Invermere Valley Echo, December 26, 2012 by Black Press Media Group

The Columbia Valley’s Newspaper Since 1956

From Canal Flats to Spillimacheen

VALLEY ECHO T he

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

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Vol. 56 Issue 52

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A new life brings new energy to the Rockies Pg A13

Season's Greetings from The Valley Echo Pg B1

Invermere, Radium cash in on funding

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Over $100,000 allocated to each community through Resort Municipality Initiative STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

The B.C. government has announced over $10 million in funding for resort-oriented municipalities across British Columbia, and both the District of Invermere and the Village of Radium Hot Springs are due to receive well over $100,000 to help support tourism infrastructure and programming. “Our government recognizes how important a role resort municipalities play in the economic prosperity of our province,” CONTINUES TO 'FUNDS' ON PAGE A4

Invermere adopts 2013 balanced budget Capital project upgrades planned including Laurier Street bridge, park improvements STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

The District of Invermere (DOI) has announced the adoption of a balanced budget for 2013 with $2.5 million of the $7.2 million budget to be spent on capital improvements and upgrades over the next year. “I think (the budget) is good, we’re proceeding with some important capital projects and at the same time trying to keep

PHOTO BY STEVE JESSEL/THE ECHO Students at Edgewater Elementary focus earnestly perform on Wednesday, December 19 for their Christmas concert, a musical that involved the entire school titled "Dear Santa: A Musical 'Tweet' for Christmas". For more images from the winter concerts that took place in the schools throughout the valley, turn to page A2.

CONTINUES TO 'PROJECTS' ON PAGE A4

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

Christmas concerts

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The Columbia Valley was alive with the sound off music during the last week of school before the holidays. Here is a smattering of images from the winter concerts at (clockwise from top right) 1. Windermere Elementary; 2. Windermere Elementary; 3. JA Laird Elementary in Invermere; 4. Eileen Madson Primary in Invermere; 5. Eileen Madson Primary; 6. Edgewater Elementary; 7. David Thompson Secondary in Invermere; 8. Martin Morigeau Elementary in Canal Flats; 9. Martin Morigeau Elementary.

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A3

Page Three Year-end interviews with Clark and Dix

Have a news tip? editor@invermerevalleyecho.com or 250-342-9216

Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com. Here are excerpts from his year-end interviews with Liberal B.C. Premier Christy Clark and NDP leader Adrian Dix. VICTORIA — Premier ponders black ink, oil TF: On the Enbridge project, are you getting the answers you want on safety? PCC: No, we’re not. We’ve set out our position. The five conditions need to be met, period. [B.C.’s conditions are “world-class” land and marine spill prevention and response, meeting legal obligations for aboriginal consultation, passing federalprovincial environmental assessment and a “fair share” of financial benefits.] PCC: We need the oilpatch producers, the Alberta government and the federal government to come to the table. We’ve been cross-examining Enbridge. We have not been getting any of the answers that we hoped to get. We haven’t gained a lot of comfort from that process. And none of the other conditions are even close to being met. We are doing our own study of marine traffic. We want to understand the total number of ships that are out there plying our coast right now. Because all of them have fuel in them, and some are cargo ships that are big enough to have enough [bunker] fuel as a mini-tanker would. Part of this is trying to understand where our level of Coast Guard protection needs to be today, in order to protect us should there be a spill from the existing traffic. TF: Balancing the budget: the finance ministry’s current projections call for an upturn in natural gas royalties in the coming year. With the current glut of gas,

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isn’t that kind of farfetched? PCC: It is going to be difficult to present a balanced budget, but I think, because we’re going to build in some Christy Clark [forecast] allowance, as we always do, and because we’re going to be completely transparent about the assumptions that have led us there, and because we aren’t going to fiddle with any of the assumptions that we receive from the experts in the Ministry of Finance, it’s going to be quite clear that we have done it. We have come by a balanced budget honestly. So when it comes to natural gas, you know that the assumption we use in the budget is based on a fairly complex formula that the Ministry of Finance has relied on for probably a decade now. We don’t fiddle with that. There are those who would say we should artificially lower the [revenue projection] number that we use. But if you artificially lower it, what’s to stand in the way of artificially raising it? You either accept the advice of your experts or you don’t. And they’re the experts, not the politicians. TF: Right now we have a deficit gap of more than a billion dollars. Can that be closed without significant spending cuts, or tax increases, or both? PCC: You will see when we get to the Continues to 'clark' on Page A5

Christmas Tree Pick Up Saturday, January 5, 2013 Have trees out front of house Friday night for Saturday Morning

• All the money collected from this project helps support the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation • Any donations are gratefully accepted • Trees will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner Sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the Kinsmen Club and their families!

VICTORIA — Dix seeks balance with business TF: On the Kinder Morgan oil pipeline expansion proposal, federal NDP leader Tom Mulcair says the federal environmental process would have to be strengthened before a project like that could get a thorough enough hearing. Do you agree? AD: The B.C. Liberal government has signed an equivalency agreement that says that the federal decision is the provincial decision on these projects. If it applies to Enbridge Northern Gateway, presumably the B.C. Liberals would apply it to Kinder Morgan. They could have done a joint process, where [the final decision] would have gone to both cabinets. They chose instead to give up jurisdiction. They were so afraid of making any decision on Northern Gateway that they sent it over to the federal government. So what we’ve said is within a week of coming to office, we would end that equivalency agreement, and British Columbia would make decisions about both Enbridge Northern Gateway, which applied in May 2010, and any other pipeline, including the Kinder Morgan proposal, for which no application has been made. Obviously it would have been desirable for everyone had they chosen a true joint review, as they have in Site C [dam proposed for Peace River], as they did with Kemess North [rejected mine expansion proposal] and other cases.

December

Januar y

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Mon 24

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VALLEY ECHO 342-9216

29 A

B 31 B

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A 17

Sat

Fri

A T he

Thurs

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Area A or B Recycling Pick-Up

Area A Garbage Pick-Up

B Area B Garbage Pick-Up

Wed

New Year’s Day

Continues to 'dix' on Page A5

District of Invermere Garbage and Recycling January 2013

Christmas Day

TF: You don’t want duplicated review processes here, you just want a provincial cabinet say in the decision? AD: That’s right. TF: On your relationAdrian Dix ship with the B.C. Federation of Labour, your caucus is considering a proposal that B.C. should once again do away with secret ballots for union certification. AD: The B.C. Fed makes a case to the government on a series of issues on employment standards every year. Labour law, every year. WorkSafeBC, every year. Trades and training, every year. With respect to [accepting signed union cards for certification], it is a democratic process that the Newfoundland Conservative government just put into place a few months ago. So it’s a proposal from the labour movement and we’re looking at it. For most of B.C.’s modern history, since World War II, we’ve had that card-check system in place. The question would be whether [returning to that system] is a priority for this term in government. TF: So those kinds of things will be made clear in your platform? AD: Absolutely. TF: You picked up some serious money from the business community at a fundraiser in October. Is that some kind of a

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Funds aim to facilitate Projects chosen based on lifespan visitor experience that we can maybe add four, or five, or six more years.” Chief among the capital projects slated for 2013 is an improvement to the 17th Street force main water pipe, for which the district has budgeted $600,000. Taft said that this particular project has been on their radar for quite some time, however after several unsuccessful grant applica-

Continued from Page A1

said Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell in a release. “This initiative provides local governments with the financial certainty to facilitate a great visitor experience and ensure visitors will return.” The funding comes from the provincial Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), which has invested $61.7 million since 2007 in the 14 municipalities that are a part of the program, which includes Fernie, Golden, Harrison Hot Springs, Kimberley, Osoyoos, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet, Valemount, Whistler, Invermere and Radium Hot Springs. Out of the additional $10 million in funding, which was announced on December 18, Invermere will receive $186,410 while Radium will receive $115,532. The program is incentive-based, with funding based on accommodation revenues from the previous year of business. Accommodation revenues from Panorama are also added to Invermere’s funding each year. In Invermere, potential projects include replacing the Invermere sign at the crossroads, beach improvements, shuttle services, and increasing pedestrian linkages. District of Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft said that past funds re-

ceived from the RMI have helped pay for the Kinsmen amenity building and improved the Panorama shuttle bus. “It’s a really great program, we’re really grateful to the province for having it and continuing it,” Taft said. “It basically recognizes the additional services that resort municipalities and communities have to provide when they have a lot of cases of a smaller tax base.” In Radium, the funds could potentially be used for local event and festival development, beautification projects and sidewalk connections to the hot pools. “It’s fantastic, we’re very, very pleased,” Village of Radium Hot Springs mayor Dee Conklin said. The province of B.C. has identified tourism as a key economic sector, and its new tourism strategy provides a framework for government and industry to attract more visitors. The strategy also focuses on increasing the number of visitors by building on the global awareness generated by the 2010 Winter Games and international marketing campaigns. In 2010, the tourism sector employed 127,000 British Columbians, generated over $13.4 billion in revenue for tourism-related businesses and contributed over $1.2 billion to provincial government revenues. Total tourism wages and salaries were $4.4 billion in 2010, an increase of 37 per cent since 2000.

tax increases general opminimal and portunity, but still set aside generally the some money tangible capifor reserves,” tal asset mansaid DOI Inagement plan vermere mayis first step. Gerry Taft or Gerry Taft. “What we’ve W h e n found though, choosing which capi- and where we’ve been tal projects or im- kind of lucky, is that provements to fund in a lot of things which a budget, the district theoretically the book first refers to what’s says… should have known as a tangible capital assets man“What we're finding and where it's helpagement program or policy. Invermere ing us, is in a lot of cases we're getting infrastructure, such longer use out of some infrastructure.” as roads and water Gerry taft pipes, are carefully District of Invermere Mayor inventoried and documented, and then given an expected a 40 year lifespan, tions the district has lifespan. what we’re finding no choice but to move In any given year, and where it’s helping forward with the the district has a long us, is in a lot of cases planned infrastruclist of items to con- we’re getting longer ture renewal. Other notable projsider when allocat- use out of some infraects include $300,000 ing funds for capital structure than is sort for the renovation improvements, and of suggested as being of lift station #1, projects that are near- normal,” Taft said. “So ing the end of the we’re finding even $210,000 for a water lifespan are usually though our tangible reservoir power gengiven priority. capital assets say this erator, $200,000 for Other factors influ- thing needs replac- PVC liner for lagoon ence the decision as ing in 2013 or 2014, #1, $200,000 for dewell, such as coun- when we do closer sludging geo-textile cil priorities, grants, research… we’re find- bags, and $120,000 for available funding and ing out in actual fact preventative maintenance on the Laurier

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Street bridge. The budget also includes the total cost of the planned Rotary Club Spray Park at Kinsmen Beach in the amount of $300,000, however that cost will not be passed on to the taxpayer. The district has agreed to pay for design costs while the Rotary Club will be attempting to raise the $300,000 over the next several years. Other items of note include the planned improvement to Cenotaph Park, funding for electric car charging stations, and bear proof containers and dumpsters for Kinsmen Beach. Also on the budget for 2013 is a two per cent tax increase, which for an average assessed district home valuing $404,058 equates to a $2.15 per month increase in municipal taxes. The “commercial” and “light industrial” tax rate ratio is also reduced from 2.75 times the residential rate to 2.72 times the residential rate. This shift in taxation will add approximately $5 to the annual tax bill of a single family residence, but will bring the commercial and industrial tax rate to less than the provincial average, according to a district release. The district will also see an estimated $171,000 in revenue as a result of the Hotel Tax, which is slated for projects within the Resort Development Strategy. The district has also met its carbon neutrality commitments and is carbon neutral for 2012.

CORRECTION For the elementary school turkey lunches photos in the December 12 issue of The Valley Echo, the lunches at EMP and J.A. Laird were catered by MacSteven's Fresh Food. The Valley Echo regrets the error.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A5

NEWS

Clark continued from Page 3 Early wins of Imagine Invermere 2030 budget. And it will be absolutely transparent how we got there. [Laughs] Nice try. TF: If the B.C. Liberals form a government in May, will the election date be changed so we don’t have to have this discussion about questionable spring election budgets? PCC: It’s not part of the plan today, but I’m sure it’s a discussion we’ll have in the next four years. I know that people have talked about it. I’m open to it. I’m not wedded to this particular date.

Dix

continued from Page 3

record for the NDP? AD: [Laughs.] It might be a record, I don’t know. I think the business fundraiser we did at the Hotel Vancouver netted $350,000. I think what it reflects is, this year I’ve had about 230 meetings with the business community. The purpose of it has been principally to build understanding, particularly on issues of skills training. With the priority I give to skills training, I think I’m much more attuned to their concerns than the government has been. TF: I suppose that kind of success in fundraising might make it more difficult to follow through with your pledge to ban corporate and union donations. AD: I don’t think so. The B.C. Liberal Party has a very high level of corporate donations as a percentage of its total. We’re overwhelmingly dependent on individual donations. We get support from unions, but it’s not even close to what people would think. TF: So you’ll campaign for that, as you have before? AD: Yes. tfletcher@blackpress.ca

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE Special to The Valley Echo

In June 2011, the Distric of Invermere council approved the “Imagine Invermere 2030 — Integrated Community Sustainability Plan”. This approval was a landmark decision for council in that the plan was written to broadly guide decision making in Invermere at the highest level. Importantly, there’s already been many early wins arising from or in conjunction with approval of Imagine Invermere 2030. To date the District has initiated the following actions: staff are now using Imagine Invermere 2030 as one of the guiding policy filters for all District operations including purchasing, land use decision making and daily operations; “Winter recreation opportunities” on Lake Windermere were expanded last winter in partnership with the Invermere Business Committee; a Business Park Improvement Plan is currently being drafted and will be presented to landowners and tenants to assist in improving the functionality and visual appeal of the Industrial Park; a Downtown Parking Strategy is underway and will be presented to the public in the fall of 2012;

a Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) has been developed as guided by an Energy Planning Committee which identifies actions to conserve energy and reduce green house gas emissions; Groundwater Protection and Water Source Protection Plans, with a goal of protecting the quality and quantity of our drinking water supply, are in final draft stages and were reviewed by the public in September; suitable land has been set aside (beside the Community Greenhouse) to establish a “community garden” in partnership with Groundswell Network Society, a “community composting plan” has also been completed in partnership with Groundswell Network Society; and a new “four-season concession building” has been completed at Kinsmen Beach funded fully from the Resort Municipality Initiative and Columbia Basin Trust. The building incorporates several components of sustainable design and will be our first Municipal Solar Building. As well, the istrict continues to support and foster our many partnerships including the Chamber of Commerce, the Invermere Business Committee, Windermere Valley Historical Society, the Columbia Valley Arts Council, Lake Winder-

mere Ambassadors and the area service clubs to name just a few. These partnerships continue to assist the istrict in improving the quality of life in our community, by adding to its vibrancy, resiliency and enhancing the attractiveness. Many actions and activities identified in Imagine Invermere 2030 remain to be implemented. With that in mind, the DOI Council created an “Implementation Team” of interested residents from a cross-section of backgrounds and interests last June. Please contact any of the Imagine Invermere 2030 Team members should you wish to participate as a partner or to discuss any aspects of the plan itself. The plan is truly a ‘living document” that will be constantly added to as new projects are identified. Visit the Imagine Invermere 2030 website at www.imagineinvermere.ca or contact the DOI planning staff at 250-342-9281 to get involved. Our December 12 issue incorrectly identified Ella Swan as the DTSS student on the cover. The correct name is Lea Rollinger.

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

Opinion & Letters

Something to say? email editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Be merry... and stay safe NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

We're challenged here in the Columbia Valley when it comes to enjoying a bit of holiday cheer, and the many cheers that tend to go along with it. For those who dare to venture beyond the walking distance of their neighbouhood for a night of clinks and drinks lies the dilemna of getting back home at the end of the night. Public transit doesn't run after dark and the distance between our neighhouring communities can mean a hefty bill after the taxi driver drops you back at home, not to mention having to retrieve your car the next morning. Maybe one reason that folks tend to chance impaired driving in these parts is because we live in a rural setting. It's always the same rationale — 'Oh, I've only had a few' or 'I really don't feel drunk' or 'I haven't had that much' or 'I'll stick to the back roads' — the list seems to go on and on. And it's not to say that these people don't have the highest of intentions at the beginning of the night, having convinced themselves they won't have anything to drink, or will indulge in only one. But how easily one turns into three or four, then whammo — illegal blood alcohol levels. The biggest problem, because most people don't intentionally want to break the law and put themselves or anyone else in harm's way — is lack of planning. The best bet in our region is to arrange a designated driver ahead of time, or —if you're the one holding the party — organize one person who is willing to shuttle everyone else home in exchange for all the leftovers, or the promise of having the favour returned. Asking to stay the night doesn't hurt either. Who doesn't love waking up to a roomful of hungover friends who didn't seriously injure or kill themselves or anyone else the night before because they were willing to relinquish their keys and sleep on a couch? No one should have to suffer the loss of a loved one when it comes to such a preventable crime. Yet, according to ICBC, drinking and driving is still the leading criminal cause of death and remains one of the leading causes of fatal collisions. So while you may be making the right decision, someone else isn't. It's up to each and every one of us to watch out for each other and prevent any accidents before they happen.

Something on your mind? The Valley Echo welcomes all letters to the editor and submissions from community and sports groups, as well as special community columns. Please keep your signed, legible submissions under 500 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity, taste, legal reasons and brevity. Each submission must contain a daytime phone number and place of residence. Send email submissions to editor@invermerevalleyecho.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Wilks blind to F-35 mess Dear Editor, The fiscal incompetence and complete mismanagement of Canada’s largest military procurement since World War II has now been fully exposed. MP David Wilks and the Conservative Party need to be held accountable for their total mishandling of the F-35. Two years ago they told Canadians that the government would replace our aging fleet of CF-18s with a solesourced contract for F-35s for only $9 billion — now, thanks to an audit from KPMG, we know the true cost of the F35s will exceed $46 billion. The government said the F-35 was the only plane that could meet our needs — now they admit that other planes could. They always maintained that considering other options was irresponsible and they sole-sourced the contract —now they are looking at other planes. They said there was a contract — now they don’t. This is how an incompetent government turns a $13 billion Liberal surplus in 2006 into a $142 billion accumulated Conservative deficit by 2012. The government lied, stonewalled, broke all the rules of procurement, evaded every safeguard, and attacked the credibility and patriotism of all those who dared challenge it. It asked voters to re-elect it using

fraudulent numbers. Mr. Wilks needs to stop the cheerleading and start asking serious questions about how the government is spending your hard-earned tax dollars. He can’t serve his constituents with blinders on. Yours sincerely, John McKay, MP Scarborough-Guildwood Liberal Party of Canada Defence Critic

Kain book criticized Dear Editor, The Conrad Kain Centennial Society is intimately familiar with Kain’s true life story. Some of us in the society read Keith Powell’s novel Raising Kain when it first appeared, winced, and privately hoped it would die a quiet death. But Powell’s relentless self-promotion of the book seems to be paying off, and it doesn’t look like it’s going away soon. His attempt to “cheese-up” Conrad Kain’s life story by introducing a bizarre and distasteful link to the Nazi era that developed in Europe years after Kain’s death have many Kain fans shaking their heads in disbelief. There’s a bright light on the horizon for Kain fans. Climbing historian Zac Robinson, who is not only wellversed in Canadian climbing history,

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mountain culture and is an accomplished climber himself, will release his exhaustively researched nonfiction book, Your Friend in the Western Woods, Conrad Kain: Letters from a Wandering Mountain Guide, 19061933, to be published by the University of Alberta Press in 2013. In the meantime, if anyone would care to read the unadulterated version of Kain’s life, J. Monroe Thorington’s book, Where the Clouds Can Go, is considered the gold standard of reference material on Canada’s most celebrated mountaineer. In fact, this book is the source material for much of Powell’s novel. Pat Morrow CKCS Chair Wilmer

Legion needs support Dear Editor, With November 11 just passed and a new year almost upon us, I would like to thank all the businesses and individuals for their attendance and support for both the Remembrance Day parade as well as contributions to our poppy campaign. This year we had a very successful poppy campaign and our afternoon cenotaph service was well attended. Continues to 'letters' on Page A7

Notice of Copyright: Reproduction of any or all editorial and advertising materials in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. It is agreed by the advertiser requesting space that the liability of The Valley Echo, owned by Black Press Ltd. in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published, shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for only the one incorrect insertion for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted items only and that there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for such advertising. BC Press Council – The Valley Echo is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent within 45 days to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

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www.invermerevalleyecho.com A7

Tech Yourself — Aaron Mackenzie

Tablet technology timeline From time to time in the consumer elecneed a way to control it. Enter the Apple tronics industry I see fundamental shifts in iPhone. The new interface was not only very the adoption of technology. intuitive, but great to look at and responded Over the last couple years, I have seen a logically to what you wanted to do. major surge in people inquiring about and Then we hit 2010. Apple announces the buying tablets. I say this is a fundamental iPad and the CE world goes insane over the shift because tablets are not new techdevice. Really just a bigger iPhone; Apple’s nology by any means. In 2000, Microsoft current pull in the market as leader of mustannounced a portable PC that used a stylus have gadgets firmly entrenches the tablet as and touchscreen as it’s main points of a legitimate business segment. interaction. So 12 years ago we had access Now we find ourselves in the present day to tablet style devices — why did it take of 2012. Apple is not the only player in the until 2010 for the devices to tablet arena, with multiple really catch on? devices running Android “So 12 years ago we had There are a couple reaOS (operating system) and sons for the delay, weight now Windows 8 RT. Each access to tablet style and performance being devices — why did it take OS has its advantages and primary concerns. Through pitfalls and, of course, each until 2010 for the devices the early 2000s, batteries OS has it’s own dedicated were still very heavy; now fanbase that usually doesn’t to really catch on?” we have access to Lithiumhave anything nice to say ion batteries which provide about the other options. a very high capacity (required to power So there you have it — a quick historical the huge screens on new devices), and are rundown on tablets. Do you have a tablet much lighter than their predecessors. On already? Are you looking for one? the performance side, it was just a matter And in case you thought having a tablet in of time that we progressed to smaller more your car might be cool, take a look at this: efficient processors, which means less wait wimp.com/tesladash. New tech and cars, time when you tell your device to do some- two of my favourite things! thing. At this point we are also waiting for If you have any questions, or ideas of the price of touchscreens to come down. what you would like to see me cover in this On to 2007 — still three years away from column, throw me a line. tablets being the new “it” thing. We have Aaron Mackenzie is a new columnist with our processor power and our battery life, The Valley Echo and the sales manager at and touchscreens have come way down in The Source in Invermere. He can be reached cost. We have all of our hardware, now we at techracing@gmail.com.

Community Calendar Submit your events: production@invermerevalleyecho.com

THURS DEC 27 • Eﬀusion Art Gallery "Winter Magic", 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Wine Tasting, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort lodge, $10, 5 - 6 p.m. • Tim Hortons Free Skate, Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, 5:30 - 7 p.m. • Wil and Kevin Haughton perform, Panorama's Great Hall, $12 in advance, $15 at door, 9 p.m. SAT DEC 29 • Purcell Rock and Ice Show, multimedia art show, Bavin Glassworks, 10 a.m. Walkabout between Bavin and Arrowhead Brewing Company, 4 - 7 p.m. Live music, beverages and snacks

SUN DEC 30 • 50th Anniversary at Panorama Mountain Village, 1 p.m. • Kid's New Year LETTERS (continued from page A6) Party at Panorama, The people in this valley are what make these we need your help. We need men and women to Copper Crown, 5:30 events such a success. Their generous donations join the Legion in order that the work carried on - 7:30 p.m. and those who attended the ceremonies, showing their respect to our fallen comrades, our living veterans and those still serving today, are very important and greatly appreciated. The money raised through the poppy campaign does not stay within the Legion. All monies generated go directly back to the community by assisting veterans and their families, helping the needy, bursaries to children of veterans, assisting ﬁre departments and health organizations within our poppy district (Dry Gulch to Spillimacheen). Over the years, we have had assistance from other organizations for which we are very grateful. Now

by the branches in the past can continue. Whether you become a Legion member, come to our fundraising events or assist us as a volunteer, you will always be welcome within our branch. Your support is so important and would be appreciated. We hope to see you all throughout the year at other activities and functions we are conducting, as well as during our 2013 poppy campaign and the 2013 Remembrance Day ceremonies. Vi Wittman President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 199 Edgewater

Rotary of Radium Hot Springs meets at Higher Ground, Wednesdays at 7 a.m. Ongoing fundraising is going towards the Bicycle Pump Track. Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Thursday at 11:45 a.m. in the mezzanine at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Rotary International

MON DEC 31 •New Year's party "Blue Ice", T-Bar, Panorama, 12 p.m. 2 a.m. Dress casual, entertainment by DJ Wil C • Village of Radium Hot Springs 22nd Birthday Celebration at Brent’s Shack, 3 - 6 p.m. • New Year's Eve at Elements Grill at Copper Point Resort, ﬁve course d'hôte menu with champagne toast, reservations required • Village of Radium Hot Springs Annual Fire Works Celebration, Springs Driving Range, 6:30 p.m. • New Year's party at Jackpine Pub, Panorama • Johnny McCuaig, the New Station Pub, snacks, compli-

mentary midnight drink, $20, 9 p.m. EVERY SUNDAY • Public Indoor Rock Climbing, Laird School, 5-8 p.m., $5. • Radium Seniors’ Carpet Bowling, 1:30 p.m., Seniors' Hall 2nd SUNDAY • LW Alliance Church Sing and Celebrate, 7 p.m. For more information call Clarence Stauffer, 250-3429580 EVERY MONDAY • Gentle drop-in carpet bowling, 1:30 p.m., Seniors' Centre • Cadets, 6:30-9 p.m. for boys and girls, ages 12-17. Cost: FREE (includes uniform). Info: Rick Dendy 250-341-1509. • Duplicate Bridge, 6:30 p.m., Invermere Seniors’ Hall, $2/ person. Visitors welcome • EK Brain Injury Support Group, 1-3 p.m., Family Resource Centre. Info: 250-344-5674 1st & 3rd TUESDAY • OPT clinic, 6:308:30 p.m., Inv. Health Unit, 85010th Ave. Confidential service: low-cost birth control, and STI testing 1st TUESDAY • Invermere Camera Club 7 p.m. Tanya, tanyadeleeuw65@ gmail.com EVERY TUESDAY • Yoga THRIVEYoga for Cancer Survivors. Hot springs studio, Fairmont Village Mall. For info call Jan Klimek at 250-342-1195 • Shuswap Bingo at the Shuswap Indian Band Office downstairs, doors open at 5:30 p.m., early bird at 6:45 p.m., regular

games at 7 p.m. • Cubs (8-10 year olds) and Beavers (5-7 year olds), JA Laird, 6 - 7 p.m. 1st & 3rd WED • Scrabble Night at Invermere Public Library. 6 - 8 p.m. Call 250-342-6416 2nd & 4th WED • Seniors' Day at the Invermere Library. Bus provided EVERY WEDNESDAY • Indoor soccer, DTSS gym. Drop-in, $2, 8:30-10:00 p.m. EVERY THURSDAY • Cadets, 6:30-9 p.m. for boys and girls, ages 12-17. Cost: FREE (includes uniform). Info: Rick Dendy 250-341-1509 • Children's Air Riﬂe Program, with the LWDRGC, Inv. Community Hall, 7 - 8:30 p.m., free of charge, ages 6-15. Learn safety, marksmanship, equipment provided EVERY FRIDAY • Baby Goose program for parents and babies up to 18 months. 9:3011:30 a.m. at Eileen Madson Primary. kandruschuk@cbal. org • Public Indoor Rock Climbing, Laird School, 5-8 p.m., $5. • Preschool Story Time at the Invermere Public Library, 10:30 a.m. For info visit invermere.bclibrary.ca EVERY SATURDAY • Public Indoor Rock Climbing, Laird School, 5-8 p.m., $5. INVERMERE THRIFT STORE • Thursdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 1 - 4 p.m.

A8 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

COMMUNITY

Steamboat bursaries awarded to local musicians ANNE JARDINE Special to The Valley Echo

The Steamboat Mountain Music Society (SMMS) held its first annual general meeting on November 16 and awarded two bursaries to local musicians, both of whom performed at the first Steamboat Mountain Music Festival in Edgewater back in July. The $700 bursary fund was raised from a silent auction and coffee concession sales at the festival. Mickey Maione is an Edgewater guitar player whose sixty-year-old Gibson was becoming more and more worn out from heavy use. SMMS made a special grant of $400 to assist Mickey in repairing his beloved instrument. Local luthier Fraser Smith was enlisted to rebuild dear old Mr. Gibson, and a grateful Mickey no longer frets over his frets; he just picks and grins, and his music is sweeter than ever. In the next generation, Elijah Beingessner, 18, is one of the most talented young performers in the region. He plays all kinds of music with ease. The child of a very musical family, Eli plays guitar and bass, sings

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elijah Beingessner (right) accepts his $350 Steamboat Mountain Music Society bursary.

melody and harmony with his renowned father Marty, and he writes his own tunes. Eli has just produced his first CD featuring one of his own compositions, and

has learned a great deal in the process. SMMS awarded Eli $350, which he can use to offset some of his production expenses, or put towards his second CD which is currently in the works.. The 2013 Steamboat Mountain Music Festival dates have been set for Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7. Planning begins in January. Local performers who wish to be considered for the 2013 lineup are asked to contact musical program director Larry Newman at 250-270-0042. Look for more news about the festival in the spring as the plans begin to take shape. A Steamboat Mountain Music Society membership drive will be opening up early in the new year. Annual fee for membership is $5, but that entitles the member to a five dollar discount on festival tickets, so it is a good deal. Volunteers get free membership and free entry to the festival, so volunteering is an even better deal, although it does involve a bit of work. Festival volunteers will be needed for gate, grounds, green room, traffic control, set-up, take-down, and stage crew for the weekend of July 5-6-7. Those interested in volunteering or becoming members for 2013, please contact Roberta Hall at 250-688-0314.

Lake Windermere cloudier in 2012, but water quality still good LAKE WINDERMERE AMBASSADORS Special to The Valley Echo

Have you been wondering about the quality of our lake water? The results are now in! The Lake Windermere Ambassadors’ volunteers and staff

tested the lake from June through September 2012. The results tell us about the quality of the lake water and how suitable it is for recreation and for fish.

VALLEY ECHO T he

asks you to....

Everyone who was living in the Invermere valley this spring will remember what a rainy June we had. This rain contributed to a deeper lake. Local residents reported to the Ambassadors that lake levels in 2012 were higher than they’d been in the previ-

ous twenty years. On average across all sites on all sampling days, the lake was 0.28 meters deeper in 2012 than 2011. The lake was an average of 0.76 meters deeper in 2012 than the years 2006 to 2008. A Cool Lake: The lake was relatively cool in the sum-

mer of 2012. Temperature was well within the range of temperatures recommended to keep fish and other aquatic life healthy. Good for Fish: Dissolved oxygen throughout the lake was at or above the amount needed to protect aquatic life (8 mg/L) dur-

ing June, July and August. Lots of oxygen in the water is also good for people since it means that the lake will generally be free of a “rotten egg” smell. No Excess Nutrients: CONTINUES TO 'LAKE' ON PAGE A9

District of invermere

914 - 8 Avenue • Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250.342.9281 • Fax: 250.342.2934 info@invermere.net www.invermere.net

Winter Operations The District of Invermere would like to remind everyone to take extra care while travelling during the winter season.

Pet overpopulation, surrender to shelters and animal euthanization are preventable problems with a rational solution: SPAY & NEUTER!

The District of Invermere strives to maintain municipal streets and sidewalks in as safe as possible condition. During the winter season however, Snow & Ice Control services are not intended to eliminate all hazardous conditions on District streets or sidewalks at all times. They are intended to assist vehicles and pedestrians that are properly equipped for winter travelling. It is expected that under normal winter conditions, there will be situations when the immediate demand for Snow & Ice Control services will exceed the available resources. In order to maximize the benefits of operations, Snow & Ice Control staff shall conduct operations according to the priorities determined by emergency requirements and traffic volumes listed in the Snow and Ice Control policy. Snow and Ice Control Operations will be available on a 24 hour a day basis, 7 days a week during the winter season.

Residential and commercial driveway entrances and sidewalks are the responsibility of the owner to be cleared of windrowed snow and ice to the degree that the mobility of vehicular and pedestrian traffic shall not be compromised. We remind all residents that it is unlawful to pile, throw or shovel snow onto District roads or rights of ways when clearing snow.

Here’s how you can help... • Be a good neighbour. Clear snow and ice from sidewalks as soon as possible after a snowfall to ensure that they are safe for all residents. Lend a hand to those who may not be physically able to shovel. • Do not park on the street during a snowstorm or while snow clearing operations are underway. Parked cars make plowing difficult, and sometimes impossible. With your help, winter maintenance crews can plow snow faster and more efficiently and you will reduce the chances of having to dig your car out of a snow drift.

www.globalanimallovers.com info@globalanimallovers.com Find us on Facebook, and see who we have up for adoption!

• Please make sure that your car is parked within your driveway. Please do not let it extend onto the street or sidewalk. • Keep children safe - don’t let them play in snow piles, or build snow forts in the snow banks at the side of the road.

• Snow plows have no place to push the snow except to the curb or shoulder of the road. Sometimes this happens just after you have finished shoveling. We appreciate this can be frustrating; however, we ask for your cooperation in clearing this snow without placing it on the roadway. If you hire a private contractor to clear your driveway, make sure the contractor does not push snow into the traveled portion of the roadway, or fill in sidewalks. • Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) if possible when shoveling. This helps reduce the amount of snow created by the snowplow at the end of your driveway. • Remove snow from around fire hydrants on or near your property to enable quick access by emergency personnel if the need arises. • Do not place your garbage cans on top of snow banks. If possible place them on your driveway near the edge of the road.

The District apologizes for any inconveniences caused by snow removal operations. For further information, please telephone the municipal office at 250-342-9281. The District of Invermere thanks you for your co-operation!

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A9

Remember When A look back at what's happened in the valley over the last 50 years

this time as they were set to receive a new 84-passenger fuel-efficient diesel school bus as part of a $10.6 million green initiative by the province of B.C. The new clean-energy school buses were aimed at meeting the requirements under the newly formed Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act.

STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

40 years ago: The residents of Lake Lillian requested a comprehensive, two-year study of their lake, to establish new policies and regulations to protect and preserve the lake. Oil film on the lake was becoming obvious after a large amount of outboard gasoline engine traffic. 20 years ago: New burning regulations from B.C. Environment infuriated some RDEK directors, who said that land-clearing would become too

expensive for most farmers and loggers to consider. B.C. Environment was cracking down on land-clearing fires which were previously exempt from regulation. 10 years ago: The Rocky Mountain School Board was making a move to ensure local schools would become peanut-free if necessary. In an expansion of an earlier policy that designated “peanut-free zones,” any school with a student who suffered from severe

Phosphorus, a lake nutrient and also an indicator of pollution, did not exceed recommended values. Cloudy Water: Along with the rain this spring came lots of sediment. Turbidity, a measure of the cloudiness of the water, was high in June and July at north, central and south points of the lake. Compared to historic conditions, turbidity was exceptionally high near Windermere and on the south end of the lake, where it was up to nine times the recommended level. A channel-scouring event in Windermere Creek brought lots of sediment into the lake and likely increased water cloudiness at the Windermere site. A landslide in Fairmont Hotsprings in July also brought high amounts of sediment into the south end of the lake. The fact that we saw cloudiness in the water near Timber

Ridge during the same time as it was very cloudy near Windermere Creek suggests some influence from the creek persisting in the water as it flowed north through the lake.

nut allergies would now become 100 per cent peanut-free.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year -DLW

Boxing Week Sale! Everything in the store

35% off

December 26-29

5 years ago: School District No. 6 was in the news again,

Compared to other lakes throughout BC in July, Lake Windermere had the fourth lowest Secchi depth. The secchi depth gives a reading of water transparency according to the depth of the measurement: the greater the Secchi depth, the

clearer the water. Thus, it appears that even given the rainy conditions throughout BC this year, Lake Windermere was especially impacted by inflows of sediment. A full report is available at www.lakeambassadors.ca.

Join us

on DECEMBER 31 as we la

R DE K Ho liday Hours

We offer a great selection of classes

Scrapbooking 101 Graduated Licensing OFA 1 Snowshoe Fitness Spanish Intermediate Taking Better Photos 101 Intro to Computers Culinary Adventures Sculpting Classes & Life Drawing Sewing courses for Adults & Kids Home Beauty classes from head to toe n Intro Simply Accounting n n n n n n n n n n n

Check your mailbox for the new CE guide! Contact the Invermere campus today: www.cotr.bc.ca/Invermere

Brand

Community Hall - Stanley Street

Continuing Education Guide Courses in January

w ur Ne u n ch o

• Displays / Council Interaction 3:00 - 6:00 pm • Presentation 5:00 pm • Birthday Cake 5:15 pm • Fireworks (Springs Golf Course) 6:30 pm Questions? Call the Village office at 250.347.6455

Watch your mailbox for the newest

250.342.3210

Thanks to Terry for the dinner I enjoyed it!

ECHO FILE PHOTO December 2006 — Spring Hawes displays the $180 donation that the ACE (Accessibility in the Communityfor Equality) received from The Valley Echo’s signature page.

Lake water quality results are in CONTINUED FROM PAGE A8

Thank you to the Book Bar and Red Apple for opening and holding doors and looking out for me!

CRANBROOK RDEK OFFICE December 27 - 28 December 31 January 1 January 2

Regular Hours (8:30am-4:30pm) 8:30am-3:00pm Closed Regular Hours (8:30am-4:30pm)

COLUMBIA VALLEY OFFICE December 27 - 28 December 31 January 1 January 2

8:30am-4:30pm (closed 12pm-1pm) 8:30am-3:30pm (closed 12pm-1pm) Closed 8:30am-4:30pm (closed 12pm-1pm)

COLUMBIA VALLEY LANDFILL December 31 January 1

9:00am-3:30pm Closed

All other days through the holiday season, the Landfills will be open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

For more information, contact the RDEK at 1-888-478-7335

A10 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

Arts & Entertainment

Submitted image Hound's Tooth by painter Pat Bavin is one of his new glacier paintings that he will be unveiling at Bavin Glassworks' Purcell Rock and Ice Show on December 29.

Rock and ice show inspired by high places Multi-artist exhibition followed by 'Walkabout' with Arrowhead Brewery PAT BAVIN Special to The Valley Echo

The Bavin family has a relationship with the Purcell Mountains that dates back four generations to the early 1920s. This includes a legacy of creative joy, respect and environmental integrity for these high places. Bavin Glassworks’ Purcell Rock and Ice Show takes place on Saturday (December 29). It’s a dedication to our ancestors who enjoyed mountain travels, and is also a message of sincerity of the slogan: “The mountains shall bring peace to the people.” The understanding among the artists working by hand in creating their art for this show is that they are doing so

with the intent of truly bringing peace new multi-media jewelry including to place using the theme of “mountain, crystal, metal and leather. ice and rock” as the symbols. Each artist Pat’s commitment to sustaining the has used the theme of high places in an Purcell Mountains started with his inenticing personal challenge using their volvement with the creation of the Purcell specialized medium and talent. Wilderness Conservancy in 1974. To celAfter three years of experimentation, ebrate those special times, we will also be Pat Bavin will unveil a new group of gla- showing old film footage by Art Twomey, cier paintings with ice falls, seracs and which will rotate throughout the day on crevasses our TV mone x p r e s s e d “Each artist has used the theme of high itor. Please with pieces drop by to of glass and places in an enticing personal challenge using enjoy, and glass beads their specialized medium and talent.” thanks to mixed with Margie Jaacrylic paint. mieson for transferring these films to disc. Ryan Bavin’s glass pieces and photos Some of Pat’s efforts have also included represent his love of the mountains we the economic and social slant to help live in. Leah Duperreault has created build mountain culture and manage the “ice-themed pieces” on her torch in recreation use of our backcountry. Ryan, limited-edition jewelry pieces. Sheenah Pat’s son, has very much followed the King is creating hollow ice beads with family tradition with his involvement in gemstones and silver, and Debi Armit- the Columbia Valley Hut Society and his age will also display new “theme” works work with Canadian Mountain Holidays for this show. Bonnie Bavin will have (CMH) as a hiking guide and staffer.

Best wishes for a ‘cultural’ new year…

What does ART mean to you? From the CV Arts Board of Directors

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

Pat will be donating a portion of his painting sale proceeds as a fundraiser for “Awakening Directions”, a three-day youth adventure-based leadership program for kids aged 15 to 18 years. It operates each summer at the CMH Bobby Burns Lodge, and the source of funding for this very successful program is from CMH staff and guests. Information on the “Awakening Directions” will be available at Bavin Glassworks during the show, and we would appreciate any donations from anyone who would like to support this program. The show opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 29 so drop in and enter the draw for some great door prizes. Join us on Saturday between 4 and 7 p.m. for an end of 2012 “Walkabout” between Bavin Glassworks and Arrowhead Brewery. Park at either establishment, and wander through these two unique businesses who will offer live music, beverages and snacks. Please contact Arrowhead Brewery at 778-526-2739 for more details.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A11

Sports

Have a sports tip? editor@invermerevalleyecho.com or 250-342-9216

Valley's Nordic ski club growing every year Nipika Mountain Resort owner hard at work to nurture sport NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

After a lifetime of raising the profile of Nordic skiing in Canada, Lyle Wilson is now focusing his efforts on the Columbia Valley. The owner of Nipika Mountain Resort president of the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club (TCNSC), Wilson hosted two TCNSC learn-to-ski clinics at Nipika this past weekend, giving those who attended a topnotch skills clinic to help kick off the winter season. “It’s a difficult sport,” he told participants at the classic skiing session on Saturday, December 15. The skate skiing session took place the next day on Sunday, December 16. “It’s easy to do poorly… give me an hour.” Wilson has the credentials to turn anyone’s skiing around or send a beginner off in the right direction. Involved with the sport since a young age, he has a physical education degree and coached Nordic skiing professionally in addition to competing himself. “I’ve coached two Olympic Games and eight world championships and I coached the national junior team for about ten years,” he said. “I was coaching internationally when skate (skiing) first came on the scene.” His first contribution to the

Nordic world was a chain of Nordic-specific sporting goods stores called Fresh Air Experience that helped develop Nordic skiing throughout Western Canada. During that time he was also one of the initial founders of CANSI (Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors), which he went on to chair for a decade or so before going into full-time coaching in 1981. He’s headed up the BC ski team, and the Alberta team, then was one of three staff coaches on the national team between 1987 and 1994. He began to build Nipika Mountain Resort with his wife Diane after he quit coaching, and though it had been a track system since 1979, the pair turned it into a business that their son now partners with them on. Nipika, a pet-friendly outdoor recreation resort located along Settlers Road in Kootenay National Park, is the perfect getaway for self-propelled enthusiasts. On 1,500 acres nestled in the most western range of the Rocky Mountains, it offers visitors roughly 50 kilometres of Nordic ski and snowshoe trails. Another 50 km or so of single track is dedicated to mountain biking, trail running, and hiking the rest of the year. “Because of the growth of mountain biking, trail running and hiking as destination sports, we just took the setting we’ve got so the trail system is probably one of the biggest integrated selfpropelled trail systems… probably on the continent specific to those goals,” Wilson said.

photo by Nicole Trigg/The Echo Lyle Wilson is dedicated to bringing more people into the local Nordic ski culture.

In addition to the extensive trail network, the resort boasts a roomy day lodge for day-to-day traffic, complete ski and snowshoes rentals, and eight energy self-sufficient rental cabins with full housekeeping. Nipika is also home to the TCNSC ski school that runs every day with group lessons in the morning and privates throughout the day, coached by Wilson and the club’s newest addition to its coaching ranks, former World Cup cross country skier Magi Scallion. Wilson can’t say enough about the club’s positive initiatives that it is bringing to the local communities. One program in particular really speaks to his passion for coaching kids. With grant money, the TCNSC pur-

chased kids’ Nordic equipment and does a five-lesson series with every Grade 3 student in the valley, bringing the lessons to the schoolyards where tracks are set up with the club’s portable grooming equipment. “My goal with kids is to get them away from their damn computer screens and pocket toys and get them living active lives again,” Wilson said, “because it’s an epidemic what’s happening with our children and so the more we can do to show kids life sports, not just sports but life sports, ones that they can do through life.” The club also offers regular learn-to-ski program for kids — Bunnyrabbits for ages four to five, Jackrabbits ages six to nine, and Track Attack for ten

and older. And it’s not too late to register, just contact the club. And new this year for adults is a Wednesday night recreational ski night. Anyone who signs up will receive an email with the location and participants are asked to show up at 6 p.m. with a headlight. As for facilities, the club utilizes Nipika, the Whiteway, and the Greywolf Nordic Centre at Panorama. Wilson said that Lake Lillian, which was used last year, will not be activated this winter season unless Lake Windermere’s Whiteway is totally unusable. “We’re looking at trails along the Johnson bike trail network where there’s some nice rolling grassy roads,” he said. “If the snow is adequate, we’re going to go in and try to groom those on an experimental level.” If it works out, valley skiers could soon have new tracks under their skis. And Wilson hopes that this year the club will attract even more members than ever before. With 150 some members last year, the club’s goal this year is to boost membership over 200. “It’s the best endurance sport for developing fitness it doesn’t have any overuse injuries the way runners get bad knees and bad backs,” said Wilson, noting that at the Masters World Cup in Silverstar two years ago, there were four men in their nineties still ski racing. “You can do it till you drop.” For more information on TCNSC, visit the club’s website at www.tobycreeknordic.ca. To learn more about Nipika Mountain Resort, visit www.nipika.com or call 1-877-647-4525.

Columbia Valley Rockies Home Game:

Friday, January 4 7:30 P.M. Thank you to our major sponsors

A12 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

SPORTS

PHOTO BY STEVE JESSEL/ THE ECHO The Columbia Valley Rockies fell by a score of 3-2 in overtime to the Fernie Ghostriders on Tuesday, December 18. The game marked Rockies forward Brendan Burges first game against his former club after being traded to the Rockies earlier this month, but despite recording a goal and an assist on the night, was unable to will the Rockies to victory. The Rockies played their final game before the Christmas break when they hosted the Golden Rockets on Friday, December 21. The final score was not available by press time.

Fairmont Goldsmiths Give a timeless gift

to that special someone this holiday season.

Christmas Special Wittnauer 40% off 40% off

for the month of December

Master Goldsmiths Fred Szott • Terry Szott • Brandon Szott 926 - 7 Ave, Invermere • 250-342-8778 PHOTO BY STEVE JESSEL/THE ECHO Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Community Literacy Co-ordinator Katie Andruschuk was on hand on Tuesday, December 18 to present the Columbia Valley Rockies organization the 2012 Community Literacy Award for the Windermere Valley. Rockies captain Brandon Lijdsman (left) and assistant captain Ryan Henderson (right) accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions give off the greatest glow of happiness”. ~Bob Hope

Preserve those precious moments! Boxing week specials start December 27

Who’s watching your property? RFE provides: • Alarm Systems monitoring by internet, cellular and landline.

• Surveillance Systems, internet based • Custom home theatres • Authorized Marantz dealer • Russound sound systems

We will close at 3:00 p.m. December 24; reopen 9:30 a.m. December 27 and close at 3:00 p.m. December 31; reopen 9:30 a.m. January 3

The little scrapbook store Supplies, Crops and Classes

1206 - 7th Avenue, Invermere Ph: 250-342-7238

Christmas Pyjamas are in! We also carry jewellery, leather, books and many more great gift selections

778-527-0027 7535 Main St W, Radium Hot Springs, B.C. ALARMS & SOUND

250•342•6549

Christmas Store Hours

Sunday - Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13

SPORTS

Family comes first for new Rockies forward Top scoring player from Fernie Ghostriders now with Rockies to be close to newborn baby MATT LAURIN Fernie Free Press

JUST

ANNOUNCED

years has been one of the better times in my hockey career. I’ve been treated better there than anywhere else in my life,” Burge said. “Things came up in my life where family became a part of it, and I have a little baby girl now. The way I look at it is family is everything, and hockey is a game.” While the decision was not an easy one, in the end it was the right thing to do. “The closer we got to her due date, the more my gut just couldn’t leave. I wanted to go back, but I didn’t,” Burge said, sounding wise beyond his years. “I felt like I had to make a decision based on my gut, and in the end it was right.” Heading into the

Submitted photo Becka, Bodene and Brendan Burge

season, Burge had every intention of finishing his junior career with the Riders. His billets in Fernie were aware of his situation, and more than willing to help. “I know people have done it, and I probably could have done it in Fernie, but I feel like I would have wanted to be at home with them too much. I really appreciate everyone who offered to help try to make it work.” Making the deci-

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tain, acknowledged that Burge’s departure leaves a hole on the roster, but said it opens the door for other players to increase their role. “It’s something we’re definitely feeling. But guys are starting to step up, and we’ve got a lot of character on this team.” Burge admits it will be strange to play against his former teammates. But at the end of the day, he knows he made the right decision. “Looking back on it, I don’t have any regrets. I get to see my baby girl every day, be with my girlfriend, and most of all, we get to be a family the right way.”

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WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. ‡Offer valid from December 21, 2012 to January 2, 2013 (the “Program Period”). Receive $750 towards the purchase or lease of a new 2012 / 2013 Ford and Lincoln vehicles excluding Focus, Fiesta, CMAX, (Fusion S, Hybrid and Energi), Mustang GT500 and BOSS 302, Taurus SE, Edge SE, Flex SE, Explorer Base, Escape S, Transit Connect EV, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 Value Leader and Raptor during the Program Period (the “Offer”). Offer must be applied to the Eligible Vehicle. The Eligible Vehicle must be delivered or factory ordered during the Program Period. Taxes payable on the total price of the Eligible Vehicle (including accessories and factory options), before the Offer value is deducted. This Offer is subject to vehicle, accessory, and factory installed option availability. Only one (1) Offer may be applied toward the purchase or lease of each Eligible Vehicle. This Offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. This Offer is not combinable with CPA, GPC, Daily Rental Allowances or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). Some conditions apply. Offer available to residents of Canada only. *Purchase a new 2013 F-150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 with 5.0L engine for $31,499. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate of $7,500 has been deducted. Offer includes freight and air tax of $1,700 but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. Manufacturer Rebates can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. ▲Offer only valid from December 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with a Costco membership on or before November 30, 2012. Use this $1,000CDN Costco member offer towards the purchase or lease of a new 2012/2013 Ford vehicle (excluding Fiesta, Focus, Fusion HEV & Energi, C-Max, Raptor, GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Transit Connect EV & Medium Truck) (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). The Eligible Vehicle must be delivered and/or factory-ordered from your participating Ford/Lincoln dealer within the Offer Period. Offer is only valid at participating dealers, is subject to vehicle availability, and may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Only one (1) offer may be applied towards the purchase or lease of one (1) Eligible Vehicle, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. This offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford Motor Company of Canada at either the time of factory order (if ordered within the Offer Period) or delivery, but not both. Offer is not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). Applicable taxes calculated before $1,000CDN offer is deducted. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offer, see dealer for details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. ††When properly equipped. Max. towing of 11,300 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost 4x2 and 4x4 and 6.2L 2 valve V8 4x2 engines. Max. payload of 3,120 lbs with 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2012/2013 competitors. †††Max. horsepower of 411 and max. torque of 434 on F-150 6.2L V8 engine. Class is Full–Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2012/2013 comparable competitor engines. ©2012 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2012 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

Brendan Burge knew in his heart it was the right thing to do. As the due date for his first child grew nearer, the 20-yearold forward for the Fernie Ghostriders found it increasingly difficult to focus on playing hockey. With his girlfriend Becka expecting any day, Burge found his mind wandering from the ice in Fernie to his family in Invermere. On December 2, everything changed. Shortly after 4 a.m. Bodene Raleigh Rogal Burge entered the world — and Brendan became a father. “She’s just the cutest thing I’ve seen in my whole life,” Burge said of his new daughter. “It’s just an amazing feeling.” And while Burge has embraced his new role as a dad, it came with another tough decision — to part ways with the Fernie Ghostriders, his hockey team for the past three seasons. Burge will play the remainder of the season with the Columbia Valley Rockies, so he can be close to his family. “Playing in Fernie in the last couple of

Burge said it was an honour to play for Wolff, who even made a point to send a gift to the new family. Teammates were also supportive of Burge’s decision. “When I broke the news to them, they were so understanding. Obviously they didn’t want to see me go, which made it that much tougher, but they were all very supportive,” Burge said. “It was a really tough thing to do, but I couldn’t ask for better guys to have my back. I’ve made some of my best friends playing hockey in Fernie.” Josh McKissock, the Ghostriders cap-

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A14 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

Building your Wealth

With Wishes Warm & Bright May the holiday season deliver an abundance of peace, love and joy to you and your family.

Financial Planning Mistakes Nearly every one of us has made a mistake in how we pay for what we want. It’s almost a ritual – a rite of passage of sorts – and can help us learn to take better care, if we use it properly. But, wouldn’t it be a novel experience to take some action to minimize our exposure? Here are a few of the more common mistakes that we see cause people problems. Perhaps an old saying would help remind us – something like, ‘As good a definition of ‘crazy’ as any other is ‘doing the same thing over and over, each time expecting a different result.’ ’ Common mistakes such as: 1 - Buying too much on credit. No matter what income level you have, more people get into financial trouble because of too much debt than for any other reason. "Too much" means different things to different people. Very few people go through life without making a purchase on credit. However, trying to indulge the kids, getting as many toys as possible, or ‘keep up with the Joneses’ – the phrase we heard from our parents – pushes too many of us into lifestyles we simply can't afford. Buy some things you need on credit, like a home or a car, but save up cash to buy the things you want every day. The Bank of Canada has been warning us of the danger of debt, but we haven’t lis-

tened and only increased the level of personal debt. Now, the Bank has said they will be raising the base interest level, which will mean credit will be cost more. That’s their way of slowing us down. There is some evidence it’s working already. As a tool, stop a minute and think of what your mortgage would cost each month of you added a percentage or two on top of what it is now. 2 - Not paying yourself, first. If you’re at a movie with your family and a fire breaks out, who would you save first – the car dealer, the tailor, the stereo store manager, or your family? Silly question, yes. Yet too many people do just that with their money by spending first and saving only what's left, if anything. All too often they find too much month left at the end of their paycheck. Try getting into the habit of an automatic savings withdrawal plan on a monthly or weekly basis, before you make any other payments. Crimp your lifestyle? Lifestyle too expensive? 3 - Taking too long to pay off debt. It is extremely easy, but very expensive to carry credit card balances. Don't forget, if your credit card balance isn't paid off when it's due, every new purchase starts attracting high interest (usually between 18% and

20%) from the date of purchase. Paying down the mortgage as quickly as you can is becoming a favorite thing to do, as well. A $100,000 mortgage at 6% paid off over 20 years instead of 25 years will save you about $21,017 in interest. Most of us have more mortgage than that. 4 - Not following a budget. A budget doesn't have to be a formal, detailed exercise. Simply comparing planned expenses with income over a period of time, say a year, will help you decide what you can truly afford. Don't forget to plan for annual expenses, like vacations, insurance and property taxes, so you won't be forced to use credit. Habits form quickly, but they can be hard to break. Cut them out. 5 - Failing to comparison shop. This doesn't mean driving across town to save a dollar. When buying big-ticket items, like vehicles, furniture and appliances, it pays to compare prices and quality. There can be a surprising amount of difference between dealers. When purchasing something you expect to use for a long time, a quality item will often cost you less, over time, than a cheap one.

6 - Trying to make a quick buck. Who hasn't heard a hot investment tip? And who hasn’t tried to make a buck? The allure of increasing your money in a short period of time can be very seductive. However, one basic rule has always applied and will always apply - if it's too good to be true, it usually is. Remember, if you have two investment choices and the rate of return is higher on one than the other, there is a good chance that so is the risk of losing some or all of your money, so make choices carefully. It is wise to manage risk during downturns in the market. 7 - Believing the future will take care of itself. Never has, never will. You have to plan for long-term goals like retirement, children's education, and opportunities, or else take ‘pot luck’. They simply won’t happen by themselves. It is wise, also, to plan for emergencies, like the death of a breadwinner, illness or injury, or temporary unemployment. Life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and a rainy day account should form the foundation of your financial plans. We’re glad to help you find a way through the maze of financial options. Planning is for everyone who wants to change.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A15

Business Profile

Want your business profiled? editor@invermerevalleyecho.com or 250-342-9216

Finding the perfect second-hand treasure It started out as a garage sale, now Windermere's 2nd Hand and Collectibles is thriving STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

Everyone loves to poke around an antique or collectible store once in while. Whether they’re looking for that perfect gift, or that ideal piece of furniture or artwork to complete a room, antique and collectible stores always have a few surprises inside, and in Windermere, 2nd Hand and Collectables is no different. “It’s not a high-end antiques store, but it’s reasonably priced where you can come and get a collectible,” co-owner Diana Cote said. Born and raised in Invermere, Cote started the business about two years ago in partnership with her daughter-in-law Trisha Wilson. Formerly employed by the Ministry of Forests, Cote said that it wasn’t really her plan to start a business. “It actually started out as a garage sale,” Cote laughed. “It just kind of morphed into this business, without ever really having an idea of opening it.” Any business owner will tell you that getting a business off the ground takes some time, and Cote said it took about a year to get themselves established. At first, the store operated on a consignment basis — selling other people’s items in return for a small commission. As the store became more well-known, Cote said that dealing with the administra-

tive details around those kinds of deals became more of a headache than anything, and today the store buys items outright and then resells them. “For instance, a fellow who had sold his house here in Windermere and was a part-time resident, he didn’t want to have a garage sale,” Cote said. “So he came to me and said, ‘Listen, I’ll give you the entire contents, including the food in the fridge.’ He just wanted to walk out the door and not have to worry about it.” Cote said that now, two years after opening, the store has really made a name for itself, and that they see customers from as far as Cranbrook

photo by Steve Jessel/The Echo Diana Cote says that despite the high number of tourists who visit her store, she really depends on locals for her business.

and Golden. Trinkets, odds and ends, highend clothing, home appliances, books, sports equipment and furniture are just a few of the items that customers can browse through, and Cote said new items are always coming in.

“Quite often we get donations, which really helps us out,” Cote said. “Lots of our part-time residents donate, which is so amazing.” Cote said that while they do get a number of travellers, tourists and part-time resi-

Advocate • Educate • Provide ICAN: rescuing, sheltering and finding homes for companion animals that are lost, surrendered and abandoned in the Columbia Valley.

dents looking for the odd thing here and there, the store truly depends on local consumers. Furni-

ture and athletic gear are the most popular items, with skis and skates in particularly high demand this

time of year. “It really is the locals that keep me going,” Cote said. “We really appreciate that.”

WE USE

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Volunteers and donations are always welcome.

The biggest need for our centre today? People! Please volunteer! Our all-volunteer rescue and adoption centre has assisted over 700 companion animals since our first rescue in 2007! ICAN is a registered charity. Tax receipts are issued for donations of $20 or more. To learn more about ICAN or to volunteer:

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A16 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

Serving the Valley RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO • Gas • Propane • Diesel • Automotive Repairs • Tires & Batteries • Greyhound

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Ph: 250-342-5024 Cell: 250-688-5594 24 hour service

RR#3, 954 Swansea Road, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K3 www.equityrepair.ca • rjennix@hotmail.com

CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

DCS Plumbing & Heating Universal Doors & Exteriors Sales • Service • Installation

24-Hour Emergency Service

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Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy Ltd. J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.) Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Irena Sedlakova, B. Sc. (Pharm.) Your compounding pharmacy Come in and browse our giftware! Open Monday - Saturday • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6612

• Garage Doors • Passage Doors • Truck Doors • Windows • Sunrooms • Patio Covers • Vinyl Decking • Aluminum Railings • Siding • Soffit • Facia • Window Capping • Renovations Invermere

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Water Treatment: filtration and purification Furnace and Duct cleaning

Equity Repair & Maintenance Ltd.

• Excavators • Mini-Excavators • Bobcats • Dump Trucks • Water Trucks • Compaction Equipment • Snow Plow • Sanding Equipment • Crane Truck • Mobile Pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning • Underground Services • Site Prep & Demolition • Road Building • Land Clearing • Controlled Burning • Rock Walls • Rip Rap • Topsoil • Sand & Gravel

• Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks

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Bruce Dehart 250-347-9803 or 250-342-5357

Hot Shot • Furnaces • Heat PumPs • air conditioning • FirePlaces• Hot tubs • cHemicals • service & maintenance • gas Fitting 385 Laurier Street Phone: 250-342-7100 Invermere, BC Fax: 250-342-7103 www.diamondheatingandspas.com

To advertise, call: 250-342-9216

250-342-6700

Purify the water you drink and the air you breathe! Kerry Colonna

QUALITY QUALITYAUTO AUTOSERVICE SERVICE YOU YOUCAN CANTRUST TRUST

Lake LakeAuto AutoService Service ALL ALLMAKES MAKES••ALL ALLMODELS MODELS AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVEREPAIRS REPAIRS OPEN OPENMONDAY MONDAYTO TOFRIDAY FRIDAY 8:30 8:30A.M. A.M.- -5:30 5:30P.M. P.M. Main MainStreet Street••Downtown DowntownInvermere Invermere 250-342-9310 250-342-9310

Cranbrook Pest Control Environmentally-friendly integrated pest management Ask about our maintenance programs All work guaranteed

Thermal Imaging PEST QUESTIONS? Visit our website: WWW.CRANBROOKPESTCONTROL.COM info@cranbrookpestcontrol.com

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to give your business maximum exposure for your advertising dollar?

Call 250-342-9216 for more information.

READY MIX CONCRETE Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us. Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists

Carpet System & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Guaranteed Truck Mounted • Customer Satisfaction

TruckHubman Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed Dean Toll Free: 877-342-3052

Dean Certifi ed Hubman Technician

Certified Technician 250-342-3052

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TollInvermere, Free: 877-342-3052 BC V0A 1K3 Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net

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• CONCRETE PUMP • SAND & GRAVEL • HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTALS • CRANE SERVICE

Proudly serving the Valley for over 50 years. For competitive prices and prompt service call:

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Located in the Diamond Heating & Spa building in Athalmer

250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

The Valley ValleyEcho EchoWednesday, Monday, December December 24, 26, 2012

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL CHILDREN EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE MARINE

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Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

Announcements

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A17

Travel

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Information

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PYRAMID CORPORATION is now hiring! Instrument Technicians and Electricians for various sites across Alberta. Send resume to: hr@pyramidcorporation.com or fax 780-955-HIRE.

TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 32 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-6658339, 604-681-5456.

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Career Opportunities

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: ﬁsh@blackpress.ca Al-Anon - Are you con-

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ALCOHOLICS Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. Call 250-342-2424 for more information. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday groups - Columbia United AA at the BC Services building, south end, 625 4th Street Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday, Catholic Church. All meetings are open.

CONDOMINIUM HOTEL 1-2-3 bdrm condominiums 8251850sq ft. Convenient Beach Access, Heated Pool/Hot Tub In-room Washer/Dryer, Flat Screen TV’s, Free Wi-Fi, Private Balconies, Daily Housekeeping, Handicapped Rooms Available. Weekly/Monthly Rates, Free Local Calls, Free Local Beach Transportation. Conveniently Located to Shops and Restaurants. www.crystalpalmsbeach resort.com 1-888-360-0037. 11605 Gulf Blvd. Treasure Island FL 33706. HAWAII ON the Mainland, healthy low-cost living can be yours. Modern Arenal Maleku Condominiums, 24/7 secured Community, Costa Rica “friendliest country on earth”! 1-780-952-0709; www.CanTico.ca.

In Memoriam

cerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 PM at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 - 12th Ave, (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call 250-342-8255

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking CONTRACT LOGGING Trucks Wanted! If you are a safe, reliable, and experienced driver that would like work in West Central Alberta, please call Darcy @ 403-638-6047.

HEAVY DUTY JOURNEYMAN DIESEL MECHANIC required in Invermere, B.C. Permanent full-time position. Wage based on experience. $30 – $38. Benefit package available. Please fax or email resume to 250-342-0212 louise@maxhelmer.ca max@maxhelmer.ca

Floor Reﬁnishing/ Installations

Help Wanted An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators. Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilfield road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required. Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051. Black Forest is looking for kitchen helper. Call or drop off resume. 250-342-9417. WANTED SHORT Logger and Hayrack for work till the end of March. Call 604-819-3393.

Floor Reﬁnishing/ Installations

In Memory of Mrs. Lenora Svendsen who passed away at 82 on New Year’s Eve. Love, son John McCuaig & daughter Lenora McCuaig. “Dear mother, you are not forgotten, though on earth you are no more. Still in memory, you are with us, as you always were before.”

We’re on the net at www.bcclassiﬁed.com

Help Wanted Required for an Alberta Trucking Company. One Class 1 Driver. Must have a minimum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta. Fax resumes to: 780725-4430

INVERMERE PETRO CANADA is currently accepting applications for full time and part time employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Work Wanted Clean, class 2 with air nonsmoker, call Dave 250-3413541

Help Wanted

RN/Director of Care Golden Life Management, Southern BC’s largest seniors care provider, is seeking an RN/Director of Clinical Care for our new Residential Care at Columbia Garden Village in Invermere, BC Check us out at goldenlife.ca/careers and send your resume to careers@glm.ca or fax to 250-489-2673

Golden Life Management, Southern BC’s largest seniors care provider, is seeking Licensed Practical Nurses for Columbia Garden Village in Invermere, BC.

Immediate Opening for Bylaw Enforcement Officer

ON THE WEB:

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Help Wanted HI my name is Vandy, $1000 reward for anyone who can author a life story about the ups and downs of my intriguing life...Creativity and imagination is an asset, short and sweet on the poetic spectrum preferable, whilst keeping within the guidelines of fact overriding fiction, embellishment an option but not most likely not necessary as my life is interesting enough to be authored and published within local newspapers without exaggeration as a necessity. You can reach me @ 778677-5446 or 885-8002 or e-mail vandybuck@hotmail.com

Check us out at goldenlife.ca/careers and send your resume to careers@glm.ca or fax to 250-489-2673

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

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Employment

LPN

Help Wanted

Employment

The eyes have it Fetch a Friend from the SPCA today!

spca.bc.ca

Commissionaires BC have a current opening in Invermere, BC for a Bylaw Enforcement Officer. This is a part-time position (approx. 20 hours a week). The Bylaw Officer will investigate, report and resolve violations and complaints dealing with; unsightly premises, development permits, traffic signs, loitering, public nuisances, noise, garbage, animal control etc. Applicants must have: t 0XO WFIJDMF B WBMJE #$øESJWFS T MJDFOTF clean drivers abstract t 1SFWJPVT MBX FYQFSJFODF PS QPMJDJOH experience an asset t 1SPWFO FYQFSJFODF EFBMJOH XJUI QVCMJD t "UUFOUJPO UP EFUBJM BOE DPNQVUFS TLJMMT Interested applicants will be required to complete criminal background check including fingerprinting. For full job details please visit available positions at www.commissionaires.ca. If interested please forward your resume via email to careers.si@commissionaires.bc.ca. Detail your relevant background, quote the position name and job posting “BYL-Invermere-2013” in the subject line. Alternatively fax us at 250 763-1099 closing date is January 4, 2013.

A18 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 2012The TheValley ValleyEcho Echo Monday, December 24,26, 2012

Employment

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Work Wanted

Misc. for Sale

Apt/Condo for Rent

I am looking for work with my mobile treatment center and advanced level 3 first aid ticket. I have worked in the oil field for 25 years as well several logging camps. Very reliable. Looking mainly in southern B.C. as I live there, but will travel anywhere. Have also worked as watchman/first aid and have class one drivers. 250-442-0122 / 250-493-1807.

BIG BUILDING sale... â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;?This is a clearance sale. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss!â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;? 20x20 $3,985. 25x24 $4,595. 30x36 $6,859. 35x48 $11,200. 40x52 $13,100. 47x76 $18,265. One end wall included. Call Pioneer Steel at: 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca GREAT GIFT IDEA! ChillSpot is The COOLEST Dog Bed-A new and innovative, thermodynamically cooled dog bed, that enhances the cool tile surfaces our pets rely on during the warm weather months. Use promo code COOLGIFT For 10 % off! www.chillspot.biz HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper? STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Services

Health Products GET 50% off - Join Herbal Magic this week and get 50% Off. Lose weight quickly, safely and keep it off, proven results! Call Herbal Magic today! 1-800-854-5176.

Financial Services IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161. M O N E Y P R OV I D E R . C O M . $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

Misc. Wanted Looking for heavy duty bandsaw & Wood- Mizer bandsaw. Call Peter 250-342-1073

Furnace and Heat Pump Installation Service and Repair

Heavy Duty Machinery A- STEEL SHIPPING STORAGE CONTAINERS / Bridges / Equipment Wheel loaders JD 644E & 544A / 63â&#x20AC;&#x2122; & 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stiff boom 5th wheel crane trucks/Excavators EX200-5 & 892D-LC / Small forklifts / F350 C/C â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cabsâ&#x20AC;?20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;45â&#x20AC;&#x2122;53â&#x20AC;&#x2122; New/ Used/ Damaged /Containers Semi Trailers for Hiway & StorageCall 24 Hrs 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Transportation

Auto Financing

Homes Wanted TRADE my home in Calgary (MLS C 354 2937) plus prime lot in Bella Vista for your home in Panorama or Columbia Valley. Call Ray @ 403-473-3359 or 403-890-4950

Other Areas 20 ACRES Free! Buy 40-Get 60 acres. $0-Down, $168/mo. Money back guarantee. No credit checks. Beautiful views. Roads surveyed. Near El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537 www.sunsetranches.com

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the net at www.bcclassiďŹ ed.com Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent 2BDRM, 1 1/2 BATH Willow View apartment for rent, in Canal Flats. Great view, 2 parking stalls, F/S, D/W. Walking distance to arena, park and store. $850 + utilities & D.D., references required. Available immediately. Call (250)349-5306 or (250)489-8389, leave mess.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the heart of thingsâ&#x201E;˘

Misc. for Sale

Suites, Lower One bdrm, walkout bsmnt suite, clean, bright, Upper Hilltop Rd. Windermere. $675/mth Utilities incl 250-342-3790 RADIUM - Spacious bright 2-bdrm, 1 bath, shared laundry, shared large back yard. $600/mth + D/D + hydro. 250-347-9970.

,W WDNHV PXVFOHV WR UHDG WKLV DG

Acreages â&#x20AC;&#x153;columbiavalleyproperties.comâ&#x20AC;?

Community Newspapers AT LAST! An iron filter that works. IronEater! Fully patented Canada/U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, smell, manganese. Sine 1957. Visit our 29 innovative inventions; w w w. b i g i r o n d r i l l i n g . c o m . Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON. FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey. Fir,Pine, & Larch. Phone 250-342-6908

Homes for Rent 3 BR HOUSE - Great location & lake views! One level, W/D, F/S, DW. Avail Jan 1st. $815 + Utilities. Jeff 250-688-1105 HALF house for rent. Opposite Esquimalt High on 828 Colvile Rd. 3 Bedrooms, large yard for pets and kids. 250-885-8002 or 250-885- 8090

Acreage for Sale

250-342-6312

Merchandise for Sale

New 2 bdrm, 2 full baths in The Pinewood. 3rd floor, fireplace, N/S. $900/mth, utilities included. Underground parking. Available immediately. Call Judy 250-345-0225 or 250-341-1903

Real Estate

Misc Services CRESTEEL HVAC (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;81) LIMITED

RADIUM - downtown Reduced!

DreamTeam Auto Financing â&#x20AC;&#x153;0â&#x20AC;? Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

Cars - Domestic 2012 Chrysler 200 Touring Sedan. 27,000Km black with black interior, loaded heated seats CD and satellite radio. Very nice car. $18900 OBO. call 250-342-1117. LOOKING FOR A DEAL ON A NEW VEHICLE? Save up to 40% OFF your next new vehicle... No games or gimmicks, deal direct with local dealerships. www.newcarselloff.com

/HDUQ PRUH DW PXVFOH FD

No qr code reader? Text info: 778.786.8271

Radium - 405 Top unit Pinewood West building. 2 bdrm, 2 bath, underground parking, fully furnished. All inclusive. Avail immediately. $1000/mth. Call Lina @ 403-264-2782 or 403277-7898 ask for Emilio RADIUM - Cozy 1 bdrm, 1 bath condo over 800 sq ft for rent at the Peaks available Jan 1. 7 appliances, underground parking, pool, indoor and outdoor hot tub. NS, Deposit required. Asking $800/ month. 403-285-4759, 403-291-4804, 403880-9719

'RQŇ&#x2039;W WDNH \RXU PXVFOHV IRU JUDQWHG 2YHU &DQDGLDQV ZLWK PXVFXODU G\VWURSK\ WDNH WKHP YHU\ VHULRXVO\

Trucks & Vans 2001 Dodge Sport Caravan $3000 250-342-3378

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship Services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman Pastor Rev. David Morton 1-866-426-7564

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED 250-342-6644 100-7th Avenue, Invermere www.wvsm.ca Reverend Laura Hermakin

9:30 a.m.: Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breakfast Club 10:30 a.m.: Worship at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere. (Every Sunday)

CANADIAN MARTYRS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Roman Catholic Parish Pastor: Father Gabriel 250-342-6167 Invermere 250-344-6328 Golden Confession: 1/2 hour before Mass Canadian Martyrs Church 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday at 9 a.m. St. Joseph Church Highway 93-95, Radium Hot Springs Sunday at 11 a.m. Sacred Heart Parish 808 - 11 Street, Golden Sunday at 5 p.m. St. Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mission Corner of Luck and Dunn, Canal Flats

Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (served from Kimberly)

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP For more information call 250-342-6633 or 250-347-6334 Loving God, Loving People #4 - 7553 Main Street West, Radium Sundays at 10 a.m. Bible Studies #4 - 7553 Main Street West, Radium Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Church Edgewater Hall Thursday 6:30 p.m.

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

326 - 10th Ave. 250-342-9535 REV. TREVOR HAGAN Senior Pastor www.lakewindermerealliance.org

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Hwy. 93/95 1 km north of Windermere Pastor: Murray Wittke

Sunday, December 30th 10:30 a.m. Sunday Service CELEBRATION SUNDAY 10 a.m. Worship & Word â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thrivingâ&#x20AC;? Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Provided Pastor Trevor ministering. The Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supper will be served. Call the office at 250-342-9511 â&#x20AC;&#x153;K.I.D.S.â&#x20AC;? Church, for children for more information. Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grade 2 www.valleychristianonline.com to Grade 5, during the Morning Service.

Sharing Truth Showing Love Following the Spirit

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A19

invermerevalleyecho.com ICAN – Invermere Companion Animal Network BUTTERCUP • Hi, I’m Buttercup. About 1 year old, my 5 kittens all have a home. Now, I hope, it’s my chance. I’m a petite, polite, gentle girl, with short fur and I get along well with other cats. Will YOU make my wishes come true?

Invermere Companion Animal Network

Adoption Fee: $100 (to help offset spay/neuter and vet bills) Sponsored by:

STAND-OUT STOREFRONTS PART III: For the final instalment of the The Valley Echo's series showcasing the entries in this year's Invermere Business Committee Window Decorating Contest, here is Mercer & Co. Furniture (top left), Details by JoAnne — winner of Most Awesome (bottom left), Black Star —winner of Most Christmassy (top rigth) and Three Bears Gift Shop — winner of Most Flashy (bottom right). See you next year for Light Up Night 2013! Photos by Steve Jessel & Nicole Trigg

4992 Fairmont Frontage Rd. 250-345-6133 Photo courtesy of Tanya De Leeuw Photography

www.icanhelpapet.com • 250-341-7888 www.facebook.com/icanbc

Legal Notice – Snowmobile Restriction Catamount and North Star Glaciers CLOSED TO SNOWMOBILING

Catamount and North Star Glaciers in the Upper Forster Creek drainage are closed annually to recreational snowmobile use. This closure is pursuant to Section 58 (1) (b) of the Forest and Range Practices Act.

UNDER REVIEW

The Province is currently reviewing the existing closures on the Catamount and North Star Glaciers in consultation with local stakeholder groups. The existing Section 58 order will remain in effect until otherwise notified. Enforcement patrols will focus on noncompliance. Any forthcoming amendments to the closure area would be on a trial basis.

CURRENTLY OPEN TO SNOWMOBILING

• Forster Creek Trail • Forster Meadows • Thunderwater and Whirlpool Lakes

NEARBY SNOWMOBILING • Brewer Creek – intermediate riding south of Invermere • Rocky Point Creek - intermediate and advanced riding - Bugaboo Creek area • McMurdo Creek/Silent Pass - groomed trail west of Parson

We’re ready... are you?

For more information:

www.sitesandtrails.bc

Did you know we have huuuuge Seniors' discounts?

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A20

Each month, the Valley Echo will print a calendar for the following month's commuinty events. To add your community event to the page, email the date, time and location to production@invermerevalleyecho.com by the third Sunday in each month. For additional information about the calendar or to advertise, please call 250342-9216.

Glad Tidings To You! May all your news, be good news this holiday season and beyond. We’re proud to serve this community and we thank you for your loyal readership and support.

We wish you a joyous Holiday Season & a Happy New Year! Photo by Pat Andruschuk

On behalf of Canfor and its employees, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday. This Holiday Season, like all others, we will be making a donation to your local food bank. Don Kayne President and CEO

Five Course Table D’ Hote Menu with a Champagne Toast Seating’s starting at 5:30 p.m. Come celebrate New Year’s in style at Elements Grill at Copper Point Resort. Champagne Toasts on the hour to celebrate New Year’s around the world! Reservations required. 250-341-4000 www.copperpointresort.com

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com B1

from the management and staff of… 250-342-6908 1-800-731-1103

info@invermerehardware.com

HOURS

Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

www.invermerehomehardware.ca

B2 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

SEASON'S GREETINGS

Ring in the new year in the Columbia Valley Have your pick of events for the last day of the year STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

New Years in the Columbia Valley is always a busy time, and to mark the end of 2012 and usher in a brand new year a number of communities are holding special events.

Radium In the Village of Radium Hot Springs, New Year’s celebrations wouldn’t be complete without the annual Radium birthday party and fireworks presentation. This year, Radium has even more to celebrate as, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Radium Community Hall on Stanley St., the village will kick off its new brand — Radium Wonder Land. The new brand seeks to diversify and expand Radium’s tourism industry by focusing on signa-

SEASON’S GREETINGS Wishing you an abundance of glad tidings at this special time of year.

101A 1028 7 Avenue PO Box 130 Invermere BC Phone: 250-342-2175 Fax: 250-342-2669 www.kootenayinsurance.ca

ture tourism experiences. Also beginning at 3 p.m. at the Community Hall, there will be chili, hot dogs, coffee and birthday cake for anyone who attends, and skating, sledding and bonfires to keep the public entertained until the main event later that night. Birthday cake for Radium’s 22nd birthday will be served at 5:15 p.m., and the annual fireworks display will take place at 6:30 p.m. sharp at the Springs Golf Course driving range, located at 7565 Columbia N E W S PA P E R Avenue in Radium. Box 868, #8 - 1008 - 8th Avenue, Fairmont Hot Springs Invermere, British Columbia V0A 1K0 At Fairmont Hot Springs Re- Phone: 250.341.6299 Fax: 250.341.6229 sort, the holiday celebrations Toll Free: 1.877.341.6299 start a bit earlier, and although Email: ads@cv-pioneer.com the Torch Light Parade and first fireworks celebration took place on December 24, there’s still Please read over your proof carefully. plenty to do leading up to — Complete this form and return via fax and on — New Year’s itself. On to 250-341-6229. E-mail approval is file photo Echo All proofs must be Thursday (December 27), therealso acceptable. 2012 New Year's fireworks signed, dated and OK’d. Otherwise in Radium. is a Festive Spirits Wine Tastit will be published as you see it. ing event in the resort’s lobby Eve Gala is sure to entertain, befrom 5 to 6 p.m., and free family ginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Cedar OK AStheme IS movie nights from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Room. The this year will on the 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th. be a Monster Masquerade Ball, On December 31, the resort is and there OK WITH will be prizes for the also offering activities for both best costume. The gala runs unCHANGES young and old when New Year’s til 1 a.m., and will feature party PLEASE celebrations get underway in favours, music, dancing, a fesREDO earnest. From 7 to 8:30 p.m., tive buffet and a glass of bubbly there will be a free Kids New at midnight. Tickets are $75 and Year’s Eve Party, complete with must be reserved in advance games, treats, sparkling cider from the Lodge Front Desk. SIGNATURE and a dance party. Fireworks Panorama take place at 9 p.m. outside the Back by popular demand, DATE front of the lodge. For those the Panorama New Year’s Kids looking for a more mature expeParty returns on Sunday, DeUpon approval the advertiser agrees to the conditions outlined in the advertising approval agrees kids to rience, the Fairmont New Year’s cember 30.display, Forandthe party, bear responsibility for the cost of insertion. Any cancellation

PROOF SHEET

From Rick Lake, Kevin Black, Isaiah Fast, Wayne Shaw and Brandon Shaw at & Auto Service

Invermere • 250-342-0800 Echo Proof #1 Issue #52, December 28, 2012 2”x5”

From Rick Lake, Kevin Black, Isaiah Fast, beginning Wayne Shaw, andIt’s Brandon Shaw at

requests after Monday noon the week of publication are at the discretion of the Columbia Valley Pioneer and may be subject to a cancellation fee. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement the publisher will either re-insert the advertisement or make a reasonable refund or adjustment to the cost. The Columbia Valley Pioneer assumes all information in the advertisement is correct upon the advertisers approval and is not liable for re-insertion, refund or adjustment after approval. The Columbia Valley Pioneer has utmost confidence in the print quality of our product, but are not responsible for colour inconsistencies, mis-registration or other press related errors. In addition no re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially or communicatively detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the Columbia Valley Pioneer exceed the amount of a full refund of the price paid for the advertisement. The Columbia Valley Pioneer retains copyright for all purposes in all artwork. The Columbia Valley Pioneer is not liable for any loss in the event of a printing or distribution failure due to acts of nature, or other outside variables beyond our control. The approval of an advertisement amounts to an acceptance of the above conditions, and no contract between the advertiser and the Columbia Valley Pioneer will be deemed to exist until the advertisement has been approved for publication.

to look a lot like Christmas The signs are everywhere; From mistletoe and strings of light; To magic in the air; & Auto Service And if you look up high in the sky, Invermere • 250-342-0800 You may see Santa’s sleigh — DeliveringPioneer our warm Proof #1 wishes For a merry Issue #52,holiday! December 28, 2012 2 col. (3.25”) x 2.7”

From the Mayor, Council & Staff at the District of Invermere

Panorama Mountain Village, Pepsi and Sysco Foods are offering a free evening of entertainment for kids age 6 to 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Copper Crown. The party will feature music, organized dancing (including the bird dance, YMCA, the Macarena and the Limbo) and kids will receive party hats, noise makers, pop and a bag of chips. Participants for the free kids party are asked to pre register by calling 1-866601-7384. The following night on December 31, Panorama will hold a torchlight parade beginning at 9:25 p.m., when Panorama staff will make their way down the Showoff run, offering a great view of a trail of fire coming down the mountainside. Fireworks will begin shortly after the parade. Panorama is also offering a number of New Year’s Eve packages which can be viewed by visiting their website at www.panoramaresort.com. Invermere While the District of Invermere won’t be holding any official celebrations of its own for New Year’s Eve, The Station Pub promises to have some great music and some great food. The Pub Jesters featuring Johnny McCuaig take the stage around 9 p.m. and will play for most of the night, and The Station will provide free snacks around 11 p.m. and a complimentary drink for the countdown at midnight. Cover is $20.

friendship never goes out of style Thank you so much for the gift of your friendship. Have a beautiful holiday!

Valley Hair Styling 1313 7 Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6355

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com B3

SEASON'S GREETINGS

Warmestwishes wishes from your Warmest from your Warmest wishes from your Warmest wishes from your friends at Tim Hortons. friends at Tim Hortons. friends at Hortons. Tim Hortons. friends at Tim

An adult's plea for a better Christmas Editor's note: This Letter to Santa was submitted to The Valley Echo and missed our pre-Christmas issue due to holiday press times. Dear Santa, Being a parent today…with an incredible 12 year old. For instance those commercials on TV that go in various combinations: food, house, power — with only one positive/two negative. My son says to me when he catches these commercials, “That is like us, right mom?” Do you think we will not be poor someday? When will we actually have all three at the same time? What do I say? We moved away from the drugs, the dealers, cops, B&Es, even multiple death threats against my whole family — some of them made to two cops and a third witness! Their response? “Can’t do anything un-

til someone actually gets hurt!” My son was afraid to go outside. What do I say? We were all happy with this change, thinking we could now have a better/safer life! My son lost his very bestest friend to another school. This is particularly upsetting as we moved a whole 11 kilometres away and there is no contact at all. He has not had a birthday as it is middle of summer — no kids around. What do I say? It seems like we are constantly living in crisis. We have been unable to find a vehicle that is both affordable and driveable. Severe lack of work does not help. We are always running out of gas — sometimes twice a day! My son asks us if things/life would be better if he gave us his money to help out. What do I say? Now it is Christmas time

again. My son won’t even look at the wish book. He tells us we can skip it this year. He never gets the stuff he talks about, so there is no need to waste money. What am I supposed to say? I had a cancer thing going on for almost a year — all better, thank you God. My husband had prostate cancer — sick for quite a while right after mine. He also is cancer-free — praise God. We had no time for him during our battles through this. He wouldn’t leave our side, and he asked constantly if we were going to be OK. What do we say? My son is terrified that we will not stay together as a family. He tries to be the perfect the kid; he is so used to me telling him that my husband is mad, that we need to stay away from him. Now every time there are raised

voices he comes to me and tells me to just let it go and not get upset in case he leaves. He tries to not cry, then I cry. It is a major merry-go-round. What do I say? Wishing everyone in our community the happiest of holidays. Best No kid should have that much wishes for the New Year from Kurt & Bethany Taylor and the team stress, or hear too many adult members at your local Tim Hortons in Invermere. Wishing everyone inthethe community WishingWishing everyone in our community happiest of holidays. Best Best conversations. No kid should in our the community happiest of holidays. Wishing everyone in everyone our community happiestthe of holidays. Best the happiest of holidays. Best wishes for the New Year from Kurt & Bethany Taylorwishes and the team wishes thefrom NewKurt Year& from KurtTaylor & Bethany Taylor wishes for the Newfor Year Bethany and the teamand the team have to hold his mom when members at your Tim Hortons in Invermere. for theatlocal New Year Kurt & Bethany members your local Tim Hortons in Invermere. local Tim Hortons infrom Invermere. she cries. No kid should havemembers to at your Taylor and the team members at your grow up that fast. No kid should local Tim Hortons in Invermere. ever have to shed his innocence. What do I say? MMP Edgewater © Tim Hortons, 2008

With thanks and best wishes to our clients, friends and associates at this special time of year. We appreciate your choosing us and look forward to your continued patronage.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM SANDERSON Tristan Miller with Santa at Smoking Waters Coffee Company in Fairmont Hot Springs on December 16.

a note of thanks to our

We hope you have a very

Merry Christmas full of family and fun.

Customers & Neighbors & Associates & Friends

at the holiday season We didn’t want to leave anyone out when we say, hope you have a great holiday!

Happy Holidays from all of your friends at Kootenay Savings.

B4 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

SEASON'S GREETINGS

Decorations that dazzle NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Walking into Jean Kohorst’s mobile home is like taking a step into the world of make believe. What appears to be literally thousands of Christmas decorations are exquisitely arranged throughout her home and she wants anyone who is curious to stop by and see for themselves. “I just enjoy Christmas; I love Christmas decorations,” she

said. “It’s really unique and everybody who sees it says they’ve never ever seen such a beautiful Christmas display in their life.” Every room is filled with the theme of Christmas. From Santa hat-wearing stuffed bears, to miniature villages, to tree ornaments, to snow-filled water globes, there is not a single space in the trailer that doesn’t exude the holiday spirit. And it’s all displayed expressly for the Christmas season — each year it takes her two to three weeks to unpack

Our entire staff wishes you and all your family members, a very happy and healthy holiday season. From all of us at

Staff and Board

Family ResouRce centRe

Invermere Physiotherapy 417, 10th Avenue, Invermere

her storage boxes and arrange everything perfectly into place. “It’s just a mobile home but it’s just completely loaded and everybody who comes and sees it says they’ve never ever ever seen anything that looks as nice,” said Jean. “I wouldn’t even hope to guess how many decorations… It grows every year.” Jean has loved decorating for as long as she can remember, but it’s only been the last three to four years that she’s been inviting the public to view her work while raising donations for the food bank in the process. “One year I had over $200 and over three apple boxes full (of nonperishable food items),” said Jean. She’s hoping for even more visitors this year and welcomes anyone who wants to drop by. To get to Jean’s mobile home, drive north on Highway 93/95 and turn right on Lambert Road, then stay right (effectively doing a right U-turn off the highway) and continue along the gravel road until you reach the Juniper Heights Mobile Home Park on the left. Driving into the park, Jean’s home is directly ahead. The address is trailer #10A, which is brightly decorated with Christmas lights with three blow-up holiday displays on the front lawn. Jean said the best time to view her inside display is at night and she usually shuts the lights off by 9 p.m. so make sure to arrive before then.

photos By Nicole trigg/the echo

Hope it’s merry… Hope it’s bright… Hope it’s festive… Hope it’s light… Hope it’s special… And joyous, too… That’s our Christmas wish for you!

HOME IS HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Barb, Murray, Valerie, Terry, Joanne, Doran, Darcel, and Arlene

Barb J. Smith & Associates, Certified General Accountant 1022A – 7th Ave., Invermere, B.C. 250-342-8304

WHERE THE HEART IS

May yours be filled with peace, love and May yours be filled withholiday peace, love and contentment this season. contentment this holiday season. Management and Staff Management and Staff of of

•

CRESTEEL CRESTEEL

• Heating • Ventilating • Air Conditioning Heating •Invermere Ventilating • Air Conditioning 342-6312

Invermere

342-6312

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Illumination STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

www.invermerevalleyecho.com B5

SEASON'S GREETINGS Shirley Mackey has been putting up Christmas lights for over 25 years, but it wasn’t always quite as extensive as the display she has now. “I only started out with a few, decorating a few trees,” Mackey said. “Then it just grew and

grew and grew.” Located at the Green Acres Mobile Home Park in Dry Gulch, Mackey has created a spectacular display of lights that is impossible to miss as you drive north on Highway 93/95. She said it can take up to a month on her own to

put up the estimated thousands of lights, but her son has begun to help her out. Mackey said people are welcome to come take a stroll through her setup, as long as they watch for power cords. She generally turns the lights off at around 11p.m.

How sweet it is to find ourselves right here at the holidays, amongst good friends and neighbours like you. It’s been a real treat for us to serve you.

from Maria, Dayna and Tayler at

Anglz Hair & Tanning Studio 250-342-3227

250.342.9913 SpecIal HolIday HourS: open 10 - 4 on dec. 23 open 7:30 - 4 on dec. 24 closed december 25 and 26 open 10 - 4 on dec. 30 open 7:30 - 4 on dec. 31 open 10 - 4 on Jan. 1

PHOTOS BY STEVE JESSEL/THE ECHO

Feel the Miracle this Christmas And the magic of this Holy Season. May this year hold the birth of new blessings and the promise of lasting peace.

Management & Staff

Lambert-Kipp

Max Helmer Construction Ltd.

B6 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

SEASON'S GREETINGS

A holiday message from the capital of Canada MP DAVID WILKS Special to The Valley Echo

Now that it’s the holiday season, I reflect back on the past year as your Member of Parliament and the learning curve that comes with federal politics. We as Canadians are blessed to live in one of the best countries in the world. We are able to say that we can travel freely from coast to coast and enjoy the abundance that Canada

THANK YOU for helping CBAL place a Book Under Every Tree this Christmas! The Christmas Bureau Invermere Rotary Club The Book Bar Valley Foods Invermere Sobeys ...and all those who donated books.

has to offer. We can share in the natural beauty that Canada has to offer. The splendour of our country ranges from the west coast and its awesome sunsets, through the Rocky Mountains, across the wheat fields of the prairies to the great lakes , and then onward to the St. Lawrence seaway and scenery of the east coast. We can be proud that we live in a country where we recognize two official languages and that our history reflects the im-

portance of working together in both languages. I can say that although politicians may not always agree on issues that affect Canadians, they all have the best interests of Canadians at heart. Having said that, we live in a country where everyone has the right to their opinion and can voice their concerns without persecution. Canada continues to be a melting pot country, by which we have many cultures who now call Canada their home. We are

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

to everyone who has supported the Invermere Healthy Care Auxiliary this year. A special thanks to Fairmont Goldsmiths and to Smith Green Andruschuk Accountants for donating their professional services and to Dave Raven for hauling all our trash!

Happy Holidays!

Invermere Bottle Depot & Recycle Centre

Now recycling electronics.

Reflections

Industrial Rd. #2, Invermere B.C. • Ph: 250-342-7272

of the Season

May your holidays be a time for thankful thought and reflection as you look back over the past year. We wish you and yours health and happiness in 2013.

proud to boast such a multicultural society which shows the world that we can live, work and learn from each other’s culture. I am honoured to be your Member of Parliament, to listen to your concerns and bring them forward and have them

discussed in our nation’s capital. From my family to yours, I wish you a very joyous holiday season and Happy New Year. May you be blessed with good health and prosperity in 2013. David Wilks MP Kootenay Columbia

With best wishes and much gratitude to all our friends, neighbors, customers and associates this holiday season. It’s been a real joy knowing all of you. Happy Holidays! Jane, Trisha, Sue, Mandy, Jaidi, Wendy, Johanne, and Ashley … your friends at

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com B7

SEASON'S GREETINGS

A message for the holidays from Victoria MLA NORM MACDONALD Special to The Valley Echo

I hope you have all had a very Merry Christmas. I am enjoying having my adult children home for holidays again this year. Now we begin to look ahead to the New Year and all the opportunities it will bring. If Christmas is a time of giving, the New Year is a time for making plans and taking on new projects. It is a time to

think about what kind of world we want to live in, and what we can do for our community. Volunteering is one of the best things we can do to enrich our lives and to make things better for others. Whether it is a cause you are passionate about such as the Food Bank or the Cancer Society, or a sport you love such as hockey or soccer, there are so many ways that we can get involved. Communities in the Columbia Valley depend on the

volunteer efforts of citizens to provide so many of the services and programs that make this area such a special place to live. And the relationships built through these volunteer activities bind us together as a community. In 2013, I would encourage you to continue to give through volunteer service. And I thank you for everything you do for your community. Norm Macdonald MLA Columbia River-Revelstoke

Holiday Greetings

Have a very merry

Christmas

With best wishes for a Merry Christmas!

COLUMBIA ROOFING

Serving the valley since 1995

photo courtesy of Kim Sanderson Maxwell Leblanc with Santa at Smoking Waters Coffee Company in Fairmont Hot Springs on December 16.

THANK YOU for visiting us this year!

#3, 109 Industrial #2, Invermere B.C. 250-342-3659 info@invermereglass.ca www.invermereglass.ca Closed fr om Decembe r 24 at 12 p.m . un January til 7.

season’s greetings An old-fashioned Holiday wish to all our friends.

With warm regards.... We may provide the heat for your home, but nothing warms our hearts more than thoughts of the many good folks we’ve had the privilege to serve this past year. Happy Holidays!

Quality Roofing and Repairs

Allan Gauthier Tel: (250) 349-7586 Cell: (250) 489-8685 Fax: (250) 349-7586

columbia_roofing@hotmail.com

The Christmas season is here...

Windermere Mining Operation

Jerry, Marvin, Delphine, Rich and Chad

250-341-3206

...we hope yours runs smoothly from the front end to the back. We wish everyone a great holiday season with miles of smiles.

B8 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Season’s Greetings

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Valley Echo

SEASON'S GREETINGS

For your loyal support, we are deeply grateful.

Sign

atu

re P age

514 13 Street, Invermere

250-342-6901

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Every year the Valley Echo has a Signature Page for people to write Christmas Greetings. There is a $5 donation required to participate, which is given to the Columbia Valley Food Bank. This year, $35 was raised.

Wishing you a season that’s merry and bright. From Mayor, Council & Staff

From the Board of Directors and Staff

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

Just In The Nick Of Time– We’d like to deliver our greetings for a very happy New Year to all our neighbors and friends. Thanks, folks! North Star Hardware & Building Supplies Ltd.

250-342-6293

Independently owned 410 Borden Street • Athalmer

250-342-6226