Are you kidding me? Really? Am I missing something or is ignorance running rampant in the Valley, I love? Recently I had the displeasure to witness racism rear its ugly head (and on Canada Day, no less) when at the end of the annual run down Fifth Street a young native (yes native) Canadian, who chose to celebrate a birthday for a land stolen from his ancestors (for false promises) went to get water, as every other participant was doing, to quench his thirst. He was told that the water was for runners only. He politely informed the woman that he just finished the run (eighth overall). She told him to leave. The white man behind didn't vouch for him even though the young native man let the white man's son in line in front of him. Every person who was white was getting water but not the young native. What is wrong with you, lady? And what is wrong with organizers of such events to have you helping (front and centre) when you obviously have issues. Can you sleep at night knowing you are a racist or does it not bother you? I was disgusted and saddened at the same time. Get with the program, bitter lady. We should embrace all peoples of this great country and especially our aboriginals and their descendants. Shame on you. And then my faith in humanity was restored when a stranger (white, I might add) and his son walked over to the native man and poured water on his head and gave him two waters of his own. I guess if you were white and ran you got the water from the other-than-white-people that the lady held back from them. Thank you, kind sir, you know who you are. And to the racist lady, well, who cares about you?
A hearty salute to Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula for inviting a WW2 Vet as his guest in both the parade and VIP ceremonies at Simms Park. The Mayor stated that on that day the Vet represented all who served the Country, many if not most of whom were volunteers. The Mayor's idea could easily spread to future parades, honouring the many volunteers who quietly improve our society. Volunteers, and not just "officials" from groups such as Salvation Army, YANA, Rotary, M.A.R.S.,Soldier On and many others could be offered a seat in the many VIP convertibles in the parade along with appropriate recognition. With a full year's head start the parade committee could solve any logistics or other problems and announce; "The 2014 Canada Day Parade Honouring Volunteers From….
On June 4, I was hit by a vehicle in Courtenay on Cliffe Avenue. Naturally, I was stunned, shocked and hurt, yet comforted by the quick, efficient, caring and impressive response from the firefighters and paramedics. I felt I was in the best of hands from their arrival and through my journey to the hospital. Also I want to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Young and her team who quickly put me through thorough a barrage of tests while simultaneously comforting me with warm blankets, humour, efficiency and compassion. My husband and I are new to Courtenay and are impressed by the kind actions of all concerned. Thank you everyone. I am so grateful to all of you.
The United Riders of Cumberland thank all of the businesses and people that donated and contributed to our silent auction fundraiser that was held at the Prime Chophouse and Wine Bar on June 27. The generous donations were greatly appreciated and contributed to a very successful fundraiser, raising almost $5,000! We plan to utilize these funds to further our mission to promote, maintain and enhance mountain biking in the Comox Valley. UROC is working with the Village of Cumberland to pursue land access agreements for non- motorized recreation on private forest land surrounding the Village. The partnership will focus on developing agreements that will allow access for non-motorized recreation on trails adjacent to the Village while reducing the liability risk for the landowners. UROC is also working with the Village of Cumberland on the re-establishment of the jump park as approved in the parks master plan. The United Riders of Cumberland is a registered non-profit society that promotes and supports the local mountain bike community in the Comox Valley. Through trail advocacy, volunteerism, promotion of the sport and fundraising, The United Riders of Cumberland are able to encourage participation in the sport of mountain biking for all. UROC hosts four races per year, as well as three weekly group rides, including kids' club and our infamous women’s rides.
When it comes to phoniness and banality, "It's so nice to see you" is right up there with "Have a nice day." Also, actions speak louder than words. Hint, hint: When you run into someone you haven't seen in a long time, but can't be bothered to speak to them for more than 10 seconds to ask how they are doing or tell them how you are doing, don't insult them with the "It's so nice to see you" line when obviously it isn't. Just say "Hi" to acknowledge their existence and leave it at that. If it really was nice to see them you would have stayed in their presence for more than 10 seconds and made an effort at meaningful conversation.
And speaking of rudeness, whatever happened to being grateful when some one does something nice for you? When someone from your church goes to the trouble of visiting you in the hospital with a brand new novel, or bakes you a batch of cookies when your dog dies or you're stuck at home with with a broken arm, it doesn't mean you have to be their best friend for life. However, a simple "Thank You" goes a long way towards letting the giver know you appreciate their thoughtfulness.
Attn thieves: Hope the wheel turns for the creeps that stole my four tires on 17-inch Chev rims that were sitting up near the sliding glass windows at the back of my house on Knight Road in Comox, totally private property and not viewable unless you were trespassing to start off with, happened between May 29 and June June 2. Income I was looking to take advantage of myself this winter.
In reference to the recently published article, "Double Waters has been busy in first year," it should be made very clear that the anonymous fellowships of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are in no way affiliated with this facility, and do not endorse its operations. Anonymity, at both a personal and group level, is the foundation of this fellowship and it does not lend its name, at any time, to any outside facility or institution, and having the specific names of said fellowships utilized in this public article is in direct breach of the traditions guiding these fellowships. In addition to this, it demonstrates great disregard toward the personal anonymity of women who have been, currently are, or may be clients of this facility. Providing the information detailed in this article to the general public could possibly compromise an individual's personal privacy, and the privacy of the greater recovery community. Despite the improved acceptance amongst individuals and the community at large for those afflicted with this disease, there still remains significant social stigma and segregation around those suffering from addiction. In respect and support for all those affected by addiction, and in honour of the anonymous fellowships who continue to selflessly assist such persons, it would be to the benefit of all if anonymity is considered first and foremost.