Ul Jan ‘ t ‘ $ * , $ 3 s = . 3 : 3 s s rf bf ‘ = Ny H 3 : : : 3 2 NODE e mana eeenerce semen nees es OPINION EDNESDAY, July 1995 Serving the 10,000 people of the Castlegar Area, The Castlegar Sun is every by Lid, at 465 Columbia Ave. Castlegar, B.C. VIN 1G8, The Castlegar Sun is politi- callly independent and a member of the Sterling News Service, Cana- dian C BC. C Newspapers Assocation, and the B.C. Press Council. Established 28, 1990. Mail 10420. PUBLISHER MARILYN STRONG CHRISTINE MOYER PRODUCTION MANAGER TRICIA LAKTIN PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CATHERINE ROSS ADVERTISING REP. NICOLE BEETSTRA ADVERTISING REP, GABERT ‘SPORTS REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER MARGE LALONDE OFFICE/CIRCULA TION MANAGER ++++2965-2278 - 365-5579 ..365-7762 APERS 4: editorial comment Leaving lasting impressions It’s hot, it’s.dusty, it’s noisy, it’s a pain in the back- side. Nowadays, walking in downtown Castlegar is like taking your life in your own hands. Avoiding rocks of tremendous proportions, being assaulted by the resounding noise of heavy equip- ment, and breathing thick dust leaves pedestrians with little patience. But if downtown Castlegar leaves the locals with a gritty taste in their mouth, imagine what it does to the t6ufistswho unwittingly find themselves in an area they must be sure is a scene out of The Twilight Zone. While downtown revite isn’t a day on the beach for anyone, it’s being tolerated because we know that gain comes through pain. We grit our teeth and pick our way through construction zones feeling assured that Castlegar is undergoing a metamorphosis. Unfortunately, most tourists will remember their visit to downtown Castlegar as dusty and noisy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can change those memories. A simple nod and a polite how-do-you-do can go a long way. It’s not much longer, friends, before revite is fin- ished. In the meantime, if you pass someone with a quizzical look on their face, say “hello” even if you don’t feel cheerful. It might just change those tourist’s memories of the summer of ‘95 in Castlegar, B.C. Needless Statistics Summer has just begun for students across B.C.. Their minds are focussed on lazy summer days Pp d by cool, refreshing dips in the local swim- ming hole. . The biggest concern for most is which bathing suit to wear—the pink or the blue. Many will be leaving for holidays to visit much- missed friends or relatives. Most will be returning to school this fall with won- derful tales of their summer escapades But for some, this could be their last summer. Police across the province are reminding motorists to slow down in playground areas and obey designat- ed speed zones. A child chasing a ball across the street oblivious to on-coming traffic could become another summertime statistic. A needless statistic Enjoy your summer, and please, drive safely. ERRORS: The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in any advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise... and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. All advertising subject to publisher's approval. Contracts must be completed within one year from contract date. No contingent orders accepted. Will it become the “War of the Roses”? A comment on Trail and Nelson hospitals How sweet. Trail Regional and Kootenay Lake Hospital have taken the~ plunge and are now pledged to each other in a dubious unholy relationship. The announce- ment that the two have decided to “work together in a joint venture” in providing health care and sharing administrative and support ser- vices comes as no surprise— after all neither wants to step aside to let the other walk down the aisle alone. But you can’t help but stop and AN INSIDE BOOK KAREN KERKHOFF children’s best interests. The two have now agreed to merge certain. ser- vices in the interest of providing a bet- ter home life, But - the big question is: When push comes to shove who will ——~_ wear the pants in that family? We've. seen it happen before. A couple knows full well that if their case comes before the judge (in this case the Ministry of Health) they might not fare so well. So, despite their obvious and intense dislike for each other, they strike a dubious deal which is supposed to keep the judge at bay while allowing them to be masters of their own future. We have to wonder what the future will bring for this odd cou- ple. There's no denying that two people can live cheaper than one—hence the “joint venture”. But sometimes children are hap- pier when they know that their single parent has made choices that were borne out of their love for their children, and not the need to merely survive. “ioint venture” The press release announcing the “joint venture” says that the arrangement is a “win” for the entire West Kootenay region. Just because they say it is so doesn't mean it is so. It remains to be seen who will truly win. We hope the winners in this relationship are the people who deserve quality health care which is devoid of politics and self-serv- ing platitudes. What is it most people say to newlyweds? Good luck? They'll need it. Because if the two hospi- tals ever divorce it could be worse than the War of the Roses. wonder what sort of partners they'll be in bed when the lights are out, the doors are closed, and the kids are asleep. What is surprising, however, is Speaker’s Corner Castlegar student Tamara Terry is pounding the pavement in search of answers to questions that correspond with news stories that have appeared in The Castlegar Sun. If you see Tamara, it could be your opportunity to appear in Speaker's Corner, which that joint custody of health care for the residents of the West Kootenays is left in the hands of two partners who, in the past, made no bones about their aver- sion to the other. In many ways their blessed ion (the word they dili- gently chose not to mention in their press release) can be likened to the couple who decide to stick together because to not do so would put both in financial ruin. Instead, the two will limp along, sharing finances, the bed, and the ‘children’ (health care users) in an arrangement that is born out of pure need, and some would say greed. Public bickering, media drum- ming and verbal arrows have now given way to a kinder, gentler demeanor. The ‘children’ have become all important, and egos have magically given way to the Question: Do you support the use of radar cameras to appre- hend speeders I think it is a good idea because I've always approved of radar. The more Speeders get caught, the less accidents za Donaldson (with daughter) I think they will effectively speeding. If people know they are out there they'll slow down all the time, not just when they see a police car. —Ken Eaton Be es They say that the police are the ones who give the speed- ing tickets, but they don't; you have to deter earn them. —Gwen Meers People who do speed overdrive their vision and reflexes, and therefore are accident prone. —Eva Koznuik Tips for a safe motorcycling summer Now that summer is here, I thought that it would be appropri- até to mention just a few times pieces of advice to the average motorist and motorcyclist alike Some 95 per cent of all motor- cycle-related accidents involve injury or death. This should be a — sobering fact and yet many motorists just plain “don’t see” the motorcyclist, or don’t know that motorcycles can stop in only half the time and distance that a car can. This can often lead to a tailgat- ing situation that some drivers are not even aware of. We all know about the proper, timed interval between vehicles, which would be two seconds between most cars. But remember, if a motorcycle can stop in half the time and distance, then we motorists must give them double the space when we follow them. This means four seconds behind them—or more, depending on the conditions and circumstances. Some novice (new) riders are under certain restrictions,:such as riding during daylight hours only, travelling no more than 60 km/h _(even on the highways), carrying no passengers, and the very beginner cannot ride without supervision. As motorists, if we see two bikers riding together then we should not try to cut between them And if they are not exceedihg 60 km/h, maybe they are riding according to their restrictions and we should make a point of not getting too close. We may pass if the opportunity is available, the biker may flash his/her brake lights to indicate that they are not going to be speeding up, or they will signal to move over for the driver to pass. Most motorcycles operate with headlights on at all times so they are seen better. Motorcyclists should wear proper protective gear such as leather or blue jean jackets, gloves, long pants or chaps and leather boots or shoes. Helmet use is the law in B.C. and most rid- ers will wear some kind of face—or eye protection. Motorcycle riders should ride to be seen. There are three lane positions: the left, the centre, and the right position of the lane. Which one the rider chooses will depend on the situation and the conditions at the time. The left portion of the lane is considered to be the d position. It is also one of the cleanest parts of the lane, but can MY TURN BERLE JABLONSKY be an awkward place to be if approaching the crest of a hill, a curve, or an oncoming large truck. The rider will possibly move to the right under these conditions, to make the ride safer for themselves. There are three actions a motorcyclist can take when rec- ognizing a potential hazard: he can brake quickly and drastically to lessen an impact; swerve to avoid something; or accelerate to get past the point of impact As motorists, we need to be aware of and look for some of these actions when sharing the roadway with motorcycles. We all have plans—let's see them through. I'd like to live long enough to see my grandchildren or possibly even great-grandchildren. That rider you're following might even be me, so please see us! And have a wonderful summer! Berle Jablonsky is a motorcy- cle instructor with the Trail Driv- ing School. WERE GOING TO KEEP You HERE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. | SUGGEST YOU CALL HOME AND HAVE SOMEONE BRING YOU A TOOTHBRUSH AND PYJAMAS, ALSO, A BLANKET, PILLOW, BEDSHEETS, BED FRAME MANRESS, NIGHT TABLE, FLOWER VASE...... Wednesday, July 5, 1995 The Castlegar Sun Letters to the Editor F] There’s a lot of good in them Dear Editor: I have a 13-year-old son, who when not in school, doing chores, at a Scout meeting or camp, spends all of his free time with his skateboard and friends downtown. My-self and my wife have been follow- ing the write-ups in the paper and listening to the concerns of the community, for quite some time now. We realize that not everyone in town feels that these kids are not all vandalizing, causing problems and are in the way, and we would like to share a story with your readers While driving downtown on Tuesday evening with my sons, I noticed a video lying in the middle of.Columbia Ave. I quickly stopped the truck and picked up the movie realizing that it was a new release from a local video store. My first reaction was, right on, we have a new movie, going on the old saying “Finders Keepers”. My 13-year-old skater son told me, “No we are, trustworthy and are going to return it!” I said "Yes, you are right, but let's take it home and watch it first." He again told me “No, we are going by the store and should drop it off!" After a few minutes of silence, | became very proud and told him he was right. We stopped at the video store and returned it. They were very grateful as it. was a new release and worth over $100. My son was thanked and given credit for a rental I feel that my first reaction was natural and, right or wrong, I would not have spent a lot of time decid- ing whether or not to keep it. But, thanks to my skater son, the right decision was made This only shows me that the Scouting organiza- tion in Castlegar works, teaching our youth to be trustworthy. My point being that there is good in our youth, and there is bad as well. It would be nice if we noticed all the good as much as all the bad. I am proud of our youth! They have proven to me time and time again that they are trustworthy! Scouting works! A very proud father, C.M. Heddle Dear Editor: Public awareness appreciated Sun for its kind cooperation with respect to pub- libraries to develop a stronger their communit It has often been difficult for many public citizens simply do not know what their public libraries have to offer. It has been our intention to not only publicize the kinds of services the Castlegar and District Library has to offer, but to also inform area residents of var- ious events and happenings at the library. We would like to sincerely thank The Castlegar and Sincerely, . lishing a number of stories about the Castlegar District Library. ‘They have been integral in our quest to raise pub- lic awateness about the library in the community. ‘Thank you again for your involvement and con- tribution to the library. Darlene Kalawsky Fundraising Coordinator To all of you, sorry for the no show Dear Editor: ANKORS (West Kootenay/Boundary AIDS Net- work, Outreach and Support Society) would like to apologize to all those who were expecting to meet with Marianne Alto from the Public Issues and Consutta- tion office The meeting wgs,capcelled on, very short notice due to unforeseen circumstances, but has been tenta- tively rescheduled for July 19 from 11 to 2 at the ANKORS office. The issues surrounding AIDS and HIV are of concern to a growing number of individuals and groups. ANKORS and Marianne Alto are very interested in having input from all communities in the West Kootenays. We strongly recommend that persons interested in participating call ANKORS at 365-2437 or 1- * 800-365-2437°to0 confirm the Meetings’ time and date. B. Nilsen for the ANKORS Board of Directors Please recycle! WE'VE MOVED Supplies Favors our specialty See us in our new location in the Castle Theatre building P Just Ey's CHocoLaTE Girt Suop 185 Columbia Avenue 365-7542 A Very Compatible COUPLE Remember, both Panasonic Palmcorders and Omnivision VCR's share acommon bond. Both are members of the VHS Family, the world’s most popular video format, and by using the included PlayPak, our Palmcorder’s VHS-C ta back in any VHS VCR: No special wires or hook-ups, no muss, no fuss. All-in-all we like to say our new line up is ... pbs play / Sinplt patter! 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