Page 4A The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, July 19,1995 Local woman speaks of Guatamalan sweat shops Female employees abused physically, sexually SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor Anne Pellerine may no longer be a student per say, but her recent trip to Guatamala gave her a lesson in political science that would have most university stu dents gladly doubling their stu- dent loans for. Pellerine has just returned from the politically-ravished Guata- mala, where she worked with another West Kootenay woman, Gale Ogley, to improve the harsh working conditions that many Guatamalans, most of them women, are enduring each day in factories, Referred to by locals as *Maquiladorers’, the factories are more akin to sweatshops, where employees are toreed to work excru ciating hours in terrible conditions. They are often physically abused by managers, or in the case of female employees, sexually abused. “There is forced overtime Women have to ask permission to use the washroom, and then they are docked pay when they do. Pregnancy means immediate dis- missal,” said Pellerine And then there's the wages or lack thereof, For Pellerine, whose trip was partially spon- sored by her union, the Health Services Association of B.C., the entire trip was a lesson in how one country’s capitalism can result in another's poverty, ‘Government programs that pro- mote free trade are being blamed ‘Women have to ask permission to use the washroom, and then they are docked pay when they do.’ — ANNE PELLERINE further notice Thank you G.A. Rempel Fire Chief, City of Castlegar OPEN BURNING BAN Due to the extremely dry weather conditions all outdoor baming within the City of Castlegar Is PROHIBITED until For any questions please contact the office of the Fire Chief or City Hall 365-7227 for the way foreign corporations are becoming more profit-hungry. Most of the sweat shops in Guatamala are Pellerine, and others like her, are working to promote the estab- lishment of strong unions in Guatamala. Unions that will out against the harsh treatment that employees are made to suffer each working day and night. In some countries, the word ‘union’ is met with mixed reac- tions, most of which are political. In Guatalama, the word ‘union’ can be met with deadly force. “People have disappeared try- ing to organize workers,” said Pellerine. "Which is why an inter- national presence is necessary.” Progress has been slow, Peller- ine cited one example where the ambassador to Korea, who would at first deny the existence of poor working conditions, actually met with international union leaders to discuss possible improve- ments. “Its a small step, but it’s still a step.” Back in Canada, Pellerine, Ogley and others who have trav- elled to Guatamala host educa- tional lectures and workshops throughout the West Kootenay. “We speak to church groups and almost anyone who will listen.” mala. “The Guatamalans are so grateful for the intemational help they have received. But there is still so much more to do. I like to think that T'mhelping out in any way I can.” who bring energy to e Les world. It's one full of promise, challenge and change. Perhaps the information age will help all of us build a more informed and caring society. Perhaps technology will solve man’s most pressing problems. And perhaps computers will lay the foundations for wholly new, virtual communities. One thing is certain. Tomorrow won't look anything like today. Something else is Bes The people who will lead tomorrow are the people who believe that a better world'and a better community come through and the ability to focus, self discipli work hard. And while it’s hard to say what tomorrow will look like, you can recognize tomorrow's leaders. They're the people who bring energy and enthusiasm to everything that they do today. Who know that to grow and contribute, you must stretch beyond your personal limits. UtiliCorp United Inc., West Kootenay Power's parent company, helps build strong communities by investing in the people who will be our future leaders. Leaders in business. Leaders in their neighbourhood. Leaders in life. That's why they've established the UtiliCorp United Scholarship Fund. $25,000 is awarded anniially through all the high schools in the West Kootenay Power service area. In 1995 $500 has been ded to 47 graduati d chosen by their schools for leadership in the areas of business or ; or for é liti athletic ach | ; and, they through vy or school i West KOOTENAY POWER, A SUBSIDIARY OF: L JTILICORP UNITED must maintain at least a B average. And like the people at UtiliCorp United and West Kootenay Power, these leaders of tomorrow bring energy to life. Congratulations! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UmuCorp UNrrep INC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS FOR 1994 -95 BOUNDARY CENTRAL SECONDARY Ben Trerise Cherie Logan CRAWFORD BAY SECONDARY Jennifer van der Krabben Gina Smith GRAND ForKS SECONDARY Paula Ruley Immacutata HIGH Michael Doyle Anne-Marie Matte J.L. Crowe HicH Jasmeen Panesar Jodi Sherstobitoff J.V, HUMPHRIES SECONDARY Heidi Baer Helen Hawes KELOWNA CHRISTIAN ScHoot Elizabeth Bikicki Renee Jordheim KELOWNA SECONDARY Elvira Vicaretti Phil Aucoin KLO SEconDARY Jasleen Bains Sheri Uemoto LV. Rocers Hich Jaclyn Skopac Brian Boyes Mr. SENTINEL HIGH Jennifer Poohachoft Shana Mercer OKANAGAN MISSION SECONDARY Lindsay Martin ‘Tyler Schwartz Osoyoos SECONDARY Claire Sedergreen Andrew Alaric PENTICTON SECONDARY Kim Verigin Stan Nevlud PRINCE CHARLES SECONDARY James Kemp Gary Ahlefeld PRINCETON SECONDARY Kris Abbott Kara Pederson ROSSLAND SECONDARY Thea Baturin Michael Conci RUTLAND SR. SECONDARY Kathy Zutter Tina Hone SALMO SECONDARY Lucas McLean Willie Wadworth SIMILKAMEEN SCHOOL Carmel Ecker Cara Stewart SPRINGVALLEY SECONDARY Jenni-Lynn Jaeger Sokhi Sandhu SOUTHERN OKANAGAN SECONDARY Laurie Hedge Leslie Magnus STANLEY HUMPHRIES SECONDARY Ryan Swedburg Wayne Stolz SUMMERLAND SECONDARY Matt Dykstra Carol Young Anne Pellerine recently returned from a quick trip to Guatamala, where she worked to improve factory conditions for employees. Japanese students Castlegar-bound SHARLENEIMHOFF Sun Editor For 16 students from Aoyama Technical College in Japan, this summer will be one big adventure as they tour through Castlegar and other arcas in the West Kootenay. from July 19 to Aug. 2. The students, who will engage in a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities, as well as shop in local stores, will be studying English under the direction of Alexia Turner, a local teacher and member of the Multicul- tural Society, The tour is an annual event which started in 1987, and serves to link the sister colleges of Selkirk and Aoyama Tech. “It provides a cultural exchange that keeps alive the spirit of cooperation and friendship between the two colleges. Not to mention the fact that it’s also a lot of fun,” said tour coordinator John Bird. The students will be kept busy, said Bird. After getting to know their home-stay fam- ilies, the group will be toar- ing Champion Lakes and other points of interest, par- taking in recreational activi- ties such as golf and volleyball, and meeting with local dignitaries, English classes will take place during the morning on weekdays. The students will be meeting Castlegar city councillors during a cere- mony at the Railway Station Museum from | p.m. to 4 p-m., July 21. Airy Mountain ppliance Service call ONLY *20 For friendly service anytime call Located just past the junction on the Slocan Valley Highway See You at Rose's Restaurant Wednesday, July 19, 1995 The Castlegar Sun Page 5A Robson hosts 12th annual competition Photo—Robson competitor Jodi Cunningham hauls water to the top person on the ladder in the bucket brigade. Bottom—Firefighters race to put on turn-out gear before the hose-lay competition. sun sTAFF PHOTOS / Marilyn Strong PRINCESS CRUISES #328 It’s more than a cruise, it’s the Love Boat.® January 18, 1996 aboard the Crown Princess = $2,508 83 Per person, two sharing Includes one night pre- cruise stay In Florida. February 6, 1996 aboard the Sky Princess Teams from U.S. compete in fireman style olympics MARILYN ST Sun Staff Even with the fire hoses turned beer barrel’, took two hours to complete. Here a barrel is hung from a pulley on a steel cable and each team uses the 90-pound ‘on, the heat from the ip at the 12th Annual Robson Inter- national Fi 4 iti water p from the. water- hose to push the barrel across a pre-d d mark. last Sunday was fierce. Sixteen men's teams and four women’s teams represented fire departments from Post Falls and Kootenai County, Idaho, Pass Creek, Balfour/Harrop, North Shore (Nelson), Ootischenia and Robson. Teams sweltered in full turn-out gear for three of ine four events. The ‘hose lay make and break’ is a timed event requiring con- stant communication. First, each of the four team members quick- ly dress in turn-out gear. Then, while one member remains with the fire hydrant, the others race to sections in the hose where a coupling has to be made. When the hoses are joined a call is hollered to the fire hydrant team anchor to turn on the water. It's a race against the clock with water surging at 90 pounds of pressure. The men’s team from Rob- son took first place in this event, while first place in the ladies’ event was also awarded to Robson. In the men’s ‘smoke house res- cue’, where competitors race against the clock to rescue a watermelon located somewhere inside a burning smoke-filled house, first place went to the North Shore department. In the women’s equivalent, the winning department was from Post Falls. The third event, called ‘the Placing first in the men’s event was Post Falls. In the women's event, a single knockout deter- mined that Post Falls again would be first The cooling off event that par- ticipants and spectators look most forward to is the ‘bucket Uiigade’. Here, one team mem- ber scoops water from a cast iron bath tub into a canvas bucket, handing it to a second team member who stretches up the ladder to a third team member who then lifts the bag to yet a fourth member. This team mem- ber pours the water into a drain that empties into a garbage can on the ground. It is the only event where jack- ets, rubber boots and hats are not worn and by 4 p.m. on this hot July day, each team was thor- oughly soaked. Teams from Robson won both the men’s and women’s bucket brigade. In the final ‘charity hose reel’ competition, Nelson’s North Shore won and is sending the proceeds from their win to the Nelson Hospital fund. Overall men’s high aggregate score and trophy was presented to the North Shore department. Robson women tied with Post Falls for the overall ladies’ high aggregate score and trophy. The award for most sportsman-like team was awarded to Post Falls. Green Tip from Environment Canada C= the brakes during your next tune-up. If they are dragging on the wheels, fuel efficiency is lowered. Lower fuel efficiency produces more emissions linked to global warming. OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, JULY 22, 1995 © 1 - 3 P.M. #532 - 10th Ave. Castlegar 3 bedroom, hardwood floors, fireplace, central vacoum and a gorgeous new oak kitchen. This property MUST BE SOLD, REDUCED TO $144,000. Hosted by Sten Matell. Mt. Sentinel Realty 365-5228 MT. SENTINEL REALTY Sten Matell 1451 Columbia Avenue Castlegar, B.C. VIN 1H8 “With a home for you!” 365-5228 TAXPAYERS and TO CITY HALL PARKING IS UNAVAILABLE ON COLUMBIA AVENUE Please park on 13th Avenue, behind City Hall, or in the lot adjacent to the Museum. The sidewalk between the City Hall and R.C.M.P. buildings can be used to get to Columbia Avenue. Thank you for your cooperation during Downtown Revitalization Construction. VISITORS Kootenay This is the first in a series of six tours around beautiful Kootenay Country. This week we're touring . Castlegar. Bring your camera, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, good walking shoes, a picnic lunch and you're ready! Make sure to stock your cooler with some cold drinks, pop, and munchies from Machado's Grocery in downtown Castlegar. Then it's on to Plaza Bakery in the Mid-town Plaza for a wonderful selection of fresh bread and pasties, with no added preservatives, perfect to include with your picnic lunch. Our tour starts at the overpass at the intersection of Highway 22 and Columbia Ave. Turn east onto Highway 3 and follow the signs for Highway 3A. Turn left across from the airport and double back on the service road leading to the Doukhobor Museum and National “$3,630! Per person, two sharing Sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles. February 9, 1996 aboard the Golden Princess = $4,797 Per person, two sharing Sail from New Zealand to Australia. ALL CRUISES INCLUDE ROUND TRIP AIRFARE FROM VANCOUVER. OCEANS OF EXPERIENCE Call us today! 596 Baker Street Ph. 352-3535 person, based on two sharing in Canadian funds. Prices, Itnerais and schedules are subject to change te esc Pipa nbfect to mately ofthe time of boating, Exhibition Centre gallery. A tour of the Museum will take you through two reconstructed Doukhobor communal homes and outbuildings. About 200 metres further along the road is the National Exhibition Centre Gallery with a wonderful gift shop featuring British Columbia art Pieces. Take time to see the exhibits too! Back out on to Highway 3A turn east and down the airport hill. Pull off to the right just before the bridge and a three Backyard Visitor —Castlegar minute hike will take you to the Doukhobor Suspension bridge. Although blocked off now, there are plans to restore the bridge. Back . out onto the highway, continue east over the bridge and turn onto Robson Access Road. One km down the road, take the right hand turn and climb. the mountair: to the site of Verigin's Tomb. Peter Lordly Verigin was the leader who brought Doukhobors out of Russia and into Canada, eventually settling in the Kootenays. Back down the hil and turn tight on your way to Robson At the sign that says Robson, turn right (instead of crossing the bridge) and at your first right, turn again 2nd follow the signs to Pass Creek Park There's a warm sandy beach and small lake, perfect for dipping. Picnic tables in the For your convenience. *ice *pop chips and so much more Also Castlegar BOTTLE DEPOT Open 7 days a week Machado's grocery 1108 4th St. Downtown Castlegar - Ph. 365-6673 shade, close to the beach provide the perfect location for your lunch you can purchase a 1996 Heritage Calendar for $5.00. Follow 13th Ave to Columbia and turn right.At the lights at the corner-of 6th and Columbia, turn left and follow 6th St to 7th Ave. Turn right on 7th and drive past the Golf Course/Dove Hill high school ke When you've had enough sun and and finished your lunch it's time to go back to the Robson turnoff and this time take the bridge over the Columbia River and turn left to go to Castlegar. As you drive through downtown Castlegar you'll notice new sidewalks, beautiful trees and new light Standards, part of downtown Revitalization. Turn right at 3rd St. and drive down to 13th Ave. to the Train Station Museum. A tour of this museum will provide with you with information about the history of Castlegar. And until you see the signs on the left for Zuckerberg Island. Park in the parking area and walk across the causeway (the suspension bridge is temporarily closed). The island park is the jewel of the Columbia and is managed by volunteers of the Castlegar & District Heritage Society. Many trails lead to historic sites and viewpoints. Make sure to stop at the Chapel House, sign the guest book and walk to the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers Your quick tour is over. Be sure to pick up a free copy of Hidden Holidays, detailing 10] activities and events in he Castlegar area from the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce office 1995 6th Ave. Castlegar. COME & SEE US when planning your B.C. Holiday Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce 1995 6th Ave., Castlegar (next to the Complex) Ph: 365-6313 eee teed FRESH Breads Buns ¢Cakes ° Pastries We add no preservatives! Plaza Bakery Midtown Plaza, Castlegar 365-5944 Out of town customers call 1-800-667-8330