vol2issue50

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Vol. 2/Issue 50

The Upper

Columbia

December 16, 2005

P IONEER

FR

EE

Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

Contents News

2

Perspective

6

Letters

7

Classifieds

18

New President

3 Busy lady

11 Torino bound

13

This little girl enjoyed the entertainment on the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Holiday Train. It raised more than $2,000 and a truckload of food for the Valley Food Bank in Radium on Wednesday.

Photo by Bob Ede

ONCE YOU START SAVING, YOUR MONEY WILL MULTIPLY. Start saving, even a little bit at a time, and you’ll be surprised how fast your savings will grow. Soon enough you’ll be able to afford the things you want most. Need help? Call us.

2 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

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A grinch broke into The Monkey’s Uncle toy shop in Invermere last Saturday night and stole Christmas.

About 50 toys worth $3,000 were taken, said owner Paul Christy.

“It’s a big lump of coal,” he said.

“It’s the difference between getting by, and being successful.”

Thieves broke in through the back door of the shop sometime between closing time at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. Sunday when Mr. Christy opened his shop. A crowbar was used to force the door open.

When he noticed the damaged door and the missing items, Mr. Christy called the police.

Among the items stolen were valuable toy castles and a Victorian doll house, Mr. Christy said.

“They came in here specifically for these items,” he said. “It’s like they had a shopping list.”

He said it looks as if the thieves were shopping for a boy, a girl and a toddler since they chose three large gifts and all the accessories.

Mr. Christy said little else in the shop was disturbed. He believes the thieves were not amateurs.

“They weren’t kids messing around,” he said.

“These were organized thieves.”

Mr. Christy said he is warning other Invermere business owners to be careful when it comes to security.

“I would take a real hard look at your safety precautions,” he said. “We thought we had a really secure door in the back, but obviously it wasn’t.”

Mr. Christy does have insurance and said the shop will be OK. “As for total merchandise, we’re still in good shape,” he said.

He is asking everyone to keep an eye out for the stolen Playmobil and Schleich brand-name toys. “I’m hoping that somebody hears of somebody who gets a big haul for Christmas,” he said.

Mr. Christy said he is trying not to look suspiciously at every one who comes into his shop and he hasn’t lost his Christmas cheer.

“That’s the one thing you can’t afford to lose,” he said.

RCMP Sergeant Neil Cross said Wednesday morning that the Cranbrook identification section was brought in to do fingerprinting, but no suspect has been identified. The investigation continues.

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The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 3

December 16, 2005

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By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff Concern over the height of a ten-storey hotel proposed for Invermere’s downtown was the main reason for deferring approval of a rezoning bylaw at this week’s council meeting.

Octagon Properties Ltd., one of the main proponents of a large downtown development to be called “Waterside,” asked council to proceed with amendments to the town’s official community plan and the town’s zoning bylaw that would allow the project to move ahead.

However, council voted instead to refer the application to the development services committee for further review.

“It’s a very special place and we have one opportunity to do it right,” said councillor Bob Campsall, who was chairing the meeting in the absence of mayor Mark Shmigelsky.

Town planner Meredith Hamstead told council that there is overall staff support both for the proposed land use and density of the Waterside Development.

The plan was first unveiled to the public last February, although the official application for rezoning was not submitted until several weeks ago. The report from district staff said that a number of concerns remain unaddressed.

“These include concerns most importantly about building heights, and secondarily about the civic plaza, overall building form and massing, the proposed boat slips, the boardwalk and the matter of environmentally-responsible building and landscape construction and design,” the report said.

The proposed development would cover about 12 acres, east of the downtown core and west of the railway line, commonly referred to by locals as “the gravel pit.” Most of the property is now vacant.

The proposal is for a 144-room hotel and a

22,500-square-foot conference centre/restaurant, plus 590 high-density multi-family residential units.

It also includes a civic plaza, a pedestrian overpass linking the downtown to the waterfront, and a pedestrian boardwalk linking the downtown to James Chabot park in Athalmer.

The developers want to begin with constructing the hotel, then develop the former Home Hardware lumber yard, and finish with the properties south of the lumber yard.

The main objection, Ms. Hamstead told council, is that the proposed height of the hotel is not compatible with the surrounding buildings.

Currently the official community plan allows a limit of three storeys. The highest building in Invermere is now three storeys.

The hotel, which would be built into the steep hillside below the arena, would rise seven storeys above ground level.

Another concern with the proposal was the location of the civic plaza, which the report said “is perhaps one of the most defining and most positive features of this proposal.” The report said it should be located at the end of 13th Street rather than south of 13th Street since “in fact it is a parking and entry space to the hotel.”

The report also cited the “flat front” of the proposed buildings rather than having them terraced into the hillside; the provision of 30 boat stalls, which staff believe is excessive; and the construction date for the boardwalk, which the developers have promised to provide no later than 2019. The report said staff would like an earlier commitment.

Councillor Gerry Taft referred to the frustration expressed by the developers over the delays. He is the chair of the development services committee that will now review the project. The committee will meet sometime after Christmas, although a date has not been set. This meeting will be open to the public.

New Legion president named

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff Pat Cope has been elected the new president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 in Invermere.

She will lead the new executive consisting of first vice-presiPresident Pat Cope dent Louise Collier; second vice-president Bruce Marshall; and exective members Ron Jeffles, Edna Godlien, Austin Van Patter and Pat Kilback.

Mrs. Cope ran uncontested as the former president Jerry Meadows chose not to seek re-election.

Mrs. Cope, who works as executive director of the Family Resource Centre, said the Legion is “home” to her. Since 1982 there has been only one year in which she did not serve at the local, regional or provincial level.

In 1987, when Mrs. Cope was just 27 years old, she became the first woman and the youngest president of Branch 71. She served for two consecutive one-year terms as president.

“My family is rooted in the Legion,” she said, adding that her great-grandmother belonged to the association formed after Wolrd War One, before it was called the Royal Canadian Legion as we know it today, making Mrs. Cope a fourth-generation member. “The Legion is very important to me.”

Mrs. Cope said one of her first priorities will be to address the use of the downtown building in the new year. The building has been the subject of controversy because of the expense of the upkeep, coupled with the reluctance to sell the building which has been the heart of the community for many years.

“I believe that we have a strong team who are ready to work to support the veterans and the community,” Mrs. Cope said.

“We are all looking forward to a new year filled with growth and opportunity.”

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Cinefest

Monthly Independent Film Series presents:

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Monday, December 19 Toby Theatre at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and are available at the door

District of Invermere NOTICE TO ALL PLUMBING FIXTURE SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS “Low Flow Plumbing Fixture Bylaw”

As of January 1st, 2006, changes to the Water Utility Bylaw will now require all new residential, commercial and industrial construction including renovations to have low flow plumbing fixtures.

Low Flow Plumbing Fixture means: • Toilets having a total water usage of no greater than 6.0 litres or 1.6 US gallons per flush, including the contents of both the tank and bowl of the toilet.

• Urinals having a total water usage of no greater than 3.8 litres or 1.0 US gallons per flush but does not include urinals which flush automatically after a period of elapsed time, regardless of the amount of water usage per flush.

• Showerheads having a rate of water flow no greater than 9.5 litres or 2.5 US gallons per minute.

• Lavatory basin faucets and kitchen sink faucets having a rate of water flow no greater than 8.3 litres or 2.2 US gallons per minute.

• Public restroom faucets having total water flow of no greater than 1.8 litres or 0.5 US gallons per minute.

Note: all fixtures must comply with the National Plumbing Code (approved or certified by the CSA or equivalent agency).

P.O. BOX 339, 914 8th AVENUE, INVERMERE, B.C. V0A1K0

TELEPHONE: (250) 342-9281 FAX: (250) 342-2934

4 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

Invermere water rates hiked 32%

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff Invermere residents will pay about 32 percent more for their water in the new year, following a decision by town council at Tuesday’s regular meeting.

During each of the next three years beginning on January 1st residential water users will receive a flat increase of $10 plus an extra 20 cents per cubic metre.

In 2006, that will mean an increase in an average residential bill from $234 to $309, based on average usage of 400 cubic metres. The rate increase would be $75, or 32 percent.

The commercial rate will include the additional

Bears and buns just don’t mix

By Pioneer Staff One tossed bun got an 18-year-old Calgary man a $200 fine in Invermere court on Tuesday.

The man pled guilty to contravention of a provision of regulations in Kootenay National Park.

His crime: negligent tourism.

The man cannot be named because his conviction falls under the National Park Act and does not carry a criminal conviction.

The court heard that on October 6, 2005 an off-duty park warden noticed a bun being thrown out the window of a parked Chevy Blazer near Kootenay Crossing in the direction of a bear. The court heard the man was a passenger in the vehicle.

The court heard that when questioned by the warden, the man said he threw the bun because “he wanted the bear to come closer.”

The crown prosecutor argued for a $350 fine because the regulation is difficult to enforce, and feeding makes bears more likely to become a problem in the future.

Defence lawyer Richard Strahl argued his client shouldn’t get a fine because of his young age and his clean record. Spectators in the courtroom burst into laughter when Mr. Strahl told the judge that his client “promises to spread the word” if spared a fine.

Judge D.C. Carlgren disagreed, saying the concern is humans becoming bear food.

“I suppose sometimes that’s the appropriate penalty for tourists,” joked the judge.

$10 flat fee plus an extra five cents per cubic metre.

Based on average commercial usage of 1,135 cubic metres, that means the amount would rise from $553.73 to $620.48 - a hike of $66.75 or 12 percent.

The decision was made by council in order to build up the town’s reserve fund, set aside for the replacement of the existing infrastructure. A recent report by the town’s consulting engineers, Urban Systems of Calgary, concluded that it would cost $8.2 million to replace water pipes that are currently in the ground.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that this is not the result of financing new growth,” said councillor Bob Campsall.

“This money would have to be spent whether or

not there was a single new building in town.”

The current reserve fund set aside for new pipes is $369,000. The increase in water usage rates should see an additional $130,000 to $150,000 revenue in 2006 go into the reserve fund.

The long-term plan is to replace the old piping, much of which is made of iron or asbestos, with new PVC pipes. At the same time the old 100-mm pipes would be replaced with 150-mm pipes.

In a separate decision, council also approved a small increase in the current sewage user rate. The average residential cost will rise from $291.60 to $297.60 for a total of $6 per household. The commercial rate will see a similar increase.

A Day in Court The following people were convicted and sentenced in Invermere adult court on December 13. Presiding was circuit judge D.C. Carlgren of Cranbrook.

• Shane B. Plato pled guilty to one count of assault causing bodily harm, two counts of assault, and two counts of breach of probation.

The court heard that on June 4, 2005 Mr. Plato was at a house party. When he was asked to leave, he punched the homeowner.

Mr. Plato pled guilty to assault causing bodily harm. He was sentenced to two months in jail and a five-year firearm prohibition. He is ordered to pay $2,000 restitution to the homeowner.

The court then heard that Mr. Plato’s girlfriend told police that she had been assaulted by him on two consecutive days earlier this month.

He pled guilty to two counts of assault and was sentenced to two months in jail on each conviction.

The court then heard that Mr. Plato showed up at the RCMP detachment to report for an intermittent jail sentence to which he had earlier been sentenced. Court heard that while booking in, Mr. Plato displayed signs of impairment.

Court heard Mr. Plato admitted to drinking beer, which violated his probation. He pled guilty to the breach and was sentenced to a one-month consecutive jail term.

Mr. Plato also pled guilty to another breach of probation and was given an additional one-month consecutive jail term.

• Trevor W. S. Hague pled guilty to operating a vehicle with over 80 milligrams of alcohol.

The court heard that Mr. Hague gave two breath samples both reading .2 percent, more than twice the legal limit. He was sentenced to a $750 fine and a oneyear driving prohibition.

• Clay A. Harrington pled guilty to refusal to give a breath sample.

The court heard that on November 6, 2005 Mr. Harrington was pulled over for a motor vehicle infraction. The court heard he gave a first breath sample but then refused a second.

Mr. Harrington was sentenced to a $600 fine and a one-year driving prohibition.

• Jasmin J. Metivier pled guilty to operating a vehicle with over 80 milligrams of alcohol.

The court heard that Mr. Metivier was stopped by police at a checkstop. He was arrested and taken to the police station where he provided two breath samples, at .14 and .13 percent respectively. He was sentenced to a $600 fine and a one-year driving prohibition.

• Michael L. Schween pled guilty to operating a vehicle with over 80 milligrams of alcohol.

The court heard that on August 13, 2005 Mr. Schween was stopped at a checkstop. The court heard Mr. Schween provided two breath samples both at .19 milligrams.

Mr. Schween was sentenced to a $750 fine and a one-year driving prohibition.

• Bradley W. P. Weppler pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance.

The court heard that at 11:30 p.m. on October 22, 2005 Mr. Weppler was stopped at a checkstop near Radium. The court heard that RCMP Corporal Dale Morgan detected an odour of marijuana, and Mr. Weppler produced a marijuana cigarette from his pocket. The court heard Mr. Weppler told police he had smoked two joints earlier. The court heard Mr. Weppler had a previous drug-related record.

The court heard Mr. Weppler had a previous drugrelated record.

Mr. Weppler was sentenced to a $300 fine.

Faulty wiring suspected cause of house fire

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff An Invermere family is having their wiring checked this week after a freak fire almost destroyed their house.

Fortunately the family was at home when the fire occurred at 5:30 p.m. Monday and was extinguished without much damage.

Jason and Nancy Grenia of 1604-8th Avenue in the Wilder subdivision were preparing for dinner when one of the kids mentioned that the overhead light in the foyer was blinking on and off.

“My Dad was visiting and he went and had a look and saw flames coming out around the light fixture,” Jason said.

They immediately switched off the main electrical breaker to the house, tore the light fixture off the ceiling and threw water into the hole to extinguish the flames.

Jason was assisted by his father Norm Grenia, who was visiting with his wife Coral Grenia from Cranbrook. “It was lucky my Dad was there,” Jason said, since he might not have paid attention to the problem immediately.

After the Grenias called 911, Invermere Fire-Rescue arrived shortly but there was little left to do, said fire chief Roger Ekman.

“We just tore down the ceiling and checked to make sure the fire was out,” he said.

Jason Grenia and his wife Nancy purchased the home when they moved from Cranbrook in July.

Jason owns part of Mister Tire Sales in Athalmer, together with partner Glen Lynn.

Jason and Nancy have two small sons: Bayden, 7; and Sebastian, 5. They also have two tenants living in the house.

Jason said the family feels fortunate that they were at home when the fire occurred.

“If it would have happened the day before, nobody would have been home and the house would have burned,” he said.

“It could have been really bad.”

Mr. Ekman said an overloaded electrical circuit is the suspected cause of the fire. He said the family is very lucky they were at home and awake.

The Grenias have already called in an electrician to check for any other problems.

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 5

December 16, 2005

Dog licence fee irks owners

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Carrie-Ann and Owen Thomas are upset about the rise in fees for their two Staffordshire terriers.

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff An Edgewater couple say they might be forced to leave the valley rather than pay $2,000 to licence their Staffordshire terriers.

Owen and Carrie-Ann Thomas were reacting to the news that they will now have to pay $1,000 each for a dog licence, after the regional district board of directors expanded the definition of “pit bull terrier.”

The couple owns two Staffordshire terriers, a fouryear-old male called Shaka and a two-year-old spayed female called Jersey.

Previously the $1,000 licencing fee applied only to pit bulls. Licencing for all other breeds costs either $10 or $30 annually, depending on whether the animal is spayed.

But last Friday the regional district board of directors amended the bylaw to charge $1,000 each for Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and American pit bull terriers, plus: • Any dog of mixed breeding which is partially of the breeds referred to above; • A member of a class of dogs that have “an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to dogs referred to above.”

The Edgewater owners must now pay $1,000 each or get rid of the dogs.

“I’ve owned Staffordshire terriers all my life and

they’ve never bitten anyone,” a tearful Carrie-Ann told The Pioneer. “I’ve never had any complaints. Kids can come up to my dogs and pet them.”

Carrie-Ann, who is on maternity leave from her job at a Radium motel, said the dogs are in the house with her five-week-old son Keagan and “there’s absolutely no problem.”

Her husband Owen Thomas, who works at a service station in Radium, said he disagrees with the bylaw.

He said there are many aggressive dogs in Edgewater, some of which are running around unleashed, and his dogs are the victims of bad publicity about pit bulls.

“Our dogs have escaped out of our yard once or twice but we have brought them back again, and we have them under control,” he said.

The couple said they will now decide whether to licence the dogs. In the meantime, Carrie-Ann’s mother, who lives in Olds, Alberta, has volunteered to care for the dogs until the Thomas family makes a decision.

“It’s not that easy to pick up your whole family and relocate,” Carrie-Ann said.

Simon Senycz, regional district bylaw officer in Cranbrook, said there are no current pit bull licences in the regional district. The bylaw amendment, effective immediately, applies to the entire regional district from the U.S. border to Spillimacheen.

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Cranbrook airport ready for take-off

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff The Cranbrook Airport Expansion is going ahead and communities throughout the region will be asked to provide funds.

Cranbrook mayor Ross Priest told the regional district board of directors last week that the $11million expansion will see $4.5 million from the federal government, $4.5 million from the provincial government, and $1.5 mil-

lion from the city of Cranbrook.

That leaves one-half million dollars to be raised throughout the region. Fernie and Kimberley will be the major contributors. Small communities such as Invermere will also be asked to contribute.

The airport terminal will be expanded from 9,400 square feet to 22,000 square feet. The runway will increase from 6000 to 8000 feet in length. “We will be able to land large planes from Europe,” Mr. Priest told the board.

The city has also proposed another $130,000 to pay for a marketing plan. Mr. Priest said once the capability is there to land large aircraft, then that must be publicized in the rest of the world.

“We will have shovels in the ground in early 2006 pending environmental approval,” Mr. Priest said. That approval is expected very soon.

The newly-expanded airport should be ready to begin operations in 2007.

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6 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

PERSPECTIVE

Historical Lens

You know you’re a local when . . .

Editor’s Note: We received this at The Pioneer via the internet.

You may have seen it before, but we think it is pretty funny.

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 36 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you may live in the Columbia Valley.

If your local ice cream store is closed from September through May, you may live in the valley.

If your suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you may live in the valley.

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in the valley.

If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in the valley.

You know you are a true valley resident when:

1. “Vacation” means going to Calgary for the weekend.

2. You measure distance in hours.

3. You know several people who have hit a deer more than once.

4. You can drive 110 kilometres an hour through two feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without batting an eye.

5. You have more miles on your snowmobile than your car.

6. You design your kid’s Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

7. Driving is actually better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

8. You know all four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and roads crammed with Alberta plates.

9. Down South to you means Cranbrook.

10. You clip these jokes out of The Pioneer and you forward them to all your friends!

Bill Ratcliffe, left, and Tommy Stewart, right, try to push a car out of Lake Windermere. The location was the shoreline between the present-day Bayshore condominiums and the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. The date is unknown.

Photo courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: As local residents, we are concerned about snowmobile use in the Columbia Wetlands. Perhaps people don’t realize that there is a regulation in force that prohibits all land-based vehicles of more than 10 horsepower from entering the Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Area.

The Columbia Wetlands were legislated as a Wildlife Management Area because their value to wildlife was the primary identified value. Ninety percent of the elk of the Upper Columbia basin winter in or near the wetlands, with surveys identifying over 500 elk, 200 moose, and in excess of 1000 white-tail deer.

The elk must be able to paw through soft snow to reach their food source. Once the snow is compacted by snowmobile use, this becomes either impossible or requires much more energy. Winter is the most difficult time for ungulates, due to cold temperatures and limited access to food. Most of the mature females are pregnant during the winter and much of their energy is expended on carrying their calves to term.

The noise and intrusion of humans cause the animals to move around and exhaust unnecessary energy.

Elk live all winter at a negative energy intake. That is, they use up more energy than they consume, and they live on retained body fat. When or if this fat is used up before spring, the elk will start losing weight and could eventually die. It is especially critical for pregnant females, as they will lose weight, consume the muscle and bone mass for energy and fail to bring their fetus to term.

Running around in response to snowmobiles wastes huge amounts of this stored fat and energy and dramatically reduces winter survival. Again it is especially detrimental to pregnant elk due to the proven fact that excessive running in deep snow is known to cause miscarriages, fetus loss and re-absorbtion.

Many people think that they are the only ones going out onto the wetlands in isolated areas and that this will not have much impact . . . “The area is so big, and I wasn’t riding where there were any elk tracks.”

Unfortunately, as we all know, elk blend into the landscape and sound on the wetlands travels for exception-

al distances. You may not observe the elk running in panic in an area you cannot see from your snow machine, especially at night and in low light conditions.

As snowmobilers reading this article will agree, the Golden and Invermere areas have a number of great places dedicated to the sport of snowmobiling. Why not ride those areas instead?

Please pick up a map at the Chamber of Commerce or Government Agent office and ride in the winter-motorized areas. Valley residents value wildlife and a healthy environment, regardless of our views on the Columbia Wetlands motorized vehicle regulation.

We all agree on that.

If you observe vehicles in the Columbia Wetlands, call the new provincial wildlife emergency number, 24/7: 1-877-952-7277.

Andy Pezderic East Kootenay Region, B.C. Wildlife Federation Ellen Zimmerman Wildsight

The Upper Columbia

P IONEER is independently owned and operated and is published weekly by Elinor Florence.

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 www.uppercolumbiapioneer.com 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 Publisher

Bob Ede Creative Director

Lisa Ede Creative Director

Adrian Bergles

Dave Sutherland

Bob Friesen

Reporter

Advertising Sales

Advertising Sales

Shannon Cross Office Manager

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 7

December 16, 2005

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: Thank you for the wonderful pictures and press coverage of our annual Elf Craft Fair. Awesome!

To all of our vendors, I would like to say thank you for all of your hard work, donations and smiling faces. You make the months of planning and organizing all worthwhile!

To my Little Elves, young and old, you are fine examples of how hard work and dedication can make anything happen. Without each and every one of you, this annual event would not be what it is today!

To the good people of our valley: Thank you for your donations and continued support of our little fair. This year we managed to raise $1,000 for Floyd Verge’s Verge for Youth Society.

Floyd sneaks in “under the radar” (just like Santa Claus) and helps many families in need, and worthwhile causes, with financial and moral support.

To my hero Floyd Verge: I hope this money will help you in your pledge and dedication to help others in need.

Thank you and may God bless you all!

Heather Underwood Invermere *** Dear Editor: Imagine doing your job amid all the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Then imagine 40-plus people arriving; exuberant young performers with ukuleles, with proud parents and siblings in tow. Can you still imagine yourself doing your job well?

Well, at the Black Forest Restaurant on Friday evening, not only did they do it well, they did it exceptionally well. Kelly, Dana, Cory, Rod, Magharra, Cassidy and Amanda - they each flowed in and around the Silver Strings ukulele entourage with delicious food, beverages, and enthusiastic appreciation and encouragement. Nic was such a gracious host and the chef kept up with the meal delays, turning out the exceptional dinners that are the regular Black Forest fare.

Then Steve Rasilainen, with the Westroc Christmas party, also made a donation to the Silver Strings, for a repeat performance of the delightful concert Bruce Childs directed for the Rotary Club.

Nic and the Black Forest staff are fine representatives of the five-star service and community support so present here. Westroc is a fine business representative.

The Silver Strings - the students and Bruce - are fine Dear Editor: A few questions for Stephen Harper: Mr. Harper, do you agree that creationism or I.D. (Intelligent Design) is academically valid, and if so, should they be taught as alternative sciences to the theory of evolution in Canada’s public schools?

You were vociferous in your support of the Bush administration and the invasion of Iraq; do you still support that war and should Canadians regret not sending troops to fight alongside U.S., and the remaining coalition, forces?

Would you ever support legislation that might overturn a woman’s right to choose?

Personally, do you believe that abortion is murder?

Will your Christian faith influence your political policy, and if so, how?

George W. Bush has said that Jesus Christ is his

representatives of the lovely lively talent so present in our valley, my home.

I look forward to hearing of the Silver Strings’ adventure when they travel to compete and perform in Hawaii.

Imagine how proud we will be to have them represent us!

Crisanna MacLeod Fairmont Hot Springs *** Dear Editor: We would like to put a thank you in your paper from “Coats for Families.”

This was our second year running the program and we think it was twice as good as last year.

We collected hundreds of items, coats, scarves, hats, and mitts of all sizes. We started a month earlier this year and distributed every second week. The Family Resource Center was always there to open the doors when we were not. Thank you to them for their time and space.

We distributed hundreds of items throughout our valley. The items left went off to Canal Flats, the Women’s Auxiliary and many shelters in Calgary. We still have a small assortment of items left at the Family Resource Center.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort did something new this year. For every coat they collected they donated money to a charity in the valley. Thank you, Fairmont!

A special thank you to Christine Vidalin and Bev Deck who helped sort every week and Christine, who was there for every distribution day. Thank you to our daughter Jayme and her friend Starry Park who made all the boxes that were placed in different outlets, Terry Lightfoot for getting out the newsletters, and all the businesses that had our drop-off boxes.

A huge thank you to Fitz Flooring who delivered many boxes of items to Calgary, and Dolores Fitzsimmons who distributed them to many needing outlets/ shelters.

Last but not least, all the caring people out there that dropped their gently-used, warm coats etc., to find new homes!! I hope we have made a few people warmer this winter. We wish you all a happy holiday season.

Julie and Dano Saunders Invermere favorite philosopher; who is yours?

George W. Bush campaigned as a “Uniter” not a “Divider.” Do you think President Bush has united the United States?

Do you see yourself as a unifying force in Canada’s future?

Have you ever accepted campaign funds or consul from the Nation Rifle Association or other conservative or evangelical Christian lobbyist organizations based in the U.S.?

You appear to be obsessed with overturning Canada’s recent “same sex marriage” statute; could you explain why?

Do you believe that practicing homosexuals are sinners?

Patrick Hasburgh Panorama, B.C. Aspen, Colorado

Out & About The Pioneer is pleased to offer this free weekly feature for coming events around the valley.

Please call 341-6299 or Email upioneer@telus.net with your events.

Pynelogs Cultural Centre • December Art Sale - unique items for Christmas gifts, 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday, Friday night until 8pm. Gift wrapping station. Plan your Christmas shopping at Pynelogs Cultural Centre!

Panorama Ski Hill • Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve service at the top of the mountain.

• Dec. 31 - New Year’s celebration with fireworks, live shows and entertainment.

December 16 • Last day of school for all students, for Christmas holidays!

• Live Christmas Nativity Pageant, presented by the local churches, 6:30pm and 7:30pm (2 shows), at the Catholic Church, 702-12th Avenue, everyone welcome, refreshments served. Call Herb, 342-6761 or Mary Ellen, 342-3615 for info.

• Rotary Senior’s dinner, 5:30pm, Invermere Inn. Free for all Seniors. Register at 342-4242.

• Radium Rotary Carole Sing, 7pm, meet at Parkside Internet Cafe, Radium. Call David, 342-1524.

December 17 • Santa is coming to Fairmont! 2pm, Smoking Waters Coffee shop. Kids get a free photo with Santa and lots of treats.

December 18 • 5th Annual CV Food Bank benefit concert, 4pm, Lakeside Pub. Many performers. Call Andra, 403921-2710.

December 19 • Christmas Bingo, Canal Flats Civic Centre, 7pm.

December 20 • CV Rockies vs. Kimberley at Home, 7:30pm.

December 21 • Christmas Bureau hamper drop off, Invermere Community Hall, 8am to noon. Pick up 3 to 7pm.

December 30 • CV Rockies at Fernie, 7:30pm.

December 31 • New Year’s Eve at Windermere Hall $20 per person. Call 342-3935 for tickets.

OTHER • Until Dec. 20 - purchase a gift for an underprivileged child this Christmas - visit the Dairy Queen and take a tag from the tree, buy a suitable gift and return it to DQ unwrapped. Call 342-9933 for info.

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8 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

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Toby Theatre copied at home

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By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff Kim and Tom Buchanan love our local theatre so much that they named their home theatre “The Toby.”

The Calgary couple have a red-and-blue fluorescent replica of the Toby The Buchanans even ordered the sign for their theatre. sign over the doorway of their high-tech, state-ofthe first day,” said Kim. the-art home theatre.

Tom, who runs an oil company “When we built this place we had called Provident Energy Trust designed the home theatre, and there was no question what the name would be,” said the home theatre. “It was Tom’s baby,” Kim, who has been coming to the fam- says Kim. “Movies are his release.”

The theatre is complete with reclinily cabin in Invermere with husband ers in the front and a row of theatre seats Tom for the past 17 years.

“Our daughter was just two years in the back. Unlike The Toby there are old when we started going to The Toby,” no love seats, and the seats are not made she said. “Summer wouldn’t be summer of wood. “That would be a little too authentic,” says Kim, laughing. without The Toby.”

However, she said she plans to add Unlike the real theatre, the couple’s one model airplane to remind her of the home theatre is on the cutting edge. Inmodel airplane collection hanging from stalled two years ago, the inner workings are controlled through touch-screen the ceiling of the original Toby. “Then it pads placed strategically throughout the will be complete,” she said.

Elizabeth Peters operates the origihouse. “Our house is what you call a nal Toby with her husband Ron. She ‘smart home,” said Kim. Set up by Smart Home Systems said she is aware of the Toby replica theof Calgary, the touch pads replace 17 atre in Calgary.

She was informed of the theatre by remotes to control every plasma TV, Invermere locals Connie Artym-BradDVD player and VCR in the house. atsch and her husband Grey Bradatsch, Lighting and sound can also be conowners of the Artym Gallery, who are trolled through the screens.

“It simplifies everything,” said Kim, also friends of the Buchanans.

“I just thought it was the neatest although she was initially confused by thing,” says Elizabeth. “Obviously the all the technology.

“I’m probably the last one who Toby is making an impression.”

The Toby almost closed for good in learned how to use it . . . at the beginning it was like: “Oh, my God - how do October during a dispute over signage.

The Toby is currently closed but will reyou turn the TV on?’”

Children Kailey, 18, Connor, 15, open in the new year.

“We were heartbroken when we and Braden, 10, had no trouble with thought it might close,” says Kim Buthe new technology. “I think they got it chanan.

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By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff The drilling company looking for water in Athalmer has gone down more than 400 feet but there is still no sign of water, said Nick Berzins of Fossil Water.

The company will continue to drill down to 800 feet, Mr. Berzins said.

The drilling project is being paid for by five private developers who want to find a source of drinking water before their proposed projects can go ahead.

But Mr. Berzins said the results so far have been positive. The drillers

have found the known shallow aquifer and are still on the lookout for the medium-depth and the much-hoped-for deep aquifer.

The drillers have found sandy soil with some gravel, which is preferable to clay, said the engineer.

“The hope is that you’re going to see a layer producing water.”

The drilling began in mid-November and nearly one month later the search for water continues.

“With drilling programs you should almost never say what the schedule is,” Mr. Berzins said.

“If it’s down there, it’s not going anywhere.”

The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 9

December 16, 2005

Senior students able to take classes over the internet

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff Students at David Thompson Secondary School will have an opportunity to take classes over the internet starting in February.

Called the Connected Learner’s Project, the pilot program will allow students across the school district to take classes that are otherwise unavailable.

“Because we have declining enrollment, our secondary schools at times find it difficult to provide the kinds of course options that students in larger centres typically have access to,” said Paul Carriere, assistant superintendent for the Rocky Mountain School District.

Three courses will be offered in February: an English literature class taught by Shelley Little at David Thompson Secondary School; a video production class from Golden; and a technical and professional communications class from Kimberly.

Students from anywhere in the school district can sign up and take the classes over the internet.

This course will differ from a typical web-based class. Rather than simply following a video broadcast over the net, students will be able to interact live with the teacher, a kind of an educational chatroom.

If a student has a question about English literature, for example, he or she will be able to ask Ms. Little directly and she will be able to respond to the question via a web-based camera that will display her face and voice on the computer screen.

Mr. Carriere said there is evidence to show that hat interactive on-line courses have higher success rates than traditional web-based classes.

Students will use laptops with a wireless internet connection, paid for by the school board.

Mr. Carriere says the students, who will be able to do coursework from different spots around the school, will not be under direct supervision at all times while online.

He said about 25 students are expected to participate in all three classes.

The program is possible because of a $75,000 grant from the B.C. Ministry of Education.

Brendan Donahue

The Junior Boys’ Volleyball Team had a great season. Kneeling, left to right: Brett McDonald, Kyle McKenzie, Melissa (cheerleader), and Steven McNeil. Standing, left to right: Lea Ann Anderson (coach), Lou Steele, Logan Anderson, Robin Gadsby, Rylan Rosin, and Coach Angie McKenzie.

Junior volleyball boys make big trip to go to the provincial competition

By Angie McKenzie Special to The Pioneer When the 2005 Junior Boys Volleyball season started at David Thompson Secondary School, the boys were in top form.

They began with a second-place finish at the Fernie Invitational. Unfortunate events with the B.C. school strike resulted in the Lakers missing their home tournament and the Invitational at Mount Baker Secondary in Cranbrook, but this did not deter the team.

The Lakers (please note all David Thompson sports teams are called Lakers) were determined to achieve a high level of competitive skills in practices and worked hard to build their skills.

The team consisted of 11 Grade 10s and two Grade 9s, and they wanted their last year as a junior team to be their best and to leave a proficient reputation. They also wanted to help to instill the skills in a few of the grade 10 rookies and the two upcoming Grade 9s that would remain juniors the next volleyball season.

The Lakers won The Laurie Invitational, The Jaffray Invitational and The Selkirk Invitational and placed second in the Creston Tournament. The boys were extremely pumped for the East Kootenays, they knew they had an excellent chance at winning the East Kootenay Banner.

They qualified for the Junior Provincial Championships in Prince George, the first time ever that a Da-

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vid Thompson junior boys’ volleyball team was able to attend the provincial championships.

The boys were then faced with significant decision in their junior volleyball careers. They had to weigh out the positives and negatives and make a decision.

It was a tough decision, but it was unanimous they decided to go to the Provincials. We (coaches and boys) had a meeting on all what was involved, cost, three days of school missed (five days away), completing homework with a busy game schedule, etc.

The boys came up with the ideas of how to bring the costs down. They were fortunate to receive funds and warm-up jerseys from six sponsors.

Coaches Angie McKenzie, Lea Ann Anderson and seven boys (Logan Anderson, Robin Gadsby, Brett McDonald, Kyle McKenzie, Steven McNeil, Lou Steele and Rylan Rosin) were able to travel to the provincial competition in Prince George.

We all had an awesome experience. The boys witnessed first-hand a higher level of competitive volleyball. The boys placed ninth out of 16 teams with a record of five wins and two losses.

It was a proud moment for all.

With many heartfelt, we want to thank Superior Propane for the jerseys, and the following for their donations: Fairmont Lions Club, Bev Palfrey and Nelda Harker, Rockies West Realty/Don Slobodzian, Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley, and Canadian Forest Products (Canfor).

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10 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

The Pioneer Your Weekly Source for News and Events

December 16, 2005

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Hockey has a long history. Here is a list of important dates during the first 100 Teaser ads for the Pioneeryears: revised Early to mid-1800s: Great Stocking Stuffers Ice hockey as we know it is first played July 11th 2005 twag • 1 Dozen Maxfli Noodles in either Windsor, Nova Scotia; Kingston, Ontario; or Montreal, Quebec, de$19.95 pending on who you believe and how • Re-Gripping Special you read the evidence.

1877: The first known hockey rules are published in the Montreal Gazette.

1888: The Amateur Hockey Association of Canada is formed, with four teams in Montreal, one in Ottawa and one in Quebec City.

1889 or 1892: The first women’s hockey game is played in Ottawa or Barrie, Ontario.

1893: Frederick Arthur, Lord Stanley of Preston and Governor-General of Canada, donates a trophy to be called the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup. It will be known more commonly as the Stanley Cup. The first winning team is from the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association, champions of the AHAC. 1894: The first artificial ice rink is opened in Baltimore.

1895:

College athletes from the United States and Canada play the first international series of matches, with the Canadians winning all four games. College and club teams in the Eastern U.S. soon take up the game.

1896: The Winnipeg Victorias become the first team from Western Canada to win the Stanley Cup. Late 1800s and early 1900s: North American ice hockey appears in European countries, taking its place alongside similar games such as bandy.

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Please remember to drop your hamper off Dec. 21 at the Invermere Community Hall between 8 a.m. and 12 noon.

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The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 11

December 16, 2005

Wende Brash: the woman behind ReMax

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff Wende Brash loves to work.

The petite brunette who owns the local ReMax franchise is a whirlwind of energy who shows no signs of slowing down after three children, three grandchildren and more than three decades as an independent businesswoman.

Born and raised in Golden, Wende began dating her future husband Randy Brash in 1973. The two teenagers were both working for the summer at the local IGA store.

In the fall they moved to Victoria where Randy studied commerce at the University of Victoria. In June 1975 they moved to Calgary, where son Adam was born.

The couple wed on Valentine’s Day 1976 and just three months later launched their business careers with the purchase of an IGA store in Fort St. John.

Wende and Randy were just 20 years old.

In 1978, daughter Jaime was born. With a flourishing business and two small children, the Brashes took on a new challenge: they purchased a convenience store.

“This is what my life was like back then,” Wende recalls. “I would open the convenience store at 6 a.m. and work until 9 a.m., when I would go over to IGA. Randy would already have opened up there. I would work at IGA from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and then go back to the other store and stay there until it closed at 1 a.m.”

Often the kids came along to help.

“Adam knew how to face up the store before he could even read,” Wende laughs. “Facing up” means turning all the cans and jars on the shelves so that the labels face the customer.

In 1984, they heard about a grocery store for sale in Invermere. “Randy came down first and I called him and asked: ‘What’s it like there?’” Wende remembers.

“He said: ‘It’s like dying and going to heaven.’”

The Brash family bought the Super Valu store, located where the Saan store is now situated, along with the entire building. They transformed it into an IGA store and started back to work.

Combining work and family life was especially challenging when Jaime was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of six. The Brashes hired a live-in nanny to help run the household, and she stayed with them for the next 12 years.

Four years after moving to Invermere, the Brashes had a delightful surprise when they found they were to become parents once again.

Daughter Jenna, ten years younger than her sister, was born in 1988.

By this time Adam was a teenager who excelled at hockey. His parents sent him to Notre Dame school in Willcox, Saskatchewan, which had a reputation for grooming hockey players.

Wende Brash, whose name is well-known throughout the valley, stands in front of her Invermere home.

Later Jaime decided she wanted to go to private school as well, so she departed for Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island.

Wende had her third toddler on her hip when she finally decided to step back from the grocery business.

“Randy and I had worked together since we were 17,” she said. “So I thought: ‘Why not try something new?’”

Since Wende was a Size 2, she couldn’t find any clothing small enough to fit her in Invermere. In 1991 she opened a women’s clothing store called Someplace Else, on the lower level beneath Saan.

In 1994 she bought Thredz and amalgamated the two clothing stores into one.

When the Brashes purchased a house, an everambitious Wende took one look at the process and thought: “I can do this.”

In 1990 she earned her realtor’s licence and went to work for Windermere Realty. The next year she moved over to ReMax to work for then-owner Chuck Blanshard.

“In 1994 Chuck said to me: ‘Wende, either buy this place or I’m selling it to an Albertan.’ So I bought it.”

In the past 12 years under Wende’s ownership, ReMax has grown to include four offices - two in Invermere, including the spot once occupied by her clothing store beneath Saan - one in Radium, and one located at Panorama Mountain Village. She now has

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Future plans for the busy realtor include opening a ReMax office in Fairmont. “Then I’ll have the valley covered,” she declares.

Meanwhile, son Adam is now an engineer in Fort St. John, married with three daughters of his own.

Jaime, who has a geography degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, has experienced health problems stemming from her diabetes and lives in Edmonton so she can be close to University Hospital.

And Jenna followed her sister to Shawnigan Lake, where she is currently completing her final year of high school.

Now 49, Wende says she is one of those fortunate people who need only a few hours of sleep. She has never relinquished her gruelling daily schedule, although she and Randy now try to take more holidays together, often getting away to Mexico or Arizona in the winter.

Although Wende has seen her share of milliondollar homes over the years, the Brashes live in a modest two-storey house on 13th Avenue in Invermere.

Wende says she loves the convenience of living close to the office and the big back yard.

Surprisingly, she still finds time to have hobbies camping in the summer, and scrapbooking in the winter. She is also a huge hockey fan who adores Wayne Gretzky and never misses watching the Vancouver Canucks. But work is still her passion.

“The busier I am, the more I like it,” she says.

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December 16, 2005

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By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff

Christine Keshen celebrated a trip to the Olympic Games with her professional team from Calgary last weekend, but much of what she knows was learned at David Thompson Secondary School.

From Grade eight until graduation in 1996, Christine skipped Kirstin Meadows, Kindry and Kym Dalke, and Nicole Coy. All the women now live in Calgary but they keep fond memories of those days back in Invermere.

“We spent a lot of weekends together on PROUD PAPA - Jack Keshen shows his hat autographed the road,” said Kindry. by all members of the Olympic-bound Kleibrink rink.

“We were all basically Kirstin, who works for the City of best friends.”

Calgary, says she doesn’t see Christine Kindry’s twin sister Kym agrees. “We often any more. just all clicked and got along together,” “I ran into her at the Bonspiel on she said. Kym and Christine were room- the Lake,” she said, referring to the bigmates after the two girls moved to Cal- gest outdoor bonspeil in the world held gary following graduation. “Christine’s on Lake Windermere every January. good at everything she does,” said Kym, Bill Robinson was an assistant who was recently married and says she coach with the team. He got a call from now sees Christine occasionally.

Christine after her big win. “She said In Grade 12 the team went to the ‘Team Canada calling’ and Joyce nearly provincial competition in Fort St. John, hung up the phone, but I recognized and another year they played in the B.C. the voice,” he said. “I told her Joyce and Winter Games in Smithers.

I were laughing and crying when it hap“Our ritual was to pray to the curl- pened.” ing God,” said third Kirstin Meadows.

Head Coach Barry Gillies also got a “We’d all pray to Joe Peters.” The curl- call from Christine. He is modest about ing club in Invermere is named after his influence on Christine’s curling. “My Mr. Peters. biggest contribution is that I turned her “I would bet Christine was probably on to the game,” he says. doing that in the last end,” she said.

Everyone associated with the high Kirstin said she was glued to the TV school team will be rooting for Chrisduring the Olympic trials. She said she tine at the Olympics in Torino, Italy always expected Christine, who played this February. seven sports in high school, to succeed.

“We’re really proud of her,” Kindry “She was very athletic and she was going said. “It’s neat to see someone we know places with sports,” said Kirstin. so well at the Olympics.”

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The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 13

December 16, 2005

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Christine Keshen, right, poses with her Team Canada curling teammates Glenys Bakker, Amy Nixon and Shannon Kleibrink on arrival at the Calgary airport on Monday. The team qualified for the Olympics with a hard-fought win in Halifax last weekend and will now represent Canada at the Olympics in Torino, Italy.

Going for gold in Torino

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff A jubilant Christine Keshen will be home in Invermere this weekend to celebrate her berth in the 2006 Olympic Games.

She told The Pioneer she was a bundle of nerves moments before her skip Shannon Kleibrink threw the final shot at the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials in Halifax last weekend.

“I was absolutely shaking, and my mouth was bone dry,” said Christine, 27, formerly of Invermere, who plays lead. “And I wasn’t even throwing the rock.”

The shot, a takeout, was true. It left Christine’s team counting three rocks, and gave the team a thrilling come-from-behind 8-7 victory over Kelly Scott and her team from Kelowna in the women’s final.

Christine, Shannon Kleibrink, Amy Nixon and Glenys Bakker of Calgary’s Winter Club, will represent Canada at the Olympics in Torino, Italy in February.

“The Olympics are the ultimate goal and we made it,” said a happy Christine from Halifax, an

hour after the final rock was thrown.

“I’m on cloud nine right now. It hasn’t really sunk in but I’m trying on jackets that say ‘Team Canada’ on them.”

The team lost three of their first four games and was beginning to lose confidence.

“Everyone thought ‘Holy crap, we’re one and three!’” said Christine.

However, the team won the next seven straight games.

Immediately after the final game, the team got their first taste of the Olympics.

“We had to go pee in a cup,” said Christine. “I literally had time to give Mike a hug and I was taken into the doping room.” Mike DuBois of Windermere was present in Halifax for the games.

Testing for performance-enhancing drugs is something that isn’t typically done in Canadian curling, Christine said. “Never, not even at the Scott,” she says. The Scott Tournament of Hearts is the annual Canadian women’s championship.

After winning a spot on the Canadian team, the rink returned to a crowd of fans waiting at the Calgary International Airport. Christine then spent a couple of days filming an Olympic commercial.

Evening appointments Tuesday and Thursday Book your appointment by calling: Invermere 342-8830

Columbia Valley Trading Co.

NEVER STOP EXPLORING™

Home Hardware

Building Centre 342-6908

TIP OF THE WEEK Jillian says, “Fletco Varathane gel stain is easy to work with, doesn’t blotch and is great for a variety of winter wood projects.”

WE’VE GOT YOUR LUMBER.

Dave♥s Book Bar Radium Hot Springs Sunshine Rotary Club presents the

3rd Annual

Carole Sing Friday, December 16th 7:00 pm Chili & hot chocolate at 1/2 time Meet at

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Candles, Carole and Song Sheets Provided Children Very Welcome

For further information, please contact David Pacey 342-1524 Cash or in-kind donation required for the food bank.

1046 7th Ave. Invermere

342-6511

14 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

We are just a click away!

www.uppercolumbiapioneer.com

The talented young figure skaters who competed in The Sparwood Mini figure skating competition on December 3rd did themselves proud. From left to right: Hayley Newman placed second in the Elementary Ladies category; Courtney Hoffos came in fifth in Pre-Preliminary Ladies; Kirsten Geiger won first in Preliminary Ladies, second in Pre-Interpretive, and fourth in Elements; Charlotte Dibb took first in Pre-Interpretive, third in Elements, and fourth in Preliminary Ladies; Leah Newman won first in Pre-Preliminary; and Montanna McIlwain placed first in the Elementary category. Congratulations, one and all!

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The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 15

December 16, 2005

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS OBITUARY

LEONARD G. HEMMELGARN Leonard was born in Medstead, Saskatchewan on July 12, 1930 to Rose and Martin Hemmelgarn. He was the sixth child of 13.

He moved to Lintlaw, Saskatchewan when he was three years old and lived and worked there until he met and married Frances on July 9, 1954. They came to Wilmer in June, 1955. Len worked as a logger for many years until 1965 when he went to work for Fairmont Hot Springs, and worked there until he retired in 1990. He worked hard to provide a happy home for Frances and their three children Jo-Ann, Bob and Joy. Len loved to drive a D-8 Cat building roads. He was very proud that he helped build the Fairmont Airport. He also had a great garden and many flowers in the yard. He will be greatly missed by seven Grandsons; Tyler, Garett, Dustin, Devin, Robin, Brett, Drew, and two Great Grandsons; Austin and Christopher, whom he always had time for and thoroughly enjoyed; and his loving Wife and all the Family.

the Doctors and Nurses of the SERVICES Invermere Hospital for their care.

Renovations, painting, carpen- Frances Hemmelgarn and try, wood finishing, plumbing, Family etc. Reliable, qualified workmanship. Bill Ark Construction, We would like to thank all of 342-7329. you who offered your love, support, assistance and expres- Flooring installations, lino, sions of sympathy during the carpet, laminate, hardwood, vc recent loss of our husband, fa- tile, 28 years experience. 342ther, grandfather, great grand- 8762 or 341-1234. father, brother and uncle, Len Hemmelgarn. A special thank WANTED you to the Wilmer Community Club for the lovely tea they DTSS has two very keen knitting provided for us. Your thought- groups that meet Wednesdays fulness is greatly appreciated. and Thursdays at lunchtime.

- Frances Hemmelgarn and Donations of knitting needles and/or yarn would be greatly Family appreciated. Drop off at the high school, or call and we will SUITES FOR RENT pick it up! Call Fiona at 342Bright one bdrm basement 9213, ext. 114. Thank you! suite, private entrance, nice neighbourhood, close to downtown. $550/mth + utilities, cable included, N/S, one person preferred. 403-2865126.

FOR RENT STEIN APARTMENTS - residential and commercial. 342- 6912.

HOMES FOR RENT FOR RENT OR SALE - Very clean, 3 bdrm mobile in Juniper Heights. $650/mth, includes pad rental and 5 appliances.

Available immediately. 3420822.

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Custom cut rough lumber, dry fir beams, fence boards, etc. Firewood - fir, birch or pine - split or unsplit. Top quality hay, grass/ alfalfa mix, round or square bales. 346-3247.

Company coming? Danish teak table & 3 chairs, $150, daybed/ sofa, brown, $150. 347-9875.

FOOD/PRODUCE

CAREERS ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRAINING, BC - Licensed Employment Agency.

NEED A JOB?! RMT Staffing Services - Bring us your resume and we’ll find the Right Job For You! NEED EMPLOYEES?! Headhunters - we find the Right Person For You! Call 342-6011, toll free, 1-888-737-5511, email rmti@telus.net, website www. rockymountaintraining.bc.ca, 1006 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0. WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR Sales, Warehouse, Chef and Reservations positions.

A unique Christmas gift! Heirloom quality chest, handmade of mahogany, okoume, maple, babinga and lined with aromatic cedar. Constructed using “dovetail” joinery, finished with handles, hinges and locks of high quality brass. Multiple inlay work. Never used. Must be seen to be appreciated. $2,000, OBO. 342-3442.

HELNA’S STUBE requires an exYou are invited to a Christmas perienced part-time evening Wellness party! Saturday, De- waitress. Call 347-0047.

Share this peaceful setting, views of the 14th fairway at Radium Resort golf course and treed grounds with your family and friends. Sit around the fireplace playing games, reading or watching movies together. You’ll be right in the heart of Radium’s Rocky Mountain Range in this very well taken care of, two bedroom, 2 bath condominium with carport and sundeck. Large rec room downstairs, furniture included.

Unit 8-7980 Radium Hill Road Deborah-Kim & Rob Rice

dkrice@telus.net rbrice@telus.net

RE/MAX Invermere 250-342-6505

Independently Owned and Operated

PEPPI’S ITALIAN FUEL requires a full time 1st Pizza Cook, 32 to 40+ hours per week, including evenings. Must be 19 or older, experience in the kitchen required. Phone 342-3421 or drop in to make an appointment for an interview with resume.

ON I T I POS LED FIL

a hairstylist/esthetician. Email resumes to trims@telus.net, or call France at 345-0077 after 2pm.

INVERMERE SALES AND RENTALS is looking for a self-motivated, task-oriented full-time employee to handle day to day busiTRIMS AND TREASURES in Fair- ness. Wage depends on experi2 Power King Plus winter tires, mont is seeking a happy, ener- ence. Fax resume to 342-3578. size P235-75-R16, used one getic person to join our team as season. Asking $125, OBO. 3479604.

Free range eggs now available at Grant’s Foods on 8th Avenue.

Open until 7pm. 342-7308.

3 bdrm townhouse in Invermere, one 4-piece bath, two 2-piece baths, F/S, D/W, laundry hookup, attached garage, small yard, pet okay with pet deposit, $950/mth plus utilities and damage deposit, #112 - 626 9th Avenue. Available January 1st. cember 17th, 1 to 4pm drop in.

403-283-1724.

THANK YOU A special thank you to Dr. Louw. Words cannot express how much we appreciated the great care and support you gave to Len. As well, the Home Care staff ; Vivian, Chrissy, Cheryl, Wendy, Romy, Amber, Lacey, Sharon, Georgie, and Gina for their great help and support. And thank you also to

MISC. FOR SALE

Wellness gifts for your loved ones! Plan a wellness home!

Stocking stuffers! Refreshments! For details ask your local wellness elves: Deborah Griffith, 342-3214, www.5pillars.com/ creatinghealth, or Carol Gordon, 341-6114, www.5pillars.com/ kiassociates.

GONE HOLLYWOOD requires full-time and part-time clerks/ cashiers for busy video store.

Must be energetic and a good people person. Able to work nights and weekend shifts.

Must be bondable. Starting salary $10/hour. Apply at front counter or phone 342-0057.

Wanted- Journeyman Electrician and/or 4th year apprentice.

Wages & benefits negotiable.

Commercial, industrial and residential wiring. 342-9918 days or 347-2252 nights & weekends.

OFFICE MANAGER

The Pioneer Newspaper seeks full-time Office Manager to perform a variety of duties in this busy office. Must be a team player, able to work independently, and have exceptional customer service skills. Responsibilities include invoicing as well as all administrative and clerical duties.

Required are strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proofreading ability essential.

Mail resumes by December 23, 2005 to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0. Only applicants who are being considered will be contacted.

Interior Health

Casual Cook & Housekeeper Opportunities Golden & Invermere

Interior Health is accepting applications for Cook 1 and Housekeepers.

As Cook you will prepare food items following the menu prepared by the Support Services Supervisor, using procedures such as roasting, frying, grilling, steaming, poaching, boiling and baking. You will have graduated from a recognized 12-month program in cooking or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

As Housekeeper you will perform a variety of cleaning duties such as wet mopping, washing walls, cleaning items such as furniture, woodwork, ledges, fixtures, and blinds by methods such as dusting, polishing and damp wiping.

Please apply online at www.interiorhealth.ca to competition number EK-COM-05-058. Applicants without computer access may fax resume to (250) 870-4722.

Family Resource Centre Safe Homes Program Support Worker

DUTIES: The Safe Homes Support Worker is part of a team of casual staff that agrees to carry cellular phone and serve scheduled on-call duty for the Safe Homes Program. Support Workers are on call on weekdays and evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. When called out, the support worker provides a confidential emergency service for the provision of temporary, safe and supportive accomodation for women and their children who have experienced or who are at risk of abuse, threats or violence. Support workers will provide transportation, information, support and, when appropriate, follow-up support for women.

Application process and deadline: Submit a resume and cover letter to Pat Cope, Executive Director, Family Resource Centre, Box 2289, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 by 4:00 p.m., December 30, 2005

16 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

Pioneer Briefs Water metering studied Residents of Windermere, Timber Ridge and Edgewater may have their water metered. A preliminary study by an engineering firm called Bel-MK Engineering Ltd. from Calgary has been hired to perform a water meter implementation study for those three communities.

“Per capita water use in un-metered communities is typically significantly higher than water use in metered communities,” the engineers said in a letter to the Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors at last week’s meeting.

“For instance, a 2003 study for the Edgewater Improvement District found a usage of 770 litres per capita per day, significantly higher than the provincial guidelines of 230 litres.”

The firm said a switch to “metered” customers is highly recommended and anticipated to reduce demand by 25 to 50 percent.

The study, to cost $12,248 plus taxes, will start in January 2006.

Acreage may be added to town The town of Invermere will grow by another eight acres if a plan is approved to bring an acreage within town boundaries.

The owners of an eight-acre parcel on Johnston Road have applied for exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve.

Leo Johnson and Elana Rosenfeld were given the support of the Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors at the Dec. 9th meeting for their application.

The property, classified as rural residential, is bor-

dered by the town and the Grizzly Ridge property. If Grizzly Ridge is taken into the District of Invermere, the property will be surrounded.

“I can’t see any reason why we would not consider accepting that property, since it would be an island if Grizzly Ridge joins the town,” said Mayor Mark Shmigelsky.

Get that grant!

The comprehensive grant-writing training program Get That Grant: Grantwriting from Conception to Completion will be held in Cranbrook Monday to Thursday, Feb. 20-23 at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort.

Sponsored by the College of the Rockies and Rocky Mountain Business Development Centre Society, in partnership with Community Futures, the workshop addresses all aspects of successful grant seeking.

This hard-working, hands-on workshop includes the Community Systems detailed 330-plus-page grantwriting training/resource manual. Workshop participants receive individual consultation and a follow-up critique.

For more information call Tracey at the College of the Rockies, Cranbrook campus (250) 489-8235.

Mayors take up new positions Radium Mayor Greg Deck was re-elected chairman of the Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors at last week’s regular meeting. One of his first actions was to appoint Invermere mayor Mark Shmigelsky to serve as chairman of the regional district’s planning committee.

Louise LeBlanc enjoys a romp with her dogs at James Chabot beach in Athalmer on a sunny afternoon.

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS rarium for his toy shop, but he CHEERS to the local schools for gave it to the Valley Food Bank their hard work on the Christinstead. mas concerts.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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CHEERS & JEERS CHEERS to Santa Claus. Wendy Bennett of the Invermere Business Committee says that on Light-Up Night, the old gentleman was offered an hono-

CHEERS to all the people who stopped on December 5th Chelsea, Robert, the Paramedics, Police Officers and the Radium Fire Department. - From Christine Coltart.

CHEERS to the kind person who left a note on my van window about my tire going flat. - K.S. Officers and the Radium Fire Department. - From Christine Coltart.

CHEERS to the Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club for another wonderful Christmas Carnival.

Looking forward to the yearend performance in March.

NOTICES To my Invermere lesbian friend, thanks for the great weekend!

Let’s get together and make lefse. Your Edgewater lesbian friend.

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18 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

Think twice about giving a pet this year

By Louise Platiel Invermere Veterinary Hospital What draws a person toward a certain animal? “He ran right up to me!” and “It was the way she looked at me!” you will hear people say about why they chose that one.

The connection is inexplicable, and seems to be shared. A bond such as this can happen almost instantly and creates a foundation on which a lasting relationship is built.

Among the other factors which help pets and their owners share a home permanently is how well-prepared the person is for the new arrival, how much planning went into finding a suitable breed, and how committed the person is to accepting the time and financial constraints. Perhaps this is why such a high number of pets, particularly dogs, turn out to be a mismatch when given as a gift. So, if you want someone you care about to have a lasting relationship with a pet, give them everything but the animal for Christmas.

Nothing says you’re getting a dog like a dog-bed packed with all the supplies; a leash and collar, puppy-safe toys, dishes, treats, and a brush would be a great start. A cute touch is to wrap it in newspaper, and use a rawhide bone as a bow. If the person already has some basics, they may be doing without big-ticket items such as a kennel, or useful extravagances such as an lighted collar or seat belt clip.

There are many good arguments against

giving animals for Christmas other than the added chaos of the holidays, especially when there are children in the family. By waiting to bring the animal home you have time to discuss house rules and routines, do some pet-proofing, and, by involving your kids in the selection process you will help them establish a sense of responsibility. You may be surprised at how much fun the kids can have preparing, and how much they will enjoy being a part of the big homecoming day.

If you would like to do something nice for sheltered animals over the holidays, donate old blankets and towels, food supplies, or give of your time for a play, cuddle, or walk. As for making the commitment to provide a home, now that’s a great New Year’s resolution!

Best wishes for the holidays from everyone at the Invermere Veterinary Hospital!

Remember that if you have an emergency outside office hours, there is a contact number recorded on our message service.

The Pioneer Your weekly source for news and events

SHOP TODAY!

Cranbrook Dodge

Your Mega Store 1-800-663-2268

HERE TO SERVE YOU UNBEATABLE RATES • LARGE CIRCULATION

Phone: 341-6299

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#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue Invermere, BC www.uppercolumbiapioneer.com Email: upioneer@telus.net

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The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 19

December 16, 2005

Black Forest Village: valley’s newest development

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff Construction in the Upper Columbia Valley will continue at its rapid pace in 2006.

Black Forest Village is the newest development planned around Invermere.

The development will sit on seven acres of land on the eastern side of Highway 93/95, across the street from Tim Horton’s.

The land is a part of the Regional District of East Kootenay.

The development will offer three floor plans and prices, by valley standards, will be moderate. They will range from $157,000 to $159,000.

“There’s a huge need for affordable accommodation,” said John Newton, who works in sales and marketing for Columbia River Properties, the company overseeing the project.

The company, owned by Joe Helmer and Pedro Cebulka, also developed Black Forest Heights, adjacent to the new development.

Land for Black Forest Village has been leased for 91 years from the Shuswap First Nation.

“That’s why you’re able to offer the low price,” said Mr. Newton.

The long-term lease isn’t an issue, he said.

“The band land is some of the best,” he said. Mr. Newton said long-term leases of native land are common in B.C. Fifty-eight townhomes will make up the project’s first phase. If those sell well, another phase will be built and the total number of units will be 128, he said.

Sixteen of those units should be finished by June for occupancy, Mr. Newton said.

“We’re hoping to open within the next couple of weeks for pre-sales,” he said.

The units will appeal to residential, recreational,

rental and retirement buyers, he said.

“We think there will be a lot of first-time buyers.”

The development will have a condo board when complete.

“There will be a homeowners’ association,” Mr. Newton said.

The water and sewer utility will be provided by the Kinbasket Water and Sewer Company.

The construction will be done by Avion Construction, the same company that built the Heron Point development in Invermere.

“It’s all staked out for development,” Mr. Newton said. “We’ll go in the ground in the new year.”

He said timing of the project is important.

Real estate in the Columbia Valley has been appreciating greatly and he says his company would like to get the townhomes built and sold before the price goes up.

“We want to stay in that price range,” he said.

HERE TO SERVE YOU Residential and Commercial Lighting

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The Pioneer - Your Weekly Source for News and Events

20 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

Jessica Hromadnik, daughter of Rory and Julie Hromadnik of Invermere, was among 1,000 spectators who drove to Radium on Wednesday to see the CPR Holiday Train.

When the going gets tough.

Canadian pop star Amanda Stott sang from the open doorway of a boxcar on CPR’s Holiday Train, rolling across Canada to raise money for food banks. The Radium Rotary Club, the Old Salzburg Restaurant and the Radium Resort helped collect more than $2,000 and a truckload of food for the Valley Food Bank on Wednesday.

For Christmas Giving COLUMBIA VALLEY TRADING CO. OUTDOOR CLOTHING & GEAR

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The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 21

December 16, 2005 ADVERTISEMENT

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A

s we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millenia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. He was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying, “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D & C 110:3-4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father- “That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D & C 76:22-24).

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth--”built upon the foundation of ... apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles--that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE

January 1, 2000

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 5014 Fairway in Fairmont Hot Springs.

For more information, contact the president of the Columbia Valley Branch, J.P. Tremblay Toll-Free:

1-866-349-5772

22 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

Valley Churches LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, December 18th • 10:30 am Worship and Life Instruction.

“The Amazing Emmanuel - Keeping Alive the Tale”.

Open Session Sunday School for ages 3 to Grade 3, during the morning service.

Senior Pastor Rev. Dieter Magnus Associate Pastor Rev. Jared Enns 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 342-9535 WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY Sunday, December 18th 8:30 am - All Saints - Edgewater - Communion 10:30 am Invermere - Christ Church Trinity - Communion Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 342-6644 VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday, 10:00 am Children’s 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, Hwy 93/95 Radium Sunday, 11:00 am Mass St. Anthony’s Church, Canal Flats • Sunday, 4:00 pm Mass Father Jose Joaquin • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Regular weekly worship services every Sunday at 1:30 pm Sr. Pastor Rev. Bryan K. Schinde • Assoc. Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere • 1-866-426-7564 RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Every Sunday 10:00 am Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • Radium Seniors’ Hall • 342-6633 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Sunday, 10:00 am President J.P. Tremblay, Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 1-866-349-5772

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FAITH

Minister critical of MP’s message

By Sandy Ferguson, Minister, Windermere Valley Shared Ministry Recently our church, Christ Church Trinity, received a letter from our Member of Parliament, Jim Abbott. He wanted to share with us his concerns about how Christmas is celebrated in Canada. And his letter did get me thinking, though not the way that Mr. Abbot likely wanted me to think.

All in all, I was disappointed with the sentiments of his letter, and I didn’t feel inspired by his “Christmas” message, especially his attempt to use Christmas to further his own agenda. Mr. Abbott simply doesn’t understand that not all Christians feel exactly the same way about every issue.

By pointing out a couple of isolated incidents, Mr. Abbott states that Christmas itself is under threat.

He even went as far to say that somehow we face the elimination of our Christmas customs, stating: “We see this during Christmas time when ‘official’ Canada wants to re-brand Christmas as a mere ‘winter festival’ in an attempt to void any reference to Jesus.” He also states that “it has become acceptable in this country to ridicule Christians and to attempt to silence their views.”

With all due respect, I do not agree with Mr. Abbott. As a servant of the church, I have never felt silenced by these forces that he alludes to in his letter.

And at no point have I ever felt that Christmas is under threat. When I look all around me, I see people enjoying the spirit of the season. They are celebrating the true spirit of Christmas, and not by focusing on whether a tree should be called a Holiday Tree or a Christmas Tree.

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Instead they are taking the opportunity to serve those who are in need, for example by supporting the food bank, Christmas hampers, and the “Sleeping Children” program.

In addition, I was also concerned about Mr. Abbott’s claim to speak for all Christians. I was troubled to read this, because I disagree with Mr. Abbott’s assertion that he speaks for Canadian Christians. Mr. Abbott, and the many others who throughout history claim to be speaking on the behalf of Christians, don’t seem to understand the diversity of opinion and belief that actually exists within the Body of Christ.

There has never been simply one Christian point of view. For example, over the question of slavery in North America, many churches supported slavery, while others opposed it.

Mr. Abbott also states that “ if a [church] refuses to accept same-sex marriage . . . it is told . . . to keep quiet because of the necessity to separate church and state.” This is certainly not the case. After the government listened to their concerns, those religious groups who oppose same-sex marriage have been given the right to refuse to celebrate them.

However, in conclusion, I do share Mr. Abbott’s belief that the “holiday season must include Christmas.” I can only hope he and I share the same understanding of what this means.

For me, keeping Christ in Christmas is not about the name we give to a tree in a public square, or the right of stores to proclaim “Merry Christmas” instead of just “Happy Holidays.”

I believe that Christ’s presence in Christmas means it is a time for us to reflect on the Good News that Christ Jesus shares with us, and we are called to witness to others.

To proclaim the coming Kingdom of God through feeding the poor, clothing the naked and visiting those who are in prison. To follow the path that Jesus shares with us in the Beatitudes. To make the vision of the Lord’s Prayer a reality in this world.

Then surely every day will be Christmas.

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The Upper Columbia Pioneer • 23

December 16, 2005

SKI BUNNIES - Emma Stevens, left; and Christine Hajas, right, enjoyed the opening day of skiing at Panorama Mountain Village last weekend. Love that powder!

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24 • The Upper Columbia Pioneer

December 16, 2005

Invermere Office: 250-342-6505 Wende Brash 342-1300

Bernie Raven 342-7415

Scott Wallace 342-5309

Andy Smith 342-1709

Daniel Zurgilgen 342-1612

Ed English 342-1194

John McCarthy Lynda Kirkpatrick 341-1907 342-1758

Jan Klimek 342-1195

Ron Maciborski Bryan Hookenson 342-5704 341-1266

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Cozy cabin in Columere Park is ready for fun summer life at the lake. Private subdivision ownerʼs beach, marina and tennis courts. Additional detached sleeping cabin. Lake access community close to Fairmont Hot Springs, golf courses, ski hill and more! MLS#113850

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This Timber Ridge home offers a large landscaped lot with spectacular mountain views. Fully finished up and down with five bedrooms and two bathrooms. This home is comfort plus! Ready to move in! Call today for more information. MLS#113614

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This immaculately maintained home awaits your arrival. All the work is done and offers you an attached double garage, concrete driveway, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, maple cabinets, large daylight windows, river rock fireplace, vaulted ceiling, open design and the downstairs is fully developed with a walk-out. Outside you will find a landscaped yard with mature fir trees, underground sprinklers, sundeck and front verandah.

Situated in “The Highlands of Windermere” on a quiet cul-de-sac within close proximity to Copper Point Golf Course, Lake Windermere and Panorama Mountain Village. This one you donʼt want to miss! MLS#113533

New condominium in Invermere features excellent craftsmanship and top quality throughout. Solid knotty alder cabinets, solid hardwood floor, fireplace, ensuite including Jacuzzi and shower. Full size basement (undeveloped). MLS#110151

$269,900.00+gst

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3 BR Terra Vista unit is very close to the beach in a quiet location at the north side of the complex; with privacy and really good access to the water. Sunny, south facing patio and deck. Lots of built-ins in for books, games, and entertainment systems. MLS#109860

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Luxury Awaits

$345,900.00

This lavish town house located on Grey Wolf golf course is moments away from golf and skiing. At the end of a golf day you can relax in your own private hot tub and enjoy the pristine mountain view of Grey Wolf and the many surrounding peaks. All furnishings included! MLS#110297

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