vol3issue49

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Vol. 3/Issue 49

The Columbia

Valley

December 8, 2006

FREE

P IONEER

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

CERAMIC ARTIST

Carly Deanna Jones November 27, 1988-November 8, 2006

13 BUSINESS SOLD

21 SANTA PARADE

30

World traveller Andy Stuart-Hill has written a book about the history of Panorama ski resort. Page 17.

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

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“A Columbia Wishbook Valley on Ice” Sunday, December 10th 2:00 pm at the Eddie Mtn. Memorial Arena

Figure Skating Club

Door Prizes & Raffle Draw

presents

PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT OUR KIDS!

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VALLEY NEWS

‘Feed the Town’ exceeds last year

By Pioneer Staff Copper Point’s Feed the Town event dished out meals to 550 attendees this year, a new record, General Manager Brian Schaal reported.

Fifty volunteers served 25 turkeys, four hams, 200 pounds of potatoes and 60 pumpkin pies at the event, sponsored by Copper Point Golf Course in conjunction with The Resort at Copper Point and Fairmont Vacation Villas.

“We actually ran out of pies and had to switch to carrot cake and then a fudge brownie dessert,” Mr. Schaal said.

In the process, the volunteers, he said, raised more than $6,000 -- also a record -- for the local food bank, as well as a quantity of non-perishable food items.

Mr. Schaal also thanked the RCMP who showed up in red serge to help out, AG Valley Foods who supplied the ingredients and facility staff James Stetsko, Eric Swinford and Rob Wainwright.

More than 100 people posed for photos with either Santa or the Grinch. “It was amazing how many people wanted to pose with the Grinch,” he said.

The organization even picked up and dropped off five people from Canal Flats who needed rides to the event.

“It was a nice day,” he said.

One misconception Mr. Schaal wanted to clear up is that the event is for the needy only.

“This event is for everybody,” he commented. “ We just like to get everyone together for a day.

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FEED THE TOWN - At top, four-year-old Courtnai Hickson petitions Santa for more candy. Above, Copper Point Chef Eric Swinford fell asleep in the kitchen after two straight days of cooking for the event.

Top Photo by Brian Geis, Bottom Photo courtesy of Brian Schaal Notice

EDGEWATER SKI TRAILS OPENING SOON The Columbia Valley Nordic Ski Club will be tracksetting cross country ski trails again this season in the Baptiste Lake area near Edgewater.

New road construction in the area by Schickedanz Bros. Ltd. may reduce the available trails this winter; however, some areas are not affected by the construction.

As soon as snow conditions are suitable, ski trails will be set. Daily and season passes can be purchased at the Hewitt Road trailhead.

Please observe posted signs, stay on set tracks and avoid the construction activity.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

December 8, 2006

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THE STERZER FAMILY — In front, from left: Aspen, Mapston and Sierra with their parents Franci and Karl in a year-old family photo.

Photo courtesy of Daphne Neal

Friends intervene to help Canal Flats family recover from crash

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Daphne Neal and Dana Bjorkman are organizing a New Year’s Eve dance, casino, silent auction and latenight buffet to support a Canal Flats family recover from a near-fatal car crash.

According to Ms. Neal, Franci Sterzer was driving her three kids to sports school in Kimberly on November 20 when her car slid off the road south of Canal Flats, hit an embankment and rolled over.

The kids, in the fourth, seventh and eighth grades, survived with minor cuts, bruises and concussions, but Mrs. Sterzer suffered bruised lungs, many broken bones, a shattered hand and a broken neck with spinal cord damage.

Franci was extracted from the vehicle, airlifted to Cranbrook and then to the intensive care unit at Foothills Hospital in Calgary. She is still in intensive care, she said, but surrounded by her many family members and showing signs of improvement.

A big concern for the doctors right now, Ms. Neal said, is the proper functioning of her lungs.

“They’re not sure the extent of the damage. They have to wait until the swelling goes down,” Ms. Neal

commented. “Ony time will tell. She is improving in small steps and currently has arm function and is regaining her hand motor skills, so that’s a positive step.”

Franci and her husband, Karl, operate Touch of Country Log Homes. The Sterzers are also very involved in youth hockey and Franci is a founding member of Canal Flats women’s hockey.

“Franci is a very positive, outgoing, determined person,” Ms. Neal commented. “There have been some ups and downs, but she has done everything the doctors have asked of her and more.”

Proceeds from the New Year’s Eve dance, casino, silent auction and late-night buffet, she said, will go to help the Sterzer family through the difficult times ahead.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person and are available in Invermere at Home Hardware (Building Supplies Counter), in Fairmont Hot Springs at Trims and Treasures, and in Canal Flats at Fire Valley Restaurant and Home Hardware. A shuttle bus will also be available from Invermere and Fairmont for the event.

For more information or if you would like to donate to the silent auction, contact Daphne Neal (3452173) or Dana Bjorkman (421-3838).

Mountain Fresh, Locally Crafted Christmas decorations!

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

RCMP Report For the week ending December 2nd, 2006, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 59 calls for service, including five motor vehicle accidents.

Ski or ride when you want!

With 120 trails and close to 3000 acres of terrain, you’ll need the whole season to experience all of Panorama.

PLUS, you’ll receive a Destination Next Card – with savings at Panorama, Whistler Blackcomb and other Canadian Intrawest resorts.

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Call 1-866-601-7388 or buy online at Visit on-line for details, terms and conditions.

• November 24: It was reported to the Columbia Valley Detachment by the Rural Range Patrol of an abandoned fishing boat on Lake Enid. This boat is now at this detachment. If anyone is missing a boat, please attend this detachment to verify if we have recovered it! See Cpl. Brent Ayers.

• November 26: Police received information that a male was trafficking “ecstasy” at a local bar. Police located and arrested the suspect for possession of controlled substance, seizing a small quantity of “ecstasy.” A 27-year-old Cranbrook male has been charged.

• November 27: A Surrey, B.C. woman reported leaving her purse at a motel in Radium Hot Springs. Upon returning to claim it, she found it had been turned into registration; however, $450 had been stolen from the purse.

• November 29: A ski racer had his

skies stolen from Panorama Ski Resort.

The Vancouver man had left them with the rest of his team’s equipment in an underground parking garage and returned the following day to find them missing. The skis were valued in excess of $1200.

• December 1: Police received report of a large fight in the lobby of a local bar. Police attended and two males were arrested for public intoxication.

Both were lodged until sober and charges under provisions of the Liquor Act. • December 1: Police received report of a fraud after a Calgary man received in excess of $1600 lodging and services at a Fairmont Business. Upon the business attempting to process the man’s credit card, the credit company declined to honour same!

• December 2: Police located an intoxicated 20-year-old Invermere man fighting on the street outside a local bar.

The man was arrested and lodged until sober. He was also charged with public intoxication under provisions of the Liquor Act.

Historical Society ready to greet the new year Submitted by Marg Christensen Windermere Valley Historical Society The Windermere District Historical Society 2006 wind-up was a very well-attended Annual General Meeting at the Windermere Valley Museum on Friday, November 17th at 2 p.m.

Following a year’s review by the President, an election of Officers was held.

The executive for 2007 is as follows: President, Margaret Christensen; Vice-President, Eileen Fiell; Secretary, Joan George; Treasurer, Dot Smith; Directors, Anne Keely, Joy Bond, Sandy McKay, Audrey Mantyka, and Louise Frame.

The guest speaker, Ross McDonald, presented a very informative talk on David Thompson, his wife Charlotte Small, and the 2007 activities that will be part of the David Thompson Bicentennial.

Our valley will be an important part

of these activities. The National Parks Branch will be “freshening up” the David Thompson Monument.

Voyageurs will be paddling the Columbia River, the Valley Peace Makers Quilt Guild will have their three David Thompson quilts ready for display, and the museum will have David Thompson as their theme for the summer.

Many of the activities are listed on the website, www.davidthompsonthings.com.

In January, our first general meeting will be the third Friday with a “Show and Tell” program.

Our heritage luncheon will be in February with a “Sport for Life” theme.

Come and share your sport with others, dig out your old photos, newspaper clippings, team shirt, and/or trophies.

Even though the museum is closed for December, you can make an appointment by phoning the curator, 342-2005; or the president 342-9434.

Happy Holidays!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

December 8, 2006

Greg Deck re-elected chair by one vote

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff Greg Deck was narrowly re-elected chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors at their regular monthly meeting on Dec. 1st, winning by an eight-to-seven margin.

Mr. Deck has been chair of the board for the past four years, each time winning by acclamation. This is the first time in about 10 years that the seat was contested.

This is also for the first time the vote count was made public. In previous years the winner was announced but not the number of votes.

Running against Mr. Deck this year was Cranbrook mayor Ross Priest, who was not present at the meeting.

Mr. Deck was nominated by Sparwood mayor David Wilks, and that was seconded by Kimberley mayor Jim Ogilvie.

Mr. Priest was nominated by Area E director Norm Walter, and that was seconded by Area B director Heath Slee.

Prior to the vote, City of Cranbrook councillor Scott Manjak asked that the vote be made public.

Mr. Deck was allowed a two-minute speech before the ballots were distributed. “My commitment is to local government,” he told the directors. “I don’t have any political aspirations, either provincial or federal . . . this has allowed me to have a working relationship with other levels of government.”

He added that electing the mayor of Cranbrook as chair of the regional board would also centralize power in the largest municipality in the region.

Mr. Deck then turned to the controversy over a proposed resort development in the Jumbo Valley. “On the topic that seems to have generated more heat than light in recent years, I believe that the regional district is not a place where people who aren’t happy with a provincial decision can come and get a “do-over” and the reverse is true . . . people who don’t like regional decisions shouldn’t be able to get a “do-over” at the provincial level.”

He was referring to the fact that the proposed development has received provincial approval, but the final decision

on the rezoning of the property rests in the hands of the regional directors.

The application for rezoning has not yet come forward from the developers. It is expected in early 2007.

Mr. Deck has been outspoken in his belief that the Jumbo resort should proceed, and several board members said they do not agree with his position.

After the ballots were counted and the vote was announced, Mr. Deck resumed his seat at the head of the 15member board.

“I don’t know about you, but I found that a very bracing bit of democracy,” he said.

Mr. Deck said after the meeting that he knew the vote would be close.

“People don’t normally challenge an incumbent unless they think there is a good chance of being successful.”

He later clarified his position in an interview: “Jumbo was also mentioned by several directors, which is why I went to some trouble to explain the distinction between my personal support for the project and my much firmer contention that a regional district would do itself long-term harm by choosing to become a forum where participants who were unhappy in a provincial process come for another try.

“I would feel the same way whether the provincial process was heading towards a conclusion I favoured, or the other direction.

“I would also be opposed to the province re-doing our processes at the request of those who didn’t get what they wanted from us.”

In a prepared statement issued later that day, he said: “The Regional District of East Kootenay is one of the most dynamic areas in the province. We have experienced tremendous growth and have faced many challenges and opportunities. I am honoured to be re-elected as chair and am eager to continue to work on this region’s behalf.”

Electoral Area E director Norman Walter of Kimberley area has been elected as the vice-chair for 2007. “It is a privilege to take on this new role and I am looking forward to working with Chair Deck and the rest of the board as we move this region forward,” said Mr. Walter in a prepared statement.

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You love to ski, but who is going to look after the kids?

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Call 1-866-601-7388 or buy online at Visit on-line for details, terms and conditions.

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

False logic

December 8, 2006

Historical Lens

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher Another terrible accident has taken place on our local highway south of Fairmont, and Franci Sterzer of Canal Flats is facing a long battle to recovery in her Calgary hospital bed.

At the same time, the provincial Ministry of Highways has come forward with a proposal to raise the speed limit on the highway through Brisco and Spillimacheen.

Government officials conducted radar checks in those areas and found that very few people slow down to the speed limit of 70 kilometres when driving through Brisco and Spillimacheen.

The government’s solution is to raise the speed limit to 90 kilometres at Brisco and 100 kilometres at Spillimacheen.

Their reasoning is that since so many drivers are in “non-compliance,” raising the speed limit would create “compliance” with the speed limit. The logic escapes me. That’s like saying if we legalize murder, then we won’t need to prosecute any murderers.

Road conditions are extremely variable during the winter months, and perhaps there should be a summer and a winter speed limit. Obviously sailing along on a nice summer day when the highway is bare and empty is a little different than fighting through slush and patches of black ice.

Surely the speed limit on our highways should be geared to a worst-case scenario. The difference between 70 and 100 kilometres could mean the difference between life and death.

As we are well aware, there are a large number of youths in the valley who will be driving on winter roads for the first time this year.

Almost everyone tends to push the speed envelope when driving, so it is safe to assume that a speed limit of 100 kilometres may well result in driving speeds of 110 or 120 kilometres.

The regional board was right to refuse the province’s request. Let’s hope the province listens to reason.

Low-technology logging was the style when horses were still the only way to haul logs out of the bush. The date and the identities of the men are unknown.

Photo courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

LETTERS Dear Editor:

Dear Editor:

I would personally like to thank all the following for their support by driving the Meals on Wheels: Joan Birkett, Jan Brydon, Karen Halverson, Don and Mary Ellen Jones, Sandy Jones, Anne and Frank Keely, Kay Maras, Dot Proux, Brian Redhead, Stan Rokosh, Larry and Mary Root, Joan Rouse, Jim Milne, Clive and Bev Overton, Ollie King, Bernice Stone, Helmut Thiel, Myrna Verway, Christine Vidalin, Sharon Wass, Lil Steinwand, Bill and Donna Thompson, Milton Crawford, Jill and Sebastian Bell. Please forgive me if I have omitted anyone.

Also a great big thanks to Randy and his staff from Columbia Valley Gardens for preparing great meals every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Martha Christie Invermere

On behalf of Operation Christmas Child Samaritan’s Purse, we express our grateful thanks to all individuals who participated.

From Invermere and surrounding districts, 422 shoeboxes were shipped. Many thanks to Greyhound Bus Lines and depot employees for free shipment to Calgary.

A big thank you to all businesses, groups, stores, and churches who gave their time in distributing boxes.

Many children will be happier this Christmas because of the effort you put into this project. We thank you!

Frank and Gertie Friesen, area co-ordinators

The Columbia Valley

P IONEER is independently owned and operated and is published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc. Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 341-6299 · Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net · www.columbiavalleypioneer.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 Columbia Valley Pioneer. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the newspaper’s 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

Brian Geis

Dave Sutherland

Bob Friesen

Sarah Turk

Reporter

Advertising Sales

Advertising Sales

Office Manager

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

December 8, 2006

Province wants to hike speed limit

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff The regional district board of directors voted a unanimous “no” to the provincial Ministry of Transportation’s proposal to raise the speed limit on the highway running through both Brisco and Spillimacheen.

A letter from the ministry was submitted to the board regarding raising the speed limit at Brisco from 70 kilometres to 90 kilometres per hour.

“Brisco Road’s proximity to a curve was evaluated by the District Program Engineer and it was decided that raising the limit would not create a problem,” the letter said. “As well, curve testing will be done to ensure proper signage for curves in the speed zone.”

Two radar speed surveys were carried out in Brisco. The surveys found that compliance with the existing speed zone (people driving 70 kilometres or lower) was just 11 percent by the Brisco Store, and 27.3 percent when drivers were 50 metres south of the Brisco Road.

“Given the low percent of drivers that comply with the speed zone, it is not reasonable to maintain the 70 kilometres/hour speed zone or attempt to enforce it. By raising the limit, there will be greater compliance with the

speed limit,” said a ministry representative.

A second letter was submitted regarding Spillimacheen, proposing to raise the speed limit from 70 to 100 kilometres an hour.

“The reason for the 70 kilometre/ hour speed zone was the store and the mill. Both have been closed and there is only a secondary post office now,” the letter said.

Two radar speed surveys carried out in Spillimacheen found that more than 85 percent of the vehicles were travelling over between 100 and 110 kilometres per hour. The compliance with the existing speed zone was only two percent by the store, and 14.6 percent 100 metres north of Westside Road.

“We request your comments regarding this change prior to a final decision being made,” the letter said.

Area F director Klara Trescher of Brisco said she voted against the increase because she doesn’t think it’s justifiable to legalize the speed limit just because people are going too fast.

“Just because no accidents have happened doesn’t mean that it’s safe,” she said.

She said the ministry may or may not accept the regional district’s position, but hopefully they will keep the speed limit at its current level.

We’re all about

warm and fuzzy gift ideas!

This year, come to Palliser Printing for personalized everything — note pads, family calendars, stationery, Christmas cards, greeting cards, and more.

Calling all angels!

For the second year, Dairy Queen is inviting area residents to participate in its Angels Anonymous program to collect gifts for needy families.

According to Dairy Queen owner Justin Atterbury, patrons can pick up a gift tag at his Athalmer store.

The tags are marked according to the gender and age-range of the recipient: birth to four years, five to eight years, nine to 11 years, and 12 and up.

Participants, he said, can purchase a gift according to the tag, bring it back with the tag attached and receive a voucher for a free small

Blizzard.

Justin said the program will be administered in partnership with the Christmas Bureau which will collect and distribute the gifts.

“Our goal this year is 200 gifts,” he said. “Last year we collected 173.”

Dairy Queen patrons can participate through December 21.

“We get a lot of support from the community so it’s looking good.”

This year, Justin added, the Christmas Bureau is promoting educational gifts, so games and books are suggested.For more information on the Christmas Bureau, see page 13.

(250) 342-2999

In the Invermere Industrial Park, next to the Vet Clinic.

Here We Grow Again!

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) would like to invite you to a Christmas Open House at our new Invermere Office on December 8, 2006.

Come and enjoy some holiday baking and refreshments, meet with NCC staff, and learn more about our work in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Drop in anytime between 3:00pm and 7:00pm. We’re located on the second floor of Frater Landing (next to Interior World) Special thanks to all the local individuals and businesses who helped with supplies, equipment, labour including:

Kicking Horse Coffee Interior World CXL Construction

Quasar Western Electric Invermere Home Hardware Warwick Interiors

Emi, Hillary, Eva, Mark, Erin, Ania, Grahame, Trevor, Karl and Pat, Arnie, Gary, Dave, Cathi, Leo,

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

Parents lobbying for French instruction Submitted by the Intensive Core French parent group A local group called the Intensive Core French Parents Group is the third group of parents who have wanted French education here.

The first group pushed for French immersion about nine years ago. Another group tried again three years ago, but were told it could not work in the Rocky Mountain School District.

Unfortunately, the French immersion programs previously proposed by the parents are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to implement successfully, when the school population is as small as it is here.

The School District has had to regretfully but judiciously refuse the parents’ requests because of the strain an immersion program would put on the system at large.

Now there is a buzz spreading through educational circles across Canada concerning a new French language education program.

It is called Intensive Core French and it offers an almost perfect solution to a dilemma the district has been struggling with for a number of years.

This more affordable, more flexible program is more suited to our area. Parents have been cautiously encouraged by local board members to explore the fea-

sibility of offering the program.

Parental response has been very enthusiastic. There are now over 90 parents on the contact list.

Intensive Core French, which differs significantly from French Immersion both in method and philosophy, provides an administratively feasible alternative whose outcomes might actually be superior.

More students could participate initially, and far more would be likely to remain in the program until the end of high school than would be the case with immersion.

Thus, a much higher number of young people in this valley would graduate from high school as functional bilinguals.

When one realizes that it isn’t just Government of Canada institutions that operate in both French and English but a whole myriad of international organizations including the Olympic movement and the International Ski Federation, one can’t help but ask our local educational authorities to give this opportunity to our children.

The way the Intensive Core French program works is illustrated below: Entry Level: Grade 6: September to end of January (five months) • Intensive French semester: 80 percent French

language instruction with a focus on language that emphasizes the underlying similarities between French and English but incorporates thematic content and skills normally taught in other areas of the curriculum; plus 20 percent English instruction with math taught in English throughout the year.

February to June (5 months) • 20 percent (60 minutes per day) French Instruction; plus • 80 percent English instruction with a compacted curriculum that addresses skills and themes not covered in the intensive French semester.

• Follow-up French Instruction for 60 minutes a day in Grade 7 and successive years.

The results from Intensive Core French have been outstanding ever since it was first piloted in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1998-1999.

Students, parents, teachers, school administrators, researchers and local, provincial and federal government officials have responded so positively to the program that it is now the fastest growing French language program across the country.

This school district has the potential to join the trend. By doing so it would expand the opportunities that knowing a second language can offer, not just to our children, but to our community and local economy.

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Encore

Page 9

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS BAND CONCERT

PAGE 12 REMINDER

PAGE 13

Ceramic artist

Out & About Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening Around the Columbia Valley PAGE 11

A Jazzy Nutcracker • Christ Church Trinity

Monday December 11th at 7:30 pm. Tickets at Dave’s and Pynelogs.

Annual Ladies Christmas Lunch • Pynelogs

Monday December 18th. Call Pynelogs by Dec 10th to book your ticket.

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Gift Ideas · Pynelogs Cultural Centre

Purchase Cinefest Tickets, Concert Tickets and Gift Certificates for CV Arts Events. Call Pynelogs now! 342-4423

What does ART mean to you?

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

Saturday, December 9th

MEET THE MEAT!

New Year’s Eve Tickets

NOW ON SALE at the front desk Mondays Pool Tournament

Tuesdays

Karaoke 8 pm

Wednesdays

GO-GO SISTERS - Dorothy Isted, left, and Wendy Badley, right, Members of the Valley Go-Go Sisters, promoted their cause at last weekend's Original Craft Fair at the Invermere Community Center. The Valley Go-Go Sisters support grandmothers in Africa who are raising their grandchildren after their own children have died of AIDS. Photo by Dave Sutherland

Pizza Night

Great Specials all weekend long!

In the Invermere Inn 341-3344

large pizza for medium price

Movie Review: Superman Returns Review by Dave Sutherland Great Caesar’s ghost! The latest in a long line of comic book adaptations, Superman Returns, finds the man of steel in fine form. Picking up where 1980s Superman II left off, Superman returns to earth from a five-year quest in space. He begins righting wrongs, performing feats of derring-do, and as Clark Kent, settles back into his old job as a reporter at the Daily Planet.

But things are not as they were. Lois Lane is now engaged, the mother of a five-year old son, and the win-

Gone

HOLLYWOOD V

I D E O

ner of a Pulitzer Prize, for an essay titled: Why the World Does Not Need Superman!

Plus, Lex Luthor is out of jail. And he’s up to No Good. Only Superman, it seems, may be able to foil Luthor’s nefarious scheme to corner the world’s real-estate market.

Brandon Routh wears the red cape and ‘S’ with aplomb and acquits himself admirably in the acting department. Kate Bosworth is suitably feisty as Lois. Frank Langella as Daily Planet editor Perry White conveys much in a few brief scenes, and Kevin Spacey, as Lex

Luthor gets to chew the scenery and wear a lot of wigs.

Superman fans will notice Jack Larson, who played Jimmy Olsen in the old TV series, in a cameo as a bartender.

Director Bryan Singer, of X-Men 1 and 2, brings his magic touch to the tale, which, luckily, has a story as strong as a locomotive, and moves along almost as fast as a speeding bullet. The action sequences are brilliantly realized and genuinely thrilling, and there is real poignancy in Super-RATING: 4 OUT OF 5 HEADS man’s complicated relationship with Lois.

Gone Hollywood’s

TOP FIVE OF THE WEEK Last Week’s Top 5 Rentals

New Releases Dec. 5

New Releases Dec. 12

1. Superman Returns 2. Ice Age 2: Meltdown 3. You, Me and Dupree 4. The Da Vinci Code 5. John Tucker Must Die

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Pirates of the Caribbean Miami Vice Pulse How to Eat Fried Worms Beerfest

Talladega Nights The Devil Wears Prada World Trade Centre Material Girls Barnyard

DVD ★VHS GAME CUBE ★ XBOX ★ XBOX 360 ★ PS2 ★ GQ 503 - 7th Ave., Invermere

342-0057

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

December 8 , 2006

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS

Out & About Please call 341-6299 or Email us at upioneer@telus.net to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Toby Theatre • December 6 - 9: Open Season • December 13 - 16: Flicka

December 8th • Panorama Mountain Village Ski Hill opens for the season.

• 7:30 pm: Armchair Travel and Wild Voices Speaker Series, “Nepal and China” presented by Andy StuartHill, DTSS Theatre. For info: 342-3210.

• 7:30 pm: Kimberley Dynamiters vs. Columbia Valley Rockies, Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

December 9th • 6 pm: Fifth Annual Community Christmas Banquet at Valley Christian Assembly, across from the Skookum Inn on Highway 93. No charge. Free to everyone in the community. For info: 342-9511.

• 1 pm - 3 pm: Main Wildsight Annual General Meeting, Invermere Community Hall. Membership luncheon, 12 pm - 1 pm, business meeting 1 pm - 3 pm. Slide show presentation by Arnor Larson, 3:30 pm.

December 10th • 2 pm: “A Wishbook on Ice”, presented by the Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club, Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. Door prizes, raffle draw.

For info: 342-3213.

December 11th

collection at the door. For info: 342-9213.

December 15th • 7:30 pm: Golden Rockets vs. Columbia Valley Rockies, Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

• 6:30 pm & 7:30 pm: Live Christmas Nativity pageant, Catholic Church, 702 - 12th Avenue, Invermere. For info: Herb at 347-6761, Mary Ellen at 342-3615, or Christ Church Trinity at 342-6644.

December 16th • 1st Year Anniversary Bash, Bud’s Bar & Lounge. $5 cover at the door, Disaster Man rock band.

December 18th • 7 pm: C.V. Arts Cinefest presents “Souvenir of Canada”, held at the Toby Theatre. Tickets are $10, available at the door.

December 20th • 8 am - 12 pm: Last day to drop off Christmas hampers, Invermere Community Hall.

December 25th • Christmas Day

Student News • Wednesday, December 20: Christmas performance, Martin Morigeau. For info: 349-5665.

Hot Springs Hours of Operation • Radium Hot Springs: Hot pool, Sunday - Thursday 12pm - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday 12 pm - 10 pm.

Cool Pool, Friday 6 pm - 9 pm, Saturday - Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm. For info: 347-9485.

• Fairmont Hot Springs Hot Pool: 8 am - 10 pm daily.

For info: 345-6311.

New Video Releases This Tuesday

• 7:30 pm: “The Nutcracker Suite” and seasonal arrangements by The Toronto Jazz Septet, Christ Church Trinity. Tickets $20, students $10, available at Dave’s Book Bar, Essentials, Pynelogs, and Trims & Treasures.

December 14th, 15th, 16th • Renovation 1/2 price sale, Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop. The shop will be closed December 17th to January 11th for the holiday & renovations.

December 14th • 7 pm: DTSS Band Concert, DTSS gym. Silver

• Barnyard • Find Me Guilty • Material Girls • World Trade Center • Air Buddies

• The Devil Wears Prada • The Fox & the Hound 2 • Talladega Nights • Attack Force

Columbia Valley Food Bank Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm - 2 pm To donate, mail a cheque to: Box 2141, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0.

Invermere Thrift Store Thursdays, 10 am - 4 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 1 pm - 4 pm

• Flatware for rent “For All Occasions”, Invermere Health Care Auxiliary. $2.50/dozen, 300 place settings available. For info: Karla Schager, 342-9981.

OTHER • Radium Silver Fins Swim Club. See their website radiumsilverfins.bravehost.com. For info: 342-1369.

• Windermere Fire Department is seeking community minded volunteers. For info: Aaron at 342-3965.

SATURDAYS: • 5 pm - 8 pm: Public indoor rock climbing, JA Laird School gym, $5 drop in. For info: 342-9413 or 342-6232.

• Karaoke every Saturday night at The Sportsman’s Lounge. For info: 345-6346.

SUNDAYS: • 7 pm: Community Hymn Sing at the Alliance Church, second Sunday of the month. For info: 342-5961.

• 2 pm: Crib every Sunday at the Brisco Hall.

MONDAYS: • 7 pm: Duplicate Bridge, Invermere Seniors’ Hall, $2, visitors welcome. For info: Gerriann, 342-9893.

• 8:00 pm - 10 pm: Men’s basketball, DTSS. $20/yr, $2 drop-in. For info: crossfire@cyberlink.bc.ca, 3425588.

TUESDAYS: • 1 pm: Bridge and crib, Community Hall in Radium.

Everyone welcome. For info: Florence, 347-0084.

• 7 pm - 9 pm: Crossfire Youth Nights, Alliance Church, youth grades 7 - 11. For info: crossfire@cyberlink.bc.ca • 7 pm - 9 pm every Tuesday: ADHD Parent Support Group. Drop-ins welcome, School Board District Office. For info: Lynda, 342-9243, ext. 234.

WEDNESDAYS: • 7 pm Wednesdays: Archery, Invermere Community Centre, held by the Rod and Gun Club, $2.00.

• 7 pm - 9 pm: The Wannabe’s Art Studio, College of the Rockies. For info: Vivian, 341-3140.

THURSDAYS: • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Pioneer Clubs, Alliance Church.

Ages 4 & 5, Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 - $60/child. For info: 342-8948, or pioneerclubs06@shaw.ca.

• 7 pm - 9 pm: Every Thursday, Second Winds Community Band, DTSS Band Room. All levels of woodwinds, brass, and percussion welcome. For info: 342-0100.

• Jam nights, The Sportsman’s Lounge. For info: 345-6346.

• 7 pm: Every 2nd & 4th Thursday: Bingo, Seniors’ Hall, 1309 14th Street. Welcome over 18. For info: 3426478.

FRIDAYS: • 6 pm: Meat draw and dancing at 7 pm, Royal Canadian Legion.

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS There are a lot of events going on right now read The Pioneer to find out what!

DTSS Bands in Concert

Thursday December 14th DTSS Gym 7:00 pm Band 9, Band 8, Sr. Concert Band, Sr. Stage Band Silver Collection at door

Original Craft Fair Linda Penner of Penner Shoes, right, browses Jami Scheffer’s handcrafted jewellery on display at the Original Craft Fair held last weekend at the Invermere Community Center. Craft Fair organizer Carolyn Barzilay said more than 1,000 people attended. Organizations benefitting from the event included the Windermere Valley Child Care Society, the Food Bank, and the Girl Guides.

Photo by Dave Sutherland

Thank you for your support!

The Toronto Chamber Jazz Septet in

“A Jazzy Nutcracker” Monday, December 11th, 2006 7:30 pm

Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Tickets $20 - $10 Students

Available at: Dave’s Book Bar, Essentials, Trims & Treasures In Fairmont, and Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

Shelley invites you to

1st Year Anniversary Bash Saturday, December 16th

with DISASTER MAN (rock band) $5.00 cover at Door •

Anniversary Special $4.25 rye

Friday, December 15th Snowboard Movie Premiere!

“IN TRANSIT”from Alterna Action Films

and afterward MEET THE MEAT! $4.25 pints

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

December 8, 2006

17 SHOPPING DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

S ol i d W o od Bl i n d s Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

CHRISTMAS BUREAU OF THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

Time Warranty on all Blinds Did you put in your Life request?

Call The Blind Guy!

Valley potter inspired by the natural world

By Sandra Kelly Special to the Pioneer Potting is among the oldest and most natural of the arts. After all, clay comes straight from the earth to be shaped by human hands into vessels for human use.

And more than any other craft, pottery tells the story of humanity. “When archaeologists dig, what do they find?” asks Alice Hale. “But shards of pottery that reveal our history down through the ages.”

Every artist needs a focus. For Alice, potting was an ideal if not immediately obvious choice. The longtime Invermere resident was born in Saskatchewan and raised in the Fraser Valley. Hired in 1963 to teach languages at David Thompson Secondary School, she somehow found herself teaching art as well—with practically no knowledge of it. It was hard, she says, but it gave her the creative impulse that drives all artists.

She tried painting, but it failed to hold her interest. Bev Harris, a close friend and local artist, suggested potting. After that there was no question of working in other mediums. “Once my hands got into the clay, that was it,” recalls Alice. “I love working with it. It is so simple and natural.”

Since founding Caraway Pottery 30 years ago, Alice has earned her living almost entirely from potting. Any artist will tell you that only the most talented potters manage to do that.

The pieces on display in Alice’s studio/showroom at 2421 Westside Road provide ample evidence of her talent.

There are what she calls “the usual ornaments and dishes,” items meant for everyday use. Then there are stunning examples of the ancient Japanese process

called Raku— one-of-a-kind art works that reflect Alice’s artistic vision while at the same time inviting interpretation.

She has four kilns, three in the studio and one situated outdoors where she can enjoy nature while working. The entire natural world is her inspiration. She has visited many places: South America, Mexico, Europe, Turkey, Greece, Nepal, Zimbabwe and Egypt among them. She has climbed and skied mountains, canoed rivers and lakes, and hiked everywhere. “The land has infinite textures and colours and patterns,” she says.

Best of all are the museums. “I love to visit the rooms containing early examples of pottery. It really hasn’t changed much, you know.”

Alice has had many solo shows at Pynelogs Cultural Centre, the Gallery Café and Meadowlands, and she has won five awards from the B.C. Festival of Arts. Last year, her sculptural work called The Pearly Gate was juried into the 50th anniversary of the B.C. Potters’ Guild show Transformations, at the Burnaby Art Gallery.

She has served several terms as the director of the Columbia Valley Arts Council, and has volunteered in various capacities with other arts organizations.

“What I want most from my career is for people to enjoy my work as much as I do,” she says. “I want them to enjoy seeing it and holding it. I want them to cherish it.”

To view Alice’s work, call her studio at 250-342-9504.

Interiorgift World (250) 342 4406 or Fields?

Did you donate an angel at Dairy Queen Did you phone in your sponsorship to 342-6752?

Please remember to drop your hamper off Dec. 20 at Invermere Need Blinds? Best Quality Community Hall between 8am Call The Blind Guy! and 12 noon.

Interior World (250) 342 4406 Pick up hampers and gifts Dec. 20 from 3pm until 7pm

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1 KM south of Fairmont at the Hoodoos (formerly TJ’s Pizza)

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

Boys’ soccer team heading to Germany

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

You love to ski, but who is going to look after the kids?

Mom and Dad can take turns with our new Parent’s Pass.

You deserve the break!

PLUS, you’ll receive a Destination Next Card – with savings at Panorama, Whistler Blackcomb and other Canadian Intrawest resorts.

AND you’ll receive 2 Panorama day lift tickets for every pass purchased.

Value $126.00. Take a buddy skiing, or great for stocking stuffers!

Call 1-866-601-7388 or buy online at Visit on-line for details, terms and conditions.

Garrett’s Baked Goods Loaves • Cookies • Mufns Tarts • Cakes ur To Place Yo er rd O g Bakin

Garrett Brash 342-6746

When the going gets tough.

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The 15 boys who make up Columbia Valley Soccer’s U13 team are going to Germany in May to play some of the top teams in their age group.

CV Soccer’s U13 coach Jurgen Striegel, a former German soccer pro, is leveraging some of his contacts on his old club, Union Boeckingen, to give his the boys a real international soccer experience.

“I made money,” Jurgen said, playing down his professional experience, “but it was minor league, third division.”

Union Boeckingen, he said, are being very gracious hosts for the Columbia Valley team, arranging events, transportation, and housing.

The May 10th to 21st trip, Coach Striegel said, will include six matches and a tournament, a major-league game in Stuttgart, visits to an amusement park and a castle, rides on high-speed trains and a catamaran ride across Lake Constance, which straddles the border between Germany and Switzerland.

“The boys might get to play one of the top teams in Germany in their age

group,” he said, a team for which Coach Striegel’s nephew plays.

He also has a son on the Columbia Valley Soccer’s U13 team, so the two trans-Atlantic cousins would get to meet each other on the pitch.

Coach Striegel said Union Boeckingen would be providing commemorative jerseys for the trip, but he is looking for a local sponsor to provide sweat suits so the boys really look like a real team in a country where the sport is more established.

“It will be nice for the kids to have a uniform. Then, you look like a real team,” he said. “Soccer in Germany is like hockey in Canada.”

The team will face a lot of tough competition, he said, but the experience should help their game.

“It’s should be quite an experience for them,” Coach Striegel said. “I think it will be an adventure they won’t soon forget.”

So far, he said, a delegation of 27 people, including the team, will represent the Columbia Valley in the Black Forest region in Southern Germany.

If you would like to help out with the trip or donate funds for uniforms, please call him at 347-9017.

Post office accepts Santa letters If you need to get in touch with Santa Claus before Christmas Eve, write a letter and drop it in the special box for letters to Santa at the Post Office. Send your letter to Santa Claus North Pole, H0H 0H0 Canada More than 11,000 current and retired Canada Post employees, affectionately called Postal Elves, help Santa to ensure that every child’s letter gets an answer in the language in which the letter was written.

“Every year children write the most wonderful letters,” Mr. Claus said. “We get stories, pictures and even jokes along with their wish lists, but most of all we get questions about life at the North Pole.”

This year, Canada Post is trying something new. The Crown corporation is sponsoring a ‘Santacast’ - a podcast to you and I - that parents can download to listen to with their children. In the form of an old-time radio address, the Santacast gives children some insight into daily life at the North Pole, including reindeer games and elf antics.

Remember to include your complete return address, including postal code, when writing to Santa. Please keep treats for Santa at home instead of sending them in the mail.

Visit www.canadapost.ca/santascorner to download special stationery for your letter, discover fun holiday activities, or to send Santa an e-mail.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

December 8, 2006

While skies in the valley below may be cloudy, at Panorama the sun shines.

Tired skiers make their way from the hill back to the day lodge for lunch.

Panorama opens Panorama Mountain Village kicks off the ski season today, December 8th!

With a cold and snowy November, conditions are better than ever for opening, and the hill will be animated with the energy of great events and the enthusiasm of skiers and riders.

“We’ve been anticipating this weekend for weeks now, and Panorama has some great new additions for this season, like the new terrain park on Powder Trail, the Showcase Snowboards store, as well as some classic events like the Snow Safari and the annual Ski Pro workshop,” said Eric Ommundsen, director of sales and marketing.

The 1980s-themed Snow Safari will feature live music by Exit 303 on the Great Hall Deck, and Don and Heather Bilodeau of the School of Skiing and Snowboarding are hosting the 20th annual Ski Pro Workshop, which will be the biggest yet. This year’s workshop includes three days of intensive ski improvement, coaching and guiding by the finest level IV instructors in Canada.

Social events will round out the weekend and make lasting memories.

There will be top-to-bottom skiing (4,000 vertical feet), and most lifts operating on opening weekend. “Our snow conditions are excellent,” said Brad Brush, director of mountain operations.

“It’s going to be a great season.”

The Northwest Mutual Funds Coupe Nor-Am Cup series will be at Panorama, right after opening weekend, December 11-14. As many as 200 young racers from across North America as well as several international competitors will showcase their talents at the men’s and women’s Super-G races.

Panorama Mountain Village, located in the Purcell Mountains, has one of the largest vertical descents in North America. Quad chairlifts give access to the summit and over 100 trails, including former Heli-Ski terrain in Taynton Bowl. Panorama is also home to Greywolf, ranked British Columbia’s best golf course by Golf Digest. For more, visit www.panoramaresort.com.

Ski or ride when you want!

With 120 trails and close to 3000 acres of terrain, you’ll need the whole season to experience all of Panorama.

PLUS, you’ll receive a Destination Next Card – with savings at Panorama, Whistler Blackcomb and other Canadian Intrawest resorts.

AND you’ll receive 2 Panorama day lift tickets for every pass purchased.

Value $126.00. Take a buddy skiing, or great for stocking stuffers!

Call 1-866-601-7388 or buy online at Visit on-line for details, terms and conditions.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

A bulldozer, a used rope and an old V8 History of Panorama Mountain Resort

By Andy Stuart-Hill, Invermere Panorama Mountain Village had its beginnings in the fall of 1962. The Windermere Valley Ski Club had been formed a few years earlier, and had tried different ski locations on the Toby Creek Road. One memorable meet took place in the Paradise basin in the spring of 1961, when a small engine and a rope tow were used to haul two skiers at a time up to the top of the ridge.

Going back a few years: Guy Messerli, who had emigrated from Switzerland, missed skiing very much.

He decided to look for a small hill that could be cleared and used in the winter months by like-minded enthusiasts.

Coming down the Paradise mine road with his friend Albert Cooper one day in 1958, he spotted a potential site and discussed its possibilities. The slope faced north, so he knew the snow would stay, and it had a nice grade.

There was an access road with an old horse bridge over the creek leading to the site. Guy, Fritz Zehnder and Karl Strobl, three locals of Swiss origin, decided to develop a small ski hill and give it the unofficial name for the area: Panorama.

With help from local lawyer Pat Curtis, the Panorama Ski Hill Co. Ltd. was founded. In one weekend in the fall of 1962, a stronger bridge was constructed over the Toby Creek. The Windermere Valley Ski Club organized a group of volunteers to clear the site in a series of work bees.

As a result of old fires, the initial clearing was done easily and by hand. It was completed using a bulldozer owned by Fritz and operated by Guy. With axes, chainsaws and the bulldozer, the volunteers created what is now the bottom half of the Old Timer ski run.

They installed a 1,500-foot rope tow purchased from the Kimberley Ski Hill, and powered it with an old V8 motor salvaged from a wreck on Whiteswan Road. The rope tow, together with a warming hut built by Karl, constituted the humble beginnings of what is now Panorama. The actual site of the first ski area was the lower half of the Old Timer ski run and what is known today as the Snowboard Half Pipe.

In those days, it took nearly an hour for enthusiastic locals to drive to the hill from Invermere on the old road. The new little ski hill was only open on weekends and Mondays. A $2 charge enabled you to ski all day if you wished.

In 1964, a platter lift was purchased from Sunshine Ski Village and duly installed. It is interesting to note that skis were stiff in those days, their lengths averaging 200 cm. Together with very primitive bindings they made for many broken legs, most of which were repaired by Drs. Al Ostrander and George Duthie.

The Early Days — The high level bridge over Toby Canyon, above, photographed in 1934, was blown up in 1969.

At left, Windermere Valley Ski Club’s first organized racing event at the newly-built Panorama Ski Hill in 1963.

Photos courtesy of Andy Stuart-Hill

In 1965, the Campbell brothers - Glen, Lester and Jim (GLJ Logging) - joined the partnership. They provided the necessary heavy-duty equipment and energy, and contributed countless hours to improving the ski hill, to the extent of pushing for new lifts and canvassing locals for financial investment in the project. At the same time, Fritz and Guy put in hundreds of hours at great personal expense to help build and promote the ski hill.

Nineteen-sixty-nine was a landmark year, during which local business people were invited to purchase shares in the venture. Twenty-three shareholders, sharing the vision of a larger ski hill, participated in the share offer. The expanded company kept its name and Guy Messerli became its first employee.

The first priority was to build a new T-bar to serve

three newly cut runs: Old Timer, Showoff and Horseshoe. Guy and his crew built all the wooden supports for the T-Bar by hand, using logs harvested from the ski hill. The new T-bar and two miles of steel cable were purchased from a firm in Austria. These runs have been known as the “mile hill runs” ever since.

More runs were developed over the years, including Whiskey Jack and Powder Trail.

In the 1970s, Roger and Jenny Madson established Radium Hot Springs Glacier Skiing Ltd. They eventually formed a joint partnership with Hans Gmoser (Canadian Mountain Holidays) and moved to Panorama.

Continued on Page 17

December 8, 2006

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Continued from Page 16 Today RK Heli-ski operates out of the Hal Bavin Heli-plex. With its exceptional location, covering 1,500 square kilometers of unbelievable backcountry and glacier skiing in the beautiful Purcell Mountains, it offers world-class adventure tourism.

The first 75-lot subdivision was established in 1973. Hydro line right-of-way, a water line from Taynton Creek, a concrete reservoir and roads were all constructed by a small crew. In 1975, the Horizon double chair opened to serve two new super runs: Skyline and Roller Coaster.

Cascade Development Corp. of Calgary purchased the ski hill on June 1, 1978. Development continued.

New lifts were added along with slope-side accommodations, including the Pine Inn and the Toby and Horsethief Lodges.

Extensive snowmaking capabilities were added to the mountain in 1984. A year later, Panorama hosted the Men’s World Cup Downhill competition, earning international recognition of the ski hill. At that time Panorama boasted 33 runs.

Vancouver-based Intrawest Corporation purchased the resort in 1993 and launched what is now known as Panorama Mountain Village. Major capital upgrades and additions have turned the ski hill into a spectacular destination resort.

New terrains such as the Extreme Dream Zone, Founders Ridge and Taynton Bowl entice skiers from around the world. Greywolf Golf Course, named the Best New Course in Canada in 1999, turned Panorama into a year-round resort.

Panorama’s largest capital expansion saw the installation of the Champagne Express and Summit Quads for opening day in 2002.

Today Panorama boasts over 100 ski runs and trails. Snowboarding is well established and a specially constructed half pipe enables ski enthusiasts to complete remarkable flips and turns where primitive skiing began 44 years ago.

The vision of Guy, Fritz and Karl all those years ago has enabled Panorama to become a vibrant mountain village, hosting guests from around the world and contributing substantially to the economy of the Windermere Valley.

EARLY TOWNHOUSES - Horse Thief Lodge, the first condos on the hill, under construction in 1978.

Photo courtesy of Andy Stuart-Hill

About the Author: Andy Stuart-Hill

By Sandra Kelly Special to The Pioneer He has visited 116 countries. He has had great adventures that most of us can only imagine. He has immersed himself in other cultures, learning their history and customs - and then returned home to tell us what he knows.

And so it is interesting that Andy Stuart-Hill chose to write a book not about Laos or Spain or Burma, but about Panorama Mountain Village, mere kilometers away from his home in Invermere.

What’s astonishing is that The History of Panorama: The Hill That Became A Mountain is his first book.

“I have a great deal of knowledge from my travels,” says the 73-year-old world adventurer. “But I’ve always been too busy travelling to sit down and write about it.”

Until now, that is. During a ski trip to Panorama in 2002, a British tourist inspired Andy to question why there was no book about the village. “She commented on it and that got me thinking,” he says.

“Here was this beautiful place, right in our own backyard, and its history wasn’t documented.”

Intrigued, he went online and did some preliminary research. Later he got more information and “a lot of wonderful help” from the Windermere District Historical Society and local residents Guy Messerli, Bob Ede, Heather Buck, Bill Ayrton, Lucille Campbell, Frank Keeley, Fritz Zehnder and Dr. Al Ostrander. He obtained a photo album kept by the late Tom Sanders, which contains a visual record of Panorama’s history.

Through a mix of text and photographs, the book

he has written gives the history of Panorama from its genesis as a primitive ski run in 1962 to its current status as a world-class alpine village. Andy says he did his best to fully document that history and to name all of the people involved.

Though he is mostly finished, he is still “tweaking” his 180-page manuscript. He is also scouting for a publisher. In the meantime, he plans to self-publish the book in time for Christmas. The inside pages will be printed in black and white (at Palliser Printing), but the cover photo will be in colour. Dave’s Book Bar will promote the book.

“Ideally, I would like to find a publisher,” says the author. “Barring that, I would appreciate a sponsor coming forward. I am not concerned about making a profit from the book, but I would like to recover my print costs.”

Andy and his wife Kelly were born and raised in South Africa, and married there in 1962. Andy was 29 and had already visited 54 countries. “I started traveling when I was twenty-one, just for fun and adventure,” he says. “Now I am Curious George, a student of history, culture, geography, geology and archaeology.”

The couple settled in Invermere in 1967 after Andy was hired to serve as the secretary/treasurer of the local school board. They have been many places together. Kelly mentions England and Hawaii and Mexico.

Her most memorable trip was to New Zealand in 2001. “I’ve always wanted to do two things,” she says. “Dance with Gene Kelly and swim with dolphins. I got to swim with the dolphins off New Zealand’s south island.”

Andy says his greatest adventure “so far” was an 18,000-foot climb to a mountain peak in Nepal, eight years ago when he was 65. “It was the highlight of my life.”

The couple’s interests have changed over time.

Andy developed “an affinity” for the world’s great deserts about ten years ago, and has since seen most of them. “I am fascinated by their loneliness and isolation. They are magical places.”

In recent years, Kelly has travelled less often, preferring to spend time with the couple’s two children and four grandchildren.

She is, however, planning a month-long trip to South Africa. Andy has just returned from “a little jaunt” to the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Grenada, Gibraltar and Tangiers.

“Oh yes,” he recalls, “I also went to Normandy and Cannes.”

Where to next? “South America. Possibly the Galapagos Islands. I’ve always wanted to see Antarctica, but that’s a very expensive trip.”

Andy served with the local school board for 20 years, and with the Creston board for an additional six years. He retired in 1992. Two years ago he got a licence to perform marriage ceremonies. He has since married a hundred couples set to embark on their own life adventures.

Now that The History of Panorama is ready for print, he can jot down a few ideas for a second book.

“I may just write the story of my life.”

Andy is scheduled to give a presentation about Nepal and China on Friday, Dec. 8th at 7:30 p.m., at the Invermere campus of College of the Rockies.

Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

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Two buildings will provide an additional 96 beds for Panorama staff.

Panorama adds new staff housing on the hill

By Kristin Smith Panorama Mountain Village Panorama Mountain Village’s new staff housing is now complete.

Ground was broken for this $4.1million project in April 2006. The goal of this new development is to provide a better resort experience for Panorama Mountain Village employees, with an aim to attract, develop and retain the best employees in the industry.

“We are very excited, after years of effort, to see this project completed. We are now able to provide an excellent, on resort, housing experience for our seasonal staff, making Panorama the employer of choice in the region,” said General Manager and Vice President of Panorama Mountain Village, Mark Woodburn.

The two new buildings have been

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named Monument Lodge and Paradise Lodge, and have been fully furnished for employee occupancy. At 10,000 square feet each, Monument and Paradise provide an additional 96 on-mountain beds for Panorama employees – a 45-percent increase from what was previously available. As well as private bedrooms for each employee, the buildings offer a large lounge area, a computer room, high speed internet, locker rooms, and laundry facilities.

Panorama Mountain Village, located in the Purcell Mountains, has one of the largest vertical descents in North America. Quad chairlifts give access to the summit and over 100 trails, including former Heli-Ski terrain in Taynton Bowl. Panorama is also home to Greywolf, ranked British Columbia’s best golf course. For more information, visit www.panoramaresort.com.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

December 8, 2006

The Old Zone

By Harold Hazelaar Invermere This past weekend, Brett Favre, quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, played his 233rd consecutive football game in the NFL. Many of you will remember Garry Unger, the veteran NHL forward who played 914 consecutive games between February 24, 1968 and December 21, 1979 to earn the nickname “Iron-man.”

Several years later, Doug Jarvis, who played 964 NHL games before missing one, surpassed that astounding record.

To be able to play so many games without severe injury is a testament to the stamina, conditioning and good fortune required by athletes to compete day-today or week-to-week.

Sadly, a very similar streak came to an abrupt end on November 29, 2006.

A knee-on-knee collision between myself and Ross Bidinger (read: brick wall) caused me to leave our Oldtimers game and make a visit to the emergency

room at the hospital.

Colleen, Anne and Dr. Mike demonstrated efficient care and awesome bedside manners during their examination and concluded that I had a severe sprain but no ligament damage.

Laughter must be great medicine, because they were dishing it out by the truckload that night! Reminded me of the time I had cracked ribs and Donna seemed to enjoy making me laugh every chance she got. I wonder if that was intentional, because laughing hurt more than my injury did! Anyway, this time laughing didn’t hurt like my knee did.

Last Wednesday was the very first time that I missed a hockey game due to injury. All through my minor hockey and recreational hockey career that has spanned 40 years, I have never missed a game because of a sickness or injury. I have missed more games than you can shake a stick at because of vacations, but that is different!

I wonder if this happened because I am not the well-conditioned athlete with razor-sharp reflexes like I used to be!

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Who are you gonna call?

During the recent storms in the lower mainland, power lines and power poles were damaged in almost every community and at the storm’s peak, 226,000 customers were without power.

BC Hydro is reminding everyone that in the case of a power outage, here’s where to call. During a power outage, call 1-888-769-3766, or by cell phone, call 49376.

If you see lines or poles down, or see sparks, flames or smoke, call emergency services immediately.

Your Local

PAUL GLASSFORD

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

250-341-1395 Rockies West Realty

Independently owned and operated 230 Laurier Street DIRECTOR’S Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 PLATINUM E-mail: paul@rockieswest.com AWARD Website: www.PaulGlassford.com

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Representative

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PAUL ROGGEMAN 341-5300

Dedicated to all your real estate needs.

Ed English Cell: (250) 342-1194 edenglish@telus.net

Main Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Bus: (250) 342-6505 Fax: (250) 342-9611

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Jan Klimek Cell: (250) 342-1195 janklimek@telus.net

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

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Notice of Intent RE: Liquor Control and Licensing Act Application for a Liquor Primary Licence An application has been received by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, Victoria, B.C., from Stone Creek Golf Courses Limited Partnership.

The proposed location for the licence is 9581 Eagle Ranch Trail in Invermere. This licence class permits all types of liquor to be served.

Proposed hours of sale are between 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Monday to Sunday. Person capacity will be limited to 45 persons inside with no exterior patio. The applicant has also requested a beverage cart and kiosk to sell and serve liquor on the playing area of the golf course.

Residents and owners of businesses located within a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) radius of the proposed site may comment on this proposal by writing to: THE GENERAL MANAGER c/o Senior Licensing Analyst LIQUOR CONTROL and LICENSING BRANCH PO Box 9292 Victoria, BC V8W 9J8 PETITIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED To ensure the consideration of your views, your letter must be received on or before January 8, 2007. Your name(s) and address must be included.

Please note that your comments may be made available to the applicant or local government ofcials where disclosure is necessary to administer the licensing process.

Community foundation hands out $10,000 funded $80,000 in grants,” he said. “We had a large anonymous flowThe Columbia Valley through donation, and Community Foundation we’re very flexible how we has announced the recipwork with donors.” ients of its latest round of “Flow-through” dofunding. nations, he said, do not Five organizations become part of the enwill share $10,000 in dowment but are desigBruce McLaughlin grants during this round nated for a specific purof funding, past-chair pose. The foundation and CVCF spokesman Bruce McLaugh- is also working to improve the way it lin said. operates, he said, getting better at the This rounds recipients include business of philanthropy to take the • The District of Invermere, on be- burden off the organizations who are in half of the Invermere Senior Center, the business of directly helping people. will receive $2,500 to cover the soft The organization, he said, actively costs (for plans, fees) associated with an looks for overlap with other organizaexpansion of the Seniors’ Hall. tions in order to exponentially enhance • The Columbia Valley Arts Coun- their abilities. cil will receive $2,000 for music and “This round of grants shows a teruniforms for the Second Winds com- rific range of needs. It’s a good example munity orchestra. of how we’re being sensitive to that,” • The Windermere Valley Youth Mr. McLaughlin said. “We’re building Center will receive a $2,000 grant to our capacity to give and trying to make fund youth-focused interactive theatre it easy for people to benefit from our programs. services.”

• The Radium Hot Springs Fire DeThe foundation recently passed partment will receive $2,000 for a ther- the halfway mark to its goal of buildmal imaging camera for use in locating ing a $1 million endowment by 2008. hot spots in a fire.

The milestone is due, in large part, he • The Invermere Family Resource said, to the new tax law that spares the Center will receive $1,500 for a Justice donor any capital gains tax on stock Institute of Vancouver training program shares donated to charity. “As a result,” designed to help young people under- Mr. McLaughlin said, “there have been stand sexual boundaries. some very large donations. It’s a very Now in its fifth year of philanthro- generous situation.” py, McLaughlin said, the foundation is The foundation’s $600,000 endowdedicated to keeping charity local, and ment, he noted, was built from the gifts funding for a wide range of needs. of individuals. No corporate donors “This year our organization has have contributed yet.

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

How green is our valley!

Grinding of wood and green waste is taking place at the Columbia Valley landfill. The grinding is performed in an effort to compact waste and save space in our rapidly-filling landfill.

Please remember there are special places to drop off your old oil and paint so they don’t pollute the environment. Illegally-dumped oil and paint have been picked up from the Canal Flats, Fairmont, Edgewater and Brisco transfer stations.

There is now a reuse centre at the landfill for old furniture and appliances too good to discard. These can be passed on to others.

In addition, 24 car bodies have been removed from the Columbia Valley trail areas through the regional district’s vehicle round-up program.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

December 8, 2006

Clothing store changes hands

By Sandra Kelly Special to The Pioneer

Quality,Value Comfort!

Tight Top

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Reflections Women’s Consignment store in downtown Invermere has a new owner. Wilmer resident Jackie Burns purchased the business from Carrie Rickards in November, and will take over the store’s lease on January 1st.

Carrie opened Reflections in March 2004.

Last spring she purchased Stober’s Department Store from its longtime owners Patty and Dallas Stober, and renamed it Essentials. Managing both stores proved difJackie Burns, left, has purchased Reflections from Carrie Rickards, right. ficult, she said. working full-time, and it gives the employees expo“I had intended to keep both businesses, but there just wasn’t enough sure to different work environments.”

Jackie’s plans for Reflections include a faster time,” she said. “Even so, if I hadn’t found exactly turnaround on clothing inventory, a larger selection the right buyer, I would have kept Reflections.”

That buyer turned out to be Jackie. The women of jewelry, and a “special corner” where up-andhad met at a Christmas party a few months before coming fabric artists can display their work. She’ll Carrie opened Reflections. Carrie became a client also set up a rack of items priced at $1 and $2, with of Jackie’s home cleaning business, and Jackie later all the proceeds going to local charities.

“My main goal is to keep up the good work that became a loyal customer at the store. “Jackie was the Carrie started,” she said. “Reflections is a great asset perfect buyer for Reflections,” Carrie said.

Both women are locals. Carrie was born and to this town.”

Carrie has made a number of changes at Essenraised in Invermere, but lived in Calgary for several years before returning home three years ago. Jackie tials. She expanded the sewing section, and is now and her husband Noel, a machinist, have lived in the the registered dealer for the Husqvarna brand of valley for 15 years. They moved from Invermere to sewing machines, from Cranbrook to Golden. The store has a fresh coat of paint and other upgrades.

Wilmer last April.

She said the best new development is the classes This winter, Jackie will operate both Reflections and the commercial cleaning business she owns. The and workshops in crocheting, knitting and quilting. store’s winter hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tues- “We’ve brought in some very talented people to lead days through Saturdays. On Mondays she’ll schedule the classes. Freelance educator Kathy Giebelhaus, appointments to look at items for possible consign- Joanne Middleton from Calgary, who specializes in ment. “During the winter I can easily manage both precision work, and fabric artist Hillary Rice.”

Essentials will continue to carry its current businesses,” she said. clothing lines, 11:43 plus a new Royal Robbins.

Dodge Basebar 10/11/05 AM line Pagecalled 1 Next summer, when Reflections is open longer hours, she may participate in a staff-sharing arrange- Carrie has four full-time staff and three part-time ment with Thredz and Penner Shoe Store. “It’s an people, including herself. “My parents help out, ideal arrangement. It helps the stores to keep people too,” she said. “It’s a family effort.”

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22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Interior World December 8, 2006

HERE TO SERVE YOU window fashions

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Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357 • POOLS • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • FIREPLACES • BBQʼS • HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

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The Pioneer has a circulation of 6400, reaching more people than any other publication in the valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

December 8, 2006

HERE TO SERVE YOU Protect your property from theft and vandalism

Call today (250) 688-HAWK (4295) valleyhawksecurity@shaw.ca

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•

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Season’s Greetings

Bob & Bryan would like to thank all their customers for their patronage, and wish everyone a Happy & Safe Holiday!

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STEVE GUTSCHE, Project Manager

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24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

HERE TO SERVE YOU Lambert

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342-6612

INVERMERE BARBERS 507B - 7th Avenue Invermere, BC (beside the laundromat) Floor Covering & Cabinets Blinds & Paints

Phone: (250) 341-3240 Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 3 pm Closed Sunday and Monday

335 - 3rd Ave., Invermere, BC Telephone 342-6264 • Fax 342-3546 Email: info@warwick-interiors.com www.warwick-interiors.com

No Appointment Necessary

Residential • Decorative Concrete Floors, Decks, Patios & Sidewalks

342-6522 Office 342-6512 Fax 342-5465 Aaron Karl 342-1457 Ryan Karl

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ Repaired Prefab Cement Tanks Installed Water Lines Dug Installed Basements Dug

WINDERMERE 342-6805

Great Selection of:

*Wood blinds *Sunscreens *Woven Woods *Pleated Shades *Roller Shades and more!

For all your interior decorating needs.

Complete Automotive Repairs

Tamara Osborne Brenda McEachern.

Phone /Fax

345-6422

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

W

Spring Clean-up/Pruning P REGISTERED House Cleaning & Errands H & INSURED Call Elizabeth Shopland - Office: 3

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

December 8, 2006

Safety is relative in Africa Great rates, products and service

By Lisa M. Rohrick A question I am occasionally asked is if I feel safe living in Africa. In a word, yes. In a few more words, allow me to ramble about that a bit.

The truth is that Africa is a pretty volatile place.

Wars and rumours of wars abound on this continent, and I don’t want to make light of that. For the time being, Niger is a stable country that welcomes foreigners, and I feel in no personal danger.

Yet that could change pretty quickly. For years Côte d’Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) was the model of progress and development in West Africa. And then someone got mad at someone else who held an important position, they led a coup, and started a civil war. (Obviously I’m not a political analyst!) The ongoing skirmishes have done incredible damage to their infrastructure and economy (not to mention claiming how many lives).

I suppose Niger is not immune to such chaos. So I am thankful for the peace of this land.

I do hear of robberies from time to time. But does Niamey (the city in which I live) have more theft per capita than Invermere? I doubt it. Plus I have a 24hour guard at my house. This sounds horrific, I realize, and makes me feel like I rank second only to the Queen of England. I look at it more as a contribution to the local economy than an essential service for my safety. It’s the norm for foreigners (and wealthier locals) to hire guards, and it does provide work for three guys who would otherwise be unemployed.

In addition to chasing off thieves (which they’ve never had to do!), my guards wash my car, water and trim the plants, rake the yard, run errands for me and sleep! They are especially skilled at raking the yard two or three times a day, I find fresh designs in the sand (I have no grass). I have also learned that if they hear no sound coming from inside the house, they assume I am sleeping and don’t allow visitors into the yard.

Perhaps a more imminent danger is found on Niger’s roads. Donkey carts and bicycles cause havoc, especially on the roads where the traffic is actually moving - they are less of a problem downtown where they are among the faster vehicles. Motorbikes weave in and out of traffic, racing to the front of the line.

The majority of their riders are not wearing helmets. I am the exception to the rule, faithfully donning my helmet before joining the race. Here it’s expected that motorbikes do not stay in their lane and behave like cars. Instead, at stoplights we (yes, I must include myself in this) pass the line of waiting cars, trying to avoid pedestrians in the process, crowd in front of the first car and await the green light (or simply a break in the traffic, since motorbikes are semi-immune to traffic laws and thus treat red lights like stop signs). Vehicles

www.meridianmortgagesolutions.com

Step by step, professional mortgage support.

Bill Rainbow Mortgage Broker (250) 342-3453

WINTER GOLF

LEAGUES Join one of our golf leagues and keep your golng skills sharp all winter on our simulators! The weather is always perfect and we are licensed for your pleasure.

Call for more information

Overloaded vehicles are a common sight in Niger. are frequently dangerously overloaded, and it’s not uncommon to hear of vans and trucks tipping over, losing their loads, or even collapsing under the incredible weight piled on their roofs.

Another threat to my safety here is the heat. Can a human body melt? Sometimes I fear that may happen when the thermometer dares to announce temperatures in excess of 50 degrees Celsius. In the hot season, I literally sleep snuggled up to a block of ice!

I took another safety precaution today when I went to the market and bought a cheap lantern for use during our somewhat frequent power outages. It’s made in China and promises to be of ‘superior quality’ of which I have no doubt, since it cost a whopping $3. I removed the cellophane wrapping and read the instructions, which assured me that I most definitely bought the right brand.

This one is “for emergency use during any power outage such as a hurricane or earthquake.” It’s true we have frequent power outages, but never anything so exciting as hurricanes or earthquakes. But you just never know when such a thing may strike, and I’ll be glad for my hardy, weather-resistant, superior quality Chinese lantern! So if you should hear of a hurricane in Niger, don’t worry about me - I’ll be just fine!

Lisa Rohrick, formerly of Invermere, is serving as a missionary in Niger, Africa.

SPOT THE DEALS • Pioneer Classifieds

VALLEY ALLEY BOWLING CENTRE 342-2695 (342-BOWL)

Mention Roller Girl when you book this week and receive a discount

Christmas parties are coming!

Are you ready? Our lovely stylists Melissa, Tammy & Noelene will add colour to your holiday season Or let our massage specialist Jan help you relax during this busy time of year.

Jan’s certified and has a 4 year degree in kineseology just imagine!

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 8, 2006

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS THANK YOU Thank-you so much to all the caregivers who came to our home and those who cared for Sybil in Columbia House. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Vivian Bond for her constant caring and attention during Sybil’s illness. Also, to our friends, the phone calls, cards, food, flowers and hugs were of great comfort during this sad time for us. Finally, thank-you Dr. Cord for the numerous visits and your kind manner, and to Dr Louw for his years of care and concern. Victor and Family of Sybil Menegozzo.

STORAGE New•House Multi-storage, various sizes available, now with climate controlled units. Call 342-3637.

Fenced storage in Canal Flats on Hwy 93/95. RVs, boats, autos, ski-doos, etc. 250-349-8212.

OFFICE SPACE Professional office space for rent in Invermere. Large view office with negotiable services. Please call 342-9450 for more info.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION Shared: Available immediately, N/S, N/P, laundry, cable, private phone included. $500/month, 342-4811.

CONDO FOR RENT Radium: 1 bedroom, $890/ mth; 2 bedroom, $995/mth; 2 bedroom w/loft, $1195/mth. 1 year lease required. 1-866-2727134.

partially furnished, W/D, N/S, $1200/month plus utilities.

Available January 1st, 3427074.

Large house in Windermere, January 1st, $750/month. Single or couple, N/P, until the end of June 2007. 342-0204.

LAND FOR SALE

Support Rockies Hockey - Firewood: pine, mixed, and birch. 342-6908.

New lots along Crescentwood coming. Commercial lots available NOW for less! Acreage West of town - Edgewater Developments 347 9660, edgeh2o@telus.net

Win-Valley Gardens FRESH MARKET RED POTATOES, 40lb bags, $20.00. Call 342-0272 to arrange pick-up.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

SUITES FOR RENT CONTRACTORS: self-contained cabins by the week or month, 250-345-6365, Fairmont Bungalows.

Athalmer: 1 bedroom, $750/ month + utilities, or 2 bedroom $850/month + utilities.

Available Dec.15/Jan.1, long term only. N/S, N/P, serious inquiries with references to knl_hatt@hotmail.com or Box 35, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0.

Bring your suitcase and move in. Fully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo, w/d, d/w and garage. Great location in Invermere, N/S, N/P please. $1250/month, 780-668-4503.

1 bedroom, N/S, N/P, Stein Apartments, 1 block from downtown.

Available immediately, 342-6912.

1 bedroom basement suite in Invermere, Wilder subdivision.

W/D,available December 1st.

342-6842.

2005 VW Jetta TD1 (diesel station-wagon), 5-speed, 25,000km, sun-roof, leather, winter and summer tires, $25,000. Call Peter 342-1073, 342-0665, or pjpank@telus.. net.

$10,000,000

in vehicle inventory.

Go to www.cranbrookdodge.com

to view complete inventory.

RECREATIONAL FOR SALE 1996 Tundra Ski-doo, excellent shape, low mileage, asking $3400, 342-3935.

Invermere: 3 bedroom, 2 full bathrooms. Close to downtown,

Nikon F3 camera w/MD-4 motor drive & Nikon speed flush, plus 100mm Nikon Macrolens, $695 firm. Can be viewed at Achim’s Art Gallery. Phone 250341-5556. Makes an excellent Christmas gift.

White refrigerator w/bottom freezer, 3 years old, excellent condition, $500; beer fridge, $100; two electric ranges, white, $200 & $100; newer oak dining room table and six chairs, $500.

342-0665, pjpank@telus.net.

WANTED WANTED TO BUY: Logging truckloads of birch firewood for the C.V. Rockies Hockey Club woodlot. Phone Leo 342-3134 or 342-1177.

MISC. FOR SALE HAY, top quality round bales, alfalfa grass. Call Elkhorn Ranch 342-0617.

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CHRISTMAS TREES: Locally grown, sheared and pruned trees. Prices depend on size. Call Bob Mitchell, Brisco, 250-3463275. Visit us at the crossroads December 2,3,8,9,15, and 16.

Residential/Vacation Properties Maintenance & Repairs Dependable - Fully Insured

Windermere 342-9022

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SERVICES

JIM ROBERTSON

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HOMES FOR RENT

Premium Christmas trees to your door, $25 to $35. Call to confirm size and delivery date. Deliveries until December 23. Call Dale at 342-3569.

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Hairdressers - tired of paying all your money to the salon owners? Rent a chair and be your own boss! 342-8388.

CAREERS Looking for framing crews or carpenters, approx. $10/ sq.ft. to start immediately in the Invermere area. Serious crews only, 403-830-8434.

We are looking for lumber yard and store staff who are energetic, outgoing, self-motivated, fast learners and work well with others. Bring resume to Ace Hardware.

F/T and P/T positions open for ski season with TNT Cleaning Service.

Starting wage $12/hr, D.O.E. For more information call 342-0799.

Fairmont Creek Property Management is looking for housekeeping staff. Mature, responsible person with at least 6 months experience. $11/hr wage, full time, year round employment. Medical & Dental benefits and staff housing may be provided. Please call Carmen at 250-345-6116.

Housekeeping required parttime at the Chalet Europe Motel in Radium. Good wages, call Arlene at 347-9305.

THE BEST PART TIME JOB IN THE VALLEY! Marketing Representative, tyG productions.

Speaking to visitors, at weekly social events, promoting local businesses. Mature? Retired?

Semi retired? Snow/sunbird?

Part time can be job shared. Year round. To start immediately in Fairmont; Panorama starting December 18th. Training provided. Hours: every week, Mondays 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Panorama Tuesdays 10:30 to 12:30 am and 4:30 to 6:30 pm Fairmont. Pay: minimum $15.00 an hour, contract work, paid monthly. Includes travel, Additional bonuses available.

Exacting qualifications: Superb dynamic public speaker to individuals, small and large groups. A vehicle is a must (car pooling sometimes), able and willing to commit to job, extremely reliable and responsible, organized, creative, able to adjust to sudden changes, responds to direction and can work with minimum supervision, great team member. Love to have fun at work, know and appreciate the valley. Resume with references to Crisanna MacLeod: crisanna@tyGproductions.com Title: Marketing Rep, or Box 637, Windermere BC V0B 2L0. tyG productions, increasing revenue for businesses in the Columbia Valley.

2001 Kootenay St. North, Cranbrook, BC V1C 5M2 Phone (250) 417-3310 - Fax: (250) 417-3315

We supply parts and service FOR ALL MAKES of:

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

December 8, 2006

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS CAREERS Looking for siding crews to start immediately in the Invermere area,

serious crews only. Immediate pay, 403-830-8434.

Exciting Employment Opportunity for Early Childhood

TOBY CREEK ADVENTURES is looking for a full-time Mechanic to work within a busy Snowmobile and ATV operation.

Must be able to work independently, possess knowledge of Snowmobiles and work in fast paced setting.

Educators and Infant Toddler Educators. Sonshine Childrens’ Centre in Invermere, BC, is looking for energetic, dynamic, and creative people to join our team. Qualifications include a valid ECE certificate and license to practice, valid First Aid Certificate, and a successful criminal records check. To apply

please submit a cover letter and resume with references to Rebecca Enns, Box 280, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0, fax 250-342-9575, or e-mail rjenns@shaw.ca. The closing date for these positions is December 20, 2006. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Competitive salary and a whole lot of fun!

Interested applicants can send a resume to the attention of Toby Creek Adventures: Fax: 250-342-0419 email info@tobycreekadventures.com TOBY CREEK ADVENTURES Box 8, Panorama, BC V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-342-5047 Fax: 250-342-0419 Toll Free: 1-888-357-4449 email info@tobycreekadventures.com www.tobycreekadventures.com

BOOKKEEPER REQUIRED, experience is an asset, but willing to train the right candidate. This job offers full time, year round employment with full benefits. We provide a friendly team spirited environment where you can make a difference.

Regional District of East Kootenay

Phone: 341-6299 Fax: 341-6229 Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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

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 Columbia Valley Pioneer is not responsible for errors appearing beyond the first insertion. The newspaper’s responsibility, if any, for errors of any kind is limited to the amount paid for that advertisement. We reserve the right to censor, re-classify, revise, edit or reject any advertisement not meeting our advertising standards.

(ROCKY MOUNTAIN) School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) invites applications from persons interested in being casual school bus drivers in Invermere. We are looking for fun, hardworking and team oriented people just like you to join our team.

Preference may be given to applicants who possess a valid B.C. Class 2 Drivers license, (some units require Air Endorsement) however training may be available for the right candidate. So if you like children, are interested in enhancing their educational opportunities, meet the qualications and want to work in a great environment, please submit your application by Wednesday, December 13, 2006 to: School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) Department of Human Resources PO Box 70 Kimberley, B.C. V1A 2Y5

Fax resume to 347-2311, attention Russell.

19 – 24 Avenue South Cranbrook, BC B1C 3H8 Phone: (250) 489-2791 Fax: (250) 489-3498 E-mail: rdek@rdek.bc.ca

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: Tuesdays at noon

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6

Employment Opportunity OPERATOR 2 (2 Permanent Full-time Positions) Situated in the beautiful southeast corner of British Columbia, the East Kootenay region has a population of about 57,000. Among other amenities, the area offers an affordable lifestyle and world class recreational opportunities including golf courses and ski resorts, hot springs, camping, shing, and hiking as well as access to education opportunities. The utilities section of the Engineering & Environmental Services Department operates 8 separate water and sewer systems serving approximately 5,500 people.

Note: Applications must include a letter stating why you wish to apply for this position, evidence of a minimum Grade 10 education, copy of driver�s abstract and at least three references we can contact.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest, but only those under consideration will be contacted.

All successful applicants will be subject to a criminal record search.

If you wish to nd out more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact the Operations Department @ 250-342-5527.

The RDEK is accepting applications for the position of Operator 2 to work out of the Columbia Valley ofce located just outside of Invermere. Reporting to the Utilities Superintendent, the person lling this position will perform work primarily related to water, sewer and storm water management systems and will assist with maintenance of some solid waste facilities. We are looking for an experienced and energetic person to assist in the ongoing operations, planning, and expansion of our utilities services.

This position requires teamwork and commitment to provide the highest level of service to our utility customers. A full job description is available on the RDEK website: www.rdek.bc.ca Essential Qualications • Completion of Grade 12 • A minimum of 5 years experience maintaining water, sewer, and storm water management systems, preferably in a local government setting, or an equivalent combination of training and experience • Class I and II Water Treatment and Distribution Operator Certicates.

• Class I and II Waste Water Collection and Treatment Operator Certicates.

• British Columbia Driver’s License.

• Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water, sewer, and storm water management systems.

• Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of solid waste facilities.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, developers, external agencies, other staff, and the public.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in the English language and to deal courteously, tactfully and diplomatically with contractors, developers, other employees, the public, and Regional Board members.

This is a permanent, full-time (35 hours per week) Union position working out of the Columbia Valley ofce in Invermere, BC with a starting salary of $3,644 per month ($24.02/hr), plus benets after 3 months employment.

Candidates with appropriate experience who have not obtained all of the desired certicates may be considered for employment at a lesser rate of pay, while obtaining the required certication.

Submit resumé and covering letter, with references and driver’s abstract, in condence, to: Brian Funke, AScT Utilities Superintendent Regional District of East Kootenay 19 – 24 Avenue South Cranbrook, BC V1C 3H8 by 4:30 p.m., Friday, January 5th, 2007.

Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted.

Come join the Kick Ass Team!

In

Our ongoing quest to provide the world with the ultimate wake-up call, Kicking Horse Coffee is growing its legendary Production Team! Current opportunities include:

Material Handler/Labourer – Full Time Working hand-in-hand with packing and roasting, your key responsibilities will include organization, material handling and cleanliness in the warehouse and roasting areas.

Tasks may include, but are not limited to receiving and managing green bean and production inventory, organizing materials for daily roasts and production runs, assisting packing with the shipping of nished product, cleaning and preventative maintenance of roasters.

Although previous warehouse shipping/receiving experience would be preferred, if you live, breathe and dream coffee; are highly organized and detail oriented (to the point of being called anal); are energetic, physically t, capable of short periods of heavy lifting and can remain on your feet for an 8 hour period; are a team player and have a “glass half full” disposition; have a sense of humour, even while wearing a hairnet, earplugs and steel toed footwear…

Then nd out for yourself why Kicking Horse Coffee is such a great place to work!

We provide a positive and supportive year-round work environment, excellent 100% employer paid extended health and wellness benets (pending successful probationary period), competitive wages, professional development opportunities, legendary staff “fun days”, paid day-off birthdays, a steady pipeline to satisfy the most discerning addiction, not to mention an awesome product and a team dedicated and committed to producing the best coffee in the country!

To apply, please email your application to mail@kickinghorsecoffee.com or fax 250-342-4450.

We will contact successful applicants.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 28

December 8, 2006

Don’t ski? Take a drive to Panorama and see what’s going on, then have lunch in one of the restaurants!

Quality antique furniture and collectibles from Canada, Europe and Asia.

Architectural items for home & garden.

NEW HOURS: Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm PAINTED GLASS - Carolyn Barzilay’s colourful handiwork was on sale at the Original Christmas Craft Fair last weekend.

Photo by Brian Geis

TOY OF

THE

Invermere Industrial Park (just off the road to Panorama)

WEEK

Deluxe Pottery Wheel Shape Your Own Creations

The Monkey’s Uncle

Tel. 342-0707

Downtown Invermere 342-2515

nordic centre Greywolf Nordic Centre Opens December 26th You haven’t truly explored Panorama until you’ve made the 4km journey from the Greywolf Nordic Centre out to the T.C.N.S.C Hale Hut warming cabin.

Bring out a lunch and a few drinks and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon in the mountains.

We offer 22 km of groomed trails for classic and skate-style skiing, lessons, nordic ski rentals, a retail shop with gear, souvenirs, cameras, sunscreen, and more.

The Greywolf Nordic Centre is located at the base of the Sunbird chair at Panorama Mountain Village. Open 9am-4pm.

Day pass: Adult $10 • Teen $7 • Junior $6 • Under 7 free • Family (4) $25 A day pass is just $5 for those with a valid alpine ticket or a Season’s Pass Multi day passes and rentals are also available

Call ext. 341-4100 for more information

As a Christmas gift, we suggest decorative wrought iron pieces for the homeowner with style.

Email: klein@nucleus.com • www.tepapanui.com

g o l f

c o u r s e

Greywolf Christmas Gift Ideas Greywolf Green Card Greywolf Green Cards are now on sale for the 2007 season! They cost just $99 and include two rounds of golf (which must be used by July 15th, 2007). After your two rounds have been used each additional round will cost only $69.

Rounds may only be booked within 48 hours, one card person, and cards are non-transferable. Call the golf shop to order now (Green Cards are not available online).

Green Fee Specials Receive huge savings off your 2007 green fee by buying now! The golf passes are from just $69, you can buy as many as you want and they are fully transferable.

Call the golf shop at ext. 4100 (341-4100) or visit www.greywolfgolf.com to purchase or for more information.

Golf shop: 341-4100 or 1-888-473-9965 Web: www.greywolfgolf.com

December 8, 2006

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

Christmas

CLEANING SPECIAL CARPET CLEANING Box 662, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 5 rooms 4 rooms 3 rooms 2 rooms 1 room Stairs 1 Hallway

CARPETS

179 149 $ 119 $ 89 $ 59 $ 2.50 each free $ $

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Sofa Sofa & Chair Sofa & Loveseat Sofa, Chair, Loveseat or Sectional

139 169 $ 199 $ $

239

$

341-5649

SENIORS DISCOUNT Serving the Columbia Valley with...

Reputation - Trust Quality Workmanship

Brendan Donahue HORSING AROUND IN THE SNOW - These beautioful animals don’t seem to mind the snow, as long as the weather doesn’t get too cold. When it does, their coats grow longer and shaggy. These horses live at Rancho Relaxo, an acreage belonging to Margaret Radermacher on the Toby Benches.

Photo by Brian Geis

RENOVATION 1/2 PRICE SALE Whether you are buying or selling, the classifieds are a great medium to sell or purchase the home of your dreams.

Call today!

341-6299

HAPPENING @ INVERMERE HEALTH CARE AUXILIARY

THRIFT SHOP Dec. 14th, 15th, & 16th Come enjoy shopping at your local Thrift Shop!

Shop will be closed from Dec. 17 to Jan. 11th for the holiday & renovations.

Thank You For Your Support!

For professional services available in the valley, check our Here to Serve You section, Pages 22 to 24.

Investment Advisor Phone: 342-2112

GIC Rates cashable 90 days 1 yr 2 yrs 3 yrs 4 yrs 5 yrs

as of Dec. 4th 3.85% 4.06% 4.05% 4.10% 4.15% 4.15% 4.20%

New High Interest Savings Accounts No minimum balances 3.85% No fees Interest calculated daily, paid monthly Redeemable at any time RRSP and RRIF eligible

Rates subject to change without notice.

Subject to availability.

December 8, 2006

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 30

Santa Claus Parade 2006 Super Sunday in Invermere

Santa Claus was the Grand Marshall and guest of honor at this year’s Santa Claus Parade in Invermere. A light snow fell as hundreds lined Main Street to see the parade, sponsored by the Invermere Business Association as part of their Super Sunday event.

Clockwise from top: The Invermere Scouts crowded onto a haywagon for the ride down Main Street; Copper Point’s Grinch didn’t get away with Christmas this time; revellers young and old wave as Santa passes; the kids of Windermere Valley Child Care Society on their teddy bear-themed float; Members of the the high school’s Leadership Class raising awareness for their school-building activities in Africa; Sasquatch Santa representing The Monkey’s Uncle Toy Store; and one of Santa’s elves tossing candy to spectators.

Photos by Brian Geis

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

December 8, 2006

FAITH

Jesus our ultimate stress relief Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Whether you are getting ready for Christmas - a father, grandpa, husband, brother, son, uncle, in business, in ministry, or like me, all of the above - life can be very stressful.

Do you know what to do when stress rises up, and all the pressures of the world come crashing down?

The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6,7 NKJ: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and Call Blind minds through ChristThe Jesus.”

PrayerGuy! works, not always the way weWorld plan it,(250) but always the way God plans it.

Interior 342 4406 Take those problems, take that stress and give it over to the Lord. Prayer works, pray expecting results, every time.

Regarding: “The peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds Need Blinds?

Best Service through Christ Jesus.”

Call The Blind Guy! The most important thing we can do in keeping Interior World (250) 342 4406 peace and joy in our lives is to spend time in the presence of the Lord. Time in prayer, time in His Word, a true relationship with God. Psalm 16:11 from the Amplified Bible says: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is full-

Need Blinds?

S ol i d W o od Bl i n d s Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

Life Time Warranty on all Blinds Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

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ness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” So as we spend time in prayer and in God’s Word, we can expect to be refreshed and experience joy and peace through out relationship with Him. No matter what challenges we may be facing, today, tomorrow, or next week, we should draw closer to God - He has the answers we need. His power is available to us through His Word and His Spirit to change any situation. When the disciples were caught in a raging storm they cried out to Jesus. “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, peace. Be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

(Mark 4:39) We, too, can experience a great calm in our lives, from a temporary storm, or day-to-day stress, by knowing Jesus. He is our ultimate stress relief.

No matter how stressed your life might be, no matter how busy you might be, take time to pray, take time to get to know our Creator, take time to experience His peace and joy. And don’t hold on to it; spread it around, look for those who might need a word of encouragement, then encourage them. Pray for them.

Pray the Word, pray especially for those who travel our roads, the truckers, those who work on the roads, the snow plow drivers, the police, and ambulance attendees, remember: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

May you and yours have a very merry Christmas, and a safe and prosperous New Year. God bless you and

LIVE CHRISTMAS NATIVITY PAGEANT

Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, December 3 - 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction: It’s All About Honour. Communion will be served.

Sunday School, for ages 3 to grade 7 during the morning service.

7 p.m. Hymn Sing, at the church.

Senior Pastor Rev. Dieter Magnus • Associate Pastor Rev. Jared Enns 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 342-9535 WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY 10:30 a.m. - Invermere - Christ Church Trinity, Worship & Sunday School.

Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 342-6644 VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday • 10:00 a.m.

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 p.m. Mass • Sunday, 9:00 a.m. Mass St. Joseph’s Church, Hwy 93/95 Radium Sunday, 11:00 a.m. Mass St. Anthony’s Church, Canal Flats Sunday, 4:00 p.m. 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 at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman • 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 Grant Watkins • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 345-0079

Invermere Christian Supplies Invermere Christian Supplies

www.invermerechristiansupplies.com

Friday, Dec. 15th

1229-7th Ave., Invermere

342-6415

2 shows – 6:30 pm & 7:30 pm at the Catholic Church 702 - 12th Ave. Invermere

WE SELL REAL ESTATE Call

341-6151

Refreshments Served For information contact: Herb Seel 347-6761 or Mary Ellen Jones 342-3615 or Christ Church Trinity 342-6644 (Tues. - Fri. am)

Need Blinds? Best Quality

Valley Churches

EVERYONE WELCOME Presented by the Local Churches

• Radium • Invermere • Panorama • Windermere • Fairmont

or

1-888-341-6155 rayfergusonrealty.ca PERFECT FOR RETIREMENT? Quality one level home, private fenced yard, decks, patios, fish pond. Double garage/workshop w/ 2 storage.craft rooms. Close to beach, restaurants & shopping MLS# K151673

$379,000

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 32

December 8, 2006

www.ReMaxInvermere.com

Invermere

At Panorama: 250-341-4898 Toll Free: 1-888-258-9911

Independently Owned and Operated

250-342-6505

Wende Brash 342-1300

Bernie Raven 342-7415

Daniel Zurgilgen 342-1612

Recreation Plus

Ed English 342-1194

RV home site, fully serviced including cable, phone, paved parking pad. Irrigated landscaped strip Amenities Centre will house bathrooms, showers and laundry. Owner will be entitled to acquire membership in the recreation facility. MLS#K151700/K151701

$99,000

Radium Ridge

Jan Klimek 342-1195

John McCarthy 342-1758

Lynda Kirkpatrick 341-1907

Scott Wallace 342-5309

Soak Up the Views

Andy Smith 342-1709

This Horsethief 3 bedroom offers amazing views of Paradise Ridge. New carpet and been freshly painted. Come for mountain biking, hiking, golf and world famous skiing. Buyer to assume New Vision payments of $302.03/month MLS#K119167

Bryan Hookenson 341-1266

Rob Rice 341-5935

Deborah-Kim Rice 342-5935

Getaway in Windermere

Katie Wallace 342-5785

Older cabin in Windermere, sits on a half acre lot with Duplex (R2) Zoning in place for future ideas. No building commitments, private setting, very close to beaches and golf. This property lets you get into the market and have your own place at the lake! MLS# K151785

$275,000

$229,900 + GST

Invermere’s Newest Town Homes

Invermere

Townhouse condo in Invermere features 9ʼ ceilings and cedar siding with shingle accents. Top quality throughout, shaker style wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, solid ¾” hardwood floor, fireplace and ensuite. Full-size developed basement. MLS#K151321

5 bedroom home features a large yard on a corner lot in a quiet part of Invermere. This spotless character home features a wood burning rock fireplace and hardwood floors. Country charm with wood touches and vaulted ceilings make this a cozy home. MLS#K151511

$450,000

$375,000 + GST

Panorama

$439,900

Lakeview Meadows

Enjoy vaulted ceilings, open living, large country kitchen and lots of room for a family.

Great yard with mature trees sheltering the yard giving it privacy. Well built home with many unique details that will be sure to capture your eye and heart. MLS#K150315

Studio unit on the third floor with valley views, fully furnished, ready for you to enjoy for the ski season. Conveniently located in the Upper Village only steps to the pools and the base of the ski lift. Currently in the rental pool. MLS#K151599

Wonderful building lot in Lakeview Meadows to build your dream getaway. Private lake access with recreation centre, tennis court, paved pathway and minutes to golf.

MLS#K151393

The place to be in Radium Hot Springs! Tastefully decorated and furnished 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo. Well manicured grounds, access to pool and hot tub. Beautiful mountain views! Fully furnished and ready to move in. MLS#K150369

Historic Charm

$281,900

Timber Ridge

Beach Access

$234,900 + GST

$249,000

Privacy and Space Plus

This spacious cottage is updated and immaculate. Well groomed yard with underground sprinkler system and mature trees. Glassed in porch allows you to enjoy the outdoors away from the elements. Private Timber Ridge beach and amenities access. Good short term rental income. MLS#K119032

152 acre parcel, 51 acre parcel and a 20 acre parcel being sold as one. 3,700 feet of river front on the Spillimacheen. Incredible views. Bordered by crown land. Possibilities are endless as to what can be done with this property. MLS#K151246

$795,000

$550,000