Page A8& The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, August 2, 1995 More Sun Mailbag _ Peace Dear Editor: This is a year of great anniver saries: a hundred years since the Doukhobors threw their rifles into a bonfire on the steppes of Russia, fifty years since Canadian soldiers liberated Holland and fifty years since the founding of the United Nations And fifty years ago, on August 6th, the first atomic bomb incinerated the city of Hiroshima, For many years the Castlegar Peace Group held a memorial on that day to remem- ber the bombing of Hiroshima IPOaY UEQUIDAT OM andto protest the frightening buildup of nuclear arms, In conjunction with millions of people like us world-wide, we prevailed over the greed of the arms industry and the paranoia of ideologues. The arms race faded and some semblance of sanity _returned to international relations We haven't held a Hiroshima Day for several years but we will celebrate this 50th anniversary as we used to by gathering at our peace tree on Zuckerberg Island, Sunday, August 6 at 6 p.m. Have SKIS SKIBOOTS SKIWEAR a picnic and then join us. Proicst was not on our minds when we planned this event but sanity is not yet universal. The French have announced their intention to resume the testing of nuclear arms: Not in their own backyard, not where the white- ALL ’95 INVENTORY PRICED TO MOVE AT WHOLESALE PRICES SNOWBOARDS HUGE FOOTWEAR SELECTION BIKES BALL EQUIPMENT CLOTHING IN-LINE SKATES HOCKEY EQUIPMENT TENNIS EVERYTHING MUST BE SOLD SALE BEGINS AT NOON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 2ND AND ENDS SATURDAY AUGUST 12 group plans Hiroshima remembrance skinned French might be at risk but on the Moruroa Atoll half-a world away and the home of a small, brown and gentle people. You are welcome to come to our celebration and to our protest. George Richards Castlegar Peace Group Minister clarifies position on news carriers Dear Editor: I would like to take the time to clarify recent misun- derstandings and inaccura- cies concerning the inclusion of newspaper carriers under the Employment Standards Act. Concern has been expressed over the four hour minimum provision under the Employment Standards Act. The Act exempts schoolchildren who work less than 15 hours a week delivering newspapers. Young people with before or after school routes will not be affected. However, the Act does apply to adult newspaper car- riers. This allows the same benefits that workers in other occupations enjoy. Government recognizes that some employees, par- ticularly seniors, prefer not to work four hours per day. Employers and employ- ces affected by this regula- tion have the right to apply to the Employment Standards Branch for a variance to hours of work provisions of the Act. This is a simple procedure for most businesses if a majority of employees agree. I am confident that provi- sions in the new Employ- ment Standards Act are fair and equitable to both news- paper carriers and their employers. Dan Miller Minister of Skills, Training and Labour Victoria Favors our specialty onne oer new locaton lid just Ev's CHOCOLATE & Girt Sop 185 Columbia Avenue Open 10 a.m. te 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 2, 1995 The Castlegar Sun Page A9 Provincial schools making the grade, says report Submitted ‘The B.C. RChOOT system Woes a good job of teaching most stu- dents how to read, write and communicate, according to test results released by Education Minister Art Charbonneau. Results show that in both read- ing and writing, student achieve- ment has remained relatively stable over the past decade. At all grades, most students are able to ‘communicate at or above expect- ed levels. The tests, written by 30,000 students in 1993, are the first communications assessments ' of B.C. students since 1988. “The results of province-wide testing give vital information that can be used to make curriculum and instructional changes,” said ~ Charbonneau. “The 1993 assessment showed that overall we're doing a good job, but it also pinpointed areas that must be improved. That's the reason for these ment and the amount of reading and writing in students’ homes Among the report's nda Kootenay Backyard Visitor] Castlegar/Trail/Rossland/Christina Lake/Grand Forks tions are that teachers and parents provide students with a broader range of reading and other com- munications materials, and that more emphasis be placed on strengthening older students’ speaking and listening skills. The report includes educators’ recom- mendations for improving teach- ing practices in the tested subjects. Government is currently implementing an action plan to : improve student learning, includ- ing new curriculum as well as a variety of teaching strategies to help teachers meet the different swerved style needs in the class- Work i is already under way to meet these goals,” said Charbon- neau. “A Ages of key education gaged in long-t planaing and coordination to improve students’ skills. to build a stronger, higher-quality education system. Approximately 80 per cent of pone pis met or exceeded the basic expectations for their grade level. The report states that at all levels, students performing below expectations included more boys than girls, and points to weak- nesses in higher-level reading skills, particularly at the sec- level. The report notes a strong cor- relation between school achieve- h is being d to determine the best ways to help students with language and learn- ing difficulties, and the provincial language arts and English curric- ula are being revised. In addition, student achievement will be mon- itored with a regular cycle of test- ing in core subjects for Grade 4, 7, and 10 students.” Charbonneau said B.C. stu- dents’ math skills will be assessed next year. Results of sci- ence tests conducted earlier this year are not yet available. B.C. forest service looks to the future ‘Submitted A five-year strategy for implementing the Forest Prac- tices Code and other government initiatives has been released by » B.C. Forests Minister Andrew Petter. The Forest Service's five-year forest and range resource pro- gram — going from 1995 to the year 2000 —- details the govern- ment’s forest management goals and priorities for British Columbia, Petter said. “I believe British Columbians want a future that includes sus- tainable forests, stable communi- ties and good jobs for the people who live in those communities,” said Petter. “Tt was with these objectives in mind that we developed the com- prehensive strategy to renew the forests and forest-dependent communities outlined in the last five-year plan.” The Forest Service's plan to take B.C. into the next century focuses on: * strict new laws and enforce- ment under the Forest Practices Code to ensure that B.C. forest practices are sustainable and respect all forest values; + securing the working forests under the Forest Land Reserve to protect the jobs that communities depend upon: + working with Forest Renewa BC to put more dollars anc resources back into the forest and creating more jobs, value an timber volume at every stage 0 forest management throughou the Forest Renewal Plan; * protecting biodiversity vi the protected areas strategy an the Forest Practices Code; + setting realistic, sustainabl harvest levels through the Timbe Supply Review, * contributing to resource-us certainty through public land-us planning initiatives such as lan and resOurce management plar ning, the Commission’ o Resources and Environmer (CORE), and the Land Use Coo dination Office. The five-year program i required under the Ministry 0 Forests Act and is updated annu ally to detail the ministry's objec- tives, methods and schedules for management of the province's forest and range resources. Copies of the publication are available at Forest Service regional and district offices throughout the province. DON'T WAIT! 7 ALREADY RESERVED This is me hid tira sertes of six circle tours of the West Kootenay region If you are new to area or are looking for activities to keep Aunt Mary and Uncle Ed and their six kids busy, consider. taking (or sending) them on one or more of the tours! Pack your swim suit, towel, ‘hat, sun screen and camera and you're ready to roll. If you want more information, please contact the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce. Before you begin this journey you'll want to call Do-Un-To Barge Services at 399- 4716 and book an evening or day cruise on the Arrow Lakes. You should be back from your tour by 6 p.m.today (unless you're staying at the Ram's Head Inn in Rossland with their wonderful bed and breakfast). In either case, it's sometimes hard to do everything in one day! We're heading to Columbia Avenue to Highway 22and our first stop is the Chevron Town Pantry. Make sure you fill up with gas and munchies and then you're on your way south for 20 minutes until you reach Trail. At the entrance to Trail is Cominco a modern lead smelting plant and one of the largest employers in the region. Stay on the highway and travel down the Cominco hill until you reach the lights. Keep to the left and then take any of the right hand streets which will take you into the main commercial district of Trail. If you're looking for shopping they have a good variety. When you've finished downtown it's time to head up the big hill to Rossland, Canada's Alpine city. To reach Rossland, drive back to the bottom of the Cominco hill and turn left following the signs for Highway 3B . It will take you about 10 minutes of steep inclines, but it is worth the drive. Rossland is the home of the Le Roi Gold Mine and no visit is complete without a journey underground into the mine. Tthe guided tours are available from the museum, located at the Junction of Highway 22A and 3. After your tour, be sure to pan for gold and have a cup of tea at the Teahouse. Creative Homestyle >> ‘ookin' ‘ + Friendly Service + Reasonable Prices Open 7 days a week 100% Non-smoking Long time local favourite! 362-7630 4 licensed q LO) After-your tour; be sure to stop in downtown Rossland, at the Sunshine Cafe for a quick bite of lunch. The cafe has been a Rossland favourite for years and their creative cooking will amaze and tantalize your senses. From Rossland, follow Highway 3B towards Grand Forks and Christina lake. It's a ) short 35 or so omqp Christina Lake A stop at the Travel Info centre and the museum, both located in downtown Grand Forks just 1/2 block off Highway 3, are a must. CANADA at gy ve morning by locals and visilors who like. to preserve the fresh taste. In the late summer and oaths fall, everything you need to! finish the garden and start planning for next year, is’ available. Besides all the great produce Rilkoffs also stocks bulk quantity food items including canned and dry goods. Caggjenar minute drive over some of the most pristine territory in the interior. No telephone poles, (sorry cellular doesn't work), lots of wild life and an awe inspiring view around every bend. Once in Christina Lake, you're headed to Christina Lake Provincial Park , located about 3 km along Highway 3 through the town. Turn right at the hotel and follow the signs. Find a place to park, grab your suits, snorkels, and water toys and head to the warm sandy beach. This end of the lake has a large sand bar and Christina Lake is the warmest, tree-lined lake in B.C. (and perhaps Canada!). The water reaches a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius in July and August and there is fishing for Rainbow trout, bas, burbot and carp. for those who like the water there is water-skiing, canoeing, wind surfing; and for the adventurous, jet-ski rentals are available. The.boat ramp is about a 1/2 km from the provincial park and there are several marinas available from which to launch your boat. For those who prefer a bit more exercise, The Cascade Par 3 golf course awaits you. This par 27 sits on the old townsite of Cascade and the course's nine short holes are straight ahead with few hazards. No need to bring your clubs, they have. plenty available or you can have a set custom made conforms which exactly to your own swinging motion. From Christina Lake it's a short 15 minute drive west on Highway 3 to Grand Forks, the home of Sunshine and borscht. Our wedding | us we have the best place for a special occasion. Down douvets, king beds, private balcony, gourmet breakfast. Prices start at $59.00 Ideal for small confe and UNITED STATES There is so much to see and do in Grand Forks it's hard to know where to start. A tour of the downtown area where revitalization had recreated a western town, means plenty of small and unique shops and stores to lure you. Be sure to stop and admire the old courthouse and its brick work. From downtown Grand Forks, you're driving west along Highway 3 through some of the prettiest residential areas. Grand Forks was a booming town at the turn of the century, and many of the homes along the highway have some of the Victorian touches still evident. It's about a three mile drive to Rilkoff's General Store, a great destination at any time of year. In the spring, Rilkoffs store carriés bedding plants, fertilizer and all the seed, lawn and garden supplies you'll need. During the summer, their fresh produce, much of it local, some from the Okanagan, is snatched up quickly and early in the Le Roi GOLD MINE! The most famous of Ro: id Once you've stocked up on goodies, it's time for a quick bite to eat at the Flames Restaurant. Located in the Grand Forks Motor Inn, about one km east of Rilkoff's (you passed it on your way there), Flames specializes in steak, pizza and pasta. And they even have most of their items available for take-out. It's a great place to dine in or take out great Italian food. It's been a full day but if you're headed back to your Do- Un-To- cruise or to Rams Head Inn or home, it's time to leave. Cascade Par 3 Cascade is a compact par 27 course} set in the beautiful vacation country: near Christina Lake. A place where, golfers of all level of ability are medal to feel welcome. Cascade is an ide: course for families and those new tog the sport.. - A perfect place to learn] the game or improve your skills PUBLIC TEE TIMES: 7:00 a.m. to Dusk -7 days a week (April 1 thru October 31) 447-9705 d |e 14x45 FT. PONTOON BARGE Suitable for hottubbing, borbeque parties, construction, diving! sightseeing, fomily dey cruises, and much morel we: 19' ALUMINUM JET BOAT * COMMERCIAL/RECREATIONAL om For more info call or fax Stewart at 399-4716 ea Castiegar__Town Pantry 1928 Columbia Ave., Castiegar at Highway 3 Junction Enter to win 1 of 50 pairs of Melson indy Vancouver GOLD TICKETS & PADDOCK PASSES. for Sept. 1,2 & 3. Receive an entry form when you purchase any of our specials. Contest Ends August 13 © Cold 21 Coke only $1.88 © Old Dutch Chips - 200 g bax -$1.78 * Herehey Chocolate Bare -2 for $1.28 Fill up with our Supremes or use the Counter. °Open 24 Hrs. ¢ Lotte Centre Quality Chevron Products. 365-3655 retreats. Box 636 Rossland, BC VOG |YO (604) 362-9577 fax: (604)-362-5681 "The Best in Town” GUIDED TOURS TOURS ARE AVAILABLE MAY THROUGH AUGUST AT THE FOLLOWING B.C. HYDRO FACILITIES * KOOTENAY CANAL GENERATING STATION PHASE Il + 2 BEDROOM & 2 BATHROOM = + PROFESSIONALLY LANDSCAPED + LEVEL ENTRY * LOW MAINTENANCE FEES * YEAR ROUND MAINTENANCE —* RECREATION CENTRE * PRIVATE FENCED YARDS + SOME BASEMENTS from ° 113,900 CteWanr Place ADULT COMMUNITY 2210-Columbia Avenue, Castlegar 365-0474 PEACHES LOCATED AT THE GRAND FORKS MOTOR INN * SEVEN MILE GENERATING STATION 59‘ ¢ H. L. KEENLEYSIDE DAM mi jugh Dam is located 8 km. upstream from Castlegar. The facility is a Columbia River Treaty storage dam and features westem Canada's only navigational lock. Drop in tours are available at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 am, 11:00 am., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. seven days a week. Please call 365-5299. Station is located 25 km. from Trail off Highway 22A. The facility has been operating since 1979 and consists of three hydroelectric’ generators. Tours are available Monday - Friday (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) except holidays. Please call 367-7521 Kootenay Canal Station is located 21 km. west of Nelson just off Highway 3A. The facility has been operating since 1976 and consists of four hydroelectric generators. Tours are available Monday - Friday (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) except holidays. Please call 359-7287. TOURS ARE FREE OF CHARGE BChydro & Visa ¢ Mastercard ¢ Debit Card ¢ Interact «© Cheques MALLARD'S 2&r2Ports Baker St. Nelson, B.C. Phone 352-3200 oe, CORN 3.99. CANTALOUPE Local SUPER SWEET Waneta Plaza Trail, B.C. Phone 368-6400 Castleaird Plaza Castlegar, B.C. Phone 365-5588 pies & more!! Pa “RUSSIAN FOOD" including }{ Borech, Pyrahi, Varenniki, Lapsha Located Playmor Junction Come in & visit ust! 3 miles west of Gra PH 442-5555 OR 442-5556 Open everyday 4