Your Weekly Source for News and Events
Vol. 12/Issue 2
The Columbia
January 9, 2015
Valley
P ioneer
FREE
Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats
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RIBBON-CUTTING RESISTANCE
A moment of hilarity ensued on Saturday, January 3rd as local dignitaries cutting the ribbon at the Guinness World Record Whiteway celebration struggled with blunt scissors. The fun, action-packed event was a hit with all ages. See pages 12 and 13 for more coverage.
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Photo by Dan Walton
TIGER REMEMBERED
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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
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By Dan Walton Pioneer Staff A pair of friends from the valley serendipitously survived a violent automobile collision just days before Christmas. Allen Wall and Tony Helmer, who are both in their 50s and have been friends for as long as they can remember — were approaching each others’ vehicles around 9 p.m. on Friday, December 19th while travelling in opposite directions. Allen was driving northbound towards Radium Hot Springs on Highway 93/95 in the Dry Gulch area, and Tony was southbound on a parallel frontage road. Allen’s trip was abruptly altered when he saw the headlights of an oncoming vehicle in his lane, ready to collide with him. Avoiding the other car didn’t come at a cheap price. Allen swerved into the ditch, causing his Ford F150 truck — which was carrying significant momentum — to flip upside down onto its roof. Still in motion, the truck then rolled right-side up and launched out of the ditch and toward the frontage road. Allen was airborne. “I rolled upside down in the ditch, then hard to the left, down, and then (the truck) did a half barrel roll as it left,” he explained. Once in the air, his truck travelled about six metres, and was brought to a sudden stop by crashing into an oncoming car, the Volkswagon CC coincidentally being driven by Allen’s good friend Tony. “He saw that unfold in front of his eyes,” said Allen. According to Allen, Tony saw the truck’s headlights while it was still in motion travelling toward him on its side, and initially thought that motorcycles were approaching him, which instantly struck him as odd since it was the middle of winter when motorcycles aren’t normally on the highways. “Time is an interesting thing. You can fall 100 feet in roughly two seconds,” Allen said. “In that timeframe, what the brain slows down as ‘Oh no’ — that’s a second and a half.” Before the collision, Tony had anticipated that Allen’s vehicle would clear his own. But the rear tire of Allen’s truck anchored into the roof of Tony’s car. “I’m grateful for my friend Tony,” said Allen.
ROOF RUPTURE —Tony Helmer was heading southbound on Highway 93/95 on December 19th when his friend Allen Wall’s airborne truck crashed into the car he was driving. Photos by Tony Helmer “Whether he wanted to or not, he stopped my inertia.” Tony was able to get out of the car but Allen was trapped in his truck. “Right after, (Tony) creeps around the side of his car,” said Allen, relaying their conversation. “Small town, right: ‘Hi Allen.’ ‘Hi Tony.’ ‘Are you okay?’ ‘No, I’m not’.” The first responder was a Columbia Valley RCMP officer who happened to be travelling along the highway and arrived on the scene about a minute and a half after the crash, Allen said. Paramedics were on scene shortly after. “It made me realize in the aftermath; period of shock, the importance of the ambulance attendants,” he said. Allen referred to a paramedic, Sara, whose stable voice he remembers as the most consistent thing to focus on, which made it easier to bear the intensity of the extraction. “They cover a bag over your body so they can hack your roof off, while dealing with pain which was probably 9.5 out of 10,” he said. “Getting whipped around like a rag doll ain’t much fun.” But amid the discomfort, Allen said his sense of humour was still active. “I said to the emergency workers, ‘This is a little extreme, guys. This is like a huge practice for you’.” Before extraction could begin, emergency crews had to stabilize the awkwardly positioned vehicle with jacks. Once they were able to take Allen out of his truck, his bruised body had to be gently removed at a tricky angle. “The amazing thing is that you can go through that with no broken bones,” Allen commented. In addition to police and paramedics, emergency crews were on scene from Radium and Invermere Fire Departments. Tony had only received minor injuries, but was concerned about the state of his vehicle. When Allen asked Tony how his car was moments after the collision, Tony’s response was: “Oh, it’s not good. I’m in trouble. It’s my wife’s brand new car and I didn’t ask to use it.” Continued on page 8 . . .
January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3
Valley NEWS
New B.C. hunting allocations causing concern By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The local rod and gun club is joining its voice with that of the British Columbia Wildlife Federation (BCWF) to raise concerns over the province’s proposed changes to hunting allocation policies. The new changes to the Wildlife Allocation Policy outlined by provincial Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operation Steve Thomson in a letter to the BCWF range from an 80-20 split favouring resident hunters in some regions for some species to a 60-40 split favouring resident hunters in other regions for other species. The splits generally represent a drop in allocations for resident B.C. hunters. Minister Thomson wrote the letter in response to the BCWF’s input into his decision-making on quotas as part
of the Wildlife Allocation Review last fall. “The proposed changes mean that there will be less animals available to the local hunters. Overall, we’re pretty upset and we support the BCWF,” said Windermere District Rod and Gun club president Rick Hoar, adding that the local Rod and Gun club uses the funds generated from membership to run programs that enhance the land, and help wildlife population and their habitat. “So local (rod and gun club) members pay for this through their fees, but now with the proposed changes we’re second fiddle to non-resident hunters,” said Mr. Hoar. “The old quota system worked just fine and we stand beside other local rod and gun clubs in saying that the resident/ non-resident quota system should stay to the same calculation formula that’s been used for the past several years.” B.C. has a growing number of resident hunters and that, along with the quotas, can mean local hunters spend
several years applying to limited-entry hunts for certain big game species before getting a permit. “It seems the whole non-resident quota system is a commodity. It’s dollars-in, dollars-out,” said Mr. Hoar, adding that having more allocations for non-resident quotas makes hunting territories held by guide outfitters more valuable to them. Another of the proposed changes that concerns the valley’s rod and gun club is removing hunting quotas for bighorn sheep. “Our feeling is there will be a free-for-all on sheep,” said Mr. Hoar, adding that while that will mean big money for guide outfitters in the area, it will also mean that in a few years the local bighorn sheep population will likely slump again. At times in the past, there have been bans on hunting bighorn sheep in parts of the province in order to allow time for the then-low sheep population to rebound.
Deer preyed upon on residential lawn in Invermere By Dan Walton Pioneer Staff A grisly deer mauling on private property has reinforced one Invermere property owner’s support for a cull. In his home on Fort Point, Frank Jones awoke on Sunday, January 4th to find a bloody mule deer carcass on his lawn. His neighbours, whose window was closer to the area where the attack took place, reported hearing activity around 4 a.m. The identity of the predatory animal was not confirmed; however, only one set of tracks was noticed and Mr. Jones said the paws seemed fairly large. Mr. Jones contacted the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline, but received the automated operator, so he then called the District of Invermere’s
emergency hours phone line, “and within twenty minutes they were here,” he said. The district employee cleaned up the site perfectly, said Mr. Jones, but he was disappointed there’s been no public follow up to the incident. “If a predator takes down an animal in Banff, they put up warnings,” he said. Frank and his wife Ann made the effort to tell their neighbours, but only those within a very short radius, he said. Banff, since it’s located inside of a National Park, may have different methods of dealing with wildlife, said Invermere mayor Gerry Taft, adding the District of Invermere has not considered a similar alert system. BC Conservation has an office in Invermere, he said, and they’re equipped to deal with predatory incidents. But on Wednesday, January 8th, Invermere conservation officer Greg Kruger Continued on page 8 . . .
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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
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• On Tuesday, December 30th at 3 a.m., an OnStar alert from a 2014 Ford F150 provided a location of a possible problem on Horsethief Forest Service Road and Red Rock Road near Radium. Police attended and located the truck in the ditch. Investigation revealed the 25-year-old male driver from Invermere had been drinking. The driver refused to provide a breath sample and as a result his licence was suspended for 90 days, vehicle impounded 30 days. Driver was also charged with fail to keep right. • On Wednesday, December 31st at 12:15 a.m., detachment members attended Panorama Resort to assist Panorama security with an intoxicated male. The 20-yearold male from Calgary was arrested for being drunk in public. Minor assault charges were not pursued by security. • On Wednesday, December 31st at 12:15 a.m., a 24-year-old male from Invermere was located intoxicated and bleeding from an altercation with another person. This male was unable to assist police due to his state of intoxication. Once cleared from the hospital, the male was lodged in cells and released in the morning with a ticket
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for being drunk in public. • On Wednesday, December 31st at 11:30 p.m., detachment members responded to a domestic disturbance complaint in the 1900 block of Gierlich Road. Both adults involved were intoxicated and provided conflicting stories and not co-operative with police. It was agreed that the male would depart for the remainder of the evening and was driven by the officers to an alternate location. • On Thursday, January 1st at 3:30 a.m., a witness called the detachment indicating that a vehicle may have gone through the ice on Windermere Lake. A Subaru was located on the ice, abandoned. No persons were observed in the area. • On Thursday, January 1st at 2:15 a.m., the detachment responded to an intoxicated male on Highway 93/95 south of Valley Alley. A 47- year-old male from Windermere was located and subsequently lodged in cells, then released in the morning with a ticket for being drunk in public. • On Thursday, January 1st at 3:40 a.m., detachment members were called to a complaint of an intoxicated guest causing a disturbance and assaulting other guests. A 35-year-old female from Calgary was arrested for assault and mischief and lodged in cells. The victim of the assault did not wish to pursue charges. Follow the evidence In the police world there is a saying: Follow the evidence and you will get to the truth. And: The truth will set you free. Not necessarily a police saying. Case in point, Cst. Myers, a seasoned police officer, while on patrol at Panorama on New Year’s morning, observed a male crouched over with his pants down to his ankles. Being the seasoned officer that he is, this tells him this is something that should be investigated further. When the male sees Cst. Myers, he quickly pulls up his pants and starts to walk away. Myers approached the male and the evidence nearby indicates the male defecated in public.The male, seeing that the police officer noticed the evidence, immediately responds that the evidence is not his, and belongs to someone else. Cst. Myers deduced that the fact that the evidence was still steaming Continued on page 5 . . .
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January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5
Valley remembers charitable spirit of Tiger Open founder By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff A man with longstanding connections to the valley passed away just before Christmas, but many will remember him for years to come. Robert “Tiger” Thygesen is probably most widely known in the valley for starting and running the Tiger Open golf tournament at the Windermere Valley Golf Course. The charitable events raised funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital. It was held 19 times and raised a cumulative total of $1.4 million. “He was kind of a social organizer at the mill (in Skookumchuk, where Tiger worked for more than 30 years), always organizing parties or events,” said Tiger’s son Greg. “One year he decided to do a golf tournament for everybody at the mill and at the end he realized there was $1,000 left, so he gave it to the Children’s Hospital. And out of that grew the Tiger Open, with the focus then shifting from it being a social event to a charity tournament.” Tiger was born in 1936, the youngest of 12 kids in his family, in the town of Oyen, Alberta near the Saskatchewan border. It was a musical family and Tiger grew up playing the trumpet. When Tiger was 12 years old, the family moved to Fairmont Hot Springs and he spent the next ten years in the valley before marrying his wife Jessie and moving to Calgary in the late 1950s. By 1960, Tiger, his wife and their kids had moved again, this time to Kimberley. In Kimberley, Tiger spent a few years working at the Cominco fertilizer plant and co-owning a gas station, before joining the Skookumchuk pulp mill as a heavy duty mechanic, where he was, for a time, the union president, and where he stayed until he retired about a decade ago. Visiting with family and friends, and a second home on the east side of Lake Windermere starting in the early 1980s, had Tiger and his wife frequently coming up to the Upper Columbia Valley from Kimberley. “They were always coming up to the valley all the time,” said Greg. “He had a huge social network; he was well-connected. People could always be convinced to do something ‘for Tiger’ even if they probably wouldn’t have wanted to otherwise. He just had the personality to make that happen. He was the centre of any room when he was in it.” “He loved people and it exuded out of him. People always wanted to hang out with him. He was so welcoming of people of any age group,” said Tiger’s daughter Patti. “He loved life, embraced it and always looked at
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CHARITABLE DRIVE — Robert ‘Tiger’ Thygesen will be remembered in the valley for years to come as the founder of the Tiger Open golf tournament, which over the years raised $1.4 million for the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Photo submitted the positive side of things.” Staying close with his five kids, 10 grandkids and three great-grandkids, and with his brother and sisters and their kids, was important to Tiger. “Our dad was so supportive of all his kids, of his whole family,” said Patti. “He was the dad that would always drive you and your teammates to sports practices and games. You could always hear him cheering in the crowd,” said Greg. Tiger’s family also recalls his dry wit and tongue-in-cheek humour, as well as his innovative and entrepreneurial streak. Patti remembers Tiger making hockey goalie masks out of plaster of paris, and fashioning helmets for his kids long before they were commonplace in sports. He brought early versions of in-line skates into Canada in the 1970s, two decades before they became popular, but was hard-pressed to convince people of how good they were. “He was ahead of this time,” said Greg. Tiger received the Alberta Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2002 for his work with the Tiger Open.
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THANK YOU Your Columbia Valley Rockies Junior B hockey team would like to extend a heartfelt ‘THANK YOU’ to our faithful fans and as well to our amazing volunteers of past and present. Without your dedication to the team, we would not be able to continue bringing the entertainment and events to the community we all live in. As a ‘Thank You’ from your Rockies, we would like to invite past and present Rockies volunteers to an evening of appreciation for all you have done and presently do. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 13, 2015. Come cheer on your Rockies as our guests and after the game, you are invited to join us in the upper mezzanine for an appreciation get together. We look forward to seeing you all there! Your Columbia Rockies Junior B hockey team.
SUPPORT ROCKIES HOCKEY! . . . ‘RCMP’ from previous page concluded the intoxicated male was in fact not telling the truth. The 24-year-old male from the United Kingdom was arrested for drunk in public, lodged in cells and released in the morning when sober with a ticket for being drunk in public as a reminder of his visit to the valley. New Year’s Eve is never boring.
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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
perspective
Valley’s wild ways By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff
While a deer being killed in one’s yard is a gory episode that no one wants to have to witness or deal with, it is a fact of life living in a rural area that’s located on the doorstop of a huge tract of wilderness. But the challenges that dead carcasses and, for instance, rural health care and restricted shopping hours, pose are just one side of a double-edged sword. The favourable consequences of not living in a densely populated urban centre are why the valley has homeowners and visitors to begin with. Locals who have lived in the valley a long time can recall when deer sightings within district limits were a rarity. Not so anymore. The last deer count conducted on November 29th came to a total of 165 within District of Invermere boundaries. The community threw its weight behind a deer cull in the referendum last year, and one is in the works for 2015 with a cap of 30 deer. Last week, The Pioneer reported how the Columbia Valley Rod and Gun Club has offered to relocate any urban deer living in Invermere. Club president Rick Hoar pointed out that it seems “ridiculous” to kill deer when the number of mule beyond the town’s limits has dropped dramatically. The correlation of numbers in the wilderness dropping as urban numbers increase infers that deer are smarter than we think. In times of climate change and habitat loss, staying close to human settlement guarantees more food and less predators. Not an infallible plan, however, as the Jones’ story demonstrates, particularly in the wintertime when the frozen lake faciliates wildlife (ie. predator) travel. At least this carcass was the result of a “natural” death, and not another poaching incident. A coyote or cougar creeping through the neighbourhood seems like the lesser of two evils.
Correction
In the January 2nd article “Senior Singalongs seeking new vocal talent” (page 12), it was mistakenly stated that the choir practises at Columbia House when in fact the practice space is provided by Columbia Garden Village. The Pioneer apologizes for the error.
Historical Lens The Snowbirds of Windermere, 1926 In this image, dated 1926, a travelling family enjoys a scenic view provided by the Banff-Windermere Highway. Anna Bartman (seated on the car), Mrs. Bartman, Betty Bartman and Mr. Bartman braved the frosty winter in their classic Studebaker. If you have any more information, email us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com. Photo (C2173) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society
History emerges on charming children Dear Editor: Some information regarding the Historical Lens photo in your November 28th, 2014 issue. The boy is my brother Charles Crook, who was born in the Wilmer hospital on June 24th, 1911. The girl in the centre is Helen Spencer and the other girl is Elinor Venice. They are standing in front of Sinclair Craig’s potato patch at Windermere. Thank you for printing the picture. Ray Crook Invermere
POTATO PATCH KIDS — The November 28th Historical Lens photo that identified Charles Crook, Helen Spencer, centre, and Elinor Venice. Photo (A1343) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society
The Columbia Valley
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013
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is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership. Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1.855.377.0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
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January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7
LETTERS
Bring out more bins Dear Editor: Regarding your January 2nd article “Invermere transfer station ill-treated”. We know how busy our town gets during Christmas and New Year. It looks like all garbage bins are full in your picture, so common sense is to put out more bins during busy times and long weekends. And build a station for goods that people can drop off. B. van Son Invermere
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 re-
quirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Please state your connection to the subject you’re writing about so that readers can judge your credibility and motivation. Please ensure that the facts cited in your letter are accurate. You are entitled to your own heartfelt opinion, but not to your own facts. Errors of fact mean either that we can’t run your letter or that we will have to run it with an accompanying correction.Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.
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Admission Minimum academic requirements are Grade 10 and/or assessment to acceptable level. Phone or stop by the Invermere Campus for full details.
The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley has received an outpouring of attention from interested volunteers for their upcoming twelveweek peer group grief journey program in response to an article in last week’s Pioneer; however, there has been some confusion around the type of recruits they’re seeking. “We are very grateful for the enthusiasm of those who called — the response we’ve received is wonderful,” said Hospice Society founding executive director Maria Kliavkoff. While volunteers are always appreciated, the program is actually seeking participants — people who have recently lost spouses, but Ms. Kliavkoff has made it clear that any one experiencing grieving from a recent loss will
not be turned away. As of January 8th, there were seven spaces available. This is the first bereavement support group offered by the Hospice and its continuation depends on the success of its trial run. Ideally, participants will be people who have lost someone within the past year. “This program is to help those who are mourning know that they are not alone,” Ms. Kliavkoff said. For all of those who have graciously shown an interest in a volunteer support role, there will be 21-hour training sessions this spring. Applications are currently available. Participants interested in the bereavement support group, please contact Ms. Kliavkoff at 250-688-1143, or email ed@hospicesocietycv.com. Or please feel free to register at the Hospice office in Frater Landing, Unit 103 9267th Avenue in downtown Invermere.
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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
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Property Owner’s Checklist Have you received your 2015 property assessment notice?
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If not received in your mail by January 18, call toll-free 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) If so, review it carefully Visit www.bcassessment.ca to compare other property assessments using the free, newly enhanced e-valueBC™ service Questions? Contact BC Assessment at 1-866-valueBC or online at www.bcassessment.ca Don’t forget...if you disagree with your assessment, you must file a Notice of Complaint (appeal) by February 2, 2015
Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to news@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Two ironies were noticed after the fact. Allen was on his way home from a conversation at Tim Hortons, where he had been discussing the time when then-mayor of Calgary Ralph Klein was on his way to make a presentation about budget cuts, when he crashed, requiring paramedics to extract him from his vehicle. Tony had been travelling through Kootenay National Park before the collision, and had heard that an earlier accident had occurred about an hour before he was involved in the crash, and he had phoned his wife to tell her he was OK. “When you look at the bizarreness of how things unfold in your life, and how quick thoughts become things,” Allen said. “You can have a conversation happen in a coffee shop and then have the same thing happen that you were just talking about.” Allen expressed his gratefulness toward everyone involved in his rescue, from the first responders to the tow truck driver and hospital staff. “It makes you realize how important everybody is to this whole deal — they deserve that recognition.” While Allen doesn’t feel resentment, he was disappointed the oncoming vehicle forcing him into the ditch did not stop. No charges were laid. . . . ‘Deer’ from page 3 said his office was never informed of the event. He said he receives all the reports made through the RAPP hotline, and while it’s common for district staff to pass similar information along, that wasn’t the case this time. The evidence of the attack had been removed before Mr. Kruger had a chance to investigate, but in response to the suggestion that a cougar was the culprit, the conservation officer was sceptical. “If there are cougars, we would definitely encourage the public to let us know, but we haven’t had any reports to indicate recent cougar activity in Invermere,” he said. Nonetheless, a confirmed cougar attack would be grounds to educate the neighbourhood on the nature of the attack and future precautions would be discussed, he said. The Jones have been living in their Fort Point home for 15 years, and last week’s attack was the first sign of predatory behaviour they’ve noticed. “When we first moved here, seeing a deer was a rarity,” Mr. Jones said. “We had a beautiful yard full of bushes, shrubs, and flowers. We no longer have any of those — the deer have absolutely destroyed our yard.” Aside from his property’s aesthetics, the influx of deer have also attracted the problem demonstrated on their lawn, he said. “We’ve been warned for years that if we keep a resident herd of deer in town, that predators will move in. And they have — we have evidence.” But according to the Invermere
Deer Protection Society, predatory attacks don’t happen because there are too many deer. “If you remove the deer, you’re going to have more of those migrating predators coming into town,” president Devin Kazakoff said. “We don’t agree with intervening with the population until wildlife biologists are involved and studies have been done to find out their actual migratory paths.” To report any incidents, the public is encouraged to call the local conservation office at 250-342-4266, or the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
PREDATOR PROOF — The aftermath of a predatory attack against a mule deer at Fort Point on Sunday, January 4th. Photo submitted
Page 9
What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley
Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS Here are just a few examples of the fireworks that lit up the valley’s night sky on December 31st. Judy McCauley sent in these beautiful photos of the Village of Radium Hot Springs’ New Year’s Eve birthday celebration fireworks (left, bottom right) and Robert Austin submitted this lovely image of the fireworks that took place on the lake at Indian Beach Estates in Windermere.
GLOW IN THE DARK
PAGE 11
CHRISTMAS COUNT
PAGE 11
Out & About
Happy New Year!
Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley Page 10
Cinefest at pynelogs tuesday January 13th at 7:00 pm What does ART mean to you?
The Lunchbox (Hindi with English Subtitles) tickets at the Door
Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.
Happy BirtHday to pynelogs! 1914 - 2014 · Celebrating 100 years
10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS
Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or e-mail us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.
Submissions must be received by the Monday prior to publication. We may only run an entry for two weeks prior to the event. Please limit your submission to 30 words. Priority is given to one-off events, so weekly events may only run occasionally. Friday, January 9th • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Senior’s Hall, every Wednesday and Friday $2. Everyone welcome. • 1 p.m.: Canasta cards at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Friday • 2 - 4 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre (SYC) Join us for Snowshoeing. • 5 - 8 p.m.: Climbing wall open at J.A. Laird School every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Birthday parties by appt. 250-688-5228. • 7 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Music Society annual general meeting at the Edgewater Legion.
Saturday, January 10th • 7 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Pool Tournament. • 7 p.m.: Play Whist at the Columbia Garden Village in the coffee room every Saturday.
Wednesday, January 14th
Wednesday, January 21st
• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink. • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Senior’s Hall, every Wednesday and Friday $2. Everyone welcome. • 7 p.m.: Card night at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Wednesday. • 7:30 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Parent Advisory Board meeting.
• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink. • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Senior’s Hall, every Wednesday and Friday $2. Everyone welcome. • 7 p.m.: Card night at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Wednesday. • 7 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Pool Tournament.
Thursday, January 15th • 12 - 1 p.m.: Ask a Librarian / Drop-in tech support at the Invermere Public Library, every Thursday. For more info, go to invermere.bclibrary.ca. • 1:15 p.m.: Crib night at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Thursday. • 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Graphic Design Training. • 7 p.m.: Texas Hold ‘em Tournament every Thursday at Invermere Legion.
Friday, January 16th • 2 - 4 p.m.: SYC. Join us for swimming at Radium Hot Springs. • 5 - 8 p.m.: Climbing wall open at J.A. Laird School every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Birthday parties by appt. 250-688-5228
Saturday, January 17th • 7 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Foosball Tournament. • 7 p.m.: Play Whist at the Columbia Garden Village in the coffee room every Saturday.
Monday, January 19th
Thursday, January 22nd • 12 - 1 p.m.: Ask a Librarian / Drop-in tech support at the Invermere Public Library, every Thursday. For more info, go to invermere.bclibrary.ca. • 1:15 p.m.: Crib night at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Thursday. • 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Graphic Design Training. • 7 p.m.: Texas Hold ‘em Tournament every Thursday at Invermere Legion.
Friday, January 23rd • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Senior’s Hall, every Wednesday and Friday $2. Everyone welcome. • 1 p.m.: Canasta cards at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Friday • 2 - 4 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Snowshoeing. • 4 - 6 p.m.: Snowflake Festival and Taste of the Valley at Kinsmen Beach, kick off to Bonspiel on the Lake. • 4 - 6 p.m.: Curling Bonspiel on the Lake at Kinsmen Beach Invermere. For more information email invermerecurlingclub@shaw.ca • 5 - 8 p.m.: Climbing wall open at J.A. Laird School every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Birthday parties by appt. 250-688-5228.
• 5 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Pinterest DIY’s.
• 5:30 p.m.: SYC. Join us for free food and cooking workshop. • 7 p.m.: Bingo at the Canal Flats Civic Centre, 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
Tuesday, January 13th
Tuesday, January 20th
Radium Hot Springs Library Hours
• 1:30 - 3 p.m.: Play Crib at Columbia Garden Village in the coffee room every Tuesday. • 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Tuesday. • 5:30 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Student Advisory Committee meeting. • 7 p.m.: Cinefest at Pynelogs featuring the film The Lunchbox. For more information visit columbiavalleyarts. com or call 250-342-4423.
• 1:30 - 3 p.m.: Play Crib at Columbia Garden Village in the coffee room every Tuesday. • 6 p.m.: SYC. Join us for Karaoke night. • 6 - 7:30 p.m.: Bereavement Support Group, 12 - week program every Tuesday from January 20th to April 7th, at the Hospice Society Office. For more information or to register call 250-688-1143. • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: OPT clinic at the Invermere Health Unit. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Confidential service: low-cost birth control, and STI testing.
• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. • Wednesday and Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday, January 12th
Invermere Library Hours • Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Invermere Thrift Store Hours
• Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Friday and Saturday: 1 - 4 p.m.
Radium Thrift Store Hours • Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Friday and Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.
The 2015 MaxWell calendars are in for pickup! 1214 -7th Ave., Invermere, B.C. Box 2280, Invermere V0A 1K0
Ph: 250-341-6044 Fax: 250-341-6046
www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca
DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612
SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309
BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415
GLENN POMEROY 250-270-0666
GEOFF HILL 250-341-7600
danielzurgilgen@gmail.com
scott@scottwallace.ca
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glennpomeroy@shaw.ca
connect@geoffhill.ca
CHRIS RAVEN 250-409-9323
KEN MACRITCHIE 250-342-1565
chrisraven09@gmail.com kdmacritchie@gmail.com
January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11
Glow-in-the-dark curling event set By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff Local curlers looking for something different may be keen on the new glow-in-the-dark curling event coming to Invermere next weekend. The event will involve black lighting, glow sticks and laser lighting in the Invermere Curling Club, and is the brainchild of Station Pub general manager Richard Matthews. “The whole premise is there’s not really a ton of different things going on in Invermere in the evenings, and we thought this would be creative and different. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Mr. Matthews. “It’s also meant to help the curling club draw new people to the sport.” About half the lights in the curling club will be replaced with black lights, with additional illumination coming from 500 glow sticks and laser lighting provided by DJ Will C. There will be two one-hour sessions of curling, but it will be a non-competitive event, mostly just for entertainment, he added. “It’s a fun event that anybody can play. In fact if
you’ve never curled, this would be a perfect time to get your feet wet and try,” said Mr. Matthews. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that fits the event’s “tight and bright” theme. “We’re trying to get things as bright and colourful as possible in there. Anything ‘90s style with neon, loud shirts, headbands, fanny packs, leotards would be good, or just anything that’s fun and loud.” Late Night Glow-in-the-Dark Curling is Saturday, January 17th starting at the Station Pub at 7:30 p.m. for organization of teams, rules and briefing, and the curling then starts at the curling club at about 9 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m., followed by prizes (for most outrageous costume, best team spirit, overall enthusiasm and other categories) and other entertainment in the club lounge. Teams or individuals can register at the Station Pub (250-342-5557). The cost is $20 per person or $80 per team of four, and includes all necessary curling equipment. The event will be licensed so is only for those age 19 or older. Beer from Arrowhead Brewery will be available and there will be door and draw prizes from Syndicate Board Shop.
Over 1,000 birds recorded in count By Randy Hopkins Contributed
Great Blue Herons continue to survive the frigid winter temperatures here. They are usually half a dozen making the best of it. Just over thirty people drove, Fran Kimpton was fortunate to have seen walked, or watched their yards and 12 Snow Buntings and 30 Grey-crowned feeders for the 2014 InvermereRosy Finches on her ranch. Shakespeare Radium Christmas Bird Count. Of lovers take note that European Starlings this annual event in the Americas, are still over-wintering in your midst. the Audubon Society says: “Each of Eleven of this invasive species were seen the citizen scientists who annually this year. Other invasive birds seen were braves snow, wind, or rain, to take 31 House Finches and 8 Rock Doves (city part in the Christmas Bird Count pigeons). Mountain and Black-capped makes an enormous contribution to Chickadees numbered in the 60s, roughly conservation. Audubon and other RAMPANT RAVENS — Ra- the same as last year. Two hardy Robins organizations use data collected in vens were not in short supply were seen in Invermere on Boxing Day, this longest-running wildlife census in the 2014 Invermere-Radium and a third during “count week”. to assess the health of bird popula- Christmas Bird Count, with 128 All bird species can be recorded from tions — and to help guide conserva- seen. Photo by Larry Halverson three days before to three days after count tion action.” day. This is to ensure that all birds likely to be in the area Our count takes place in a 24-kilometre diameter have a chance of being entered in the Audubon database circle, centred on Wilmer. This year, in 50 hours and for our region. Other count week birds were a Mourn100 kilometres of walking, driving and feeder-watching, ing Dove, a Hairy Woodpecker, several Pine Siskins, and 42 species, totalling approximately 1,050 birds, were a small flock of six Goldfinches in Radium.The rarest recorded. The count was dominated by Bohemian Wax- birds, seen only once, included a Red-tailed Hawk, a wings once again. Several large flocks swirled around Merlin, a Northern Shrike, a White-breasted Nuthatch Invermere on Boxing Day. Several observers thought and a Pacific Wren. Some of the regulars in past years there were at least 300. Ravens were not in short supply that didn’t get counted this year were Ruffed Grouse, either, with 128 seen, along with 11 crows and 16 Black- Common Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks, or Stellar’s Jays billed Magpies. Wild turkeys are still surviving out there. (our provincial bird). Other wildlife of note this year Forty-eight of the big birds showed themselves. Water- were four flying squirrels (seen in two locations); and fowl numbers were down noticeably, with only dozens of a herd of 250 elk by the Kimpton Ranch. If you would Canada geese and mallards seen, compared to hundreds like more information about the Christmas Bird Count, in previous years. Sixteen Common Goldeneyes and or to get involved, please contact Cam Gillies (250-342a couple of Northern Pintail ducks also made the list. 9605), or Randy Hopkins (250-688-6694).
Pioneer Classifieds
SPOT THE DEALS!
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Open 8 am − 10 pm 778•527•5022
*Winter Special*
2 medium pizzas for $21 or 1 large pizza for $14.99
N E W S PA P E R
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Village of Radium Hot Springs
Grant in Aid Applications The Village of Radium Hot Springs is welcoming applications for municipal grants in aid to community groups for endeavors, events or programs for the 2015 budget year. Applicants should pick up a guide to assist them in preparing a complete application. The deadline for applications will be January 30th, 2015. Guides may be obtained from the |Village office, 4836 Radium Blvd. during office hours.
We have a course for that!
Upcoming Courses: n n n n n n n n n n n
OFA Level 1 Spanish Level 1 Business Cash Flows What is Qi Gong? Firearms Safety Training Taking Better Photos Craft Club! Non-Profit Liability Workshop The Total Outdoorsman Red Cross Standard First Aid Sew Basics!
Jan 17 Jan 19-Feb 4 Jan 20 & 22 Jan 22 Jan 23-24 Jan 27 & 29 Jan 28-Mar 11 Jan 29 Jan 30-May 8 Jan 31 & Feb 1 Feb 2 & 4
Contact the Invermere campus today: 250.342.3210
www.cotr.bc.ca/Invermere
h e Pioneer ca T n
take you r do llar With 6,400 copies far in circulation each week, th er your message is resonating
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with residents and visitors alike. Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R
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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
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January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13
It’s official!
19
The first Whiteway Winter Festival on Saturday, January 3rd at Kinsmen Beach was the perfect way to celebrate the official opening of the Whiteway as the world’s longest ice skating trail. Opposite page, clockwise from bottom left: coach Rob Orchiston helped deliver free cross country ski lessons to kids; Paul Christy barbecued 100 Bratwurst for the hungry hordes; (l to r) Dave Robinson, Wendy Rockafellow, Doug and Susan Clovechok, and Amanda Robinson stand around the Whiteway’s Guinness World Record certificate; event organizer Duncan Whittick with Lake Windermere Ambassadors volunteer Tracy Flynn; kids at play on the frozen lake; Justen Foster with his daughter Avalyn; the Windermere Fire Department’s rescue hovercraft was on display; as was the new Whiteway signage; and the Kubota L3560, the new Whiteway groomer purchased by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club. This page, clockwise from bottom left: special guest Olympic Gold medalist Catriona LeMay-Doan tried out the free Nordic Skate demos courtesy of Inside Edge; free fat bike demos courtesy of Columbia Cycle and Ski were also for the taking; kids enjoyed their ski lessons; the ribbon-cutting dignitaries were Darren Tamelin (Nordic ski club director), Brad Kitching (Whiteway operator), Justin Atterbury (Invermere councillor), Wendy Booth (RDEK Area F Director), Amanda Robinson (CVCC Chair), Penny Powers (Nordic ski club director) and Gerry Taft (Invermere mayor); the ceremony was topped off by Shilo and Ben Cameron performing an acoustic rendition of their song “Take Me There” (see The Whiteway - Take Me There on YouTube); as the community skated across the world record breaking Whiteway after the ribbon was cut. Photos by Nicole Trigg/Dan Walton/ Duncan Whittick
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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
YOUR MONEY Easy saving strategies
Saving money can be a trying task for many Canadians. Life is busy and expensive, and saving money isn’t fun, so it often takes a backseat. Here are a few easy ways to get started.
any investment losses and most importantly, is a form of forced savings. Just like with regular source deductions, many people find that if money is out of sight, it’s also out of mind.
Make it automatic Coming up with a lot of money at one time can be daunting. For example, imagine that your bank required mortgage payments to be made annually instead of monthly. Few people would worry about finding, say, $1,500 per month, but many would worry about finding $18,000 per year. That’s the psychological advantage of paying for things on a monthly basis. Savings should be treated the same way — as a regular, habitual financial obligation. To make things easier, regular transfers to a savings account can be set up for any day of the week at most financial institutions.
Reduce debt Debt reduction has a guaranteed rate of return: its interest rate. Saving money happens every time debt is chipped away at, as long as it is not being replaced with more debt! Secondly, many people cite debt obligations as a reason why they don’t save. Clearing debt frees up more money with which to save. Paying down a mortgage has multiple benefits. Not only is it a form of forced savings, one’s primary residence is a tax-free investment. That’s like having a great big Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) linked to the local real estate market.
Overpay your taxes Even if you don’t owe extra income tax, some people find it helpful to have more tax withheld by their employer throughout the year. When they file their income tax return, they get the extra money back in the form of a tax refund. Some people scoff at this strategy as it requires a person to forfeit any interest, dividends or capital gains the money could have earned throughout the year had it been invested. On the other hand, it also protects against
Double-up Finding ways to multiply money is always a great strategy. For starters, look for opportunities where there is an extra benefit or matching option. For example, does your employer match Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contributions? RRSP contributions can also be multiplied by reinvesting any tax refund earned back into the RRSP, or into a TFSA. And of course, using a TFSA in lieu of a regular
savings account is a great idea because the money will grow tax-free. Save the bits As the saying goes, “watch your pennies and the dollars take care of themselves”. This is true for savvy shoppers as well as savers. While these ideas won’t take the place of a formal saving strategy, they are interesting ways to put aside a few dollars here and there: Go through your wallet and clean out all the smaller bills and coins, perhaps $5 bills and smaller, and put them in a jar. Ask your bank if there’s a way to round up debit card transactions and tuck away the extra into a savings account. For example, if a person has 50 transactions per month and each was rounded up by $0.50, they would have $25 saved at the end of the month. It’s not a lot but it helps. Many people receive regular raises from their employers. Tuck away the extra pay each month in a savings account so it doesn’t get spent. Final thoughts There are countless guidelines and strategies for saving money, but the most important part is to save in the first place. Just like everything else in life, practice makes perfect. And if you need a little extra support, consult with your financial advisor who will be happy to help.
Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning Brendan Donahue BCOMM, CIM, FCSI
Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent
Sara Worley CIM®
Investment Advisor Insurance Agent
Ask us about how we can create a tax-efficient dividend income portfolio
GIC Rates*
as of January 5 th.
1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year 5 year
1.80% 2.10% 2.17% 2.37% 2.58%
*Rates subject to change without notice. Manulife Securities Incorporated is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance products and services are offered through Manulife Securities Insurance Agency (a licensed life insurance agency and affiliate of Manulife Securities) by Manulife Securities Advisors licensed as life agents. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company is the sole issuer of the Manulife GIF Select insurance contract which offers the IncomePlus benefit and the guarantor of any guarantee provision therein.
Call us for professional, free consultations! • Ph: 250-342-2112 • Fax: 250-342-2113 • 530 13th Street , Invermere
old Valley ( The Echo Building )
January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15
Local ski pro report card Grasic, Osborne-Paradis, and Thomsen demonstrate valley’s power Compiled by Dan Walton Pioneer Staff The valley’s three most competitive ski racers — Martin Grasic, Manny OsborneParadis, and Ben Thomsen — are all busy this season touring the globe, tearing down mountain ranges throughout Europe and North America.
n • Age: 27
Name: Ben Thomse
y born and raised; Valley connection: Valle b veteran Windermere Valley Ski Clu e Canada/ World Cup hill Race division/level: Alpin 2nd overall; 42nd in down 12 r fo d Tie : ar ye is th Placements so far ailable gh the finRaces coming up: Not av ia: “When you come throu str Au el, üh zb Kit in l hil s really special.” World Cup down Quote from January 25th smiling and celebrating it’ em th e se d an s ate m m to your tea /pages/Benjamin-Thom om k.c oo eb ish area and you look over fac w. ww • ca njaminthomsen. homsen Follow him on... www.be • twitter.com/BenjaminT 6 22 41 81 81 82 55 18 n/ se nshow instagram.com/thomse
Hey Locals
It’s Your Day! January 17th, 2015
Name: Manny Osborne-P
aradis • Age 30 Valley connection: Valley resident; graduate of David Thompson Sec ondary School — Race division/level: Alp ine Canada/ World Cup Placements so far this year: Top ran king Canadian; 21st overall world wide; 10th in downhill; 18th in Super G Races coming up: Wengen, Switze rland January 16-17; Kitzbuehel, Austria January 23-24; Beaver Creek, Col ora do February 4-7; Saalbach, Austri February 21-22; Garmisch Parten a kirchen, Germany February 28; Kvi tfjell, Norway March 7-8; and Meribel, France March 18-19. Quote from November 29th World Cup downhill at Lake Louise: ”I’m going to try and get on the podium at every race so it just hel ps. So far we’re one for one.” Follow him on... Website: http://w ww.mannyski.com/ — Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ manuel.osborneparadis.9?fref=t s and https://www.facebook.com /m ikeandmanny — Twitter: https://twitter.com/manny_ ski — Instagram: http://instagra m.com/manny_ski/ instagram.com/thomsenshow Name: Mar
9 tin Grasic • Age: 1
b Windermere Valley Ski Clu d; ise ra d an rn Bo n: tio Valley connec veteran h Alpine Canada develop ug ro th p Cu AM R NO l: Race division/leve ment team p standings; 0th in overall NOR AM Cu : 5 ar ye is th far so ts en m cemPlace Giant Slalom race on De FIS an in h 4t ce Pla . lom in Giant Sla rama) 45th in Slalom and 25th cember 12 (both at Pano De ch on ce ra lom Sla FIS in Hafjell, Norway in Mar 15 20 ber 23; 10th in s hip ns pio am Ch ld e Junior Wor best — Races coming up: FIS Alpin eamed of becoming the dr s ay alw ve “I’ : er ne Pio th The . I still think I can Quote from September 19 that’s the ultimate dream , les tit p Cu ld or W d an winning Olympic medals do it.” tinyurl.com/nr2cff8 Check out his FIS results: asic eachamp.com/martingr Crowdfunding page: mak
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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
HERE TO SERVE YOU Sales ~ Service ~ Installation
Judy: (250) 341-1903
www.valleysolutions.ca valleysolutions@shaw.ca SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006
• House Checking • Complications • Details
• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems
UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS
Call for your FREE consultation and estimate
Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700
unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca
Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential
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Invermere and East Kootenay Region
New Home Construction
• Journeyman Carpenter • Contracting • Framing/Siding/Finishing • Timberframe • Custom Log Railing & Decks
Westridge Cabinets Dealer ~ Granite and Quartz Counter Tops Come visit our showroom,
492 arrow rd., unit 1b 250-342-hoMe (4663)
Scott Wilisky
stwcarpentry@live.ca • cell 250 270 0745
THE VALLEY’S LARGEST WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • Roller Shades • Roman Shades • Cellular Shades
• Gel Nails & Pedicures • Coloured Gel • Nail Art
• Pleated Shades • Horizontal Blinds • Shutters
Come visit our showroom,
492 ARROW RD., UNIT 1B 250-342-HOME (4663)
Call Judy ~ 250-341-5245 • Days, Evenings, Weekends HAVE A PARTY AND GET FREE JEWELLERY! A fun get-together with friends and gorgeous free Sterling Silver Jewellery…what more could a girl want? See how Silpada Designs gives you all that and more by booking a Silpada party… It’s simple - just give me your guest list and I’ll do the rest.
ASK ME about a fun, fASt Silpada Designs facebook Party! Rose-Marie Fagerholm Independent Representative
250-341-5956 • rosis@telus.net
• Vertical Blinds • Automation • Residential & Commercial
SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.
Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ Repaired Prefab Cement Tanks Installed Water Lines Dug and Installed Basements Dug
WINDERMERE 250-342-6805
ROSS‛S POOLS & SPAS Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs
Darren Ross Box 72, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0
Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 1-778-523-2426 • poolman-911@hotmail.com
RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO Automotive Repairs 7 days a week
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Residential & Commercial Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Freight & Passenger Depot
7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs
(250) 347-9726
Bus: 250-342-9692 Cell: 250-342-5241
RR#4 2117 - 13 Avenue Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K4
Fax: 250-342-9644 rugclean@telus.net
www.ptarmigan-invermere.com
January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17
HERE TO SERVE YOU Perfectly Painted Fast, reliable and affordable service for interiors and exteriors Beverley Schembri Windermere, B.C. and surrounding area
Call or email for a free estimate Phone: 587-585-6565 email: bevschembri@msn.com
Phil Bibby Journeyman Carpenter
SPRAY FOAM INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS
250.341.1995 philbibby@live.ca
pennerinsulation.com • 250-342-2001
New Homes • Custom Builds • Renovations Big Or Small
Box 802 | 422 – 14th Street | Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0
READY MIX CONCRETE Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service
Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.
Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Truck Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
Dean Hubman
Certified Technician
250-342-3052
For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)
Toll Free: 877-342-3052
Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net
LAMBERT-KIPP
P H A R M A C Y LT D .
Come in and browse our giftware
J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.) Laura Kipp, Pharm D., Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.) Your Compounding Pharmacy Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere
250-342-6612
Lambert
• • • •
invermereelectric@gmail.com
• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com
1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0
250-342-5682
www.invermerepc.com
Insured-Bonded-Licensed
Snow Removal
• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations
5077 FAIRMONT RESORT RD., FAIRMONT BC EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net
• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, B.C.
250-688-1235
FAIRMONT RIDGE RENOVATION
Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations
Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs
1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, BC V0A 1K0
INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.
BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7553 MAIN STREET INVERMERE, BC. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1K0 V0A 1M0 PHONE: 250-342-3031 PHONE: 250-347-9350 FAX: 250-342-6945 FAX: 250-347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031
Scott Postlethwaite
CVCC Contractor/ Trade Builder of the Year 2008
Your Local Pest Control Professionals
Phone: 250-342-7100 Email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com
www.diamondheatingandspas.com
Everett Frater Enterprises Phone: 250-347-9228 • Cell: 250-342-5645
Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals • NEW SEWER • CAMERA •
Complete sewer/drain repairs • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Speedy service – 7 days a week
A well maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years Avoid costly repairs
Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357
18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
Buying or selling… Your greatest investment is worth a second opinion! Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911 pglassford@telus.net www.PaulGlassford.com
Wende Brash Broker/Owner
January 9, 2015
Your Local COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE
Professionals Over 10 years of real estate experience!
RE/MAX Invermere
Glenn Pomeroy
MaxWell Realty Invermere 1214-7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.
glennpomeroy@shaw.ca
Cell: (250) 270-0666 Office: (250) 341-6044 Fax: 866-600-0673
ROCKIES WEST REALTY INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
492 Highway 93/95 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0
Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere BC V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611
CELL: 250-342-5889 TOLL FREE: 1-877-347-6838 FAX: 1-866-788-4966 scott@rockieswest.com www.rockieswest.com
Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300
Ken MacRitchie
MaxWell Realty Invermere 1214-7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.
kdmacritchie@gmail.com
Cell: 250-342-1565 Office: 250-341-6044 Fax: 250-341-6046
HERE TO SERVE YOU • Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.
Phone: 250-342-6452 • 250-342-3773 • Cell: 250-270-9444 All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons
250-341-1182
Box 424, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0
Serving the Columbia Valley
www.cabincare.ca
• • • • •
Weekly home checks Painting Renovations Pressure Washer Gutter Cleaning David Gulbe Mike Bernicot
Wood & 3D signs Monument signs 50” wide format outdoor printing
250.270.0821 Serving the Columbia Valley • 1-780-970-7040 Kari & John Mason250-270-0821 Invermere • Panorama
balancebobcat.com
• • • • •
Interior Finishing Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets Counter tops Small Renovations Decks and Interior Railings
250-341-7098 Invermere, B.C.
BOUTIQUE VACATION HOME MANAGEMENT RENTAL SERVICES “Proven and successful Management and Marketing Services for your Vacation Home” “Trip Advisor Vacation Rental of the Year 2011 and 2012”
17 years experience
SIGNS
& CNC
Vehicle signage
250-409-7446 borregosigns.com info@borregosigns.com S
I
G
N
4 0 0 L au r i e r S t r e e t , I n v e r m e r e , B C .
From Framing to Finishing • SNOW REMOVAL • SKID STEERS • PLOW TRUCKS • SAND TRUCKS • SAND AND GRAVEL CLEAN UP
Dale Elliott Contracting
Al Tallman
Call Al at
Call or visit online
PH: 1-888-711-ESCAPE (3722) • WEB: www.cobblestonecreek.ca
Your Weekly Source for News and Events
We Do It All!
N E W S PA P E R
#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Dean Midyette
Advertising Sales
Ph: 250.341.6299 • Cell: 250.409.9834 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com dean@columbiavalleypioneer.com
January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19
Pioneer Classifieds Steamboat Mountain
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Steamboat Mountain Music Society
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 7 p.m. Friday, January 9th Edgewater Legion · Annual Reports · Bursary News · Plans for 2015 · Coffee House Social · Entertainment
• • • •
Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-1312 Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
ANNOUNCEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT
CHEERS & JEERS
CHEERS & JEERS
CHEERS & JEERS
Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. For more information, please call 250-342-2424. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.
Narcotics Anonymous meeting now available. Thursdays at 8 p.m. Call 250-342-1071 for more info.
Cheers to Jill, Donna, Karen, Ron and all of the Village of Radium staff and council people for a most excellent birthday celebration on Dec 31st. You guys ROCK!
Cheers to all the people we met in Invermere who provided such great hospitality during our Christmas 2014 visit to your beautiful town. Special cheers to Dean and Lizzie for the wonderful Christmas dinner and great company.
Cheers to Penny for setting up and keeping the hot lunch program running smoothly! Have fun and we look forward to hearing about your African adventures!
CHEERS & JEERS Cheers to the couple who dropped off the Godiva chocolates at the hospital on Dec 30th. We apologize for not getting your names.
s obituary s Fred Von Niessen 1925 - 2014
Fred Von Niessen of Wilmer, B.C. passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21st, 2014 at Invermere and District Hospital at 88 years of age. Fred was born on December 26th, 1925 in Morse, Saskatchewan. He moved to the Columbia Valley in 1948, where he worked as a miner and millworker. Fred married Dorothy Williams in 1960. They raised their two sons and one daughter in the Columbia Valley. The family opened the 1st drive-in restaurant, “The Cree-mee” in 1961, and they later added a grocery store. Fred and Dorothy were part of the Village Arts Club for 12 years. Fred was very talented and did a lot of woodworking. He was also an avid fisherman, passionate about gardening and was known as a jack of all trades.
Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m. at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call 250-3428255.
CHEERS & JEERS Jeers to all the drivers who tailgate and pass on dangerous corners, particularly between Invermere and Banff.
Email your Cheers or Jeers to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
BIG JEERS to the person who backed into the passenger side front fender of my grey Jeep Grande Cherokee. You certainly know what you did as there is considerable damage. I am a senior citizen and a permanent resident here in the valley and have never had such a thoughtless act done to my vehicle. Please have a happy new year, as I will not. Jeers to those who set off New Year’s Eve fireworks by our yard showering our trees and house with sparks and debris even hitting our windows. It’s a good thing there was snow as there was concern about possible fire. Please have fireworks in large open areas.
s obituary s Beverly Rose Brunner (nee Franks)
November 12th , 1937 – December 24th, 2014
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Beverly Rose Brunner on December 24th, 2014. Beverly was a devoted and much loved mother, wife, grandmother and sister. She is survived by her daughter Lori Brunner and her son Scott Brunner (Tina) and her adored grandchildren, Cayle, Connor, Cassie, Kody and Kyle. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Smith.
Fred was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary Von Niessen, and his brother Terry Von Niessen.
Pre-deceased by her beloved husband Bruce Brunner in August 2008, we find peace in knowing that Bev and Bruce are once again reunited and watching over their family.
Fred is survived by his loving wife Dorothy, sons Mark (Kara) and Brent, his daughter Christy-Anna (Scott) Wilson-Murray, grandchildren Taryn, Justine, Shane, Riley, Robyn, Alexa, Ally, and Connor, and his brother Tony Von Niessen.
Beverly will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends as someone who always made time for you, who always welcomed you into her home and treated you like you belonged and always believed “the more the merrier”
A memorial service for Fred was held on Saturday, January 3rd, 2015, at the Lake Windermere Alliance Church in Invermere. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honour to a charity of your choice.
We would like to thank all our family and friends and the medical team that gave us support during her brief illness and this tough time.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com
Will will have a celebration of their life together in the late spring, early summer at their home in Invermere, B.C. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to families in need. God bless.
Big Cheers to Amber, Steve, Dale and Kendra! Such great neighbors. JEERS for shutting down vehicle I appreciate all you do! The happy JEERS access at Kinsmen Beach! CHEERS &face still makes me smile! Sponsored by
Jeers to the individuals who took the three extension cords from the Bayshore hockey rink New Year’s Eve. A blue one, yellow one and a long orange one with a tin box double plug. These are there so people can enjoy the rink in the evening. Jeers to the mess left at the Invermere transfer stations! People need to stop being so damn lazy and give their heads a shake. Cheers to Mark and the employee for cleaning it up! Cheers to Elfie. Never have I felt so loved and full of gratitude. All of the gifts and daily reminders that the holiday spirit is still alive is very appreciated! You gave me the most special and magical Christmas ever. You too, are loved! Cheers to my best gal pals for coming by for my 64th birthday. I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to have such great friends. Jeers to the article about the Invermere transfer station being ill treated. Did management not know and plan for extra pickup after Christmas? They should have put a couple of extra bins there for the holidays.
Jeers to the person who doesn’t dim their lights. You blind people and when the roads are snowy you can’t see the centre or shoulder lines. The cop should have given you a fine then maybe you would remember. Cheers to Ruth and the team at Tim Hortons for supplying the Holiday Bereavement Group with warm coffee. It was greatly appreciated. Cheers to Melanie and her helpers at the Invermere Post Office for their always courteous and friendly demeanor. Melanie provided exemplary service in locating our valuable packages and contacting me in time for pick up. CHEERS to the mysterious elves who ploughed my driveway last week while I was away at the West Coast. It was a pleasure to come home to my snowy white mountains and not have to shovel. Jeers to the Village for complaining about the mess at the recycle site. How about emptying the containers before they fill? Not rocket science after Christmas! There will always be idiots who leave TVs etc., still better than the old way of Toby canyon or Wilmer sloughs dumping.
20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
CHEERS & JEERS
COMMERCIAL SPACE
SUITE FOR RENT
HOUSE FOR SALE
SERVICES
Cheers to Rod and Gun, please come and get the Edgewater deer too! Jeers to people for feeding the deer for years, and now feeding the turkeys.
NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE 24 x 36 shop power included, propane heat at tenant’s expense, $650/mo first and last D.D. required. Contact Newhouse Multi Storage 250-342-3637.
Radium: Basement bachelor suite rent includes utilities, $415/mo. Call 250-347-6420 or 250-688-0858.
Why rent when you can own? No down payment needed, Windermere 4-bdrm, 2 bath, 1,500 sq. ft. living space, completely updated, all appliances, payment $1,250/mo P.I.T., realtor appointed. Inquire windermere01@shaw.ca
Dryer Vent and Furnace Cleaning and inspections. Call AQUAIR today! 250-342-5089.
Lakeview Meadows, REDUCED, 3-bdrm, 2.5 bathrooms, Flex room, 2,430 sq. ft. 250-341-6188.
Save 20% on Wood Blinds
Cheers to Greg and everyone at the Radium Post Office. Always superfriendly, professional and very helpful service. Such an important part of the community too. Happy New Year! Three huge Cheers to Jeff at Invermere Glass. I appreciate all you have done to help me out over the last few years. You are a blessing to this community.
LOST AND FOUND Lost at Lake Lillian on Sunday December 28th - women’s white Firefly mittens. New Christmas present - please call 250-342-0441 if found. Thank you! Found: Set of keys on the ice near Kinsmen beach. Call 250-342-4667 to claim. Lost: One gold earring with blue stones. In the vicinity of Rocky River Grill. Please call 250-342-3378 if found.
storage
NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available. Now with climate-controlled units. Call 250-342-3637. STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park: 250-342-3166.
STORAGE SPACE/ SHOP RENTAL right in town. 35’ x 40’ with 12ft ceilings. On large lot so plenty of space outside and lots of storage inside as well. Perfect for contractors with equipment etc. $800/mo, damage deposit required. Call for more info. 403819-7494.
SHARED ACCOMModation Private room, includes all utilities, internet, long distance calling, laundry. Beside Panorama bus stop. $500/mo single, $600/mo double, $45/night includes taxes, 1-866222-0325.
SUITE FOR RENT Radium: Fully furnished units for rent. Bedsitting, 1-bdrms, 2-bdrms. N/S, pets negotiable. Call Joan at 250-342-7517 to view and check availability. Rent includes heat, hydro, cable and all linens. STARTING AT $500/mo. For rent in Invermere, well maintained 2-bdrm main floor suite. Close to downtown. Large deck, garage, fireplace, W/D, D/W, n/s, n/p, $1,250 per month, utilities included, references please. 250342-3790.
HOUSE FOR RENT House For Rent - 2-bdrm upstairs, 1 bathroom, unfurnished in the Wilder subdivision - all appliances included with washer and dryer. Also a 2-bdrm separate suite downstairs with walkout door. Rent for entire home is $1,200/mo plus utilities. Rent for upstairs is $800/ mo plus utilities. Basement suite is $500/mo plus utilities. Call 250341-5885 – references requested. Windermere: newer 2-bdrm, 2-bath with garage. $1,150/ month, internet and satellite TV included. Available immediately. Linda, 403-850-6746. Invermere furnished Townhouse. 3-bdrm, 2.5-bath, 5 appliances, N/S, N/P. Garage, close to downtown, family oriented. $1,125/mo + utilities. 403-703-0930.
CONDO FOR RENT
Main floor apartment, upgraded kitchen and bathrooms. 2-bdrm, 2 bath, hardwood and carpet, sunny deck, fenced yard with storage shed, air conditioning. W/D, dishwasher, N/P. $1,200/mo utilities included. Call 250-3423790.
BEAUTIFUL 1-bdrm luxury condo for long term rent in Sable Ridge Resort. Fully furnished and stocked with amenities. Just move in. Furnished with Penthouse furnishings, gourmet kitchen, ensuite laundry, queen bed, 3rd floor view, fireplace, B.B.Q., underground parking, outdoor hot tubs, clubhouse and seasonal pool. Long term rental. $925/mo including utilities. Please contact JOE at 403-909-5544.
Radium: Motel Bavaria, low low rates, daily, weekly, monthly. Kitchenettes available. Call 250347-9915.
Condo for rent in Aspen building in Radium, 2-bdrm, 2 bath, $850/ mo includes utilities. N/P, N/S. Underground parking. Available right away, call 403-690-3166.
Invermere, Fort Point: Prestigious location, new separate entrance 1-bdrm lower suite, with large windows, all appliances. N/S, N/P, $850/mo utilities included. Mature adults please. Sam, (C) 403-5108143, (H) 403-239-6353. 2-bdrm furnished suite, 5 appliances, adults, N/P, N/S. Quiet neighbourhood, walking distance to downtown. $750/mo + utilities, 250-342-1230.
HOUSE FOR SALE 4-bdrm, 2 and a half bathroom townhouse for sale in Swansea View. Phone for details. 250-341-5216.
CONDO FOR SALE Located in Invermere, this well appointed condo features superior construction and R2000 certified. Close to shopping and beaches. 2-bdrm, 2 bath, 5 appliances. Perfect as your new home or great rental property revenue. Furniture negotiable, move right in! $285,000 firm, serious inquiries only, 250-342-2274.
FIREWOOD
Water treatment and purification, includes drinking water systems, softeners and conditioners, iron filters. Call AQUAIR, 250-342-5089.
“We are very pleased with the blinds, the colors, quality, the top down option, privacy, light control, most importantly it was installed perfectly. We are glad to have met Shannon, very sweet, excellent customer service, trustworthy, very knowledgeable for a very reasonable price. We highly recommend Shannon’s Blinds.” Amar & Lynnie Blinds, Drapery, retractable screen doors & more Shannon’s Blinds & Designs 250-342-5749
Support Rockies Hockey firewood. Larch, fir, and pine split and delivered. Call 250-342-6908.
SERVICES
Home Building and Renos Chuck Newhouse Builders 250-342-3637 chucknew@telus.net
NEED A PASSPORT or VISA PHOTO? ...guaranteed to meet Passport specifications or your money back or complimentary re-take! Walk-ins accepted; appointments preferred. Ready in an hour. KRS Photography Printing - Picture Framing 505-7th Avenue Invermere Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 or by appointment. Look for the red door behind the Invermere Laundromat! www.kimberleyrae.ca or 250-342-5102
Rockies West Realty
Firewood, bagged or bulk, free local delivery. 250-342-3040 or aranwood@hotmail.com. Pine Firewood, $230/cord. 250341-7290.
SERVICES
Independently Owned and Operated
492 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC
Kim Collens
Representative
toll free: 1.877.342.3427 cell: 250.342.1671
kim@rockieswest.com www.kimcollens.com
Recipe Of The Week ROASTED SQUASH AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS
2 lbs Brussels Sprouts, halved 2 tsp Garlic
kimberleyrae.ca
photography studio picture framing passport photos …look for the red door behind the Invermere Dry Cleaners!
250-342-5102
1 large Acorn Squash, peeled, seeded and cubed 6 slices Bacon 1 tbsp Olive Oil 1 tbsp fresh Thyme, chopped
2 tsp Onion Powder ¾ tsp Salt ½ tsp Pepper 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
In a bowl, combine sprouts with squash. Add bacon, oil, thyme, garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper; toss to coat. Spread in single layer on lightly greased foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 450 degree oven, stirring halfway through, until golden, about 35 minutes. Toss with lemon juice and serve. See all my recipes at recipes.kimcollens.com
Home Of The Week
health & wellness
Fiona Millar, AEP Intuitive Reader
250-342-1713 fiona@fionapsychic.com • www.fionapsychic.com
A Short Drive to Great Value!
This Riverside Golf Course beauty is worth a look! Upgraded features, luxurious master suite, open floor plan and great mountain views.
$350,900 WOW!
MLS® 2396984
January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21
Atlific Hotels’ Copper Point Resort is a whole new level of play in the Columbia Valley. Invermere’s newest upscale Hotel, is the perfect complement to four-season fun and athletic appetites.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is accepting applications for the position of:
We are looking for those strong candidates who are energetic and passionate about providing an exceptional guest experience. We are committed to bringing together the industry’s best talent to create a diverse team of innovative thinkers.
SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING COORDINATOR – FULL TIME
Atlific Hotels offers competitive wages, employee benefits, advanced training opportunities, a fun working environment and more importantly, a career.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is looking for an enthusiastic, goal oriented individual with strong communication skills. Duties include website and database management, preparing and strategizing social media posts, copywriting and proofing of print material & newsletters and creating and implementing tactical marketing initiatives. This position works closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing to drive revenue while educating target audiences about Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
We are recruiting for the following:
• Front Office Manager • Housekeeping Department • Guest Experience Agent – Full-time • Shuttle Driver – Part-time/Full-time
Qualifications include: • A professional and positive attitude • Attention to detail • Proficient computer skills • Creative copywriting skills • Extensive internet knowledge • Ability to respond to rapidly changing priorities • Strong verbal and interpersonal skills • Experience in working in a team based environment
Elements Grill is recruiting for the following:
• Servers • Banquet staff • Kitchen staff Email your resumes in confidence to: cherrie.burke@copperpointresort.com 760 Cooper Road, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 PH: 250.341.4021 Toll Free 1.855.926.7737 FX: 250.341.4001
SERVICES Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning. Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour! Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca . No time to clean? Too busy with family or vacation? 25 years local home cleaning experience, honest, reliable, hard working. Residential and Vacation homes, sorry no construction cleans or rental units. Weekly, biweekly or monthly LOVE to clean! Dianne Peterson 250-342-9702 dtpeterson@shaw.ca
HELP WANTED TONY’S GREEK GRILL We are now accepting resumes for full-time positions for qualified first-cook chef in Mediterranean Greek cuisine in Fairmont minimum three years experience. Also, experienced prep cook, and kitchen help, ice cream attendants. Seasonal work from April to October. Please fax resume to 250-5443475 or email tonysgreekgrill@ gmail.com.
Columbia Cycle and Ski is hiring a F/T Ski Tech/Bike Mechanic, must be available weekends. Email: ccycle@telus.net or drop off resume to 375 Laurier Street, Invermere. In-house care givers for senior lady with Post CVA. Remuneration to be discussed depends on experience. Please send resume to Box 1081 Invermere, V0A 1K0.
The Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere, B.C., has an immediate opening for a part-time Ice Facility Operator for the balance of the 2014-2015 season. Candidates must: •
• • • •
Be physically fit, be able to perform repetitive manual labor such as sweeping, mopping, snow removal. Heavy lifting required. Be available to work shifts including evenings and weekends. Have previous experience at operating a Zamboni, the ice edger and knowledge of general ice maintenance. Possess the ability to perform small plumbing and carpentry tasks. Have general knowledge of the refrigeration plant and related components as per the IFO certification.
A flexible schedule is required. Experience in hospitality and/or marketing is preferred. Interested applicants please forward their resume with references before Jan 16th, 2015 to the attention of: Human Resources - David Sheedy Fax: 250-345-6616 or email to: hr@fhsr.com
fairmonthotsprings.com 1.800.663.4979
• • •
•
Be proficient at operating and maintaining small machinery. Have a valid Class 5 Drivers Licence. Be safety conscious, have basic knowledge of Safety Standards and risk management as it relates to public facilities. Be able to work under stress, establish good rapport with the public, be flexible, adaptable, reliable, self motivated, able to organize and follow schedules, work with little or no supervision and be a team player.
Your application shall outline your relative experience in the field, include references from previous employers, expected hourly wage, and be emailed to emarena@telus.net Only those candidates who have been short listed will be contacted for an interview. For further information you may either email your inquiries or phone 250-342-6712.
Fruitvale, BC Invermere, BC
COOK / CHEF HEALTH CARE AIDES FOR WEEKENDS
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES! LICENSED
PRACTICAL NURSE
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a competitive salary and benefits package with access to all resort amenities and opportunity for growth within the company.
HELP WANTED
Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
ARENA POSITION
Join our winning team!
Mountain Side Village Is Fruitvale’s Newest Seniors Housing, Care, & Services Community.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES!
Competitive Wage & Benefits
• • • • •
Attractive Compensation Columbia GardenPackage Village is Flexible Hours Invermere’s Seniors Housing, Innovative Support Team to Ensure Your Care, & Services Community. Success Opportunity for Growth within an Expanding Company Vibrant Professional Atmosphere
Hiring Incentive
Apply Online At GOLDENLIFE.CA Apply Online At GOLDENLIFE.CA Or Call 250.489.0667 For More Info!
0911611 BC LTD o/a Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K2 YOUR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISTS
New Year's Resolution - Find a Job? Then get in touch with your local EK Employment Centre (WorkBC) to access FREE employment services, including everything from resume help, to financial supports, wage subsidies and much, much more.
C a l l : 25 0- 3 4 1-6 8 8 9
V i s i t : 2-1 3 1 3 7 t h Av e, I nv erm e r e
Visit Our Regional Job Board
www.ekemployment.org The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
Part and Full-time Positions Available Start date: ASAP
Food Service Supervisor Permanent, Shift
Food Counter Attendant Permanent, Shift
Job description available in store 7 positions available No education required One to two years experience required. Nights/early mornings/weekends $12.12/hour + medical/ dental/group benefits.
Job description available in store 12 positions available No education or experience required. Nights/overnights/early mornings/weekends. $11.05/hour + medical/dental/ group benefits.
Apply in person, via email (timhortons.invermere@gmail.com) or by fax (250-341-3177) for both positions.
22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
PIONEER ON THE ROAD
2014 contest ends
Travel World, our local travel agency in Invermere, has once again generously donated a night at a Calgary hotel and two tickets to a Calgary Flames game to the winner of our annual Pioneer Travel Photo Contest. Simply take a copy of The Pioneer with you when you are away on holidays, snap a photo with it, and have it published in The Pioneer. At the end of the year, we will draw the winning name. Submit your photos online at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com, email them to info@cv-pioneer.com, or drop by our office, #8, 1008-8th Ave. Invermere. These are the last of the 2014 entries — the winner will be announced in our next issue. Pictured, clockwise from top left: Crisana and a stingray in Grand Turk; Rythom Chaisson and Chiron Verge in the Caribbean; Shawn and Jean Doherty in Mexico; David and Jonni Sharp with grandchildren Max and Mackenna at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights; Pam, Kim, Ty, Taytum, Shirley Frocklage, Kendyl, Wyatt, Trystan, Quintynn Hart and Al Caron in Varadaro, Cuba; Rythom Chaisson snorkeling at Grand Turk; Steve Talsma and Sheena Swierenga on the water taxi to Ixtapa Island in Mexico.
Junior men’s narrowly miss provincial playoffs
Rockies player profile
By Dave Gaspar Invermere Curling Center Our Junior Men’s Team (represented by Logan Powell and Sam Gaspar of Invermere and Jordan Field and Zane Bartlett from Grand Forks) played well against a very talented field of Junior Curlers at the Junior Men’s Provincial Curling Championship in Parksville between Sunday, December 28th and Saturday, January 3rd. In the round robin event, we finished with three wins and four losses, missing the playoffs in a disappointing overtime loss to the Thomas Love team from Vernon. We kept the crowd on the edge of their seats with a brilliant come-frombehind overtime win against the only undefeated team — Tanaka — which finished with only one loss. Sportsnet described this as a “real barn burner 12-10 victory.” Dave Bartlett, our head coach,
JUNIOR TALENT — Left to right are lead Jordan Field (Grand Forks), second Logan Powell (Invermere), third Sam Gaspar (Invermere), and skip Zane Bartlett (Grand Forks). Photo submitted was awarded Most Sportsmanlike by his fellow coaches. Our players were awesome ambassadors of the valley and the game of curling. We appreciate all of the support we received from the valley’s service clubs and businesses. If you were there, you would have been proud to call them your team.
#5 Randy Teeple Nineteen-year old Randy Teeple came to the Columbia Valley Rockies at the end of October from his native Fernie where he wasn’t getting enough ice time. He is filling a regular slot on the blue line with the Rockies and enjoying it very much. He loves everything about hockey since he switched from playing forward to defence many
years ago. His hockey career began at the age of five. Teeple’s parents Sharon and Jerry, along with his older brother Ryan, are very supportive of his endeavours. His future includes a year or so of working on the oil rigs in Saskatchewan before going back to school to pursue a career in physiotherapy.
January 9, 2015
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23
FAITH
The carousel of time By Pastor Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly Another year has passed. The carousel of time has gone around again. Only yesterday I was a child eagerly marking my new height on the wall; I was a teenager sporting a deep voice and sprouting whiskers; I was a young man in love, married and welcoming children into our home. Only yesterday they graduated and moved away. Now I’m a grandfather singing nursery rhymes and reading stories to my grandchildren. Now I play on the floor with crayons, building blocks, race cars and dinosaurs. “Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping into the future.” (Steve Miller Band) I’m aging. We all are. Everyone and everything around me is growing older. The signs are everywhere. Recently, my glasses were strengthened; last year, my knee was rebuilt; and before
that, I was treated for prostate cancer. I’ve noticed conversations often concern people’s health or the passing of family and friends. I still work but the clock is ticking. Soon I’ll receive Canada Pension and will be dipping into retirement savings. And after that the closing chapter of life begins. A young Joni Mitchell once sang: “And the seasons they go round and round, and the painted ponies go up and down, we’re captive on the carousel of time. We can’t return we can only look behind from where we came, and go round and round and round in the circle game.” Our ride on the carousel of time eventually comes to an end. Before that happens, listen to the words of a wise old man: “Honour and enjoy your Creator while you’re still young, before the years take their toll and your vigour wanes, before your vision dims and the world blurs and the winter years keep you close to the fire… Remember your Creator before the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Why not begin this New Year with a conversation with our Creator? Don’t put it off. Embark on a spiritual journey and there will be much more to enjoy, as we go round and round on the carousel of time.
Hungry like a Coyowolf Wildlife lover and photographer Bonnie-Lou Ferris captured a rare photograph of this hybrid species (a coyote and wolf cross) at her Windermere acreage on Monday, December 8th. The coyowolf was feasting on elk scraps.“I feel so in the moment when I am filming and shooting wildlife and natural landscapes!” she said. Photo by BonnieLou Ferris
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH
Sunday, January 11th 10:30 a.m.: Worship And Life Instruction.... “Spirit-Empowered”... Intern Pastor Jordan ministering “K.I.D.S.: Church, for children Age 3 to Grade 1 and Grades 2 to 7 during the Morning Service. 7 p.m.: “Sing and Celebrate”...at L.W.A.C. Pastor Trevor Hagan 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org
Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED Bacon, Friends & Faith, 9:30 a.m. (Sept.-June) Worship every Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Christ Church Trinity 1st and 3rd Sunday, 9 a.m. All Saint’s, Edgewater Reverend Laura Hermakin 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca
Valley Christian Assembly
Sunday, 10:00 a.m.: Worship Service. Kids’ Church provided. Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway 93/95, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com
Roman Catholic Church
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats. Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in Invermere. Sunday, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium. 712 -12th Ave., Invermere Father Gabriel • 250-342-6167
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE
Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman • 1-250-426-7564
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. – 1 p.m. President Adam Pasowisty • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
12-week program - participants must commit to all 12 weeks Tuesday, January 20th - Tuesday, April 7th. From 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Hospice Society Office - Frater Landing Unit 103, 926 7th Ave. Invermere Free of Charge, MUST preregister by calling 250-688-1143 The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley is hosting a 12-week Bereavement Support Group based on Dr. Alan Wolfelts book Understanding Your Grief. The group is for those who have lost a close family member in 2014. If you have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, or a sibling, please contact us to see if this program is a fit for you. The program is limited to 10 participants. You must pre-register and commit to being in attendance for all 12 weeks. For more information please call Maria at 250-688-1143. Proud Sponsor of Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley~ Bereavement Support Programs
24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 9, 2015
Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Baldy Ridge Extension Project Open House and Invitation to Comment Teck Coal Limited (Proponent) is proposing to extend the working life of the Elkview mine by developing and operating the proposed Baldy Ridge Extension Project (proposed Project). The proposed Project would be located approximately 2.5 km east of Sparwood, British Columbia, and would produce an estimated 6.8 million tonnes of clean coal per year. The proposed Project is subject to review under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act. The Proponent must obtain an environmental assessment certificate before any work can be undertaken on the proposed Project. However, prior to submission of an application (Application) for a certificate by the Proponent, Environmental Assessment Office of British Columbia (EAO) must first approve Application Information Requirements. Key to the Application Information Requirements is the identification of Valued Components to be studied and the areas within which the studies would occur. This task is done through the Valued Components Selection Document. To provide information about Valued Components Selection, EAO invites the public to attend an Open House. There will be one Open House, to be held as follows: at:
Sparwood Seniors Centre 101 4th Avenue, Sparwood (next to Lilac Terrace Seniors Housing)
on:
January 22, 2015
from:
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
There are 30 days for the submission of comments by the public in relation to Valued Components Selection. The comment period will begin on January 15, 2015 and end on February 16, 2015. All comments received during this comment period in relation to Valued Components Selection will be considered. The intention of seeking public comments is to ensure that all potential effects – environmental, economic, social, heritage and health – that might result from the proposed Project are identified for consideration as part of the assessment process. At this stage of the process, the primary intent is to receive feedback about the studies or information required for a comprehensive environmental assessment.
After taking public comments into account, EAO will finalize the Application Information Requirements and issue them to the Proponent. EAO accepts public comments through the following ways: •By Online Form at: http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca •By Mail: Kate Haines Project Assessment Manager Environmental Assessment Office PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9V1 •By Fax: Fax: 250-356-7477 An electronic copy of the Valued Components Selection Document and information regarding the environmental assessment process are available at www.eao.gov.bc.ca. Copies of the Valued Components Selection Document are also available for viewing at these locations: Teck Community and Aboriginal Affairs Office 116 Centennial St, Sparwood 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday Sparwood Library 110 Pine Avenue, Sparwood Elkview Operations Main Gate RR 1, Hwy 3, Sparwood, V0B 2G1 If you are unable to participate at this time, there will be an additional comment period during the Application Review stage when you will also be able to provide comments to EAO on the proposed Project.
NOTE: All submissions received by EAO during the comment period in relation to the proposed Project are considered public and will be posted to the EAO website.