News The Review - Wednesday, October 16,1991 Sis 656-1151~. ssl sess Ponraits of the past BEACON AVENUE CIRCA 1912-13. “Sidney Now Has Electric Light’, The Brilliant Ray Seen In celebration of sidney’s Centennial For the First Time On Saturday,“ “Test Made in the Afternoon in Departmental Stores of Sidney Trading Company Proves Satisfactory’ — those were the headings of a short article in the Sidney and Islands Review on June 20, 1913. The report continued: ‘On Saturday last the electric light was turned on for the first time in Sidney. During the afternoon a test was madae at the store of the Sidney Trading Company and in the evening the premises were brilliantly illuminated with many glowing bulbs. In addition to the above, glowing light was visible at the Popular restaurant, D.M. Evans tailor shop, Bowcott’s pool room, Scottish Stores, Smith's Electric Supply warehouse, Merchants Bank of Canada and other places of business on Beacon Avenue. ~ Electricity was soon available to all residents in Sidney and North Saanich. Power was supplied by the B.C. Electric Company which is now B.C. Hyaro. SIDNEY MUSEUM text and photo. Rodolph residenis fail in bid for parking Residents in the 6400-block Rodolph Road wanted to park on one side of a curve that is too sharp to meet current standards, Central Saanich council heard recently. But Central Saanich police Chief Bob Miles was dead set against the idea and told a council committee in a report that a curve north of Anndon Place is under the minimum requirements with a width of 32 feet. “Tf any vehicle is parked on the pavement about 22 feet remains for the passage of vehicular traf- fic,” Miles said. “Experience dic- tates that few persons will drive within one metre of a parked vehicle, especially when passing another oncoming vehicle, there- fore, it was and still is deemed unsafe to allow vehicles to park on the curve.” Miles said the road was original- ly a dead-end street with traffic pumarily composed of local vehi- cles. However, since it was opened up as a through street, traffic has increased and both sides of the toad were made no parking areas. “From a safety perspective alone, I still remain completely opposed to any parking allowed on this portion of Rodolph Road and wish to go on official record at this point,” Miles said. Resident Pat Zanichelli and other residents of the area peti- tioned council in late-August, say- ing that short, steep driveways in the area make it difficult for residents to park and they must either park in the garage or park on the street. “In my situation: specifically, I must now park in excess of 150 feet from my home, as must my visitors, Zanichelli said. The residents asked council to also consider prohibiting use of the street by heavy truck traffic and also suggested a slower speed limit would help. One resident said: ““We seemed to have reached the crossroads. We’ve developed the industrial area but we don’t have the infra- structure to support it.” Another said that 26 trucks were counted using Rodolph Road in a six-hour period. Signs stating “Caution Hidden Driveways’ have helped, Zani- chelli said. His request was sup- ported by 14 signatures. Council had asked staff to look at the ramifications of allowing parking on one side of the street. Following a staff report received in mid-September, council voted to re-affirm the earlier decision by the police chief. As well, on a suggestion from traffic safety committee chairman Ald. Jack Mar, council gave con- sideration to installing 30 km-h signs just prior to the curve. Mar made the suggestion because of a potential liability claim should an accident occur on the corner and because council recognized that cars travel fasier in the comer when no cars are parked there. Man gambled life in stand-off A Mayne Island man who claimed he was armed thought everyone would realize he was joking, defence lawyer Mayland McKimm explained in Sidney provincial court Sept. 26. Leonard Aitken pleaded guilty to mischief, a plea Crown counsel Stephen Fudge said he accepted because of Aitken’s tragic background. Fudge said Aitken told an employee at Active Pass Auto Marine on Mayne Island that he wanted money at about 4 p.m. July 4. Claiming that he had a gun, Aitken displayed part of an item which the employee believed was a weapon, Fudge said. After about 20 minutes, Aitken allowed the business owner to make a phone call. The owner called police and in a guarded conversation was able to convey there was a problem at the garage, Fudge explained. By the time police arrived, Aitken had left but was located about 15 minutes later wandering on the beach. Waiting until no one else was nearby, police approached Aitken and ordered him to give up his weapon, Fudge said. Aitken ignored police orders and reached into a sack he was carrying. Fortunately, Fudge said, police chose to tackle Aitken instead of shooting. No weapon was found, although Aitken was carrying a black telescopic lens which could have been mistaken for part of a weapon. Aitken was also carrying some beer, Fudge noted. Although the circumstances were serious, Fudge said he decided to accept a guilty plea to a mischief charge because of Aitken’s background. “I can think of no other word but tragic for this man’s background.” Probation officer Susan Langlois recommended Aitken receive life skills counselling and said the Friendship Centre was working with Aitken to get his tribal status reinstated, which may allow the man to receive additional help. McKimm said a probation term would allow Aitken to receive help. After reading a pre-sentence report on Aitken, Judge Wayne Smith said the man has had problems with alcohol and depression, however also has some creative talent. He placed Aitken on probation for nine months and ordered him to do 60 hours of community service work. Break-in was done for ferry fare Needing ferry fare to get off the island prompted a Langley man to break into a house in Ganges on June 23, 1990, defence lawyer Mayland McKimm said in Sidney provincial court Sept. 26. Milton Gabriel, 19, pleaded guilty to breaking, entering and theft. Crown counsel Stephen Fudge said about $100 in change was missing from the home. A neighbor confronted Gabriel, who admitted the theft. McKimm said Gabriel had been visiting friends on the island and had no money to return home, so broke into the house. McKimm added that Gabriel is now marmied, has a child and has a problem with alcohol. Judge Wayne Smith placed Gabriel on 18 months probation, ordered him to accept counselling for alcohol abuse and to do 50 hours community service work. Roadblock nabs prohibited driver Being caught driving through a roadblock on March 21 at 1:35 a.m. cost Adrian Paul Harry, 30, a $300 fine in Sidney provincial court Sept. 26. Harry, a Victoria resident, had his licence suspended for a year Feb. 15 after pleading guilty to impaired driving. He also pleaded guilty to driving while prohibited. Continued from Page A16 Oct. 23 ARTHRITIS HELP Qutsmart arthritis with the arthritis self- management program, starting at the Silver Threads Centre from 2 to 4 pm. The six-week program is available for $15. Info, 656-5537. PARK HISTORY A history of Sidney Parks will be pre- sented at Parkland Secondary School, 10640 McDonald Park, Sidney, starting at 7:30 pm. Parks Department superintendent Jonathan Kelly will describe the history of the town’s parks. Loudspeakers available, everyone will be able to hear. Info, 656- 5714. STROKE CLUB Peninsula Stroke Club meets every Mon- day from 11 am to 2 pm in St. Mary’s Anglican Church, the comer of Cultra and East Saanich Road, in Saanichton. Exercise class, speech maintenance, spousal support and social activities. Bring lunch, coffee and tea provided. Info, 727-6489.(42) CONDUCTOR A conductor is needed for the Sidney Silver Threads Serenaders. The group meets weekly and plans to present hour- long concerts to shut-in groups. Info, 656- 2884.(40) GOT A BEEF? Saanich Peninsula 4-H Beef Club seeks members aged nine to 19. Info, 652-0897 or 652-5852.(39) HELP WANTED Volunteers are needed to expand UNI- CEF in the Sidney area. This worthwhile cause needs help now. Call 655-3867 for information.(40) SHORT SPAN? Workshops on parenting and teaching children with attention deficit disorders will be presented at Newcombe Theatre Oct. 17 from 7 to 9 pm and Oct. 18 from 9 am to 5 pm by psychologist Dr. Sam Goldstein of Salt Lake City. Cost to register, $45. For more information call the Leaming Disabilities Association at 386- 9511 CHRISTMAS CARDS Save the Children cards are now for sale in the PCA Thrift Shop at 9783 Third Street, Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. UPGRADING Tutoring in reading, wniting and arithme- tic is offered by 15 volunteers for those adults who need help in those subjects. Call Donna at 656-0134. MUSICAL? Volunteer attendant sought to attend evening social functions with mentally handicapped man. Prefer someone who plays the guitar. Call Donna at 656-0134. BINGO! Volunteers needed for PCA fundraising on Fridays. Call Donna at 656-0134. GRAND MATCH Need a grandparent? Want a grandchild? Call Donna, 656-0134. THRIFT SHOP HOURS The PCA Thrift Shop at 9783-Third Street is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. BIG WHEELS Drivers with a few hours to assist those less fortunate are needed as volunteer drivers for a rewarding program to help those unable to drive themselves. SCOOTING? Call the PCA and leave your name and phone number if you are interested in motorized wheel chair or scooter training. RESOURCE LIBRARY A qualified librarian welcomes visitors to the PCA resource library from 8:30 am to 1 pm every Wednesday. Available are books, pamphlets and support materials addressing physical, emotional and social needs, Z We Bae as *\) SIDNEY FLORIS! 2499 Beacon Ave. Sune B.C. V8L 1X9 656-331 DO YOUR SILK AND DRIED ARRANGEMENTS LOOK TIRED AND DUSTY? ACT NOW! We'll give them a face lift . . .or custom design a new one for you You pay only for materials . . . labour charges are on the house, BUT ONLY TIL OCTOBER 31st, SO SEE US SOON