OPINION Castlégar News PAGE A4, SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1991 MEMBER OF THE B.C. PRESS COUNCIL ESTABLISHED AUGUST 7, 1947 TWICE WEEKLY MAY 4, 1980 ‘THE MID-WEEK ISHED SEPTEMBER 12, 1978:-AUGUST 27, 1980 L.V. CAMPBELL — PUBLISHER, AUGUST 7, 1947-PEBRUARY 15, 1973 PUBLISHER — Burt Campbell EDITOR — Simon Birch ATi OFFICE MANAGER — Linda Kositsin CIRCULATION MANAGER — Heather Hadley EDITORIAL Heritage society deserves help The news this week that the future of the Castlegar and District Heritage Society is in some jeopardy is worrisome. A lack of new members and inactive members has opened up the possibility that the heritage society might fold and perhaps regress to the status of an advisory committee to Castlegar city council from which it evolved. Because of the lack of help, the bulk of the heritage society's work has been performed by a dedicated core group of heritage buffs whose accomplishments shouldn't be taken for granted by the people of Castlegar. Without the work of people like John Charters, current heritage SN ™ an & ae J LETTERS TO THE EDITOR society president Sherrel Koreen and their hard. king Zuckerberg Island would still be an overgrown jungle and the Castlegar Rail Station would long ago have been torn down, a piece of this city’s heritage lost forever. And Castlegar isn’t Nelson. We don’t have a heck of a lot of itage buildings to preserve, which means the little bit we do have is woith that much more. But this isn’t a dollars and cents issue, although, sadly, it may come‘down to that if the City of Castlegar is put in a position of having to take over responsibility of the island and the station. The city, which would not be eligible for the grants and programs the heritage society is, is unlikely to be willing to take on the annual expense of maintaining and operating the island and the station. Some members of the heritage society do not want it said — and we can’t emphasize enough that this is a worst-case scenario and is nowhere near a probability yet — but the city could ultimately sell Zuckerberg Island and the rail station. That would be a black day in Castlegar history and we wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of council members the day after they make a decision like that. But there’s much that can be done to prevent thas scenario from ever being considered. The simplest solution is to join the heritage society and get your hands dirty — help the society with some of its work. It will be interesting to watch how this problem is resolved and who helps solve it. We may be way off base here but. we wouldn’t be surprised if the salvation of the heritage society — and hence Castlegar’s heritage — is found among some of the new residents of Gastlegar who will be attracted here because of the Celgar pulp mill project. In a way, the heritage society’s problems mirror an attitude prevalent in this city — that Castlegar is Castlegar and there’ not much anyone can do about it. But that’s changing. New people bring new ideas and a fresh outlook on life including, perhaps, greater emphasis on the need to protect heritage. It’s not a contradiction in terms to protect heritage as part of progress. In fact, we would argue that protecting heritage is an in- tegral part of enlightened progress. ‘We hope the heritage society succeeds in getting that point across to more people. It would be a shame to see the society fold after so much hard work. Both sides selling snake oil The Nature of Things special TV show, Voices in the Forest, created a brief media stir as the forest industry demanded equal time, citing bias in the show. CBC radio got the producer of the show and a representative of the forest industry and set up a debate, billing it as ‘‘both sides are talking forests forever,’’ asking listeners to tune in to hear more. I concluded that both sides in this debate are selling snake oil. I once sent Suzuki a drawing of his face, with a slogan underneath it saying, ‘‘It's Not a Matter of Survival,”’ criticizing a public appearance he made raising money to buy a piece of rainforest in order to ‘‘save it forever.”” The drawing had his hair styled in an “‘Einstein’’ look, and I wrote of my great respect for his work, but I questioned whether it is responsible to reinforce public denial with this plan for “Forever,” when by his Own estimate we have only 10 years left to completely alter qur lives arid work to give the planet a chance. Rainforests need a yiable planetary system to live in. He wrote back: ‘‘We’re trying to buy time.’’ Adam Zimmerman, chief executive officer of Noranda, often represents the forest industry in environmental debate. When I debated hj Globe 90 in Vancouver what was clear was that he saw no way to bring the Chinese to the/negotiating ‘to maintain or increase our with the Chinese means a reduction. He understood that failure in global negotiations means steady and perhaps sometimes sudden degradation of the life support capacity of the planet, and in particular that accelerated global kind of sophisticated, decadent fantasy. No wonder the loggers on the show said they weren’t going to accept the line of the tourist operators that loggers were dinosaurs and might as well get out of the way. What for? The tourist warming clearly the existence of forests all over the world. Any debate that demands loggers suffer because of what will happen after three clearcut rotations 240 years from now and leaves out any demands for everyone else to completely change their lives to head off what will happen over the next few decades as the climate changes is some Compassion Hurray for Simon Birch and the Castlegar News for putting Premier Vander Zalm on the spot! Contrary to what he and his side-kick Howard Dirks would have us believe, the Robson ferry is far from being a ‘‘dead issue.” (Dirks’ remark about the time the ferry was whisked away to his riding.) It’s interesting that the premier, with an election unavoidable and his popularity at an ebb, is now enlightened and sympathetic to the needs of this community. Where was his compassion ~ when we beseeched him to restore the ferry? His knowledge is not new-found; the-case was clearly id by a petition of by dozens of letters from businesses, organizations and individuals. Even his own party expressed in the possible terms its support for the jereas are as much as loggers. Suzuki and Zimmerman are cranking out a political line for some immediately perceived interest, while rei it i denial that we face the gravest crisis of history. David Lewis Crescent Valley comes late continued operation of the Robson ferry. Moral obligation has nothing to do with the actions of Mr. Vander Zalm when it comes to the Robson ferry. It served the premier’s interest when he personally commissioned the Action Group (now disbanded, its purpose fulfilled) whose report initiated the closure of the ferry. It now serves his interest to hold out an olive branch at election time, in the form of a bridge. A rather transparent offering, but in keeping with the individual’s style. Don’t get me wrong. I applaud the prospect of a bridge linking Robson and Castlegar. (Bridges are much less apt to disappear in the night.) Just don’t expect me to vote Social Credit with Vander Zalm at the helm. George Stein Robson There’s something about wild, rugged and beautiful places that seems to attract the adventurous, unusual and creative souls of human society. 1 have no statistics or studies to support this perception, just a sense of the chemistry that links certain people with certain places. Everything I’ve heard and read about the Slocan Valley my ion that i influences, inspires and reflects its human inhabitants. The Kootenays are reputed to have ‘‘the highest concentration of creative people in Canada.”’ A history of Silverton and New Denver richly details the adventurous spirit of its pioneers. Jeremy Roht is a relative newcomer to the Slocan Valley, but he appeals to me as part of the tradition of adventurous, unusual and creative people who have found their niche in a landscape which challenges people to be all of those things. Jeremy came to The Valley to visit his sister, spent a winter, and last year bought an irresistibly affordable, rustic house in Perry Siding (between Slocan and Winlaw). He moved to The Valley, he says, because he couldn’t bear the thought of another winter in his hometown — Toronto. When I ask what he does in The Valley, Jeremy tells me he’s a ‘‘musher.’’ Given the resource basis of work in B.C., this could mean making porridge out of wood chips. Nothing so controversial as that. Jeremy Roht spends a lot of time standing on the skinny runners of a sled pulled by a team of dogs. That’s in the winter. In the summer, he might be working in the Arctic jumping out of airplanes into forest fires. In between, he combines an interest in Viking myths and Inuit shamanism with his talents as a soapstone sculpture and creator of ‘personal ornamentation.’’ None of this sounds like any guys I ever knew who claimed Toronto as their hometown, but it does reflect the adventurous, unusual and creative combination I’ve come to associate with more than a few residents of The Valley. I’m especially curious about mushing, because — as far as Jeremy knows — there might be only one other person in The Valley who runs around on a dog- drawn sled. During the nine years he worked in the bush, in charge of a fire crew based out of Inuvik, Jeremy’s native and non-native friends influenced his use of this traditional transportation. I Catherine Shapcott I consider the benefits of getting around The Valley by dog sled to be the fresh air, the scenery, the savings on gas and insurance compared to a few bags of dog chow. Jeremy would like to find a way of commuting to Nelson by dog sled using the rail line, but has had to content himself exploring old logging roads. “I’ve never liked snowmobiles,"” he says. ‘‘This is my response to pollution.’” It is also his response to winter recreation. There’s nothing better when the snow conditions are right, it seems, than getting together his tent, sleeping bag, axe and a mess of dog food, putting the pooches in harness, and hitting the backcountry. It’s not without appeal, yet I can’t help wondering ‘why a guy with such disarmingly good looks seems to have gone so totally to the dogs. “‘Dogs can go for miles and miles, days and days. Dogs don’t get lost. And a dog will save your life, in a way that a snowmobile won’t,’’ says Jeremy. Practical reasons aside, mushing is something Jeremy does because ‘‘it's a passion.”’ It’s also ‘‘a commitment to a living thing. The pups cheer me up when I'm the dogs offer i love.”” » I’m curious to meet the menagerie, but especially to experience mushing for myself. Out in the yard, where Jeremy is putting the Odin, Gumboot and Chicken — are tumbling about, awaiting their promotion to sled duty. Musher's winter recreation goes to the dogs Flash, who has one eye that’s blue and another that’s brown. There’s Regina and Winnipeg, and the lead dog, Mars — named not after the chocolate bar, but the Greek god. When they’re finally hitched up to the sled, bracing for Jeremy to give the ‘‘let’s go”’ start command, visions of Donner, Dancer, Cupid, Comet, Blitzen and the rest of the reindeer gang are suddenly dancing in my head. The analogy stops short at the driver, who — unlike St. Nick — is catapulted across a field by the enthusiasm of doggies who've been grounded bya week of bad weather. When Jeremy takes a tumble, and the dogs decide to substitute serious wrestling for mushing, I re-evaluate my own spirit of adventure. He tells me it’s not supposed to happen this way. You never let 80 of the sled, and the dogs aren't expected to do impressions of a pit bull. Jeremy insists dog-sledding is no more dangerous than horseback riding or skiing. Snow conditions Preclude a tour around the property, but I can at least hitch a ride from the driveway to the backyard. The most rambunctious members of the team have been retired for my debut as a masher, and I'm responsible for steering only three dogs. Like horses mounted by novice riders, the dogs sense I hardly know the difference between ‘Gee’ (right) and “Ha” (left), so they go straight. The Pace is so languid, I can only speculate on the Passion which dog-sledding might inspire. about him that suggests ‘‘nobody’s home.’ Bx for the lead dog, which must be capable of niet and following orders, Jeremy actually pref whether dog-sledding bea age snp of the “‘tourist potential’’ ohare many believe is the inevitable direction Kootenay area. peer en of experience that fits tae {Pinit of the place — and all those who are drawn LOCAL NEWS GIFTS GALORE the Kiv A of ph sete 4 hyena te «sat danni bagel fm serpent y: Prizes were di REMEMBER WHEN -—FROM OUR MEAT DEPT.— ROAST Previously Frozen At SAFEWAY Pork Butt ‘ Fresh Spring SALMON or Cohoe 2-4 Ibs. 88¢/100 g. Bone-in $2.60/kg. Black Forest Ham Meatloaf 1? .79 #@ YEARS AGO From the March 1, 1951 Castle News Adam Berg and Griffiths contrac- tors won the contract for the leveling, grading and graveling of the Castlegar Airport last Thursday, with a low bid of $18,926. The award was made by the 15 YEARS AGO From the March 4, 1976 News Selkirk College is feeling a finan- cial pinch but principal Mitch An- derson says ‘‘no way are we going out of business”’ and while there is a financial crunch on “‘we’ll be around for many years to com Castlegar Airport C i J. Kary of Nelson, Mrs. B. Morrice of Kinnaird and Mr. R.A.D. West of Castlegar, who declared themselves well pleased with the bid. Since the federal government grant is for $25,000, this means that the Committee has over $6,000 for extra improvements. . * 7 Last year was the safest on record for the 9,000 employees of the Con- solidated Mining and Smelting Company, according to. figures released. The biggest gain in safety was made by the 5,000 employees at the Trail plants. There, the accident rate dropped 33 per cent, with a new low of one accident for every 67,000 hours worked being set. This amount to about one accident for every 30 years of work per employee. Stanley Humphries Secondary school was emptied of its 761 studen- ts and 38 teachers and office staff for 35 minutes last Friday afternoon following a report that a bomb had been planted in the school. The Call was made to the local RCMP office at 8:07 that morning by a youth who said the bomb was set to go off at 1:36 that afternoon. The local detachment immediately got in touch with the RCMP’s famous D-squad at Nelson who sent four men to Castlegar. . . About 80 families in the Pass Creek area are up in arms over the condition of the only road serving the valley. Spokesman C.E. Marr told the ‘Castlegar News last week that he has travelled rough roads all over Canada ‘‘but no where.is there one as bad as the Pass Creek road.”’ He said the highways department “does a fairly good job in winter of plowing,”’ but has done little about putting down gravel to combat the mud now forming with the spring break up. & Caesar Salad!” © STEAKS ® SEAFOOD © POULTRY HOURS: LUNCH: Mon.-Sat, 11:18 6. DINNER: Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m. 646 Boker St.; Nelson — The depi of jon has made a major change. In the past, funds were allocated to Selkirk College in a lump sum to be ad- ministered. Now, in this time of tight money, the government is exercising more control over the dollar by ear- marking ¢ach amount for its par- ticular department and/or function. . . . Selkirk Saints hockey team won third place in the Molson’s In- vitational Junior Hockey Tour- nament played the weekend of Feb. 20-21 in Kamloops. The Saints won three games.and lost one during the four-day tournament. Selkirk defeated Olds Jiénior College Broncos 17-3 in their first game but lost to the tournament winners, St. Clair Junior College from Windsor, Ont., 6-3 on Friday night. - 5 YEARS AGO From the March 2, 1986 Castlegar News Castlegar council has rejected a Ministry of Highways proposal for a new four-way stoplight on Highway 3 near the CP Rail overpass. The light was included in the latest ministry plan to upgrade the inter- change at Columbia Avenue and ~- Highway 3. Also included in the plan is a Proposal to move the present light on Columbia Avenue at the interchange south to a new location near the old Valley Maid store. A Canoe, B.C. firm has been awarded the $726,000 contract to construct the Arrow Forest District’s new office buildings. E and D Smith Contracting won the award and is expected to start work any time, weather permitting. “Real °F’state WITH BARRY BROWN HOW TO GET THE MOST MONEY FOR YOUR HOME. Home sellers should concentrate on §) Check the roof for missing improving the first impression the shingles and fill In those gaps. home makes on potential buyers to The Id be aware of “buyer improve the chances of selling Home. psychology" 11’ sale: negotiations: if : the home appears to be in a state of Put yourself in the shoes of the buyer disrepair. the buyer will tend to and ask what effect o poor first im- deduct supposed repair costs from pression would have on your the asking price. In fact the buye ultimate decision regarding the — Will likely try pect sare a Hy obvious costs in case he or she missed something or underestimated costs, Buyers want a clean home so make sure your's sparkles. Most real estate agents can supply you with o checklist to ensure your home shows its best. Hf there ts anything | can do to help you in the field of real estate. please call or drop in at NATIONAL REAL ESTATE SE t « it conveys the idea thet the home's 3) See thet the gutters and down- spouts are in good repair. Mountainview Agencies Ltd. 4) Repair or replece shutters or 1695 Columbia Ave., awnings where necessary. 365-2111 or 365-2757 BUSINESS SUCCESS FOR WOMEN The 1990s will pr opportuni- ties for women, as a growing number respond to the of and pr This is to help at all stages of their careers the skills y for 9 success in today’s competitive environment, and pro- vides a forum for sharing information and ideas, and vlptsp events and “ Venue: Fireside Motor Inn, Castlegar Date: 13 March, 1991 Fees: $125, or $100 if postmarked on or before 6 March. GST is additional. Your fee includes continental breakfast, luncheon, all workshop materials and closing reception. Further information: Telephone 426 7241 or contact Barb Péabody at the Federal Business Development Bank, 30 South 11th ‘Avenue, Cranbrook BC, V1C 2P1 for a conference brochure. Keynote speaker: Ann Coombs Ann is President of her own com- Pany, one of North Amenca’s most respected marketing services. Her experience in the retail industry spans over 20 years. A dynamic speaker, she travels constantly, gathering ideas for her daily radio show, and Gelivering inspirational seminars to Companies across North America 99UIJ8JUOD GRAPES. PE ..87 ..89 PICK OF THE CROP Anjou RS $1.96/kg. Red Seediess $1.92kg. “BUNS FRESH BAKED Kaiser awe BREAD 450 gram 6 For 99 99 SUNLIGHT DETERGENT 6*5 EMPRESS MARG. 1.36 kg. 4 76 10 Litre - Robin Hood 498 OVENJOY BREAD 570G. Flour 10 kg. Bag TOMATO Town House 1.361. Limit 2. Over limit $1.38 GENERIC ICE CREAM 4L. pail © Limit 1 Over limit $3.48 we mss JUICE ADVERTISED PRICES IN EFFECT SUN. 3 MON.| TUES.] WED. | THUR.| FRI. | SAT. 4|5/|6|{|7{8/|9 Mon. to Wed. & Sat. Thursday & Friday Fa.m. to 6 p.m. Sundey Fa.m, tod p.m. Wa.m. toé p.m. We reserve the right to limit sales to retail quantities. SAFEWAY We bing it all together