ote to ote a cn aah sre PAGE Wednesday, December 30, 1992 @ j 6 e = = = Op Dave McCullough Publisher Scott David OurViEWS Harrison Editor _ Bob Proctor Marketing Manager | Mickey Read Composing Room Foreman Warren Chernoff Accountant Mary Ann Fullerton Circulation Manager Burt Campbell Publisher Emeritus L.V. Campbell Aug. 7, 1947- Feb. 15, 1973 ecvcna Time to bury old hatchet t’s time to bury the Regional [piste of Central Kootenay hatchet. A long-standing feud between RDCK chair George Cady and Mayor Audrey Moore must be put on the back-burner for the betterment of Castlegar and the entire district. News that Cady is reluctant to appoint Castlegar’s ‘elected’ representative to RDCK committees is a slap against this city and the citizens that go a long way toward padding the coffers of this level of bureaucracy. As a major contributor to the RDCK operating budget, the citizens of Castlegar deserve to have their unique concerns addressed at a committee level. So, too, do the citizens of Nakusp, Nelson, Creston, Salmo, Kaslo and the 15 areas that are represented by the Regional District of Central Kootenay. It is incumbent upon these two seasoned politicians to work with, not against each other. They can agree to disagree on matters all they want and promptly debate them during RDCK gatherings. But, when push comes to shove, both Cady and Moore must be willing to look at the better good of the entire area they represent and adult enough to let long-standing differences not impede the challenges that face the RDCK. To use Cady’s own words, “It’s important to have representation and discussion from all directors.” They’re words to live by. por v. Lm a~ eee Pa _ ..AN THEN, AFTER NAFTA, SANTA MOVED THE ENTIRE WORKSHOP TO TISVANA ... ae \ New Year’s resolution worth seeing It’s that time of the year again... time to kiss away all those bad habits and adopt an entire new personality to usher in 1993. OK, so one week after the clock strikes midnight we forget half of the things we’ve promised. But it wouldn’t be New Year’s if we didn’t convince ourselves that our bad habit could be overcome... for one day at the very least. With that in mind, here’s s.D.HARRISON Harrison Comparison promise not to compare the loss of Notre Dame and David Thompson University Centres to war strife in El Salvador. ¢ Mayor Audrey Moore: I promise to grit my teeth and do my best to work with chair George Cady for the betterment of the | entire Regional District of | Central Kootenay. ' © Chair George Cady: I | promise to grit my teeth __|and do my best to work | | a whole wack of New Year’s resolutions that I’d love to see fulfilled in 1993. ¢ Rossland-Trail MLA Ed Conroy: I promise not to make derogatory remarks towards specific body features of members of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. ¢ Nelson-Creston MLA Corky Evans: Should I stand before the B.C. Legislature to introduce a government review of post- secondary services in the Kootenay again, I with Castlegar Mayor Audrey Moore for the betterment of the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay. ¢ Councillor Kirk Duff: I promise to bring enough Juicy Juice Drinking Boxes and/or straws to share with everyone on council in 1993. * Councillor Bob Pakula: I promise never to wear that “Those Darn Seagulls” t-shirt to a city council session in 1993. please see HARRISON page 7 Other VIEWS | “Stree TALI Chad Osachoff Castlegar “Yes. To quit smoking.” Laura Darnbrough Castlegar “No. I probably wouldn’t stick to it anyway.” Pan Xayasomphou Castlegar “Yes. To play hockey better and to skate better.” “No. I never make Nicole Sweeney Castlegar Bob Lins Lethbridge “Yes. To improve them.” my grades.” a Wednesday, December 30, 1992 Please address all letters to: Letters to the Editor Castlegar News P.O. Box 3007 Castlegar, B.C. V1N 3H4 or deliver them to 197 Columbia Ave. esidence only ill be published. be published anonymously. o edit letters for Drevity, clarity, gality, grammar Letters ‘oWHE EDITOR Timely News coverage greatly appreciated The Castlegar and District Heritage Society would like to thank The Castlegar News for all the positive and timely news coverage we have received in your paper this year. We had many fund raisers and special events throughout the seasons to support our projects, Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park and the Chapel House and the CP Rail Station Museum and to encourage the community to become involved in the Castlegar and District Heritage Society and find alternate uses for our facilities. No need to resurrect a troubled Reading in the Dec. 7 issue of The Castlegar News, the loud outcry of Mike E. Chernenkoff directed against the CBC TV and others whom he accuses of unjust falsifications in connection with the Sons of Freedom, I felt, as a USCC member, the need to make some comments — mainly because of mention made of our organization’s Honorary Chairman, Mr. John J. Verigin which essentially affects the organization itself. Not having seen the CBC production in question I cannot comment much upon it. But it makes me wonder why would the CBC want to bring up the subject of the 1950s government abduction of Freedomite children to educate and assimilate them forcibly in the New Denver institution? This matter is somewhat not clear to me. However, there is no doubt it is an extremely sore issue with the Sons of Freedom and will understandably remain so for a long time to come, I think it would be better if the press would refrain from digging .into such matters for purposes of publicity as nothing positive or helpful could result, as past experience has proven. The subject is extremely painful and controversial, one which experts and various special commissions failed to clear. However, my present concern is mainly to refute Chernenkoff’s allegation that Verigin assisted the authorities in this matter of inside instigation. Associating this with the subsequent receipt of the award of the Order of Canada is utter nonsense. And further, while speaking of two separate people in the same paragraph — Emmet Gulley and Verigin — Chernenkoff spoke of a third one, John Lebedoff whom, he says “he managed to proclaim as leader of the Sons of Freedom.” Who was the “he” Chernenkoff was referring to: Gulley or Verigin, it is important to know. These activities — from bake sales to art shows — were most successful as were our visits from tourists from all over the world. However, without more secure financing for operating costs, we now must close the CP Rail Station Museum and society office as of Dec. 31, 1992. The reopening of the museum/office and Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park is uncertain at this time. Thanks should go to those of our members who showed their support and gave their help unstintingly, to our I must say here that it is impossible to clarify all of Chernenkoff’s statements and allegations without going into much detail. My main concern, I repeat, is to make the emphatic assertion that John J. Verigin, to my knowledge, was never, by threat, inducement or by any other cause, a party to the act of assisting the authorities with instigations to abduct children from their homes or for the destruction of the homes by the parents themselves. I have limited knowledge of the role played by Gulley who, by hearsay, did work for the government. But as to John Lebedoff, it was common knowledge he did work close with the police and was their agent. And it was common knowledge also that the Sons of Freedom did not allow their children to attend public schools, an issue that should have been resolved by reasonable negotiations between the government and the parents themselves to avoid the children becoming tragic and innocent pawns in the conflict. But since such negotiations did not take place, now everyone in the eyes of the Sons of Freedom are to blame: the CBC, Emmet Gulley, Verigin, Lebedoff and others. No one, of course, is perfect, but in retrospect it is generally possible to discern where there is more reliable and sensible behavior. Of course, Verigin did receive the Canada award several years ago, in recognition for service for the common good. Then some time later another award came from the then Soviet government, in recognition of his efforts for improvement of international relations. And now, a third one has come forth, again from the government in Ottawa — much for the same reasons. All of these came completely unsolicited. Mr. John Verigin, as it happens, holds in his hands presently the symbolic torch, the beacon light of everything his predecessors, the Verigin leaders, stood for. And, as far as supervisor Debbie McIntosh whose energy and enthusiasm held everything together, to my fellow executive members Charles Horrey and Carolee Fitz-Gerald, and to everyone who donated time, money, expertise and took the time to drop off or call us about articles we might use for the museum. Happy holidays to all. John H. Coyle President, Castlegar and District Heritage Society and tragic past we know, he intends to follow the course of unselfish service to ‘his people and humanity in general — as long as he shall live. As head of the USCC, which is the largest organized Doukhobor group in Canada (and elsewhere), he constantly extends a hand to all other people, including the so-called Sons of Freedom, the independents and the reformed — to which Chernenkoff actually belongs — to join together in order to demonstrate the principle of Christian brotherhood whether it be practiced here in Canada, or if not so for any reason, then in whatever other area of the world where there will be acceptance. But let it be done in unity, in friendship, in brotherhood, and — above all — in forgiveness. Mr. Chernenkoff: we daily pray to the Father in heaven to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” How can we remain true to the Doukhobor faith with rancor and bitterness in our hearts toward those who possibly, for whatever reason treated us in a manner we consider unjustly? Why do the Sons of Freedom and the so-called reformed feel they are above the law, above God's commandment, continually lashing out so bitterly against everyone? That was not the way of our noble ancestors regardless of all the sufferings they had to bear. I would like to state here, that if we ever have to leave Canada for whatever legitimate reason —which could happen as prophecies indicate — as true Doukhobors we must do so in a humble friendly spirit, thankful to this country for the temporary haven it has given us. Let us leave judgment and condemnation, if there is any cause for such, to history itself, to the one judge above. Harry Voykin Harrison continued from page 6 * Councillor Lawrence Chernoff: During council votes, I promise to raise my hand high enough so everyone can see it. I also promise not to giggle out loud the next time Councillor Jim Chapman talks about “spooky” street- lights. * Councillor Jim Chapman: I promise to find concrete evidence that will prove my “spooky lights” theory correct and wipe that grin off Councillor Chernoff’s mug. I also promise to bring my own hammer, nails and measuring tape to the first meeting of the Kin- naird Hall Restoration Society. * Councillor Doreen Smecher: I promise to keep the computer in the closet the next time an education review asks for my advice and use less ruby red nail polish in 1993. * Councillor Doug Green: I promise to orga- nize the First Annual Coalition Unaccepting Rash Bureaucracy vs. Council Australian Rules Football Classic with all proceeds from the week-long benefit going towards city hall renovations. * CURB President Mike O’Connor: I promise to walk a mile in every councillor’s shoes if they agree to walk in mine. Work ex- change, perhaps? * Columnist Ron Norman: I promise to stop sitting on the fence when it comes to the Coali- tion Unaccepting Rash Bureaucracy and write “em how I see ’em. ¢ Reporters Jonathan Green, Neil Rachyn- ski and Corinne Jackson: We promise to arrive early, leave late and throw raw meat into the editor’s office every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 p.m. * Scott David Harrison: I promise to master the Long Distance Liquid Paper Toss, believe everything Publisher Dave McCullough tells me, learn to like that white stuff called snow, understand how live-link telephones work, take an in-focus photo, make the office coffee more than once a year, put bars across my of- fice door every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 p.m.and pen the self-help book: City Council, Regional Districts and You — A Guide To Making Friends in the 90s.