Novembe 15,19 Ann Landers Syndicated Columnist Dear Ann Landers: My ex-husband, “Cliff,” and I have joint custody of our children even though he lives in a nearby town. Cliff’s wife has cut my daughter’s hair and had her ears pierced against my expressly stated wishes. She also went out and purchased my daughter’s elemen- tary school graduation dress after I had already said I wanted to take care of it. At a dinner a few weeks ago, my son’s parents were asked to stand and be acknowl- edged, and she and I BOTH stood up. I was deeply embarrassed, and I’m sure many people present thought this was mighty odd. Last night, the woman came to a parents-only meeting where the children’s fall activities were being planned, and she was quite vocal. I have explained my feelings to her, saying I wish to participate in my children’s activities as their mother and it is not necessary, nor is it appre- ciated, for her to try to step into this role. She refuses to get the mes- sage, and my former hus- band doesn’t lift-a finger to support me in this. I am very frustrated by this woman’s behav- ior and don’t know how to handle it. Any sug- gestions? — Going Nuts in Nutley, N.J. Dear N.J.: There’s no CLUES ACROSS Exit aircraft 5. Play Member of Congress Slavic language ___ Chanel, designer Anterior portion of the brain 3. Leveled Compositions Clandestine scheme Algonquian language “Red __ in the Sunset,” popular song Instructed and enlightened 3. Bistros Underwater swimmer’s equipment CLUES DOWN 2. Dash, style 3. Adrenal hormone 4. Worked for, deserved 5. Lessen in magnitude 6. Asian ruler, var. i ANYTIME IS CHICKEN TIME Calvin ana Hobbes I pony. Ae EF CF WTS Rlalt? 1 REAUSE 10 COWRNSE WI RCS: 7.C a tion: 9. Land acquired by settlement and cultivation Mental giants Ill from flying Forcible restraint Criminal 20. Goodbye, It SOLUTIONS Cerebrum 3. Evened . Essays Intrigue Cree Sails Edified Cafes way you can shove this insensitive, aggressive Snorkel Panache 3. ACTH ~ Earned 5. Decrease . Ameer Societies . Homestead Geniuses 5. Airsick Duress Thief Ciao woman out of the pic- by Bill Watterson TWEY SAY ree \s! -_ OFM. MY BOSS SAID T CAN USE A FEN VACATION DAYS STN HOME wiTH 206 WHILE GONE, NO PROBLEM. You Just Go Ser Nout. DAD. THAT'S ALL THAT COUNTS, DONT WORRY ASOUT US, 206 4 I win Be ws, Here AL Fine. PEAY, YER UH-HUR, Veg HAMMIE WITH ME |>1G6T To STAY Because HES JUST A i were WITH LITTLE BAGy, OF Ay? DY, BUSINESS educators pan amalgamation tricts into 37. Castlegar school district a. The planned restructuring of B.C.’s school districts has been has serious concerns about the reform in jiven a failing grade by local I DONT WEED TO COMPROMISE. MY PRINCIPLES, BECAUSE THEN DONT HAVE THE SLIGHTEST BEARING ON WHAT HAPPENS TO ME ANYWAY. if The Ministry of Education laims up to $30 million will be aved by the 1997/98 fiscal year amalgamating 75 school dis- progn + “I'm worried this will take us off the (education reform] agenda for at least two years,” Surgenor explained. Surgenor also questions how the pr » now that tion is no longer just a rumor. He tricts into one will leave little time for education reform. unique needs, such as Russian immersion, of all seven districts can still be met after such amove. “How do you preserve things There is a whole sense of loss of democracy; a sense of loss of local access.” He worries Baker contends part of what makes school boards work is their accessibility to parents and stu- reform programs such as Senos Benchmark, Navigators and Young Entrepreneurs could become casualties of amalgamu- tion. But Surgenor hopes whoev- er takes up the reigns as regional dents. It's hing she believes will change after amalgamation. “When something goes wrong with the child at school, a parent needs an answer now, not one and a half months later when thé board gets together.” important to each y? Future Star — super will to develop these and other needed Programs, despite the upheaval. “I would hope whoever is left will try to put those things forward.” For now, Surgenor said there are too many unanswered ques- tions and the mood among district y after the ment was somber and left people “worried.” What frightens Castlegar school district board chair Joanne Baker is little is being said by the echoed those con- cerns about accessability. What weighs heavily on Baker's mind is the fact the move towards amalgamation was undertaken with little or no con- sultation from school boards. She said boards have their fingers on the pulse of educational health and needs in the province and their districts. “He's [Education Minister Art Charbonneau] already done this, but now he’s asking for input.” Baker refers to the immediate ministry about 1 out- comes after amalgamation. “This is political nonsense to get a few votes. It scares me if of a steering to consult with school districts regarding amalgamation. The committee will travel the you're not talking ion for educational reasons. You're talking money,” said Baker. Baker also said she believes the amalgamation of seven school stricts — Nelson, Castlegar, ‘ow Lakes, Trail, Grand Forks, ttle Valley and Kaslo-— will with districts and “other partners”, said Char- bonneau, who assured John Dascher to balance the bud- get and remain in the black could soon be for nought. “This district's in a secure financial position. The others aren't in such a good Position. Will we then, by have to deal with their financial problems?” she asked. Both the president of the Castlegar and District Teachers’ Association and Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1298 are also concerned about the lack of input prior to making such a major decision. “Making the announcement first and calling for input later has created an atmosphere of fear and concern about how this will all work and what will be the effects on our children and our jobs,” said Norm Wolfe, president of CUPE Local 1298. Margaret Hill of the CDTA agrees. “There are 43,000 teachers in the province. We have a voice worth hearing. I find that a great oversight,” she said. Both share Baker’s and educational focus. “The initiative will not alter our responsibility to students to improve the relevance, accessi- bility and It in arbitrary decision-mak- which-might not always bene- Lost who need it most. “Can you sce me making good choicés for Kettle Valley or Arrow Lakes?” she asked. lic education,” Charbonneau. It also. concerns Baker that hard work and astute financial decisions by former Castlegar School district secretary-treasurer promised ability of pub- _ g ’s i that geo- graphic diversity in the West Kootenays could be a barrier not as easily overcome as districts on the coast. i has till. April 15, 1996 to submit a plan for provincial restructuring to the ministry to ensure and re: is implemented before the November, 1996 sthool board elections. Drug busts triple ture without looking bad. If your ex-husband doesn’t support you in this, you are fighting a losing battle. vv wv CARBON MONOXIDE TESTING I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. The best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him (or her) your friend. CASTLEGAR PLUMBING & HEATING LTD. 1008 Columbia Ave., Castlegar 365-3388 (SUN DID YOU FALL? DID YOU SPRAIN YOUR BACK ? NICK, WHAT HAPPENED 7/ Happy Nov.6 Happy Birthday you Old Nov.8 Bag Love, the Family Happy Birthday Clem: Love, Joe Nov. 9 Happy S0th Birthday Ginny Brown. From sll the girls atthe office “ Happy 50th Birthday Ginny Brown. From afl the doctors at the office Happy Birthday Cotin Pryce from All the Family ‘Happy 2nd Birthday Apfil. Love, Mom, Dad & Keith Brought to you by The Castlegar Sun, The weekly newspaper with a daily commitment. 465:Columbia Ave. Castlegar, BC VIN 1G8 Happy 2nd Birthday April. Love, Baba Happy. Birthday. Matio Fehrenberg Love, Brian & Ginny Happy Birthday Mario. Fehreniberg from Marie Happy Birthday Laner Happy Birthday Brian Brown Love, Ginny Happy Birthday Brian Brown (Papa) Love, Wendy & Mathew The Cabtig Noy. 14th Happy Anniversary Michael & Theresa Heard. ‘Love, Brian, Gilimy, Mathew, Wendy, Graeme, Gary ¢ and Rhonda . Nov: 14th Happy Birthday Pat Medge. Love, Ginaty.& ¢ Brian Nov. 17th Happy 14th Bifthday to Robin. Lavé, the family ‘Nov:'17th Happy. 14th Birthday to Robin. Love, Brandy Noy: 30th Happy Birthday Popeye Love, Olive'O¥l, Wimpy & Sweet Pea MY | ee stl dar Sun AS W (CA FAINTING SPELL? A HEART Tete” v WHA excellence in Service Award This award will be presented every week to someone in Castlegar who shows extraordinary service to his/her customers or clients. ‘The recipient will receive an award plaque to keep courtesy of Kats Trophys. We'd like everyone in Castlegar to know that service excellence exists in our community. This award recognizes a nominated business If you know of someone that offers “Excellence in Service," call me, Marilyn Strong at 365-5266, or drop a letter at the Castlegar Sun with your suggestion. ‘gamation will Winding Up For A Rush - This young puckster rounds his own net during minor hockey action Saturday at the Castlegar and District Recreation Centre. Over 200 youngsters are playing minor hockey locally this year. SUN STAFF PHOTO Trent Bancarz Board tables facilities plan KAREN KERKHOFF Sun Staff :, Proposed amalgamation of area school districts | Gould make the $200,000 facilities plan for the Castlegar school district a moot document. At a board meeting held Monday night, trustees Were at odds on whether to table the 26-point docu- Ment or pass within it. |__ At one point during discussion, trustee Evelyn * Voykin questioned whether members | should contin- ue on which imight not be Of the 26 recommendations, over half were tabled including one which would see Pass Creek Elemen- tary School din ipation of changes. The motion to table discussion on Pass Creek School disappointed several Pass Creek resi- dents who had attended the-meeting-in-hopes-of bringing good news back to their neighbors regard- ing the school’s Possible reopening. Other tabled inch in part: * That the board seek funding for construction of an addition and modifications to Woodland Park Elementary School. + The status of Kinnaird Elementary School remain valid after amal- gamation. She “reminded board /members amal- change bound- aries, thus mak- ing the seven-page ‘A lot of discussion Is focussed around amalga- mation as If It's a fait accompil and we may as well head for the hills.’ opment of space elsewhere in the southern part of the district. * Valley Vista School be dis- posed of. * The board — RON NORMAN Castlegar school trustee report invalid when and if amalgamation happens. “I’m not sure why we're doing this. I don’t want to sit here and be in the negative the whole time,” _Said Voykin Voykin requested a blanket motion be made which would see the document tabled until it was clear what effect amalgamation would have upon the istrict. Trustees voted to continue discussing the plan, despite Voykin’s plea. Trustee Ron Norman supported Voykin's view, but reminded trustees that amalgamation is only a ‘proposal and not yet a reality. “A lot of discussion is focussed around amailga- mation as if it’s a fait accompli and we may as well d for the hills,” said Norman. investigate the possibility of Blueberry Creek Elementary school being expanded. After a lengthy discussion about the plan, Voykin asked the board it consider scheduling public infor- mation meetings so board members get clear direc- tion on how to proceed during amalgamation. “We need to get input from the community — it’s badly needed. We need input before we go and make major decisions. It's premature for us to be making decisions,” she said The facility study was commissioned in June, 1994 and presented to the board earlier this year. The board held public méetings throughout the year regarding the plan and its recommendations. Salvation Army Christmas KAREN KERKHOFF Sun Staff According to local RCMP, “Just Say No” to drugs just isn’t working in Castlegar and area. In the first nine months of this year, there has been a 300 per cent increase in drug Although Castlegar is no better or worse than other communities, Solinsky said he takes personal offence to these types of statistics. ee ee ns But this is my c Determined to wage war — drugs, RCMP for ive anti- busts compared to last year, said Castlegar RCMP Staff Sgt. Kerry Solinsky. But Solinsky stressed the rise is double-edged. The RCMP are vigor- ously pursuing and apprehending drug offenders and drug usage is increasing. “There are 15 known heroin addicts in Castlegar. Cocaine is also prevalent in the mid-30s age group. As well, 1 think drugs in Solinsky every community are a problem. But this is my community.’ — KERRY SOLINSKY drug game plan ia last year that Says is paying off. “Last year, there were 13 Jack Closkey, vice- late as of Stanley Hi School, said it’s sobpon to deter- Castlegar RCMP mine precisely the extent of ‘drug use among He di LSD is popular with kids. It's a cheap and quick high,” Solinsky explained. But even more frightening. said Solinsky, is the increasing teen use of crystalized metham- phetamine [speed], known for its addictive and dangerous qualities. “This is unacceptable. Numerous crimes are to guess what the numbers might be, but did acknowledge there is “some” LSD and marijuana use at SHSS_.. “I've heard some talk,” he said. Gay MacDonald, the local School-| ‘based preven- tion worker, said a recent Survey indicates 25 per cent of Grade 12 female students use marijua- drug-driven.” na and 40 per cent of their male counterparts do. mainstay of the past may be part of this area's public transportation future. Trains m tion system may become a “It’s a good Way to tie the "he said. At least that's what a group of 1996 B.C. Summer Games and “Our ad hoc committee is look- ing at this as a long term pro- posal. T think it would make a ddition to the cur- Trail are jointly hosting the the group ‘le- gar-Trail rail line to move peo- ple between the cities to the different venues. Dale Schatz, a spokesman for the says mov- ing large volumes of henna by rail will: Nay traffic and more rent transportation system.” Schatz adds the current bus system has some difficulty reaching outlying areas and if rail could be utilized, then the busses could be used as feeders into the cities’ centres, “I think it would pull the whole system into a unit campaign starts this week! ay come back “There are a lot of people who remember the days when trains were. widely used and wouldn't mind seeing them again,” replied Schatz, when asked if nostalgia may be anoth- er positive factor. “You never know. Things may go full circle. I want to stress this is all very , We can pull this ;