Columbia Valley Pioneer, November 25, 2021

November 25, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 47

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

November 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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November 25, 2021

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The BC fruit season is over, but we have a year-round fruit and vegetable produce section, in our new addition.

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November 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Don’t panic buy: Columbia Valley food supply chain is fine

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Don’t panic: headlines elsewhere in British Columbia about how the flooding and mudslides have disrupted supply chains and left grocery store shelves empty of food and other essentials do not apply in the Columbia Valley. Here the supply chain is connected to Alberta, not to the coast, the shelves are full and you don’t need to go right now and buy several dozen packages of toilet paper rolls.

“No, no shortages at all. All of our stock, except for a few import items comes from a warehouse in Calgary,” Invermere Sobey’s assistant store manager Braden Schager told the Pioneer on Friday, Nov. 19. “And it’s a 1.3 million square foot warehouse, so there is a lot in there.

A lot.”

Most of the food items coming into that warehouse come from further east in Canada or come up from the U.S. added Schager.

“If we were pulling our stock from Vancouver it might be a different story, but we don’t and it’s not. There may be a few super specific import items or some seafood

items we may not be able to get, but nobody’s going to go hungry,” he said. “The only way it could theoretically become an issue here is if people made it an issue, if they panic and decided to start hoarding, taking more than their fair share.”

It was the same scenario at AG Valley Foods.

“All our major suppliers come from Alberta, so at this point we haven’t been affected,” Valley Foods co-owner Sydney-Anne Porter told the Pioneer. “We really just want people to stay calm, and so far, so good. This issue is out on the Lower Mainland, not here.

Sometimes our location has disadvantages, but in this instance, it’s an advantage and we’ve haven’t really been affected. People here also haven’t been panic buying, like when COVID-19 hit. That is what could create a problem, but we haven’t seen that in our store. Hopefully our valley remains calm.”

Photo by Nathália Rosa on Unsplash

Continued on page 4...

Post office turmoil in Radium Ugly new post boxes and need to show ID leave locals disgruntled Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com There’s been more than the mail going postal at the Radium post office lately. The new post office boxes and a new hard line on showing identification when picking up parcels and packages have ruffled feathers and led to some disgruntled comments around the village.

While the issues may seem minor to big city dwellers, residents of rural areas such as the Columbia Valley take their mail seriously: it’s a delivery and com Photo by Haley Grinder munications lifeline to an outside world Radium Post Office that can otherwise often seem distant and with residents’ post offices can be a fraught business inaccessible. As rural postmasters across Canada have learned, often to their chagrin, messing with peril.

No surprise then that the functional-yet-decid-

edly unaesthetic new post boxes plunked down outside the Radium post office have created a stir. Or that post office’s staff insistence on ID has not gone over smoothly with all Radium residents.

The new post office boxes came because as Radium has grown recently, it has developed a considerable waiting list for post office boxes. Several weeks ago, the new boxes arrived, with Canada Post cementing them in rows on either side of the entrance to the post office.

Continued on page 15...

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, Nov. 15 through Nov. 21, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 81 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

• On Tuesday, Nov. 16, a resident of Panorama discovered someone had gone through his unlocked vehicle and stole a Dell laptop computer and a Canon D6 camera. The theft occurred sometime during the previous night.

• On Wednesday, Nov. 17, a resident in Radium Hot Springs reported someone had accessed their shed and stole a number of DVD’s, clothes and a Wii gaming console. An officer attended the scene and seized evidence for forensic examination.

• On Wednesday, Nov. 17, a white Ford F350 was reported stolen from a parking lot in the industrial area of Invermere. On Thursday, Nov. 18, Columbia Valley RCMP members located the stolen truck on a property near Dry Gulch. An adult male was detained for investigation of the stolen truck and arrested on outstanding warrants. The man was held in custody and released before a Judge the following day.

• On Thursday, Nov. 18, at about 8 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a motor vehicle incident on Highway 93 near Kootenay Crossing in KooContinued ‘groceries’ from page 3...

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November 25, 2021

Porter’s sentiment was echoed by Invermere mayor Al Miller.

“Locally, in the Columbia Valley, we are in good shape, and there’s no reason for anybody to be panic buying. Buy what you need for the week, as you normally do. It’s when some people decide to start hoarding that we could run into problems,” Miller said.

“And when we have something like we had a week or so ago, when Kootenay National Park is temporarily closed, keep in mind that it’s not the end of the world. It won’t break any supply chains. People just need to be a little calmer, a little more level-headed, and perhaps a bit more prepared for that.”

tenay National Park. An officer arrived to find a commercial transport truck had jackknifed and was obstructing traffic. The truck was towed from the highway and traffic was allowed to proceed.

• On Saturday, Nov. 20, at about 11 p.m., an officer noticed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 93/95 near Windermere. The officer conducted a traffic stop with the driver and read a mandatory roadside breath demand. The driver complied with the demand and provided two breath samples, both of which resulted in fails. As a result, the driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30-days.

• On Sunday, Nov. 21, at about 2:30 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP members were advised by Golden RCMP that a stolen F150 was spotted travelling south on Highway 95. Shortly after 5 p.m., officers located the stolen truck on Highway 93/95 near Fairmont Hot Springs.

The Columbia Valley officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop with the truck and the driver fled from police.

The decision was made not to pursue the truck out of concern for public safety. Later in the evening, the officers located the stolen truck at a business in Fairmont Hot Springs and, following a search of the area, located the female driver. The adult female was arrested for possession of stolen property and held in custody to be brought before a judge.

Miller was ironically stuck in Vancouver when he spoke to the Pioneer on Monday, Nov. 22. He had gone there with family for a medical appointment and then been stranded when the flooding and mudslides hit.

“The roads closed behind us,” he said. “But we’re fine. We just have to wait longer to come back to the valley. A lot of people have been much more deeply affected than that. It is interesting to see here that the grocery store shelves are a bit light on some items.

There seem to be some people here in Vancouver that are succumbing to panic buying. And of toilet paper again, of all things, as it was during COVID-19. I’m very glad to hear there’s no panic buying in the valley.”

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November 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

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Kinsmen Beach

Pioneer file photo

Resident warns overcrowded bay needs attention

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioner.com An Invermere resident concerned about crowded conditions at Kinsmen Beach and Taynton Bay — particularly the issue of too many boats in close proximity to swimmers and paddlers — pressed the district council again to take action.

Avy Nicholson had first met with Invermere mayor Al Miller this summer then written a letter to council, outlining the issues at the iconic beach that she feels require urgent attention. Council had received this initial letter and discussed the matter during a council meeting earlier this fall, and the Pioneer had reported their comments in the next edition of the newspaper. Nicholson, clearly unhappy with the response of council members to her concerns, has written a second letter, which was received by council and discussed during its Tuesday, Nov. 9 meeting.

“My neighbours and myself feel that council is taking the easy way out and really do not see it as a concern,” wrote Nicholson in the letter.

Nicholson took issue with comments made previously by Invermere councillor Gerry Taft, who had said there was value in having people able to get on and off their boats at Kinsmen Beach. Nicholson noted that there was once a boat ramp in the bay that was taken out to discourage overcrowding of boats.

Too many boats in the swimming area making it dangerous for anyone using the bay,” she wrote.

Nicholson encouraged the district to

liaise with the federal government (various branches of which have the lion’s share of jurisdiction over the waters of Taynton Bay) to deal specifically with buoys and boats access. She also suggested the district request more RCMP water and park enforcement to deal with what she termed “excessive partying, drugs and alcohol consumption and public urination.”

She also noted that the bay had an unusual “sloughy smell” this summer and many weeds growing in parts of the bay where they normally do not.

“Foresight is much better than hindsight and once this area is destroyed there will not be a ‘gem’ in our town,” wrote Nicholson.

“It is certainly a concern,” said Invermere chief administrative officer, Andrew Young, at the council meeting, mentioning that he would be happy to follow up and meet Nicholson, but adding “I don’t believe the statement she has made, that council has taken the easy way out.”

Invermere mayor Al Miller pointed to the complicated jurisdiction over the water of Lake Windermere, including Taynton Bay, and said “we would need support,” but vowed the district would follow up.

Nicholson is not the first resident to raise concerns about the crowded conditions at Kinsmen Beach and Taynton Bay, creating the potential for a horrific accident, with multiple residents citing the issue over the past half-decade, and with Invermere resident Christine Shaw writing a similar letter to council on just that topic a year ago.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Severe weather

November 25, 2021

Historical Lens

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com British Columbia received a serious wake-up call from Mother Nature this year.

As heavy rains pounded southern B.C. on Monday, Nov. 15, entire cities and towns were forced to evacuate, major highways were washed out, and many communities became separated from the rest of the province because of mudslides and debris flows. Parts of the region have seen as much as 252 millimetres of rain in just two days, leading the province to declare a state of emergency.

A few months ago, Canadians suffered under extreme conditions during the early summer heat dome that killed more than 600 people and the ensuing wildfires.

These increasingly frequent and severe weather events are further ringing of the alarm bells sounded by the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change back in August 2021, which stated that unless actions are taken to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, Canada could see more extreme weather events and disruption its food supply as an outcome of climate change.

Extreme weather events have shocked us more than once. And again, with the recent extreme rain, we have seen that our cities are still not adapting to this new reality. A new report from the University of Waterloo highlights that Canadian cities’ grade on flood preparedness is still rated at C+ in 2020 as it was back in 2015 according to eight criteria - including flood risk assessment, land use planning and public health and safety, to list a few.

Another challenge that comes with these events is how people react to them. Many grocery stores were found emptied following catastrophic flooding reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the shortages are as much down to panic buying as disrupted supply chains. The province appealed to customers to avoid hoarding (see story on p. 3 about the food supply situation in Invermere).

But there’s another side to the story: During a natural disaster like the heavy rains of last week, social media makes us spectators to acts of kindness. Countless stories were shared many times, such as the one of a woman who ran out of diapers but eventually got some from a good samaritan, or people offering a place to stay for the night, or sharing food, water and blankets from car to car on the highways while stuck for hours.

So while our political leaders may not take action (at least not enough), and our cities level of adaptation preparedness will not change (at least not quickly), our neighbours, friends and our community will always stand together, ready to help and share when the time of need is there.

Bill Harrison, Stan Harrison, Llyod Watkins, Dud Harrison, Leonard Cobb, Hector Mitchell and Harold Harrison standing on a deck. They all went to school in Brisco Schoolhouse that is now located at the museum in Invermere.

C1923, 1980, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Emergency communications Dear Editor: The Committee to Secure Emergency Communications has been advocating for emergency communications service in Kootenay National Park (KNP) since 2017. With the Kicking Horse Canyon Project requiring the rerouting of traffic from the TransCanada, the Committee was finally successful in achieving our goal. Last spring Parks Canada agreed to install four emergency satellite phones along highway 93 in KNP. However, to date, fulfilment of this commitment has yet to be realized.

Given the horrendous situation that took place on Highway 93 Sunday, Nov. 14, it is imperative that action be taken by Parks Canada and the Kicking Horse Canyon Project to address safety concerns of the trav-

elling public in KNP. Included in these actions should be the following: 1. The remaining three emergency satellite phones be installed immediately with signage on the highway indicating their location.

2. A communications plan be implemented to ensure the public is aware of emergency communications facilities in KNP. 3. A protocol be developed for Parks Canada staff to effectively respond to calls from the emergency communications phones in KNP. Colleen Roberts, Director, Committee to Secure Emergency Communications Facilities in KNP Windermere

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Robert W. Doull, President and Publisher, Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

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Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext. 102

Camille Aubin Editor Ext. 106

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Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Ext. 107

Lerissa McLaughlin Sales Representative Ext. 103

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader.

This publication has been made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada and the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

November 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com or visit our website at www. columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 1008-8th Avenue. Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party

letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers.

No attachments, please. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

Radium discusses idling issue Council members favour education and signs over bylaw as way to reduce vehicle idling

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Radium council discussed the idea of a no-idling bylaw during a recent council meeting, but opted to take an educational approach to the issue rather than a bylaw approach.

The conversation was sparked by a request for such a bylaw from Radium resident Alice Breeze.

“I’m not sure if an anti-idling bylaw is truly enforceable,” said Radium councillor Tyler McCauley, adding that he thinks putting up ‘no idling’ signs around the village might have more impact, in terms of reducing idling, than a bylaw would.

Radium bylaw officer Kent Kebe, in attendance at the meeting, concurred with McCauley that “it would be very difficult to enforce effectively.”

Councillor Dale Shudra asked what other communities in the Kootenay are doing about idling. Radium chief administrative officer, Mark Read, responded that Invermere does have a no-idling by-

law, but that he was unsure about other regional municipalities.

Radium mayor Clara Reinhardt suggested that the village ask Invermere about its bylaw, how it is enforced, whether or not Invermere issues tickets to those who idle their vehicles, and how many idling complaints Invermere gets.

“There does come a time when it seems that it (idling) is out of control,” added Reinhardt, noting that she’s observed visiting snowmobilers start up their trucks, leave them idling while they go into a hotel for breakfast, and then come out an hour and a half later, then drive up Forster Creek Road.

“That is an issue,” said Reinhardt, but indicated she was not in favour of creating a bylaw as a means to deal with it.

She suggested instead that the village work with accommodators to educate visitors to reduce or eliminate idling and that putting up signs, as McCauley suggested, would be helpful.

“That’s where I’d like to go with this,” she said.

Recycle BC temporarily suspending collection of glass and styrofoam packaging Submitted by Nathan Siemens RDEK Due to the widespread flooding in BC, Recycle BC is temporarily suspending the collection of glass and foam packaging effective immediately.

“With highways compromised due to closures and rebuilding, and the primary glass end market currently recovering from damage caused by the flooding we are unable to move glass and foam packaging from our collection facilities to be recycled,” says Kevin Paterson, RDEK Manager of Environmental Services. “The situation is changing quickly and at this time we are unsure how long this change will be in place.”

The materials that are affected by

this suspension of service are non-deposit glass bottles and jars as well as foam packaging (both white and coloured). The RDEK is asking residents to not take glass or foam packaging to any of the region’s Recycle BC Depots (Invermere, Kimberley, Cranbrook, Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford transfer stations) at this time.

“If possible, hold on to your glass and foam packaging until collection of these materials resumes,” adds Paterson.

The collection of paper, cardboard, containers and soft plastics will continue at all of the RDEK’s Recycle BC depots.

The RDEK thanks the public for their understanding and patience during this time.

Applications for assistance in the 2021 season are now available Applications must be completed and received no later than December 7, 2021. They can be picked up and dropped off at Family Dynamix, Ministry of Children & Families, the Canal Flats’ Food Bank, Akisqnuk and Shuswap band offices or apply online at

christmasbureaucv.ca

Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley, Box 2595, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

LET US HAMMER OUT THE DETAILS

N E W S PA P E R

FOR ALL YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS, CALL 250-341-6299

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PR PR OO EC C F O AU OV F V TIO ID S

BY ACC NS AFE AT INA ARE TY AT TIO IN TE N P ND IS LA EE RE CE S. QU IRE D

Saturday, December 4th - 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, December 5th - 10 am to 4 pm At the Invermere Legion For information call 250-688-0640

8th Annual

An Outdoor Evening of Commemoration and Remembrance

December 9th, 2021 at 6:30 pm $10 per name This year’s Tree of Lights will be held in your community at: Invermere: Healing Garden at Columbia House Radium: Outside the Village Office Fairmont: Outside the Lion’s Den Canal Flats: Outside the Discovery Centre

Please find your Tree of Lights forms around your communities, or you can register online at hospicesocietycv.com Please deliver completed forms by December 2nd to the Invermere Hospice Office: Unit 103, 926 7th Ave. (Frater Landing), Invermere, BC

Special Thanks to our Tree of Lights Sponsors

778-526-4143 • hospicesocietycv.com DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

2022 SCHEDULE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL The District of Invermere Council meets regularly throughout the year on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Columbia Valley Centre (646 – 4th Street, Invermere).

January 11th & 25th

July 12th

February 8th & 22nd

August 9th

March 8th & 22nd

September 27th

April 12th & 26th

October 11th & 25th

May 10th & 24th

November 8th & 22nd

June 14th & 28th

December 13th

Agendas are posted on our website www.invermere.net prior to the meetings.

November 25, 2021

Chamber’s business excellence awards back in person

share of economic hard times. The Pioneer asked Bourke what the nominees and recipients of each category have in common that helps them thrive, and Bourke replied: It’s been a while since members of the Columbia “This year, resiliency for sure but also a demonstrated Valley Chamber of Commerce could gather as a group commitment to our community and region. They also to celebrate. Two full years, to be exact, which might ex- clearly have support from our valley given the incredibly plain why local business owners and employees seemed warm nomination comments that were put forward.” a bit more exuberant than Every category had five normal at the 22nd annual shortlisted nominees but edition of the Business Exonly one award recipient. cellence Awards 2021, held The winners STW Builders on Thursday, Nov. 18.

(Innovation) ; The Station “We were thrilled to Pub (Community Builder) bring people together again ; CBEEN (Non-profit/Asafter having to cancel last sociation of the Year) ; True year (due to the COVID-19 Key Hotels & Resorts (Outpandemic),” said Columbia standing Workplace of the Valley Chamber of ComYear) ; Valley Hawk Securimerce (CVCC) executive ty (Outstanding Customer director Pete Bourke. “The Service), Groundswell Netevent ran for roughly three work Society (Sustainable hours, starting with cock- Groundswell Network Society (Sustainable Practices) Practice) ; Kyla Lam – Astail-style networking for the pire Professional Corporafirst hour, award presentation (Emerging Business tion for the next hour, then Person of the Year) ; Justin more networking for those Atterbury, of Taynton Bay who wished to stay longer.”

Spirits and Rocky River The Annual Business Grill (Business Person of Excellence Awards are a recthe Year) ; Smokehouse 93 ognition event organized by (New Business of the Year) the CVCC. Over the past ; Main Street Fun & Games two months, the CVCC (Business of the Year, with encouraged the communi1-10 employees): Ullr Bar ty to nominate individuals (Business of the Year with and organizations deserv11-30 employees) ; Joe’s No ing of recognition among CBEEN (Non Profit Association of the Year) Frills (Business of the Year 10 award categories. An with 40+ employees) ; and external committee of eight Rhiannon Tutty (Chamber representatives from multiMember of the Year). ple sectors and communi“We had some amazing ties between Spillimacheen sponsors who supported us and Canal Flats to reviewed this year, including Avenue nominations for all categoModern Clothing, who ries and selected the winsponsored the Red Carpet ners. portion of the evening. We More than 360 canalso added a bonus award, didates were nominated, Chamber Member of the encompassing local busiYear, which is selected from nesses and organizations our current board of diof all types and sizes, from Kyla Lam – Aspire Professional Corporation (Emerging rectors and chosen by the non-profits that are run Business Person of the Year) Photos by Jaybird production Chamber Team. Oso Simentirely by volunteers to ple did a fabulous job of resorts with hundreds of employees, and everything in providing live music before and after the awards portion between. Recipients do not need to be a member of the of the evening,” said Bourke. “A very special thank you Chamber, and Bourke outlined that the event is to cele- to the staff and board of directors from the Columbia brate the valley hard-working business community.

Valley Chamber for all their time spent making this an During the summer months in the valley, when the incredible event. A big thank you to all of our sponsors valley’s streets, parks, and beaches are crammed with vis- and to our host venue Copper Point Resort for all that itors, it is easy to forget that this area experiences it’s fair they contributed.”

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com

November 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Wild and Scenic Film Festival returns to the valley ticipation: in-person at the Columbia Valley Centre at 7 p.m., live-streamed from home at the same time, or a 5-day video-on-demand option. In person attendees were required to prove their double vaccination status in order to abide by COVID-19 safety protocols.

inspire audiences to act on behalf of our big, blue planet,” says Kat Graves, Climate Change and Resilience Coordinator for Wildsight Invermere.

Being as the event is Wildsight Invermere’s annual fundraiser, they also hosted a silent auction with 28 items that showcase the Columbia Valley’s outdoor-focused and artistic community. Available both online and in person, attendees had the opportunity to bid on items such as a two-person lazy river paddles donated by Columbia River Paddle, guided climbs up to Chisel Peak from East Kootenay Mountain Guides, and two-nights accommodation at Juniper Hotel in Banff and Paintbox Lodge in Canmore. Donations for the auction ranged in value from $60 to $480.

Door prizes were also gifted to both live-stream and in person attendees. Wildsight stressed their appreciation for those that made the event possible. Their visionary sponsors were Cleanline Automotive, Columbia Valley Law, Invermere Liquor Store, thinkBright Homes.

Catalyst sponsors were Collective Carpentry, Columbia Basin Trust, Copper City Physical Therapy, Invermere Photo by Pat Morrow Optometry Clinic; and Leader sponsors are Basecamp “Through the power of film, the event celebrates the Innovations, Copper City Dental, Juniper Heights Healbeauty and wonder of our natural world and hopes to ing, Silver Fern Acupuncture + Herbal Clinic.

By Haley Grinder Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival returned to Invermere last weekend on Saturday, Nov. 20. The festival, led by Wildsight Invermere, boasted the showing of 10 short films in an innovative way: virtually and in person.

Although a unique format this year, the event marks its eighth annual film festival, with environmental stories being told from locations far and wide, such as Antarctica, Russia, Rwanda, Tuvalu, Norway, and Florida. There was also a tribute to the province itself with one B.C. based documentary highlighting the decrease of salmon spawning through Vancouver creeks and the efforts that are being made to ensure their safe return.

Main themes present within the films were of climate change action, living life to the fullest, and an overall appreciation of the planet’s ecosystem, with an overarching awareness of Indigenous culture and consideration to the health and longevity of the Earth.

The festival offered three different methods of par-

Stay away from the lake as ice isn’t thick mediately. The ice is not strong enough where you fell in the water. Try to calm down and catch your breath. Turn towards the shore to face the direction you entered the ice. Support yourself on the broken ice, but do not put your weight on it. Kick your legs to try and bring your body to a horizontal with the water surface; Gently climb back up onto the ice, continuing to kick your legs; When you are back on the ice, crawl or roll away from the hole with your arms and legs as wide as possible to distribute

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com If the urge to walk on the lake takes you, think twice.

The ice is currently not thick enough to support a person’s weight, and probably won’t be for a long time to come.

Two people attempted to cross the bay of Lake Windermere between the arena to the other side in Windermere only to find themselves falling into the water 20 feet from shore.

“They fell through, we went out there and we threw a rope to them and we just walked them back,” said Invermere bylaw officer Mark Topliff of the incident that happened over the weekend. “They got probably 20 feet further from the bank, fell trough and started yelling. It was only up to their waists.”

According to the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) the minimum ice thickness for a person to go ice fishing should be at least four inches, fives inches for snowmachines, and between eight to 12 inches for cars.

According to the Red Cross here is what you should do if you find yourself in an emergency on the ice: Call for help; Resist the urge to get back on the ice im-

FALL

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your weight on the surface of the ice. Do not stand up!

Look for the shore with your eyes and make sure you crawl in the right direction.

Here’s what to do if you witness an accident on ice: The safest way is to rescue from shore. Call for help. Determine if you can get help quickly from trained first aid professionals (police, firefighters or paramedics) or bystanders. Check if you can reach the person with a long pole or a branch from the shore; if so, lie down and hold out the pole to the person. If you must go on the ice, bring a long pole or branch to check the thickness of the ice in front of you. Carry an object to reach or throw at the person such as a pole, a weighted rope, a heaving line or a tree branch.

As you approach the hole where the ice broke, lie down to distribute your weight and slowly crawl towards the hole. Still lying down, extend or throw the rescue device to the person; Ask the person to keep kicking their legs as you pull them towards you. Move the person to a safe place, on the shore or where you are sure the ice is solid. Call for help.

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2021 Welcome to the brand new two page spread, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce!

OUT OF OFFICE…

We will be coming to you every week featuring new entrepreneurs, local business legends, valuable opportunities for business operators, PLUS! Every event in the Valley that you should know about! Thanks to www.cvevents.ca Thanks for coming! Stay a while...

Valley Strong Boxes & Shop Local: The Latest Buzz

Valley Strong Boxes are on sale NOW! The best way to spread holiday cheer is buying Valley Strong boxes for those far and near… Right?

We are thrilled to announce that 24 local businesses are being featured in this year’s “Local Goods” and “Local Foods” boxes! Each box retails for a value of $150.00 and are all yours for $119.00! The boxes have everything from your favourite local coffee, cozy socks, holiday crafts, greeting cards, and treats (even fudge) for the whole family to enjoy. The best part is that they consist of local items from your favourite local businesses, making it the box of gifts that keeps on giving.

WHILE YOU CAN! They are the perfect gift for your neighbors, parents, friends, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, employers and coworkers both near and far (that’s right, we ship these out). Get yours: www.cvchamber.ca/valley-strong-box/

Shop Local You are doing a wonderful job of shopping local everyone! We are thrilled to announce that you have spent over $75,000 across the 53 registered busi-

nesses (and counting) in only 12 days!

Imagine what we can accomplish over an entire month? This campaign runs until December 12th so make sure you are registering your “Shop Local” purchases at www.valleystrong.ca (or finding one of our nifty QR codes around town). Registering your purchases = ballots in our weekly draws. Every week we are giving away 2 boxes and a bunch of cash to spend locally. Don’t miss out!

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November 25, 2021

cvevents cv events.ca .ca

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

scan me!

Thursday, November 25

Monday, November 29

• 10 am: Coffee with Invermere Council, Virtual. Contact the District of Invermere office at 250-342-9281 or email info@invermere.net to register!

• 4-8 pm: Shopping with the Rockies. Rockies players will help youth 12yrs and under shop for the holidays. Call or Text Diane Lapointe, Rockies Community Liason. 250688-5106 to register.

• 6 pm: Wild and Scenic Film Festival, Columbia Valley Centre. Ticket information: https://www.facebook.com/WildsightInvermere • 6- 9 pm: Ladies Night at Couture Beauty Lounge. Snacks, wine, and a treatment. $30 per person.

• Open until 8 pm: Downtown Invermere Late Night Shopping Prizes, specials, and more!

• 2:30 pm: Author Tea Time: Tony Berryman & Tom Davis, Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

Insights on how and why a suspenseful crime novel, a quirky chapter book, and a children’s story were all created in the Columbia Valley. Tickets ahead of time at www. columbiavalleyarts.com

Friday, November 26 • Eco-Dye Class, Columbia Lake Recreation Centre. Are you interested in learning how to create beautiful dyes using plants? Join us for this 1 1/2 day class that will show you how to extract the natural pigments and dyes from local, every day plants and materials. Register lillianrose363@gmail.com or call 250-342-1635 • 2- 6 pm: Art in the Park, Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Art in the Park has been invited indoors!

• 4- 8 pm: Holly Jolly Holiday Market, Columbia Valley Centre. Over 40 local vendors!

Free entry, proof of vaccine required upon entry.

• Columbia Valley Rockies vs Fernie Ghost Riders. 7:30 pm game time, doors open at 6:30pm. Doors close at 7:45, there will be no late entries or re-entries during the game. No exceptions.

Saturday, November 27 • 10-4 pm: Holly Jolly Holiday Market, Columbia Valley Centre. Over 40 local vendors!

Free entry, proof of vaccine required upon entry.

• 10 am: Art in the Park, Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Art in the Park has been invited indoors!

• 1-4 pm: Art Workshop: Clever Creatures in Clay, Pynelogs Cultural Centre Nov 27 & Dec 4 (2 class needed, to sculpt, dry, kiln & decorate). Ages 6 – 16, register online at www.columbiavalleyarts.com • 7 pm game time: Columbia Valley Rockies vs Golden Rockets. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Doors close at 7:45 pm. There will be no late entries or re-entries during the game. No exceptions.

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR IS POWERED BY

Tuesday, November 30 • 5:30 pm: Kootenay Teen Book Club, Virtual. This month’s pick is Kiky Hughes’s Displacement. Contact the Invermere Library for a copy of the book ASAP! • 8 pm: Virtual Free Adventure Smart Safety Series. Over two weeks, our upcoming events will welcome 12 special guests who will share their outdoor passions, mountain knowledge and have stories to tell that will help you learn, laugh and get informed. https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/7173831103049707279

Ongoing Events

Thursdays • 9 am: Thrift Store donation Drop Off. • 10 am: Parent and Tot Connect. Parent and Tot Connect program by Family Dynamix for children ages 0-6, starting September 21st. Pre Registration is required, contact Contact mferster@fdx.family or text 250-341-8678.

• 10:30-11:30 am: Drop-in Seniors Fitness Class at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 per class. Proof of vaccination required.

• 1:30 pm: OKO/Po-Keno. . $2 (plus some nickels) Senior’s Hall. Must be fully vaccinated • 3 pm: Youth Drop-In Fun. The Summit Youth Hub is back open for FREE after-school fun! Grades 7-12 are invited to come for free food, safe hang out areas, Friday skate nights, virtual reality, gaming computers and our music room! MASKS ARE MANDATORY.

Fridays

• 9-10:30 am: Momfit & Preschool Group at the Columbia Valley Centre. Proof of vaccination required for caregivers. Invermere Public Library Storytime to follow at 10:45 am.

• 10:30 am: Story Time with the Invermere Public Library. Story time will take place outside the library on the front lawn while the weather is nice! Join us for stories, songs and a take-home craft!

• Wing Day at the Edgewater Legion. Every Friday is Wing Day at the Edgewater Legion! 12 pm Take Out, 5pm Dine In! www.facebook.com/RCL199 or call 250-3479725.

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge. $2. Senior’s Hall, Must be fully vaccinated.

• 4-8 pm: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Every Friday and Saturday, Wings & Things, Pub Grub in the Branch.

• 5 pm: Magic the Gathering, Come for Friday Night Magic & play Magic the Gathering!

5:30 pm start. Entry: $10-40 depending on format. Call 250-342-3440 for details. No registration required, but space is limited. Ages 10+.

• 6 pm Rotary Community Bingo. Must be 19+ to play. Online live bingo games with the purpose to raise money for various community charities, organizations and businesses who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Choose to support a local Rotary Club with your ticket purchase!

• 7:30 pm: Beer League Hockey, Canal Flats. If you are interested in participating in a non-contact BEER league season please send us an email at badgershockey2019@ gmail.com and we can fill you in on the details. Carpooling from Invermere available.

Saturdays

• 4-8 pm: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Every Friday and Saturday, Wings & Things, Pub Grub in the Branch.

Sundays

• On Sundays and Mondays, the Rotary Club or Kinsmen Club collects refundable bottles and cans at the Invermere Transfer Station! We sort and deliver for refund - this money goes “right back into the community” through our Projects and Initiatives!!

• 1:30 pm: Crib. $2. Senior’s Hall. Must be fully vaccinated.

Mondays

• 10:30 am: Rhyme Time. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child under 2 years old, come and learn some fun songs, rhymes and stories with us! Email skalesnikoff@cbal. org for the Zoom link.

• 10:30-11:30 am: Drop-in Seniors Fitness Class at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 per class. Proof of vaccination required.

• 1:30 pm: Carpet Bowling. $2 Senior’s Hall Must be fully vaccinated.

• 6 - 9 pm LGBTQ+ and Allies Youth Group. LGBTQ+ and Allies are invited to attend the Summit Youth Hub’s weekly drop-in for youth. Every Monday, ages 12-18. Snacks + a safe space!

Tuesdays

• 10 am: Parent and Tot Connect. Family Dynamix will be running an indoor Parent and Tot Connect program for children ages 0-6, starting September 21st. Pre Registration is required, contact Contact mferster@fdx.family or text 250-341-8678 • 6-10 pm:Youth/Teen Drop in Fun - Invermere. NEW this year, the Summit Youth Hub is taking our youth centre on the road to Edgewater and Canal Flats! We will be bringing our mobile skate park, BBQ, tunes and so much more! This is where you can pick up your Summer Snack Pack too!

Wednesdays

• 10:30-11:30 am: Family Dynamix hosts a Catch-up Cafe for the Columbia Valley every Wednesday morning on ZOOM for those isolated and unable to get out as much because of Covid 19.Tricia at patkin@familydynamix.ca • 12:30 pm: $2 Duplicate Bridge. Senior’s Hall. Must be fully vaccinated • 4-5 pm: Sparks and Brownies For girls 5-7yrs. Meeting at Spiderweb park (west of the Invermere hospital) • 6 pm: Drop in Utimate Frisbee. JA Laird Sports Field. $20 registration fee for the season. Please bring cash or transfer to justin@justinkeitch.com • 6-8 pm Legion Legend Wednesday Dinners. Reservation by Saturday is required.

• 7 pm: Trivia Night at the Station Pub. $3/ person, max 6 people per team. No cell phones allowed! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

CVCHAMBER.CA/ OUTOFOFFICE

CONTACT US TODAY AND GET EYES ON YOUR NEXT EVENT

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2021

Indigenous reconciliation efforts inspire new legislation in B.C.

By Haley Grinder Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The B.C. government announced two new bills aimed at advancing reconciliation efforts and ensuring the safety of Indigenous human rights. The legislation amendments were introduced on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Bill 18 was tabled by David Eby, Attorney General, adding Indigenous identity as a protected ground against discrimination in the province’s Human Rights Code.

Eby also tabled Bill 29, which is an amendment to the Interpretation Act to clarify the protection of Indigenous people’s rights under section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, also known as a universal non-derogation clause.

The amendments were created by the province in collaboration with Indigenous representative organizations. The draft plan was in the works for over a year and released in June 2021 for further input, and the final action plan is projected for 2022.

“We know that the long-standing impacts of colonialism and systemic racism continue to affect Indigenous communities to this day,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, in a press release. “These legislative amendments add further protections to the rights of Indigenous Peoples in B.C. and help advance reconciliation in our province.”

As of now, although the protection of all is implied in the B.C. Human Rights Code, it does not explicitly

classify “Indigenous identity” as a protected ground from discrimination. These Bills will clarify the inclusion of Indigenous within the governmental system.

“The Interpretation Act amendments introduced today (Nov.17) are a critical step in supporting meaningful implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act,” said Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit Political Executive, in a press release. “This will require joint and strategic work to audit and update laws and regulations to bring them into alignment with Indigenous human rights standards. In particular, the critical work to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination against Indigenous Peoples is particularly pressing.”

B.C. joins forces with First Nations to improve climate

By Haley Grinder Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The province of B.C. is inviting First Nations peoples to join the conversation on new, clean-energy opportunities that ultimately will be used to combat climate change through reduced emissions.

The collaboration, deemed the Indigenous Clean Energy Opportunities (ICEO) engagement, is designed by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and the First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC), in partnership with the First Nations Leadership Council.

As climate change moves to the forefront of the minds of many, B.C. continues to advance many of its plans to ensure a low-carbon economy, including mov-

ing from fuel to clean sources (such as electrification) and analyzing energy efficiency. They’re also particularly interested in increasing accessibility for cleaner energy in remote communities, which is important in including more-isolated First Nations communities.

“The [ICEO] engagement provides an accessible forum for First Nations Peoples around the province to get involved in the important conversations we need to have about our shared clean-energy future,” says Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “It brings us together in the spirit of reconciliation with this tremendous opportunity to shift to a clean-energy future that addresses the challenges of climate change.”

A virtual workshop was held on Wednesday, Nov. 17, to raise awareness of the ICEO, discussing how

Indigenous peoples may benefit from participating in the engagement. The engagement is also an extension of the process of reconciliation, benefitting from First Nations longstanding respect for nature and the planet.

“First Nations are already leaders in demonstrating how clean energy must be one of the tools that moves us towards economic reconciliation with the Province of B.C. while reducing our carbon emissions and responding to the climate crisis,” says Regional Chief Terry Teegee for the B.C. Assembly of First Nations.

“We expect this new initiative will fully support energy sovereignty for our communities and ensure that any clean-energy development project recognizes and affirms our inherent and constitutionally protected Title, Rights and Treaty Rights, including the rights of sovereignty and jurisdiction.”

B.C. continues supporting Indigenous tourism

By Haley Grinder Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The province of B.C. is renewing their show of support for Indigenous tourism businesses with a second financial aid boost. The decision was announced on Tuesday, Nov. 16, by B.C.’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

Indigenous Tourism B.C. (ITBC) was granted $5 million in February earlier this year, creating the B.C. Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund. It will now delegate an additional $3 million to the cause.

B.C. says the Recovery Fund helps the continued success of Indigenous tourism businesses, such as lodges,

resorts, restaurants, outdoor adventure experiences, galleries, and gift shops through provided grants.

“These grants are reconciliation in action and support self-determination for Indigenous tourism businesses to showcase their territories, culture and people,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, in a press release. “Together with Indigenous Tourism BC, we are working to rebuild Indigenous-led tourism and return it to the thriving levels of growth we saw before the pandemic, resulting in a stronger future for everyone.”

The funds may be used by Indigenous business owners for staff wages, rent charges, and to keep the business running during the COVID-19 pandemic. With

over 480 Indigenous tourism businesses among the 203 First Nations in B.C., the sector was considered the fastest-growing part of the tourism industry pre-pandemic, generating $705 million in gross domestic output, and creating 7,400 opportunities for full-time employment.

“ITBC has worked hard with stakeholders and provided a support system for businesses to continue operating during the pandemic,” said Brenda Baptiste, Chair of Indigenous Tourism B.C., in the release. “We are extremely grateful for the partnerships and work that we do with the tourism industry and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.”

The intake date for the recovery grant has not been set, but ITBC is confident it will be in the weeks to come.

MNBC announces winners for Arts and Culture Project grant

By Haley Grinder Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The winners for the Nakaatchihtow (the Michif word for ‘skill’, pronounced nakatch-i-tow) Arts and Culture Project were announced earlier this month on Friday, Nov. 12. The contest was piloted by Métis Nation B.C. (MNBC) in an effort to strengthen Métis cultural visibility within B.C. communities.

MNBC announced the contest on Aug. 3, investing $175,000 to support Métis artists within the province. The grants range from $5000 to $30,000 to eligible applicants. The recipients are to complete two reports detailing budget expenses, invoices, and project plans.

Successful grant recipients are Kaija Heitland, Savanna Todd, John Bell, Earlene Bitterman, Lisa Shepard, Nevada Christianson, Erin Stagg, and Mia Yule and showcase projects such as a ribbon skirt teaching circle, a Métis fiddle making mentorship, a Métis themed podcast, and artistic murals, to name a few.

“Ensuring our Métis artists have the opportunity to create unique art, and new ways to express our culture, is a focus of Métis Nation BC moving forward,” says Minister of Culture, Heritage and Language Patrick Harriott in an MNBC press release. “Projects like the Naakatchihtow Arts and Culture Project Grant will help produce our next generation of knowledge keepers, which is important to the ongoing vitality of our Métis culture.”

November 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Canal Flats artist creates special Christmas card Card for bereaved people dealing with loss during holiday season will raise funds for Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley

Noting that “grief often outlasts sympathy,” Cartwright said the second Christmas without a loved one can be even harder than the first. “There Canal Flats artist Leslie Cartwright has created can be a huge rush of support from friends, fama Christmas card as a fundraiser to help the Hospice ily and acquaintances that first Christmas after Society of the Columbia Valley. This is no ordinary you lose somebody,” she said. “But then the world Christmas card, however, but one designed specifmoves on, and then that second Christmas becomes ically for people having a difficult time during the the first one you go through feeling totally alone.” holidays because they are dealing with the loss of a Cartwright expressed deep gratitude to the loved one.

Hospice Society for making her own journey The image on the card, which is a watercolour, through grief less lonely, adding that’s part of depicts a winter scene with footprints in a snowy the reason she wants to give back by making the field leading toward a distant solitary tree, with a Christmas card. full moon floating in a darkening evening sky be“It is a card you can send at Christmas time hind. Three large snowflakes also hang in the deep to those who have lost someone, with the message blue-black firmament, one of which doubles as a that the memory of those they’ve lost stays all year,” compass showing the cardinal directions.

Hospice Society board president Daneve McAffer Cartwright lost her brother-in-law to a tragic told the Pioneer. drowning accident in Canal Flats in summer 2020, The card is available for purchase at Lambert and when last Christmas arrived she wanted to send Kipp Pharmacy and Inspire Floral Boutique in Ina card to her family members, but couldn’t find an vermere, La Galleria II in Fairmont Hot Spring, appropriate one. and the Village Social in Canal Flats. A total of “It was looking all over. It felt callous to send 150 cards have been printed, with support from a regular Christmas card to people that I knew the Headwaters Arts Society in Canal Flats, and if weren’t having a Merry Christmas,” Cartwright told these all sell out, more can be printed. the Pioneer. “So I painted watercolour cards because “Christmas is one of the hardest times of the I wanted something very special, something that acyear for people who have lost a loved one,” said knowledges the loss.”

McAffer. “Hopefully, this card can help them.”

For Cartwright, the image has plenty of personMcAffer expressed gratitude to Cartwright and al meaning as well as universal meaning. The snowalso to the many other volunteers who help the flake compass is there because Cartwright’s brotherHospice Society make a difference. in-law loved compasses. And because “when you’re The Hospice Society will also be hosting its anbereaved, you’re lost. You have trouble finding your nual Hospice Tree of Lights ceremony on Thursway,” she said. The single track of footprints in the Columbia Valley Hospice Society Christmas card created by Leslie day, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Healing Garden Submitted photo in Invermere, as well as at the Discovery Centre snow indicates that “grief is lonely. It’s like slugging Cartwright through snow. It’s tough. If there ever was a path, in Canal Flats, on the deck at the Lions’ Club in it’s been covered over and it’s slippery. But yet the whole scene is peaceful,” explained Fairmont, and at the village office in Radium.

Cartwright. “The moon is there, because you’re always moving toward something People can purchase a light in memory of a loved one to put on the tree. The event bright. Even though you know you’ll never get to it, you can’t realistically reach it, you will be live streamed through the Hospice Society’s Facebook page. keep moving on that journey toward it.”

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Banff Mountain Film Festival is back!

Submitted by Penny Powers

The Banff Mountain Film Festival is once again taking the show on the road. Thanks to the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club (TCNC), it will be returning to Invermere, and not for only one screening but for two. Pick your date, either Sunday, Jan. 9 or Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, or join us both evenings. The annual screening brings mountain-inspired cinema to our area and it is the Nor-

banffmountainfestival.ca/tour

The World’s Best Mountain Films

dic Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds go toward the grooming and maintenance of the Lake Windermere Whiteway and the club’s junior programs.

The evening will feature approximately 2.5 hours of films, from four-minute shorts to longer features, selected by the Banff Mountain Film Festival for the World tour. Penny Powers, who helps coordinate the Invermere stop on the tour, says the films range from award winning snow sports to humour, environmental films, adventure pieces, mountain biking, climbing, hiking, base jumping, culture and inspirational movies… There is a pretty wide selection.

Tickets sell out every year. Due to COVID-19 regulations and reduced indoor capacity allowance, Powers suggests you pick up yours as soon as possible.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 30, and will be available at Crazy Soles. $25 for Toby Creek Nordic Club members; $30 for non-members.

Please check tobycreeknordic.ca for the schedule of films showing each evening Doors open at 5 p.m.; films start at 6 p.m. and run until approximately 9 p.m.

Pizza and salad will be served for an additional cost, and a cash bar will be available.

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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• Carpets dry in 1 hour • Environmentally friendly products • Disinfectant kills COVID-19 • Fresh clean scent – no steam • Area rugs and upholstery • Protector • 100% guarantee • Prompt reliable service Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information

Recycle? Yes or no?

Get the BC ReCYClepedia app

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Dale Elliott Contracting

25 years experience installing cabinets Custom Woodwork and Finishing Serving thewww.rcbc.ca Columbia Valley for over 40 years.

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098 Recycling council of B.c.

MeMBeR PHARMACY

LAMBERT-KIPP

PHARMACY (2019) LTD.

Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Émilie Lamoureux, Pharm D., Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

Open Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

SHUTTER BUGS WELCOME We love a good photo submission. If you have a snapshot to share, email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

November 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

While getting the new boxes was welcome, the state they were in — dented, scratched, dirty, and otherwise clearly well used in a previous incarnation — and their location — right outside and perpendicular to the door — has raised more than a few eyebrows.

“They really do look as though Canada Post pulled them out of the bottom of an old storage bin,” Radium mayor Clara Reinhardt told the Pioneer.

Indeed some Radium residents have suggested on social media that the federal postal agency appears to have salvaged the new boxes from the dump.

Putting them in rows extending from the post office door was perhaps not the best idea either, added Reinhardt.

“It does make for a more narrow entrance way. You kind of do sometimes feel like you’re running the gauntlet,” said Reinhardt, pointing out that this is less than ideal during a pandemic in which people are supposed to maintain social distance as much as possible.

Reinhardt called Canada Post to raise concerns before eventually turning to Kootenay Columbia MP Rob Morrison for help. Shortly thereafter, Canada Post reached out to Reinhardt.

“They acknowledged that they are in fact very short of boxes,” she told the Pioneer, adding the agency has committed to sending a Canada Post superintendent up to assess the situation.

Hopefully, at the very least, as an interim measure, Canada Post can polish up the boxes or use decals to make them a little more easy on the eye, said Reinhardt.

The other issue — that of identification — stems from a number of factors, explained Reinhardt. To start with, rural people such as Valley residents often get blasé about following minor rules, such as Canada Post’s country wide requirement to show ID when collecting parcels.

“It’s a small town, you get to know people, so the staff relax a bit about the rules, and then the residents get used to that,” she said. “But Radium’s post office, other post offices recently, has had staffing issues, so there are a fair number of new staff. At the same time, Canada Post

has recently been more firm about the need to show ID. That’s everywhere, not just in Radium. But in our community, it’s created a situation in which people have been getting a bit more grumpy than they ought to, and there have been a few altercations.”

Reinhardt has suggested to Canada Post to put a sign in the door of its Radium post office reminding residents that everyone must present ID. Doing so would avoid having people wait for a considerable amount of time in line only to get to the front counter and find out they can’t collect their parcel because they don’t have identification, she explained, adding this particular happenstance seems to be one that gets people particularly riled up.

“The staff at the Radium post office are doing a great job. We need to keep in mind they are doing their best and that they have to work within the system,” said Reinhardt. “A little extra bit of patience and understanding goes a long way. And please bring your ID when you come to pick things up.

INSURANCE

INSURANCE

SERVICES

Continued ‘post office’ from page 3...

HERE TO SERVE YOU Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031

P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

SERVICES

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

• A well maintained septic system • Complete sewer/drain repairs should be pumped every 2-3 years • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Avoid costly repairs • Speedy service – 7 days a week

Fraser Elrick • 250-688-1271

141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

Judy: (250) 341-1903

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking and more!

Bob: (250) 341-5014

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

• Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

Scott Postlethwaite

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

915 7th Avenue, Unit B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663

HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman 4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1

Ph: 250-688-ROLL (7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS to the Radium Blessings Thrift Store! You are a welcoming non-discriminatory store to shop at!

Cheers to our neighbor Julie M. For doing an amazing Christmas display.

Cheers to Nicole at Girlfriend’s Boutique for the amazing customer service. You are awesome!

Cheers to CV Metis Association for looking after your Citizens.

The COVIID Relief Assistance has been a life saver. Much appreciated!

Cheers to Blair of Club Towing & Heavy Recovery Ltd. who was out on the 93 in the Park for 24 hours straight towing stuck trucks on Nov. 14th Cheers: What a surprise to go for a nice lunch at Huckleberry’s only to find that a stranger paid for your meal. Cheers to Wally for your kindness. We enjoyed our lunch even more.

S OBITUARY S Statham, Bill 1954 – 2021

With sadness we announce the passing of Bill Statham of Lethbridge Alberta, formerly of Invermere B.C. Beloved husband of Milena Statham, Bill passed away peacefully at St. Michaels Palliative Care in Lethbridge AB on November 13, 2021 at the age of 67 years. He fought a four year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis (scarring of the lungs). Although this disease took his life, we are comforted knowing that he is free of pain and suffering that he is now rejoicing with the angels.

Bill was born in Invermere B.C. to James and Margaret Statham on April 22, 1954. He was the third of 7 children. Gary, Glen, Bill, Shirley, Tom, Marjorie & Bruce. He had a happy upbringing at the Upper Ranch in Radium. He enjoyed horseback riding, so range riding one summer for the forestry was a highlight of his early years. He loved the outdoors and all the activities it offered. Fishing, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, skidooing, motorcycle riding and much more.

He began his gas fitting career with Fording Coal in Elkford, B.C in 1975 and retired in 2011 after 36 years.

Bill and Milena were married in 1979 and made their home in Elkford. At his passing, they were married just shy of 42 years.

In 1981 they welcomed their wonderful daughter Sonya who was married in 2016 to Keith Hamming. The family expanded with the addition of two grandsons, Joshua in 2009 and Jesse in 2013. They were the joy of his life.

November 25, 2021

P ioneer C lassifieds CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

Cheers to Crystal and Mike at CDL for remembering their faithful clients. Your staff are very busy with new construction and reno projects, but Cheers for accommodating our tiny job. Special Cheers to craftsman Mark for meeting our schedule.

We will continue to recommend CDL.

Loud Cheers for The Columbia Valley Rockies hockey team!

Great to have our local team playing very well and exciting the fans. Homes games have been a fabulous time for everyone to re-visit with friends we haven’t seen for months.

Special Cheers to the many, many volunteers. Go Rockies!

Cheers to Monica Fisher and your kindness. It means a lot.

Huge Cheers to the all the coaches and volunteers that made the U9 Rockies Home Tournament a success- WAY TO GO!

S OBITUARY S Dodge, Joan Elizabeth (nee Webber)

November 24, 1931 – November 11, 2021 Joan passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 11, 2021, in Invermere, B.C. at the age of 89.

Joan was born in Digby, Nova Scotia, daughter of the late William & Nina Webber. She ventured to the city of Halifax as a young graduate, where she met her future husband, Bruce Hewitt. He was a leading seaman in the Navy. Bruce and Joan had three children and later moved to B.C. When Joan felt the calling for home, and they moved back to Kentville, Nova Scotia.

She later attended Business College and obtained a position of private secretary for the Dean of Music at Acadia University, Wolfville, N.S. Joan later remarried her second husband Mac Dodge who was a talented musician, they settled further down the valley in Middleton, N.S., where they resided for 34 years.

Joan enjoyed growing up on the ocean, literally her house was feet from the water, and the scallop draggers were her back yard.

She enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, knitting, riding her bike, and working out at the gym until she was 80 years old.

She also enjoyed her special friends.

After retiring, Bill spent several years developing his Wilmer acreage into a comfortable home away from home. He planted gardens with potatoes, fruit trees and other vegetables. He restored an old barn on the property and even built an excellent root cellar to store all those potatoes.

Her love of her children was foremost, hence she began her travels to see them. She was a very loved Nova Scotian, loved her birthplace, the beach, lobster, deep fried clams, chips, and spending time with her American Brothers & Sisters, who came home to N.S often.

He enjoyed visiting with his many friends and family in the area, and coffee with the boys every morning at A&W. He especially loved to have a coffee on his deck enjoying the peace and beautiful views.

Joan was predeceased by her parents William F & Nina Webber, her daughter Kimberley, son Derek, brothers David and Arnold, sisters Beverly, Mary, Doris, and sister-in-law Darlene, brothers- in- law Dr. Ronnie Goldstein, Oz Zalkind and Peter Hall-Humpherson.

Besides his loving wife Milena, Bill is survived by his daughter Sonya (Keith) and grandsons Joshua and Jesse Hamming of Okotoks, AB. Bill is also survived by brothers ,Gary (Vivien), Glen (Kimberley), sister Shirley (Stan) Wieler, brother Tom (Silvia) sister Marjorie (Kerry) Widmer, and brother Bruce (Nika). He is survived as well by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

We miss you greatly Bill, dad, papa, till we see you again!

Bill was predeceased by his parents James and Margaret Statham.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family will hold a private celebration of life for Bill on Saturday, November 27th at Lake Windermere Alliance Church in Invermere. A larger outdoor celebration will be planned for next summer to honour Bill.

An obituary page and slide show will be available on the Martin Brothers Lethbridge website. mbfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Palliative Care Lethbridge, Pulmonary Fibrosis Society or the Salvation Army.

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

She is survived by her loving daughter Natalie, son in law Dr. Michael Geoghegan of Calgary, daughter in law Nancy of Vernon, B.C, three grandchildren Zach, Chelsey, and Riley of B.C., six great grandchildren, stepdaughters Ann Whitcomb of N.S, Shealagh (Paul) of Halifax and grand stepchildren.

Appreciation and a special thank you to everyone in Invermere; Dr. Walsh, Dr Kruppa, Columbia Garden Village, Ivy House, Columbia House, Cycling without Age, Heartfelt Companions, Sobeys, and Pharmasave for their caring, kindness and compassion. You were all exceptional and will always be in our hearts.

In keeping with wishes cremation will take place, and Joan will be laid to rest in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton, Nova Scotia.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

Cheers to Tammie at Gemstones Salon for handling my request even though you were on holidays. I appreciate the great customer service!

Cheers to Sally Davis for being so generous and thoughtful. You are a great person!

LISTINGS NEEDED! I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

WHY LIST WITH GERRY? ✔ Website/Social Media ✔ 3D Tour, YouTube, Drone ✔ Responsive, Local, Expert

LIST WITH GERRY: FOR RESULTS! *Not intended to solicit those already working with an agent.

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

Big shout out to The Bush Cafe for setting up and having amazing coffee at the arena for the U9 home tournament.

ANNOUNCEMENT Al-Anon.

Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250342-8255.

Alcoholics Anonymous.

If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m.

Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Please call 250342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

S OBITUARY S Stettler, Hans 1945 – 2021

Celebration of life to be held at the Penetcostal Church in Windermere, November 27th at 1 pm. Cake and treats and assorted appetizers afterwards.

Everyone who loved him is welcome to attend. God Bless You All! Hans Stettler was a man who loved to golf, curl, ski and travel.

He enjoyed entertaining and sharing meals with friends and family. Sandra, his wife, and himself traveled to many countries, his favourites were the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Canada and of course Switzerland. He was born in Steffisburg on October 27th, 1945. He married his true love on December 31st in Las Vegas, 47 years ago. He’s survived by Darryl Stettler, Nicole Stettler, pre-deceased daughter Katia, his wife Sandra and their spouses and 5 beautiful grandchildren.

Hans passed away in his home with all of his family around him.

He was 76 years old when the Lord took him to a better life.

He died on Sunday November 7th at 5 pm.

Hans had a huge heart, he gave to many charities such as the Blind Society, Cancer Society and many more. He also has a brother Heinz (wife Veronica) and a sister Susan that reside in their homeland of Switzerland. As well as his godson Patrick Stettler.

Hans loved to bake, he made the Christmas cookies every year, he was also famous for his Swiss Braided Bread “Zopf ”. We love him and miss him so much. Thank you Lord.

November 25, 2021

ANNOUNCEMENT

ATTENTION ASPIRING MUSICIANS FROM PARSON TO CANAL FLATS Applications are open for the Steamboat Mountain Music Bursary. Musicians of all levels and any age may apply.

Funds may be used for: workshops, music camps, lessons, master classes, college, or university music programs.

Deadline: Monday, November 30th, 2021.

Download application: www.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca

FOR RENT 2-bdrm apartment for rent downtown. Dec. 1st to Apr. 30th.

Furnished. No pets, no smoking.

References. Timing of lease negotiable. Please text 1-403968-0647.

TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT For Rent 3-bdrm Townhouse backing onto Radium Springs Golf course. Renovations now complete. Double front drive garage, wood burning fireplace, West mountain and golf course views, fully developed walk out basement, and 3 baths. Long term rental only, six months minimum. $3500/mo. Plus Utilities. No pets and no smoking inside. Contact Gerry: 1-403585-6886.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

BUYING OR SELLING? I specialize in rural, recreational, farm and ranch properties.

BARRY BROWN-JOHN “Rocky Mountain Land Man”

Call or text

250-342-5245

b.brownjohn@gmail.com Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

WANTED

HELP WANTED

Cash for all silver and gold!

Bullion, bars, rounds, coins, jewellery + also buying coin collections and old money!

Todd’s coins 1-250-864-3521

Residential Framers/Carpenters House framers, carpenters and experienced labourers required.

Send resume by email to jfersterhomes@gmail.com

MISC. FOR SALE WOOD SHOP DUST EXTRACTOR: View through google DUST FX. About 5 years hobby use $750:00. The new price $2,400.00; Phone: 250.341.

3540. prapro@shaw.ca

VEHICLES FOR SALE For Sale 2012 Ford Focus 134,010 kms 8 tires, summer and winter. $5,500 Call 250-342-3946

SERVICES B.B.’s Home & Design Services Master Craftsman & Stonemason, Renovation’s, Blinds & installation. Home interior/exterior repairs , dump runs, house checks/cleaning.

Book now for snow removal.

Over 35 year’s experience.

Call 250-688-2897.

Kootenay Country Electrical Qualified Electrical Service Licensed, Bonded, Insured Highly skilled electrician Call Dean 250-342-5516.

HELP WANTED WANTED 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.

General Carpenter Finish Carpenter Jack of All Trades If you are looking for a change, or a new start, The Home Renovation Centre is looking to add some new, permanent staff to our team. Transportation is required. Call David 250-3425682.

Dreaming of Summer?

MANUFACTURING LTD.

1609 Lower Lakeview Lane $2,350,000 MLS# 2461991

• 1/52 ownership of the “beach” lot • Erin Reid Designed Lake Home. www.InvermereLakefront.RealEstate

Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty

250-341-7600

www.geoffhill.ca The BEST properties sell with Geoff!

SC H O O L DIST RIC T N O. 6 ( RO C KY MO U N TAIN )

Casual Custodian Casual School Bus Driver Casual Education Assistant

LVL Manufacturing Labourer Position Brisco Manufacturing Ltd., a privately held Canadian Company specializing in producing High-Quality Certified engineered beams and other products from Laminated Veneer Lumber, is seeking to hire a Manufacturing Labourer for our plant in Brisco, BC. Our facility is located just north of Radium Hot Springs in the beautiful Columbia Valley in British Columbia.

General Summary: The Manufacturing Labourer is required to learn various tasks including assisting with Loading and unloading the Press using cranes, finishing and packaging, counting inventory as well as general cleanup and other duties as required.

Key Responsibilities: • Perform tasks efficiently focusing on Safety, Quality and Production while meeting deadlines.

• Using a variety of equipment such as hydraulic press, planer, glue machine, cranes and hand tools.

• Fill out paperwork accurately.

• Work effectively together with assigned crew.

• Following established procedures to safely produce high quality results.

Qualifications: • Experience in manufacturing or equipment operation an asset. Willing to train the right candidate.

• Safety Oriented • Ability to follow direction and work together with others to complete assigned tasks.

• Ability to use simple mathematics.

• Physically fit, Team player, able to work from heights.

• Self-reliant, organized, motivated and quality oriented.

• Vaccination for COVID-19 required..

This is a full-time position, which offers a competitive wage and a comprehensive benefits package.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Please address cover letter and resume to Kevin Olson –Plant Supervisor and e-mail pdf file to: epetersen@briscowood.com or Fax to 250-346-3218 Deadline for application is 5 pm (MST) Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

Further position details can be found at: http://www.sd6.bc.ca/Careers If you are interested and qualified for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and two professional references, by the November 30 to: Human Resources: hr@sd6.bc.ca

PRODUCTION YARD LABOURER POSITION Brisco Wood Preservers Ltd., is a major Canadian Pole Producer of CCA treated wood poles suppling Western utilities and communications companies.

We are seeking two BC Certified

Early Childhood Educators

to work at our thriving licensed Children’s Centre.

One Infant Toddler ECE and one All-day Preschool ECE. We offer excellent wages, benefits, and a great work environment. We can help transfer a license from another Canadian Province.

Please send resume to dragonflydiscoverycentre@gmail.com

by December 12th. These are full-time, permanent positions beginning January 3rd, 2022.

Carpenter (Interior, Exterior, Concrete)

Professional Carpenters required for residential construction projects in Invermere.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a growing residential construction company in Alberta and BC. We build beautiful single-family custom homes, multi-family residential buildings, and an array of unique and challenging projects all over Western Canada.

Must have own tools and transportation.

Wage depends on experience. Paid weekly.

Immediate start an option and lots of work on the horizon.

Salary: $51,223.00-$91,837.00 per year If interested, contact Dillon Shaw at 403-437-1076 or by e-mail: dillon@estata.ca

Our main treating facility is located in Brisco BC, just north of Radium Hot Springs in the beautiful Columbia Valley. Brisco Wood Preservers’ second treating facility is located in Peers, Alberta.

In addition, we manufacture large engineered beams from LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) in our laminating plant located in Brisco, BC Position Overview: Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Production Labourer is required to learn various tasks including pole production, plywood production, counting inventory as well as general cleanup and other duties as required. Located at plant in Brisco, BC..

Key Responsibilities: • Perform tasks efficiently focusing on Safety, Quality and Production while meeting deadlines.

• Working on the production skids, measuring, checking for defects, bucking to length.

• Working on the plywood line stickering and destickering lifts of plywood.

• Fill out paperwork accurately.

• Work effectively together with assigned crew.

• Following established procedures to safely produce high quality results.

Qualifications: • Experience in Lumber mill production or manufacturing an asset. Willing to train the right candidate.

• Experience in Lumber mill production or manufacturing an asset. Willing to train the right candidate.

• Experience using chainsaw and other hand tools.

• Ability to follow direction and work together with others to complete assigned tasks.

• Ability to use simple mathematics.

• Self-reliant, organized, motivated and quality oriented.

• Physically fit • Vaccination for Covid-19 required.

• Experience in Forestry an asset.Experience using chainsaw and other hand tools.

• Ability to follow direction and work together with others to complete assigned tasks.

• Ability to use simple mathematics.

• Self-reliant, organized, motivated and quality oriented.

• Physically fit • Vaccination for COVID-19 required.

• Experience in Forestry an asset.

This is a full-time year-round position, which offers a competitive wage.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

How to apply: Please address cover letter and resume to Kevin Olson – Operations Supervisor and e-mail pdf file to: epetersen@briscowood.com or fax to 250-346-3218 Deadline for application is 5 pm (MST) Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Carol Gordon’s wearable art

Submitted by Anne Jardine People who know Invermere artist Carol Gordon may have noticed she looks a little different lately. Always colourful and distinctive, Carol’s fashion sense is part of her uniqueness. In the late spring of this year, however, she began to experiment with art wearables with Montreal textile designers. The images from her paintings are dyed into their clothing and accessory designs: tops, skirts, pants, scarves, masks, tote bags and more. The effect is stunning.

She combines these wearables with her characteristic sun hats or berets, her embroidered jackets or woven ponchos and shawls, and she becomes a walking work of art.

Carol is also having images of her paintings dyed onto household textiles such as tea towels and pillow covers. These items can serve as decorator accents for kitchens and couches, adding a Carol at her October Pynelogs Cultural Centre exhibit in Submitted photos dash of designer flare to the Invermere room. She also has jigsaw puzzles created from her colourful artwork, which can serve to entertain during the cold and dreary winter months and framed when completed to adorn walls.

The process of art has fascinated Carol throughout her whole life, and wearable art and accessories are just part of the process. As a child, Carol loved collecting dress up clothes that would serve as costumes for her and her younger sisters and their friends.

They were especially fun during the summer day camp she created for the younger children, when she dressed them up for plays. Carol also liked to dress her dolls up and cut their hair. Her favourite doll wore a tam, just like Carol does now.

Carol remains playful and sensual in her approach to colours, textures, and patterns of clothes: the warm smoothness of velvet, the woolly, nuby comfort of knitted shawls,

Print and Digital Editor The Columbia Valley Pioneer is looking for a full-time Print and Digital Editor for our news operation based in Invermere. We operate a daily news site - columbiavalleypioneer.com, and a weekly community newspaper serving ten communities in the Upper Columbia Valley. We also publish various speciality magazines produced on an annual basis.

The successful candidate must work well in a team setting, but is selfmotivated. At present we have a staff of three in the newsroom plus various contributors. The magazines are typically produced by freelance contractors, but the magazine work has been significantly curtailed by the COVID-19 situation.

Qualifications • Journalism education: degree, diploma or certificate; or equivalent work experience.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

• Ability to organize work and give direction to others in order to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work collaboratively with the other members of the management team.

• Experience in InDesign, Photoshop, and posting to social media is a must.

Interested candidates should forward their resume to: Amanda Nason, Associate Publisher advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

The company offers competitive benefit and pension plans. The position is based in our office at 1008, 8th Ave Invermere, B.C. The position is available immediately.

November 25, 2021

the array of moods that different colours can suggest, the joy that comes from putting together a beautiful and surprising combination. The process of putting different elements together is really the basis of all fashion.

“Art emerges from our creative process. It is not limited to what we put into a frame and hang on the wall. It also includes how we express ourselves in what we wear and how we adorn our home to bring beauty and pleasure into our life,” says Carol. Her website invites viewers to: “Allow the beauty of art to fill your life.”

Carol’s creative process has evolved and expanded over her seventy-five years and continues today. Her artwork can be viewed and purchased on her website. In Invermere a selection of her tote bags, pillows, and notecards are available at the Gift Shop at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. In Kimberley, her creations will be available from November 24 - December 24 at the Christmas PopUp Art Gallery located in the “new” Laundromat Art Gallery, which will open in Spring 2022 in Kimberley’s historic Platzl.

Pests and diseases - Part 2 particularly in the Fairmont and Westside areas, where remnant natural forests As previously discussed in Part 1, we of mixed Douglas Fir, White Spruce and understand that most tree pests and dis- Lodgepole Pine have been left standing eases problems are usually caused by a sin- among rural developments. gle, underlying, primary problem. They This infection begins when the funare usually tree specific, and gus, living in the ground or can be quite complex to difrom infected stumps, sends out agnose. filaments that invade healthy Another common pest roots. It then moves to the root associated with Elder Bug collar, spreads to the tree trunk.

(Boisea trivittata) or also Visible signs can vary from seen this bug on Lombardy decline in tree vigour, foliage with local Manitoba Maple yellowing, followed by gradutrees is the Box ‘Stink bug’ al browning. Needles on pine as some local folks call it. I trees first turn yellow-green have Poplars in town.

Boxelder bugs on Mani- and then red before falling off.

This tree pest can be toba Maple in all stages Spruce needles often become a seen all over town in early of development. dull green (but not red) before fall, on your car windows they fall off. and in your homes. It tries to overwinArmillaria is only easily detected in ter in your fire wood piles, eavestrough, mid-summer when the honey-colored, window sills and roof shingles. There can mushrooms or fruiting bodies, appear at be several generations per season, and this the base of the tree. One way of quickly bug can be found in all stages of develop- confirming that the mushrooms are inment all at once on one tree host. deed Armillaria is to look at the mushYoung nymphs can use maple seeds to room stem. The telltale sign is the flange relocate to new host trees by clinging on or “ring” around the midpoint of the stem. to the seed, using the wind to blow the Early detection followed by prompt seed off to new areas. However, these bugs tree removal, including the infected are surprisingly easy to irradicate with just stump, is the only preventative method to a contact spray of dish soap and water discourage this prolific disease. Calling a Armillaria Root Rot (Armillaria Mel- qualified arborist to confirm a diagnosis lea) is becoming a serious fungal disease and provide treatment services is strongly problem in the Columbia Valley area, advised.

By Dave Meadows

November 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Hoar receives East Kootenay Conservation Leadership Award

Submitted by Nicole Trigg Kootenay Conservation Program The Kootenay Conservation Program announced the recipients of its annual Conservation Leadership Awards last month as part of the 2021 KCP Virtual Fall Gathering, and for the East Kootenay the 2021 recipient was Rick Hoar, who was recognized for his leadership with the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club, the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners and the East Kootenay Wildlife Association.

After more than 30 years as a B.C. Conservation Officer specializing in habitat protection throughout the province, Hoar chose to retire to Invermere in 2006.

Upon retirement, he began a second career as a conservationist, starting with the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club, the Columbia Valley’s oldest conservation organization, established in 1919. As a conservation minded club, the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club has been a driving source of habitat conservation in the Columbia Valley region and British Columbia.

As President, Hoar’s environmental knowledge and understanding of government procedures have been invaluable in the successful delivery of many of the Club’s habitat enhancement projects, which have included ungulate range improvement, wildlife relocation, nesting boxes for many species including those at risk, water conservation and fish enhancement. The Club has partnered with the Shuswap Indian Band and the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners (CWSP) to enhance and restore Westslope Cutthroat streams in the Upper Co-

lumbia River, and investigate the possible reintroduction of white sturgeon and Westslope cutthroat. The Club is also a partner of KCP’s Kootenay Connect, the four-year project on Species at Risk and Riparian Wildlife Corridors in the Columbia Wetlands, and actively assists the Kootenay Community Bat Project and wildlife research and relocation projects.

Rick Hoar

Submitted photo

As President, Hoar represents the Club on other committees and Boards outside of the Club. These include his role as Vice President of the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners; and his active participation in the East Kootenay Wildlife Association (EKWA) and in the regional arm of the B.C. Wildlife Association. On behalf of the EKWA, Hoar also sits as a Board member for the Rocky Mountain Trench Society and the Kootenay Conservation Program.

One day you will find Hoar working on the phone or at meetings with government officials. Another day you might find him wrestling basking logs into ponds for painted turtles, restoring spawning habitat on local creeks, pounding in nest boxes for Wood Ducks or thinning ingrowth on ungulate winter Range.

Along with a strong personal conservation ethic, Hoar has brought a lifetime of knowledge of the wild to his volunteer conservation work. Through the sheer force of his knowledge, energy and determination, he has had a huge influence on conservation in the Columbia Valley region.

To learn more about the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club, visit their website at: https://lwdrodgun.com/. Visit the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners website at https://wetlandstewards.eco/.

For the award, Hoar received a framed Pat Morrow photograph of the Columbia Wetlands. For the West Kootenays, the 2021 recipient was Valerie Huff with the Kootenay Native Plant Society who received a framed photograph of a pygmy bee fly on a fern-leaved desert-parsley by Tyson Ehlers.

New this month at Pynelogs There’s a lot to be said about things slowing down this time of year, giving the Valley time to settle into the introspective pace of the midseason while we wait for snow and speed on the slopes and the sharp cold air biting at your lungs on lap one of Submitted by Cajsa Fredin the Whiteway.

Executive Director & Gallery It is always exciting that change, even if sumManager mer is what suits you, bringing with it the new settled in the familiar. Such is the work of plein air painter Maris Mosenko, whose on-site paintings brilliantly captures those innuendoes of change in an expressive stillness that embodies the philosophy of being present in the moment.

As a plein air artist, Mosenko packs up a unique set of equipment specialized for on site work with a backpack full of sandwiches and settles into the quiet of nature, a connection communicated in bold strokes of color that capture the intimacy in the greatness of adventure. Mosenko explains plein air work “gets me outside, and keeps me connected with nature and being excited about color, tonal values, composition, perspective…and [in] appreciation of the beautiful world around me.”

From now until Dec. 23, adventure on and join us in the gallery as Mosenko takes us out into the landscapes around us, backpack full of sandwiches optional. Mosenko will be in the gallery on Dec. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. doing a plein air demonstration and a drop in class still life painting class; visit our website for more details.

We are also excited to be showing the unique collection of Charleen and Chris Evans, who have generously donated their personal art collection for sale with proceeds going to the Chris Evans memorial bursary at David Thompson Secondary School.

View the collection on our Facebook page and in the gallery, featuring a large selection

of local and personal family pieces for sale. Chris was passionate about investing in the community and culture and was a big believer in giving back to the town, and with this sale we are excited to continue to bring his passion and enthusiasm for art to the community.

New this November, Columbia Valley Arts has Drop in Art, happening Tuesday and Thursdays at Pynelogs from 1–4 p.m. Join us as we learn to paint, draw or get tips from on site artist Irina for your freewheeling style. Supplies available or bring your own. Visit our website for more details.

And, while the festive season is a bit of a way away, it’s never too early for a winter market as we welcome the Artists from Art in the Park at Pynelogs on Nov. 26-27, sharing their talents with us with their beautiful items up for sale.

Remember what we said about things slowing down this time of year? Well, I guess we are waiting on that also, along with all that snow. See you on the slopes, or maybe just hanging out in the sun, drinking some hot chocolate.

Visit www.columbiavalleyarts.com for details.

Art is for Everyone.

Submitted photos

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

Breaking the downward spiral

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Now open for in-person services.

Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

By Pastor Josh McCallum Lake Windermere Alliance Church

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED We are back “in-person” at Christ Church Trinity Services start at 10:30am. Attendees must have received dual vaccinations and wear a mask. Or, you can join us online using zoom. To receive a link please call 250-342-6644 or email office@wvsm.ca Invermere – 110 7th Ave.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium.

Canal Flats: Saturday 4.30 pm Canadian Martyrs, Invermere: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am.

St. Joseph, Radium: Sunday 11.00 am Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian Assembly 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere www.eklutheran.ca mtzionlc@hotmail.com

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m.

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-421-3756

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Phone: (250) 341-6299 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

November 25, 2021

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

If you’ve spent any time with people, you’ve likely observed the unfortunate ability of our thoughts to spiral down into negativity. Almost without detection, negative thoughts can run like a snowball down a hill, collecting more concerns and anxieties until we’re consumed. While “the power of positive thinking” teaching has some flaws, it is still important for followers of Jesus to be watchful when it comes to our mindset.

Typically, the spiral of negative thinking leads us to complain, anticipate bad outcomes, and assume the worst about ourselves and others. We are (by definition) those who represent Jesus, and how can we do that effectively if we’re constantly allowing thoughts of dread and disappointment?

The Way of Jesus leads us somewhere else. Some of the pillars of the Christian life are faith, hope, and love (see 1 Corinthians 13). Faith is trusting that God has done the work to rescue us and is now bringing about his good plans for us and for the world. Hope is trusting that regardless of what happens now, God will redeem all things. Love is the fruit of this trust which allows us the proper perspective on the present, so we are free to serve and bless others. When we trust God for the past, present, and future, there is no longer a need for fear, anxiety, and discontentment. Trust in God breaks the downward spiral of negative thinking.

So, ask yourself: Do my thought patterns reflect faith, hope, and love? Do I believe the best about God’s plan and about others’ intentions? Do I show grace and forgiveness to myself and others? Negative thinking isn’t something that we need to be chained to for the rest of our lives. The Bible says we are to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2); not giving into the patterns of thinking that can so easily creep in from the world around us, but rather allowing God’s Spirit to lead us in the Way of Jesus.

Columbia Valley Rockies weekly roundup - Week 8 Submitted by Mark Teterenko The Rockies finish week eight with two wins and one loss, amassing four out of six points. The week started early on Wednesday, Nov. 17, as the Rockies came up with a 5-3 win against Creston Valley. On Friday, they followed that up with a 5-1 win against Grand Forks before suffering a 3-0 defeat against the Kimberley Dynamiters on Saturday. The Rockies remain at the top of the Eddie Mountain division with 25 points and an 11-4-2-1 record.

After finishing this week 2-1, coach Briar McNaney had a few comments about this weeks’ games. McNaney stated that “whenever we don’t come away with maximum points, it’s disappointing, but a part of that is due to our high expectations. You can’t win every game in a season, but that’s always the goal with the team that we have. We have to also give a lot of credit to the way that Trystan Self played last night in Kimberley.” The Kimberley netminder saved all 37 shots the Rockies put his way on Saturday night. “Scott Thompson (Rockies goaltender) and Trystan Self had a great showdown and it was fun to watch.”

T h i s week we also reached out to first year

Assistant Coach Tayler Sincennes on how his time as a coach has differed from his playing days. Tayler said that the biggest change that he had to endure comes from “the mentality at practices and games. As a coach you aren’t worried as much about the result in wins and losses as you are worried about the process and seeing the players execute the systems that we have in place. It is also very cool to see someone learn a new skill in practice and then see them come out in games and execute the new skill that you’ve taught them.”

Week nine brings two teams to Invermere to face the Rockies. The team hosts the Fernie Ghostriders on Friday, Nov. 26, at 7:30 p.m. and follows that up with a 7 p.m. matchup against the Golden Rockets on Saturday, Nov. 27.

Stay tuned to all things Rockies by following us on Instagram at @cvrockies, on Twitter at @cv_rockies, and on Facebook!

Let’s go Rockies!

Photos by Mark Teterenko