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Happy New Year!

JoAnneWillox and Fil Paleck share a laugh together .

Photo by Lisa Ede

2 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

VALLEY

December 31, 2004

Predict your own future: psychic

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff

Laurelie Martinson knew the minute she walked through the door three years ago that she would buy Meet at Higher Ground Coffee Shop in Radium Hot Springs.

The Regina native, who was visiting the valley with her parents, has been operating on intuition for most of her life. So she purchased the coffee shop and has run it ever since.

Now she is ready to pursue another goal - helping people predict their own futures by reading Tarot cards.

She is hanging up her shingle as The Neighborhood Psychic.

Predicting the future is something we can all learn, she says. “For example, we have all had that feeling of thinking about someone and suddenly the phone rings,� she says. “That’s our intuition at work.�

Laurelie says we can increase our level of intuition by being in tune with our gut feelings. “Before you call your friend, close your eyes and visualize whether she is

at home, and whether she feels like talking. Then call her and find out.�

However, Laurelie cautions that people shouldn’t spend much time fretting about the future. “The most powerful we can be is living in the present,� she says. “Yes, we want to plan, we want to make practical decisions, but it depletes our energy to be constantly dwelling in the past or worrying about the future.�

She said when people have a dream or a vision, they should write it down before the details are lost. The 16thcentury French prophet Nostradamus recorded his predictions for posterity and we still marvel at their accuracy.

For example, he predicted the fall of the twin towers in New York City.

And Laurelei also says that astrology should be used only as a general guideline.

Newspaper horoscopes are helpful but should not be taken literally, she says. “The stars, Tarot cards, any of these things - they are excellent tools for getting a sense of who you are, where you are in your life,� she says.

Downtown development unveiled

Laurelie uses her Tarot cards as a tool for helping people to preduct their future.

NEWS BRIEFS

A major new project northeast of the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena will be unveiled at a public open house on Tuesday, January 4th.

Arson suspected in trailer fire Developers are tight-lipped about the scope of the project, preferring to wait until it is seen by the An un inhabited trailer was the scene of a myspublic before being discussed with the newspaper. terious fire in the Athalmer industrial park at 7 p.m.

However, rumour has it that the development on Boxing Day. The fire is under investigation of the dwarfs anything seen in the valley to date. fire chief Roger Ekman.

The open house will be held at the Best Western “We believe it was deliberately set by someone,�

Invermere Inn from 5 to 7 p.m.

Mr. Ekman said. “There was nothing around the trailer and yet it was completely burned.�

Helicopter crash kills Colorado pilot

RCMP have confirmed that a man from Boulder, Colorado was en route from Cranbrook to Revelstoke when his helicopter crashed in the mountains northwest of Canal Flats.

The local RCMP, Transport Safety Board investigators and the B.C. Coroner’s Service were all at the scene Wednesday of the crash site after the man’s remains were discovered.

SAAN chain of stores sold Local SAAN management is not allowed to reveal any plans for the store after it was announced recently that the Canadian department store chain has been sold to an investor group in New York.

The Canadian owner named Gendis, a publicly-traded company based in Winnipeg, sold its

money-losing SAAN and Red Apple Clearance stores on Dec. 16. Founded in 1947, it grew into a chain of 240 stores across Canada and employs 3,000 people. The SAAN here has 12 employees.

Local Snowbird died in 1972 The very first Snowbird pilot killed during a flying performance was Lloyd Waterer from Invermere, back in 1972.

Recently two airplanes collided in mid-flight, resulting in the fifth fatality since the precision flying team was formed in 1971.

The Snowbirds had been flying together for just one year when they lost their first member - Captain Lloyd Waterer of Invermere. He was just 24 years old. His funeral was held at the former Anglican Christ Church. “It was one of the biggest funerals this town has ever seen,� recalls Any Stuart-Hill. “The church was full and so was the yard.� As well as people from the community, several Snowbirds and flying friends attended the funeral.

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Mark Moneo Doctor of Optometry

1325 - 7th Ave., Invermere ~ 342-6223

Happy New Year from the Management and Staff of IGA

December 31, 2004

NEWS

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 3

Family escapes tidal wave The next day the Saunders took several buses to get to the far side of the island and are staying in an area as far away from the disaster zone as possible.

A Windermere family is trying to enjoy what’s Faith has since called her mother several times. left of their holiday in Thailand after narrowly esThe Saunders have decided not to fly home becaping a tidal wave which swamped the southwest fore their scheduled departure on January 7th as the coast on Boxing Day. airports are crammed with stranded tourists.

Gordon and Faith Saunders and their two sons Ryan and Tanner were mere minutes from being swept away by a wave that killed 77,000 people at last report and devastated several countries. “They could easily have been killed,� said Faith’s mother Sandra Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor said she got a long-distance call on Christmas night. She and her husband Joe had been out for dinner and had not yet turned on their television set. The time difference between here and Thailand is 14 hours. “It was Faith. She said: “Mom, I just called to tell you we’re all right.’ I was surprised because we hadn’t watched the news and we didn’t know anything about it. “I’m so glad she called me right away because we would have been just sick if we had seen it on TV first.�

Mrs. Taylor said the Saunders family had been staying on the island of Phi Phi but left on Boxing Day morning to take a ferry back to the city of Krabi on the mainland. “The boys wanted to stay and go snorkelling but Faith just insisted that they get up early and catch the first ferry over to the mainland. “They had just docked and were getting off the ferry when they saw people on the shore shouting and pointing and making a big commotion. They looked out to sea and saw the tidal wave coming on Gordon and Faith Saunders the horizon. “They grabbed their luggage and ran onto the Gordon Saunders is a landscape contractor and shore. There was a taxi waiting there so they jumped Faith works in the office at David Thompson Secin and the driver raced up the hill towards higher ondary School. Their oldest son Ryan is an engiground. neering student at the University of Alberta in Ed“When they drove over across the river, they monton. could see the water under the bridge swelling up as Their youngest boy Tanner graduated from high the wave hit the shore and started to come inland. school in 2003 and spent a year working in Calgary.

They got to the other side and drove up the hill to a While employed at Joey Tomato’s, he met his grilhotel - just any old hotel. They took the elevator to friend Sarah Passegger and the two decided to travel the sixth floor and from there they could see what together. was happening down below.�

Tanner and Sarah left for Thailand at the beMrs. Taylor said the Saunders were quite safe, ginning of November. The rest of Tanner’s family but the hotel where they had been staying originally decided to fly to Thailand and meet with him for a was swamped. family vacation. The family, including Sarah, spent

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff

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Christmas Day together on the island of Phi Phi, which was completely destroyed when the tidal wave struck.

The sandy white beaches on the island of Phi Phi, 42 kilometres from the mainland, formed the backdrop for the 1999 movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Beachâ&#x20AC;? and was famous for its diving and snorkelling.

Today the island where the Saunders spent Christmas together is lined with bodies wrapped in black plastic garbage bags. More than half of the people who died in southeast Asia are foreign tourists, according to Thai disaster officials.

Meanwhile the Red Cross says the death toll could reach 100,000 as the countries that were hardest-hit begin to experience diseases and food shortages.

The Saunders are very adventurous and have travelled to many countries including Australia, Hong Kong, Hawaii and Mexico.

But Mrs. Taylor said she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think they will be travelling for a while. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty sure Tanner will be coming home with his parents,â&#x20AC;? Mrs. Taylor said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think they will be very happy leaving him over there by himself after what has happened. I think Faith will be dragging him home by his hair.â&#x20AC;?

The Saunders arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only locals who are in Thailand. Rolf Hehr, the wood-carver from Radium Hot Springs was travelling with his friend Ralph Bell, also of Radium. They have since called friends in Radium to say that they are all right.

Gordon Fraser of Invermere, who travels to southeast Asia frequently to purchase items for his downtown kiosk outside the Bank of Montreal, is also in Thailand but is unhurt.

Tanner Saunders and girlfriend Sarah Passegger.

6 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 31, 2004

Pioneer PERSPECTIVE Desaster relief

By Bob Ede At The Pioneer, we don’t pretend to be anything but a small weekly newspaper. We report about people from around the area and try to document the history of the Upper Columbia.

In these pages you will find articles about valley old timers and the mark they made on the community.

You can read the views of kids, on what they got for Christmas to how they feel about Jumbo Resort and we try to keep our readers informed on the news and events of the week.

We are not going to give much, if any, ink to NHL scores (even if there are any), nor are you going to read about the next political pursuit of George Bush. For that news we have large daily newspapers and countless TV channels.

Regardless of policy, in light of the natural disaster that has swept across southern Asia, killing thousands of people and leaving many more homeless and at risk of disease and famine, it seems unconscionable to spend time with any stories that essentially boast how good we have it, simply by being born in this part of the world.

This column, before December 26, was to be dedicated to the year in review and what to look forward to in 2005. Reporting the news of the valley is important work, that everyone in this office, believes and dedicates themselves to daily, and yet, now seems trivial by what we see and read in the news.

The wealth and freedoms we enjoy in this country and especially in our valley are overwhelming. Our governments collect so much money, that locally it can be used for grants to fund web sites that either don’t work or don’t exist, for books to be published that only friends of the author will read, and to start business that last as long as the grant, among other equally frivolous projects. We have so much money, we don’t even have enough good causes to spend it on.

The people in one part of the world, needs the help of the people in the rest of the world, especially the help of the people most able to give.

As this disaster was not caused by politics or conflict, there is no us against them that has to occupy our morality.

Canadians pride themselves in being peacekeepers and providing aid throughout the world. This is a chance for Canada to lend help and provide humanitarian aid to people that desperately need it. It is time for Canada to become a leader on the world stage and not wait for another country to show us the way.

In 2005, the people of Southern Asia need more than our governments sympathy, they need resources and action.

The

Historical Lens Toby Creek Bridge, circa 1920.

Historical photo from the Ede Collection

The sands of time

Opinion

By Bob Pearce, Fairmont Hot Springs

My mother called it an hour glass even though it only ran for five minutes. She used it to time boiling eggs.

As a small child I found it fascinating to watch the sand trickling down and building a pile at the bottom. When she turned it over and it commenced to run it seemed to grow ever so slowly, but as I watched, it seemed as it ran, to do so ever faster.

Piling, piling, until suddenly there was no more sand in the upper half and it stopped. Not with any warning. One moment the sand was coursing down in a steady even stream, the next nothing.

Life is like that. Childhood is forever. Summer vacation goes on and on. Christmas and birthdays creep their way through the years. Our adult life is much the same: marriage, children, work. The years from 20 to 50 stretch into the faint unknown and suddenly the children are grown and gone and we know middle age. I didn’t feel middle-aged; I felt much as I had ten or 15 or even 20 years before. The pace had slowed, the children gone, work a familiar

pleasure, not many aches or pains, life was a warm and steady flow.

When the card came in the mail announcing that I was a senior citizen, I was surprised. I didn’t feel old. I was slowing down a bit I admitted to myself but I could still do most anything I once could.

It only took a little longer and anyway I still had lots of time, did I not?

Then suddenly I was an old man. I was 75 years old and the sand in the old glass was running more quickly; and there was now much more in the bottom than the top. The finish was coming into sight.

Something else had come with the years and the coursing sand. The end could be viewed without fear.

It comes to all and everything, and is part of this wonder we call life. Someone much wiser than me once said: “You have not lived the adventure that is life fully, until you have died.”

I say to those with aches and pains and dimming sight and hearing no longer acute, enjoy all the good things that still come and remember . . old age is only a temporary condition.

Upper Columbia

P ioneer is independently owned and operated and is published weekly by Heinz Drews Associates Ltd.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 341-6299 Toll Free 1-877-341-6299 Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net The material, written or artistic may not be reprinted or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of The Upper Columbia Pioneer. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the newspapers responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind is limited to the amount paid for by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

Elinor Florence

Bob Ede

Lisa Ede

Dave Sutherland

Publisher

Editor

Manager

Sales Associate

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 5

December 31, 2004

PERSPECTIVE

Reflections on the past year

By Jim Abbott Member of Parliament, Kootenay Columbia This was a very exciting year. With months of anticipation of a federal election call, it was a relief to finally start campaigning. This was the fourth election in which I had the opportunity to run as a candidate. The three candidates I competed with conducted themselves professionally. We offered voters in Kootenay-Columbia clear choices.

One of the values of an election campaign is engaging people in the democratic process. I spent a lot of time on the road, driving to each community to drop into a coffee shop or grab lunch at a restaurant where you would candidly share your views on a range of issues like health care, taxes, fiscal mismanagement and a desire for change in government. Not all the people I met were my supporters, but I did appreciate their honesty and willingness to express their views.

One major issue is the Cranbrook Airport expansion. This development has run into some complications, but both the federal and provincial governments are working toward making it happen.

In 2004 I also became more deeply involved in transboundary water issues. The next step is a 2005 meeting in Portland, Oregon. The Columbia Basin Trust has been working diligently on the future of a

Columbia River Treaty and issues surrounding Canada maintaining control of Canadian water. This upcoming session will again involve members of the trust as well as representatives from federal, provincial/state and local governments from both Canada and the U.S. To date we’ve seen active participation from Washington and Idaho governors.

In Ottawa I have spoken to Canada’s Environment Minister Stephane Dion, Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew, International Trade Minister Jim Peterson, and Industry Minister David Emerson. The U.S. political leaders have been offering full cooperation, something I’m working to get from Canadian politicians. The purpose of the 2005 meeting is to prepare all the political offices and help steer the focus to what is required when Columbia River Treaty negotiations commence in ten years. It is important to start this process now so we don’t repeat our errors in the first treaty, and to be prepared so we can maintain cooperation and control of our water.

This year saw Riondel, Meadow Creek, Gerrard and the Arrow Lakes District and Edgewood to Nakusp added to the newly-expanded Kootenay-Columbia riding.

Outside the constituency there were a number of hot topics being dealt with on Parliament Hill.

The issue of same-sex marriage generated lengthily debates and heated discussions as well as a flood of

What a wonderful surprise!

A newspaper with readable print (no magnifying glass necessary) and pictures and stories about We arrived home from a six-week holiday in REAL people . . . local people from both the past Hawaii to a humungous pile of mail. I saw this new and present. paper and thought: “ Oh no! Not more junk mail!”

I love it ! Thank you so much!

However, before putting it into the recycling bin, I opened it. What a wonderful surprise!

Victoria Gordon, Invermere Dear Editor:

letters sent to my office from concerned constituents. The ongoing debate on gun control and the costs incurred by these laws also prompted letter writing and dialogue in Ottawa. And finally, the ongoing inquiry into the sponsorship scandal which is continuing to dog Paul Martin and the Liberals doesn’t appear to have a conclusion in sight.

Tribute to teacher Dear Editor:

After reading an article in The Pioneer, I decided to write this short note expressing my gratitude to a good friend and former teacher.

Mrs. Gordon was the first person who encouraged me to express myself through music. With her upbeat music classes and joyful personality, many kids (myself included) were motivated to continue exploring the world of music.

I would like to express my thanks to Mrs. GorDear Editor: in the Navy and Air Force and well remember the don for her inspiration and also for all the wondervery special Christmasses when one of them was ful memories of music classes and concerts as well as Permit me to say a special thanks for your able to be home. the many stories we shared on summer hikes.

Christmas edition.

Not to forget Mrs. O’Sullivan’s tale either. It Thanks for the special times.

The facing full page stories of A Soldier’s Christ- brought back many memories. mas far from home I found most moving. I was too young to be involved in the conflict but had uncles Bob Pearce, Fairmont Hot Springs Colleen Sharp, Invermere

Thanks for the memories

Restaurant ~ Downtown Invermere 341-6868 Main St. Invermere Live Music: Thursday, Friday, Saturday OPEN DAILY 4PM Daily Dinner & BEVERAGE Specials On Tap Draught Beers: Alexander Keiths, Sleemans Honey Brown, OK Springs Pale Ale, Guinness

Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club Registration January - March Session Monday, January 3, 2005 from 3:30 - 4:30 at The Eddie Mountain Arena Canskate, Preschool, CanPowerskate, Adult & Starskate Please call Kelly Geiger @ 342-3213 for info.

6 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

YOUTH

December 31, 2004

KIDS SPEAK What was your favourite Christmas present?

“A Buzz Lightyear toy.”

Graham Norquay Age 2

“An Easy Bake Oven.”

Emma Norquay Age 4

“A train set.”

Brendan Kanan Age 2

“A Luv Cuddle Panda Bear.”

Rachel Kanan Age 5

“An air hockey table.”

Justin Kinnersley Age 6

“A ‘Fox Racing’ hat.”

Lucas Kinnersley Age 4

“A Puppet show theatre.”

Marcia Paget Age 4

“All my craft stuff, and my brother’s favorite was his diapers!”

Emily and Mark Paget Age 7 and brother, 7 weeks

“A jewelry box.”

Naomi Zehnder Age 4

“A Laptop computer for my whole family.”

Luke Zehnder Age 9

“A Zip Zap remote control car.”

Jacob Zehnder Age 6

“Candy in my stocking!”

Hannah Zehnder Age 1

“A transformer.”

Ben Wiegert Age 5

“Ballet slippers.”

Mya Wiegert Age 3

“A mountain bike.”

Matthew Swallow Age 5

“Working trucks.”

Jake Swallow Age 2

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 7

December 31, 2004

Here is ‘The Perfect Place’ Opinion

By Doug George, Invermere This valley, sprawled with its longitude between two mountain ranges, the Rockies and the Purcells, and a pair of gorgeous lakes, held my gaze for the first time in 1989. It was a stunning revelation. Perhaps like a prospector feels when discovering pay dirt.

An explorer’s homecoming could have not been more rewarding than to see those sugar-capped peaks atop purple mountains, forming a mystical backdrop for the Windermere Valley.

Then, when the broad vista accented shimmering Columbia Lake, I knew that the Perfect Place was within my view.

From its headwaters, the Columbia River winds gently northward, bringing clear snow run-off, to nourish wetlands, feed arid byways and irrigate greenery along its banks.

For over a thousand miles the purest of the continent’s rivers find an unchallenged course before reaching a Pacific Ocean destination.

What a breathtaking sight - to stand atop the ski run on the throat of the Fairmont Range where the whole of the Windermere Valley stretches

north and south between the mountain peaks.

Lake Windermere, at the base of Invermere, a thriving sunroom of 6000 people, is an ancient recreational jewel. From here, the glories of the Windermere Valley beckon to those searching for the Perfect Place; come for peace, come for rediscovery and above all, come to settle in - taking up residency at a hub of nature’s compass points.

Then there are the people, importing their best traditions and characteristics from other worn-out places, to give charm and stewardship to the replenishment of nature’s bounty.

The artisans are inspired to fine tune their crafts the Grecian way; in an original style of ideas, they flourish in surroundings rarely found elsewhere. The people make things hum.

The valley furnishes the trappings.

Odorless hot pools are a bonus in my Perfect Place. Captured from deep mountainside recesses, the waters seem to offer a medicinal shield against contagions trying to assail mind and body.

When the Roman emperors Nero and Tiberius built their baths - one in the countryside at Lake Albano and

the other on the Isle of Capri - neither had the luxury of natural hot springs to soothe and soak away their indulgences. Fairmont Hot Springs has incomparable bathing.

This valley is encrusted with some superb man-made gems. Thoughtful architects sculpted marvels when harmonizing nature’s resources with human habitat.

Some of nature’s raw wealth becomes “drippingly beautiful” with

refinements landscaped into wellgroomed golf courses.

Likened to a lady and gentleman with poise and courtliness, parts of the Windermere Valley are properly tamed to be one of the world’s finest social and restful destinations. In this fine place, we have smoothly merged with nature’s priceless endowments.

So a compelling invitation is extended to folks still empty-handed, who want to discover a Perfect Place.

My old friends, the mountains Opinion

By Elinor Florence, Invermere

It’s funny how some people can fall in love with a piece of the landscape.

Prairie people like me are passionate about the sweeping vistas and the big skies. But after 20 years of living in the mountains, I have developed my own personal attachment to them.

In the beginning I saw them as strange and menacing, crowding the edges of the horizon and blocking out the heavens, but now I have come to see them as protective rather than threatening.

Each morning when I leave the house I check out Mount Nelson. That’s the blunt-tipped mountain to the west of the valley, the one with huge white snowdrifts sweeping up its sides.

Mount Nelson is special because it’s the first visible mountain peak touched by the rising sun. While the rest of the valley is still in shadow, Mount Nelson greets the new day. It stands above the valley like a sentinel, guarding against invaders from the west.

Directly across from Invermere on the east side of the lake lies Mount

Swansea. To me that seems like the friendliest mountain, probably because it’s the roundest and the greenest. And because most of us, even those who aren’t strong enough to scale a mountain, have driven two-thirds of the way and then hiked the remaining two kilometres along a winding trail to admire the huge views of the Windermere Valley. From up there you feel like an astronaut in outer space gazing down at the earth.

Farther south lies Chisel Peak, the most spectacular of the mountains. To me it’s the finest example of the Rockies, jagged and awesome. In the evening when the sun sets in the west Chisel Peak is truly breath-taking glowing with golden fire.

Chisel Peak kicks off a gorgeous crest of mountains called the Fairmont Range. These mountains are at their best on a crisp winter’s night, a row of giants gleaming like beacons in the moonlight.

People will live and die, buildings will rise and crumble, but in a thousand years my old friends the mountains will still be standing shoulder to shoulder, guarding this valley. And nothing can take them away from us.

Mount Nelson: our sentinel to the west greets each new day.

All valley residents are invited to attend a

Public Open House Tuesday, January 4th, 2005 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Best Western Invermere Inn Re: Proposed new development adjacent to the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

8 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

January 7, 2005

The Pioneer is available in 25 locations in Calgary and 99 locations in the valley.

Rockies West Independently Owned and Operated

Kim Collens Sales Representative

5003 Hot Springs Road Fairmont, BC V0B 1L0 Bus: 250-345-0333 Fax: 250-345-6353 Cell: 250-342-1671 E-mail:kim@rockieswest.com www.rockieswest.com

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Our best wishes for health, happiness and success in the New Year.

We will be closed January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and look forward to serving all your vehicle parts, service and sales needs in 2005.

Lake Auto Service

Lions help food bank The Lake Windermere Lions Club raised more than $2100 for the local food bank through its annual toonie draw.

Winner of the $500 first prize was George Thierbach of Edgewater; second prize of $250 was Terry Pal of Windermere and third prize of $150 was split between Acadia LaRose and Elyza Marr of Medicine Hat.

Here Lions Club vice-president Harold Hazelaar, left, and Lions president Leo Kienitz hand the cheque to food bank treasurer Doug Leibel, centre. Lions Club members also passed the hat for extra $200 donation. Mr. Leibel said the food bank is grateful for the community support, which will help many needy families through the next few lean months.

Post Christmas Blowout Start your New Year with savings of

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Contact The Place Furniture for full designer services or choose your own styles from our many quality lines.

The Management and Staff of The Place would like to wish everyone a Healthy and Happy 2005!

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December 31, 2004

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 9

FOOD

invermere BERNIE RAVEN Sales Specialist

New Year’s Beverages Hot Cranberry Toddy

Ingredients 1 48-ounce bottle cranberry juice (6 cups) 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 cups water 3 1-inch-long strips of lemon peel 3 inches stick cinnamon 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1/3 cup bourbon, rum, or orange juice Lemon peel strips (optional)

Directions: 1. Combine cranberry juice, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven.

2. For spice bag, tie lemon peel, cinnamon, and cloves in a 6-inch square of 100-per-cent cotton cheesecloth. Add spice bag to saucepan. Bring just to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Discard spice bag. Add bourbon, rum, or orange juice.

3. Transfer to a heatproof serving carafe or pot. Serve with a lemon peel strip in each cup, if desired. Makes about 12 (6-ounce) servings.

Box 459 • Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: (250) 342-6505 Cell: (250) 342-7415 Fax: (250) 342-9611 E-Mail: bernieraven@telus.net E-Mail: braven@cyberlink.bc.ca MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE Web: www.ReMaxInvermere.com MLS Web: www.BernieRaven.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

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Make-Believe Champagne

Rockytop Galleria New Year New Gallery Reception January 1st 5:30 - 10:30 Hors d’oeuvres

bjs Accounting Services

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Ingredients 1 33.8-ounce bottle carbonated water, chilled 1 33.8-ounce bottle ginger ale, chilled 1 24-ounce bottle unsweetened white grape juice, chilled Ice cubes or Party Ice Cubes (recipe follows)

Directions: In a large pitcher, combine carbonated water, ginger ale, and grape juice. Pour over ice cubes in chilled champagne glasses or wine glasses. Serve immediately. Makes about 20 (4-ounce) servings.

For Party Ice Cubes: Place small pieces of fruit (berries or tiny citrus wedges), small sprigs of fresh mint, or 1/2-inch strips of orange peel into the compartments of ice cube trays. Add enough water to fill, then freeze.

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10 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 31, 2004

Our Contributors

Brent Raven shares writing of The Old Zone with Harold Hazelaar.

Harold Hazelaar refuses to take all the blame for The Old Zone.

Sheila Bonny writes book reviews on behalf of the public library.

Kelsie Ede, Grade 12 student, tells us about the local high school.

Tom McNeil submits a weekly report from Invermere Fire-Rescue.

Liz Lane is a confirmed foodie who loves to share her recipes.

TO OUR 2004 CONTRIBUTORS!

Scott Boyce, owner of In-Tune Music, likes to write about it.

Brian McLaughlin, town councillor, pens Councillor’s Corner.

When we started publishing in September, several people were kind enough to volunteer their writing expertise. The folks on this page have been regular contributors, and there are many others who have submitted individual articles for your enjoyment.

During 2005 we will continue to publish a range of opinions and perspectives in The Pioneer as our readers have told us how much they like to hear from a variety of our valley voices.

Wil Comrie teaches skiing and writes a weekly ski tips column.

Marianne Thiesen writes about human resources in business.

Lisa Rohrick, former valley resident, is a missionary in Africa.

Matt Lehman shares music reviews with his friend Scott Boyce.

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Emergency service available: (250) 270-0169 or (250) 688-2737 email: wallnuts@telus.net

We are here to serve you - the community.

We have certified electricians, plumbers, gas fitters and top notch finishers.

We are exclusively available to local and Valley residents for all phases of reno construction from foundation to finish.

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K-5 Mechanical Wheel Alignment • Custom Exhaust • Automotive Repair • Vehicle Inspections •

Happy New Year from Fred, Dave, Richard and Wendy Invermere Industrial Park 342-9316

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 11

December 31, 2004

Ray Crook: living part of our past

By Michelle Taylor Special to The Pioneer Crook’s Meadows, a campground in Kootenay National Park, was named after one of our own pioneers who is still active in the community.

Raymond Blanchard Crook was born just at the end of World War One, on September 1, 1918 in the first Invermere Hospital.

The old hospital, now a block of apartments, still stands on 10th Street.

At the time of his birth, Ray’s parents and his seven-yearold brother Charlie were living in a two-storey log house on the outskirts of Windermere. Ray’s father had immigrated from England to Canada in 1905. He arrived in Montreal and gradually made his way west, eventually settling in the Columbia Valley.

He and his wife Anne Blanchard Crook first owned a livery stable with their partner Percy Lake in Athalmer. Soon after, they purchased land in Windermere which they ranched.

In the fall of 1924 Ray started school in Windermere. One of his fondest memories was his teacher Miss Constance Francis.

“I would come home each day and practice the letters. I really enjoyed school.”

Ray attended school for eight years and passed his high school entrance examinations at the Athalmer schoolhouse in 1932. School sparked a love for reading that has continued his

whole life.

Another favourite pastime was fishing.

“My father introduced me to fishing, and boy, did that ever stick with me. I built a boat and every day I was out on the lakes fishing,” he says. One of his fishing comrades were Jack Collins, who still resides in the valley.

In the spring of 1932, the Crooks started a new venture: they built seven cabins and a single-pump gasoline station about 30 kilometres inside Kootenay National Park. They named their project Rocky Mountain Camp.

The following year, the family moved into the park and lived at the campground for the next 12 years. “The road was closed all winter so we brought in enough supplies to last and we were cut off until spring,” says Ray. “We had one neighbor five miles away at Kootenay Crossing, the park warden and his family.”

While living at the campground, Ray began working for the Kootenay National Park as a truck driver and a grader operator as well as pumping gas for the family business.

The road didn’t open during the winter until World War Two, when camps for conscientious objectors were built and it was necessary to move supplies in and out.

Ironically, Ray was not accepted by the military because of a heart murmur. “Here I am today and it hasn’t killed me yet,” he says.

A few months after the war ended in 1945, Ray’s father died in a freak accident. He was loading gravel from a steep slope into the back of a truck when a falling rock struck him in the head.

Ray and his mother gave up the campground and rented a log house in Radium until 1953, when they decided to build a home in Invermere.

In 1957 they sold their business in the Kootenay Na-

tional Park to the Crown. This parcel of land is now known as Crook’s Meadows.

For the next seven years Raymond did various jobs in town including postal work, painting and working at the liquor store.

In 1962 Raymond’s mother suffered a broken hip, then developed pneumonia and died.

Raymond returned to Kootenay National Park in 1964, truck driving and helping to construct Red Streak and McLeod Meadows campgrounds.

Throughout the seventies and early eighties Raymond held positions at Kootenay’s National Park Gate, B.C. Forest Services, Dry Gulch Provincial Park and the Invermere Ranger Station.

Now 86, Raymond still lives on 10th Avenue in the home he and his beloved mother built more than 50 years ago.

In his golden years, Raymond has taken up gardening as a pastime. He grows potatoes, beets, carrots, and onions and bedding flowers. A regular visitor is a big buck who likes to lie on his lawn and watch Ray work. “The deer never used to be this plentiful in town and would generally be seen only in the winter months,” he says. “Now they are year-round residents.”

His home also displays many photographs he has taken over the years. “Since I was 13 years old I have been interested in cameras,” he says. Ray even built his own dark room in his home.

Raymond is currently working on a family history document. He has been a volunteer with the historical society since it began - part of history himself as well as recording it.

Raymond has also been a long-standing member of the Anglican Church, and served as a church warden for 20 years.

“It helps to keep up the state of one’s happiness,” he says.

Ray’s only sibling Charles and wife Fern Crook had one son Gary, who is Raymond’s only next-of-kin. Gary lives in Switzerland and Raymond’s sister-in-law Fern still resides in Invermere.

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“Bring in your Pano lift pass for 10% OFF” Offer valid only with this coupon. One coupon per person, per visit. Not valid with other coupons or special offers. Coupons must be presented at time of purchase.

Offer expires January 31. 2005. Offer only valid at the DQ Restaurant, 350 Laurier Street, Invermere.

Windermere District Farmers Institute

Annual General Meeting for election of officers

Tuesday, January 4, 2005

Fairmont Village Mall Fairmont, BC

at 8:00 pm

345-6133

Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce

12 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 31, 2004

VALLEY HISTORY

The historic Toby Theatre

By Elizabeth Peters Owner with husband Ron Peters of The Toby Theatre, Invermere A few weeks ago my path crossed with that of Bob Ede, Editor of The Pioneer, and he asked if I was interested in publishing an article.

My husband Ron Peters and I moved to Invermere in December 1971 and became the owners of The Toby Theatre. We moved into the theatre, which had a small unheated and unfinished apartment above it next to the projection room. For a few months the theatre auditorium was our bedroom because it was the warmest room in the building and we didn’t wake up with frost on the blankets as long as Ron kept the coal furnace going.

On occasion I would complain about not having a window and Ron would remind me with a smile that we had the biggest bedroom in Invermere and that always brought a smile to my face. However, we have faced many challenges to keep the Toby Theatre operating over 33 years. Ron’s sense of humor has been the greatest asset. He has proven over and over that: “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Ron and I moved here from Calgary only six months after we married and there are four people

who stand out as being friendly to us those first days.

It is ironic that Florence and Dave Raven, parents of Lisa Ede, were two of those people, along with Charley Osterloh and Joyce Nixon. Charley owned Link Hardware and Joyce and Florence worked there and we got to know them well as we began necessary maintenance to the theatre. Dave worked at Selkirk TV. We have never forgotten their kindness and helpfulness to us during those early years.

Charley Osterloh (sadly deceased) quietly assisted many in this community and never required recognition - he simply helped wherever he could - that was Charley Osterloh.

It occurred to me while writing this article that it would be interesting to find out a little more about the Toby Theatre’s history.

After a few inquiries and a phone call to Harry Hogan, an IGA employee and stepson to Morley Hogan (one of the names I was to discover in my search for Toby Theatre history) I was able to continue this article. I spoke to Morley Hogan and his wife Irene (Hemmelgarn) Hogan who are currently retired in Parksville, B.C. It seems that while Morley Hogan and Clint Morgan were visiting the town of Golden they noticed how busy the local movie house was, The Yoho Theatre. Morley and Clint were involved in building the Robinson Store in Golden just down the street from the Yoho. It occurred to them that a movie theatre would be a good thing for Invermere as TV had not yet arrived in the valley.

Unfortunately, before their dream could be realized, Clint Morgan died in a drowning accident at Cartwright Lake. Clint’s wife, Billie Morgan (also Morley’s sister) decided to follow through with the dream, and she and Morley had the theatre built.

Ronacher’s Mill in Athalmer delivered 75,000 board feet of planed lumber to the theatre’s present location and with thousands of nails and many hundreds of man hours, the theatre was completed.

The design was very similar to the Yoho Theatre in Golden with some improvements (a bigger lobby for the Toby). The projection equipment was purchased second-hand from The Lux Theatre in Banff which was upgrading its equipment.

The Toby Theatre opened its doors for the first time in 1952. The theatre changed movies three times a week. It was a pretty busy place, just as Morley and Clint had predicted, drawing people from as far away as Canal Flats and Edgewater.

Morley and Billie operated the Toby until the mid-1960’s. Morley said that to his best recollection it was sold to Steve and Kay Capowski of Radium in 1966 or 1967. Steve and Kay Capowski built onto The Toby in 1969-70. They operated the theatre until Ron and I purchased it in 1971.

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In addition to running the theatre business we have raised two daughters, Tammy and Nicole, who were born in the valley and currently make their homes in Calgary and Vancouver. When people ask them where they were raised, they respond: “In a theatre!” which is always a topic for conversation.

We continued to run three movies a week for 17 years, until it no longer proved cost-effective.

We ran one movie Monday to Wednesday, another movie Thursday to Saturday, and a horror movie on Sunday nights.

Times and tastes changed, so we evolved to our present schedule. In those early days, entertainment was scant and many did not have televisions, so a night out at the movies was a pretty special thing.

We diversified into video rentals for about 15 years to stay alive when interest in going to the movies died. We are happy to say that people eventually decided that they still wanted a night out, so we ended the movie rental business and dove once again into big screen movie entertainment only.

Ron and I have experienced many lean and tough years with one or both of us holding down part-time or full-time jobs as well as the theatre, during the 33 years we have been here. We have repainted the outside of the Toby numerous times - I personally conquered my fear of heights by doing just that! It’s a tall building when you’re standing at the top of a ladder with a paint tray and roller.

Together Ron and I refinished the lower half of the building with a new brick product which has made it more maintenance-friendly, but what a job that was! We also built our own scaffolding and repainted and gave the interior a new look.

We’ve learned many new skills since moving here, as Ron was previously a telephone installer/ technician and I a legal secretary. We’ve been told by many that we have a unique and warm welcoming feel about our small town theatre and we are proud of what we have accomplished.

We will continue to do our best to keep The Toby Theatre open but it does require the support of local citizens, visitors and part-time residents of the Windermere Valley. We would like to sincerely thank all who have been there over the years.

We would also like you to know that had it not been for the generosity of Charley Osterloh some 33 years ago in extending to us, Ron and Elizabeth Peters, credit with no interest, the Toby Theatre would not have survived the necessary repairs.

We believe that in all likelihood Ron and myself will be the last owners of the Toby Theatre. Many small town theatres have closed down because of the inability to compete with the multiplexes in larger cities, and we unfortunately feel that we will also fall victim to this trend in the not-so-distant future.

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The

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 13

SPORTS

Old Zone

By Brent Raven

Action at the Arena Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Calendar:

All times and events subject to change or cancellation.

General Public Skating (All Ages) $2 Sundays, 5:45-6:45 p.m.

Adult Public Skating $2 Fridays, 11 a.m. to Noon Parents and Tots Free Fridays, 2:15-3 p.m.

Shinny, Full Gear $2 Fridays, 1-2 p.m.

Minor Hockey Practices Weekdays Figure Skating Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays Adult Fun Hockey League Sunday Evenings Oldtimers, 35 and up Wednesday Evenings Senior Men, 55 and up Tuesday and Friday Mornings Junior B Practices Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays Recreational Ladies’ Hockey Sunday Afternoons Competitive Ladies’ Hockey Prac. Thursday Nights

Welcome back to another exciting year of the OLD ZONE. I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Since our league has been on a break, there is no new news to report.

Considering this, I thought I would tell you all a joke.

Yesterday, Scientists for Health Canada suggested that men should take a look at their beer consumption, considering the results of a recent analysis that revealed the presence of female hormones in beer. The theory is that drinking beer makes men turn into women. To test the findings,100 men were fed six pints of beer each. It was then observed that 100% of the men gained weight, talked excessively without making sense, became overly emo- Friday, January 7: tional, couldn’t drive, failed to think rationally, argued over nothing and refused 7:30 pm Saturday, January 8: to apologize when wrong. No further testing is planned.

8:00 am - 10:00 pm Sunday, January 9: Results from Dec 22: Hazelaar tied Smith, Oaks tied Wilker, Jones tied Nester and Kloos tied Swallow. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 5;45 pm - 6:45 pm Tuesday, January 11: Schedule for Jan 12:.

6:45 p.m. D - G 8:00 p.m. B - H 9:15 p.m. A - C 10:30 p.m. E - F 7:30 pm Friday, January 15: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm White to play Canal Flats Allstars on Jan 10.

Arc it up

do as much work when we ski. Part of the turn is already built into the skis.

This is called the self-steering effect.

By simply balancing on a solid platBy Wil Comrie form (your feet), the skis will help you Technical Director do the turning.

Panorama Mountain Village The type of movements we blend in with the hip, knee and ankle deTo ski down the slopes and to pend on the type of turn shape that make it look and feel easy may be a lot we wish to execute. When you try this simpler than you think. on the mountain, feel as if you’re on With the new technology in skis a rail track of some sort - I like to enthese days, we generally don’t have to vision a mining car rail. Like in that

CV Rockies vs. Fernie Pee Wee Tournament Pee Wee Tournament Public Skating Rockie vs. Creston Midget Tournament

Indiana Jones movie. Feel like you’re gliding along an arc in the track. Make sure you’re balanced in the center of the skis. As the ski are turned out of the fall line, make sure you’re active by pushing the hands forward to allow the shoulders to line up with your feet. You can start to feel the skis grip as you glide on this new found arc.

What will start to happen is that pressure will build under the feet.

This is a result of good balance. The better the balance the better the grip

on the snow and ice, as we discussed last week. To develop these feelings I would best suggest combining the idea of maximum speed on minimum terrain.

Find a nice flat slope and try using some speed to help you arc up your turns. Try putting a few turns together and see what happens. As well, go back and review earlier articles so can put all the building blocks together and become a better skier. See you on the slopes!

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 14

December 31, 2004

New deadline times

CLASSIFIEDS SELL!

Display Ads

Phone: 341-6299 Fax: 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net

Classified Ads

RESTAURANT FOR LEASE

Tuesday 10:00 am Tuesdays 4:00 pm

The Upper Columbia Pioneer Phone: 341-6299 • Fax: 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net

The Best Western Invermere Inn is looking for a qualified operator to lease the Food Service component of our operation.

Greenery Restaurant • Copper City Food Service Room Service • Catering • Pizza Take Out Contact Todd Mitchell 341-1127 or 342-9246

Classifieds Phone: 341-6299 Fax: 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net Classified Deadline: Tuesdays 4:00 pm

All classified ads must be prepaid by cash or cheque unless client has an existing account.

Rates: First Week: $ 6.50 for 15 words (15¢ for each additional word) Additional Weeks: $ 4.50 for 15 words (15¢ for each additional word) All prices subject to GST.

Please read your ad over carefully the first day it comes out to ensure the information is correct.

If you should find an error in your ad please let us know immediately by calling 341-6299. The Upper Columbia Pioneer is not responsible for errors appearing beyond the first insertion. The newspapers’ responsibility, if any, for errors of any kind is limited to the amount paid for that advertisement. We reserve the right to censor, reclassify, revise, edit or reject any advertisement not meeting our advertising standards.

PUBLIC SERVICES 24-HOUR WOMEN’S SAFE HOME. 1-800-200-3003 or call the Family Resource Centre, 3424204, Mon-Thu. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. If alcohol is causing problems in your life, call 342-2424 for info. All meetings at 8 p.m.: Monday - Invermere Group, Invermere Health Unit, 1100-10th Street, Invermere; Wednesday Windermere Group, Valley Christian Assembly Church; Friday - Radium Group, Radium Catholic Church; Saturday - Invermere First Step, Invermere Health Unit, 1100-10th Street, Invermere; Sunday - Columbia Lake Band Hall, off Highway 93/95 south of Windermere; Sunday 7:30 p.m. Brisco Group , Brisco Town Hall.

All meetings are open.

ALCOHOLISM SHATTERS LIVES. To help the alcoholic, you have to help yourself first.

Al Anon meets 10 a.m. Tuesdays at Catholic Church, 1210-9th Street, Invermere. For info call Carol, 347-9841.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS. Meet Thursdays 7:30-9 p.m. Invermere Health Unit, 1100-10th Street, staff entrance.

IN MEMORIAM DONATIONS to B.C. and Yukon Heart and Stroke Foundation: drop off at The Pioneer, No. 8, 1008-8th Avenue, Invermere or mail to Box 868, Invermere. Call Pat Lien, 342-3078.

IN MEMORIAM DONATIONS to Alzheimer Society of B.C.: mail to East Kootenay Alzheimer Society, Box 1094, Fernie, V0B 1M0.

For info call 1-800-667-3742 or Melissa Agnew, 342-6591.

IN MEMORIAM DONATIONS to the Canadian Cancer Society: drop off at The Pioneer, No. 8, 1008-8th Avenue, Invermere or mail to Box 868, Invermere. For info call Myrna Verwey, 3426666.

IN MEMORIAM DONATIONS to the Family Resource Center: drop off at The Pioneer, No. 8, 1008-8th Avenue, Invermere or mail to Box 868, Invermere. For info call Pat Cope, 342-4204, Mon-Thu.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Best wood prices arund for quality hardwood, ash to zebra, 4/4 and 8/4 lengths, 2-inch to 12-inch widths. Call 342-0211.

Woodrats Firewood for sale. Birch $250 cord. Pine $130 cord. Call 342-6952.

HELP WANTED Journeyman electrician preferably with experience in service work and/or 3rd or 4th year apprentice.

Call 342-9918 or 342-3838 evenings.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1994 Ford Aerostar, AWD, good condition, $2500 OBO, 3476966.

1992 Nissan NX1600, 5 speed trans., T-roof, cruise control, CD, winter tires, good shape. $3500 OBO. Phone 342-3236.

2000 Toyota Sienna XLE, sun roof 6 track CD, leather interior, 7 passenger, power door, well maintained, 124,000 km, great shape! $22,000 OBO Phone 342-3236.

1989 Olds. Fully loaded, great on gas, good condition. Used for transportation to Panorama. $2995. 342-3306.

SUITES FOR RENT INVERMERE - This beautiful one bedroom suite is located one block from downtown Invermere and two blocks from Kinsmen Beach. It has 9’ ceilings and brand-new appliances including in-suite washer/dryer. The suite has dedicated parking and a private entrance off a large, southfacing private patio. N/S, N/P. The size of the suite is suitable for one person. $585/month. Available January 1st. Contact Kristi or Eric at 342-8676.

Fairmont Mountainside. 3 bedroom walkout. 4 appliances. $850/month plus damage deposit.

Includes utilities and cable. Nonsmoking, no pets. Available Feb. 1, 2005. 345-0312

CONDO FOR RENT RADIUM - Available May 2005.

Brand new 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo, The Peaks in Radium, 7 appliances, heated underground parking, storage, pool, hot tub.

N/S, N/P. $1000/month. (250) 347-9762 or (250) 341-5170.

Brand new 2 bedroom, 2 bath-

room condo at The Peaks in Radium. Available May 2005. 7 appliances, heated underground parking, storage, pool, hot tub, non-smoking, no pets. $1000/ month. Call 250-347-9762 or 250-341-5170.

Duplex/Fourplex Rentals Windermere - 3 bedroom upper level suite, private entrance, deck, washer/dryer/ non-smoking, no pets, $700 plus utilities unfurnished or $850 plus utilities furnished. Available January 15.

Kathy 403-240-0678 or Jenny 250-342-3819.

HOUSE FOR RENT Downtown Invermere, 3 bedrooms, long-term, $850/month plus utilities, available Jan. 1. Call (403) 547-2955 or 342-0688, leave message.

Newly renovated

TOURIST ACCOMMODATION Beautifully furnished 2-bedroom vacation apartment, sleeps four.

Daily and weekly rates. Visit www. redcottage.ca or call 342-2243.

Beautiful 4 bedroom home in Radium. $150 per night - minimum 2 night stay. Contact producepete@shaw.ca or call 403275-4655.

December 31, 2004

FAITH

Make ‘some day’ happen this year

By Pastor John Cuyler Valley Christian Assembly Well, New Year’s is upon us again, that time when we often like to make resolutions for the coming year. You know the kind, this is the year I will quit smoking, or lose that weight, or spend more time with my kids, or fix up the house or . . . well, you fill in the blank.

Every year we boldly make our resolutions but all too often we tend to put off carrying them out. And, as time goes by, we say to ourselves: “Maybe some day I will do this or that. Maybe some day I will quit smoking. Maybe some day I will spend more time with my kids. Maybe some day I will fix up the house.”

Procrastination seems to be reaching epidemic proportions in our world today. We tend to put things off that need to be done and sometimes we wait until it is too late do anything about them.

How many of us have wanted to visit that family member who was in the hospital, only to find that before we got around to it they

were gone? How many of us have determined to make things right with that friend or neighbor that we held something against only to find before we got around to it they had moved away?

How many of us parents have vowed that we will spend more time with our kids, only to find that before we know it they have all grown up and moved out to live on their own?

The attitude of “maybe some day” can have devastating effects on our lives. However, there is no greater mistake made by people than to put off getting right with God. Over the years, I have talked many people about God who tell me that maybe some day they want to get to know Him, so they are ready for heaven, but they feel they have all kinds of time so they put it off.

I’ve heard comments like: “Maybe some day when I’m older I’ll pursue God, but right now I want to sow some wild oats and enjoy life; I’m still young.”

The Bible tells a similar story of man who had become prosperous and cared little about his relationship with God. In fact, he had become so prosperous that he didn’t have enough room to store all his stuff. So he decided to tear down his storage barns and build even bigger ones so he had enough room to store all his earthly possessions. Then he said to himself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come.

Now take it easy! Eat, drink and be merry!” (Luke 12:19 NLT) This guy thought he had it made. He had all he needed so he decided to just sit back and party, not even thinking about God or where he would end up at the end

of his life. Oh, maybe some day he’d worry about getting his life right with God, but certainly not right now.

This poor fellow made a tragic mistake because time had run out for him. The Bible says: “But God said to him: You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all? Yes, this person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:20-21 NLT) This story reminds me a lot of many of the people who come here to our valley. They have all kinds of wealth and material possessions but they have no thought of where they will end up when they come to the end of their lives.

Maybe you can relate to this story yourself. You may be thinking to yourself: “I’ve got it made. I going to take it easy and eat, drink, and be merry.”

Maybe some day you will think about God and heaven, but if you end up being like that rich guy in the Bible story, by that time it will be too late.

Since this is the week where the calendar will click over into a brand new year, why not stop saying maybe someday I’m going start thinking about God and where I will go when I die, and just begin pursuing a relationship with God. I personally can’t think of any better New Year’s resolution for 2005 than that. If you don’t do it now, “maybe some day” may never come and then it will be too late for you, too.

Take to heart these words from God’s Word: “Yes this person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” And make this coming year the year you develop a rich relationship with God.

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 15

Valley Churches Lake Windermere Alliance Church Sunday, January 2nd 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction, “Looking Back to See Ahead.”

Open session Sunday School for Grades 3 to 7 during the morning service.

Senior Pastor Rev. Dieter Magnus Associate Pastor Rev. Jared Enns 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 342-9535

Windermere Valley Shared Ministry Christ Church Trinity 10:15 am Every Sunday

All Saints, Edgewater

8:30 am 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays Rev. Michael Rice 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 342-6644

Valley Christian Assembly

Sunday, 10:00 am Celebration Service Childrens’ church during the message part of the service.

Children 4 - 12 years.

Sunday, 7:00 pm Prayer Meeting Senior Pastor Rev. John Cuyler www.vcassembly.com Highway 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere • 342-9511

Roman Catholic Church Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere

Saturday, 7:00 pm Mass • Sunday, 9:00 am Mass

St. Joseph’s Church, Radium Sunday, 11:00 am Mass

St. Anthony’s Church, Canal Flats

Sunday, 4:00 pm Mass Father Jose Joaquin 1210 - 9th Street, Invermere • 342-6167

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Regular weekly worship services every Sunday at 1:30 pm Senior Pastor Rev. Bryan K. Schindel Associate Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere 1-866-426-7564

Radium Christian Fellowship

Every Sunday 10:00 am Sunday, January 2nd Flourishing with God Ps 92:13, 14 Sunday, January 9th Seeds of Potential, Jeremiah 2:19-21, Psalms 1:1-6 Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater Radium Seniors’ Hall • 342-6633 Free Estimates • Reasonable Rates • Satisfaction Guaranteed

Your Private Connection We specialize in: • Carpet & Window Cleaning • Janitorial Services • Stripping and Waxing Floors • Eaves Trough Cleaning • Car Upholstery Cleaning • Snow Removal Business Administrator

Phone 250-342-7622 Fax 250-342-0488

Find Councilor McLaughlin

The Councilor is in the Council Chambers every Monday from 4:00 - 6:30 (excluding holidays)

Pellet Stove Fuel $ Hardware

Glow Boy and Kentucky Comfort

19999/ton (50 bags) or $489/bag

50% off all remaining Christmas stock until Dec. 31st Available at

TRUE VALUE HARDWARE “The Biggest Little Hardware Store in the Valley”

Radium Hot Springs, BC • Ph. 347-2196 Fx. 347-2197 • Email: TVH@telus.net

Keep the fire burning

16 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 31, 2004

Invermere Office: 250-342-6505

Andy Smith Cell: 342-1709

Bernie Raven Cell: 342-7415

Daniel Zurgilgen Ed English Jan Klimik Cell: 342-7430 Cell: 342-1194 Cell: 342-1195

John McCarthy Lynda Kirkpatrick Roger Askey Cell: 342-1758 Cell: 341-1907 Cell: 342-1295

Looking for a small country acreage? This 4.26 acre treed lot has power and water on site. Great views, much privacy, close to the Brisco General Store and only an hour to Panorama Mountain Village or Kicking Horse Ski Hill. Twenty five minutes to Radium Hot Springs. Build your special getaway here! MLS#101323

$154,900.00

Wende Brash Cell: 342-1300

Looking for prime property in a spectacular setting?

Then consider the stunning Invermere Valley.

www.ReMaxInvermere.com

Riverview North

Just Imagine...

Scott Wallace Cell: 342-5309

Love to golf? Then spend your days in Riverside. This .18 acre lot is fully serviced and offers mountain views from every corner. Enjoy a Charter Golf Membership, a $15,000 value. This lot is priced to sell, so call quickly if Fairmont Riverside is your desire! MLS#106794

$79,000.00+gst

Ideal Family Home

Situated on a quiet location in Radium Hot Springs, this home offers a large private deck w/ lots of green space and a shed. Enjoy 5 bedrooms (master w/ensuite), 2.5 baths, double car garage, paved driveway, large open kitchen with dining area, and formal dining area in the living room. A must see! MLS#103772

$259,000.00

Chalet Near Paradise!

Take a Look!

Private Acreage in Timber Ridge!

Dreaming of skiing, golf, swimming or hiking? Panorama has it all and this spacious chalet will be your recreation and activity center. This must see property has beautiful pine and fir finishing, huge bedrooms and a 2 bedroom suite to help pay for your fun! Don’t delay call today! MLS#98425

Just a stroll to shops and services, yet in a quiet location, this Fairmont home has plenty to offer! This spacious home is the ideal recreational or revenue property with tons of deck space and a lower level suite. Enjoy 3 bedrooms on the upper level, a low maintenance yard & beautiful mountain views! mls# Exclusive

Own 5.59 acres with access to the private beach and boat launch! Find lots of privacy and views in all directions that are simply stunning. Gated access for extra security, with water hook-up to TR III. Make your home or recreation retreat in one of the most desirable areas of the valley. MLS#106974

$675,000.00

$259,000.00

$260,000.00

Panorama Condo

Lakefront Living

Rare Acreage in Windermere

If you missed out on the last Aurora town home, here is your second chance!! Ski in, ski out, upgraded bathroom, and a beautiful view. This two bedroom condo is like new, and just a twenty minute drive from Invermere. Don’t miss out on this one. MLS#106140

Rare lakefront home designed for year round living. This 3BR, 3 bathroom, open design home has a vaulted living room complete with hardwood floors and a fireplace for those chilly winter nights. Enjoy the guest/boat house on hot summer days, and this winter you san skate and sled in your backyard! MLS# NEW

This private 11.16 acre parcel in Windermere has stunning views of the valley. Several water springs on the property and the potential to subdivide in two lots at the top end of the acreage. Conveniently located within a short drive to Invermere, must be seen to be appreciated. MLS#105518

$399,000.00+gst

$699,000.00

$340,000.00

Award Winning Home In 2003 this magnificent Timber Frame home received the Canadian Home Builders Award for Best New House in Canada. Mountain, lake and valley views surround the property. What makes it special is the feeling of elegance in time-honored wood, tempered with simplicity. This spacious, state of the art, energy efficient home must be seen to experience the true feeling of excellence in the building. For those who appreciate the best, this is it! MLS#105789

$1,300,000.00

This Will Entice You! This cozy mountain chalet at the Radium Hot Springs Golf Course offers over an acre of privacy. This unique 1 1/2 storey home boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms, vaulted ceilings, and a fully finished basement. Relax on the large deck in the summer and enjoy the beautifully landscaped yard, complete with storage shed. All furnishings included! Call today for an appointment to view. MLS#107119

$439,000.00