost a metre deeper than that for the sequoia, does not appear to be under such distress.
For support to this enquiry, I must refer to a TV newsreel comment made by a City of Victoria park manager, upon the recent removal of the tent city clutter surrounding the park adjacent the courthouse, that he urgently wanted to get some water to all of the trees and shrubs that had been closeted (for just a few months).
P.W. Bailey
Saanich | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/390963531.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/3e472a155945c32a6fb62732a7f92e1e732beec1fa938cc2e75f25d9e9cb21bb.json |
[
"Andrew Weaver"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:26 | null | null | MLA Report: Andrew Weaver finds few units students can afford in Oak Bay - Gordon Head | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fcommunity%2F390960191.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Rental market crisis taking root in B.C. | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | When I analyzed the rental market in my riding of Oak Bay and Gordon Head, in the Greater Victoria area, I wasn’t surprised by how bad it has gotten.
I know the rental availability rate is at 0.6 per cent in Victoria, I have spoken to residents desperately trying to find an affordable home, I have watched skyrocketing housing prices drag the rental market with them, I have heard about homeless UVic and Camosun students sleeping in cars. I wasn’t surprised as I looked through the rental listings on Craigslist, but I was very angry.
For several years now I have been raising housing issues in the legislature. The government has responded dismissively, refusing to acknowledge the housing crisis that loomed before us.
Now, fresh into an election year, protecting the dream of homeownership has apparently become their motto. They are throwing hastily put together, Vancouver-centric band-aid policies at a housing emergency that is reverberating through the entire province.
The B.C. government has failed to protect a fundamental right for British Columbians, and with the start of the school year fast approaching I am getting increasingly concerned about where the university and college students in our riding are going to live. The University of Victoria alone enrols over 21,000 students. Many UVic and Camosun students will live in residence or with family – UVic has about 2,300 residence beds and 180 family housing units but many others will need to find somewhere to rent for the year.
On Aug. 9 my office went through every Oak Bay and Gordon Head rental listing on Craigslist. There were only 106 and they ranged from $700 per month for a one-bedroom basement suite to $10,000 for a six-bedroom house.
Of the 106 listings, 29 fit my vaguely affordable cutoff of less than $1,000 monthly per person. Most of them were multiple bedroom suites that would have to be split between roommates.
The $2,700 three-bedroom unit, for example, could be shared at $900 per occupant. Not exactly cheap for a student without an income, but more attainable than the $1,500 being charged for a 450-square-foot basement suite. With so few listings, though, I do worry that student renters will be chosen last when bidding against professionals or families. I had a staff member contact a few of the listings that I thought would be suitable for roommates to ask if they would consider renting to a group of students and none replied.
For individuals or couples hoping to find a one-bedroom suite for under $1,000 in my riding, on the day I checked there were seven listed. Some listings welcomed higher bids and many apologized for not being able to respond to every inquiry, citing an overwhelming number of applications. But frustrations with the rental market should not be deflected onto landlords, they too are trying to manage costs in an unhinged housing market.
Frustration, anger and outrage about housing in B.C. needs to land squarely with the B.C. government for actively neglecting this issue until it became a crisis.
As Frances Bula wrote in The Globe and Mail, the housing market has long treated renters like second-class citizens and the current housing shortage is further excluding people who are young, non-white, have mental health issues, unemployed, recent immigrants, poor, disabled or have pets. Our government needs to move beyond their dream of homeownership talking point. There is a rental market crisis in British Columbia that is in desperate need of attention. We need policies that work to get people into safe, affordable homes – like those I have repeatedly outlined for the government – and we need it to start now so that come September students won’t be left sleeping on library benches.
Andrew Weaver is the MLA for Oak Bay – Gordon Head. | http://www.saanichnews.com/community/390960191.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/bbc754e8586240bead7819dd2aa1c7c111eef6637610f510fe8adc5bf30d4565.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:07 | null | null | Streets are public property, whether it’s Edgelow Street, or anywhere else in Saanich | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390501521.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Sign not the answer | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Re: Norman Loy’s letter in the Aug. 12 issue. Our streets are for all of us all the time. Streets are public property, whether it’s Edgelow Street, or anywhere else in Saanich.
Thus a “Residents Only” parking sign really has no meaning except as a luke-warm deterrent.
That said, Norman Loy and his neighbours obviously have a problem, and that can only be resolved between the municipality and UVic.
Michael Bell
Saanich | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/390501521.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/5f2709828ef7abbe3836635e735e79af8922b80b6145040fd05b0bb3316c8715.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-29T22:51:27 | null | null | McKenzie-Admirals interchange will disturb sections of Cuthbert Holmes Park | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391662931.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/49463saanichMcKenzieOption.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich councillor questions project’s environmental impact | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | The new McKenzie-Admirals interchange with the Trans Canada Highway will be built as a partial cloverleaf that appropriates a large section of Cuthbert Holmes Park.
include itself with Coun. Vic Derman’s efforts to work with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on measuring the environmental impacts of the upcoming McKenzie-Admirals interchange on Cuthbert Holmes Park.
The decision came on Aug. 22 when Derman received only one vote in support of a motion that included six recommendations asking MOTI to share with council how it will mitigate the project’s impact on Cuthbert Holmes. Derman’s plan was to have Saanich send a letter to MOTI requesting a new environmental study, something that has been lacking all along, he said.
Derman has been challenging MOTI since it declared on April 26 the $85 million interchange will use a partial cloverleaf, which will have the greatest impact on Cuthbert Holmes of all the proposed designs.
“I am a little bit disappointed, I understand there’s probably a reluctance [from council] to push too hard, and I respect the vote,” Derman said. “But if [MOTI] is doing it, then just tell us what they’re doing. I don’t want to go on blind faith. I think it would be to our advantage if they were talking to Saanich council.”
On May 11, council did support Derman in a motion that saw Saanich ask the ministry why a thorough design proposal by Gorge Tillicum Community Association wasn’t chosen. It yielded results, as GTCA president Rob Wickson received a response a week later from MOTI transportation planning engineer David Edgar, citing various reasons why the proposal wouldn’t work. But Wickson saw the response merely as a chance to discount GTCA’s ideas, as the proposal was also meant to work within the broader complexities of GTCA’s long-term transportation planning, he said.
That May 11 council session also served to polarize Saanich residents. Some voiced their opinion, which is shared across the region, that the overpass is long overdue. Others supported Derman, who felt the ministry could have done a better job of consulting and are rushing the decision to use a cloverleaf, which will encroach on nesting areas for migratory and native birds, and move the entire highway closer to the salmon-bearing Colquitz River.
To this day, Derman says MOTI has not corresponded with council about the project, which is why he designed the recent recommendations. MOTI did present to Saanich’s bicycle and pedestrian mobility committee in the spring, which did not endorse the cloverleaf proposal.
The NDP’s Rob Fleming, whose Victoria-Swan Lake provincial riding falls on the Cuthbert half of the McKenzie-Admirals exchange, said he is happy the government is finally doing something about the failing intersection.
However, Fleming also agrees with Derman that MOTI needs to follow up on a number of items including the environmental impact.
“I hope and expect that they do that in short order,” Fleming said. “The project is overdue but needs to be done right. The buffer to the schools [Spectrum and Marigold] and the incursion into the park are issues that need to be managed well.”
Derman’s proposed letter to MOTI, which council defeated on Aug. 22, would have outlined specific issues such as noise, light spillage, water runoff and more, all with an eye to mitigate their effect on Cuthbert Holmes and the Colquitz.
“I don’t want an adversarial relationship with the ministry but, as elected representatives of Saanich, it’s our role to make sure the end result is as minimal an impact on the park as possible,” Derman said. “Even if MOTI could provide a 3D model to the public, instead of the 2D models we see, it would be easier for people to visualize.” | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391662931.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/5d7d03c2e5bd0d0d75d212e88f3f94d2441dde944818fa535a734e33b74a706e.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:40 | null | null | Project repairs the instability of the 64-degree slope that was eroding into the sea | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fcommunity%2F390502031.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/74317saanichwattle.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Willow suckers helping stabilize slope on Gordon Head property | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | George Zeman is thrilled to see the willow suckers covering the embankment of his Juniper Place home after two kilometres of willow wattling was installed in the winter to stabilize the eroding cliff. The top photo, taken Aug. 3, shows the rapid growth of the willows, which have rooted into the bank. The bottom photo was taken on April 27, shortly after the wattling was completed.
The rapid growth of willow suckers is ending the dangerous erosion of George Zeman’s beachfront house in Gordon Head.
Zeman took the property on at a discount not knowing how he would solve the instability of the 64-degree slope that was eroding into the sea about halfway between Mount Douglas beach and Cormorant Point.
After some research, he hired soil bioengineer David Polster in the winter and Polster’s crew installed about 1.5 kilometres of willow wattling and stakes. The process terraced the bank with willow branches and trunks, from which the suckers have now grown as high as six feet. The work resembles slope stabilization projects Polster has previously completed in Saanich, including along the Colquitz River.
“At first I was a little worried the suckers weren’t growing, we hit a dry spell there, but by keeping the bank moist the willows have just shot up,” Zeman said. “The roots of these suckers go down almost as far as they are high.”
The total project cost Zeman about $100,000, he said. It rectifies the reckless tree removal of previous owners who sought better views of the Salish Sea. A walk along the beach towards Mount Douglas reveals similar Saanich properties at risk, with slides showing evidence of erosion.
Because the willows are native, and the installation of each willow stake is small and directly into the soil, it was within the strict Saanich riparian zone requirements.
Zeman is hoping others with the same problem will consider willow wattling as natural and safe solution. He can be reached at georgezeman@pembertonholmes.com. | http://www.saanichnews.com/community/390502031.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/b42d78c642f5fa0f5aa94e052b0dc30d272642bc63c936038a05d564e920abcd.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:10 | null | null | Tabletop, role-playing and collectible card games will be at Saanich Commonwealth Place on Saturday | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fcommunity%2F391215621.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/13055saanichnexuscongameconvention.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich convention promises to be fun and games | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Dwayne Morash and Kevin Bagshaw, co-founders of local gaming news website Game Nexus, are holding their first convention this Saturday at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Nexus-Con will feature a variety of roleplaying, tabletop and card games in a casual, social atmosphere, aimed at gamers who just want to have fun rather than compete.
Gaming conventions can be a remarkably competitive atmosphere, but a new event is looking to tone down the tournaments and just have fun playing games.
Dwayne Morash and Kevin Bagshaw, co-founders of gaming news site Game Nexus, are hosting Nexus-Con this Saturday at Saanich Commonwealth Place. The event offers a variety of roleplaying games, tabletop minis and collectible card games, with a focus on fun rather than winning.
The convention is open to gamers of all skill levels and features such RPGs as Savage Worlds and Star Wars: Edge of Empire, tabletop games like Infinity and Deadzone, and the Warhammer 40,000: Conquest fantasy card game. In the spirit of inclusiveness, Morash and Bagshaw made a conscious decision not to run tournaments, which they say can alienate gamers.
“We kind of went back and forth on it,” said Morash. “The default is tournaments, and Kevin said, ‘Well, maybe we don’t do tournaments. There are people out there who just want to participate.’
“There’s no wall between different communities in this place. You can come as a Warhammer player, you can play Infinity, you can play Imperial Assault, you can play any of these games without a specific pass for each game. If you migrate to another table, no one’s going to stop you.”
“It also takes out the intimidation factor,” added Bagshaw. “If people are curious about a game, they can just join in and play it.”
Also unlike other conventions, Nexus-Con is limited to 40 people, to make it more manageable in its inaugural year.
“We’ve been pondering the idea of putting on a convention, and we thought we would start off with a small, almost boutique convention,” said Bagshaw.
“Going for a more intimate event gives us a chance to make sure it works well rather than making it too big for us,” said Morash.
While the convention has opted not to put a focus on video games, they will have the Nintendo 64 James Bond multiplayer classic GoldenEye 007 on hand for gamers to play when waiting for rounds of the RPG, tabletop and card games to finish.
Nexus-Con runs Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Organizers recommend attendees purchase passes in advance at Everything Games in Langford or on the Game Nexus website. Passes are $25 and re-entry is allowed at Nexus-Con. Attendees are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the convention. Snacks will also be for sale on site. For more information or to purchase passes, visit enterthegamenexus.com/nexus-con. | http://www.saanichnews.com/community/391215621.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/5456a429b903fe697a760260d1b32447a56a9a72bbbc31a1ad70ff7e959f23c4.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:32 | null | null | Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett's position boils down to blaming racist, indifferent cops | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2F389749591.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/20136BCLN2007Bennett-Carolynswear-in7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | BC VIEWS: Missing women inquiry pre-determined | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Toronto MP Carolyn Bennett is sworn in as Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, November 2015.
The federal government’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is preparing to get underway in September.
With five commissioners led by B.C. judge Marion Buller and a budget that has swelled by a third to $54 million before it even starts, this inquiry has one big advantage over all the previous studies of Canada’s intractable problems of poverty and violence in aboriginal communities.
In this case, the politicians all agree what the outcome is going to be. They’ve been saying so for months, since the Justin Trudeau government got elected on this and other passionate, if questionable, promises.
Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, a member of the We Wai Kai Nation on the B.C. coast, a former Crown prosecutor and chair of the B.C. Treaty Commission, announced the terms of reference last week. She stressed that the inquiry will not attempt to retry cold cases, but to examine the “root causes” of the high numbers of missing and murdered women.
Next up was Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett, who has no doubt at all what those “root causes” are: racism, sexism and the lingering effects of colonialism. Bennett has been meeting steadily with grieving families since being appointed, and now accepts that racist, indifferent cops are the main “root cause.”
Bennett explained this conclusion from New York in April, while attending a “Women of the World” summit. It’s an “uneven application of justice,” she told The Globe and Mail, a phrase we’ll hear again and again.
“You end up with people who have been told it’s an overdose, or a suicide or an accident,” Bennett said.
RCMP have reported close to 1,200 unsolved cases of murdered or missing indigenous women since 1980, a figure that Bennett scoffs at. What’s her evidence? She’s talked to families, and knows it’s “way more” than that.
One of the previous inquiries was by a United Nations official, James Anaya, in 2014. He noted the alarming statistics of education outcome and violent offences against women, and referred to 660 cases documented by the Native Women’s Association of Canada. He also described being besieged by demands for a national inquiry, as he went through the stacks of studies that have already been done.
“Since 1996,” Anaya wrote in his UN report, “there have been at least 29 official inquiries and reports dealing with aspects of this issue, which have resulted in over 500 recommendations for action.”
As the latest inquiry was being launched, Perry Bellegarde, the current Assembly of First Nations national chief, recited Bennett’s speaking points about the conclusions it will reach.
Bellegarde told CTV the problem is vastly under-reported because “…oh, it’s an accidental death. Oh, it’s a suicide.” Then he called for more money for housing and other programs via the failed Indian Act system.
There are several glaring factors that apparently will not be discussed, because they fall outside the politically correct boundaries of this pre-determined narrative.
One is the even more alarming number of aboriginal men and boys who are victims of violent crime.
Another is the rate of domestic abuse reported by indigenous women, which Statistics Canada estimated this year at about 10 per cent of their population. That’s three times the national average, but it was not mentioned amid the demands for justice at the inquiry.
Another key issue that is forbidden from discussion is the social and economic viability of remote communities. Some of them haven’t been able to maintain clean water and safe housing, much less education and employment, despite billions in spending every year.
Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca Twitter: @tomfletcherbc | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/389749591.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/2b62a83ce8798b8464db6b07e63d1369929daa46d7e1e2b50ddad49a344104e3.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:11 | null | null | UVic's Emily Liewen goes up for a header in the Vikes 3-0 win over the Peninsula College Pirates | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F390964831.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/4795saanichuvicwomenssoccervspeninsulacollege-1.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Heading for a win | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Emily Liewen goes for a header during the Vikes’ Thursday afternoon game at Centennial Stadium against the Peninsula College Pirates from Port Angeles, Wash. UVic won 3-0. | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/390964831.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/64ed333be987d6e34637b2736da2fc1d41d56970f4ad927471970a33ea8e8081.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:36 | null | null | in the midst of a long, dry summer, Victoria Lawn Painting contends child-friendly product can keep lawn green up to three months | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fbusiness%2F389111891.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/76627saanichhomefinderlawnpainting.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Homefinder: Paint helps brighten up a brown lawn | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Despite the summer heat, Chris Peereboom is keeping local lawns green with paint. The new service of lawn painting uses an organic, plant-based pigment that mixes with water to paint dry, brown lawns, keeping them looking good even in dry weather.
While Mother Nature has been somewhat indecisive about the weather of late, this summer has still been hot enough to dry out some lawns across the district.
Dormant, brown grass can be a bit of an eyesore, but a new venture is spreading across Vancouver Island to take care of unsightly lawns with a coat of paint.
Chris Peereboom, operations director of Victoria Lawn Painting, has been greening up local lawns with an environmentally friendly pigment as an alternative to watering, especially when water restrictions are in effect. He got into lawn painting with his business partner Jeff Meyer after seeing it gain popularity elsewhere.
“We’d both seen and heard of it in various areas, and we thought it was something that could work in Greater Victoria,” said Peereboom. “We have lots of water restrictions here, which is the main driving factor to lawn painting.
“It’s a big industry in California – they’ve had a lot of issues with droughts over the years. People are still wanting their lawns green, so they’ve come up with this solution.”
It may sound like a gimmick, and Peereboom is the first to acknowledge that.
“It’s just because most people don’t know about it yet,” he said. “It’s common in other places and it’s going to be common here.”
Peereboom said he uses an organic, plant-based pigment that’s child and pet-friendly. The pigment mixes with water, and depending on the ratio, determines the darkness or lightness of the paint.
“It works best if the lawn is fully dead and consistent,” he said. “We can do touch-ups – we can alter the colour a little bit.”
According to Peereboom, the average front lawn costs around $250 to paint and takes about 90 minutes. Within an hour after, the paint is dry and lasts for two to three months.
“I have one client who constantly sees his neighbour out there watering the lawn,” said Peereboom. “He just had us paint it and his lawn is still greener than the neighbour’s.”
With global warming leading to hotter weather year after year, Peereboom foresees lawn painting becoming a cost-effective solution for those wanting to keep their lawns green in the heat.
“It’s a cheaper alternative to spending all the time and money watering it, even if there aren’t restrictions,” he said. “It’s a wonderful solution to a problem that is just going to get worse and worse as we have warmer and warmer summers every year.” | http://www.saanichnews.com/business/389111891.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/95f19814c0733e7c0be5e48f350c92651feb49eb3d9992de866f68f6d22b42bc.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-30T18:53:12 | null | null | Lauren Babineau will compete in Grand Final World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico, on Sept. 18 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F391661581.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/49058saanichBabsTriathlete2.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich triathlete goes the distance in Kelowna | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Gold medal winner Lauren Babineau of Saanich crosses the finish line at the Apple Triathlon in Kelowna.
Saanich continues to be a draw as triathlon central with yet another transplant earning success.
Twenty-seven-year-old Lauren Babineau won the 2016 Olympic distance provincial championship as the top female finisher at the Apple Triathlon in Kelowna on Aug. 21.
Babineau finished the 1.5-kilometre swim in 25 minutes and 49 seconds, coming out of the water eighth in the women’s field. But Babineau took over first in the bike, with a 40km ride of 1:08:00, and stayed in first with a 10km run time of 41:54.
It’s the biggest win of Babineau’s career, which has lurched forward since moving here from Belcarra two years ago to train with her coach Carolyn Murray, a 2008-Olympian and member of the Elk Lake-based LifeSport Coaching.
“I’m very happy to have the result, it’s a good indicator of where I’m at,” said Babineau.
The Kelowna race went very well for Babineau, she was six minutes ahead of the second female finisher. It’s part of a successful season that included a successful jump up to the half-Ironman (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21km run) level as well. In June, Babineau was 11th at the Victoria Ironman 70.3 and seventh at the Whistler 70.3.
It’s an ideal buildup for the Grand Final World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico, on Sept. 18, Babineau said.
“Of course it’s good to get on the podium, but [Kelowna] is also a good comparable race to Cozumel. This was a hot race, it was 30 degrees. That I’m able to win at the local scene gives me my confidence pants. Once you put on your confidence pants, you can do a lot.”
Cozumel is also a comparable course, she added, in terms of the bike route.
For now, Babineau will continue to balance a life of training while working in sales.
“I’m trying to keep my doors open, training to the best my ability and seeing how that fares out,” she said. “It’s step-by-step. If I do well in Cozumel, and I’m able to come out on the podium, that will be an indicator I should go into the pro level.”
As a resident in the Marigold neighbourhood, Babineau is a short ride to Saanich Commonwealth Place, where she shares the water with elite athletes and Olympians. She’s also done track sessions at the same time as two-time Olympian Brent McMahon, who is regularly completing Ironman races under eight hours.
“I came for the mild climate, to be able to train outside all year round, and it’s just an ideal place to train with so many well-known athletes,” Babineau said. “It’s a really great community, a welcoming atmosphere of hard-working, keen athletes.”
Greater Victoria athletes actually swept the Olympic distance podium at the Apple Triathlon, with another transplant, Shawn Wilyman, who moved to the Island from the Prairies, winning the men’s provincial championship. | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/391661581.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/f6040d8fe996f3347103b2a502632c0300bbc955d369c68af3772e2e2c15acb2.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:19 | null | null | Max Gallant in Kiel, Germany for the U21 World Laser Championships | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F390239751.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/67379saanichgallant.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich sailor charts course for 2020 Games | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Max Gallant recently took part in the U21 World Laser Championships. He hopes to earn a spot on Canada’s team for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
While the Olympic Games are underway in Rio de Janeiro, Saanich resident Max Gallant is looking all the way ahead to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Gallant, 20, is in Kiel, Germany for the U21 World Laser Championships, Aug. 9-16. It’s the latest leg of an Olympic campaign for the kid from a Blenkinsop Valley farm. In May, Gallant was named to Canada’s national development team and just recently, he finished third overall at the North American Laser Championships in Oregon. The only men ahead of him were on the cusp of going to the Rio Olympics with Team U.S.A.
“It’s pretty tight in the current laser fleet to see who’s the best right now, there’s about 20 people who rotate through the top-10.”
Gallant launches his laser from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club where he is coached by Eric Van Der Pol and where he’s already sailed to great success. In addition to time on the water Gallant is in the gym at the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence two to three times a week and on a road bike two to three times a week. It’s all with the goal of representing Canada in Tokyo.
His training is year round.
“We’re lucky here because we get a good breeze in Victoria, and we get lots of varied conditions so it’s a good training spot,” he said.
Gallant actually competed at the 2013 U21 World Championships in Hungary as a 17-year-old when he graduated from Saint Michaels University School. He missed the last two as he was focused on senior level races, where he’s also had success, though he fell ill at the senior Laser World Championships in May, a meet he’s put behind him.
“It’s mostly about building a good race schedule for the season,” Gallant said. “Sailing is all about time on the water, and the different situations you experience.”
For results visit sailing.laserinternational.org. | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/390239751.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/c4a09c218176a972ef7a06c79ff982db68aaa2cd02b88dafefb435cb28023dad.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-29T18:51:25 | null | null | Province has alternatives if Canada Post employees begin strike action | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fnews%2F391636531.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/40679BCLN2007CanadaPostMailboxwikim7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | B.C. prepares for possible postal disruption | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | The B.C. government's plan B for income assistance cheques and other time-sensitive documents could be re-activated as the long-running Canada Post labour dispute reaches another deadline.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is in a legal position to strike as of Monday, but postponed threatened rotating strike action after weekend talks with a federal mediator. Its initial action would be an overtime ban rather than a full-scale walkout that would disrupt mail delivery.
Canada Post served lockout notice in July, with the two sides far apart on issues including pension changes for future employees and pay for rural carriers.
Income assistance, rent subsidy and other B.C. government payments are not affected if they are direct deposit. For mailed cheques and information, updates on possible postal strike effects to the Ministry of Social Development will be available as necessary at this website or at 1-866-866-0800.
Phone and online contacts are set up for questions about affected provincial departments:
• Ministry of Advanced Education and StudentAidBC online here.
• Ministry of Children and Family Development 1-877-387-7027
• Medical Services Plan payments online here or 1-877-405-4909
• ICBC inquiries 1-800-663-3051
• Family Maintenance and Enforcement program 604-660-2528
• Public Guardian and Trustee online here or 604-660-4444
• Vital Statistics 1-888-876-1633
• WorkSafe BC online here or 1-888-967-5377 | http://www.saanichnews.com/news/391636531.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/65a8761e1eada19430608a352c0459f8c0c26c66affd9b9f9f57c459d23131d3.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:52:09 | null | null | Reducing traffic to two lanes on Shelbourne makes getting out of driveway an adventure | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391662351.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Road changes bring problems | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | This is in response to Ray Travers' letter in the Aug. 17 edition. Obviously, he must not live on Shelbourne.
I live on the part between Feltham and Kenmore, and it’s a horror show. It takes forever to get out of my driveway now that there’s only one lane each way, and I am truly afraid of getting rear-ended when slowing down to turn in to my driveway.
Before, traffic could go around me, but not now. If I’m on my motorcycle, I’m into the bicycle lane just before I turn so this doesn’t happen. All I have to worry about is hitting the tumbleweeds that are blowing down the rarely used bicycle lanes.
You always are talking about “win-win” situations in your letter. The only win-wins I see are for people who like to park all day on certain parts of the road (none in front of my place, by the way) and bicyclists.
There is no centre turn lane you speak of, and the corner of Feltham and Shelbourne is worse than before. If someone wants to turn left onto Feltham from Shelbourne going north it totally screws up the traffic as the curb lane basically ends.
Oh yeah, when the buses stop, they stop all traffic. Brilliant. The only good thing that came out of this is the (yet to be put in service) pedestrian operated crosswalk. Now, if Saanich would just give me a remote so I could operate it so I may get out of my driveway, things may be a little more tolerable.
Kevin Puddy
Saanich | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/391662351.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/9b80e0996cc0341fd6f93b56e102dd760225a87a7605e013490e3d5f22af8005.json |
[
"Canadian Press"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:27 | null | null | Whether it's home screenings or community viewing parties, much of Canada will be tuning in for iconic rock band's final bow | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fentertainment%2F390688221.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/56997CPT122356039.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Televised Tragically Hip show an 'unprecedented event:' CBC | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | TORONTO – Few Canadian television events qualify as a momentous occasion for the nation, but Saturday's Tragically Hip concert promises to be special.
It seems like much of the country will be tuned into CBC's live broadcast of "The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration" from Kingston, Ont., when factoring in home screenings and community viewing parties.
Yet how many people will watch is anybody's guess at this point.
"This is an unprecedented event for us," said Jennifer Dettman, CBC's executive director of unscripted content.
The sentiment is true on many levels, she adds.
The last stop on the Hip's "Man Machine Poem" tour is widely expected to be their final performance, as lead singer Gord Downie is facing terminal brain cancer. After tickets to the tour sold out within minutes, fans launched a campaign urging the CBC to carry the band's Kingston show as a live TV event.
Dettman wouldn't speak to the contract negotiations that led to the Hip agreeing to the broadcast.
"CBC made both a competitive and financially responsible offer to acquire the broadcast rights, and we're thrilled to be able to offer this national celebration to as many Canadians as possible," she said.
The concert won't just be on the main CBC network, it will also be broadcast through various other platforms such as CBC Radio One, the CBC website and its YouTube and Facebook channels.
With so many viewing options, that will make it tough to capture how many eyes and ears are focused on the Hip this Saturday.
That's where ratings agency Numeris comes in. The Toronto-based company tracks viewership figures by using meters and viewing diaries prepared by a panel of Canadians representative of the population.
Their data shows that most huge audience draws are typically live programming, led by major sporting events.
The Super Bowl is the biggest TV event nearly every year — drawing about six million to eight million viewers in recent years — while a handful of other annual celebrations like the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and Grammys are perennial favourites too.
The gold medal game of the men's hockey tournament at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics is considered to be the most-watched broadcast ever in Canada. It drew 16.6 million viewers, according to data from Numeris, about double the number of people who tune into most Super Bowls.
Those kinds of numbers will be hard to beat, even for a rock band with as much Canadian clout as the Hip.
Numeris spokesman Tom Jenks wouldn't guess how many viewers will tune into the CBC broadcast, but acknowledges it'll probably be a pretty big number.
The agency said it will be counting every public screening — from restaurants to movie theatres to community viewing parties — and each person streaming the concert on their phone. Viewers who playback the show on their DVRs within seven days will also be included in the final numbers.
"Our system captures all viewing," Jenks said.
Potentially driving those numbers higher is the decision make the Hip's concert a one-time broadcast, with no encore presentation and no availability on on-demand platforms.
"Our goal was to bring the experience of this live concert to Canadians in that moment," Dettman said.
"I'm sure the band will figure out what they will want to do with the concert afterwards."
She said the goal is to give all Canadians the same "crescendo" feeling that will ripple through the arena in Kingston.
"Our goal is to bring the experience ... to as many Canadians as we can," she said.
"The idea that we're all together experiencing this moment at the same time is really special."
Follow @dfriend on Twitter.
David Friend, The Canadian Press | http://www.saanichnews.com/entertainment/390688221.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/d39e4e757f9d3349efc35acb5a3744ed58b5565ab561825ddae13735789fb876.json |
[
"Travis Paterson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:43 | null | null | Ryan Cochrane falls short in bid for a medal at Rio Olympic Games | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F390240271.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/67500saanichOlympicObeeJennerich.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich rowers snare silver | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Patricia Obee, right, screams in relief as she wins the Olympic silver medal with teammate Lindsay Jennerich. The Saanich pair, whose careers were shaped at Elk Lake, won silver in the lightweight double sculls on Friday.
Olympic silver medal winners Lindsay Jennerich and Patricia Obee knew they’d be in the mix for the lightweight double sculls.
As three-time medalists on the world stage, they’ve experienced how closely competitive their field is, having missed the podium at World Cup races after winning silver in two previous events. It’s clear now that the gold Jennerich and Obee won at the May World Cup race in Switzerland was a sign they were in top form.
The duo picked up the pace at the halfway mark of Friday’s final in the 2,000-metre race and moved up from fifth to second. The Dutch team of Ilse Paulis and Maaike Head won gold in a time of seven minutes, 4.73 seconds. Jennerich and Obee came in at 7:05.88 ahead of China and South Africa.
“We’re in fourth and I thought, ‘we’re getting a medal for sure,’” Obee said on the Olympic.ca website. “Our last [250m] is so strong that I knew we were going to go through one [crew] at least. I could sense China and I could sense South Africa.”
Obee, 24, is a Stelly’s secondary grad while Jennerich, 34, graduated from and later coached at Claremont secondary. Both came through the Victoria City Rowing Club at Elk Lake, with Obee going on to compete for the University of Washington Huskies and Jennerich for the UVic Vikes.
The two came together in 2011 when Obee was just 19 and won a World Cup silver but failed to advance to the final at the London 2012 Olympics. They returned to form with a World Cup silver in 2014, and now have an Olympic silver, World Cup gold and two World Cup silver medals to their name. Jennerich had previously won a World Cup gold in 2010 with former partner Tracy Cameron.
Jennerich said the final 1,000m of the race felt like a sprint.
“I just felt like a machine, and Obee felt like a machine,” she said. “I knew the person Obee is, having her know we were fourth and only going to get something more…It left us just finishing our last drops of gas.”
Caldwell bronze in backstroke
Saanich Commonwealth Place regular Hilary Caldwell won bronze in the 200m backstroke
The transplant, who came to Saanich from White Rock via UVic, finished third in the 200m backstroke final in 2:07.54, behind American Maya Dirado (2:05.99) and Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu (2:06.05).
It was a disappointing finish for Saanich’s two-time Olympic medalist Ryan Cochrane, who finished sixth in the 1,500m freestyle, his specialty. Cochrane was unable to win a third Olympic medal but still finishes the Olympics as Canada’s most-decorated swimmer with eight world championship medals as well as four golds at the Commonwealth Games.
On the beach, Saanich’s Jamie Broder (Claremont) and her beach volleyball teammate Kristina Valjas finished ninth overall, as they were unable to advance past fellow Canadian team Heather Bansley and Sarah Pavan in the quarterfinals at the Copacabana beach arena. The latter finished fifth overall.
As of Monday, another Claremont grad, Fred Winters, continued to compete with Canada’s indoor volleyball team.
Hilary Stellingwerff was unable to advance to the 1,500m semifinals, finishing 31st in the qualifying round. | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/390240271.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/61768630040417059013d0611f4eabfe78a9ce07e55068895ba02ac7b98052ac.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:53 | null | null | Auditions will be held Friday and Saturday for A Murder is Announced | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fentertainment%2F389789941.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/33722saanichstlukesauditions.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Curtain rises on new season for St. Luke’s | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | St. Luke’s Players director Dave Hitchcock and executive members at large Neville Owen and Janine Longy are setting the stage for auditions, starting off with the community theatre group’s production of A Murder is Announced.
Ever wonder if you have what it takes to be an actor?
The St. Luke’s Players are holding auditions for their upcoming productions, starting this Friday and Saturday with A Murder is Announced, a murder mystery adapted from the 1950 Agatha Christie novel. Unlike other community theatre groups, St. Luke’s holds open auditions, meaning everyone reads in a group setting all at once.
“It’s not as intimidating as it might be if you’re in a room by yourself with three people behind a desk listening to you,” said Dave Hitchcock, who’s co-directing St. Luke’s winter production of Aladdin.
“I always say that the auditions are the most important part of the play production process. If you get a good crowd of people to select from, the rest of the process goes really smoothly.”
But, while reading as a group may be more relaxing, there’s a catch: St. Luke’s does cold readings.
“The people who come along don’t know what section they’re going to be reading,” said Neville Owen, a member at large of the St. Luke’s Players executive. “The first ones to read are at a bit of a disadvantage, and all the others listening may express it differently. The director knows that and bears that in mind.”
“As an actor, it’s a little bit daunting and you have to prepare by reading the script and doing some research into the play,” said Janine Longy, also a member at large on the executive. “Then you come to the audition and you never know what part you’re going to read, so you have to think about what happened before in the play, how to relate to the character.”
Nonetheless, St. Luke’s offers the stage to actors of all experience levels, which Longy says helps to alleviate some stage fright during the audition process.
“The culture here is to welcome newcomers, whether it be acting, costumes, props, set design, directing,” she said. “It’s a very warm community, it’s like a family.”
The auditions are overseen by directors, stage managers and musical directors for each of St. Luke’s four seasonal performances, with two two-hour open auditions and callbacks in case they need a bit more time to narrow down their cast.
Of course, a show like St. Luke’s annual pantomime doesn’t have as many issues in picking and choosing cast members – there are usually a lot of roles.
“The panto typically has a wider range of ages in the cast,” said Hitchcock. “We go from 10-year-olds up to no upper limit.”
Hitchcock said that newcomers shouldn’t be worried if they’re auditioning against more seasoned actors, as it’s not always the most experienced people who get the parts.
“That’s particularly true of the panto, where we get a lot of young kids, many of whom have not been in anything on the stage,” he said. “They come with a tremendous variety of experience.”
And if you don’t make the cut this time around, Hitchcock said there are always other St. Luke’s productions to try out for.
Auditions for A Murder is Announced are Friday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Hall, 3821 Cedar Hill X Rd., with callbacks scheduled for Monday, Aug. 15. No appointment is necessary, but prospective actors are asked to show up on time for the sessions and to fill out the audition form, which can be downloaded from stlukesplayers.org.
Copies of the script for A Murder is Announced can be picked up from the Oak Bay Flower Shop, 102-2187 Oak Bay Ave. | http://www.saanichnews.com/entertainment/389789941.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/b9dde26731c52087cb34b6a2c88efebc129f3cf33577d35b5f5e0b05ee271a3b.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:42 | null | null | In honour of Canada's 149th birthday, we have compiled some Canadian trivia questions. How many can you answer? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Flifestyles%2F384892721.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/17474summerlandCanadaflag.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | CANADA DAY QUIZ: How well do you know Canadian trivia? | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | null | http://www.saanichnews.com/lifestyles/384892721.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/927220984f34a56f0387988a4056d0fd202c55f8232a90407be2066b576a96af.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:20 | null | null | Volunteer accused of culling invasive species without a licence | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390501671.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Volunteer work in park attracts unwanted attention | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | I was recently at Mount Douglas Park, down on my hands on knees pulling out daphne, when two of Saanich’s finest show up out of the blue for a little discussion. It seems a neighbour phoned in to complain about my skulking or lurking (or something) around his property, apparently in some kind of threatening-like manner.
I gave the officers my name, which they phoned in for background check. I then explained that I was a longtime invasive species volunteer in Mt. Doug Park, normally working Mondays and Tuesdays, 52 weeks a year.
I advised that we had recently completed the clearing of some 14 acres of mature broom in the West Blenkinsop section of the park, and subsequently had moved to the area immediately beside the Blenkinsop Road. The new location is seriously infested with daphne, mixed with ivy, and needs some heavy-duty attention to clean out the area. I might add that, at the time of our conversation, I’m wearing my work goggles, knee pads, and heavy-duty work gloves, equipment not really conducive to skulking or lurking.
At the end of the conversation, they tell me to stay off the neighbour’s property, which is redundant since I haven’t been working on his property in the first place. Then they take off and I again get back down on my hands and knees, and return to the task of culling more daphne and ivy.
Some time later, the two officers show up again. It appears they’ve spent the intervening period researching my volunteer status. And in so many words, it seemed I’m now accused of culling invasive species without a licence. This is all a bit odd, since I’ve been volunteering continuously in the park for the last 11 years with the full knowledge of parks department staff.
So, anyway, the officers boot me out of the park, with no real reason or justification otherwise provided. It appears that, to the Saanich Police department, my volunteer work, down on hands and knees, in rain or shine, serving the environment and the community to the best of my ability, was nothing more than a one-man, 11 year, mini-crime spree.
It was the end of my shift, so I decided that it was probably better to go visit the parks department to ascertain just what the heck was going down, which I subsequently did. At this point, all I can conclude is that residents within the Blenkinsop Valley Community Association area certainly receive a high level of personalized municipal service for their tax dollars. The rest of us, unfortunately, not quite so much.
Dave Poje
Saanich | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letters/390501671.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/169e621a870d50efefc9fe64b847a861c3b080628b30744dad96058494085d60.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:02 | null | null | Plastics polluting beaches across Vancouver Island | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2F389790251.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Cadboro Bay cleanup preserves local treasure | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | A day at the beach is normally a carefree time to enjoy the sun and frolic in the water with friends and family. But a trip to Cadboro Bay beach this weekend will carry much more serious overtones for one group of local residents.
The Vancouver Island Surfrider Foundation chapter will lead the annual beach cleanup at Cadboro-Gyro Park starting at 11 a.m. Sunday. The main reason behind the effort is to rid the beach of tiny plastic debris, a problem that stretches right across the coast of Vancouver Island.
“Cadboro beach is one of the worst around, it’s full of micro plastics,” said Lynn Wharram of the local Surfrider Foundation chapter. “For a local beach, it’s insane, you can spend an hour in a square foot area.”
The volunteers will work to rid the beach of cigarette butts, bits of plastic and nurdles, a very small pellet of plastic that serves as raw material in the manufacture of plastic products. Many of the nurdles are believed to be from a major spill off the coast of Hong Kong in 2012. The beads are shipped to factories where they are melted and moulded into a variety of products. In the ocean, they collect toxins which they potentially leach out somewhere else, or worse, they are eaten by animals and go into the food chain.
“Think about all the microbeads of plastic that come out of our clothes in washing machines and go straight to sea in Victoria without treatment, not too mention the evidence researchers are finding inside animals,” said volunteer Randall Cook.
The beach cleanup is an important step in preserving the beautiful beaches those of us in Saanich and throughout Greater Victoria treasure. More hands would always be appreciated at Sunday’s cleanup, and volunteers don’t need to bring a thing, as gloves, bags and buckets will be provided. And even if you can’t make it to Sunday’s cleanup, the next time you’re at the beach remember the effort that has gone into making it the beautiful setting it is, and discard your plastic and other debris in the receptacles where they belong. | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/389790251.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/f2c2e5dc3448b768f72ce94b15fd0f8c3e04b35804d5e8edbda215b6f92d2951.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:44 | null | null | Gift From Within aims to register 1,000 more registered donors and raise money for the Canadian Transplant Association | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Flifestyles%2F379725191.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/77020BCLN2007EilieenandWeiZhang7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Cross-Canada ride to encourage organ donation | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Eileen Zheng donated a kidney to her mother Wei and is encouraging other people to register as organ donors.
When Eileen Zheng wanted to donate one of her kidneys to her mother, family members were at first concerned about the effect of the procedure on both of them.
But five weeks after the surgery, Wei Zheng was recovering from polycystic kidney disease after seven years on kidney dialysis, and Eileen was logging up to 65 km a day on her bicycle. And a year later, Eileen is preparing to ride across Canada to encourage more people to support organ transplants.
"I want to raise awareness, so more people are willing to register after seeing that I'm healthy after donating an organ," Eileen said at a ceremony at the B.C. legislature to launch the bid Monday. "We're hoping to raise at least 1,000 more organ donors compared to last year, and around $75,000 for the Canadian Transplant Association, for the life-saving work they do."
She has three and a half months to make the journey, starting with a Terry Fox-inspired dip of her bike wheel in the Pacific before heading east towards St. Johns, Newfoundland. Eileen's ride is called Gift From Within has a website where people can link to organ donor registration sites in each province, and her route stops and updates will be posted.
There are more than 45,000 people currently waiting for organ donations across Canada. B.C. residents can check their registration status or sign up to become a donor here. | http://www.saanichnews.com/lifestyles/379725191.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/29a359bcf67b6b38feb261d305c54d5def2cb38ddd3156ba95fd40251b3d2aea.json |
[
"Sheri Peterson"
] | 2016-08-27T18:50:17 | null | null | The colour sky blue, according to Wikipedia, is the colour of the sky at noon | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fcommunity%2F391215031.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/12905saanichFullSizeRender.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich in Style | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Sky blue glassware from the Saanich Home Sense store.
Sky Blue… ahh it just so relaxing to look at a clear blue sky. The colour sky blue, according to Wikipedia, is the colour of the sky at noon. Most people think of sky blue as a lighter blue, but it really is quite a medium blue and a truer blue slightly on the green or cyan end of the spectrum.
As I look out my window at a noon clear blue summer sky, I can’t help but think how lovely West Coast trees look against that sky.
It was pretty easy finding some decorative accessories in our Saanich Home Sense store that were a darker sky blue. They had a great selection of glassware that had newly arrived and it was so crisp and striking. Set on table against a white or light grey wall, these pieces would be stunning.
I also found this fabulous canvas of the world, set up on an easel that your eye couldn’t help but be drawn to. The artist had used so many wonderful colours and the blues used set off those colours perfectly. Obviously the artist used the sky blue colour as ocean, but I thought the colour could be representing in sky as well. This would look great in a kids area for sure.
Sheri Peterson is a Saanich-based interior designer with over 20 years of experience working with residential, commercial and hospitality clients. Find out more at www.sheripinteriordesign.com. | http://www.saanichnews.com/community/391215031.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/9d95833258462d3d1abeee430be88d7d3cc72bbea62f9cc6178ce192a9c14a77.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:55 | null | null | National Horseshoe Pitching Championships start Wednesday | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F390240541.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/67600saanichhorseshoenationals.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Saanich plays host to Canada’s best | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Colin Nicholson pitches during practice Sunday at the Victoria Saanich Open in preparation for the elders A division contest at the Canadian Horseshoe Pitching Championships. The event features horseshoe pitchers from across the country competing over four days at the Greater Victoria Horseshoe Pitching Association’s club near Glanford Park.
Horseshoe pitchers from across the country got a chance to practise their throws at the Victoria Saanich Open, ahead of the National Horseshoe Pitching Championships that kick off today.
Sixty competitors entered the open tournament this past weekend at the Greater Victoria Horseshoe Pitching Association’s club near Glanford Park, aiming to increase their rankings going into the nationals.
“Every tournament you go into, you’re ranked by your ringer percentage from past tournaments,” said Tom Moffat of the GVHPA. “Some of the women are averaging 69 per cent ringers and the top man, from Quebec, is about 65 per cent.”
Players from Ontario and New Brunswick also stopped by the Victoria Saanich Open to warm up for the nationals, which run over the next four days at the GVHPA clubhouse. Moffat said 163 pitchers are entered into the Canadian competition, with divisions for men, women, elders, juniors and peewees.
“Our youngest player is six and there’s a fellow playing in the one of the groups who’s 91 years old,” said Moffat, noting the universal appeal of the sport. “Most people think horseshoes is a backyard sport that you play at picnics and barbecues, but it’s quite an organized sport. It’s people from every walk of life that are out here playing, and they just love it.”
Standout competitors include the club’s own two-time junior world champion Lindsay Hodgins and 17-time Canadian women’s champion Sylvianne Moisan from Quebec. This year marks the fifth time the GVHPA has hosted the national event, with competition set for the 28 outdoor pitches throughout the four days.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” said Moffat. “It’s great publicity for the sport and great exposure.”
For more on the nationals, visit gvhpa.org, bchorseshoe.com and horseshoecanada.ca. | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/390240541.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/cb07a7b454f888f14fd75bf7ecfcd5e3c6587ca68af23346ee21a906dd9c3708.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:36 | null | null | Saanich council will look into permitting detached suites in the district | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fopinion%2F390963641.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Suites would address affordable housing need | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Saanich council is taking the first steps down a road that may finally bring some assistance to families struggling to find affordable accommodations in the community.
Coun. Fred Haynes brought forward a report calling for staff to look into the potential for permitting detached suites in the district.
“The lack of available suites presents a crisis for the families and individuals seeking housing opportunities in Saanich,” said Haynes. “The barriers are created by tight supply. Enabling detached suites can help. The need for rental housing requires us to act now.”
The issue is not a new one. Haynes’ proposal follows up on an October 2014 motion from Coun. Dean Murdock that called on staff to one day look into the legalization of secondary suites in accessory buildings in Saanich.
But with the vacancy rate in Greater Victoria’s rental market hovering around one per cent, the urgency has never been greater.
It’s hard to see how a small carriage home constructed at the back of a property will have a dramatic effect on the community’s neighbourhoods. The community has undergone similar changes without significant hue and outcry. Saanich legalized secondary suites south of McKenzie in 2010, and north of McKenzie in 2014. In that four-year span, 98 homeowners applied for a permit for a legal suite while 229 complaints were recorded.
Some estimates suggest there are already 9,000 secondary suites in Saanich. A detached building would be far more difficult to conceal than a suite in a home’s basement, so if anything, the changes would only help to shed light on the issue.
With the lack of affordable housing becoming a serious concern for communities across the province, efforts must be made at all levels to make it easier for families to find a place to call home. For families here in Saanich, an answer may finally be on the horizon. | http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/390963641.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/31db236ef606d5124722b73332074a341fafbae721c9c7551155ee1efad5d16b.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:57 | null | null | Small communities have more than 400 doctor vacancies, with 'telehealth' and visiting specialists filling gaps | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Flifestyles%2F385489111.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/32759BCLN2007Kelly-Doug15-2.4.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Video links grow as rural health care shrinks | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Doug Kelly, chair of the B.C. First Nations Health Council
With patients in urban areas having difficulty finding a family doctor, the situation in rural B.C. is going from bad to worse, MLAs on the province's health committee were told Monday.
Ed Staples, a member of the B.C. Health Coalition, described his efforts to improve the situation in Princeton, a community of about 5,000 people that four years ago was down to one doctor providing on-call service.
Princeton now has four full-time doctors and two nurse practitioners, but there are still people who can't find a doctor in the region, including Penticton an hour and a half away. A recent search of the College of Physicians and Surgeons website turned up the nearest doctor accepting patients in Courtney on Vancouver Island, Staples said.
Health Match BC, the province's web portal for recruiting doctors, nurses and other health professionals, currently has more than 400 general practitioner vacancies, with 37 communities seeking 85 doctors. The result is "bidding wars" between communities to offer incentives to relocating doctors, and foreign doctors using a rural community as an entry point before relocating to the Lower Mainland, he said.
The B.C. government has announced its latest videoconferencing service for health care, linking psychiatrists with young people in Cranbrook. The service is available twice a month at the local Children and Family Development office, supplementing visits by specialists in communities such as Cranbrook and Princeton. Health Minister Terry Lake says video conferencing and electronic health records are a key part of the solution for reaching patients across B.C.
Doug Kelly, chair of the B.C. First Nations Health Council, told the committee of an Abbotsford doctor who travels to Carrier Sekani territory around Prince George for part of his practice, in a pilot project with Northern Health.
Kelly said video links and nurse practitioners are part of the solution to delivering rural and remote care, but the main obstacle is the business model for doctors that has them cycling through as many as 20 patients an hour to bill enough to cover their office overhead.
Committee members were also reminded that graduating doctors are increasingly reluctant to take on the demands of family practice, especially in smaller communities where they may find themselves on call around the clock. | http://www.saanichnews.com/lifestyles/385489111.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/524faae214f04a303bf5cb6b6721708cb5c4485d066e84f530725b724ff56fc0.json |
[
"Jacob Zinn"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:15 | null | null | Paralympic team puts in final preparations at Pacific Institute of Sports Excellence | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fsports%2F390502801.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/74505saanichpisewheelchairrugby-5.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | National wheelchair rugby team ready for Rio | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Zak Madell (right) tries to manoeuvre around Patrice Dagenais at PISE in Team Canada’s wheelchair rugby practice on Monday.
It’s crunch time for Canada’s Paralympic athletes, and the national wheelchair rugby team got some last-minute practice in Monday at Camosun’s Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence before heading to Rio in a few weeks.
Currently ranked fourth in the world, the team has been preparing through intense training camps in pursuit of gold in Brazil. Team Canada won silver at the last Summer Games in London and qualified for Rio with a come-from-behind, first place finish at last year’s Parapan Am Games in Toronto.
“We’re just trying to iron out all the kinks and figure out all our strategies leading into the Games,” said Zak Madell. “It’s a last-minute push, and by this point, pretty much all of our physical training and our conditioning has been done. We’re just going to be tapering after that, leading up to the games, and focusing on more tactical things.”
Miranda Biletski, who lives in Victoria and trains at PISE with teammates Madell and Travis Murao, said there’s a general feeling of excitement among the team, amplified by the inspiring performances thus far by Canada’s Olympians.
“At first, it was like preparing for a regular tournament, and then we started seeing our Canadian athletes doing so well at the Olympics,” she said. “That’s kind of gotten us really excited – we’re all a little antsy to get out there. It’s awesome to see other Canadians doing well.”
Wheelchair rugby, sometimes referred to as murderball, is played on a basketball court, with the aim of carrying the ball across the opponent’s goal line. Because of its high-contact nature, the athletes use more heavy-duty wheelchairs that can withstand more impact.
“The chairs are very well made,” said Madell. “They’re meant to be high-performance chairs. They can take a beating.”
The team is going to take the next few weeks to fine-tune their strategies before flying to Rio, where they are slated to face Brazil on Sept. 14, Great Britain on Sept. 15 and Australia on Sept. 16. Semifinals are scheduled for Sept. 17, with the finals set for Sept. 18.
With a second place finish last time around, the team is eager to showcase their hard work in Rio in hopes of bringing gold back to Canada.
“The fitness is there, all the training’s been there, now it’s just going over our scouting reports for other teams and being prepared for everything they’re going to throw at us,” said Biletski.
“It’s going to take us doing all of the little things right, fighting for every inch,” said Murao. “It’s a clichéd answer, but it’s true – it’s going to take no mental mistakes, focus, and just fighting hard out there.” | http://www.saanichnews.com/sports/390502801.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/112c7efc662d07d973c941153a83434916f600bb41782eddcbbcd85e3383bbe3.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:50:00 | null | null | Big Brothers Big Sisters brings activities for girls to Uptown on Saturday | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fcommunity%2F391215131.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Uptown offers space for girls to grow | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Uptown and Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada have teamed up to offer Be You – a campaign designed to encourage girls to celebrate their individuality and believe in their ability to achieve their goals.
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Uptown will host a day of free interactive activities for girls ages nine to 16 in the Greater Victoria community. Events include speakers, live entertainment, a Jump & Be You photo booth and a variety of developmental tools and information focused on helping girls to increase self-esteem and self-worth.
“Imagine a society where girls grow up with endless self-confidence and pride in celebrating their diversity,” said Kristy Lowes, marketing director for Uptown. “We designed our Be You campaign to reach out directly to young girls in the Victoria area to encourage them to express themselves and reach for the stars.”
Beginning Sept. 1, Uptown will also be providing a space to Big Sisters Victoria to run their group mentoring program Go Girls!, for girls aged 12-14. The program focuses on physical activity, balanced eating and self-esteem.
“We’ve established there’s a need in this community for girls to have opportunities to come together to focus on activities that strengthen their self-esteem and give them the confidence to become caring leaders at home, at school and in the community,” said Rhonda Brown, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria. “We’re very excited to be partnering with Uptown on this initiative and to have a beautiful space to welcome our Go Girls! participants.
Be You is a national campaign that includes online components including I Promise, featuring positive statements from girls across Canada on the site www.beyougirl.com. These promises will also be on display at Uptown’s digital Promise Wall in front of Walmart in Town Plaza.
For more information visit www.shopuptown.ca. Follow the campaign on social media with the hashtag #beyougirl. For volunteer opportunities or for more program information visit Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria at www.bbbsvictoria.com. | http://www.saanichnews.com/community/391215131.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/f2984c1f1e32b8d8d5634e5f8c66ca49373f9ce134059a21f57ac7dcc92c0f79.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:00 | null | null | Gold mine near Prince Rupert shut down last summer for permit violations, owners charged for failing to report spill | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fbusiness%2F390008831.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/31694BCLN2007minebanksislandgold7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Banks Island miners face 18 pollution charges | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | Two men and a mining company in receivership have been charged with 18 pollution infractions related to their shut-down gold mine on an island near Prince Rupert.
Benjamin Mossman and Dirk Meckert are scheduled to appear in Prince Rupert provincial court Sept. 7. Also charged is Banks Island Gold Ltd., which went into receivership after being shut down last year for provincial permit violations.
The Yellow Giant mine was ordered shut down by the Ministry of Environment in July 2015 after a tailings spill was reported on a tip. There is one charge of failing to report a spill of a polluting substance, and the other 17 charges are for failing to comply with permits.
North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice raised the issue in the legislature this spring, after receiving a letter from the Gitxaala First Nation referring to two separate tailings spills. Rice said the ministry did not inspect the operation for 15 months, until receiving a complaint.
NDP mining critic Norm Macdonald told the legislature a worker at the mine "became fed up, put his job on the line, sent the ministry and me a tip and pictures that documented what was going on there."
Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett said the mine was shut down when the situation was brought to its attention. The mine's 90 employees lost their jobs.
The province has a $420,000 security bond from the mining company, to provide ongoing monitoring. In March the mines ministry and Banks Island Gold removed explosives from the mine site and in May ministry technical staff assessed the hazardous materials on site.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service, which recommended the charges, would not comment on the current condition of the Banks Island site, because it is evidence for the prosecution. | http://www.saanichnews.com/business/390008831.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/50ab0476052b5452c4d371c03db9324206a3135df0ff0ed9c6e4dbbb10f45ff2.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:20 | null | null | Vehicle traffic up 5% with no net fare increase and discounts offered for vehicles pulling boats and travel trailers | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saanichnews.com%2Fbusiness%2F391094851.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/59772BCLN2007ferrySpiritofBC7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | More discounts coming as BC Ferries traffic rises | null | null | www.saanichnews.com | BC Ferries sailings have been busier this year, thanks in part to strong tourist traffic and no net fare increase.
BC Ferries plans to continue its campaign of price promotions this fall and next spring in an effort to maintain increased passenger and vehicle traffic.
First-quarter results for the Crown corporation show passenger traffic up 2.5 per cent and vehicle loads up 5.1 per cent for the three months ended June 30, compared with the same period in 2015.
Buoyed by a strong tourist year for B.C. and no net fare increase, BC Ferries carried 5.3 million passengers and 2.1 million vehicles in April, May and June. The 1.9 per cent average fare hike was erased by a reduced fuel surcharge due to long-term contracts for cheaper diesel fuel.
Helped by reduced operating costs and higher retail sales from terminals and on-board gift shops, net earnings were $27 million for the quarter, up from $18.8 million in the same period last year. Revenues were up 4.9 per cent to $219 million, while costs for the quarter went up 1.5 per cent to $178.6 million.
BC Ferries CEO Mike Corrigan released the first-quarter results at the corporation's annual meeting in Victoria, where he also announced that unspecified pricing promotions will be offered this fall and next spring. This year BC Ferries has been offering discounts on over-length vehicles pulling boats or travel trailers.
Corrigan also announced he will be stepping down as CEO at the end of the fiscal year next March. He was promoted in 2012 to replace former CEO David Hahn, and presided over a controversial service review that saw sailings reduced on money-losing routes.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone praised Corrigan for reducing operating costs and embracing new technology, including three new medium-sized ferries using liquefied natural gas fuel that have been built in Poland.
LNG retrofits are also scheduled for the Spirit of B.C. and the Spirit of Vancouver Island, the workhorses of the main Tswassen-to-Vancouver Island route.
Corrigan's term also saw the first cable ferry in the BC Ferries fleet, the Baynes Sound Connector to Denman Island. Stone said the cable ferry cut fuel costs by half. | http://www.saanichnews.com/business/391094851.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.saanichnews.com/d0f07b6467dd0f1667b57c5b635743c80e2f43a3524a399232ec8361b029a8f4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:27 | null | 2008-01-24T00:00:00 | rss news feeds on national, world, politics, money, technology, sports, life and entertainment, and travel news and headlines. Visit www.usatoday.com/marketing/rss/index.htm today. | http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.usatoday.com%2Fmarketing%2Frss%2Findex.aspx.json | http://i.usatoday.net/_common/_images/favicon.ico | en | null | News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Money, Sports, Tech | null | null | content.usatoday.com | FAQs
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By using the USATODAY.com RSS feeds, which are part of the USATODAY.com site, you agree to be bound by the site's Terms of Service. Click here to read them. Individuals may use the USATODAY.com RSS feeds free of charge for their personal, non-commercial use only. When using the USATODAY.com RSS feeds, we ask that you provide attribution to USATODAY.com. If you provide this attribution in text, please use "USATODAY.com." If you provide this attribution with an image, please use the USATODAY.com logo that we have included in the feed itself. USATODAY.com also reserves the right to disable, to change, or to cease distribution of these USATODAY.com RSS feeds at any time, and reserves the right to require individuals to cease any and all use of these feeds at any time for any reason. To request permission to make commercial use of the USATODAY.com RSS feeds, please contact us at headlines@usatoday.com. USATODAY.com will consider such submitted requests, but is not obligated to grant any specific permission request. | http://content.usatoday.com/marketing/rss/index.aspx | en | 2008-01-24T00:00:00 | content.usatoday.com/48b04446087efed29bbba74bf3db44337cc39af7aae6e2be39e421e05ed5e60e.json |
[
"Stuart Greer"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:16 | null | 2016-08-31T11:00:00 | Michael Mushrow oversaw empire which peddled heroin and crack cocaine | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fdrugs-baron-banked-450000-ran-11822289.json | http://i2.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11822262.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/ABR_VIS_310816MUSHROW-01.jpg | en | null | Drugs baron banked £450,000 as he ran narcotics network from Southport home | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Michael Mushrow, 32, from Gainsborough Road, Birkdale, Southport, has been jailed for eight years after running a class A drug conspiracy from his home
A drugs baron who raked in £450,000 through running a drug dealing network from his home in Southport has been jailed.
Michael Mushrow, 32, of Gainsborough Road in Birkdale , even listed members of his own family as he peddled heroin and crack cocaine.
Warrington Crown Court heard how Mushrow made daily visits to Macclesfield over a period of seven months to run a team of street dealers.
The drug dealers there included his own nephew, Adam Bennett, 19.
Mushrow was helped by his ‘trusted assistant’ Stephen Conlan, 43, who acted as courier.
Cheshire Police detectives smashed the racket during raids at addresses in Macclesfield and Liverpool, including the home of Mushrow’s sister Jennifer Catherine Eaton, 37, where officers found £20,000 in cash and seven large drugs packets.
Mushrow and Conlan admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine.
Mushrow was jailed for eight years, while Conlan was locked up for four years and nine months.
Bennett, 19, of Fulwood Way, Litherland in Liverpool, got two years in a young offenders institute suspended for 12 months and a three month curfew after admitting supplying heroin and cocaine.
Eaton, 37, was given a 12 month community order after admitting concealing criminal property.
Sentencing Judge Tina Landale said: “This was a conspiracy with wide ranging consequences for people living in Macclesfield.
“Mushrow, you had a leading role. You used six vehicles and a number of phones and had £20,000 stored at your sister’s house.
“You were prepared to involve her in the murky business and exposed her to a dreadful risk.
“Conlan, you were well trusted for good reason and were key to the organisation.”
Simon Parry, prosecuting, said: “The graft was active for 223 days and sold between 14 and 20g of drugs per day in Macclesfield, which was up to 4.4kg, turning over up to £446,000.
“The hierarchy was Mushrow as the controller, Conlan as his trusted assistant and a team of foot soldiers. A flare text message would go out indicating the team was open for business.”
Gareth Roberts, defending Mushrow, said: “He is very ashamed, contrite and scared for his family, which includes a wife and three children.
“He started running a pub and befriended the Liverpool drugs underworld.
“He vouched for a drug dealer and they came to him for the debt.”
Ms Alton, defending Conlan, said he was a courier paying off a drug debt who was given paid £80 for each trip.
Mark Connor, defending Bennett, said he was easily led by his uncle.
Ms Alton, defending Eaton, said packages of drugs and money were delivered to her house also in Litherland, Liverpool, by an ‘intimidating’ man.
Speaking after the sentencing DC Gordon Livingston said: “Michael Mushrow ran an organised criminal network and exploited young or vulnerable people to carry out his dirty work for him on the streets of Macclesfield.
“The message is clear – Cheshire Police will not tolerate this sort of activity on the streets of the county and we will do all we can to put a stop to it.
“The mistake Mushrow made was to assume that he was safe to ply his trade in Macclesfield and evade capture.
“He now has a lengthy period of time in prison to reflect on his actions and realise he was not as safe as he thought.” | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/drugs-baron-banked-450000-ran-11822289 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/a56c2104bb840c0430c5907b0771261d5fabe7ccf2f01c0afde8e7dd2a6bdd78.json |
[
"Sophie Mccoid-Sou"
] | 2016-08-31T06:51:14 | null | 2016-08-31T07:01:00 | MP Rosie Cooper has raised her concerns over the rejection of Southport and Ormskirk trust | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fwest-lancashire-ccg-being-scrutinised-11794173.json | http://i2.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11695001.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Rosie-Cooper-MP-with-petitionJPG.jpg | en | null | West Lancashire CCG being scrutinised by Department of Health | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group are being scrutinised by Government agencies over their response to queries over their management of the procurement process for local community and urgent care services.
In recent months, West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has raised serious concerns over the CCG’s decision to tender community and some urgent care services to two private companies and two out of area NHS trusts.
In doing so they have rejected Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, the current service provider.
One of Rosie’s major concerns is the lack of openness and transparency in the process. Even using Freedom of Information requests, West Lancashire CCG have sought to hide behind ‘commercial confidentiality’ to avoid answering questions.
MP Rosie raised her concerns with the Chair of the Commons Public Accounts Committee and with the Department of Health.
In response the Public Accounts Committee have requested the National Audit Office investigate the use of ‘commercial confidentiality’ by West Lancashire to refuse publishing any meaningful information.
The committee chair stated in further correspondence ‘the concerns you raise have similarities with the issues identified in the National Audit Office's recent investigation into the collapse of UnitingCare Partnership contract’
Whilst the health minister replied saying he considered a response by West Lancashire CCG to the MP to be ‘unintentionally discourteous.’
The minister also wrote that for the general public trying access information on primary care, such as an up to date list of GPs in the local area, was ‘mind-bogglingly opaque’. He continued that the Department of Health will take the issues up directly with the bodies responsible.
West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said: “Clearly, it is not just me and the residents of West Lancashire who believe the CCG has been vague in their responses to legitimate questions about the decisions they are taking on the future of vital local health services.
“Ultimately these are public services funded with taxpayers’ money and they should be open to meaningful scrutiny.
“Hiding behind ‘commercial confidentiality’ isn’t acceptable. This just protects the bidders for the contracts. It is the CCG’s duty to protect health service users first and foremost. And if they won’t, I will.”
A spokesperson for NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “Like any healthcare commissioner, we are monitored on an ongoing basis, but we are currently unaware of any additional scrutiny taking place around this procurement process as the MP claims.
"Since the Uniting Care procurement the MP’s story mentions, a review document was produced including a set recommendations for CCGs, which we address fully during this procurement.
"As the process is ongoing, according to legal advice we are unable to release information that relates to individual organisations’ bids as this is confidential and commercially sensitive. Everything relating to this procurement that we can share has been shared.
“This process is standard CCG business; we have a responsibility to review all NHS services we commission, not least when contracts come to an end.
"This re-procurement of local community health services, which includes walk-in and out of hours services, is therefore standard practice for CCGs.
"This process follows a national model and is subject to national procurement legislation which requires the CCGs to enable both NHS and independent sector providers to compete, and only proceed if they are successful following evaluation against set criteria.
“Our local hospital Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust will continue to be a major part of local health services and will remain integral as we move towards achieving our vision for joined up care.
"The aim is to develop and enhance community and local walk-in and out of hour’s services, helping to prevent avoidable acute hospital attendance, relieving pressure on such a vital resource.
"We will continue to enable and support the local hospital to do what it does best, in addressing the needs of those residents who need acute and specialist care.
"Any services commissioned will continue to be delivered as part of the NHS and will remain free at the point of contact as with any provision of NHS care.
"During this process our stakeholders, including local people and community staff have been kept informed and also invited to have their say." | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/west-lancashire-ccg-being-scrutinised-11794173 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/cb60607ffeba6bd6bad5145de3ad55e9796baca3edaf4e02d23f9e8255d7d880.json |
[
"Jamie Lopez-Sou"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:24 | null | 2016-08-26T11:22:00 | The news comes following Craig Madden's departure earlier this week | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-fc-announce-new-assistant-11803499.json | http://i3.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11658420.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS51293529.jpg | en | null | Southport FC announce new assistant manager | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Former Wrexham coach Mark Creighton has been announced as Southport FC's new assistant manager.
Creighton joins the club following the departure of Craig Madden from the role earlier this week. Before retiring, Creighton made more than 100 appearances in defence for Kidderminster Harriers and enjoyed spells at Oxford United and Wrexham. He later became assistant coach at the Welsh club
Away from the training ground, Creighton has worked for BT Sport as a pundit and also owns a tattoo studio and a barbershop in Wrexham.
Madden left the club on Tuesday following discussions with manager Andy Bishop.
The club have also announced two loan signings this week, with experienced midfielder Craig Stanley and 22-year-old defender Callum Howe both arriving from Lincoln.
Southport are in action against nearby Tranmere Rovers on Saturday (August 27). The league leaders have won all five matches so far and are expected to bring around 2000 fans to the Merseyrail Community Stadium. The Sandgrounders will be hoping for a much improved performance as they look to bounce back from a bruising 4-0 defeat to Lincoln last week. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/sport/football/news/southport-fc-announce-new-assistant-11803499 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/8cea700db6d061d1b45e3cdb41d9e9f2ac85dc5b8a9d2f835c9ae8010c34c964.json |
[
"Andrew Brown"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:07 | null | 2016-08-25T20:38:17 | Musical is performed by award-winning Ellesmere Port Musical Theatre Company | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Flegally-blonde-comes-floral-pavilion-11802143.json | http://i2.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11802142.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/BLONDE.jpg | en | null | Legally Blonde comes to the Floral Pavilion this September | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Legally Blonde will take to the stage of the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton from September 8-10
One of the biggest and best musicals of the 21st century is heading to New Brighton.
Legally Blonde is a fun, lively, and fast-paced show which teaches you that you can do anything you want, and be whatever you want to be if you put your mind to it.
It tells the tale of Elle Woods, a Malibu Barbie / Sorority girl who gets dumped by boyfriend Warner because she’s not “serious” enough.
Determined to win him back and prove him wrong, she follows him across the country to Harvard Law School, and with the help of the lovely Emmett Forrest, realises her true potential, secures a spot as an intern on the biggest murder case of the year and, well, you’ll have to wait and see.
Legally Blonde will take to the stage of the Floral Pavilion from September 8-10.
It is being performed by the award-winning Ellesmere Port Musical Theatre Company who last year scooped the NODA gong for Best Musical for their production of Sister Act.
Northern Ireland-born Chloe Donley takes the lead as Elle, with recent university graduate Alessio Scappaticci starring opposite her as Warner Huntington III.
Chloe is a Performing Arts teacher who moved to England to train at the University of Chester.
Prior to Legally Blonde, she has starred in various productions around the UK such as The Witches of Eastwick and West Side Story.
Alessio has previously played the parts of Link Larkin in Hairspray, with Frodsham-based Zodiac and Curley in Oklahoma with Mid Cheshire to name a few.
The show is being directed by Wesley Ray who is currently studying for his Masters degree in Making Theatre. He joined EPMTC last year stepping into the role of Eddie in their production of Sister Act.
Craig Price is back in the seat as musical director with the company for the 14th year.
Over the years, the Cheshire music graduate has worked on more than 80 productions, musicals, concerts and pantomimes working with both professional and amateur production companies.
Legally Blonde promises to be a fantastic show, full of energetic routines and brilliant songs that are guaranteed to have you singing along.
Tickets are priced at £20 (£19 for concessions) and are available from the Floral Pavilion at www.floralpavilion.com or by calling the box office on 0151 666 0000. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/legally-blonde-comes-floral-pavilion-11802143 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/733ce5efea84bc95702155329f5db45d32c88e0b4a19203d9a841f25a10718cf.json |
[
"Kate Lally"
] | 2016-08-28T16:50:04 | null | 2016-08-28T16:40:16 | Doody, who supported Hicks in the 90s, is joined by two more fantastic acts | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fcomedy-news%2Fbill-hicks-protg-nick-doody-11812380.json | http://i3.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11804940.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97946588.jpg | en | null | Bill Hicks' protégé Nick Doody coming to Southport's Atkinson | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Nick Doody comes to Laugh Out Loud comedy at The Atkinson on September 3
Nick Doody is one of brightest talents on the comedy circuit.
Sharp and topical – he’s not afraid to say what he thinks; his brand of political comedy and satire has won him fans all over the country…in fact all over Twitter as well, where he’s polled as one of the major names in British comedy
Nick’s career as a stand-up got off to a pretty good start, whilst still a student, he supported one of the most influential comedians in the history of comedy: Bill Hicks.
Requested by Hicks himself, Doody was the envy of many of his comedy colleagues and since then he has become a familiar face on the comedy circuit.
As well as gigging regularly all over the UK, Nick has also performed in Ireland, Germany, Spain, France and Croatia and is also in demand as a writer for both television and radio, writing for the likes of 8 Out Of 10 Cats and ITV2’s Lip Service
He also devised and wrote the hit Radio 4 series ‘BIGIPEDIA’ which has recently had a second series confirmed.
Against the advice of his agent Nick also performed as MC Hammer on BBC4’s ‘Late Edition’…
“Excellent - cracking gags” Metro
Next on the bill, Bryan & Krystal adopt the persona of depressed, desperate, down-on-their-luck comedians, browbeaten by the disappointments the world relentlessly heaps upon them.
It may sound depressing but in fact its hilarious!
The often cheesy gags are all upbeat and sold with trademark pizzazz.
The songs, likewise, are a subtle and contradictory mix of the cheerful and the cheerless, which are great, if stupid fun.
They have a laugh per minute rate that amongst the highest in the entire comedy business and are sure to a smile on anyone’s face.
“We’ve never seen anything quite like this before!” ITV
And finally, Joe Sutherland is on his way to the top with a sparklingly funny appearance on BBC Radio 4 Extra as part of the New Comedy award.
He’s like a young Julian Clary with a catty, caustic, camp wit; he crafts short, sharp jokes on the subjects of love, work, youth and life.
“Exudes star quality - definitely one to watch” Chortle
Doors: 7.30pm for a 8pm start.
Tickets: £12.50 in advance/£15 on the door/£30 season ticket (any three shows). Tickets are available from The Atkinson in person, over the phone and online. To book, call on 01704 533 333 or at www.theatkinson.co.uk | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/whats-on/comedy-news/bill-hicks-protg-nick-doody-11812380 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/d74b67980be18671f445b328f269f9b0be547f6243c8ab2578182f89e113b9d7.json |
[
"Andrew Brown"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:22 | null | 2016-08-28T11:00:00 | Disney classic will be screened at Kings Gardens in Southport | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffilm-news%2Foutdoor-cinema-returns-southport-jungle-11810756.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11810753.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JUNGLEBOOK-02.jpg | en | null | Outdoor cinema returns to Southport with The Jungle Book | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Outdoor cinema returns to Southport this Friday night (September 2) with classic Disney children’s movie Jungle Book.
Mowgli, Baloo et al will be delighting fans young and old on Saturday, September 2, starting at 8pmm, as dusk falls.
The Jungle Book is a 1967 American animated musical comedy film produced by Walt Disney Productions. Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s book of the same name.
Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, it was the last film to be produced by Walt Disney, who died during its production.
The plot follows Mowgli, a feral child raised in the Indian jungle by wolves, as his friends Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear try to convince him to leave the jungle before the evil tiger Shere Khan arrives.
The film follows successful showings earlier this summer of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Mamma Mia!
The Outdoor Cinema is run by Sefton Council and The Friends of Kings Gardens.
The initiative started in 2014 in its current King’s Garden home. The screening enjoyed instant popularity which continued through last year, when films including the smash hit Frozen.
Walt Disney classic The Jungle Book is being screened at the outdoor cinema at Kings Gardens in Southport on Friday September 2
No seating is available in the gardens but film-goers are welcome to bring their own chairs and are advised to wrap up warm and bring blankets.
Attendees are welcome to bring picnics but asked to take home any rubbish afterwards, while food and drink will also be available to buy on the nights.
As with previous screenings, entry to this year’s films is completely free but a £2 donation to the Friends of King’s Gardens is suggested to support future events. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/outdoor-cinema-returns-southport-jungle-11810756 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/81d1dc0533e74a72dc0f158ba8bb930f2697af122d6344c6b01b2c1a0014df18.json |
[
"Community Contributor"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:09 | null | 2016-08-25T19:45:00 | The Atkinson hosts this month long investigation exhibition | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-raf-mustang-aircraft-investigation-11794189.json | http://i4.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11794202.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/BP2799491.jpg | en | null | What's On - RAF Mustang Aircraft Investigation | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | A Mustang bearing US colours but similar to the RAF aircraft that crashed in Lancashire in 1945
Lancashire Aircraft Investigation Team will be staging a Southport exhibition telling the story of an RAF Mustang that crashed at Wrightington on February 15, 1945.
The plane had been reassembled and was test flown on February 13 1945 and again on February 15. It was being flown from Kirkbride in Cumbria to Ringway near Manchester by Third Officer Albert Edward (Roy) Fairman.
The aircraft was seen by witnesses at Wrightington, apparently in trouble, circling the village and then performing a series of shallow dives and rolls at around 1,000ft.
During a final roll, the pilot was seen to leave the aircraft, which immediately dived into the ground under power.
When found nearby, Third Officer Fairman was still alive, but died in the ambulance on the way to hospital – he had attempted to use his parachute, but it had been faulty, though he was probably too low for it to have deployed effectively in any case.
Third Officer Albert Edward (Roy) Fairman
On the morning of the crash, he was observed limping and it was noted that he felt effects of a wound in damp and cold weather, which were certainly the prevailing conditions on what proved to be his last flight. He is buried at Greenwich Cemetery, Greenwich, Grave No. 972.
Lancashire Air Investigation Team excavated the site in June 2010, the culmination of eight years of research.
The exhibition will be in the foyer on the ground floor of The Atkinson from Saturday, September 3 to Friday, September 30. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/whats-on/whats-raf-mustang-aircraft-investigation-11794189 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/8c797292ca229827370a2fcee23f23d3e8d8ea6146d2bbbd4cb7c1e51e59ffce.json |
[
"Lyndsey Hewison"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:51 | null | 2016-08-26T08:30:00 | Royal Lytham & St Annes’ golfer part of team chosen to compete in Slovenia and Wales | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fother-sport%2Fleading-senior-crowther-receives-england-11802406.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11802455.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS63970311.jpg | en | null | Leading senior Crowther receives England call-up | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | All the latest golf news and results in your Southport Visiter - every week
Leading seniors, including Royal Lytham & St Annes’ Ian Crowther, have been selected for the England teams for the forthcoming two international championships.
The team for the European senior men’s team championship is: Stephen East of Yorkshire, Richard Latham of Lincolnshire, David Nelson of Cheshire, David Niven of Berkshire, Alan Mew of Hampshire, Ian Crowther of Lancashire and the reserve, Mark Stones of Essex.
The championship will take place at Diners Golf and Country Club, Slovenia, from 30 August to 3 September.
The same team, with the addition of Mark Stones, will contest the Senior Men’s Home Internationals at Machynys Peninsula, Wales, from 20-22 September.
Crowther tied eighth in the Senior Amateur Championship and 11th in the Northern senior qualifying tournament. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/sport/other-sport/leading-senior-crowther-receives-england-11802406 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/a9cb4afaa92bd343e5fd170c26276ab3620214213b0df3aa693c56ce8550ad9f.json |
[
"Sophie Mccoid-Sou"
] | 2016-08-27T10:50:05 | null | 2016-08-27T10:01:00 | The public are now allowed to speak at several important meetings | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fwest-lancashire-residents-urged-speak-11802811.json | http://i1.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article10290794.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS64530784.jpg | en | null | West Lancashire residents urged to speak at council meetings | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | West Lancashire residents are being urged to make their voices heard at council meetings.
Borough residents now have the opportunity to speak on certain agenda items at council meetings where important decisions are made that affect people in West Lancs.
In addition to those arrangements already in place for speaking at Planning and Licensing Committees, the Council has introduced public speaking at meetings of Cabinet, Audit & Governance Committee, Standards Committee and Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
Dates of forthcoming meetings are:
· Cabinet, Tuesday 13 September, 7pm
· Audit and Governance Committee, Tuesday 27 September, 6.30pm
· Executive Overview and Scrutiny committee, Tuesday 29 September, 7pm
Agendas for these meetings will be published on the Council’s website on the Monday of the week preceding the meeting, for example the September Cabinet agenda will be published on Monday, 5 September.
To request to speak, members of the public must contact Member Services with their request by 5pm on the Thursday of the week preceding the meeting, for example a request to speak at September Cabinet must reach us by 5pm on Thursday 8 September.
The request can be submitted by email to member.services@westlancs.gov.uk or by sending to: Member Services, West Lancashire Borough Council, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, West Lancashire, L39 2DF.
Councillor Ian Moran, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, said: “The Council provides services for the benefit of people living and working in the borough and the views of local people on those services are really important to us.
"So please take a look at the agendas for these meetings when they are on line and let us know if you want to come and speak on any of the items listed.” | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/west-lancashire-residents-urged-speak-11802811 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/cd077e2499b5ce539ae0f78cb7fa76774e88ca4ae49e902818ad7169a655e7b4.json |
[
"Andrew Brown"
] | 2016-08-31T06:50:43 | null | 2016-08-31T07:30:00 | Readers asked for their memories of the Princess Of Wales visiting Southport | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fhistory%2Fprincess-diana-goes-shopping-tesco-11821489.json | http://i2.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11821487.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/DIANA-01.jpg | en | null | Princess Diana goes shopping at Tesco in Southport | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales, takes a shopping trolley around Tesco at Southport, where she shared advice on healthy eating. Picture taken 11th September 1990. Photo copyright Southport Visiter
These remarkable photos show Princess Diana taking her trolley around Tesco supermarket in Southport nearly three decades ago.
The Princess Of Wales delighted staff and shoppers alike as she arrived at the store to share advice on healthy eating.
These photos weer taken on September 11, 1990.
Another famous visit to Southport in 1992 saw her break down in tears after opening Queenscourt Hospice in Kew.
Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales, takes a shopping trolley around Tesco at Southport where she shared advice on healthy eating. Pictured here with staff at the fish counter Picture taken 11th September 1990 Photo copyright Southport Visiter
The princess was chatting to Southport man Bill Davidson, who campaigned tirelessly for funds to create the hospice and was chairman of the organisation during the Royal visit to open it in 1992, when she broke down in tears.
Princess Diana was upset at enduring marital problems at the time.
Sadly, today (August 31) marks the 19th anniversary since her tragic death in Paris.
Her loss was mourned deeply by people in Southport, who named the new Princess Diana Gardens after her. The gardens are situated in front of Southport Town Hall and The Atkinson.
DID you meet Princess Diana on one of her visits to Southport? Please share your memories and pictures by emailing us at: visiternews@southportvisiter.co.uk or message us via the Visiter Facebook page. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/history/princess-diana-goes-shopping-tesco-11821489 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/c5b8651d93ab5d764029726f37cb6ba5d928b5281bb81ff1c166ac6e5541359c.json |
[
"Southport Visiter"
] | 2016-08-30T12:50:33 | null | 2016-08-30T13:00:00 | Second-placed Rovers inflict yet another painful defeat on Andy Bishop's side | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmatch-reports%2Fsouthport-fc-cut-down-size-11816941.json | http://i1.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11817852.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97055899.jpg | en | null | Southport FC cut down to size by Forest Green | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Southport FC player/manager Andy Bishop pulled a goal back for the Sandgrounders against Forest Green Rovers, but the National League high-flyers would inflict a 5-1 defeat on the Yellows (Simon Marshall)
Forest Green Rovers 5 Southport 1
Southport slipped to their fourth away defeat of the season on another disappointing afternoon against Forest Green Rovers.
The home team took the Sandgrounders apart to inflict on them another loss as their poor start to the season continues. Having played a number of the likely contenders for promotion from the National League, August had always proved to be a difficult for Andy Bishop’s team and they will be glad to see the back of the opening month of the campaign.
Bishop himself found the target at the start of the second half to make the scoreline 2-1 but it again ended in catastrophe for Southport as their familiar frailties resurfaced.
A right-wing free-kick from Liam Noble was powered home by the head of Kieffer Moore for the opener
The home team extended their lead in the 10th minute, playmaker Mohamed Chemlal scoring from close range.
Within five minutes of the second Southport had reduced the deficit.
Ross White’s excellent right-wing cross was met by a bullet header from Bishop.
Charlie Clough headed home a corner from Noble to capitalise on the visitors’ failure to defend another set piece, before Moore added the home team’s fourth with 12 minutes remaining. And Rhys Murphy slotted home from close range to complete the scoring and consign the Sandgrounders to their heaviest defeat of the season.
Southport (4-3-2-1): Belford, White, Thompson, Howe, Ashton, Nolan, Stanley (Caton 24), G Jones, Allen (McCarthy 66), Almond, Bishop (Gray 63).Subs not used: A Jones, Royle. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/southport-fc-cut-down-size-11816941 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/a25db8d34c927feecb7f088ca8bee398c0385b321854e2a5e665d6c14ebb2d82.json |
[
"Joe Farrell"
] | 2016-08-27T14:49:44 | null | 2016-08-27T14:00:00 | Pleasure anglers drawn into the world of matchplay when out on the banks | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fgrassroots-sport%2Fcompetitive-local-anglers-catching-match-11803775.json | http://i3.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11805225.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JPR_LEC_170816Angling01jpeg.jpg | en | null | Competitive local anglers catching the match fishing bug | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Joe Farrell after winning the Winsford Flash Charity Match. He took seven bream for 22.2.0 worth £120. The Match, in aid of Prostate Cancer support, helped raised £320 on the day.
For me, match fishing in a nutshell is one of the most complicated sports in which to succeed.
Recognised as one of the country’s most popular sports, angling, like many others, is a sport that brings out that competitive edge in all of us.
I’ve noticed that even pleasure anglers are unknowingly tempted to be drawn into the race for the most or the biggest fish of the session when out on the bank. It’s cases like this that prompt those anglers to try their luck at match fishing.
Speaking to anglers last weekend, I was bombarded with questions about how to get started in the match world.
After providing budding match anglers with some basic starter information, I added the caveat that in this most complex of sports, huge amounts of skill and luck are necessary and a never-ending learning process is required in order to make a consistently good match angler.
Illustrating my point is John Easton (LAS), who paid a visit to Wigan AAs water on the Parbold length of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal last Saturday.
An experienced and successful match angler in his own right, John takes to the bank solely on the canal match scene nowadays and is a prime example of how success in this game can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
Saturday’s match saw John pegged on the Parbold town ‘wides’, and after taking a pound or so of small fish on the short line, a switch to the 13m line saw John take 11 bream to 3lb before moving onto his far side hemp fed peg at 16m to back his weight up with roach. John won the match with a total weight of 22.6.0.
On the coastline, sea anglers have enjoyed plenty of action among the Smoothhound run recently. Superb fishing has been enjoyed within the New Brighton area over the past month, with peeler crab best for good fish in double figures. However, with low tides and warmer weather, catches have been difficult as the run has come to an end.
Around and about Newsham Park, anglers have enjoyed some splendid catches of tench and bream, while the commercials are also enjoying the height of summer, with huge catches being reported.
Anglers have also reported that evenings are seeing better fish, particularly on Mescar and Rosemary Wood.
Last weekend I was delighted to take part in (and win) the Winsford Flash Charity Match in Cheshire.
Beating competition from some of the finest matchmen on the circuit, I took top honours with seven bream for 22.2.0 worth £120.
The match took place in aid of Prostate Cancer Support which raised £320 on the day.
Pleasure anglers may be interested in visiting Brookfield Fishery, Aughton. Visit brookfieldfishery.co.uk or call 07780 920227 for more information. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/sport/grassroots-sport/competitive-local-anglers-catching-match-11803775 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/bcb364c526d57098d93077ae0dec54e8124a74cb4b56e621781b00d89a700ff4.json |
[
"Paul Philbin-Sou"
] | 2016-08-30T16:50:57 | null | 2016-08-30T16:30:00 | Latest news from Sefton and West Lancashire this evening | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fvisitercouk-evening-bulletin-august-30-11818725.json | http://i3.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11818700.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Evening-Bulletin-August-30.jpg | en | null | Visiter.co.uk evening bulletin August 30 | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Here is all the latest news from Sefton and West Lancashire on Visiter.co.uk this Tuesday evening.
Cost of school dinners in Southport and Formby set to soar
Photo by Chris Radburn/PA Wire
School dinner prices across the borough are set to rise by 50p per week.
Read the full story here .
West Lancashire Libraries and children's centres to close
Parbold, Burscough and Up Holland libraries are all due to close
Libraries and children’s centres across West Lancashire are due to close after Lancashire County council seeks to make millions of pounds worth of savings.
Read the full story here .
Manchester Road traders defeat plans to restrict parking
Manchester Road traders and residents with ward councillor David Barton
Sefton Council has now pulled plans to carry out controversial parking controls on Manchester Road .
Read the full story here .
Woodlands Animal Rescue hosts family fun day
Woodlands Animal Sanctuary has helped to rescue 1,500 hedgehogs
A Holmeswood animal rescue centre is hosting its annual family fun day this weekend and is urging people to come along.
Read the full story here . | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/visitercouk-evening-bulletin-august-30-11818725 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/709212f1860dcf92a4c75a1be1208c852ae2a9db423643cff0125cd6b2cbe066.json |
[
"Tom Duffy"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:26 | null | 2016-08-31T11:29:11 | Message scrawled in black marker pen says vandals should be 'tied to the post and shot' | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fwalker-uses-graffiti-vent-fury-11822791.json | http://i1.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11822719.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/14212780_10153610829486710_4937224937556721287_n.jpg | en | null | Walker uses graffiti to vent fury on vandals who targeted Sefton coast art work | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | A walker has used a black mark pen to vent his fury after vandals damaged art work on Sefton's coastal path.
A walker has used a black mark pen to vent his fury after vandals damaged art work on Sefton's coastal path.
Glass has been smashed on the structure, which stands on the path way at Birkdale near the Weld Road car park. A walker, who spotted the damaged, scrawled a tongue in cheek message on the post which read: "The bastard who did this should be tied to this post and shot." The message appears to have written in marker pen and so can easily be cleaned off.
Phill Gregson, who worked on the art project, posted a photograph of the post on Facebook. He wrote: "I love this bit of graffiti! (It wasn't me by the way) it's so sad that some scum bag would vandalise this artwork in such a deliberate and determined way!"
A walker has used a black mark pen to vent his fury after vandals damaged art work on Sefton's coastal path.
The post is one of three wooden henges, which celebrate the flora of the surrounding hills. Sian Hughes and Sarah Jane Richards spent five months and worked with 144 people to create the six sculptures celebrating the cultural, historical and natural diversity of the stunning Sefton Coast.
Bridge Inn Community Farm, Creative Alternatives, Go With the Flow and Free Flow art groups, The Brunswick Youth Club, Natural Alternatives, Cambridge Children’s Center all took part.
The project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported by advice from shipwreck expert Martyn Griffiths, local archaeologist Ron Cowell, and The Atkinsons Joanne Chamberlain, the expert joinery skills with local wheelwright Phill Gregson and his team and has been completed working with Fiona Sunners and John Dempsey of Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership, Sefton Coast & Countryside, Natural England, The National Trust, RSPB and United Utilities.
Anyone with information about the damage should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/walker-uses-graffiti-vent-fury-11822791 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/87126aeb78e040a0e9fe37ede17b49eb66a3d3efec7913d2436547f4a102cc48.json |
[
"Kate Lally"
] | 2016-08-26T16:49:29 | null | 2016-08-26T16:26:39 | Some customers are being advised to throw their ice cream away | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fben-jerrys-ice-cream-recalled-11806095.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11806115.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/CS65041611.jpg | en | null | Ben and Jerry's ice cream recalled after metal scare | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Tubs of one of Ben and Jerry's most popular flavours of ice cream have been recalled over fears they may contain small piece of metal.
Customers are being warned to throw away certain 500ml tubs of the Cookie Dough ice cream.
Four batches of the ice cream are thought to be affected, with customers asked to check the batch numbers to see if they need to take action.
An “Important Safety Notice” from Unilever said: “The company has identified a specific production period during which Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough 500ml may have been affected and, as a precaution, everyone with a 500ml tub of Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough in their freezers at home should CHECK THE BATCH NUMBER on the bottom of their tub to make sure it’s not affected.
“And, if it matches the batch numbers listed, they SHOULD NOT EAT the product and, instead, we ask them to discard the product in the usual household bin.”
There are four different batches of the ice cream thought to be affected. Customers can check the batch numbers printed at the bottom of their pots.
The “important safety warning” affects batches L62110L011, L62111L011, L62112L011 and L62113L011.
If you have bought a product with the batch codes listed, dispose of the product and contact the Ben & Jerry’s customer care line on 0800 146 252 with the details written on the bottom of the tub. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/ben-jerrys-ice-cream-recalled-11806095 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/7572ffa2baf23b4d49f74f6e14f8164611f5aa884b74d0b66250437a438e69c8.json |
[
"Tom Duffy"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:11 | null | 2016-08-26T09:56:40 | Liverpool man was a popular worker at the Shorrocks Hill estate | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Ffirst-floral-tributes-formby-fire-11802800.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11802803.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/CLP_LEC_260816fire_04JPG.jpg | en | null | First floral tributes to Formby fire victim Andrew Coogan appear at Shorrocks Hill | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Scene at Shorrocks Hill Stables, Formby after fatal fire and floral tribute.
Floral tributes have begun to appear at the country club where a Liverpool man died in a stables fire.
Police found Andrew Coogan’s body at the scene after a fire tore through the stables at Shorrocks Hill in Formby. The fire destroyed the stables and killed eight horses.
The first tributes have now begun began to appear at the exclusive country club off Lifeboat Road.
One read: “You’ll be sadly missed from Marie, Terry & frontline paintball.”
Scene at Shorrocks Hill Stables, Formby after fatal fire and floral tribute.
Visiter.co.uk understands that Mr Coogan’s sister ran the stables off Lifeboat Road in Formby. He had worked at the stables for some time, and was a very popular worker on the estate where he helped out.
Mr Coogan is believed to be from north Liverpool.
The emergency services were called to the scene at around 5.40am on Thursday morning following reports of a fire.
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A spokesman for the Ascot Property Group, which owns the 50-acre site said: “Everyone at Ascot is absolutely devastated.
“We know the people who run the stables well. We are all heartbroken for their loss.”
A joint police and fire service investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
No-one else was reported injured.
A police spokesman confirmed: “The man who died in a fire at Shorrocks Hill in Formby earlier today is believed to be Andrew Coogan.”
They said his family have been spoken to but no formal identification had yet taken place. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/first-floral-tributes-formby-fire-11802800 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/bbff5a939ee4cf3b55228c096c849b9c1c3c7070455007e4e5d2de44b6b7fa78.json |
[
"Sophie Mccoid",
"Kate Lally"
] | 2016-08-31T14:50:47 | null | 2016-08-31T15:30:00 | The centre will host a range of activities for kids and adults | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-jump-warehouse-opening-date-11823116.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11823231.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/jump-3.jpg | en | null | Southport Jump Warehouse opening date revealed | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | The largest trampoline park in the UK will open its doors in Southport this month.
Jump Warehouse will feature 1,237m2 of trampoline floors and walls, as well as an upstairs café and public viewing area, and will be open to people of all ages, with special sessions for children under five years old and fitness classes for adults.
The site, at Unit 31 Slaidburn Industrial Estate, has been vacant since 2014.
Southport's Jump Warehouse. Pic by Graham Moreton of Tarleton Photography
The new Jump Warehouse will open on Saturday, September 10.
General Manager Shelley Ball said: “We are really excited for the opening day, we’ve had a few delays, but now we’re really looking forward to opening to the people of Southport.
“There’s been lots of interest in the new park and we can’t wait to open our doors.
“It’s been a busy few weeks, but the final preparations are underway for September 10 and they’ll be lots going on during the day.
“People think it’s just trampolining, but its so much more than that, we’re running dodge ball and basketball sessions and exercise classes.
“We really want to be a part of the community and we’re currently in talks with special needs children’s groups to provide sessions for them.
“We’re also going to be working with two local schools for their enrichment days.”
Southport's Jump Warehouse. Pic by Graham Moreton of Tarleton Photography
Plans are also in place to host a Friday night disco for teenagers, with a 5-7pm session for younger teens and a 7-10 disco for older teens, hosted by a Sandgrounder Radio DJ.
Jump Warehouse group currently has parks in Warrington and Great Yarmouth.
The Southport branch is thought to have brought more than 30 new jobs to the town.
The centre accommodates up to 60 people at a time, and will host birthday parties and parkour-style freestyle sessions where jumpers can use angled walls, roll-over platforms and a soft landing area to practice more adventurous flips and tricks.
Shelley continued: “We’ve also got big plans for our cafe, lots of venues just sell burgers and chips, but we want to have healthy specials, that fit in with our exercise classes and other sessions.
“We’re looking at having a smoothie of the day and other healthy treats.”
There is a total of 30 car parking spaces, including two disabled bays.
For more information go to the Jump Warehouse Facebook Page, or email jumpwarehousesouthport@gmail.com or call: 01704 222915. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-jump-warehouse-opening-date-11823116 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/450490ea5d0f90eb69e4120bbd3b5009404d4f4feb0a6f84ede50e0117d400f7.json |
[
"Kate Lally"
] | 2016-08-29T14:50:22 | null | 2016-08-29T14:58:46 | The sports store and gym have opened this weekend - with USC and Flannels to follow | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Fsouthports-new-sports-direct-open-11815116.json | http://i2.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11815178.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/sportsd.jpg | en | null | Southport's new Sports Direct is open for business | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | The development is believed to have cost millions of pounds to develop and will create 50 jobs.
Sports Direct and the new Everlast gym have opened on Tulketh Street in Southport.
The new development will incorporate a Sports Direct megastore, a gym, a USC and designer store Flannels.
The development is believed to have cost millions of pounds to develop and will create 50 jobs.
Flannels is expected to open at the end of September.
Everlast gym, which is offering memberships for as little as £5 a month, posted on social media: "And we’re in!
"There’s still a little bit of work to do but we’re here in our new Everlast Fitness Club on Tulketh Street!
"Come in and take a look around."
Gym members will get two hours free parking at the car park located on the roof of the building.
A spokesperson for SportsDirect.com said: “We are really proud to open this new, ‘first of its kind’ shopping complex in Southport.
“Our customers will get the biggest brands in sportswear, sports equipment and fashion under one roof.
“As we continue to grow throughout the UK, our ethos and commitment remains the same.
“We offer customers the biggest and best brands at guaranteed low prices.” | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/southports-new-sports-direct-open-11815116 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/024554f61a2fe8c7f449a49e526586930cb994c72a93242c2d86dc565ebe2e36.json |
[
"Sophie Mccoid-Sou"
] | 2016-08-26T16:48:53 | null | 2016-08-26T16:02:08 | Officers confiscated a dog and vehicle from the poachers | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fwest-lancashire-poachers-caught-red-11805807.json | http://i1.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11805856.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/FotorCreated-1.jpg | en | null | West Lancashire poachers caught red-handed by police | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Poachers were caught red-handed by West Lancashire police this week.
A local game keeper reported four men coursing hares on his land with two dogs to the wildlife officer, who sprung into action.
The vehicle the offenders arrived in was already being sought by the officer after it had previously been seen in suspicious circumstances and causing damage to land and property.
The vehicle and occupants were located near to the Merseyside border.
Under the Poaching Act, vehicles, items and dogs used for poaching can be seized by police which is what happened in this case.
A small amount of cannabis was also found in the vehicle and the occupants details were taken before they took a taxi home and they will be summonsed to court for their efforts.
A police spokesperson said: "Please keep your calls coming in so we can continue to protect our rural spaces." | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/west-lancashire-poachers-caught-red-11805807 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/fcf9b6e257dd71671516cca5fb8189ca82b05c754a5e96b44f5f96bdb2df8b33.json |
[
"Kate Lally"
] | 2016-08-26T14:50:11 | null | 2016-08-26T14:53:57 | Fire engines were called to Mecca this afternoon for a full evacuation | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fyou-couldnt-play-bingo-lord-11805134.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11805188.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/mecca.jpg | en | null | This is why you couldn't play bingo on Lord Street this afternoon | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Fire crews rushed to Lord Street this afternoon and staff and customers were evacuated from Mecca Bingo.
The bingo club, on Garrick Parade set behind Lord Street, had to be evacuated for safety reasons, after a fuse board overheated.
Firefighters advised staff to call an electrician to fix the fault, and it is now thought that all staff have reentered the building.
The team at Mecca Bingo Southport declined to comment.
The popular bingo hall opens its doors from 11am everyday. The club, a well-maintaned old theatre, provides seating for more than 1000 people.
It is unknown how many customers were at the bingo hall when the evacuation took place.
To keep up to date with all of the latest news, views and opinions from across Southport and West Lancashire, follow Visiter.co.uk on Twitter or 'like' us on Facebook | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/you-couldnt-play-bingo-lord-11805134 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/68fc2138d048facee6496a10bec27bb5291e8e4123390172a3c7a5b92dbc285a.json |
[
"Sophie Mccoid-Sou"
] | 2016-08-31T14:51:09 | null | 2016-08-31T14:17:38 | The application system goes live on September 1 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fwest-lancashire-school-applications-go-11824154.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article7410892.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS26980822.jpg | en | null | West Lancashire school applications go online | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Online applications for West Lancashire school places go live tomorrow, Thursday 1 September.
Last year 95% of parents applied online for primary and secondary school places.
County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "The number of people who chose to apply online last year was really high.
"It really is a quick, easy and secure way to apply for school places.
"I would encourage parents to go online as soon as possible after the application process goes live on 1 September, so they can familiarise themselves with the process and take a look at the admissions criteria of the schools they're considering.
"Unfortunately some applications come in late every year and these simply can't be considered at the same time as those we receive on time. So it is much better to be prepared early, rather than rushing your application close to the deadline. This way there is time to spare to sort out any problems or get any advice.
"It is important to remember as well that having a child already at a school does not automatically mean that a brother or sister will be allocated a place – you must still apply."
Applications open on 1 September and the closing dates are 31 October 2016 for secondary schools, and 15 January 2017 for primary schools.
Children start primary school in the September after their fourth birthday.
Parents can also call: 01772 532191 or 01772 532190 if you live in Preston, Chorley, South Ribble or West Lancashire . | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/west-lancashire-school-applications-go-11824154 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/84cf9de6b0df943fd3a497a5a7ff2cb32bee431a83450c5731b77177b6094514.json |
[
"Southportvisiter Administrator",
"Southport Visiter"
] | 2016-08-26T16:50:20 | null | 2016-08-26T16:00:00 | Lesley Yates-Cinti shares her recipe for the 1970s dessert | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Frecipe-week-ginger-pineapple-baked-11794054.json | http://i1.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11794044.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS18556958.jpg | en | null | Recipe of the week - Ginger and Pineapple Baked Alaska | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | With the lovely Mary Berry back on our screens, l thought l would share this challenging but fun, extremely impressive 1970s dessert with the ‘wow’ factor!
Imagine… crispy, hot meringue covering a frozen ice cream cake – surprisingly it’s incredibly quick and simple to produce and this pudding looks and tastes really amazing, making it the perfect ‘retro’ dessert for entertaining!
Ingredients:
6 egg whites
150g caster sugar
25g desiccated coconut
240g ginger (or chocolate) cake
6 pineapple rings drained
25g demerara sugar
300g rectangle block of vanilla ice cream (not soft scoop)
Fruit for decoration (ie strawberries, figs, cherries etc)
You will need a 10” oblong pyrex dish.
Recipe:
Preheat the oven to 220
°C. Sprinkle the demerara over the pineapple and grill to soften, then cool.
Meanwhile whisk the egg whites in a grease-proof bowl, gradually add the caster sugar until the mixture is stiff and glossy, fold the coconut into the meringue.
Arrange three of the cooled down pineapple rings in the centre of your pyrex.
Slice the ice cream in half horizontally and arrange one half on top of the rings.
Cut the cake into two thick rectangular layers and place half on top of the ice cream.
Repeat this layering process by topping the cake with the remaining pineapple, next ice cream then ginger cake.
Spread the coconut meringue over the top of your cake - carefully sealing it all around to ensure thorough coverage - none of the ice cream must be exposed to avoid any melting.
Bake your ‘cake’ in the centre of the oven for 10 minutes or until golden on top.
Serve quickly and enjoy!
Lesley and her husband Roberto own Roberto’s Italian Diner on Ocean Plaza. For more of Lesley’s recipes, pop by and say hello or go to www.ritaliandiner.co.uk | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/recipe-week-ginger-pineapple-baked-11794054 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/6b4e0f5c0f7904a9906c58acb507f2916d1ece69810b9efa2059b9d86a52b00a.json |
[
"Andrew Brown"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:32 | null | 2016-08-25T21:56:08 | Rail services between Southport and Formby suspended after acciident | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fmerseyrail-train-collides-car-level-11802253.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11802314.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/CRASH.jpg | en | null | Merseyrail train collides with car at level crossing in Southport | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | The scene of the crash in Southport
A train has tonight collided with a car at a level crossing in Southport.
The Merseyrail train, travelling on the Northern Line between Southport and Liverpool, is believed to have collided with a vehicle on the unmanned crossing.
Services in both directions are currently suspended due to the collision.
A Merseyrail train has collided with a car on a level crossing on Crescent Road,Southport. The Emergency services help passengers leave the train.
Emergency services and British Transport Police are currently at the scene.
A number of services have been cancelled, including the 10.13pm, 10.28pm and the 10.43pm between Southport and Liverpool Hunts Cross.
Rail replacement buses are now in operation for affected passengers.
Elinor Pedlar Ball is among rail passengers affected.
She said: "I was on the train behind that train - sounds like the car was pushed a few 100 yards down the track and they're now trying to get it off - I'm now on a bus service."
Carolyn Gorman said: "I heard it happen - we were playing tennis at Southport & Birkdale Sports Club and heard the collision, but no idea about whether there are any casualties."
Police at the scene of the train collision with a car at the level crossing in Southport
Visiter reporter Fran Fitzsimmons at the scene said: "This is the back of the train still on the tracks so it looks like the car has come across the front of the train.
"There is a lot of movement inside the train from firemen, but all the passengers have left the train now.
"The driver of the car has walked away and was being treated for shock by paramedics. It is a miracle he wasn’t more badly hurt."
She added: "Two women who were on the train said they just felt "a little jolt". One said: "There was just like a little bump. People started asking what was going on. Then someone came on over the tannoy and said to stay seated.
"Another woman said: "My grandson was on the train too. He started crying when he heard the noise and said he wasn't getting on a train again.
"Another passenger said: "I was at the back so I don't know what happened. I think something happened with the car and it came across the tracks."
Southport Mighty Radio's Andrew Hegarty said he spoke to the driver of the car. The presenter said the driver told him: "I just turned onto the track by mistake. I've been driving for 25 years and never had an accident."
A Merseyrail spokesman said: “Due to a collision in the Hillside area, services are currently suspended between Southport and Formby.
“Updates to follow.”
Due to a collision in the Hillside area, services are currently suspended between Southport and Formby. Updates to follow. — Merseyrail (@merseyrail) August 25, 2016
They added: "Following tonight's incident at Crescent Road Crossing, initial reports from site say that no body has been hurt."
Merseyrail issued the warning at 9.43pm this evening (Thursday).
There are not believed to have been any casualties occurring as a result of the incident, though nothing has yet been confirmed.
Merseyrail will provide updates on the collision, and on rail services shortly.
DID you see the collision happen? Were you on board the train?
Please email the Visiter at: visiternews@southportvisiter.co.uk or message us via the Visiter page on Facebook. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/merseyrail-train-collides-car-level-11802253 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/a64cfbb71c46cedbd4e4b93a276bdd04e32c5bf7c49e2f858f15ac2d0b5c3bdc.json |
[
"Sophie Mccoid-Sou"
] | 2016-08-30T14:50:54 | null | 2016-08-30T14:30:22 | Police are appealing for witnesses after the burglary on Thursday night | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fair-rifle-quad-bikes-stolen-11818897.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11818975.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/the-entrance-to-stanley-gate.jpg | en | null | Air rifle and quad bikes stolen from West Lancashire garden centre | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Quad bikes and an air rifle were stolen from a West Lancashire garden centre last week.
Police were called to Stanley Gate Nursery in Bickerstaffe on Friday morning, following a burglary overnight.
The theft is believed to have taken place between midnight and 7:20am on Friday morning.
Officers found a padlocked greenhouse had been broken into and property stolen from within by thieves.
Among the loot taken was a blue and white quad bike worth £750, a red quad bike worth £100, an air rifle and a gazebo.
No arrests have yet been made and Lancashire police are appealing for information.
If anyone has any information they are asked to call police on 101, quoting crime reference number: SB1603488, alternatively you can contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/air-rifle-quad-bikes-stolen-11818897 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/cec760c56fc5580168a09621ad7f2e06566a046a6166f78f921ab400ab7dae65.json |
[
"Andrew Brown"
] | 2016-08-29T22:50:25 | null | 2016-08-29T21:58:07 | Can you help? Did you see theft or have you seen any of these tools? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fgardener-appeals-help-after-thieves-11816449.json | http://i4.southportvisiter.co.uk/incoming/article11816448.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/MARTINMERE.jpg | en | null | Gardener appeals for help after thieves steal tools at Martin Mere in Burscough | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | A Southport gardener is appealing for people’s help after thieves broke into his van and stole valuable tools.
Mark Barton, owner of Mark Barton Gardens, was parked in the car park at WWT Marin Mere wetland nature reserve on Fish Lane in Burscough today as he enjoyed a family day out on Bank Holiday Monday.
But the family were distraught to return to the silver crew cab transit van at the end of their trip only to discover that thieves had broken in and stolen equipment from inside, which is vital to Mark’s work.
Now the family are appealing to people to look out for the stolen tools, and asking for anyone who might have seen the theft happening - in a busy car park during braod daylight - to get in touch.
Tools which were stolen from the van include a Stihl blower, A Stihl strimmer, A Makita 9 inch wizzer and a makita cordless drill.
Mark’s partner Laura said: “We were on a family day. We had a lovely day until it was time to go home.
“Mark went to put the pram in the back of the van and all his power tools were gone.
“We think they were in a car as his lawnmower wasn’t taken, as it’s quite big and heavy, or they where watching and had someone coming for it, we don’t know.
“It was between 10.30am and 2.30pm today (August Bank Holiday Monday).
“You just don’t expect to be robbed going on a family day out to Martin Mere.”
If you have any information about the thefts please message the family by Facebook here or call Lancashire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/gardener-appeals-help-after-thieves-11816449 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/56bb3bff36b84ddd147e60a64aec69168e38946da504c9ce637d3abb83a35907.json |
[
"Community Contributor"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:02 | null | 2016-08-28T11:30:00 | The event will be held at the Ramada Hotel on November 11 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthports-ramada-plaza-host-celebrity-11794134.json | http://i1.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11794127.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97844922.jpg | en | null | Southport's Ramada Plaza to host celebrity darts night for Community Link Foundation | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | Southport Visiter editor Andrew Brown, left; Anthony James estate agents owner Mark Cunningham; and Ramada Plaza Hotel general manager and CLF chairman Enda Rylands with the sponsorship for the Community Link Foundation darts event
Community Link Foundation is organising a celebrity darts night this autumn and it’s set to be an ace night!
David Barron, an ambassador of Community Link Foundation is hosting the event which will be held at the Ramada Hotel on Friday, November 11.
Community Link Foundation is very grateful to Mark and Lyn Cunningham from Anthony James Estate Agents who have sponsored the event for £7,500.
Their generosity means that the evening will truly be a night to remember.
The voice of darts, Russ Bray, will be the MC for the night, along with dancers to entertain the audience.
There are 16 tables of ten available but tickets are selling extremely quickly.
Each table will need to nominate one darts player to take part.
There will be a knockout tournament with every game 301, last 16, last eight, last four and then the Grand Final.
The winner will receive a trophy and £1,000 prize money.
The other nine guests are encouraged to get in the spirit of things with fancy dress of their choice. The evening will begin with a three course meal and finish with a disco with Jeff Wall.
Enda Rylands, chairman of Community Link Foundation, said: “We are very grateful to Anthony James Estate Agents for their generous sponsorship of this event. It means that money raised on the night can go directly to Community Link Foundation to distribute to local people and organisations.
“We are pleased with how popular this event has been so far and we are sure it’s going to be a great night for everyone!”
If you would like more information about the event, call Enda Rylands on 07913 253872.
For more information about Community Link Foundation, click here | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southports-ramada-plaza-host-celebrity-11794134 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/79a6cf776a85288cc668247c1187b5aa9aa0fb66f3c6b08ec9fd0d7f0c3be181.json |
[
"Kate Lally"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:24 | null | 2016-08-30T11:47:24 | Parents will have to fork out as meals go up by eight times the rate of inflation | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southportvisiter.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsouthport-west-lancs%2Fcost-school-dinners-southport-formby-11817680.json | http://i1.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article10149879.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS36624768.jpg | en | null | Cost of school dinners in Southport and Formby set to soar | null | null | www.southportvisiter.co.uk | School dinner prices across the borough are set to rise by 50p per week.
Unions and campaigners fear take-up rates will tumble, leaving some kids without a healthy meal each day.
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “We know schoolchildren who eat healthy meals get the best out of lessons.
“The Government should be investing in school meals, not forcing schools to put up the price. Kids will be robbed of the chance of a decent meal.”
School meals in Sefton will rise by 10p. The daily costs are now £2 for primary schools and £2.20 for secondary schools.
The rise is almost eight times the 0.6 per cent rate of inflation as measured by the consumer prices index.
Schools blame food and energy prices and the impact of the new living wage on labour costs.
What do you think? Tell us in the comments below or email kate.lally@trinitymirror.com | http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/cost-school-dinners-southport-formby-11817680 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.southportvisiter.co.uk/a4cb795441c4f6f445b6b86ae17074a71693877a0e13fbeb96a3ddeba7c2a5b0.json |
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