News Leader News
PXA AWARDS LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Princeton Exhibition Association held their annual general meeting at Town Hall on November 8. A good showing of members turned out for the meeting, which included election of a new board of directors. The election was conducted by Councillor Spencer Coyne.
John Bey is the new President, with Carol Ruoss as Vice-President and Secretary. Ruby Bey continues as Treasurer. Stan Thompson (Rodeo Club), John Draper (Racing Days), Eric Gregson (Fire Department), and Ernie Willis (Cattlemen¹s Association) are two-year Directors, and Sandy Gabor, Dene Thomas (barns) and Brian Kozak (agricultural barn) are
one-year Directors.
In recognition of her dedication as PXA President, members voted to award Jody Woodford a life membership. President John Bey and other members expressed their appreciation for all of Woodford¹s hard work during the past four years.
Treasurer Ruby Bey presented the year-end financial statement, and thanked volunteers and equipment operators for "making it look so good". The financial statement showed a small profit this year, a rarity for the PXA. Total income for the year was $22,850 and total expenses were $20,209.
Stan Thompson questioned the high cost of the phone bill for the year, but it was explained that Racing Days had a big bill, nearly $500, for extra lines for a month.
There was a lot of discussion about sources of grant money to rebuild the infrastructure of the grounds. The electrical system desperately needs upgrading, more fencing is required, and some structural repairs are needed, for example, replacement of the front gate. John Bey estimated half a million dollars would bring the fairgrounds up to a good
standard.
Stan Thompson remarked, ""We built the thing without big grants."
Bey pointed out this was done through donations over the years.
At this time, volunteer labour and donations are constructing new rodeo fencing.
Brian Kozak said he lived in Chilliwack when they built their new fairgrounds facility and Chilliwack spent $6 million on the project. PXA members wanted to know where Chilliwack got that kind of money.
John Bey said MLA Harry Lali and staff are looking for sources of grants. Councillor Spencer Coyne said he would help, and gave Bey a copy of federal grant application for a grant which can be used for infrastructure. Bey will be submitting an application to the Weyerhaueser foundation for a major grant.
The PXA goes into winter recess now. The next regular meeting will be held on Valentine¹s Day (February 14).
MAYOR SAYS FAREWELL
After Town Council decided to cancel the November 21 meeting, Mayor Keith Olsen took time on November 7 to wish Council candidates the best of luck."I look forward to seeing the community prosper in coming years," he said.
He went on to thank Councillors for their efforts during the past three years.
"It has been a pleasure working with you all," he told them.
Mayor Olsen added thanks to administrator Cornie Froese for his assistance during the six years Olsen was on Town Council.
Municipal Election day in Princeton is Saturday, November 19th.
MOTHER COMPLAINS ABOUT STICK 'N' PUCK
At the November 7 Town Council meeting, Council discussed a letter from Susy Johnson, who expressed her concerns about the safety of youngsters involved in Stick and Puck at Princeton arena.Johnson advised Council of a number of injuries sustained by children during the ice time involving people of all ages playing individual hockey.
She stated there should be a requirement for all children to wear hockey gear during Stick and Puck to protect them from injury. She said children will not put on the gear if nobody else is doing it.
Council considered the matter, and decided to ask Recreation Director Lyle Thomas to look into the matter and report to Council.
