Editor's note: We wish to retract an item about a dog encounter in Cumberland that appeared in this space March 14. We cannot verify the original account as presented here, and have received a second version of events that differs significantly from the first one.Courtenay candidates and sponsors spent $50,000 on the recent election campaign, while Common Sense sponsors contributed $24,000. The food bank or any other deserving organization could use the $74,000 donation. Why don't candidates fund their campaigns themselves, rather than place themselves in a possible conflict of interest? Bravo to CVRD directors Grieve, Gillis and Jolliffe who required no sponsorship and can do their jobs independent of any special interests.The orchestrated writers on the Raven Mine subject seem to be having a year off from writing about the mess the shellfish industry leaves in Baynes Sound each year. About 25 million tons of coal were produced from the Cumberland mines and most of it shipped from Union Bay many years ago. The coal dust produced probably helped filter the waters of Baynes Sound and make the production of oysters possible. It certainly didn't harm the pristine waters. It did bring plenty of employment to the area. We do not see mountains of waste around Cumberland. I have seen underground and open-pit mines in England that have been reclaimed. One would never know what had been there previously. I have many friends around here that have had to go north or to Alberta for work. Is it an attitude of "I'm alright, Jack?"Bop City would like to say thank you to every one of my loyal customers and friends for all the fun and laughs, and many good conversations over many wonderful years. It's been an experience I will never forget! At this time, I would like to welcome Bill Macey and Sam Sommers in their new role as owners, and wish them great success. I am happy, knowing this special business is in such capable hands. Thanks for the memories!Thanks to the Town of Comox for having such an inclusive and accessible facility. As well thanks go to the Comox Recreation Centre staff for helping out with the setup and the great support from volunteers and athletes of the Comox Valley Wheelchair Sports Society. Wheelchair Basketball Canada provided funding to help us bring this event to Comox Valley and BC Wheelchair Basketball provided organizational tips, encouragement, and prizes. Fred Riel was a great referee. Nanaimo Wheelchair Basketball Club and the Powell River Ravens gave us fast paced great games. Without all of their support this successful event would not have been possible. Many thanks go to Quality Foods for providing refreshments and nutritious snacks for all the participants. Breana, from The Eagle 97.3 came and enthusiastically cheered us on. Yes, Breana, we will bring back rugby soon! Currently there are wheelchair basketball practices which take place weekly on Friday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Comox Community Centre at 1855 Noel Ave. Participants include individuals of all ages and with a variety of physical abilities ranging from those who use a wheelchair everyday to those who may have acquired a minimal level of mobility impairment. We also have many players who have no disability at all who enjoy playing at all levels of the sport. We encourage individuals to come out and just watch for your first time so you can have a better sense of our practices and to give us an opportunity to answer any of your questions.I would like to express my sincere thanks to the two men who helped me on the afternoon of March 16 when I fell up the curb not too far from Thrifty. The one man with his cell phone and the other man with his bike, your help and concern was very much appreciated. Also to let you know I am doing fine. Thanks once again.A huge thumbs down on elected politicians who change parties once they are elected. This should be against the law. They ran and were voted in running for a certain party; when they switch while as a sitting member, they should have to call a byelection.A bouquet of good karma for the person who found and turned in the black wallet found in the Boston Pizza parking lot. You ended what could have been days of anxiety and stress.Many thanks to Dr. Cornock and the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital, for the fine care they showed my wife Vera. You folks are awesome! Thanks again.Do you have somebody to praise or something you have to get off your chest? Have your say by submitting to editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com. You can also get a written submission to 765 McPhee Ave., Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2Z7 or fax to 250-338-5568.
