OPINION

SDAY, Septemb

WZ
The Ga sth jaar Sun
ZS

PUBLISHER JON JARRETT

editorial comment

Read any good
books lately?

I said don't, not can't.

The saddest thing about literacy is the fact that there are
people out in the world who choose not to read.

That's the equivalent of saying "I choose not to think.”

Yesterday was World Literacy Day, an occasion when we
are all asked to reflect up the fact that 31 per cent of B.C.
adults have difficulty reading and writing. They can read
headlines, but not stories; drug names but not usage direc-
tions; job applications but not upgrade manuals.

But I want to reach beyond these people, to those mem-
bers of society who can read, but don't.

People have died for the right to read, the right to educate
themselves. When I was going to university, I used to work
with an old Ukrainian, Joe. Reading English was never easy
for him. It was, after all, a second language. It was always a
struggle.

I never saw Joe without a book. He fed off the ideas.

Books have reached the point in my life where they have
become a sort of financial vice. At least that's what my
mother has been telling me for the past 10 years.

But it's her fault. After all, she was the one who read to
me every night, and taught me the value of the world of the

jon.

And that's the problem with not reading - it's a decision
that allows the imagination to die.

Television is a passive form of entertainment. What Tim-
othy Leary said about drugs in the sixties holds true for TV
in the nineties — Tune in, turn on, drop out.

The viewer almost never has to think when watching TV.
It's just flip the on switch and have all the entertainment you
want presented in a neat little package. (To call most of what
is on TV entertainment is a very broad interpretation of the
word, but that's a different ball of wax.)

The author Salman Rushdie once wrote that he grew up
kissing books and bread. The were both such sacred form of
sustenance, that if they were dropped, they had to be kissed
to beg their forgiveness.

Books sustain our imaginations, but we have to work for
the rewards. The words may point the direction that our
thoughts should be taking, but the reader must use their own
power to get there.

Instead of hing do like on TV,
with the scenery, the tone of voice, the costume, all bought
and built by a production team, the reader must act as a one
Person production team.

Well, p jon team, actors, pi » and critic.

I challenge all of you to sit down with a book for half an
hour this evening. Your own personal literacy day. I don't
care if it's a Stephen King pulp novel, a Harlequin Romance,
or Plato's Republic. Just read.

After all, how long will it be until don't becomes can't?

JAK

By Don Addis

Ci gar Sun
~~
7S
1S POLITICALLY INDEPENDENT AND A
MEMBER OF THE STERLING NEWS SERVICE
1990

‘Sun

465 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C. VIN 1G8

JIM NIELSEN |

FEAR NOT..WE'VE ALREADY TAKEN

FE OENCURE THERE UL BE

NO REPEAT OF THE MEECH
LAKE. COLLAPSE -

Harcourt should catch on to the real national master plan

For The Sun

Over the past 40 years B.C.'s
Premiers have been involved in
constitutional talks. W.A.C. Ben-
nett insisted the five-region concept
would best serve the country, with
B.C. being one of the five regions.
That idea és still popular with
many, including some members of
the present government. W.A.C
was stubborn and a tough negotia-
tor for B.C

The NDPers’ Dave Barrett, from
1972 to 1975, no doubt was
engaged in whatever constitutional
matters were present during his
time, but I fail to remember any
specific details or stands taken
That particular era in history was
not a constitutional crisis time

Bill Bennett's Social Credit gov-
emment was very much involved
with rewriting our national master
plan. Again, the five-region con-

cept was a major factor, as was
detailed Senate reform. : The
younger Bennett inherited his
father’s toughness and his father’s
advisers.

The Socreds, however, were rep-
resented by Bill Vander Zalm when
the talks reached a climax in
Edmonton in 1986. It was this for-
mer premier who agreed to the pre-
liminary Meech Lake Accord
which recognized Quebec's as a
distinct society. He later amended
his stand during the run out of his
service as premier. It was notable
that this premier of the day said he
agreed to the accord because he did
lot want to be the odd man out.

The wheel continues to tum, and
our latest premier to engage in the
never-ending constitutional bar-
gaining is Mike Harcourt, the sec-
ond NDP premier to take on that
role, and without the long time
advisers to government. Mr. Har-
court seems to have sold the farm.

Seasons from a

In keeping with the mood of
summer, when the heat of a sum-
mer’s noon shortens attention
spans, here are a few musings from
my notebook.

With an aging population, we are
beginning to hear stories about
lengthy relationships coming apart
at the seams after many happy
years together. He feels useless and
suffers from loss of self-esteem;
she’s upset that he follows her
around the house, criticizing and
offering unwanted suggestions for
changes to favourite recipes and
her routine. Both partners interfere
with each other’s routines. The
answer lies in the adoption of new
routines. What better way than to
take up volunteer activities in your
community? But don’t wait for
retirement to volunteer. Recent
studies suggest seniors who volun-
teer may be healthier and happier
than their counterparts who do not
So, to be happy and healthy, get
involved. Any good relationship
stands the test of time.

oe0

You may not see someone, who
was once close, for many years
Life's circumstances can often take
you in far different directions. It is
not because of a lack of fondness
that you do not see each other as
the years fly by, but the lack of
opportunity.and the vast distances
that separate parts of Canada. |
recently met a school chum from
the past whom I had not seen in
thirty-five years. In minutes, we
were chatting happily together in
much the same way as we did on
those long-ago days when we
shared every waking hour. A good
friend is a friend for life.

oe

While we are experiencing a
pleasant summer here in the West
Kootenay, in much of Canada, par-
ticularly in the East, summer never

did arrive. The favourite culprit, in
addition to El Nino, is the eruption
of Mount Pinatubo in the Philip-
pines, an active volcano located
about 96 Kilometres north of Mani-
la. The eruption dumped tons of
volcanic ash into the atmosphere
over the South Pacific. This is
responsible for the beautiful blood
red sunsets we have experienced
ever since. And yet, the storm
clouds roll over and by us in much
the same way as they have always
done, seemingly without greatly
affecting our weather patterns. If
we can put people on the moon,
why cannot we more accurately
predict and forecast our weather?
eee

Have you noticed that people do
not change very much as they age?
I recently encountered a man I had
not seen since ninth grade and I
picked him out across a crowded
room. To me, he looked just as he
always had, except for a few extra
pounds and a few grey hairs. He
still had the same characteristic
wide smile. He said the same of
me, with, I suspect, the same
exceptions!

oe

As a child in school, I recall that
our teachers were gentle with their
admonitions, yet firm. One did not
speak out, or up, or back, unless
you were very sure that what you
had to say, was of general interest.
Why is it that modern children,
probably having read all about
Andy Warhol, now demand their
fifteen minutes of stardom before
they reach the age of reason? What
is even worse, their parents not only
permit it, they encourage them!

eee

I recently spotted a definition of
feminism, described as “women
and men getting together to effect
real and substantive change in the
way we relate in society”. Reflect-

Not only is Mr. Harcourt under
severe criticism by those who spe-
cialize in constitutional matters but
members of the federal Tory B.C.
caucus, such as Senator Pat Carney
and Chairman Stan Wilbee, MP,
have wired the prime minister with
a message that B.C. has been treat-
ed unfairly. It is the conclusion by
such people that our premier was
overwhelmed by the rarefied atmo-
sphere of the talks and fleeced by
Central Canada and our beloved
prime minister.

When, as a provincial represen-
tative, you take part in such talks as
we have seen lately, the venue is
usually Central Canada: Ottawa,
Montreal, or Toronto. On occasion
the feds try to infuse patriotism by
holding a meeting in “historic”
Charlottetown, believing the ghosts
of the Fathers of Confederation will
have a soothing effect on those
fromthe West

B.C. and other outer provinces

summer

are at a distinct disadvantage being
away from home. Those from the
East and Central Canada have staff
working the clock around three
shifts. Our folks all attend the main
session of the day and do a little
debriefing and rehearsal for the
next day. But while they are catch-
ing up on their sleep the gremlins
from the other delegations are plot-
ting their next move. You can't
competé. They grind you down
After a few days of near exhaustive
rounds of discussion, often in the
most gloomy of meeting Places,
your mind goes numb.

The fresh troops of those from
back there are still alert and ener-
getic. Our poor souls are pooped
out and ready to capitulate. It is as
predictable as one can imagine
This scenario has been repeated
time after time. It is amazing it still
works. You would think by now
B.C. would have caught on.

oe0

Sojourn

ing on the of vio-
lence directed against women in
our society, which stems from the
lack of respect for women and their
values, perhaps it is time we put an
end to “stag” parties for the groom.
We could relegate bridal showers to
the same fate and, instead, cele-
brate the forthcoming nuptials with
the happy couple together, which
would more adequately express the
beginning of and intent to build a
relationship. If we sorted out our
relationships early, we would not
have the likes of a Woody Allen

being unable to differentiate a

from a lover.
eee

A neighbor recently reminded
me that the cost of a dog license is
the cheapest retrieval service you
can buy. For $12 you can assure
that your dog, once lost, will be
returned safely home. If you love
your animal enough to keep it, you
should be able to afford to have it
retumed, without upsetting all the
other dog lovers who want to see
that your lost dog gets home safely.
Or, you could also keep track of
your pet and do us all a favour, we
who live near a popular park.

Slings and Arrows

NIGEL HANNAFORD

Having bought into a constitution-
al ‘deal’ which makes the senate
equal and elected if not terribly
effective, it should be of little sur-
prise that Messrs Harcourt and Siho-
ta would propose to semi-emasculate
it as well by legislating that half the
seats should be held by women.

Why no surprise? Simple. If they

senate envisaged under the Son-of-
Meech constitutional proposals,
they wouldn't have been so quick to
make a political gesture. of it. All of
which makes one wonder why, if
that is all it means to them, any of
the rest of us should think it worth
voting for. Assuming we get the
chance, that is.

Another sop to petticoat-power
was discreetly announced in the
Career Opportunities column of the

felt that gly about p
representation by sex, ‘they might
have suggested something similar
for the B.C. legislature. That how-
ever is a bit too close to home and
it’s not hard to imagine the fire-
works that would cause. (Which
constituencies would have to drop
men to make way for women?
What if the local party had other
ideas? My word, I'd love to see the
NDP sort that one out.)

The senate though? Well, it
doesn't mean much anyway, so use
it as a bone to throw the feminists.
Lord knows they nag worse than an
old fishwife, but we gotta have
them on board, right Moe? Rest
assured, if the above-mentioned
Harcourt and Sihota thought there
was any real power to rest in the

Sun last week. The Min-
istry of Women’s Equality seeks a
“Director, Pay  Equity*, for the Pay
Equity Branch ‘With a salary Of up to

abilities and women.’ In other words,
no men need apply. Applicants,
given a short resume of the duties
involved, (basically to be a sort of
gaukeiter of pay equity) are invited to
‘articulate how you possess all of the
specified qualifications.’ I highlight
the latter phrase as it is typical of the
jargon fashionable in government-
speak these days. You or I may state
something, or perhaps explain it; the
kind of person they're looking for
would articulate it

Wednesday, September 9, 1992

The Castlegar Sun

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

A big thank you from
Syringa!

This summer of fun, educa-
tion and entertaining programs
could never have happened
without the support of many
volunteers, businesses and
friends of the park. Warm
thanks are extended to all of our
visitors who attended
and events and shared in B.C.
Parks spirit of conservation and
recreation.

Thank you also to our guest
speakers who shared their time
and resources and expertise
with us this summer, providing
excellent for all: John Duncan,
George Apel, Dave Boekhorst
and Tony Smith for water
Recreation Day, Robert Giesler
for his Angler's Afternoon, Jim
Gillman and Jason Hayes for

Thanks from Syringa

the Valhalla Rangers Show,
Steve Davis (Assland Taxi-
dermy) for the Wildlife Night,
Leslie Anderton for her Rocks
Talks, J.J. Verigin Jr. for his
Doukhobor evening and the Red
Cross for the water programs.

Thanks also to our generous
prize sponsors: Scotties Marina,
the Dairy Queen, West's
Department store and Secret
Garden Toys and to The Castle-
gar Sun.

And finally a big thank you
to B.C. Parks our campground
hosts Don and Agnes and the
park facility operators for sup-
porting the interpretive program
at Syringa.

Looking forward to seeing
all of you in ‘93!

Bonnie Sutherland

A coincidence, or what?

Dear Editor:
Does

ly think it's a

that the tourist season is over

and B.C. Hydro is now filling the Arrow Reservoir? If so, have I got
some ocean-front property in Saskatchewan for you!

George Stein
Robson

Chamber sends letter to Charbonneau

Dear Editor:

The following is a copy of the
letter which has been sent to Mr.
Art Charbonneau from The
Castlegar and District Chamber
of Commerce.

New
child
care
centre
needs a
name

Dear Editor:

The Kootenay Columbia
Child Care Society is opening its
new Child Care Centre for Chil-
dren under three on October I
and WE NEED A NAME
LOGO!

The public is invited to send
in submissions and the winner
will receive a dinner for two.
The only requirement is that the
word “VARIETY” be included
in the name.

Deadline is September 11.
Please submit to Box 3144,
Castlegar, B.C.. Or, drop off the
submission at our new centre at
767 11th Avenue (behind Video
World and right beside the Hob-
bit Hill Children's Centre). For
more information, call 365-
8448.

Katrine and Lynnene

in this weeks issue
e Woolco

In the weekend
SHOPPER

e SuperValu

Dear Mr. Charbonneau:

The Castlegar and District
Chamber of Commerce would
like to thank you for the
announcement made on Thurs-
day, August 27, regarding the
Robson/Castlegar bridge.

The construction of this bridge
is essential to our community and
we look forward to its construc-
tion in the near future.

Thank you again for your

Castlegar

made aware of
Cranbrook workshop

Dear Editor:

I wish to inform the citizens
of your community of two
upcoming workshops being held
in Cranbrook entitled “Integrat-
ed Schools Today — Inclusive
Communities Tomorrow”. Dr.
Lou Brown, who holds a Ph.D in
Special Education has been.a

Silver
Rattle
Antiques
301-11 Ave. Castleg
(in Tulips Building)
365-5191

residents Sun classifieds

sell fast!
Call now
365-7848

communities more accessible to
all people

September 18 will be an Edu-
cation Focus workshop looking at
the history of segregation and the
move to integration as well as a
look at curricular modifications

ASTLEGAR CUSTOM ENGINES

> — + Full In Town Machine Shop In Town
* Guaranteed Engine Rebuilding
ite * Engine Kits For Do-It Yourselt
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versity of Wisconsin. He will be
Presenting at the Key City The-
atre in C on

groupings 90 Rebuilding And High Performance

Community leaders, business
365-6881 * 2330-6th Avenue

17 and 18.

September 17 will be a Com-
munity Focus Workshop which
will address how to create
employment opportunities for
people with mental and physical
disabilities and how to make our

people, government repecsenta-
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

tives, educators and
would all benefit from hearing
these p ions. Let's make
our communities inclusive for all
2 piece Chicken Snack Only $3.49

Includes 2 pieces of golden delicious
Chicken. Your choice of fries,
JoJo's or freshly made salads.

its members. For information call
Elaine Fawcett
“Remember, Anytime is Chicken Time”

Cranbrook

Your business

We’d like to hear about
your business news.
Call Sharlene at 365-5266.

Cathy at 489-3244.
Celgar & Cominco meal tickets accepted

365-5304 2816 Columbia Ave.

CASTLEGAR & DISTRICT
Chamber of Commerce
GOLF TOURNAMENT

is our business.

and the gi
ment's pledge to stand by their
commitments.

Steve Pelton
President

CALL, YOUR LOCAL
TRAVEL AGENT
(604)273-1525
1-800-663-1266

PRICES ARE PER PERSON IN U.S. FUNDS BASED ON
COUBLE SHARING UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIRED

& Annual General Meeting

I8 HOLES
STEAK BBQ
DINNER

$40 per person
Chamber Members, includes spouse, employees
$50 per person - Non Chamber Members

$20 per person - If you're not golfing

"RON
“FOR NEW aI "oe ONLY~

Registration Prize Draw

Fly-in Fishing Trip

Fishing
for 4 to Evans Lake

GET ON A FUN ROLL...

BOWL

JOIN A FALL BOWLING LEAGUE TODAY !

Moming Coffee Leagues
Monday - Thursday

Night Leagues Mon. - F

AUTOMATIC SCORING COMING SOON!

Castle Bowl

courtesy of Highland Helicopters
Best Ball Scramble - 4 person teams
Installation of Officers
Silent Auction & Prizes

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Registration Deadline
@ September 11 at the Chamber office

Prizes donated by the following businesses

=
@

206 - 11th Ave., Castlegar,

365-5723

1995 - 6th Ave. Castlegar Ph: 365-6313 * Fax: 365-5778

Castlegar
& District

¢ PANCAKE BREAKFAST

8:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. Adults $2 - Students & Seniors $1 + Children Under Six FREE

¢ LIBRARY BOOK SALE
¢ MUCH, MUCH MORE!

CANVAS BLITZ-SEPT. 22, 23

9:00 a.m.-1 p.m.

UNITED WAY @

KICK-OFF

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

CASTLEGAR COMMUNITY COMPLEX
Don't miss our...

GIANT FLEA MARKET

HELP US REACH
OUR GOAL

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LOCAL AGENIES
THE CASTLEGAR
& DISTRICT
UNITED WAY
SUPPORTS

+ CASTLEGAR COMMUNITY
SERVICES

+ WEST KOOTENAY
NATIONAL EXHIBITION
CENTRE

* KOOTENAY COLUMBIA
CHILD CARE SOCIETY

* KOOTENAY SOCIETY FOR
COMMUNITY LIVING

+ RED CROSS

Castlegar & District

United

Deb Chmara, President
John Loo, Campaign Chair
FOR INFORMATION CALL Nona: 365-7331
Or By Mail - 1995 6th Ave., Castlegar B.C.
cniiieimatiatataimensinimaeit

* C.N.1.B. (Canadian National
Institute for the Blind)

+ ARTHRITIS SOCIETY

+ B.C. CHILDREN'S
HOSPITAL

+ WINS TRAIL (Women in
Need Society)

+ LIGHT & POWER
THEATRE COMPANY

Way

le Helping Por