Gaming gets no backing Catherine Barr Contriunting Writer WEST Vancouver council sees no justifi- cation to expand gam- bling in the province. A letter recently issued by the mayor and authored by Coun. Allan Williams, explains the district’s posi- tion regarding the province's newly proposed gaming reg- ulations. In the fetter, council issues a direct response to the province's proposed white paper on gaming. Five miajor points are emphasized. Council is particularly opposed to: @ che proposed legislation giving the province the power to override the authority of local govern- ment; WW a recommendation to make the British Columbia Lottery and Casino Corporation responsible for all government gaming. In doing so, council says the province ignores the public interest and places this major responsibility “in the hands of a faceless govern- ment corporation, which is not answerable cto the pub- lic”; @ proposed legislation that makes it legal for businesses, which currently sell lottery tickers and Club Keno, to be given authority to install slor machines; @ a program which ignores the “full impact which expansion of gambling will have upon the police and law enforcement agencies”; @& the current level of gaming revenues in British Columbia which council says shows the “enormous dollar drain there is from other Icgitimate needs of individuals and the community.” Councillors were quick to point out the recent indiscre- tions by Premier Glen Clark and the investigation by the RCMP at his home regard- ing an illegal Burnaby gam- bling establishment. Said Coun. Allan Williams, “It’s not only the illegal gambling that’s: (the problem),” said Williams. “Te’s the ,{associated) illegal activities.” Council unanimously supported the letter. *“] don’t think it (gam- bling) is something thar belongs in B.C. at all,” said Coun. Liz Byrd. Senior struck by vehicle AN 82-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle while she was in a crosswalk on Mount Seymour Parkway at Parkgate Avenue on Wednesday. Motorist. Larry William Chute, 52, of North Vancouver, was charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk in connection with the 4 p.m. incident, according to the North Vancouver RCMP. To press time, the senior was in Lions Gate Hospital’s intensive care unit in stable condition. The woman’s name was not released to press time. NEWS photo Mike Wakefleld CARSON Graham student Jordan Bach entertained the guests while “groom” Kei Sugimoto and “bride” Nykiya Graham looked on at the Family Management class’ annual Celebration of Marriage held earlier this month. Deana Lancaster News Reporter deana@nsnews.com THE brides were beau- tiful in sleeveless white gowns; the nervous grooms looked dashing in their tuxedos, About 120 guests, seated under a white canopy adorned with pastel balloons, wore Fila and Adidas track suits, hood- ed sweatshirts, Nike baseball hats, flip flops, runners and platform shoes. It was the annual Celebration of Marriage — held this year, appropriately, on April Fool!’s day — orga- nized by the Family Management 12. class at Carson Graham secondary school. “The wedding is the cul- mination of the unit we spend Attention: Gardeners| talking about love and mar- riage,” said class teacher Al Klatt. For weeks, the students have been learning about the importance of making the right decision when it comes to a life partner. “We have a marriage coun- sellor talk to them. They go through their family histories; they lear about the family systems theory. It’s kind of a ‘look before you leap’ lesson.” The wedding ceremony itself, in which four students were “married” in a double ceremony in the school court- yard, is Klatt’s way of getting the students excited and inter- ested in the course unit. The two brides and two grooms voted for cach other from a pool of class volunteers, then chose their wedding parties from their classmates. The ceremony is a replica of the real thing, with a few key elements altered so that it’s not legal. This year’s was the ninth wedding Klatt’s class has orga- nized, and in those years, he said, it’s evolved inte an elab- orate and time-consuming affair. “As a byproduct they learn how to plan a big wedding. Then Frecommend to them that they don’t ever do it, because they'll end up fried before their wedding night.” The students werked with a budget, planned the guest list, sought donations and loans from formal shops, florists, music stores and party rental companies. They planned the menu with the Carson chef training program and organized the program, which included musical per- formances, readings and a Hawaiian dance by one stu- dent. We have moved fo a new location next to the Eaton’s Home Store where the Bay Garden Centre was located. _Just in case you missed out on last weekends great deal, we have carried it ever for two more days! Saturday & Sunday Only! "All Seed Geraniums & Basket Stuffers $0.49 ea. Reg. $0.87° All Manures $1.49 ea. Beg. $2.20" . anes supplies last, . Orme Gxceptio PLANTS Garden & Patio Centre 1120 Park Royal South, West Vancouver 915-8882 Friday. April 16, 1999 ~ North Shore News - § FUTON BLOWOUT! 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