Page A4 KAREN KERKHOFF Sun Staff Since being adopted in last Jan uary, 21-month-okl Maggie Popoft has had the run of the house. Although she can't climb stairs yet, Maggie has learned when she K & A TIRES LTD. 1507 Columbia Ave. 4 NEW TIRES from $25/mo. 0.A.C. * All Makes - Models ee Beet ° ice & Repair * Complete Radiator Work WE DO CUSTOM WO! Mon. - Fri. * 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. CASTLEGAR MUFFLER LTD. 1335 Columbia Ave., 365-0100 The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, October 25, 1995 little piggy stays home wants to eat or have a treat, all she has to do is bat her long eye lashes and give mom Vickie a wet kiss. And all those treats are begin ning to show-—it's estimated Maggie weighs some 400 pounds. But Vickie and Andy Popoff aren't too worried about Maggie's weight. After all, it's not unusual for a pig to weigh that much. What is unusual, however, is Maggie is a house pig. That's right, a house pig! Once a visitor gets used to see- ing a full grown pig, complete with bristles and snout, sleeping in the corner of the Popoff's kitchen and hearing her porcine snores and squeals, it doesn't seem strange at all. After all, doesn't.everyone have a pig in their kitchen? The saga of Maggie is really quite simple—some would say it was a case of mistaken identity. When Vickie “adopted” Mag- gic, she was assured Maggie was a pot-bellied pig—a breed that’s considerably smaller than its domestic cousin and noted for being the ideal house pet. Dig- ging into her purse, Vickie hand- ed the seller $60. She thought she got a deal “He saw a sucker coming a mile away. We got took,” Vickie explained as she fondly looked over at Maggie who was demand- ing her attention by fiercely rub- bing up against her leg. And Vickie, being the true ani- mal lover she admits to being, couldn't find it in her heart to rel- egate Maggie to the back yard where. “sisters and brothers” are being raised for pork chops, ham, bacon, sausage, etc In fact, if those words are men- ie HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE Sunday, Oct. 29 5-8 pm Arena Complex (Not advisable for very young children or easily spooked adults!) Constructed for your entertainment by Hobbit Hill Children's Centre. Admission by donation Swine Smooch - Maggie the pig plants a kiss on Vick ie Popoff's chee! lives in the Popoff home and is considered one of the family. tioned around Maggie, Vickie quickly covers Maggie's ears and, with a look of horror on her face, tells Maggie not to pay attention When asked if Maggie's’ ulti- mate destiny is the freezer, Vickie emphatically says “No!” and reminds the questioner Maggie is “one of the family.” “She's my pet—no one will ever eat my pet!” After a while, it’s easy to understand how Maggie wormed her way into the Popoffs’ hearts. Her wet snout. apple cheeks and OLLEGE Gockta Friday, Dee. 7, 1995 Trail Memorial Centre Gymnasium « Cuction:.9s80 music by Selkirk College Professional Music Program. Tickets Available at Selkirk College Campuses UNDATION Nelson “tFand Raising Goent t for Jelhirk Gollege im Trail / Castlegar tls: 6300 Dinner: 7:00 For More Information 365-1240 rep intelligent pink eyes perfectly set off her cloven hooves and perky ears. Freddy the cat thinks Maggie's special, too! It’s not unusual, said Vickie, that Freddy can be found on Maggie's back sound asleep or nuzzling her ear and grooming her bristles. But Maggie has her days, like many women do. Certain times during the month, family mem- bers Know to steer clear of her. After all. 400 pounds of cranky female can be fairly formidable “Ooooh, she can be miser- able.” eaphtined Vicki with a. grimace : But other tines Maggevts fun to be around Especially after she has a shower and thunders throughout the house in playful joy shaking the floors and walls much the same way a freight train does as it rumbles down a track. Being a true member of the family and “sister” to 12-year-old Jenny, Maggie's snout gets out of joint when she feels neglected One day in angry response to being left alone for the day, Mag- gie moved the dishwasher and accessed wiring underneath a kitchen cabinet When the Popoffs arrived home, they found half their home was without electricity. Even worse, they found a frazzled Maggie laying in the corner fgaming at the mouth. It took Maggie about a week to recover from the shock of it all One would expect the house to smell like a pig pen. But that’s k. It's Maggie's way of getting a treat. Maggie SUN STAFF PHOTO /Karen Kerkhotf not the Case. Pigs are, contrary to popular belief, quite fastidious in their cleanliness “Some people think I’m nuts when I tell them we have a pig in the house,” said Jenny. Others just don’t understand. “They think we live-¢n-a barn,” said Vickie But it's true. The only smell emanating from Maggie is the overpowering aroma of maple syrup. j Which gets me thinking as I leave their home that maple syrup, is put on pancakes, which is served with bacon... How convenient! It’s planned that when she dies. Maggie Will be buried with full honors in the back yard fami~ ly pet cemetery. No frying pag for her! City prepares for Gate Night SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Staff While homeowners across the country stock up for another Hal- loween when little ghosts and goblins come for treats, they also bunker down for goblins of a big- ger and more sinister kind. While the odd trick does take place Halloween night, more often in Castlegar, the time for tricking is the night before or “Gate Night.” This year, Gate Night takes place Monday, a regular training night for many fire departments in the area including the Castlegar detachment. And once again, vol- unteer firefighters will be on duty, Preparing for the unexpected. “Last year we made regular patrols of the city,” said Castlegar fire chief Gerry Rempel. Due to constant patrols, both Gate Night and Halloween havé been quiet and uneventful for the Past several years. Local police and the fire department plan to keep it that way “We always get a lot of volun- teers out to patrol and keep visi+ ble during these two nights,” said Rempel. “I'm sure this year will be no exception.” Valley Vista celebrates 40 years Sun Staff There's something extra spe- cial about a 40th birthday cele- bration. For many people, cele- brating a 40th birthday marks a milestone of true individual maturity. But when the celebra- tion marks the 40th birthday of a rebate by mail Phone 364-2815 Manufacturers Cash Rebate $30 for a Washer Te for a Washer $5 & Dryer Pair’ reqglis WILL'S FURNITURE & APPLIANCES ighway Dr., Trai l Fax 364-2977 School, then the milestone is also one of consistency, strength and achievement Such is the case for Valley Vista Elementary School, which first opened its doors and the minds of young children in September, 1956. Forty years and Wednesday, October 25, 1995 The Castlegar Sun Valley Vista celebrates 40th Continued from A4 cu thousands of students later, Valley Vista continues to Shine in its commitment to educate children. “Almost every person who has grown up in Castlegar's south end began their schooling here This is where they staned kindergarten,” said vice- Principal and administrative officer Pat Audet. “There is so much history here.” Staff at Valley Vista Say it would be a wonderful idea to plan a 40th anniversary celebration for the school. “But we feel this isn't something we should do on our own, since there are so many people in this com- munity, whether former staff or students, who hold treasured memories of this school. We are hoping these people will want to Provide ideas on how the penned can best celebrate Valley Vista,” Audet said. A meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 2, at Valley Vista School starting at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is open to anyone. The staff and students have already been dis- ley Vista. Castlegar’s Beta omicren Vista as the school that has educated local children for four decades. “Hey, we're 40 years old! Let's celebrate!” Sorority celebrates 10 years in Castlegar ing some ideas, such as collecting memorabilia like old photographs or school supplies for a display Another idea is a full-fledged reunion, which would include anyone who worked or was a student at Val- “It would really be something if we could show the students at Valley Vista today how they are part of the school's history, It would be neat if they could meet former students and even interview them.” Unfortunately, the celebration could be the school’s last, since school board trustees are consid- ering closing the building and amalgamating stu- dents from Valley Vista with Blueberry Creek. But Audet is quick to add the school's possible closure is not the driving force behind the idea for an anniversary celebration. “That's not it at all, although it is something we are all very concemed with.” Instead, Audet says the entire focus is on Valley Planning - Staff, stu- dents and parents at Valley Vista Elemen- tary School are start- ing to plan the school's Chapter of the worldwide Beta Sigma Phi Sorority recently cele- brated it’s 10th birthday at the home of Norma MacDonald. Thirteen of 20 members were in attendance to hear guest Joy Anderson give a detailed and informative talk on breast cancer. underway Sept. 10 at a “Begin- ning Day Brunch” for all three Castlegar Chapters hosted by Clara Gerrand. Each bi Rec. Secretary Dawn Bate, Trea- surer Janie Konkin, Extension Officer Mary Dunlap and Corre- dine S, Shared her dream reflecting thoughts on this years Interna- tional Theme..."Dream Catchers.” Executive for the 95/96 term are: President Cathy Gordon, y Clara Ger- iP 4 rand. 40th birthday celebra- tion. A public meeting takes place Nov. 2. ‘SUN STAFF PHOTO Shariene imhott INFO '95 oan See VALLEY VISTA AS FOODS IN-STORE BAKERY : Home-made | + Doctor Visits && Day Trips Included + Couples Welcome + 825-3477 The Sorority’s year actually got Vice-President Barb D | Spy With My Little Eye - A student does some microscopic viewing during Selkirk College's Science and Technology Week activities Thursday afternoon at the college. SUN STAFF PHOTO Trent Bancarz Christmas Seal campaign starts The British Columbia Lung Association kicks off its annual Christ- mas Seal Campaign this month in Castlegar, with residents looking at a local goal of $5,900 to help fight hung disease. “We urge you to support the campaign, so we can continue our vital medical research into lung diseases such as asthma and lung cancer. With more people concerned about their lung health than ever, the lung association is trying to meet the demands for more lung health educa- tion programs and community Support groups,” says Bunny Charters, Lung Association director for the Castlegar area. The Castlegar goal is only four per cent more than area residents The rep atives of UBC, UVIC, SFU, BCIT, West Kootenay Teacher Education Program, University College of the Cariboo, Okanagan University College and Selkirk College will be available to the general public in the Main Lounge, Selkirk College, Castlegar Campus, to discuss programs, admission requirements and procedures: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1995 7-9pm NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Please Note: This will be the only visit the representatives will make to Selkirk College this year. irk @ CASTLEGAR CAMPUS___ I2QE _—_—Box 1200, Castlegar B.C. VIN 3/1 — 365-1297 3 FLOOR PLANS TO CHOOSE FROM +2 BEDROOM & 2 BATHROOM + LEVEL ENTRY * YEAR ROUND MAINTENANCE + RECREATION CENTRE + PRIVATE FENCED YARDS + SOME BASEMENTS OPEN HOUSE SAT. OCT. 28 & SUN., OCT. 29 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Join us for coffee & doughnuts Stellar Place ADULT COMMUNITY 2210-Columbia Avenue, Castlegar 365-0474 2 Blocks South of Canadian Tire SMITTY'S FAMILY RESTAURAN dine and dash buffet from Monday to Friday. On the weekends, a sumptuous buffet greets evening dining guests, or you can order off their fine dining or regular dinner menu. Their Sunday brunch is custom-designed for Castlegar and their wine list includes some top quality VQA B.C. wines A full seniors and ne of the most well known names in restaurants, Smitty’s, is celebrating two years at their Castlegar location in the Fireside Motor Inn. Originally known for their breakfasts, Smitty's is now known for family dining, all day. In Castlegar, lunch buffets are popular and Smitty’s serves their customers a children’s menu is available as well as dishes which includes Greek, Mexican, stir fry, Canadian (prime rib and t-bones are popular) as well as finger food. From breakfast all day to King of the Road sandwiches to prime rib dinners, Smitty’s in Castlegar has it all. Enjoy a meal from 6 am to 10 pm from Monday to BOOK NOW FOR YOUR ‘ LY Seating and danci ‘ r n Nea) Seating and caning Specializing in Mexican & Western Cuisine OPEN: 5:30 am daily * CLOSED ON SUNDAY CASTLEROCK CAFE 330 Columbia Ave., downtown Castlegar 365-2519 Chinese food fresh from our wok... Lunch Smorg * Tues., - Friday 12 pm - 1:30 pm Saturday & Sunday Smorg © 5-8 pm Open Sat., Sun., Mon., Holidays + 4.9 pm Tues - Pi * 11am -9 pm 932 Columbia Ave, Castogw, 8 ‘Tastgate Carden 366-7414 GE ap Friday or 7 am to 10 pm weekends and holidays. Their top quality food is sure to please. Chef Fred Wilkins prepares to carve a baked ham as part of the ‘Smitty's buffet while Kitchen Manager Delynn Arnutage donated last year, according to Charters, The increase is ry to reach this year’s provincial goal of $1.6 million by the end of the Christmas Seal Campaign Jan. 31. The brightly-colored Christmas Seals start arriving in the mail late this month at homes across B.C. Using the seals on all your mail and holiday packages shows support of the campaign and concern about hung health and clean air issues. Less than one per cent of the Association's operating budget comes from government and it relies heavily on individual donations. 4 DAYS ONLY Wed. Oct. 25 - 15% Off all in-stock socks Thur. Oct. 26 - 15% Off Westies ladies dress shoes Fri. Oct. 27th - 20% Off Romika Men's dress shoes Sat. Oct. 28th - 20% Off all in-stock purses Steppin Up Shoes Downtown Castlegar e 365-0145 Goure Inuited... ui The Lion's Head Dining Room {TRY OUR DELICIOUS COMBO... STEAK & TIGER PRAWNS! Sunday is Senior Night - 25% oft any meal for seniors Open 5 pm Tues.-Sat. * Sun. at 4 pm © Closed Mon Bh Across the new bridge in beautiful Robson 365-0181 CHINESE & WESTERN CUISINE Steak + Seafood Specializing in Chinese Cuisine SAM. Reo LAnTERn RESTAVRANT SOMETHING SPECIAL! Ken can cook right in front of you at your table for your most enjoyable dinner. With reservations only (Hi Arrow Hotel) 651-18th St., jastiegar, B.C. Castlegar, 8. 365-5020 ussian & Vegetarian Food THE SPINNIN : We Take Reservations for. G WHEEL ‘Weddings - Funerals - Memorials Students & Seniors Business Luncheons/ meetings ;) Feceive 10% Discount ‘Birthday Parties "Homemade Bread i Holiday Occassions juices ‘Antertiational cuisine Open Il a.m. - 7 p.m. daily Reservations appreciated * 365-7202 Located across from the airport, beside the Doukhobor Museum Buffets for Everyone LUNCH BUFFET Mon. - Fri. 11:30-1:30 EVENING BUFFET Fri., Sat., Sun. - 5-9 p.m. SUNDAY BRUNCH 9am. -2p.m. 1810 - 8th Ave., Cast r ° 365-3138