West Van's bl hoast Deana Lancaster News Reporter deana@nsnews.com DESPITE putting our best landscapes for- ward, the North Shore community chosen to represent Canada in the Nations in Bloom competition didn’t come home a winner. In 1997, the District of West Vancouver took the top award in the “Communities in Bloom” national competi- tion, in 1988 the competition committee submitted a 4000- -word illustrated text to the international body = of Communities in Bloom and was chosen as one of two Canadian cities to compete in the world finals this month. A team of five representa- tives from the district, includ- ing Dr. and Mrs. George Goodman, deputy mayor, Coun. Liz Byrd; parks and recreation director, Kevin Pike and parks superinten- U20 Gas Insert Designed to fil almost any fireplace anywhere. It's compact size ie does not compromise the fine finishing details or great fire © 21,000 btus » variable spd blower * adjustable flame contro! a + easy on/olf switch « tifetime warraniy fs wiblack louvers reg $1479 save $184 Sa Pe bay window wiblk louvers reg $1515 Save $170 Sale $i 345 | fal dant, Bil Reid, went to Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, to participate in the interna: tional competition. West Van was up against five municipalities from around the world in the pop- ulation category of 10 to 50 thousand. Final judging was based upon verbal and video pre- sentations plus a question period before a panel of inter- national judges. They based their decision on how the municipality is managing its landscape from five different viewpoints: enhancement, heritage man- agement, — environmentally- sensitive practices, communi- ty involvement and future planning. West Vancouver’s submis- sion was supported by the municipality, local businesses and volunteer citizens. Its video presentation was an cight-minute — “mood piece” with — background music by internationally acclaimed producer and West Vancouver resident, Shane is Sh ori The winner in West Van's eMevory was Pruj, Slovenia, the oldest city in Europe and the centre of a tourist rejuve- nation. Second place went to Rockville, | Maryland, USA, The other cities were Inverness, Scotland; Bury St. Edmunds, England; and Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne won a criteria award for its future plan- ning. According to a press release, Deputy Mayor Liz Byrd learned in’ discussion with the judges thar the six cities in the category were extremely close when the points were tallied, and remained so, right down to the final decision Members of the commit- tee feel the muncicipality’s bid has given it a protile in the world, achievable in few other ways. West Vancouver showed especially well in the environ- mental initiative criteria — taking high marks for its envi- ronmentally sensitive prac- U31t Gas Fireplace insert Fine finishing sets Regency apart trom the rest. This elegant model will fit into just about any crafty fireplace, turning them into high efficiency heaters. * 30,000 btus « variable spd blower © adjustable flame controls « masonry brick panels ® beautiful fire with glowing embers « titetime warranty le $4295 | ns: tush font wigold trim reg $1820 ies Neco wiblk louver reg $1870 Sale $1398 | The Ultimate Free Standing Gas Stove Gp Regency model U43 retail $2199 sale $1495 © 33,000 BTUS ¢ variable speed fan * adjustable heat-outiet ° 80% efficiency ¢ beautiful ember setting . Lifetime warranty Sale $1 449 9 f NEWS photo Mike Wakefiold SPRING flowers are blooming, and a bunch of tulips placed in a painted watering can make a wonderful, eye-catching gift. Canning your spring tulips DO you know someone who recently had a baby that you would like gift? Or mavbe you would like to brighten up your own window sill with some beau- tifui tulips? Here’s an idea that can accomplish both objectives. Fresh tulips in a painted water can. It’s alse a great gift for gardenec! Materials: two bunches fresh tulips smalt painted water can Give your tulips a fresh cut with a sharp knife. Be sure to cut off the white barrier as it prevents Sylvan’ S Study S skills program teaches students time management and organization techniques that the tulip from absorbing water. Roll your tulips up in brown paper and soak them in room temperature water for one to three hours. Do not use floral preserv- ative with spring bulbs such as tulips or daftodils. These types of flowers do not like floral preservative. Remove the tulips from will last a lifetime. Students learn to make the most of their study time by improving goal-setting, note- taking and test-taking skills. Our y SYLVAN LEARNING 4a %@ =CENTRE" Success is learned.” www.educate.com NORTH VAN. 985-6811 the roiled paper and make a tiny slit in the back of the stem just below the head of the tulip. This releases any air locked in the stem so the tulip can drink more water. Fill the water can with — lukewarm water and arrange the tulips in the can. Here’s another “tulip tip” — a teaspoon of gin added to the vase will keep your tulips standing straight and stiff! — E-mail any questions for Barb Lunter fo , or send them ¢/o the North Shore News, 1139 Lonsdale Aye., North Vancouver, B.C, V7M 2H4. You can also check out her Web site at . personalized approach focuses on a student's individual needs. Start taking control. Call Sylvan today. WEST VAN. 926-3365