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Time for a change

Castlegar school board needs to take a hard look at the way it handles its annual budget.

While the board made the best of a bad situation with its 1984 school budget, the way the budget was released borders on the dangerous.

The board actually passed the 1984 budget on Feb. 6 at a special meeting. No one but trustees and administrators were told of the meeting. That in itself is highly irregular.

Usually, the media is intormed of board meetings. After all, the meetings are open to the public.

1t wasnt until a telephone call later in the week that this newspaper found out the school budget had been passed in what amounted to a closed board

meeting. When asked for details of the budget, school district staff

refused to release the information. Finally, a press conference was called for on Feb. 14 — more than a week after the budget was ap- proved. .

At the press conference, the

media was handed a single page press release with the sketchiest of budget details. That was it,

it the federal, provincial, regional ‘district of municipal governments: handled their budgets in” this manner there would be universal outrage.

Can anyone imagine federal finance Minister Marc Lalonde telling Brian Mulroney and Ed Broadbent that the budget had been passed, but details won't be released until a press conterence in eight days’ time?

By passing the budget virtually in private, school trustees — our elected representative prevented a very necessary process. They have not permitted the public to view how each trustee stands on budget issues.

Did every trustee agree with the budget or with the decision to cut five teachers? That's infor- mation voters need to know in or- der to make important decisions at election time.

No, the board has short- circuited that process, and it's tyme that was changed.

Budget no surprise

Castlegar school board's 1984 budget contained few surprises. Five teaching positions were chop- ped, along with one non-teaching position, but then that was only to be expected because of the projec- ted drop in the district's enrolment.

It's hard to fault the board on the budget. It's hands w pretty much tied by provincial gover- nment ‘restraint and legistation, and within the limited framework in which it was allowed to manoeuvre, the board managed fairly well.

The simple fact is there are fewer students attending our schools and it's going to stay that way for the next few years.

On the surface it appears little

will actually change in the schools, other than the fact there will be fewer students and five fewer teachers. After all, the pupil- teacher ratio will remain almost unchanged — 16.1 students for every teacher last September and 16.2 this September.

But the pupil-teacher ratio is deceiving. Because teachers must be laid otf, according to seniority, the cutback of five teachers could very well affect whole programs or whole schools.

On. the surface, then losing tive teachers doesn't appear to be too drastic, but it can affect whole programs, whole schools and whole liv

Fred Merriman

Mr. Alex Fraser, sir, please be advised that I have affixed my signature to a revised petition requesting you to reconsider your decision to take the Robson ferry out of service. While I have your attention, please let me explain why I did so.

Robson is a historic community. The first mayor of Nelson, John Houston, embarked from a ferry on the Robson side and walked the 30 miles or so into that bustling mining town in the 19th century. Once upon a time, yours truly lived in Robson among the working people who were all kind and helpful to me and my family during some rather low times.

On many an occasion we walked t@ the ferry, enjoyed the wave of a friendly ferry captain and watched the waters of the Columbia River flow to the sea. In that short trip you could watch a fisherman land a trout or just take in a few moments of the incredible native beauty. In winter the little waiting room was warm and cosy.

Perhaps you may allow this historic ferry to remain in service because it represents a way of life. It's a chance to stop for a few moments and gather your thoughts patiently while (fie work horse plods its way over that short stretch of water.

I no longer live on the other side, but still carry fond memories for the “ferry experience.”

You, pragmatically, are correct. There are alternative routes into the community. If a driver “misses” the ferry it actually is, quicker to drive from the Hi Arrow junction via Broadwater Road'than it is to drive through the Castlegar bus-

4

1

iness district and wait for the ferry.

Some people sit at the ferry landing in cars with the motor running so it is quite probably a saw-off in dollars and cents. Time being a factor, one should take the roadways even though the distance is greater.

Foot traffic and cyclists to and from Robson would be most affected by your decision.

Really, sir, what I am trying to say is this: The Robson ferry is a way of life. It is an important piece of our local history.

The ferry operators continually demonstrate good works as they would often hold the ferry for last minute arrivals. I have seen them return to shore on some occasions to save a last moment Charlie the need to wait perhaps 15 minutes.

A local meeting reported an understanding attitude which was echoed by the local NDP MLA. In dollars and cents, the ferry probably is redundant. The community does appreciate the service. Some have even acknowledged that perhaps a user fee may be struck to alleviate the cost to the Highways Ministry.

Personally, I would be willing to sacrifice some of the excellent Highways service we get here in Blueberry Creek if it would help to keep the Robson ferry in service.

As you may or may not be aware, this writer is a well known supporter of the present provincial government and its sensible res- traint and accountability program. This attitude has not made me altogether popular in this predom- inately NDP’ riding. Should your decision be irreversible concerning the Robson ferry, I will understand and accept that — regretfully.

J “Ya Tavs YER MONEY:

f 4 Mh

eros

{Ya 4aKes YER CHANCES

Letters to the Editor

‘Bennet

Editor, News:

Re: My government and me

“Happy New Year” or should we change tradition a little here and just start saying, “Hi, New Year to ya,” and just leave it at that. How can we say “happy” to anyone these days and really mean it. ~

Me — I'm just one little person out here struggling along day by day taking all these stabs from a govern- ment that I didn't even vote for. Freedom of speech seems to be my only right these days, so please let me take advantage of this right before that is also taken from me.

Three years ago my B.C. govern- ment so graciously paid for a course which helped me get a job in Castlegar with my present employer, Selkirk College. Cutbacks a year later forced me to accept a job in Nelson with my same employer but 30 miles from my home. How doI get there? Well, having to.work. afternoon shifts, getting off work at 12:30, at night. and being a woman knowing very little about cars (other than the fact that they won't run without gas) I realized I needed a reliable car and was forced to take out a loan. But, of course, I was lucky enough to have a job at all — especially in this recession, or whatever this horror we live in is. Little did I know, it was only the beginning for my family and I.

My spouse has been unemployed for a couple of years except for a few months here and there, but it is enough

Trudeau to get Nobel?

, Castlegar News: The Nobel Peace Prize for Pierre ‘Trudeau, the man who was the main force in legalizing abortion in Canada? I don't think the 500,000 babies who have been killed since that time would agree. Marty Makway Trail

tcan'ts

tab me

to keep him on U ploy In- surance. Boy, was it tough for us when rent was 90 high and cutbacks in the unemployment offices and the tremendous amount of people applying found us waiting not weeks but months for his first cheque, with every other one being late.

But we made it through all that and realized we were throwing all this month away on rent. Wanting to see every penny put to good use, we finally took the plunge and bought a too- smail-but-affordable home of which we took great pleasure in calling our own. But of course, that too technically be- longs to, who else, the bank.

Welcome to 1984 and Heinrich’s shocking announcement that DTUC will close May 1. Well, having only two year’s seniority finds me also facing, where else, the unemployment office. What a blow! It is a little hard to take, but come on, we're not the only ones in these shoes.

But that’s only No. 1 for us. No. 2 —

“Castlegar ferry to go April 1.” Where did we purchas# our lovely little home — where else — Robson! Welcome to May. No job, no ferry!

I wish I could complain about the cost for us to “go around” as people “overseas” (aS we refer to living in Robson) but heck, we won't have any money to get there anyway!

Not only that, but being in a tax bracket of $20,000-$25,000 for the year of 1983 creates one more problem. Watching Webster last week I learned that people in this tax bracket will pay more in taxes than someone who makes $60,000. Do you believe it? Loopholes for the rich they say, but none for me!

No job, no ferry, and eventually repossession, as I see it, of our home. How can we sell? So close — yet so far away from Castlegar.

You can’t stab me anymore Bill Bennett for I am already dead!

C.R. Miller and family Robson

Russian immersion a model for others

Editor, Castlegar News:

I read with keen interest and deep concern’ your story “Russian Im- mersion Program Finished? (Jan. 15, 1984). I understand that your ‘pion- eering Russian immersion program may be ended because of provincial cuts and if not enough parents send their ehidren to the program in the fall.

Many people in Ottawa and else- where have followed the progress of your pilot project. It is a real credit to your pioneers like Steve Malloff, Peter Samoyloff and Nick Verigin for their

ight in ing the prog and for placing Castlegar on the national m:

ap. Students and administrators of mul- ticultural programs across Canada have watched with interest in your unique experiment. Castlegar and dis-

More than $1,000 raised for DTUC

, Castlegar News:

I would like to thank all the people who contributed to the success of David Thompson University Centre Night .at the Vallican Whole Com- munity Centre on Feb. 11. Together, West Kootenay people raised more than $1,000 for the DTUC support committee's continuing work, half of which will go to the student union's action committee and half for the Save DTUC downtown office.

DTUC students provided most of the wonderful and varied music for the evening, while i ici

with a tightly played, lively jazz set. Next, Charlie Wake's band reg- gaed and boogied people to their feet, with musicians Wake, Leith Hill, David Secor, Stephen Fearing and Brian Smith. And finally, Slipstream rock and rolled the night away, with band members Murray Forman, David Se- cor, Dave Scanlon, Don Blondin and Leith Hill. Special mention goes to drummer David Secor for playing for all three bands. Thanks, .too, to Malcolm Britten

rounded out the entertainment. Tha- nks go to DTUC singers Lissa Buerge and Patricia Griffiths, Robson singer Skip Fraser, and Dave White from Winlaw.

Master of Ceremonies Bonnie Evans led off with a rousing singalong, accompanied by Stephanie Judy on the piano. Thanks, too, to Corky Evans, regional district representative, for a

hought i indi

4 speech.

Thanks go to all the bands who played. Michael Cummings’ student

P

trict should be proud for hosting such a forward-looking program. You are a model for others to follow.

At a time in our history when citizens of the world must become concerned about preventing a nuclear holocaust, the learning of the Russian language is a practical step in facili- tating East-West understanding. For both young and old, what better way to know our Soviet neighbors than learn- ing their international language of

icati With this linguisti capability, we ean unlock their rich cultural past, as well as learn about their common desires for peace.

To put it bluntly, if we are to avert the death of our civilization, we will have to open our hearts and our minds to new learnings and new skills. One of the urgent skills we need today ‘is}to learn to live with our Soviet neighbors. This means learning their language, visiting them, trading with them,

laughing together, and in general shar- '

ing a common bond.

Parents and children in the Castle- gar area — you have a duty and a unique opportunity to make a contri- bution to the national and international community. Talk it up. Become aware of the value of Russian language to communieation today. Enrol your chil- dren in the Russian immersion pro- gram in the fall. The bottom line is sur- vival. Become bilingual and keep Castlegar on the international map. You are practitioners of a bold and important experiment in human sur- vival.

Koozma J. Tarasofi

for lighting the show, Ron Woodward Ottawa for ing the DTUC Night poster, and to the ing for

of

food: Kootenay Country Store Co-op,

Shoreacres Petrocan, Overwaitea,

SuperValu, Safeway, Johnny's Baker,

E.M.M.A.'S Jambrosia, and the people of the Slocan Valley.

This benefit brought together

© wa

Please address all Letters to the Editor to: The Castlegar News, P.O. - Box 3007, Castlegar, B.C. VIN 3H4, or deliver them to our office at: 197 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, B.C.

people from various in support of DTUC’s survival. Some had never been to Vallican before, but judging from their comments, and the good time people had, they'll be back. Thank you to all who came and il sang and danced for

ble, with Ci Stephan Fearing, Laura Halpin, Leith Hill, David Secor, Mary Paradis and instructor Andrew Inglis, made the transition from a concert to a dance

More letters page AS

Letters must be signed and include the writer's full name and address. Only ‘in very exceptional cases will letters be published without the writer's name. Nevertheless, the name and address of the writer must be disclosed to the editor.

The Castlegar News reserves the right to edit letters for brevity, clarity, legality and grammar. energetic

+

‘and young son who are at present re- siding at the coast city. . 7 *

A large crowd of adults and children braved a biting cold wind to attend the gala ice carnival sponsored by the Local Kiwanis Club.

Members of the Trail Skating Club thrilled the audience with their beauti- ful skating performances. The ice sur- face was keen but the cold wind pre- sented its difficulties.

. ¢

The 11th annual Vestry Meeting of St. Alban’s Church, was held in the Parish Hall, following the

/ evening service Feb. 13. Archdeacon

Resker, the Vicar, reported he had driven 8,900 miles the past year, covering every part of the Mission Parish of Castlegar-Fruitvale. 25 YEARS AGO From the Feb. 19, 1959 News

Liberals in Rossland-Trail Saturday became the first party to enter a can- didate in the field for the next pro vineial general election.

Dr. M.E. Krause, the Liberal stan- dard-bearer in the Dec. 15 by-election, was unopposed in the nominating con- vention in the Warfield Community Hall.

. 28 ©

Sunday afternoon will see the color- ful Scouts and Guides own service staged again in the high school.

An annual event for the last 10 years, this service held by the boys and girls and their leaders is a striking sight, as the flags of the different groups are presented and the Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies parade in their bright clothing.

. @

The members of the Farmers’ In- stitute held their annual meeting in the church hall with the president Mr. A. Smecher presiding. Minutes of the last annual meeting were read and ap- proved.

The election of officers was held and Mr. A. Smecher was’re-elected presi- dent. Mr. Ross Obourne was re-elected vice-president.

. 8 «

The regular meeting of the Women's Institute was held on Wednesday at the home of Mrs. W.T. Waldie with the president Mrs. J. Bainbridge presiding.

Mrs. Waldie gave the education committee reports. She has arranged for some of the high schools students to be at the March meeting in keeping with education week.

15 YEARS AGO From the Feb. 20, 1969 News

Castlegar council decided to go all out in enforcing its dog bylaw. Mayor Murray Little noted that the dog prob- lem is starting up once again and rec- ommended strong action to control any dog nuisance before the problem gets out of hand.

‘One salderman noted that three written complaints about dogs have al- ready been received in recent days, while works supervisor Alex Lutz said hé has*had two phone calls from one of the schools.

He also reported that on a recent morning he drove along Woodland Dr. and Lakeview Ave. “and every gar- bage can had a dog on it.”

. 8 «@

A motion to write the postmaster- general to reconsider the new charge on post office box rentals was made Tuesday night at Kinnaird’s council meeting.

‘The locality and the inadequateness of the present building were among the reasons given for the action.

.

The schedule of events for the five-day SHSS Grad Winter Carnival has been announced. Activities range from snowmobile races to a fashion show and torchlight parade.

* er

The transfer of patients from the old wing of the Castlegar and District Hospital to the new 60-bed addition was made on Wednesday of last week.

5 YEARS AGO From the Feb. 22, 1979

Castlegar News

Construction of the proposed Mur- phy Creek dam has moved higher on B.C. Hydro’s priority list, Rossland- Trail MLA Chris D'Arcy said last week. os

D'Arcy told members of the Castle- gar Chamber of Commerce last Thurs- day B.C. Hydro js updating its feasibil- ity studies of the proposed dam.

them show up for work in this way. Why not a photograph of fully clad

Dog poisoner back

Editor, Castlegar It happened again; this time a six-month old-pup. She's friendly and

has a disliking of animale. +

Our dog; Brandy, just made it in time. If it wasn't for a good neighbor (who also owns a dog) who let, us use the phone to reach a friend to get our pet to the vet, we would be léss a dog, which is our baby, friend, companion and protector.

Brandy got hold of the poison on the highway just before reaching the Robson post office. Some child could also “have had access to the poison (Strychinine).

We have a large 12-year-old dog which was with Brandy when she got the poison. He was fortunate not to get

any, but both dogs were

by the owner so they were not running free, or being a nuisance to anyone or anything.

Brandy has been gone only a few hours and is already missed by myself, Kelly, Eli and-our two cats. We're all buddies!

Whomever is doing this, please let someone know why, let it be an anonymous letter to the paper or a phone call. You don't seem tg realize the dangers and unhappiness you're causing people who own dogs.

Brandy would like to thank our neighbor and good friend for the promptness they gave her in aiding her arrival to the vet. She also thanks the vet for his efforts.

Kelly Allan and Shortie Robeson

GROUPS GET AID

The Royal Canadian Le- gion Branch 170 has sent $100 to assist the Girl Guides Parent Group.

Foundation Dialysis Camp was given a cheque for $500 an increase of $400 from the $100 donated in 1962-83.

camp has risen from $200 to $1,000 per child, amount sent to the Founda- tion still only represents payment for half the cost of one child at the camp.

Legion donates fund

Also, on Feb. 7 the Kidney March 10. Games

However, the cost of the

so the

‘The Legion has given its

Once more enthusiasm is running high among the Le- gion dart players. Competi- tion in the West Kootenay Zone 11 will take place in the Castlegar-Robson Legion on

chairman Tucker will officiate. More information may be obtained by contacting the Legion.

Further to the dart news, winners from the zone level will carry on to provincial finals to be held the Easter weekend at the Diamond Head Branch No. 277 in

4 in Lethbridge, Alberta.

tivities in the

Den

“ skirts.

giving a dance.

Highlights of January ac- Castlegar- Robson Branch No. 170 of the Royal Canadian Legion was the hosting of the Robbie Burns Night held in the Le- gion hall. Many of Castlegar’s” notables attended this pop- ular event and many of the lassies wore their tartan

The piper never stinted his playing, the two wee lassies were equally generous in

support in the Oldtime Fid- dlers contest with a donation of $50 for trophies. The con- test is to be held in the Arena Complex April 14. Legion president Jim Moore has promised to present the tro- phies to the winners.

breeds hope in our world. The Géod News for each of

us in this troubled and hope-

tess world is contained in a

When men and women ask the question, “Where is it all going to end?” there is an an- swer. All things will work out according to the loving pur- poses of God.

And secondly, the Good News is that God has proven to us that this will indeed be the case. We might say, “Well how can you be so sure. after all I never received a written contract in the mail?”

Such an assertion is true but only in so far as it goes. No guarantee written in ink on paper is offered, but a far more solid guarantee written on a cross with the blood of the Son of God has unques-

But the Good News is also that each of us can be a part of the working out of that purpose. It takes great cour- age to participate in the Olympics as many young Canadians are now doing but it takes a far greater courage to allow the love of God to work through us to reach out to our neighbor in need.

Love still matters because love will yet overcome. Love still matters because each of us can have a part in that great victory. Love still mat- ters and there is no better time than the present for the people of God to prove that to the world

Births & Funerals

BIRTHS

BATCH — To Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Batch of Trail, a girl, born Jan. 26

BATEMAN — To Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bateman of Rossland, a son, born Feb. 6 COSTANZO — To Mr. and Mrs Dale Costanzo of Montrose, a boy, born Feb. 2.

EWINGS — To Mr. and Mrs Bryan Ewings of Fruitvale, a girl,

JOLLAND — To Mr. and Mrs.

H § Moss Holland, a boy, born Feb. 9

HONEY — To Mr. and Mrs Russell Honey of Trail, a girl, born

McCONNACHIE — To Mr. and Mrs, Bill McConnachie of Fruit vale, a son, born Feb. 3.

MUNDI — To Mr. and Mrs. Pavit-

tar Mundi of Montrose, a girl, ,

born Jan. 16.

ROVHIAINEN — To Mr. and Mrs. John Rovhiainen of Trail, a girl, born Feb.

TAYLOR — To Mr. and Mrs. W Robert Taylor of Kalso, a boy,

TREMBLAY — To Mr. and Mrs. Paddy Tremblay of Salmo, a girl, born Feb. 13.

WILLIAMS — To Donna Willioms of Rossland, a boy, born Feb. 7.

WISTED — To Tracy Wisted and Craig McCallum, a boy, born Feb. 5.

YASENUIK — To Mr. and Mrs B.W. Yasenvik of Rossland, a boy, born Feb. 1

DEATHS CSEPPENTO — Gina May Csep- pento, 40, died unexpectedly in Castlegar Feb. 11. She was born in 1943 in Victoria. She was in- volved in the Boy and Girt Scout movements, and Sunday school in Castlegar and Calgary. Mrs. Cseppento is survived by her husband Peter, children Peter Jr., Julie, Ellen and Charlie; her mother Edity and step-father Gordon Ferguson GJEBIC — Josip Gjebic of Nelson died Feb. 8 at the age of 87. Mr. Gijebic came to Canada in 1960 from Italy. He enjoyed history and politic

KINNEY — Former Procter resident George Kintiey of Dun- can died Jan. 26, at the age of 60. Mr. Kinney was acclaimed as the first white man to climb Mt. Robson — the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and has a loke named after him: Lake Kin- ney. He @ former United Church mi appointments Kootenay Lake.

Squamish.

The winners of the Pro- vineial Legion Dart Cham- pionship will finally go to the ‘Dominion Darts Tournament to be held May 19-20 at the General Stewart Branch No.

JOIN THE NEW WEIGHT WATCHERS’ QUICK START PROGRAM. IT'S QUICK. IT'S SAFE. AND IT WORKS.

‘Now you can Jose pounds before you lose patience. Our new Quick Start

Call Toll-Free 112-800-663-3354

Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. “Nordic Hall, Castlegar

CREDIT UNION

RRSP

‘Kootenay Savings Credit Union

(NOTE: During the last minute rush, Feb. 23 10 29, receipts will be ‘avollable the nent business doy

When you invest in a credit union RRSP we'll issue your Official tax receipt orithe spot- while you wait. you're ready to file your income tax retum your RRSP receipt Is ready when you

Castlegar 365-3375 South Slocan 359-7221

need it.

* |. Deadline: February 29th, 1964

KIRKPATRICK — Denholm Kirk- patrick, 78, of Fruitvale, died Feb. 13 following a lengthy illness. He was born in Scotland in 1905, and came to Trail in 1926, where he worked for Cominco for 42 years. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 196, Fruitvale.

McINNES — Alexander Mcinnes, 72, of Fruitvale, died suddently on Feb. 9. Cremation followed the services held Feb, 14. Memorial donations can be made to the CAT Scanner Fund, care of the Trail Regional Hospital

NASH — Frederick Nash, 71, of Nelson died in Kootenay Lake

jal on Feb. 10. Mr. Nash ishing and hunting,

Hi liked

For Your Convenience We’re

OPEN MONDAY

CONTINUING ED GEOLOGY OF THE WEST KOOTENAY

You still have time to enrol in this exciting cour- se. Have fun identifying the rocks, Is and fossils in the West Kootenays, You will make field trips to old mines, scenic areas and Fossil sites.

DATE: March 15 — 7:30 - 10 p.m. (8 evening

sessions and 3 all-day tield trips) FEE: $30.00. Register by March 12.

For more Education

information contact Continuing

Selkirk College

CASTLEGAR CAMPUS Box 1200, Castlegar, B.C. VIN 351 — 365-7292

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CASTLEGAR —*"—_

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