The Free Press, December 18, 2014 by Black Press Media Group

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Smiling with Santa at Park Place Lodge

Annual teddy bear toss - Page A15 ELKFORD

Rocky Mountain Elementary - Page A2 SPARWOOD

Students hang ornaments - Page A24

FERNIE Leela Bushman sat on Santa’s lap during the Park Place Lodge’s annual Santa breakfast. For more photos and the full story turn to page A23.

Photo by S. Kucharski

Annual window judging - Page B12

BUSINESS

Elkford celebrates the re-birth of Rocky Mountain Elementary By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

O Fernie’s Essential Yoga studio - Page B2

fficials from across British Columbia made their way to Elkford’s Rocky Mountain Elementary School last Friday morning to celebrate the completed restoration of the school. Among the guest speakers were

Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett, Southeast Kootenay Board of Education Chair Frank Lento and Mayor of Elkford Dean McKerracher. The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official re-opening of the school, which was closed for several months after a power outage and electrical surge caused fires within

the school’s heating and cooling systems, resulting in extensive damage throughout. “I came and did my best to try to get it back together as quick as possible and I feel like we’re finally here,” Rocky Mountain Elementary Principal Dean Chandler said. “It takes everybody to get a project like

SANTA'S COMING! DECEMBER 21

Santa Brunch at Lizard Creek Lodge Reservations required - 250-423-2057

DECEMBER 23 & 24

PHOTOS ARE FREE!! All Ages Welcome! Ski & Photos with Santa 10am-12pm - Santa will be on the slopes! 12-2pm - Photos with Santa (base area) Santa's helpers will take the photo and email it to you!

this done so fast.” After the fire destroyed a large portion of the school in June, the community, with support from the Ministry of Education, banded together to replace the flooring, the ceilings, wall coverings, furniture, equipment as well as all other contents. Continued on page A2

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

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Elkford celebrates the re-birth of RMES Top photo: Students listened to special guests during the Rocky Mountain Elementary School (RMES) official re-opening ceremony. Bottom left to right: Mayor Dean McKerracher and MLA BIll Bennett gave speeches during the RMES opening ceremony. Photos by K. Dingman

Happy Holidays Teck would like to wish everyone in the Elk Valley a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2015.

Continued from page A1 kindergarten to Grade 12 and doing The Ministry of Education provided a anything and everything we can to total of $4 million dollars, with another maintain it,” McKerracher said, adding, $15,000 worth of books being donated “Without the school, we wouldn’t have to the school through the Indigo Adopt a town.” The students were also commended a School contest. During his address to the community, for their patience through the process. “After the fire damage, the students Bennett thanked the parents, teachers and students for working diligently to showed us the definition of this word [patience],” Elkford Trustee Curtis win the Indigo campaign. “The parents and the teachers and the Helgesen noted. “The students rolled with the punches and students are the ones were resilient through that deserve all the “The students rolled the whole process.” credit,” he said. “It’s with the punches School District 5 (SD5) really the people that and were resilient Board Chair Frank Lento make me like coming through the whole reiterated Helgesen’s to Elkford as much as sentiments, stating, I do.” process.” “Boys and girls…each Bennett also Curtis Helgesen and every one of you is c o m m e n d e d Elkford Trustee important and you have McKerracher for his a special gift to bring to efforts. our society.” “If something is The children’s efforts going on in Elkford, he’s [McKerracher] going to know were also commended during a special about it and he’s going to make sure it video presentation. The 236-student body that makes up Rocky Mountain gets done right.” It was with support from the District Elementary cheered and clapped as of Elkford that the students were able to they watched their classmates, teachers continue on with their education while and principal’s images flash across the the school was undergoing construction. gymnasium school wall. “Does everybody like seeing McKerracher said he was honoured to be able to step forward and offer themselves in the pictures?” Bennett an alternative facility for three Rocky joked. The slideshow presentation truly Mountain Elementary School classes. “One of my commitments and captured the spirit of the small, yet my council’s commitments to passionate Elkford school. this community is [to children in]

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RDEK Directors officially sworn in “It’s something we’ve been working towards for quite awhile,” said Doehle. “I’ve sat on the area planning commission for ten years so this is one more step down the road to working with the community and making it a better place for everybody.” Doehle said that he continues to stand by his platform which generated some controversy at the Jaffray Forum last month in regards to zoning and the OCP, specifically looking at subdivided properties for RV park owners. “I intend to work with those people to make for a better place to live down here,” commented Doehle. Doehle described establishing the Elko fire protection services as “a process we’re moving forward with now,” following the approval of Bottom row, left to right: Lee Pratt, Tom Shypitka, Dean McKerracher, 60 per cent of voters in last month’s referendum. Votes cast to support the fire protection services Wendy Booth, Jane Walter, Gerry Wilkie. Back row, left to right: Gerry Taft, Ute Juras, Mary Giuliano, Cal McDougall, Don McCormick, Clara approved of borrowing up to $710,000 to build a Reinhardt, Stan Doehle, Mike Sosnowski and Rob Gay. fire hall and purchase a new fire truck. Photo submitted by Trevor Crawley Doehle also mentioned the provincial government will be creating a plan to address issues By Sarah Kucharski with Lake Koocanusa. Free Press Staff “[It’s a] plan [that] addresses all the issues on the provincial side of Koocanusa,” said Doehle. “The usage, the camping he newly elected RDEK Board of Directors was officially sworn in on December 11 at the RDEK Board Room out in the bush, the boats and all the problems on Koocanusa. They’re looking at it and it will be very interesting to see what in Cranbrook. Stan Doehle, who had served as the alternate director for the results of that plan will be.” Doehle added that, “Moving forward, we’re [The Board of Area B for six years, was pleased to be officially sworn in as the new director following long-time director Heath Slee’s Directors] just trying to get our feet on the ground and get going but I think we have a great group elected.” stepping down from the position.

Jumbo Resort decision delayed By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

he decision to determine whether the Jumbo Glacier Resort “substantially started” its construction prior to the expiry of its Environmental Assessment Certificate has been delayed following a request from the Environmental Assessment Office in regards to the location of a day lodge that may be at risk of avalanches. Autumn Cousins, manager of policy and compliance, wrote a letter to Oberto Oberti, president of the Pheidias Project Management Corp, the project management company for the resort, regarding concerns over the day lodge. “As you are aware, concerns have been raised whether the locations of the Day Lodge and the service building which Glacier Resorts Ltd. recently began to construct are in compliance with condition 36 of the Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Jumbo Glacier Resort Project,” the letter reads. Condition 36 states that: “Residential and commercial structures will be located completely outside the avalanche hazard area.” Last month, B.C. NDP leader John Horgan asked Environment Minister Mary Polak to withdraw Jumbo’s permit, asserting that the day lodge is

located within a Class 4 avalanche zone. But according to Tomasso Oberti, vicepresident of Pheidias, the day lodge is actually just outside of an avalanche zone and its proximity to such a zone is a common occurrence in ski resort construction. “The day lodge at Jumbo Glacier Resort is not in an avalanche zone,” said Oberti. “It is, however, close to an avalanche zone, so the province has asked the proponent to do an updated avalanche zone study for the day lodge.” Oberti added, “It is not unusual for day lodges to be in avalanche zones in British Columbia. The day lodge at Whitewater near Nelson is one that comes to mind. Any danger is mitigated by avalanche control and temporary closures of the affected facilities.” In Peter Schaerer’s November 26, 2014 report regarding the snow avalanche hazards at Jumbo he states that, “Although no damaging avalanche has reached the lodge site, a larger [avalanche] than had occurred in the past or an avalanche with an irregular flow direction could hit the lodge.” Schaerer states that upon building the lodge, avalanche control via explosives are “essential to prevent the formation of large avalanches” at pathways close to the lodge. One such pathway is the Pink Panther,

which was the location of an avalanche in 2009 that sent 10,000 tonnes of snow down the run. Cousin’s letter concludes that an engineering avalanche risk evaluation is “necessary to ensure the locations of any commercial and residential buildings are compliant with condition 36.” Oberti, meanwhile, is “confident” that the delay will not hurt Jumbo’s development in the long run. “It’s disappointing that there is yet another delay in construction but construction won’t be sidelined for long,” he said. According to Oberti, the request will likely halt Jumbo for a few more months. Following the conclusion of Jumbo’s compliance with condition 36, focus will return to the “substantially started” decision when the EAO provides a final report to Polak. Jumbo was first granted its environmental certificate in 2004 and was then renewed in 2009. That extension expired October 12 of this year. In addition to the substantial start criteria that must be considered; two environmental groups stepped in last month, raising concern if Glacier Resorts’ violation of its certificate by not conducting proper water testing prior to construction were sufficient enough to invalidate their certificate.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

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COMMUNITY

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

DECEMBER 20, 2014

250.423.4458 • fhlprogrammer@gmailcom • http://fernie.bc.library.com

Many thanks for your patronage this year. Here’s to holidays made merry with the best of friends.

FERNIE FORD SALES LTD. 250-423-9211 fx. 250-423-3339

Watch for the opening of our brand new location in January!

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

early holiday

DEADLINES The following deadlines will be in effect during the holiday season. Tuesday, December 23 12:00 NOOn for January 1st edition Holiday Hours:

The Free Press office will be closed December 25th, December 26th and January 1st over the Christmas holiday and resume regular hours January 2nd, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

250-423-4666

One of the real joys this Holiday Season is the opportunity for the Doctors and staff of Rocky Mountain Optometry to say thank you for your continued support this past year.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!

Fernie, 250-423-4467 Elkford, 250-865-2020 Blairmore, 403-562-7144

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New roadside legislation Starting on January 1, 2015 the B.C. government will be ammending the current Slow Down Move Over rule

Ehreler noted that it’s a common thing across B.C. for emergency responders to be at risk from vehicles driving by them on the highway. ast week, the B.C. government announced Recently stakeholders, including the BC Road that starting on January 1 there will be sig- Builders and Heavy Construction Association, nificant changes made to the Slow Down raised concerns over the current regulations, Move Over rule making roadside work safer for stating that it does not protect all roadside not only emergency vehicles, but for all roadside workers, specifically those who are subject to workers in the province. an equal or higher risk than many of the road The current Slow Down Move Over regulations workers currently covered. requires drivers to reduce their speeds and, The new amendment, however, will work to if they are driving on improve the roadside a multi-lane road, to safety for all workers “Our people are working right switch lanes when including highway there on the side of the road and passing stopped maintenance workers, official vehicles, traffic’s flying by at one hundred utility workers, land including police, and something km per hour, it surveyors, animal fire, ambulance, tow control workers and can be pretty scary.” trucks, Commercial highway maintenance Vehicle Safety Ed Ehreler workers. Enforcement vehicles, Sparwood Search and Rescue manager “It’s nice to see they’ve park rangers and broadened the base of conservation officers. it,” Ehreler said. “I’m This regulation, sure it will be a welcome however, leaves several other roadside workers change.” out of the mix. Drivers must now slow their speed to 70km/hr “Our people are working right there on the side when in an 80km/h or over zone and to 40 km/ of the road and traffic’s flying by at one hundred hr when in an under 80km/h zone. Failure to and something km per hour,” Sparwood Search abide by these amendments can result in a $173 and Rescue manager Ed Ehreler said, “it can be ticket and three penalty points. pretty scary.” Ehreler commented on the new legislation that He went on to say, “Working in that close will take effect January 1, 2015, noting, “It’s an proximity to moving traffic is definitely important piece of legislation for anyone that’s hazardous [and] we have family and friends to working on the side of the road.” go home to at the end of the day.”

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

2014 Best Decorated

Galler y ’s r e n i m l a Co ing Ltd m a r F e r u t c & Pi All L.E. prints in stock are 30% discount and prints ordered receive free shipping.

Santa’s Christmas Special Once again, all custom framing orders to December 24th receive a 20% discount including needle art, originals, prints, or what every you have to frame!!

Please call Richard at 250.865.2236 or Toll Free 1.888.649.5577 to book your appointment for your Christmas custom framing project! Your gift will last a lifetime! Wishing all our customers new & old a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2015!! Richard & Darlene Mosiondz ~ Coalminer’s Gallery & Picture Framing Ltd Serving the Elk Valley for 25 years!

The Sparwood Chamber held their annual Senior Night on Wednesday December 10, 2014. We toured Sparwood with the seniors to look at all the lights and decorations. We returned to the Lilac Terrace for a night of entertainment, which included cake, refreshments, music, door prizes and judging. All prizes were supplied by the Future’s Society and the cake by Overwaitea Foods. The Chamber would like to thank Black Gold Bus Lines, Lilac Terrace, Overwaitea and the Future’s Society for helping to make it a fun night for our seniors! Winners for 2014 Best Decorated are as follows: Best Overall Winner: Henry Volkman 113 Spardell Best Homes (no particular order): Randy & Charlotte Roberts Marvin Stolarchuk & Christine McKie Mike & Tammy Ogden Calvin & Terri Domin

126 Pine Avenue 1339 Cherrywood Blvd 1275 Pinyon Drive 1319 Briarwood Pl

Best Condo: Samantha Marks

422A Pine Avenue

Best Mobile Home: Yvonne & Chuck Samatte

395 Red Cedar Cres.

Best Balcony: Verle Woods

Ponderosa Manor

Best Business: Western Financial

110 Centennial St

Honourable mention to Cherrywood Blvd, everyone has lights on and it looks fantastic! Thank you to everyone who decorates our beautiful town every year. Hope to see more next year! Thank you for everyone that helped make this night special.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Fernie Alpine Resort hosts community appreciation day

Fernie Alpine Resort hosted their annual community appreciation day last Sunday. Photos by K. Dingman By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

espite a week of rain, Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) hosted their annual Community Appreciation Day last Sunday, bringing Elk Valley locals to the

“Mother nature bats last.” Matt Mosteller Senior Vice President Marketing & Resource Experience

hill for a day of free skiing. “It was an awesome event,” Senior Vice President, Marketing & Resource Experience for Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Matt Mosteller said. “The biggest thing for us is just to see all the people that we normally see, which is amazing, but it’s also very special to see all of those that came up for their first time of skiing and riding.” Mosteller noted that FAR saw guests from Elkford, Sparwood, Hosmer and all the other communities in the Elk Valley make their way up the ski hill last Sunday, with many Elk Valley locals taking part in the Telus Learn to Ski/Ride programs, which were offered free of charge on Sunday. “It’s great for your spirit to get outside during winter time,” Mosteller noted. Despite some positive feedback from the community, several locals felt the skiing conditions were unfavourable, with many of the runs closer to the base of the ski hill being covered in little snow. Mosteller, however, noted that in comparison to other resorts in the area, many of which are still not open, FAR has had a decent season thus far. “In perspective, we’re very fortunate. Fernie has some of the best skiing and riding conditions in all of Canada and all of the northwest U.S.,” said Mosteller. “Mother nature bats last [and] credit to the operations team and all of our staff at Fernie Alpine Resort that worked so hard to get the mountain open for the skiing and riding season this year.” He went on to say, “All we can do is make the best of it.”

District of Elkford 816 Michel Road P.O. Box 340 Elkford, B.C. V0B 1H0 P.250.865.4000 • F.250.865.4001 • info@elkford.ca • www.elkford.ca

Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule Residential garbage pickup regularly scheduled to occur on Thursday, December 25th will occur on Wednesday, December 24th, and pick up regularly scheduled to occur on Thursday, January 1st will occur on Wednesday, December 31st.

Holiday Hours and Schedules The District of Elkford Ofﬁce, Community Conference Centre, Recreation Centre, Aquatic Centre and Public Works will be closed on the following dates: December 25th: Christmas Day CLOSED December 26th: Boxing Day CLOSED January 1st: New Year’s Day CLOSED Please also note the following Aquatic Centre hours: December 24th: Open 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm December 31st: Open 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings • December 22nd Regular Council

Cancelled

These meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at 816 Michel Road and are open to the public.

Christmas Tree Disposal

Public Hearing

A friendly reminder that Christmas trees will be accepted at the RDEK Transfer Station for disposal at #6 Inkaneep Road in the Industrial Park.

District of Elkford Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 763, 2014 6:00 pm on Monday, January 12, 2015 Council Chambers, 816 Michel Road Intent of Bylaw Amendment No. 763, 2014: To amend Schedule “A” of the District of Elkford Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 710, 2010 including: 1. Adding Policy 4 to subsection 8.2.4.1 Civic/ Institutional to read: “P 4. Civic/Institutional land uses could include commercial accommodation that would complement the institutional development.” 2. Amending Section 9.2.4 Floodplain Development Permit Area Guidelines. 3. Amending Section 9.3.4 Wildfire Development Permit Area Exemptions. 4. Changing the chapter number for Implication and Monitoring from Chapter 10.0 to Chapter 12.0 and re-numbering all the sub-sections of the chapter accordingly. 5. Adding Chapter 10.0 Temporary Use Permits to allow for the consideration of a temporary use in all of OCP area. 6. Adding Chapter 11.0 Development Approval Information Area to allow the District to request information to help determine potential development impacts within all of OCP area.

Bylaw Enforcement Contact District of Elkford, Bylaw Enforcement Contact Days and Evenings Phone: 250.865.4024 Email: bylaw@elkford.ca

Kids’ Christmas Colouring Contest Children are invited to pick up a colouring contest sheet at the Elkford Community Conference Centre at 750 Fording Drive. Take your sheet home, get creative, and return your completed sheet to the Community Conference Centre before December 19th for a chance to win a prize.

Snow Pile Danger: Please Stay Safe! Please do not allow children to play in snow berms or on snow piles. The snow blower/plow operator is unable to see tunnels carved in the snow. Children playing in the snow are at risk of being injured during snow removal operations, or with the collapse of snow piles. Ensure your children play safe.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Opinion

Phone: 250-423-4666 Email: editor@thefreepress.ca

Production Manager Bonny McLardy Creative Kaitlyn Haarstad Member of

Circulation Shannon Stewart

342 2nd Avenue • Box 2350, Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0 Tel: (250) 423-4666 Toll Free 1-866-337-6437 Editorial email: editor@thefreepress.ca Advertising email: advertising@thefreepress.ca Publisher’s email: publisher@thefreepress.ca website: www.thefreepress.ca

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Editorial by Katelyn Dingman

This week marks the first of seven weeks that we will be running a mental health column for children and youth. I was very excited to learn that we would be running what I consider to be a very important column and an extremely important topic in not only British Columbia, but across the globe. Despite recent public discussion and annual open forums such as the Bell Let’s Talk Campaign, which raised over $5 million dollars in funding for Canadian mental health this year, depression is still an illness that is stigmatized. This disheartens me, especially considering 13 per cent of youth in British Columbia experience mental health issues every year, according to Dr. David Smith, the author of the new columns. Depression is a serious illness that needs to be looked at as such and treated with care. It’s amazing me to see so many celebrities, whether they are Olympic athletes like Clara Hughes, who biked 11,000 km in order to raise awareness for this illness, or well know musicians like Matthew Good who described his own battle with depression through countless tweets, shedding light on the issue. Especially during this time of year, I think it is extremely important to be aware of this medical condition. Many individuals experience seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) during the winter months and this is not something that should be looked over. A lack of sunlight in the wintertime can leave individuals feeling depressed and it’s extremely important that people do not just pass this off as winter blues. Having suffered from S.A.D. myself, I recognize the importance of facing this illness head on and not allowing it to build up. Treatment can often be as simple as investing in a natural spectrum light, which is used to mimic the sun’s light during dark winter days. This year, the Sparwood Library purchased one of these lights for the public’s use. For me, it’s great to see a community coming together and working to battle this syndrome. Nobody should feel as though they’re alone and it’s great to see a community banding together to help those that may be suffering in silence. Having an object like this available in a public space, I believe, helps to battle the stigmatism surrounding depression. I hope that Elk Valley locals get a chance to read Dr. David Smith’s new columns and that our community can continue to work together in developing an understanding of mental health issues.

Katelyn Dingman EDITOR

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Letters to the Editor Mainroad’s slippery highway of money

Sarah Kucharski REPORTER

Jenna Jensen

FRONT OFFICE In Absentia

Shelby Cain

CONTRIBUTOR

Nicole Obre

CONTRIBUTOR

EDITORIAL Maternity Leave

Letters Welcome The Free Press wants to hear your opinion, especially on local issues. We reserve the right to edit letters for legality, length and good taste, as well as the right to refuse publication of any submission. Copyright in letters and other materials submitted to the publisher and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Your letter must include your full name, address and phone number. All letters to the editor will be published with the authors name. 300 word limit per letter. Email your letter to editor@thefreepress.ca

tax dollars going to campaign contributions instead of road safety, or the fact our pathetic government can be bought off for a measly $23,688. While we are on the subject of campaign contributions, the Guide Outfitters Association and their subordinates gave $34,225 to the BC Liberals last election to secure their rights to hunt and make money, while we will likely end up with 5,000 fewer hunting permits. Thanks Bill Bennett. We need to take back our highways, our backcountry and our runaway; in your face, morally bankrupt and pathetic provincial government.

Watching Minister Bennett on the pulpit angrily waving his fist and preaching to Mainroad about the safety of citizens on East Kootenay roads makes for great political propaganda. The simple truth is that in 2002 Bennett and Co. were instrumental in completing the privatization of B.C. highways, Alex Hanson started by the Socreds (BC Liberals) in 1989. That’s 25,000 miles Fernie, B.C. of highway, 2,700 bridges, 2,400 units of leased equipment and over 3,300 owned units – of OUR assets that were basically given away to BC Liberal supporters. The result is that we moved from a service model designed for maximum citizen mobility and safety no matter the cost, to a for-profit model where less spent on actual road maintenance means more money in a private Sponsored by contractor’s pocket. Taxpayers still flip the full bill, but we get less service and safety while others get rich. Worse yet, part of our money ending up in the pockets of private contractors goes out the back door to the political party that privatized the roads in the first place, ensuring the quid pro quo arrangement. The Elections BC website shows that he ree ress $23,688 went from Mainroad to the BC Liberals to keep them in If you are the individual in this photo you have won a $10 gift voucher from Rocky power to secure their government Mountain Chocolate Factory. Drop into The Free Press office for your prize. contract. I’m not sure which is worse – our

A face in the crowd

POLL OF THE WEEK Do you believe that the Elk Valley roads are being properly maintained?

Yes 22% No 78% This week’s poll question: Will you be staying the Elk Valley this holiday season?

log onto www.thefreepress.ca to make your vote count This web poll is informal, not scientific. It reflects opinions of site visitors who voluntarily participate. Results may not represent the opinions of the public as a whole. Black Press is not responsible for the statistical accuracy of opinions expressed here.

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Letters to the Editor continued from page 6 Letter to the editor from Country Animal Hospital I would like to say Happy Holidays to our Fernie customers from Country Animal Hospital. We miss everyone in Fernie. There has been some feedback that we left because we were mad or upset with Fernie. No, not true, you were our friends. Our children loved going to the bicycle paths and swimming pool and meeting their friends there. Us leaving had nothing to do with our clients, friend or acquaintances in Fernie. Dave and I were told we had been given the wrong work permit a year and a half ago. We had a good amount of time to correct this. I worked on this concern for the entire time. When we received a checklist and money request, we thought we

were almost at the end of this challenge. To our surprise, on September 3 of this year, the border guard looked up the application and said it was declined. That closed our business on that day. We were not allowed to do anything with business in Canada as of that moment. We were allowed a few weekends to close and move our items. We are sorry. We miss our clients, their animals and our friends. We invite you to come to our practice in Eureka located six miles from the border on Highway 93 on the left just past Indian Spring RV park. We are concerned for our elderly clients that do not have passports; perhaps a neighbour can bring their pets down to Eureka. We have a senior discount and we know that the cost down here will fit into limited budgets. Please come visit us.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Season’s Greetings

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we hope it brings you much joy!

Patsy & Richard Boivin 109 Centennial Sq., Sparwood * 250-425-4401

Thank you very much for everything! Dr. Marion and Debbie Eureka, Montana

Isabella Dicken students take part in annual Salvation Army food drive

Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year To receive a free 2015 desktop calendar, visit cbt.org/calendar. cbt.org 1.800.505.8998

Connect with us

City Hall 501-3rd Ave., Box 190 Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 www.fernie.ca

The City of Fernie wishes everyone the best of the season!

Proudly serving the residents of Fernie Isabella Dicken Elementary School leadership students helped load over 600 food items collected for the Salvation Army during their Christmas food drive at the school. The proceeds from the school’s annual Christmas concert – over $700 – will also be donated to help families have a happy holiday season. Submitted photo

Phone: (250) 423-6817 Fax: (250) 423-3034 Email: cityhall@fernie.ca

For all of your personal, commercial or industrial automotive repair needs! come check out our new sparwood showroom!

Complete Radiator Service Industrial Truck & Heavy Duty Equipment

From bumper to bumper and the ground up come see Mountain Mechanical for all of your repair needs!

Free local pick up and delivery!

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A proud community supporter

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Sparwood - 743 Douglas Fir

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Now hiring for service, parts and warehouse. Please don’t drink & drive

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Want your event listed in Around the Valley and on-line?

THE HOBBIT:

The Battle of the Five Armies RATED PG • 7 pm Nightly 6:45 & 9:30 Fri., Sat. & Tues.

Friday, Dec. 19 - Thursday, Jan. 1

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FEST FRI JAN 2 - $20.00 ON SALE NOW AT GUIDES HUT AND THEATRE

NIGHT at the MUSEUM:

321-2 Avenue, Fernie

RATED PG • 7 pm Nightly 7 & 9 pm Fri., Sat., & Sun. 3 pm Matinees Sat. & Sun. Extra Matinees on Dec. 22-24 & Dec. 27-Jan. 1 ($6.50 - 2D & $8.50 - 3D)

250-423-7111 Movieline

Secret of the Tomb

www.ferniemovies.com

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Around the Valley

Around the Valley is a free listing to any local service. Please send an email to customerservice@thefreepress.ca or drop off a brief description of your event at The Free Press office.

Mondays

• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:00 to 10:30 am – Indoor Walking at the Fernie Community Centre • 9:30 to 10:30am –Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 1:00 pm – Dominoes at the Senior’s Drop In Centre Fernie • 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 4:00 – Special Olympics Athletes Bowling at Sparwood Lanes • 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00 pm – Mahjong at the Seniors Drop in Centre Fernie • 7:00 pm – Community Climbing Night at Evolution Climbing Gym • 7:30 to 9:00 pm – Women’s Night at Old School Boxing • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool

Tuesdays

• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to noon – Parent and Tot Funtimes at the Sparwood Leisure Centre • 9:30 to 10:15am – Low Impact Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 10:15am – Aquafit at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym for 0-5 years at the Fernie Family Centre • 10:30 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:45 to 11:30am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Parent and Tot Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Water Walking at the Sparwood Pool

• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:30 to 8:30pm – Opt Fernie Clinic at the Elk Valley Hospital • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 pm – Narcotics Anonymous Open Meeting, 101 Centennial Sq. Sparwood

Wednesdays

• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00 to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 10:30am –Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 10:15am – Aquafit at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym for 0-5 years at the Fernie Family Centre • 10:30 to 11:00am – Wittle Water Works at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 11:15 to noon - Toddlertime at the Fernie Library for ages 2 & under • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00pm - Fernie Rotary Meeting Park Place Lodge • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 3:45 to 5:00pm – After School Rec Hockey at the Sparwood Arena • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00 to 9:00pm – Healing Rooms Open at Mountainside Church • 7:30 – Ladies Darts at the Fernie Legion (new members welcome) • 7:30pm- Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Aquafit at the

Sparwood Pool

Thursdays

• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 10:15am – Low Impact Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 11:30am - MOMs Group at the Fernie Library • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:30 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 10:45 to 11:45am – Kinder Gym at the Sparwood Leisure Centre • 10:45 to 11:30am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Water Walking at the Sparwood Pool • 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00pm – Darts at the Sparwood Legion • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 7:30 to 9:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 11:00pm – Adult Rec Hockey 19+ at the Sparwood Arena

Fridays

• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:30 to 4:45pm – Pioneer Crafts at the Fernie Library, ages 7-10 (registration required) • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 5:30pm - Free Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm - $3.00 Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00pm – Jam Night every 2nd Friday at the Sparwood Legion • 7:00pm - Jitney Darts at the Fernie Legion – everyone is welcome • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 13+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Teen/Adult Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre

• 3:00 to 4:45pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 4:00 to 5:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 7:30pm - Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie

UPCOMING EVENTS December 20 21 21 19

Saturdays

• Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 1:00 to 2:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 2:00 to 3:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 3:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 2:30 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 6:00pm - Meat Draw at the Fernie Legion • 4:00 to 6:00pm - Meat Draw at the Sparwood Legion • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:30pm - Texas Hold’em Poker at the Fernie Legion (every 2nd week) • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing

Sundays

• Noon to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 1:00 to 2:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 1:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 2:00 to 4:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool

20 23-24 24 24 24

24 25 29

31 31 31

Fernie Heritage Library Christmas Celebration 2:00 – 4:00 pm Christ Church Anglican Regular Service 8:30 & 9:30 am Booked! Fernie Writer’s Series at Fernie Arts Station 7:00 – 9:30 pm Fernie Ghostriders vs. Creston Valley Thunder Cats, Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30 pm Fernie Heritage Library Christmas Celebration 2:00 – 4:00 pm Ski & Photos with Santa at Fernie Alpine Resort Christmas Eve Service Mountainside Church Sparwood 5:00 – 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Service Mountainside Church Fernie 7:00 – 8:00 pm Christ Church Anglican Carols – 6:30 pm, Christmas Eve Eucharist 7:00 pm Christ Church Anglican Midnight Service, 11:00 pm Christ Church Anglican Christmas Day Service, 10:00 am Fernie Ghostriders vs. Kimberley Dynamiters, Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30 pm Family New Years Event at Fernie Alpine Resort New Year’s Party at the Griz Bar at Fernie Alpine Resort What the Dickens Christmas Festival Ends

January 2

BanffMountainFilmFestival World Tour, Vogue Theatre

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

CONNECTION

CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

City of Fernie CONNECTION | Community Information and Opportunities | www.fernie.ca Holiday Garbage and Recycling Schedule

City Council Meeting Schedule December 2014 7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 23 CITY 24 OF 25FERNIE 26 BRITISH COLUMBIA 30 31

6 13 20 27

Regular Council meetings are open to the public and held at City Hall at 7:00 p.m.

City of Fernie Contact Info: City Hall Ph: 250.423.6817 Fx: 250.423.3034 Email: cityhall@fernie.ca Website: www.fernie.ca 501-3rd Avenue, Box 190 Fernie, British Columbia V0B 1M0 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Closed statutory holidays) After Hours Phone: 250.423.4226

Fernie Aquatic Centre 250 Pine Avenue Phone: 250.423.4466

The following changes will apply to the residential garbage and recycling collection schedule over the 2014 holiday season: Garbage Collection

Polar Bear Swim Are you brave enough to join us for a refreshing dip in the ice and snow filled pool during our Polar Bear Swim? Join us Friday, January 2, 2015 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Fernie Aquatic Centre Holiday Hours Closed December 25 and December 26, 2014 and January 1, 2015. Please check the website or call the Aquatic Centre at 250.423.4466 for the complete Holiday Schedule. Fernie Memorial Arena Holiday Hours & Programs Open December 25, December 26, 2014 and January 1, 2015. Come down with the family and enjoy some time on the ice for public skating from 1:00pm – 2:30pm and 4:00pm – 5:30pm each day. We offer skating programs for the whole family. Take part in Adult Shinny, Skate & Shoot and No School Friday skating events. Check the website for program date and times. In the event of a Fernie Ghostrider hockey game public skating will be cancelled. For information on Aquatic programming and private aquatic bookings including Birthday Parties and Meeting Room bookings please call the Fernie Aquatic Centre at 250.423.4466. For all other facility inquiries and bookings call Leisure Services at 250.423.2245.

December 25 (Thursday)

December 26 (Friday)

January 1 (Thursday)

January 2 (Friday)

We wish you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Area

New Collection

Tues., Dec. 23

Area 1 Mountainview & Maintown

No Change

Public Notice - 2015 Council Meeting Schedule

Wed., Dec. 24 Christmas Eve

Area 2 West Fernie & Annex

No Change

Thurs., Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Area 3 Castle Mountain, Ridgemont, Ghostrider, Alpine Trail/ Parkland

Mon., Dec. 22

In accordance with section 127 of the Community Charter and City of Fernie Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1956, notice is hereby given that Council has confirmed the 2015 schedule of dates, times and place of Regular Council meetings. The schedule is posted on the City of Fernie Public Notice Board located adjacent to the Heritage Library at 492 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC.

Tues., Dec. 30

Area 1 Mountview & Maintown

No Change

Wed., Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve

Area 2 West Fernie & Annex

No Change

Thurs., Jan. 1 New Year’s Day

Area 3 Castle Mountain Ridgemont, Ghostrider, Alpine Trail/ Parkland

Mon., Dec. 29

991-6th Avenue (Highway 3)

Leisure Services Happenings

City Hall will be closed the following dates over the 2014 Holiday Season:

Regular Collection

Fernie Memorial Arena For all Police, Ambulance or Fire related emergencies: Call 911

Holiday Hours at City Hall

2015 Council Meeting Schedule

Recycling There will be no change to the Recycling collection schedule for curbside pickup of your recycling over the holidays. FERNIE TRANSFER STATION HOURS Regular Hours (9:00am – 5:00pm Mon-Fri & 10:00am-4:00pm Sat-Sun) Holiday Schedule: Wednesday, December 24, Closed at 3:00pm Thursday, December 25, CLOSED Friday, December 26 – Tuesday, December 30, Regular Hours Wednesday, December 31, Closed at 3:00pm Thursday, January 1, CLOSED Friday, January 2, Open Regular Hours

Help Us Keep Our Streets Attractive In order to keep our streets attractive and safe, the City would like to remind all residents to please store your garbage in animal proof containers. Place your garbage and recycling out between 5am and 8am on the morning of pick up. Residential waste collection is limited to two garbage bags or one waste container per household and all recycling must be safely contained. Tags ($2 per bag) are available at City Hall for any additional waste you need to dispose of, or you can drop it off at the Transfer Station (Highway 3 at Brenner Road) at no charge Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 am and 4 pm (closed on Statutory Holidays). Commercial waste containers are required to be kept closed at all times and secured to prevent wildlife from accessing contents in the container. For more information on waste regulations please visit the City’s website at www.fernie.ca to view Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845, or contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@ fernie.ca.

JANUARY Monday 12 & 26 MARCH Monday 9 & 23 Regular MAY Monday 11 & 25 JULY Monday 13 & 27 SEPTEMBER Monday 14 & 28 NOVEMBER Monday 9 & 23

FEBRUARY Tuesday 10 & Monday 23 APRIL Monday 13 & 27 JUNE Monday 8 & 22 AUGUST Monday 10 & 24 OCTOBER Tuesday 13 & Monday 26 DECEMBER Monday 14

Note: There will be NO Committee of the Whole (COTW) meeting held on Monday, September 28, 2015; however, the Regular Council meeting will still take place at 7:00pm. Both Regular and COTW meetings will be cancelled on December 28, 2015. The regular meeting schedule is subject to change with notice. For more information regarding Council meetings or meeting delegation requests please contact Sheryl Zral, Deputy Clerk (T) 250.423.2238 (F) 250.423.3034 (E) sheryl.zral@fernie.ca. A paper copy of the schedule is available to the public at any time during regular office hours which are Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm except statutory holidays. A copy is also posted on the City of Fernie website at www.fernie. ca. Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month in Council Chambers (except when meetings fall on a statutory holiday - they are held on the next day that City Hall is open). Committee of the Whole meetings begin at 10:00am and Regular Council meetings begin at 7:00pm. Budget meetings will be held at 10:00am on January 5 and January 19, 2015; February 16, 2015; and March 2 and March 16, 2015 in Council Chambers.

How To Get Neighbours to Turn Down the Noise Noise is part of urban life, but too much noise is disruptive and harmful. How much noise is too much? The City of Fernie’s Noise Bylaw defines how much noise is acceptable, based on: • Where you are. • Where the noise is coming from. • What is making the noise. • What time and day the noise is occurring. For more information on the Noise Bylaw please visit the City’s website or contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@ fernie.ca.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

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d is tr i c t o f spa rwo o d Box 520, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 Phone: 250.425.6271 | Fax: 250.425.7277 Email: sparwood@sparwood.ca

www.sparwood.ca

POSITION:

Job Posting

DATE OF POSTING:

CASUAL LABOURER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Dec 4, 2014

Public Notice Danger – Falling Trees

On November 29, 2014 a winter storm with high winds came through the Elk Valley. The property on the west side of Highway 43, south of Sparwood Heights Drive, sustained heavy damage from the winds. Hundreds of trees were knocked down and many of the standing trees have been weakened at the root ball. Due to the danger of falling trees this area will be cordoned off and signs will be placed prohibiting entry to the area. The removal of trees will commence once a contract has been awarded. Public entry into this area is prohibited for any purpose until the clearing of trees and debris is completed and the signage restricting entry removed.

Written or typed applications for this position may be ﬁled with the undersigned no later than Friday, December 19, 2014 NATURE OF POSITION:

This is a Casual Position that is on an on-call basis to cover absences due to sick leave, vacation, special leave or any approved leave or to fill temporary vacancies or augment regular full-time or regular part-time staff during peak periods. This position performs a variety of general and specific labour type tasks requiring agility and physical effort related to the maintenance of District services, infrastructure, buildings, roads, parks and other facilities. Assists employees engaged in installation, maintenance and repairs of roads, sewer and water systems, sidewalks, parks, fields, gardens, etc.; shovels and removes snow and ice; digs and backfills graves by hand as and if required. Picks up and collects garbage, empties garbage containers into garbage trucks and assists in the disposal thereof. Operates light trucks, small tractors, mowers, edgers, trimmers; snow blowers, power saws, steam cleaners, various hand tools and miscellaneous equipment, hoses, etc.. Cuts grass, assists in the creation, planting, grooming and general maintenance of gardens, fields, walking trails and related outside facilities; Performs other related duties as assigned.

Photo by: Marija Goetting

This position receives general direction and varied levels of supervision from the Director of Operations and/ or designate as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: • • • •

Valid Drivers License. Physically capable of lifting heavy weights etc. Grade 12 Education or equivalent. Capable of following oral and written directions.

Wages, beneﬁts and conditions of employment are governed by the current collective agreement with CUPE Local 2698. APPLY TO: Mel Bohmer Director of Public Works District of Sparwood Box 1929, 477 Pine Avenue Sparwood, B.C. V0B 2G0 mbohmer@sparwood.ca

Prime Commercial Building For Sale

The District of Sparwood seeks expressions of interest for the purchase of the property located at 156 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood. The building is owned by the Municipality and was most recently used as the District’s Engineering office. It is single-story construction totaling approximately 2,966 sq ft including a garage, parking spaces, wheelchair access and is currently zoned institutional. As a condition of the sales agreement, the District will undertake a rezoning to C-1 Commercial. The building is post and glulam beam construction, offering the most flexibility to redevelopment. Additional documentation is available upon request and site tours will be welcomed. Through the Official Community Plan consultation process and the Business Retention and Expansion survey, the community has identified a need for additional restaurant operators. The location of this building in close proximity to the Centennial Square business area and Highway 3 make it a prime candidate for a restaurant operation, or combination of restaurant and office space or other uses permitted within the C-1 zone. • Proposals will only be considered that incorporate the required use of a restaurant operation; • Proposals may incorporate a mixed use, provided that a restaurant occupies a minimum of 40% of the internal space (excluding the garage); • Preference will be given to proposals that include operating times that incorporate both daytime and evening hours; • Proposals must include consideration of required car parking options; • Proposals may include suggestions for incorporation of District own lands in the vicinity, for landscaping, amenity space and parking; • All proposals are subject to the successful rezoning of the property. Proposals will be reviewed on their individual merit with consideration given to submissions incorporating creativity, consideration of the local operating environment and neighbourhood, a robust business plan, timing for development and previous experience of operating a restaurant. Council of the District of Sparwood reserves the right to give consideration to the proposal that they deem, in their sole discretion, to be in the best interests of the District. The highest, nor any offer may be accepted. The asking price for the property is $340,000. Proposals will be accepted until 4:00 pm January 16, 2015. For further information please contact: Jude Smith Business Development Liaison jsmith@sparwood.ca cell: 250.910.0167 office: 250.425.5091

Holiday Hours and Information December 25, 2014 December 26, 2014 December 29, 30 and 31, 2014 January 1, 2015 January 2, 2015

CLOSED CLOSED 8:30 am – 4:00 pm CLOSED 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Anyone wishing to make tax or utility payments can do so by leaving a cheque in the drop box located at the front entry, or by internet payment through your ﬁnancial institution.

Household Garbage Collection All garbage normally picked up on Thursday, December 25, will be picked up on Wednesday, December 24 and all garbage normally picked up on Friday, December 26, will be picked up on Monday, December 29. All garbage normally picked up on Thursday, January 1, 2015, will be picked up on Friday, January 2, 2015. PLEASE HAVE YOUR GARBAGE SET OUT BY 8:00 A.M. There are no limits on number of garbage bags from December 15, 2014 to January 9, 2015. A reminder that cardboard is banned from the landﬁll site and must not be put out with your household refuse. Christmas wrapping “paper” (not foil) can be recycled. All uncontaminated cardboard must be RECYCLED. Discarding Christmas Trees You may drop off your old Christmas trees behind Fire Hall No. 1 on Pine Avenue or behind the Sparwood Heights Fire Hall. The District will provide pick up service for those who are unable to drop them off. Leave the tree at your curb for pickup any time up to January 9, 2015. Please ensure that you have removed the tinsel before discarding tree. For further information, please contact the Public Works Department at 250.425.7760. Animal Pound Emergencies For animal emergencies, please call 250.425.7718

From Council and Staff of the District of Sparwood Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

2015 Utilities Pay Early and Save! Discounts are available for all residential and commercial accounts.

Option 1: 10% Discount - Pay by January 31, 2015

10% discount is available for the whole amount, or any portion thereof, if paid by January 31, 2015. Single Family Residence 2015 Water/Sewer/Garbage IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2015 Strata Unit 2015 Water/Sewer/Garbage IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2015

$848.16 $763.34

Save $84.82

$814.56 $733.10

Save $81.46

Residences receiving Water and Garbage Services only 2015 Water/Garbage $573.00 IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2015 $515.70 Residences receiving Garbage services only 2015 Garbage $362.76 IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2015 $326.48

NEW due dates for 5% discount

Save $57.30 Save $36.28

Discounts apply only if prior year (2014) utilities have been paid in full. Payment will be applied ﬁrst to any outstanding prior year utilities transferred to tax accounts. Option 2: 5% Discount - Pay Utilities Quarterly The November 30 5% discount has been replaced with a quarterly 5% discount for utilities paid on or before the 15th of the month that the quarterly invoice is due. Therefore, each quarter’s utilities must be paid by March 15 (1st quarter), June 15 (2nd quarter), September 15 (3rd quarter) and December 15 (4th quarter) to be eligible for the 5% discount.

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Fernie Real Estate

PA R A D E O F D O O R S

www.fernierealestate.com 250-423-2000

OPEN HOUSES

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Recycling Tips That’s a Wrap Paper based wrapping paper can be recycled in any of the yellow bins in the East Kootenay and in the curbside recycling programs in Fernie and Invermere. From cards and envelopes to wrapping and tissue paper, please recycle as much as possible.

Recyclable: ✓ Paper based gift wrap ✓ Cards ✓Envelopes ✓ Gift tags ✓ Tissue paper ✓ Cardboard boxes ✓ Brown shipping/packaging paper

Not Recyclable ✕ Foil based wrapping paper ✕ Envelopes or gift tags with foil lining ✕ Bows and Ribbons

If everyone in Canada wrapped just three gifts in reused paper or gift bags, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 hockey rinks.

What You Need to Know About Glass The glass collection bins in the East Kootenay are for container class only. That means only container glass that holds food and beverages. Some examples include: ✓ Jam jars ✓ Pickle jars ✓ Cheez whiz jars ✓ Olive oil jars ✓ Iced tea or wine bottles These containers must be well rinsed with lids removed. The following are NOT accepted in the glass bins: ✕ Dishes of any kind (clear drinking glasses, pyrex dishes, corel ware, pottery, plates, etc). No dishes! ✕ Shower doors, windshields ✕ Lightbulbs ✕ Picture frame glass ✕ Glass trinkets (like candlestick holders and tree decorations)

Flip Your Lid!

Metal lids cannot be recycled in the yellow bins. Please make sure you remove the lids before putting glass containers in the recycling bin. Metal lids can be recycled for free at Columbia Recycle in Marysville.

Please Keep it Clean Our yellow recycling bins are often on private property and it is so important that we keep them clean. Please put all recyclables in the bin. Over the holidays, the bins see a huge increase in volume. While our contactor will be working hard to empty the bins more frequently, sometimes they will be full. If you encounter a full bin, please look for another bin in the area or come back. Never leave recyclables on or around the bins. Thank you for helping us keep our recycling areas clean!

To find the holiday hours at RDEK transfer stations and landfills, visit

www.rdek.bc.ca

Yellow Bin Basics

Electronics and Small Appliances Electronics are often a hot holiday gift item. Old electronics that are still in good working condition can be taken to an RDEK Reuse Centre; however, if they’re no longer working, they may be able to be recycled.

Batteries Included

Electronics recycling depots are located at the Cranbrook, Invermere and Fernie Bottle Depots. These depots are for small volumes only.

Both alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable. Drop off locations include:

The following items can be dropped off FREE OF CHARGE for recycling: ✓Computers – desktop and laptops ✓Monitors ✓Keyboards and Computer ✓Mice ✓Printers ✓Televisions ✓Fax Machines ✓Scanners ✓DVD and VHS players ✓Stereos and MP3 docking stations ✓Radios ✓Discman, Walkman, MP3 players ✓Earphones ✓Microphones ✓Speakers ✓Cable, satellite and PVR boxes ✓Vehicle audio and video systems

No Styrofoam

Cranbrook: • Cranbrook Photo • Staples • The Source (in Tamarack Centre) • Kootenay Communications Kimberley: • Kimberley City Hall

Styrofoam is NOT recyclable in the yellow bins. The only Styrofoam recycling depot in the East Kootenay is the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

The yellow bins in the RDEK and curbside programs in Fernie and Invermere take the following: ✓ Mixed paper – including Christmas cards and envelopes (as long as they’re not foil) ✓ Aluminum and tin cans – please rinse well! No aluminum foil, pie plates,etc. Only cans are accepted ✓ Cardboard – all types; boxes must be flattened. Cardboard covered with wax, foil or soiled with grease or food waste cannot be recycled ✓ Plastics – Grocery bags (garbage must be removed from grocery bags) and plastics #1 - #6 (except Styrofoam)

The Cranbrook and Fernie Depots (not Invermere) also accept more than 120 small electrical appliances, ranging in size from electric toothbrushes to countertop microwave ovens.

Plastics NOT accepted:

For details, visit regeneration.ca

✕ Styrofoam (even though it's marked as a #6) ✕ Unmarked plastics – if it doesn’t have a number on it, it can’t go in the bin. Often the lids are made out of different plastics than the containers, so you have to check carefully ✕ #7 plastics

On December 25th alone, over 30 million bags of garbage will be thrown out of Canadian households.

Products are divided into categories including: kitchen countertop, time measurement, weight measurement, garment care, air treatment, floor care and personal care.

Foiled Again

Tin pie plates and foil roasting pans cannot be recycled in the yellow bins. They can be recycled at the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

Fluorescent Light Recycling The LightRecycle program accepts compact fluorescent and tube fluorescent light bulbs free of charge. The recycling program is for residentially generated lights only. There are currently three LightRecycle Depots in the East Kootenay: Cranbrook Home Hardware, 1901 McPhee Road Skyway Distributors, 304 Slater Road NW Fernie Home Building Centre, 300 Manitou Road

Elk Valley: • City of Fernie • Fernie Aquatic Centre • Elkford Transfer Station Columbia Valley: • Selkirk TV & Appliance, Invermere

Reuse Comes Before Recycle Over the holidays many people will receive gifts that will replace perfectly good older items. Instead of throwing good items away, please consider giving them away so they can be reused. There are Reuse Centres at the Cranbrook, Kimberley, Elkford, Fernie and Sparwood Transfer Stations and Columbia Valley Landfill. The Reuse Centres accept household items in good working condition. Everything in the Reuse Centres is available at no cost. Some examples of items that are accepted in the Reuse Centres include: ✓ Chairs ✓ Pictures ✓Televisions ✓ Small dishes ✓Light fixtures ✓ Tools

Items that cannot be accepted include large appliances, tires, mattresses, automotive parts, scrap metal, wood and clothing.

If each person reused two feet of ribbon this Christmas it would save 61,000 kms of ribbon.

For more infor mation contact the RDEK at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Recyclable: ✓ Paper based gift wrap ✓ Cards ✓Envelopes ✓ Gift tags ✓ Tissue paper ✓ Cardboard boxes ✓ Brown shipping/packaging paper

Not Recyclable ✕ Foil based wrapping paper ✕ Envelopes or gift tags with foil lining ✕ Bows and Ribbons

If everyone in Canada wrapped just three gifts in reused paper or gift bags, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 hockey rinks.

Flip Your Lid!

To find the holiday hours at RDEK transfer stations and landfills, visit

www.rdek.bc.ca

Yellow Bin Basics

Batteries Included

Electronics recycling depots are located at the Cranbrook, Invermere and Fernie Bottle Depots. These depots are for small volumes only.

Both alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable. Drop off locations include:

No Styrofoam

Cranbrook: • Cranbrook Photo • Staples • The Source (in Tamarack Centre) • Kootenay Communications Kimberley: • Kimberley City Hall

Styrofoam is NOT recyclable in the yellow bins. The only Styrofoam recycling depot in the East Kootenay is the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

The Cranbrook and Fernie Depots (not Invermere) also accept more than 120 small electrical appliances, ranging in size from electric toothbrushes to countertop microwave ovens.

Plastics NOT accepted:

For details, visit regeneration.ca

On December 25th alone, over 30 million bags of garbage will be thrown out of Canadian households.

Products are divided into categories including: kitchen countertop, time measurement, weight measurement, garment care, air treatment, floor care and personal care.

Foiled Again

Tin pie plates and foil roasting pans cannot be recycled in the yellow bins. They can be recycled at the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

Elk Valley: • City of Fernie • Fernie Aquatic Centre • Elkford Transfer Station Columbia Valley: • Selkirk TV & Appliance, Invermere

Items that cannot be accepted include large appliances, tires, mattresses, automotive parts, scrap metal, wood and clothing.

If each person reused two feet of ribbon this Christmas it would save 61,000 kms of ribbon.

For more infor mation contact the RDEK at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

www.thefreepress.ca

Rizzuto Construction Ltd would like to wish all of their customers and suppliers a very Merry Christmas! COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR Interior/Exterior Building/Renovation/Repair • Home Warranty Program Registered Member • WCB Coverage • Liability Insurance • Local References Available

Call Garth at 250-423-0272 rizzuto7@telus.net

Check out our website

www.rizzutoconstruction.com

'd like to thank everyone for their support last season, and wish my son Jamie Rizzuto, who placed second in the world last year, the best of luck on the upcoming Swatch Freeride World Tour. Special thanks go to TECK and Home Hardware for supporting our business. I would also like to give special thanks to Craig McKay from Graceland Builders and Paul Attalla from Fernie Chiropractic for the support they have shown Jamie on the World Tour. Building in the Elk Valley has been a Rizzuto family tradition since 1897. Some of my grandfather’s buildings, including the Livery stable building and the Fernie Hotel, still stand today and we look forward to serving your community for another 100 years. Sincerely yours, Garth Rizzuto

Sports

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Ghostriders skate while the Elk Valley community donates

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Standings DIVISION: Kootenay Conference: Eddie Mountain

Team

Fernie Ghostriders Golden Rockets Creston Valley Thunder Cats Kimberley Dynamiters Columbia Valley Rockies

GP W L T D OTL Pts 30 35 31 32 33

23 18 16 16 5

4 12 11 12 23

1 0 1 1 0

0 0 0 0 0

2 5 3 3 5

49 41 36 36 15

DIVISION: Kootenay Conference: Neil Murdoch

Team

Nelson Leafs Castlegar Rebels Beaver Valley Nitehawks Spokane Braves Grand Forks Border Bruins

GP W L T D OTL Pts 33 34 31 34 34

19 19 18 18 7

8 11 8 13 23

2 1 1 0 1

1 0 0 0 0

3 3 4 3 3

43 42 41 39 18

DIVISION: Okanagan/Shuswap Conference: Doug Birks

New recruit Doan Smith registered a goal and an assist during his first two home games with the Fernie Ghostriders.

The Riders collected a truck-full of generously donated toys for the Salvation Army during Saturday’s Teddy Bear Toss. Dylan Robertson scored the first goal of the night for the home team, triggering a deluge of teddies onto the ice. Photo by S. Moulton

Photo by S. Moulton

the annual ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ game. Team captain Dylan Robertson delivered the Riders’ first goal of the night towards the he Fernie Ghostriders experi- end of the first period, triggering a rain enced busy times over the past of toys to be donated to those in need few weeks, featuring a successful this Christmas. The two sides continued road trip to the Okanagan, some signifi- to battle back and forth, resulting in cant roster changes, and their first loss goals by Tayler Sincennes, Joel Burgess of the season in their home arena. and a second from Robertson, but at the Playing three games in as many days, final buzzer the score was tied 4-4. The the Riders’ road trip resulted in a 4-2 Nitehawks eventually claimed the gamevictory in Osoyoos on December 5, a 5-3 winning goal during the second period win in Princeton on December 6, and of overtime, marking the first loss for the an 8-4 smashing Riders at home of Grand Forks this season. on December “On behalf of the Ghostriders Not to be 7 to finalize and Fernie Ford, we’d like to discouraged, the the campaign. give a big thank you to the Riders returned Standouts for the to the arena Elk Valley.” weekend included the following new recruit Doan night for a 7-2 Craig Mohr Smith with a goal trouncing of Ghostriders head coach and and two assists the beleaguered general manager in Osoyoos, Sam Columbia Valley Plaquin with two Rockies. The goals and two Ghostriders assists, and the outshot their guests 47 to 15 during ever-reliable Joel Burgess with two goals the very one-sided affair, with goals and three assists throughout the three by Derek Georgopoulos, Cavin Tilsley, games. Josh McCulloch also remained Justin Peers, Smith and Burgess to true to form, earning three goals and complement two more from Jason Yan. two assists, before returning to Fernie to Pitted against his former teammates announce his selection onto the junior for the first time since being traded ‘A’ Calgary Mustangs squad. from Invermere two weeks ago, Smith Back at home on December 13, Fernie reflected on the experience of his first hosted the Beaver Valley Nitehawks for two games in Fernie after Sunday’s By Sara Moulton Free Press Staff

Team

Kamloops Storm Sicamous Eagles 100 Mile House Wranglers Chase Heat Revelstoke Grizzlies

GP W L T D OTL Pts 33 33 31 34 32

22 17 16 13 11

9 14 13 14 15

0 1 0 2 2

0 0 0 0 0

2 1 2 5 4

46 36 34 33 28

DIVISION: Okanagan/Shuswap Conference: Okanagan beat-down and gave credit to his new linemates. “It was fun playing the guys from the Rockies ... I’ve got a lot of friends on that team so I was a bit nervous going into it, but it was fun to be on the winning side of the games in Fernie,” quipped Smith. He added, “Both Plaquin and Neufeld are very high skilled players… they make lots of open ice and it’s really easy to play with them.” For head coach and general manager Craig Mohr, the generous donations of teddy bears and food by the community were as much a highlight as the on-ice action of the weekend. “On behalf of the Ghostriders and Fernie Ford, we’d like to give a big thank you to the Elk Valley,” said Mohr. Regarding the weekend results, Mohr then added, “I think after Saturday’s game they were mad and upset, but you get right back at it and the focus was good in the dressing room today.” “It’s pretty obvious now that we can put the puck in the net, so if we can take care of the defensive side of things we’re going to win a lot of games,” he finished. See the Ghostriders take on the Creston Valley Thundercats at home this Friday, December 19, before they travel to Kimberley the following night for a much-anticipated final game before the Christmas break.

Team

Osoyoos Coyotes Summerland Steam Princeton Posse Kelowna Chiefs North Okanagan Knights

GP W L T D OTL Pts 33 30 30 33 34

26 20 14 13 5

6 9 12 16 26

0 0 2 2 1

0 0 0 1 0

1 1 2 1 2

53 41 32 29 13

Sponsored by

Santa Claus Santa spent the entire year getting in shape so that he can fit down the chimneys this Christmas. After all the cookies and milk, he’ll have to do this all over again next year.

If you are the athlete in this photo you have won a free pizza from Just Pizza! Drop into The Free Press office to collect your prize. Email your Athlete of the Week nominations to customerservice@thefreepress.ca

GHOSTRIDERS HOCKEY

VS All home games start at 7:30 pm unless otherwise stated ~ Fernie Memorial Arena

Friday December 19 Game Night Sponsor:

Creston Valley Thunder Cats

GREAT HOLID

FERNIE AUTO PARTS #2 Manitou Road • 250-423-4627

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

THANK YOU

from the South Rockies Grizzly Bear Project To the over two dozen volunteers who helped collect grizzly bear hair from rub trees this 2014 season. We collected over 1500 samples from almost 300 rub trees. Our best year ever! We couldn’t have done it without you and we hope to see you again in 2015! To find out how you can get involved next year, contact Corinne at corinne.staley@gmail.com

Elk Valley SMS employees donate to Salvation Army

liday messag o h e A May the spirit of the season live in your hearts until the end of time. Wishing the happiest of holidays to all our friends and neighbours.

M er

SMS Equipment Inc. employee Nichole Fiset, Elkford Food Bank’s Denise Sorenson and Shari Rybachuk. SMS Equipment Inc. employees from Elkford, Fernie and Sparwood donated $8,900 each to the Salvation Army, totalling $26,700. Submitted photo

ry Christmas from

TJ’s Auto Body 1301 Railway Avenue Fernie, BC 250-423-3416

Season's Greetings & Thank You

From left: SMS employee Nichole Fiset, Fernie Salvation Army’s Major James Hägglund and Corey Herspiegel. Submitted photo

for Your Continued Support!

This year would not have been the same without good friends like you. May the holiday season bring all the happiness and good fortune you deserve. From the bottom of our hearts, we wish you plenty of fun this Christmas and the best of luck in the new year.

To show our appreciation we would like to offer you

5000 BONUS POINTS when you spend $200.

Please bring in this ad to collect your points. Fernie & Sparwood stores

Dr. A.M. Kahane

From left: SMS employee Nichole Fiset, Sparwood Food Bank’s Carol Wamsley and Corey Herspiegel. Submitted photo

At this holiday time we wish to thank you for your valued business. Serving your dental needs is our pleasure and we look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Check us out at www.kahane.ca 292-2nd Ave., Fernie Ph: 250-423-6838 Fx: 250-423-6839 dentist@kahane.ca

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from From Dr Amos & Marcela Kahane, Dr. James Jensen, Dr. Karl Peach, Rhonda, Terylene, Deana, Debra, Jan, Meghan, Samantha, Ute, Sarah, and Jodi.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

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Sparwood works to grow the restaurant business By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

he District of Sparwood is looking to fill what used to be the district’s engineering office with a restaurant. During the 2014 municipal election, the public expressed a desire to generate more business within Sparwood, and Mayor Cal McDougall and Business Development Liaison Jude Smith feel the district’s singlestory, 2,966 sq ft municipality owned building is a great opportunity for the city to meet the public’s demands, specifically in the food industry. “The community at large really has a strong desire to have additional good quality eating or diner places in town,”

Smith said. “We’re just really trying to the Official Community Plan (OCP) generate some awareness from people who consultation process and the Business see it as a good business opportunity.” Retention and Expansion survey. McDougall Smith noted that r e i t e r a t e d during the summer, “The community at large really Smith’s remarks, Sparwood brings has a strong desire to have stating, “It’s been around 20,000 people additional good quality eating identified by in each month to visit or diner places in town.” the community the Titan Truck. that we would “There’s a huge Jude Smith really like to opportunity to Sparwood Business Development see more eating capture some of those Liaison establishments visitors and get them here.” to spend more time The desire in the town,” he said. for additional And while restaurant or dining facilities within the Sparwood is open to all business models, community was established through their initial focus is on independent

restaurants that Smith believes fit into the heart of the community. “Council is very keen on diversifying the economy,” Smith noted, adding that presently, several locals travel elsewhere for restaurants. “You get a different type of feel from an independent restaurant.” “A good local restaurant I think would be a good fit there,” McDougall added, “[but] we don’t want to restrict any other business opportunities or ideas.” Business proposals for the space, which includes a garage, parking spaces and wheelchair access and is located at 156 Spruce Avenue, will be accepted by the city until 4 p.m. on January 16, 2015. For more information, contact Jude Smith at jsmith@sparwood.ca

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Call 250-423-4666 or email customerservice@thefreepress.ca

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

www.thefreepress.ca and that good recovery is possible even with some of the most serious of mental health concerns. And “help” does not always mean treatment with medication. In fact, many mental health problems in children and youth can be very successfully treated with other techniques, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which, in essence, teaches skills to address the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that underlie a mental health problem. Working with a group of mental health colleagues in the Interior — including families with lived experience, mental health clinicians from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, IH professionals, school counsellors, family doctors, pediatricians and others — we have come up with a series of short columns to run in this paper to help youth and families recognize and understand some common mental health concerns. Over the next seven weeks, in seven articles, we will talk about issues like anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and suicidal thoughts. We will help you recognize the symptoms and know when and how to seek help. We will talk about successful skills, actions and treatments. These columns, as well as running in your local paper, can also be found at www.sharedcarebc.ca so you can access them online or share with friends and family. Numerous high quality websites are producing up to date information about a wide variety of mental health concerns and in each column, we will link you to online resources in B.C. for more information on each condition. A few excellent provincial sites to check out now include: openmindbc.ca; mindcheck.ca, forcesociety.ca, and keltymentalhealth.ca. Next column, we will talk about anxiety.

Mental health for children and youth - how to get help if you need it Dr. David Smith

On 5 Year Agreement for BC Doctors

with MLA Bill Bennett 1. BC doctors have voted to accept a new agreement with the provincial government that increases funding for doctors by $216 million. 2. Over the next 5 years this agreement will provide new funding to build on health care services in rural and remote communities, recruit and retain both family physicians and specialists, and add new physicians throughout the province. 3. The length of the agreement and the increased funding will provide an opportunity to improve healthcare throughout the province and attract doctors to areas that need them most. Bill Bennett MLA, Kootenay East www.billbennettmla.bc.ca

or children and teenagers in B.C., coping well with the demands of school work, busy schedules and social relationships in today’s chaotic world reflects resilient mental health. But some B.C. children and youth are unable to cope well with the daily stresses of their lives and the results can be debilitating or tragic. An estimated 13 per cent of youth in B.C. each year experience a mental health issue — that means up to 83,700 children under the age of 19 in B.C. may be suffering. Studies show that receiving appropriate help at the right time may enable a child or youth to return to good health or prevent the escalation of symptoms, warding off larger crises or more chronic illnesses, and even at times saving young lives. But unfortunately, the majority of youth experiencing a mental health issue, or their families, do not seek help. Why is this? There are likely a number of key factors: youth and their family may lack understanding about mental health issues or may be unable to recognise the symptoms of a mental health problem; they may not know how to access the right services, who to see, or how to navigate B.C.’s mental health system; they may be worried about possible stigma, or labelling, and are hoping it is simply a “phase” that will pass. As an adolescent and adult psychiatrist working for the last 11 years in Interior Health (IH), I appreciate how frightening and worrying it can be for youth and families when a mental health issue arises. But I also know that the right help can make all the difference

YOUTH ARCHERY

Starts January 8, 2015 and runs every Thursday evening. Everyone welcome, club bows available. 6 pm - 7 pm beginners 7 pm – 8 pm advanced

IMPORTANT NOTICE

FERNIE ROD & GUN CLUB MEMBERS Please vote by the end of December 31, 2014 on the acceptance of the new constitution and bylaws of the FRGC and registering as a not-for-profit society. The proposed constitution can be viewed at www.ferniergc.com and has been emailed to all members with a valid email address. Vote by emailing president@ferniergc.com with your name and either 'Yes' or 'No'. If you wish to update your email address and receive the constitution, please email the above address.

LADIES NIGHT

7 pm every Monday, Starting January 19, 2015 Indoor Archery Range located at the Elks Hall, Fernie

The BC Wildlife Federation Convention will be in Fernie from April 23 to 25, 2015

A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers and businesses that made 2014 another GREAT YEAR for the FRGC.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Free Press Thursday, December 18, 2014

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ON THE WEB:

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GET FREE vending machines. Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected territories. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com

COLUMBIA Diesel, GOLDEN, BC to start immediately a fulltime position for a SERVICE WRITER / PARTS PERSON. Competitive wages with benefit package. Successful candidate will possess great customer service skills and have a mechanical background or understanding, be versatile and a team player. Experience will be an asset. Only applicants being interviewed for the position will be contacted. Send your resume & cover letter by fax to 250-344-6622 or email to shaun@bnwcontracting.ca

MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851.

PHONE: 250.423.4666 OR: 1.866.337.6437

THE DISABILITY Tax Credit. $1,500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on avg). covers: Hip/knee replacements, arthritic joints, COPD. For help applying 1844-453-5372.

EMAIL CLASSIFIEDS TO:

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Examples of Rates as follows: 1 issue, 3 lines $7.00, additional lines $1.00 each. Run your ad for a minimum of 4 weeks and get 20% off.

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It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

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

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 of set process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

KIBALA: On Wednesday, December 10th, Derna Luigia “Lucy” Kibala passed away at the Rocky Mountain Village at the age of 92 years. Lucy is survived by sons Victor (Ann) Kibala and John Kibala; her grandchildren: Cody (Jaylynn), Kelly (Sienna), Michael and Daniel, and great grandchildren Jacob and Sophia. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Michael, daughter-in-law Grace, and her grandson Oliver. Lucy was born in Porto Santelpidio, Italy on May 28, 1922 to parents Beniamino and Santa Alessandrina. While in Italy, Lucy worked as a machinist in the cottage industry of shoe making, and as a factory worker in England before immigrating to Canada in 1960 where she began cooking in various restaurants before finally retiring. In her spare time, Lucy enjoyed sewing, gardening, travel and camping with family and friends. A kind woman with an easy smile, Lucy touched many lives and will be dearly missed, but never forgotten by all who loved her. Memories and condolences shared at www. cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.

WESTERN CANADA’S fastest growing chalk & mineral paint products for the DIY Craft Market. Adding new retailers now! Visit us online funkedup.ca/bc or call 1-855386-5338 today.

Cards of Thanks

Turn those unwanted items into cash. Sell them in the Classifieds! They may be just the thing someone else is looking for. Est. 1898

Cards of Thanks

Thank you

he Elk Valley Society for Community Living would like to thank those who supported our Summer Program for Children with Special Needs by buying tickets in our Annual Christmas Raffle. We would like to congratulate Glenn Krotz of Fernie, the winner of the $500.00 Prize.

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Obituaries

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LOCAL

It doesn’t have to be with the classifieds. Even in tough times like these, the classifieds can help by pointing you toward job openings and Shopping local makes a difference employment services. to the environment. Pick up a copy today!

• Shopping local means that you get a bigger choice of products and services. • Shopping helps support non-profit 342local 2nd Avenue organizations. 250-423-4666

Est. 1898

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Obituaries SHARON LUCILLE LENEVEU (1949 – 2014)

Timeshare

Searching The advantages for of a new job SHOPPING scary?

•

Our classified ads are on the net! Check it out at www.bcclassified.com

NELSON: JULY 16, 1929 – NOVEMBER 28, 2014 Arnold Nelson, our beloved father and grandfather, passed away at the Elk Valley Hospital on November 28th at the age of 85 years. Arnold is survived by his children: Bruce (Dawne) Nelson, John Nelson, Brooke (Garth) Langner, Dan (Diana) Nelson, and Robin (Dan) Ewasuk, grandchildren Ryan, Laura, David, Nikki, Haley, Mathew, Maret, Devyn, Megan, Justin, Paige, and his great grandson Ben. He was predeceased by siblings Nels, John, and Alf, and his wife Betty on July 27, 2014. Originally from Edmonton, Arnie (and Betty) retired to Baynes Lake where he lived a happy life for 25 years. He loved the area and greatly enjoyed the outdoor country life. Arnie had made his living as a licensed mechanic. He was a talented man, who was good with his hands and could build or fix almost anything. Always ready to lend a hand, Arnie was the Baynes Lake (volunteer) Fire Chief for several years. He volunteered often in the community, where he was well liked and made many good friends. Arnie was a loving husband and father. He was a warm, kind man who loved nothing more than to share a story and a laugh. Arnie will be dearly missed. At Arnie’s request there will be no funeral service. Those wishing may make donations to a charity of their choice. Memories and condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon LeNeveu of Lundbreck, Alberta, who, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer, was called to be with the Lord on December 2, 2014 at the age of 65 years. From an early age, Sharon displayed selfless acts of generosity and kindness. She experienced many trials and successes in her lifetime but her greatest joy came from her relationship with Christ and the devotion and love of her husband, Rick. Her life was truly blessed and she was grateful for all she had. She was unique and wonderful with many talents and interests. Sharon was a skilled horsewoman who not only rode dressage, but also instructed others in the discipline. More recently, she taught herself how to spin and weave she became so proficient that she was often asked to demonstrate her talents at the Kootenay Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek. Sharon also enjoyed quilting, gardening and cooking and was a proud member of the Lundbreck Seniors’ Centre. Her homemade pasta was always a favourite with her family and friends. Sharon loved to travel and she and Rick were fortunate enough to take many trips before she passed away. Sharon was also fearless and a force to be reckoned with! She had a strong and unwavering faith and wanted everyone to realize how much God loves us all. She treasured her family and was the happiest when spending time with them. Her kind and loving spirit will be missed by all who knew her; may we find comfort in knowing that she is now amongst the angels in heaven. Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life include her loving husband, Rick LeNeveu of Lundbreck, AB; her step-children, Jason (Christine) LeNeveu of Eaganville, ON, Lisa Ashton of Didsbury, AB and Richard (Nancy) LeNeveu of Nanton, AB; her treasured grandchildren, Alexander, Shelby, Gerran, Ken, Matthew, Tim, Michelle, Serena and Dillon; her best friend, Liz Coley; and her brothers, John (Esther) Riosa of London, ON and Roy (Cathy) Riosa of ON. She was predeceased by her parents, Lidio and Lydia Riosa and her beloved dog, Pepper. The family wishes to extend a very special thank-you to the wonderful doctors, nurses and caregivers at the Crowsnest Pass Hospital for their compassion and dedication. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2015 at 2pm at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel (13461 – 20th Ave., Blairmore, AB) with Sharon Dreher presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sharon will be gratefully accepted by the CNP Women’s Crisis Resource Centre (P.O. Box 1207, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0) or the CNP Food Bank (P.O. Box 675, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0). Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

A20 www.thefreepress.ca

Thursday, December 18, 2014 The Free Press

Employment

Services

Career Opportunities

Medical/Dental

Financial Services

Home Improvements

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. Call 1-800-573-2928.

PROGRESSIVE Industrial Vegetation Service Company is seeking a Branch Manager to oversee its operations in the Grande Prairie, AB region. The successful applicant will have management experience and excellent communication and people skills. This position offers a competitive remuneration package and time off flexibility in the winter months. Interested applicants can email their resume to mail@melbern.ca

FIND A FRIEND

Nutrition/Diet WEIGHT loss, 30 days, proven, healthy, money back guarant. Email: lb@oadda.com 250-900-1254

Household Services A-1 FURNACE & Air Duct Cleaning. Complete Furnace/Air Duct Systems cleaned & sterilized. Locally owned & operated. 1-800-5650355 (Free estimates)

Career Opportunities

WE HAVE LOTS OF ROUTES AVAILABLE

Education/Trade Schools INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks. Weekly start dates. Job board! Funding options. SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford

Unearth Your Potential Joy Global Mining is hiring in Sparwood, BC Journeyman HD Mechanic for our Sparwood region.

Services

Mountain Mechanical Services in Sparwood is looking for someone to do janitorial cleaning in the front office and washrooms (twice a week). To commence starting Feb.1/15 Please call 250-425-6535 or stop by the office at 743 Douglas Fir Rd. Sparwood BC

Financial Services ARE YOU $10K Or More In Debt? DebtGo can help reduce a significant portion of your debt load. Call now & see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783.

This is a full-time opportunity and we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package. Please visit career.joyglobal.com to apply or contact the recruiting team directly at carol.bautista@joyglobal.com with an updated resume.

Joy Global Mining is an equal opportunity employer.

ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH Centennial Square, Sparwood

741B 2nd Ave., Fernie

YOU ARE INVITED!

WELCOMES YOU Sunday Meeting 11:00 am

Corps Officers: .. Majors James & Gwen Hagglund

Fernie Office 250-423-4661 Fx 250-423-4668

KNOX UNITED CHURCH 201 2nd Avenue, Fernie

10:00 am 1st Tues each month 7:00 pm

Clergy: Jane Clarke D.L.M. 250-423-6010 www.elkvalleyunited.com YOU’RE WELCOME AT KNOX

1622 10th Avenue, Fernie 250-423-4112 www.mountainsidechurch.ca

Sunday Services

1361 8th Avenue, Fernie

Monday Mens Fellowship...7 pm Sunday Worship & Children’s Ministry...10:30 am Friday Youth Group...7 pm Friday Morning Prayer Group...10 am

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

HOLY FAMILY PARISH Catholic Church

Sunday Worship...1:30 pm Pastor Fraser Coltman

cell 250-417-5016 Pastor David Morton cell 250-417-5017 or 1-866-426-7564

SPARWOOD CHRISTIAN CENTRE (formerly Fernie Baptist Church)

TRINITY PENTECOSTAL TABERNACLE

Mass Times: Saturdays: St. Michael’s ~ 7:00 pm Sundays: St. Michael’s ~ 11:00 am St. Bernard’s Mission, Elkford ~ 4:00 pm Thursdays: St. Michael’s ~ 6:30 pm Fridays: Lilac Terrrace ~ 11:00 am Confessions: Following each mass, or by appointment. Pastor: Father Marcel Cote 250-425-6444

691 4th Avenue, Fernie

436 Pine Avenue Sparwood BC V0B 2G0

EVERYONE WELCOME

Office 250-423-4114

521 4th Avenue, Fernie

Parish Office 250-423-6127 Masses:

Tues. & Wed. 9:00 am Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am Confessions: Before 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday or by appointment Father Marcel Cote

CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN 591 4th Avenue, Fernie 250-423-6517

250-425-7787 Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC)

10:00 am in Fernie 4:00 pm Sparwood Campus gathering

Services: Sunday 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 6:47 pm

Contact Pastor Shawn Barden shawnbarden@gmail.com

Pastor: Rev. R.G. (Ross) Powell

Everyone Welcome

Regional Editor Black Press in the West Kootenay region is seeking a regional Editor to oversee both the Nelson Star and the Castlegar News.

ELK VALLEY CHURCH SERVICES

Sunday Service UCW Women’s Group

250-423-4666 • 342 2 Avenue customerservice@thefreepress.ca

We are currently looking for a

Help Wanted

Morning Services

WANT TO DELIVER NEWSPAPERS?

Christ Church Anglican Fernie

Sunday Service

8:30 am BCP

The successful candidate will have Editor experience in the community newspaper industry. They will have a keen eye for layout, have an extensive photography resume, be an aggressive user of social media, understand the latest trends in digital media and be able to lead two newsrooms both from a print and digital perspective. This successful candidate will also be part of the senior team for the West Kootenay and will be part of setting the overall vision and goals for these newspapers and websites. This position includes active news and community coverage, engaging editorial and opinion writing, as well as understanding and leading change in our print products and on our websites. This position will be based out of Nelson, B.C. The West Kootenay is often considered one of the best places in B.C. to live and this position would suit any outdoor enthusiast, with spectacular skiing, mountain biking and hiking just outside your door. It is truly a wonderful place to live and to be involved in the community newspaper industry. This position offers a better than average compensation package, that also includes a strong benefits package. If this sounds like the right position for you please send your resume, a cover letter, references and some examples of your work to Karen Bennett at publisher@nelsonstar.com. Please no phone calls.

Sunday Service & School 9:30 am BAS Wednesday Service

10:00 am

Don’t wait for a job to fall on you Visit Our Website

www.LocalWorkBC.ca

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Free Press Thursday, December 18, 2014

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Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Farm Equipment

Heavy Duty Machinery

Misc. for Sale

Apt/Condo for Rent

Homes for Rent

Scenic Downtown Elkford

Sparwood, B.C.

Live in scenic &

PINEWAY COURT

peaceful Elkford

1948 Ford 8N tractor w/factory front blade, good tires, runs well, $2500 obo. (250)2294265

A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS Used 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;45â&#x20AC;&#x2122;53â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and insulated containers all sizes in stock. Trades are welcome. 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Containers under $2500! DMG 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; containers under $2,000 each. Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift. Wanted to buy 300 size hydraulic excavator. Ph Toll free 1-866-528-7108 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Food Products

Misc. for Sale

BC INSPECTED

GRADED AA OR BETTER LOCALLY GROWN NATURAL BEEF Hormone Free Grass Fed/Grain Finished Freezer Packages Available Quarters/Halves $4.30/lb Hanging Weight Extra Lean Ground Beef Available TARZWELL FARMS 250-428-4316 Creston

Misc. for Sale

STEEL BUILDINGS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Really big sale!â&#x20AC;? All steel building models and sizes. Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 or visit www.pioneersteel.ca

Misc. Wanted Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Accumulations, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins + Chad: 778-281-0030. Local.

Real Estate Acreage for Sale PRIVATE 150 ACRES

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper?

5 minutes from Cranbrook . Borders crown land on 3 sides. Mixture of timber and fields. Surveyed, drilled well, power and Shaw cable. Not in ALR zoned RR60. Serious inquiries only. $695,000.

250-489-9234

STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Fernie Exchange New & Used & Pawnbrokers 1501-9th Ave. 250-423-6625 t 8F HJWF MPBOT PO QBXOBCMF JUFNT XL UP XLT t

We have a new line of Sigma Martin Guitars, double air mattresses (new) $49., 3 pet carriers $29-$39. 1 Â˝ gallon compressor, like new (oil) $125. Golf clubs Â˝ price. 6 hp Honda pressure washer $220, Drill presses 75-125. Good selection of guitars, amps, musical instruments. Motorcycle jacket and chaps, leather $149 each. Clear out bikes $20-$49, $79, $99, $299. 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Coleman canoe $425. Built in heat exchanger (fireplace new) $199. Honda 5 hp brush cutter mower $249. Double pedestal table, 4 chairs wood 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $149. Hardwood table & leaf $110. 20 cu ft Electrolux white fridge $425. 18 cu ft black fridge freezer under $375 (Kenmore). Various ranges $159 - $199. 2 beer signs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 lit Burgermeister (turns) $225., Olympia Gold beer $99., 2 compound bows 1pse $175, 1 Prairie Fire with quiver $195. Crossbow bolts 14â&#x20AC;? 6 to pkg $20 each, pkg 3 hunting tips $25. Hardwood china cabinet $495 2 pc. Lots of antiques. Come in and browse. Martin Gibson guitars 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s various prices, older. Freezer 15 cu ft. $199. Danby apt washer auto $349. Exercise bike new was $299 now $225. 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3 speed CCM bike like new $225.

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent For Rent: Sparwood Fully furnished and decorated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo ready to be moved into. Just bring your clothes. Comes with appliances including in suite washer and dryer. $1200 per month. No smoking/no pets. Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711. References required.

ALPINE COURT

Apartment Units r $MPTF UP EPXOUPXO r "GGPSEBCMF r )PU XBUFS JODMVEFE r :PVS OFX IPNF

Spacious NEW apartments

1 Bdrm plus den $775 (& up) month

1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month 2 & 3 Bdrm- $850 (& up)- month

2 Bdrm plus den $850 (& up) month

Includes heat, lights, & hot water

250-865-2722

250-425-9912

Well kept 2 bedroom Condo for rent in Sparwood Heights Includes fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer, storage area, use of exercise room & sauna. No Smoking, No Pets. Available Immediately $950 Furnished Heat included Call 250-425-4431 or 250-423-1224

SPARWOOD, B.C. Quiet â&#x20AC;˘ Comfortable â&#x20AC;˘ Affordable

GOLDEN OAK GARDENS

Apt/Condo for Rent

1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)- month 2 Bdrm - $850 (& up)- month

Apartments for Rent

Hot Water Included

1 & 2 Bedroom Units Furnished & Unfurnished From

695 per month

Walking Distance to Mall

250-865-2722

1422 & 1462 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6th Avenue, Fernie Located behind the Best Western

For more information call

250-423-1358

New condos in Sparwood Heights 2 bed/2 bath units are $1250. per month. 2 bed/1 bath units $1200 per month. These units are in a new complex. New stainless steel appliances, granite counters, in suite washer/dryer. Building comes with an elevator and on site storage unit. No smoking or pets allowed. References required. (Utilities not included) Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

ALDERWOOD PLACE Comfortable apartment units

1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month 2 & 3 Bdrm - $850 (& up)-month

Includes: covered parking, sauna, heat, lights & hot water

1-250-865-7676 Duplex / 4 Plex 1228 Pinyon - One of the largest duplexes in Sparwood. This unit has 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms and a fully finished basement, new paint, paved driveway, shed and a large fenced yard. $1200. per month not including utilities. Please contact Erin at

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca or 250-425-7711 or 250-425-5432

1/2 Duplex in downtown Sparwood. 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom duplex with fresh paint, new flooring, new kitchen, fenced yard & shed. Great location downtown close to the school and a park across the street. $1000. per month. References required. Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

Modular Homes 94 Spardell - Newer 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home with an executive ensuite. Located in Spardell with a large fully fenced yard. No pets/no smoking. $1300 per month plus utilities. Please contact Erin at

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca or 250-425-7711 or 250-425-5432.

Mobile Downtown Sparwood 373 Red Cedar-Clean 4 bedroom, 1 bath mobile close to the Rec Centre. Includes fridge, stove and washing machine. large porch, shed, large driveway - Older but clean. $850 pm. Utilities not included Call 250-425-7711 or email

House for rent - Sparwood 3 bedroom log home 1800 sq. ft. 3 bathroom, full basement, wrap around deck, large yard on acreage, privacy, beautiful views - $1500 per month plus all utilities. (Propane heat) No pets or smoking. Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711. References required. House for Rent Sparwood Heights 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with newer paint and carpets. Large kitchen & dining area, large rec room with fireplace, large attached garage with a fenced yard. $1400 per month does not include utilities. Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711 Sparwood 3 bdrm, 2 bath, full kitchen, dishwasher large deck, hot tub. No pets. $1800/mo. References required. 250-531-0565.

Storage SELF STORAGE: Personal & commercial. Call Finniganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Storage.

250-423-3308 or 250-423-1236

Transportation

Cars - Domestic 1998 4DR SW GMC JIMMY Driveable, needs repairs. Call Peter at Quantum Motors to view. $1,000 OBO 250-423-3205

Boats Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest FISHING BOATS

Weldcraft, Hewescraft, Lund, Godfrey Pontoons Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marine, Hayden, ID 1-888-821-2200 www.marksmarineinc.com

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

PET personalities

for information.

Mobile home for rent in Little Acres Mobile Home Park. 3 bedroom, one bathroom mobile with an addition, deck and fenced yard. $650 per month. (Utilities not included) Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711 Sparwood - Mobile homes for rent - Call 250-425-5387

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Diesel and his feline sister Mocha cuddling up on a cold winter night.

photos! and a small description.

Email your pet photos to customerservice@thefreepress.ca

Fernie Pets Wants YOU!

Sparwood - Several Mobile Homes for rent $700 - $1000 per month. Utilities not included. Please contact

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

or call 250-425-7711 for more information.

Homes for Rent

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SPARWOOD, 2-storey, 3bdrm townhouse for rent w/full basement, close to school & rec centre. (250)425-4448 primeprop@mymts.net

DONATE OR JOIN TODAY! ferniepets.org

YOUTH AGAINST VIOLENCE LINE

1-800-680-4264

Volunteer your time, energy and skills today.

Furnished and Unfurnished Properties for rent in Sparwood and Elkford Contact Tammie Davy with Custom Real Estate and Property Management at 250-425-2968 or log on to www.elkvalleylistings.ca for more information.

â&#x20AC;˘Lost & Found Pets â&#x20AC;˘Dog Park â&#x20AC;˘Spay & Neuter Program â&#x20AC;˘Volunteers

Fight Back.

EMAIL: info@youthagainstviolence.com

Sparwood House for rent. 1 Acre of Land, Workshop. Call 250-425-5387

Stand up. Be heard. Get help.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Your Best Choice for Great Hong Kong Style Cuisine!

Brought to you by Fernie’s premiere Chinese restaurant

250-423-3211

YOUR HOROSCOPE for the week of December 21 to 27, 2014 THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: TAURUS, GEMINI, AND CANCER

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)

You are really helpful at the next few social events. You organize a most impressive Christmas party where pleasure is the name of the game.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

wifi available

1221A 7th Ave., Hwy. 3 Fernie • Beside ReMax

BRAIN GAMES ACROSS

CROSSWORDS

Luck is on your side, so don’t hesitate to ask your family to contribute to a group lottery ticket. You may also realize a family project with your loved ones.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

You don’t always show your sensitivity. However, if there is any tension at all in the family, you manage to placate everyone once and for all.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

You bring together family as well as friends. Over the holidays, you successfully unite family members who do not always get along.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

There is a good chance that you’ll be hosting various receptions and lavishing plenty of attention on your loved ones. Even as a guest, you are generous with your help.

1. Maple-sugar base 4. A long time 8. Snakelike swimmers PUZZLE NO. 740 12. Fib 13. Clean 14. Faithful 15. Cool drink 16. Skydiving need 18. Business unions 20. Season 21. Little boy 22. Reality 23. Marine mammal 26. Crash into 27. “____ a Wonderful Life” 30. Baby deer 31. Flipper 32. Hula-____ 33. ’60s do 34. ____ of war 35. Witty 36. Encourage 38. Tin 39. Grunt 41. Chief prize 45. Chauffeured car 47. Fearful admiration

48. Chilled 49. Outline 50. Black-eyed vegetable 51. Military cafeteria 52. Porter and stout 53. Classified items

DOWN 1. Powerful dunk 2. ____-de-camp 3. Colleague 4. Emerge 5. Security officer 6. Makes a boo-boo 7. Ocean 8. Moral 9. Outbreak 10. Guitar’s kin 11. Viewed 17. Stuff 19. Small valley

22. Wind-creating device 23. ____-key 24. Pave 25. Couples 26. Big truck 28. Shipping weight 29. Enemy agent 31. Coat for a mink 32. Large piece 34. Ballerina’s skirt 35. Sides 37. Pushes 38. Indian craft 39. Skinny 40. Kind 41. Actress Clayburgh 42. Daddy 43. Had a debt 44. Afternoon socials 46. Resort of sorts

ANSWER/LAST WEEK - PUZZLE NO. 739

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

You enjoy large gatherings this year. You are also the centre of attention when you do some crazy things or make certain comments.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

You are open to the idea of discovering new cultures. A person of different origins than yours might be present during the upcoming festivities.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

You’re a real chatterbox and you are the one who can cheer people up and get them in the party mood. Be careful and practice awareness in all your comings and goings.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

You have access to some extra money during the Christmas season. You are very generous and you warm the hearts of those who truly need it.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

You are in search of parties to go to. You feel the need for physical activity, to have a change of air, and especially to be surrounded by people. You suggest some great ideas to enhance the fun.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

You could very well miss out on a few hours of sleep, so try to go to bed early if you can. Otherwise you won’t be able to celebrate Christmas Eve with your family.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

You make considerable efforts to bring people together and unite the whole family. You devote yourself to waiting on everyone. Fatigue and a few sniffles could be coming your way.

PUZZLE NO. 476

HOW TO PLAY : Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Answers:

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT SARA MOULTON advertising@thefreepress.ca 250-423-4666

www.thefreepress.ca

Children smile with Santa at Park Place Lodge By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

Children sat on Santa’s lap during Park Place Lodge’s Annual Santa Breakfast. Photos by S. Kucharski

hildren had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap last Sunday morning at Park Place Lodge’s Annual Santa Breakfast. Photographer Kyle Hamilton said that between 30-40 children would be having their pictures taken with Santa. Santa said he has “focused on the Elk Valley” for the last 25 years. “There were a couple years where I was sick, or else it would be 28,” he said. The breakfast event itself donates money to charities and this year, Park Place was dedicated to localizing its efforts. A minimum $3 donation per breakfast was split between the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre and Fernie Friends for Friends charity. “It was a collaboration between the staff to do something different,” said organizer and Park Place Lodge Manager Shayne Brideau. “Last year and in year’s past we’ve done things outside of Fernie like a human rights movement, things overseas, the Red Cross … This year we wanted to bring it close to home because it is a Fernie event, so we wanted to impact the Fernie community.” Brideau said that in her three years of organizing the breakfast, this was the first year for it to sell out. “It’s been really successful this year,” said Brideau. “We started advertising a month ago and we’ve been sold out for two weeks … we ended up having to bring in more tables and chairs.” For Santa, the event was all about the children. “The best part? The children, of course,” he said.

Testing out Tae Kwon Do in Fernie By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

Kootenay Tae Kwon Do students worked on their skills at Isabella Dicken Elementary School last Tuesday evening. Photos by S. Kucharski

ootenay Tae Kwon Do students were put to the test last Tuesday evening at Isabella Dicken Elementary School. The students, whose ages range from five to 50, underwent colour belt testing that challenged them on their knowledge of patterns and steps as well as sparring and selfdefense. In the new year, Kootenay Tae Kwon Do students will take part in four tournaments both on the road in Calgary, Kelowna and Lethbridge as well as closer to home in the Crowsnest Pass.

Eye Care Professionals

for You & Your Family Licensed opticians and contact lens ﬁtters recognized by College of Opticians BC

492 2nd Ave., Fernie BC 250-423-3346

www.provisionoptical.ca

FREE VISION TESTING AVAILABLE some restrictions apply

CONTACT LENS SALE ON NOW

Happy Holidays!

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

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ratitude. I t ’ s a virtue that I have been w o r k i n g tirelessly to instill in my Shelby Cain girls. As a parent I’ve become very aware of how grateful I am, on so many levels. I want my kids to realize that they, too, should feel blessed. To live where we live, eat what we eat, breathe the air we breathe. The tiniest of details that we take for granted on a minute-to-minute basis would be mind-blowing to someone living in a less fortunate situation. But how do we teach this? When they’ve never known anything different, how can they truly understand how fortunate they are? I try to explain it to them. Tell them about kids in other countries who don’t have clean water, a comfy bed or even a sense of security. They listen. Comment. Wonder why these kids don’t go buy banana bread, or catch a horse in the meadow and ride it into the grocery mart. They’re not quite getting it. Their responses made me reflect on my childhood, as is usually the case when I’m trying to figure out my kids. Was I grateful as a child? Nope. I think that I expected everything to go my way too. It shocked me if I was ever really uncomfortable. Cold, hunger, loneliness. These weren’t sensations I had very often. I remember once feeling overwhelmingly grateful for my dad, but it was only after being lost in West Edmonton Mall on Boxing Day for what seemed like an eternity. I was six. I’d never been so happy to see his face emerge from a crowd. So do we have to actually lose something, even if it is only temporarily, to realize how thankful we are to have it? Maybe. This makes me wonder if every time I grant my kids their every whim I’m actually doing them a disservice. By devoting my life to the comfort and happiness of my girls, could I actually be preventing them from ever feeling grateful for anything? Oops. So maybe our grandparents were on to something. The older generations definitely expected more out of their kids than we do. Kids had chores. They walked. They took care of the few items they did own, and didn’t complain when they got shovels and hand-me-downs as Christmas gifts. At least, not to their parents. I wonder if we’ve gone too far down the other road. If our kids are so used to being the center of our worlds that we’re ruining their ability to actually feel gratitude. I don’t know, but I’m going to keep working on it. As I’m finishing this, Three just came and whispered in my ear, “I’m thankful for my mudder.” So maybe we’re doing something right.

The Parent Trip

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Handcrafting Christmas Business and beer at the Greenwood Mall to mark the end of “It was great because we had tons of people in the mall,” District of Sparwood Business Development Liaison Jude Smith said. “It was good to help increase the traffic.” He went on to say, “We see little informal events like that as a stepping stone towards more long term strategies and concepts that will get people into places like the mall.” The Sparwood Children from the Frank J Mitchell Elementary school choir drew in community worked together to make this a crowd as they sang many carols in the center of Greenwood Mall. Photo by J. Jensen possible, with Buds & Blooms owner Sherry By Katelyn Dingman Benko travelling down Free Press Staff to the school a week prior to the event to help children with their handmade decorations, the he Greenwood Mall was filled with Causeway Hotel providing hot chocolate for locals and an abundance of holiday the eager carolers and Overwaitea donating spirit last Wednesday as students from cookies to the children. Frank J Mitchell Elementary School hung Around 40 children helped make the mall handcrafted Christmas decorations on indoor light up with handcrafted decorations, and trees and sang Christmas carols. next year Sparwood plans to expand the event The annual event was not only effective in even further, Smith said. spreading some holiday cheer, it also helped “We hope to see it grow each year and to bring a little more business to the small increase more interest.” community of Sparwood.

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The event, which was held at the Fernie Stanford Resort last Thursday evening, gave local or many, the winter holidays businesses an opportunity are a time to unwind with to network and discuss new family and friends and cele- technologies. brate another successful year. “It’s a space where you can This year, the Fernie Chamber build your network, learn about of Commerce teamed up with resources to help your business the Kootenay and meet R o c k i e s others who “I think it was really Innovation aren’t afraid of successful, we had lots of C o u n c i l upping their people showing up.” (KRIC) and game with hosted a technology,” Corien Sieders business and KRIC project Fernie Chamber of Commerce beer event manager Tara Executive Director where local Penner said. business were R y a n given the Doehle of opportunity Isosceles Business Systems gave to unwind while discussing a brief presentation on how he’s business. working with technology in his “I think it was really successful, business. The Fernie Wine Club we had lots of people showing also gave a brief presentation. up,” Corien Sieders, Executive Sieders said that although the Director of the Fernie Chamber event was a success, she would of Commerce said. “The members still like to see more people coming really liked it and they would to future business and beer events like to see more events like this that the chamber plans to host in happening.” 2015.

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

7th Annual Starlite Campaign Begins Cranbrook, BC…. EKFH’s 7th Annual Starlite Campaign has begun and the tradition of lighting stars atop the East Kootenay Regional Hospital is underway. The first three stars: Judy’s Star (Eagles Nest RV Resort), BMO Bank of Montreal and an accumulation of community donations has started the campaign with donations of $17,452.29. An extra-large star at the peak of the hospital has also been set ablaze signifying the start of the 2014 campaign. Funds raised through this year’s campaign will help community hospitals and health care facilities. EKFH is inviting donors to also consider investing their Starlite gift to provide critical support to intensive care at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. EKFH Chair Brian Clifford, “This is a very important time of the year for EKFH; holiday giving is a significant component of the funding the foundation is able to provide for many areas of health care in the East Kootenay. This year the Starlite Campaign takes on a special purpose with our efforts focused on raising critical funds for medical equipment for the new 6-bed ICU currently under construction at the regional hospital.” The 2014 Starlite Campaign goal is to raise $150,000 and to light 17 large stars and 24 smaller stars. By supporting

the Starlite Campaign donors can help strengthen health care in their own community and/or services provided at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. The ICU Capital Campaign is a 17-month fundraising effort to raise $1,000,000; a more concentrated effort on the ICU campaign will begin in the early New Year. Since 2005 EKFH, with the generosity and help of donors like you, has provided $4,290,228 in funding to East Kootenay hospitals, facilities and programs. In the last four years, 95% of the donors’ donation has been dedicated back to the purchase of equipment and/or patient comforts. When you see the stars shining brightly please remember that through your generous support you can help light a path for others. Every dollar and every star counts. To donate: • On-line: www.ekfh.ca - tick ICU Capital Campaign • At your local hospital or health-care facility – make sure you say “I support the ICU” • Via Canada Post – EKFH, 13 24th Ave N, Cranbrook, BC V1C 3H9 The Starlite Campaign…. a tradition of giving in the East Kootenay.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Kettle drive needs Fernie Firemen’s Breakfast a push this season Goal of $70,000 is far away

The Salvation Army is looking to raise $70,000 by Christmas Eve. Photo by S. Kucharski By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

he Salvation Army kettle campaign is falling short of its goal of $70,000 and is looking for more support from the community.

Major James Hägglund of the Salvation Army said that although it is beginning to look like an “impossible task” to push the current kettle donations of $26,220 to $70,000 by Christmas Eve, he is still hopeful. “Those less fortunate in Fernie need others to care about them and Fernie is a community that cares,” said

Hägglund. Donations can be sent to the Salvation Army Box 2259 and donations in the form of a cheque or cash can be placed in the kettles stationed at Overwaitea and Extra Foods.

tenants from Trinity Lodge, Rocky Mountain Village, along with seniors from the Drop-In Centre. We did have a few people attend from these places but for the most part it was a family affair. There were many stories, jokes and just plain fun. Breakfast was served to approximately 85 people and it was a great treat. The fire department did most of the cooking with the help of our head chef Alana Barnett; she knew how to keep this fiery crew in line. The serving of breakfast was done by firefighters and their families; they had smiles and helping hands for anyone who needed one. Santa joined us at 10:30 a.m. to award good boys and girls with a Christmas gift and he was of course loved by all but one, but eventually he warmed up as well. Thank you Santa, we appreciate the time you took to come see us at your busy time of year. The tenants held a small 50/50 draw and the winner walked away with $95 in their, now warm, pocket. Much to my surprise, the tenants donated the other half back to TUM to put Tom Uphill Manor residents enjoyed themselves at toward our upcoming kitchen repairs. Thank the second annual Firemen’s Breakfast. you so much for your donation. Ruth Hopkins Submitted photo donated the money to Fernie Family Housing Society board member Florence Phillips. Submitted by Sheila Sherburne As a newcomer to the area and to TUM, I was very impressed and the morning warmed my heart right and early on the warm morning by all the giving of community spirit and seasonal of December 6, the generous Fernie Fire love. With too many people to thank individually Department arrived at Tom Uphill Manor and not wanting to forget anyone, I will just say (TUM). This is not an uncommon site at TUM but thank you to the Fernie Fire Department for all you this was for a great cause that was looked forward do for TUM. Thank you to my staff for the love to for a long time. This was the second annual and commitment you share here each day. I also Firemen’s Breakfast. want to say thank you to the tenants of TUM for The breakfast was attended by the residents and helping to set up and take down decorations for the invited guests of family and friends, the Fire the breakfast and for your continued interest and Department and their families. We also invited involvement in our activities.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Elk Valley local works to create an essential yoga community

‘Tis the season to

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you’re not connected to any kind of humanity because you’re in an urban environment or whether it’s a place like Fernie where we’re so active and so community-minded, [yoga] fits in perfectly.” When she first opened the space, Ter Poorten said it began with educating people in the city about yoga. “I had some people ask if it was a religion,” she said. “My first class here I had 20 people, the next day I had two and I got worried that maybe I’d scared people off of yoga.” Now, Essential Yoga offers classes that cater to people of all ages, walks of life, ability levels and needs. The studio offers classes for flow, core strength, relaxation, stretching and more. “We have all walks of life here, we Francesca Ter Poorten opened Essential Yoga 10 years ago. Photo by S. Kucharski have so many classes that appeal to different people,” explained Ter By Sarah Kucharski will often get involved with the lives of Free Press Staff Poorten. Essential’s members. In addition to classes, Essential “I know what’s going on with their s you climb up the stairs to grandkids, with their kids and that, to Yoga also offers clothes, sweaters, Essential Yoga’s studio, you’re me, is a big part of the yoga community,” undergarments and jewelry that all either washed over with a sense she said. cultivate a yoga lifestyle — an aspect of calm from entering the studio or Building that kind of relationship that Ter Poorten loves. In a way, Essential embraced and called by name by the has been a decade-long process for Ter Yoga provides the lesson in the studio studios owner, Francesca Ter Poorten. Poorten, as Essential Yoga celebrated its and the lifestyle to go with it in the shop. That sense of closeness and community ten-year anniversary this year. Ter Poorten doesn’t underestimate through the practice of yoga is what Ter Essential Yoga’s role in H a v i n g Poorten views as the cornerstone of her worked in a spa Fernie’s slow embrace business. of that lifestyle. and garnered a “One of my goals of “One of my goals of Essential Yoga has loyal following “Fernie is becoming Essential Yoga has always from the staff at the Causeway Bay always been to create community,” said in a yoga town and Vermont, been to create community.” Ter Poorten. “I love when people meet she moved to Essential Yoga is a big in yoga and they recognize each other Fernie for a part of that,” she said. Francesca Ter Poorten when they’re out in the city, that, to me, c o m m u n i t y Ter Poorten Essential Yoga studio owner is so much fun.” exemplified that minded space The yoga enthusiast admits that she perfect pairing to raise her 102 Red Cedar Dr, Sparwood • 250-425-2003 recently when she began leading a yoga children. Despite the traditional workshop specifically for skiers and leanings of skiing and snowboarders. “I have so many people who come into snowboarding in a resort town like Fernie, Ter Poorten had the studio throughout the winter who faith that yoga would be the have injured themselves or don’t know how to stretch out or are super sore, so perfect complement to the city. “I think yoga fits in to for me one of my goals was getting them anyone’s lifestyle,” commented into the mindset of preventative rather Ter Poorten. “I’m noticing that than after the fact,” she explained. The three-hour session highlighted whether you’re in an office and have a super stressful job and Ter Poorten’s emphasis on core strength and building muscle and flexibility in all aspects of one’s body CHARITY GIFT WRAPPING to prevent injury. For a happy, healthy holiday STATION “We had a lot of fun, it was awesome to everyone we know. We’re and [we had] a great Bring your gifts to group of people. I nd 701 2 Ave so fortunate to have great think everyone learned and support local causes while a lot,” said Ter Poorten. customers like you. saving yourself the Beginning in January, work of wrapping! Essential Yoga will From the employees, contractors offer weekly aprèsand staff of ski yoga classes on Saturday. But what her studio will always essentially boil down to is the All donations to Donor’s community. Choice of: The Salvation Army “It’s community, The Women’s Resource Centre it’s wellness, it’s The Fernie MOMS Group FERNIE, BC Joan Delich Kindergym Society preventative health, 250-423-1868 it’s meeting people’s needs where they’re th th December 19 -24 10:30am-6:30pm at,” summarized Ter Sanding, Snow Removal, Poorten. For more information: 250-423-GROW or

All the best over the holidays

Aggregates & Construction Services

growfernie@icloud.com

Arts&Entertainment WhatsOn THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

What’s on in the Elk Valley this week.

Vera Choir Christmas concerts kicked off in the Kootenays

That is how the Vera Choir and Instrumental Ensemble began their Christmas Concert on Monday afternoon to a packed audience. Choir director Gilles Hainault said he was pleased with the performance of the choir as well as the turnout of listeners. The focus of the concert set list was split in half in the hopes of appealing to a mass audience for the holidays. “We had great attendance but I think it was also the combination of children doing one part of the concert with more popular music and ‘common’ tunes and the second part with a more ‘sacred’ approach that would please everyone in the hall,” noted Hainault. The children’s choir featured vocalists as young as six-years-old singing popular Christmas tunes. According to Hainault, the choir practiced for The children in Vera Choir sang “Silent Night” at Knox United Church last two months leading up to the performance. weekend. Photo by S. Kucharski The choir is taught by the IDEAL Music and Arts Society, a group that promotes concerts and By Sarah Kucharski is part of the Jaffray-based Ideal Music and Arts Free Press Staff for Great Education (IMAGE). The next — and final — performance by the choir will be in single line of children walked along the pews at Knox Cranbrook at the United Church of Canada on December 21. United Church, candles in hand, filling the room with their rendition of “Silent Night.”

Children strum ukuleles at Freshies By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

E NTAIN LODG

FERNIE MOU

CAN’T MISS Fernie Arts Station:

Community Choir Christmas Concert Friday, December 19, 2014 at 7:00pm Join us for a festive beverage and get into the Christmas Spirit with carols from the Fernie Community Choir. This is a FREE event, but tickets are required, so make sure you get yours early!

The Royal:

Country Night with Barny Bumpkins & DJ Ango Friday, December 19, 2014 at 9:00pm A live set featuring Barny Bumpkins and a DJ set with DJ Ango.

Submit your posters and approximately 50 words of text describing your event to customerservice@thefreepress.ca Only two events will be sponsored, so first come first serve.

Drink recommendations are from Dave Hamilton, Manager of Spirits Cold Beer & Wine Shop at the Park Place Lodge

The Fernie Children’s Ukulele Orchastra strummed to Christmas carols at Freshies last Saturday. Photo by S. Kucharski

Although the mini concert was free to attend, Hepher had set up an empty ukulele case for donations to be made in order to raise money for Fernie local four-year-old Lily Earl who suffers from leukemia. The eager listeners who crowded into Freshies also treated the Cukes to coupons for hot chocolate. Next week, the Jingle Jam series will be hosted at the Loaf at 2 p.m.

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he cheery sounds of ukulele strings filled Freshies last Saturday with the second free concert in the Jingle Jam series. The Fernie Children’s Ukulele Orchestra strummed to various Christmas carols for the packed café. As part of the free mini-concert Jingle Jam Series, each week a different local musician makes an appearance at a Fernie venue to spread Christmas cheer and music to patrons. Jingle Jam organizer Anie Hepher said that it gives local musicians the opportunity to perform and shine light on their talent. “It was this idea of getting more free, local music out into the community,” explained Hepher. “There’s plenty of local musicians who don’t get play time opportunity and also a lot of people like to hear Christmas music.” The “Cukes” (child ukulele players), as Hepher likes to call them, is composed of a handful of eight-year-olds who take ukulele lessons from Hepher between September and December. She also runs an adult version of the group with jam sessions happening biweekly. “The whole point is not as much technical prowess or musical theory, it’s more just about singing and playing music together in a group and listening to each other,” said Hepher.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Fernie Legion Hall gets crafty for Christmas

At this festive time of year, we would like to express the gratitude we feel for the privilege of serving our fine customers and friends.

Thanks, Folks.

Shaw’S EntErpriSES Ltd. 250-425-2119

Presenting Five Feature Films:

January 16-18 Vogue Theatre

President of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary Bev Mandel runs ANTB’s Kitchen, which sells jars of her homemade preserves and salsa. According to Mandel, her most popular item is pickled asparagus. Photo by S. Kucharski By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

he Legion Ladies Auxiliary hosted a craft sale at the Fernie Legion Hall last Saturday to raise funds for the non-profit organiza-

tion. President of the auxiliary Bev Mandel said that

Fernie’s 7th Annual

With sincere appreciation for all our clients and friends, we extend our best wishes for a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

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the craft fair comes one year after a spur-of-themoment decision to start raising funds for the community. Last year, the funds from the Christmas fair went towards the grad class and the following spring, funds were given to the senior boys and girls basketball team to help with expenses for their provincial’s trip. “This year, we’re keeping the proceeds for us,” said Mandel. “It’s open to anybody [to become a vendor], whether you make it yourself or it’s a product that you purchase.” The date for the craft fair was postponed from November 29 to December 13 due to the stormy weather that passed through Fernie that weekend. Mandel said she was thankful they could move forward with the event, albeit two weeks late, and give locals another chance to search for Christmas ideas. Another craft fair will follow in the spring, according to Mandel.

From our family to yours.

Fernie Mountain Lodge 1622 7th Avenue Fernie, BC

For all the latest info visit:

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Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club awards bursaries

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

COMMUNITY

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

2:00-4:00 pm

JOIN US FOR CAROLS, TREATS CRAFTS, STORIES, HOT CIDER & GREAT COMPANY FOR ALL AGES

DECEMBER 20, 2014

250.423.4458 • fhlprogrammer@gmailcom • http://fernie.bc.library.com

From left: Ian Stokie (FT&STC), Curtis Hall, Melissa Makepeace, Catherine Sullivan and Gord Ohm (FT&STC). Submitted photo

incorporated in 1993; its goal is to maintain responsible, non-motorized trail access, including steward-ship of Fernie Mountain Park trails. The organization also maintains and manages Thunder Meadows and Tunnel Creek backcountry cabins for winter touring and hiking. To see more, visit fernietrails.com

Submitted

he Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club (FT&STC) has awarded its first avalanche education bursaries of 2014. Melissa Makepeace received $1,000 for her Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Level II and Curtis Hall received $650 for his CAA Level I. Catherine Sullivan was also awarded a bursary, however she has since decided not to take her Avalanche Safety Training (AST) II. The avalanche bursaries have been set up with the goal of promoting avalanche safety and awareness in the Elk Valley and to assist individuals who are pursuing a career in the avalanche industry. Avalanche bursaries have been awarded in Fernie for the past eight years. The FT&STC is pleased to have taken over the cause this year. Bursaries of up to $1,000 are available to successful applicants for the purpose of introductory AST or a CAA Industry Training Program Level I or t & staff of SMS The managemen II. Preference will be given to locals or those who have shown a commitment to living and working in the Fernie area. Bursaries remain available for 2014. Applicants must submit a letter outlining their experience with winter backcountry travel, interest in the avalanche phenomenon and their personal or professional goals with respect to avalanche safety in the Elk Valley. Applications should be directed to fernietrails@fernie. com. The Fernie Trails & Elkford: 250-865-4651 smsequip.com Ski Touring Club was

Happy Holidays! Guardian First Aid Services LTD Elkford, BC • (250) 425-5946

Cindy Corrigan

Retiring Board Member EKC THANKS RETIRING BOARD MEMBER CINDY CORRIGAN FOR HER NINE YEARS OF SERVICE

Wish yo

ery u and yours a v

y Holid p p ay Ha

Cindy's involvement with our governance over our Human Resource area, committee involvement, community representation and donations, as well as Kootenay Credit Union peer group leadership has been invaluable to EKC and the credit unions of the Kootenays. Cindy's commitment to strengthening EKC through strong governance and member accountability has translated into many successes to EKC, and a lasting footprint to the future success of your credit union. Thank you Cindy!

EKCCU.COM

CR ANBROOK • ELKFORD • FERNIE • SPARWOOD

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

drivewayBC.ca

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Wise customers read the fine print: *, •, ★, ≥, ‡, †, §, ≈ The Be Your Own Santa Holiday Sales Event offers are limited time offers which apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased from participating dealers on or after December 2, 2014. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice. All pricing includes freight ($1,695) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, any dealer administration fees, other dealer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell for less. *Consumer Cash Discounts are offered on select new 2014/2015 vehicles and are deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. •$500 Holiday Bonus Cash is available on select new 2015 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat or Ram models at participating dealers from December 2-31, 2014 only. Excludes 2015 Jeep Patriot/2015 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package/2015 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package. Bonus Cash will be deducted from the negotiated purchase/lease price after taxes. See dealer for complete details and exclusions. ★The Make No Payments for 90 Days is a limited time offer which applies to retail customers who finance a new 2014/2015 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or FIAT vehicle (except 2014 Dodge Avenger SE and 2014/2015 Dodge Viper) at a special fixed rate on approved credit through Royal Bank of Canada, TD Auto Finance or Scotiabank. Offer does not apply to Scotiabank special rate financing contracts longer than 90 months. Monthly/bi-weekly/weekly payments will be deferred for 60 days and contracts will be extended accordingly. Interest charges will not accrue during the first 60 days of the contract. Customers will be responsible for any required down payment, license, registration and insurance costs at time of contract. Some conditions apply. See your dealer for complete details. ≥3.49% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2015 Jeep Cherokee FWD through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Example: 2015 Jeep Cherokee Sport FWD with a Purchase Price of $23,498 financed at 3.49% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 416 weekly payments of $65 with a cost of borrowing of $3,441 and a total obligation of $26,939. ‡3.99% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo/2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4 models to qualified customers on approved credit through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Examples: 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo/2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4 with a Purchase Price of $38,498/$20,498 (including applicable Consumer Cash Discounts) financed at 3.99% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 416 weekly payments of $108/$58 with a cost of borrowing of $6,485/$3,453 and a total obligation of $44,983/$23,951. †0.0% purchase financing for 36 months available on the 2015 Jeep Cherokee models through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Example: 2015 Jeep Cherokee with a Purchase Price of $23,498, with a $0 down payment, financed at 0.0% for 36 months equals 156 weekly payments of $150; cost of borrowing of $0 and a total obligation of $23,498. §Starting from prices for vehicles shown include Consumer Cash Discounts and do not include upgrades (e.g. paint). Upgrades available for additional cost. ≈Sub-prime financing available on approved credit. Financing example: 2015 Jeep Cherokee Sport with a purchase price of $23,498 financed at 4.99% over 60 months, equals 260 weekly payments of $90 for a total obligation of $26,939. Some conditions apply. Down payment is required. See your dealer for complete details. √Based on 2014 Ward’s Small Sport Utility segmentation. »Jeep Grand Cherokee has received more awards over its lifetime than any other SUV. TMThe SiriusXM logo is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.

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2015 JEEP WRANGLER 2-DOOR SPORT 4X4

PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES $2,500 CONSUMER CASH,* $500 HOLIDAY BONUS CASH • AND FREIGHT.

20,498 HOLIDAY &

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FOR 36 MONTHS ALSO AVAILABLE

2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO

FINANCE FOR

PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES $500 HOLIDAY BONUS CASH • AND FREIGHT.

FINANCE FOR

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

H O L I D AY S A L E S E V E N T

NO PAYMENTS

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LEGENDARY JEEP CAPABILITY

2014 JEEP CHEROKEE CANADIAN UTILITY VEHICLE OF THE YEAR

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Starting g from price p for 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited shown: $32,490.§

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Starting from price for 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee § , Overland shown: $62,840.

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Starting from price for 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport S shown: $28,640.§

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Free Press Your community newspaper

’Tis the season to thank all our dear customers for your support throughout the past year.

Season’s greetings from the whole team!

B10

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

Fernie local is named volunteer of the year

Fernie.” He went on to say, “Her enthusiasm of representing the Fernie business community [was outstanding].” t the end of November, Community Futures The CFEK Director worked for the region of Fernie East Kootenay (CFEK) for 14 years before retiring at this — an organization that year’s annual general meeting (AGM). promotes economic development “Gayle was a very “She’s an awesome lady,” Guarney and the creation of jobs through said. “She’s an appropriate ambassador dedicated and small business start-up loans for Fernie.” consistend board — announced that Fernie local Despite over a decade of commitment member.” Gayle Taylor had been nominated to CFEK, Taylor said she was not volunteer of the year. expecting this recognition. Mike Guarney “Gayle was a very dedicated and “This was a total surprise,” she Community Futures East consistent board member,” CFEK noted. “It’s a very rewarding position Kootenay Chair Chair Mike Guarney said of the to be in and I really enjoyed it.” recently retired volunteer. “She’s Director Andrea Labin has since very well informed and brought replaced Taylor. current information about what was going on in

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

Local Gayle Taylor was nominated volunteer of the year by Community Futures East Kootenay Submitted photo

As we reflect on this past year’s successes and accomplishments, we wish you and your families a very safe and prosperous year in 2015!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

From our families to yours we wish you a

Merry Christmas & a safe Happy New Year.

Please don’t drink and drive. Mountain Mechanical ServiceS ltd. Sparwood - 743 Douglas Fir 250-425-6535 Elkford - 1 Front Street 250-865-4622 Cranbrook - 701 Industrial Road 1 250-426-7247

Silver Duke of Edinburgh award

Left to right: Olivia Roberts, Jodi Thompson and Kyra von Matt from the Elk Valley received the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award on November 22 in Trail with six other individuals from the Kootenays. The award was to be presented by the B.C. Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon, but she was unable to make the ceremony due to weather. The non-competitive program focuses on community volunteering, self improvement, discovery and self-reliance. Submitted photo

Proudly serving the Elk Valley for 88 years

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

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Cleaning for a reason program hits the Elk Valley Submitted

on to do her bi-weekly clean after the Cleaning for a Reason program had ended. Goldstar is now in its third year of Cleaning for a Reason. This past year, they provided assistance to four local women. Goldstar Owner Jill Barclay is proud to be

associated with Cleaning for a Reason and is looking forward to helping more women in the local community in 2015. “We have played an active role in the Fernie community since opening in 2003 and are always looking for ways to

give back,” Barclay said. If you feel you are eligible for Cleaning for a Reason’s services, or know someone who you would like to nominate, please visit www. cleaningforareason.org

ccording to the Canadian Cancer Society, an estimated 93,600 Canadian women have been diagnosed with cancer in 2014. For many women, the battle against cancer is an all consuming one that impacts every aspect of their lives. Sparwood resident Sheila Whittingham was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April, 2012. After several rounds of chemotherapy, Sheila underwent surgery in July. While going through treatment and recovering from surgery, the last thing When you get cozy with a TELUS Satellite TV and Internet bundle. that Sheila and her husband wanted to worry about was the housework. “I found I was falling behind on things like vacuuming,” Sheila explained. “I had no strength to do the cleaning myself, my husband was already stressed from the ordeal we were going through together and as we found out, having cancer is extremely expensive, so we didn’t want to get [pay for] cleaning.” She went on to say, “I heard about Cleaning for a Reason from a friend who was also going through cancer treatment. I had my doctor write me a letter, send it down to the head office in Texas and a few weeks later, the Goldstar team was at my home organizing my first clean.” Cleaning for a Reason is a nonprofit organization, serving the United States Get a FREE 40" Samsung Smart TV when you and Canada. They sign up for TELUS Satellite TV and Internet for 3 years. partner with cleaning companies to offer professional house cleanings to help women undergoing treatment for cancer of any type. Through the foundation, Goldstar donates their time to women in need who receive two cleans a month over a fourmonth period. “Cleaning for a Reason was the Call 310-MYTV (6988), go to telus.com/snuggleup or visit your TELUS store. best thing to come out of my cancer,” Whittingham said. TELUS STORE OR AUTHORIZED DEALER “It’s been fabulous.” Whittingham was Cranbrook 101 Kootenay St North 717 Industrial Rd 2 so happy with the Tamarack Centre available until December 31, 2014, to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS Satellite TV or Internet in the past 90 days. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. TELUS reserves the right to modify channel lineups services she received 1.andOffer packaging, and regular pricing without notice. Cannot be combined with other offers. HDTV-input-equipped television required to watch HD. A retail value of $689, based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, plus a 2 year extended warranty, provincial government eco fees and shipping. TELUS reserves from Goldstar that she the right to substitute an equivalent or better product without notice. A cancellation fee applies for early termination of the service agreement. The cancellation fee will be the value of the promotional gift received in return for your term commitment, multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term (with month counting as a full month), divided by the total number of months in the term, plus applicable taxes. If you have chosen free PVR and digital box rental, an additional cancellation fee applies and will be $10 multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term. Rental equipment must be returned decided to keep them ainpartial good condition upon cancellation of service, otherwise the replacement cost will be charged to the account. TELUS, the TELUS logo, telus.com and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. Samsung and the Samsung logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung

Snuggle up to a FREE TV.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 18, 2014

www.thefreepress.ca

Ghostrider Trading’s Christmas tree wins

value. “It makes me really happy and sometimes it’s tough because we have such a huge window,” hostrider Trading Company’s window said Ghostrider Trading Co. owner and window display was creator Sonya Erzinger. deemed the “We have to combine most festive this week. what theme they come up “We have to combine what The Fernie Chamber with and then also put theme they come up with and of Commerce stopped our product out there. But then also put our product out by local businesses on I’m so pleased to hear we there. But I’m so pleased to hear Monday evening as won!” we won.” part of their annual Second place — $150 Window Judging cash prize and a quarter Sonya Erzinger Competition. This page ad — was awarded Ghostrider Trading Co. owner and year’s theme was “Oh to Freyja and the clothing window creator Christmas Tree.” store’s creative green high The Ghostrider heel-adorned tree. Trading Co. came out Rounding out the best on top, winning $300 in window displays was the Arts Co-Op, the cash and a half page ad in The Free Press — a $500 business received $120 cash and 1/8 page ad. By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

The Ghostrider Trading Company’s window display won the annual Fernie Chamber of Commerce Window Judging Competition this year. Owner and window creator Sonya Erzinger stands in front of the store.

Photos by S. Kucharski

R DE K Ho liday Hours Fernie Transfer Station

(Regular Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm Mon to Fri and 10:00am - 4:00pm Sat and Sun)

December 24 December 25 December 26 December 31 January 1

9:00am to 3:00pm Closed 9:00am to 5:00pm 9:00am to 3:00pm Closed

Sparwood Transfer Station

(Regular Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Saturday)

December 24 December 25 & 26 December 27 December 31 January 1 January 2

9:00am to 3:00pm Closed 9:00 am to 5:00pm 9:00 am to 3:00pm Closed 9:00am to 5:00pm

Elkford Transfer Station

(Regular Hours: 9:30am - 3:30pm Tues, Weds, Thurs and Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm Saturday)

Christmas is here! It’s a time for joy, love, and togetherness. And it’s the perfect chance for us to say, “We’re proud to serve you!”

December 24 December 25 & 26 December 31 January 1 January 2-3

9:30am to 3:00pm Closed 9:30am to 3:00pm Closed 9:30am to 3:30pm

RDEK Cranbrook Office

(Regular Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm)

Merry Christmas from the staff at

Rosenau Transport Phone: 250-425-7858 Toll Free: 1-800-557-3464 After Hours: 250-433-1363

December 24 December 25 & 26 December 31 January 1

8:30am to 3:00pm Closed 8:30am to 3:00pm Closed

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