vol3issue5

Vol. 3/Issue 5

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

February 3, 2006

P IONEER

FRE

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

ARTS SUPPORTER

8 VALLEY PIONEER

Why is this man smiling?

Page 10

16 BUSINESS OWNER

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Mark Himmelspach is the chief owner of Grizzly Ridge Properties, adjacent to Invermere’s town limits.

Photo by Bob Ede

MORE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. EXCEPT WHEN IT COMES TO RETIREMENT SAVINGS. More is definitely good. Start with a modest savings plan and watch your money multiply. Ask us how to get started today.

Invest now.

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

Sweet Treats ♥ Bath Baskets ♥ Manicure/Pedicure Romantic ♥ Chocolate Fondue ♥ Popcorn or your heartʼs desire!

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Home Hardware

Building Centre 342-6908

TIP OF THE WEEK Verna says, “Always observe safety when working on DIY projects.

Home Hardware has a great selection of safety glasses, dust masks and ear protection.”

WE’VE GOT YOUR LUMBER.

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VALLEY NEWS Fishing derby freezing, but fun

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff Fifty-one ice anglers in about 20 pickup trucks and a half-dozen ice fishing shacks dotted the surface of the lake last weekend during the Seventh Annual Station Pub Fishing Derby.

The derby was a fundraiser for Invermere’s planned Mount Nelson Athletic Park and raised $1,340.

Lured by the prospect of winning $450 for first place, anglers spent a brutally cold day on the ice.

Most of the ice anglers huddled against their trucks, parked to block the south wind. A sense of camaraderie filled the frozen air and some anglers took nips from small bottles of whiskey to keep warm.

Some fished near portable fire pits made of rusted old oil barrels welded on platforms with skis. Others took shelter in warm vehicles, their rods hanging out the windows with a fishing line dangling in a hole drilled a few feet from the door.

Anglers inside Susan Wilder’s shack, which she jokingly referred to as Princess Wilder’s Winter Palace, were insulated from the miserable weather outside.

Heated by a small wood stove, the shack was dark except for a rectangular hole in the floor which emitted a luminous, indigo glow. Two-foot rods dangled fluorescent purple pickled maggots in the frigid water.

Prizes were awarded for the longest fish caught in two species: the Northern Pikeminnow or the sucker fish. John Lum of Fort Steele took first place with a 24-inch pikeminnow. David Ruault of Invermere won $35 with the shortest catch of the day, a 11.75-centimetre pikeminnow.

Not small enough - Susan Wilder shows off a little one before having it judged in the smallest catch category.

Father and son - Lewis Lum shows off the winning catch made by his dad John. The Lums are from Fort Steele.

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Huddled for warmth - valley locals Stewart Kennedy, Amanda Kashuba and Harry Kashuba use their pick-up truck as a windblock Saturday. High winds made the lake surface an inhospitable place during the ice fishing derby.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

February 3, 2006

What’s New With The Pioneer!

New Size Starting today, The Pioneer’s size is less rectangular and more square. This means the paper doesn’t have to be folded, so the whole front page is visible at once.

What we have lost by reducing the page size, we have added in the form of extra pages. You will notice that today’s issue has 32 pages – meaning more great stories, features and photographs for our readers to enjoy.

This standard “user-friendly” tabloid format is used by weekly newspapers in Banff, Canmore, Airdrie and other communities in Canada and the world.

New Colour One of the most popular features about The Pioneer is the great colour. Starting today, colour will now

be available on every one of our 32 pages. That means we don’t have to turn advertisers away when our colour capacity runs out. Best of all, we have more room to display our beautiful colour photographs.

During the next year we will be offering many great full-colour special sections.

New Printer Starting today, The Pioneer is being printed by the Calgary Sun’s printing shop, which already prints several weekly newspapers in Alberta.

As a bonus, starting next week the Calgary Sun will now offer a “lead-in” button to our website www. columbiavalleypioneer.com straight from the Calgary Sun’s home page.

The Calgary Sun has also provided us with the bright yellow racks you may have noticed in local businesses, another convenience for our customers.

. . . but these great features remain the same . . .

Our Independence

Our Cost

Our totem animal the grizzly bear still represents our motto: “Fiercely Independent.” The Pioneer continues to be independently owned and operated right here in the valley.

We are still the third-largest independent weekly newspaper in British Columbia and one of the few weeklies that isn’t owned by a large chain.

All revenue from our newspaper goes straight back into the community.

Our loyal readers and many out-oftown guests can still pick up and enjoy The Pioneer at absolutely no cost.

Our readers love it, and so do our advertisers. We think it’s the best deal in Canada!

If you want to show your appreciation, you can support The Pioneer by supporting the advertisers who make our publication possible.

Our Distribution As our circulation grows, so does the number of people receiving The Pioneer in their mailboxes.

Thanks to the excellent support we receive from the folks at Canada Post in Invermere, Canal Flats, Fairmont, Edgewater and Radium, about 3,000 readers now enjoy picking up the paper with their mail.

The rest are hand-delivered to about 100 locations up and down the valley.

Another 600 papers are delivered to 30 convenient locations in Calgary.

New Circulation We started 18 months ago with a circulation of 5,000 newspapers and this has been steadily increasing as the demand from our readers grows. Almost every week we receive a phone call from a valley business: “We need more papers!” Starting today, we will print a minimum of 6,400 copies each week.

New Name You may have already noticed a small name change: starting today, our newspaper will be called The Columbia Valley Pioneer. The change was made to more accurately reflect our circulation area and join many other local businesses who call the Columbia Valley home. We will continue to call our paper “The Pioneer” and we know most of you do, too.

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Our Enthusiasm!

We have a winning formula – an enthusiastic staff, a talented production team, great writers and photographers, and most of all, a deep and abiding love for the Columbia Valley and the people who live here.

Since we began publication 18 months ago, many of our readers have come to regard The Pioneer as an old friend and look forward to receiving their paper each Friday.

Valley residents and visitors have more than one reason to say: “Thank goodness it’s Friday!”

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The Columbia Valley

P IONEER

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342 4406 4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

RCMP Report

Need Blinds? Best Quality & Service Call The Blind Guy!

• January 21: Police with the assistance of Citizens On Patrol apprehended Faron Galbraith of Jaffery, formerly of Parson, and Jeremy Hinton of Creston after stealing a snowmobile from a vehicle parked at an area resort. The males were charged with theft over $5000 and possession of break-in instruments.

• January 22: A Calgary man had his vehicle vandalized while parked at Panorama. The man returned to his vehicle to find the culprit had scratched the word “fag” into the paint. The victim provided police

Interior World 342 4406

Teaser ads for the Pioneer revised July 11th 2005 twag

Smart Growth seminar delayed

A public seminar to explain the principles of “Smart Growth” has been postponed. The guest speaker for the event, sponsored by the local Lions and Kinsmen Clubs, was stranded by bad weather between here and Vancouver.

Rick Hoar, one of the event’ organizers, said the

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with a suspect from personal dealings in Calgary. Police investigation continues.

• January 24: At 12:55 a.m., police stopped a vehicle after disobeying a stop sign in Windermere. The man displayed several signs of impairment and was detained for impaired driving. Police demanded breath samples; however, the man refused. The 46-year-old Calgary driver will appear in court on March 21st, charged with impaired driving and failing to provide breath samples.

meeting has been rescheduled for 7 p.m., February 23 at the high school.

The service clubs decided to host the event in response to demand from the public for an explanation of “smart growth,” a term often used by developers and planners.

Builder buys motel for staff housing

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By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff

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The owners of Radium’s Sable Ridge Condo Development have purchased the Ritz Motel in Radium, with plans to turn it into staff accommodation.

“We’re just in the stages of finalizing it,” said Sable Development president Sam Boguslavsky.

Mr. Boguslavsky said the newly-acquired motel, which sits on four commercial lots on Stanley Street in Radium, will be turned into company accommodation starting this month.

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The former motel will house company workers until all three phases of the new condo complex on Forster’s Landing Road down the hill from The Peaks is complete.

The company is currently building the first phase of the 128-unit condo development. The walls are up and an occupancy date of late summer or early fall is hoped, said Mr. Boguslavsky.

When the Sable Ridge project is complete, Mr. Boguslavsky said the motel may be redeveloped, although there are not yet any plans as to what may be built.

“It has some potential for development down the road,” he said.

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TRAVEL WORLD LTD.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

February 3, 2006

Tim Horton’s looking for new owner

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff Invermere’s Tim Horton’s is under new management while a new owner is being sought.

Original owners John and Kelly Aiello have left after running the coffee and doughnut franchise since it opened in 2004.

The shop has been taken over by Tim Horton’s corporate head office.

Currently five managers dispatched from the Tim Horton’s chain are overseeing the changeover from individual to corporate ownership.

The local Tim Horton’s has been fraught with staffing difficulties since it opened. Last May the shop was forced to close down temporarily because it did not have enough staff.

At the time the Aiellos had about 20 people on staff but they said 45-50 employees were needed to operate smoothly.

Last summer the Aiellos said they were working seven days a week. Staff from the Tim Horton’s in Cranbrook were driving back and forth to give the local shop a helping hand.

Meagen Lewandowski, a Tim Horton’s spokesperson, said the company is trying to find new private ownership for the restaurant.

“We’re actively trying to refranchise it,” she said.

Ms. Lewandowski said the company expects to have new ownership in the next three or four months.

Thrift Store needs your donations now

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff

Volunteer Anne Picton stands beside some of the great bargains at the Thrift Store,

The Invermere Thrift shop is almost out of clothes.

“This has never happened,” said coordinator Marjorie Wright. She said the shortage must be due to the slow time of year together with the increasing demand from customers for the popular items.

“We need donations of absolutely everything from housewares to clothing,” Mrs. Wright said.

Donate your items any time in the bin at the back of the store. Drive into the alley behind the Legion and find the bins are easily accessible.

If you would like to do a little shopping at the same time, the store is open during the winter from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

There are some great buys available right now - The Toby Theatre is in the process of donating thousands of used videos to the Thrift Store, which are on sale for $2 each.

And the pants, skirts and sweaters still available at the store are on sale for $2 each.

Remember that your donations go to a worthy cause: all proceeds raised at the Thrift Store are given to the Invermere Hospital Auxiliary.

Brydon newest chamber of commerce director

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff Invermere town councillor Ray Brydon has been named directorat-large of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.

At last week’s meeting, council voted unanimously to support Mr. Brydon’s nomination to sit on the chamber’s board for one year.

Chamber president Dee Conklin had invited a member of the council to join the chamber.

At the meting Mr. Brydon expressed his interest in being on the board.

Al Miller, owner of Invermere’s Home Hardware and a representative of the chamber, was also present at the meeting. “Our whole idea is we’re a business organization supporting the Columbia Valley,” Mr. Miller told council. “I think we’re closer to the District of Invermere than a lot of other special interest groups.”

Invermere councillor Bob Campall expressed reservation at a formal alliance between the two groups.

“I’d be quite happy with a less formal arrangement that suggests we are not becoming a part of each other’s organizations on a formal level,” said Mr. Campsall.

Invermere councillor Gerry Taft suggested that the title liaison replace member-at-large. “I wonder if it

would alleviate some of the concern to use the word liaison,” he asked council.

Mayor Mark Shmigelsky expressed no concern over the issue. “I’m quite comfortable with councillor Brydon sitting on the board,” he said.

The original motion suggested a period of two years on the chamber board, but council agreed on one year.

The chamber of commerce has made similar offers to administrators in Canal Flats, Fairmont and Radium.

“We’d like to think we can tie ourselves into council and even the Regional District of East Kootenay, so we’re connected to the community a bit better,” said Mr. Miller.

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

You’re very welcome!

Historical Lens

February 3, 2006

Famous guide

Pioneer and big game guide Walter Nixon was in keen demand by hunters all over North America.

He lived near Kootenay Crossing from 1914 to 1918 while setting up his guiding business and over the years took many wellknown people on pack trips into the Assiniboine.

He was twice the local game warden, in 1914 and again in 1929-1930.

In 1943 he was presented with a gold watch by the Governor-General, the Earl of Athlone, after a successful hunting trip. He died in Pynelogs, then the Lady Elizabeth Bruce Memorial Hospital, at the age of 71.

Photo courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher Something very heartwarming happened this week at The Pioneer.

As our readers know, we publish a Faith column each week written by a local pastor, plus a schedule of weekly church services. We include St. Peter’s Lutheran Mission, although this congregation is so small that it does not have its own church or its own minister.

Lutheran Pastor Fraser Coltman of Cranbrook drives to Invermere each Sunday afternoon and conducts a service in the small chapel inside Christ Church Trinity, which in the true Christian spirit offers this meeting space to the Lutherans at no charge.

This week, the Lutherans thanked us for our support by taking up a donation and bringing it into The Pioneer. We were very touched by this generous gesture, especially as it came with a lovely thank you card signed by all 14 members of the congregation.

The card reads: “We appreciate the opportunity you give each minister to regularly write an article for The Pioneer. Thank you for truly being a communityminded newspaper.”

It is visits like this that make our day.

Toby Theatre thanks loyal supporters Dear Editor: The Toby Theatre had a successful re-opening in January after the forced closure by the District of Invermere last fall. Many individuals both near and far from the valley are responsible for the reopening and for that reason we are writing this letter.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to those many people. First, thanks goes to Elinor Florence and her reporter Adrian Bergles who recognized the importance of the Toby Theatre to this community. The articles published in the Pioneer

allowed the people of the community to be informed and then allowed them to become involved in preserving an important part of past and present history and for that we are and will be forever grateful.

Words can not fully express how thankful and grateful we are for all the encouragement we received from all the people who supported us in preserving the Toby Theatre. We truly believe with all our hearts that without the support of the Upper Columbia Pioneer, Columbia Valley residents and also the many individuals from Calgary, Edmonton and places even further away the Toby Theatre would not have re-opened.

Thank you everyone, for all that you have done for us - your letters, phone calls and emails made the difference.

To us the greatest lesson we learned is that when people who care come together - people have power - never forget that.

We are very happy to be open again and look forward to your continued support.

See you at the movies.

Elizabeth and Ron Peters Invermere

The Columbia Valley

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

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 341-6299 Toll Free 1-877-341-6299 Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net www.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 Upper Columbia Pioneer. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the newspapers responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind is limited to the amount paid for by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

Elinor Florence Publisher

Bob Ede Creative Director

Lisa Ede Creative Director

Adrian Bergles

Dave Sutherland

Bob Friesen

Reporter

Advertising Sales

Advertising Sales

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

February 3, 2006

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ‘ALR not fulfilling its mandate’ Dear Editor: The Agricultural Land Commission has approved the removal of 267 hectares of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) to allow an Alberta real estate developer to build more recreational and residential homes.

The land, located on the west side of Windermere Lake in the East Kootenays, has historically been used for cattle grazing by Zehnder Farms Ltd. The Commission made its decision against the advice of key agricultural bodies in the region, including the Windermere District Farmers’ Institute and Livestock Association.

It also disregarded the recommendation of a committee of the local government that a community planning process take place prior to any decision.

In justifying its decision, the Commission stated “development (of the land) for recreational and residential homes would take similar development pressure off other agricultural land in the area.”

However, the decision follows other recent approvals by the Commission for removal of lands from the ALR in the area, including the CastleRock Estates and Westside Park developments.

Increasing development pressures, compounded by low interest rates and the high cost of land in urban areas, have led to increasing applications for the removal of land from the ALR. From 2001 to 2005, the approval of applications to remove land from the ALR in the Kootenay region, measured in hectares, has increased to 85 percent.

British Columbia’s ability to supply food for present and future generations depends on the preserva-

‘Your days are numbered’ Dear Editor: I bet Gerry Taft has never even been to Ottawa. If that’s true, then how did he contract that Ottawa Liberal malady called “culture of entitlement” in Invermere?

The word is arrogance. It affects all kinds of politicians and bureaucrats who have been around too long, and either believe that they are more important in the scheme of things, or they believe they know what’s best for the voters.

Senior positions at the village office have been filled without consultation or reviewing the non-partisan services of a neutral “head-hunter.”

Where can you leave your less senior position with an employer and return later as “the boss?” Ask Chris Prosser.

At a public meeting of the developers of Columbia Garden Village and local residents not too long ago, I asked him in the meeting whom he worked for, because he sounded to me like he was speaking for the developer.

Now that Meredith Hamstead, our newly-appointed town planner, is going on leave, how is her appointment going to play out with all the rezoning processes in the works?

In-breeding may be a possible term to describe the relationship between mayor, council and senior administrative staff.

When you offend voters and impose upon them, your days are numbered.

Bob Nemeth Invermere

tion of farmland. The ALR was established in the early 1970s, for the purpose of protecting scarce agricultural land, in perpetuity, from the inevitable pressures of development.

Agricultural production on ALR land supports the livelihood of over 200,000 British Columbians, contributes over $2.2 billion to the provincial economy, and provides for 50 percent of our food needs.

Zehnder Farms Ltd., with funding support from West Coast Environmental Law, unsuccessfully sought reconsideration of the Commission’s decision.

They are now investigating further legal options for appealing the decision.

Zehnder Farms Ltd. Rural Invermere

‘Europeans have run out of wilderness - now they want ours’ Dear Editor: I agree with Olympian Beckie Scott when she says: “The things we have in Canada that are so rare everywhere else in the world are wilderness and wildlife - Jumbo Glacier Resort would devastate . . .”

We know Europeans are behind the resort, and why? Because they’ve run out of wilderness themselves - they have built resorts and chalets on every mountain, higher and higher, and lines of SUVs follow.

Many mountain areas in Switzerland look

like suburbs. The developers must see us as the new future because we still have unspoiled areas.

They see us as a potential profit for them.

We do offer our wilderness experience for tourists and travellers, but not on the scale of the Jumbo Resort, which would be a travesty in our landscape, an invasion of European overdevelopment right here at home.

Let’s say no.

Holley Rubinsky Kaslo

‘Don’t put words in my mouth’ Dear Editor: I read with interest another creative letter from Mr. Pacey, especially in regards to a conversation he apparently had with me at the recent Jumbo Real Estate Market Open House.

Mr. Pacey, like all Jumbo supporters, tends to see things in the light that suits them the best.

For some reason he has decided to plant words in my mouth once again, as he did in his earlier letter. This is a typical tactic of those who know their struggle is not going to lead to victory for them.

At no point have I ever commented on the

effluent that a real estate grab like Jumbo would produce, let alone commenting on nitrogen/ phosphorus content of the effluent of such a land speculation.

Poop is poop as far as I am concerned when it comes to my fresh water, and the unscrupulous spin comments of real estate speculators!

If Jumbo supporters are willing to fabricate conversations and print them in our local papers, their true colours are finally revealed.

Dave Quinn, Program Manager Wildsight Kimberley

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

VALLEY

Movies for the mind

Treat your Sweetheart to the 4th Annual

Windermere Firemen’s

Sweetheart Dance Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Windermere Hall th

Dinner: 7 pm • Dance: 9 pm Tickets $25 available from Jim Miller 342-9006, Skookum Inn Store, Dave’s Book Bar or any Windermere Fireman

By Sandra Kelly Special to The Pioneer

We are just a click away!

www.uppercolumbiapioneer.com Family Resource Centre of Invermere

Invites you to a

OPEN HOUSE

To share information about the Columbia Valley Dragon Boat Race and Festival

February 7th from 3pm - 9pm Radium Resort Come and check out plans for the 2006 event.

See you there!

Jennifer Woodburn organizes the popular independent film series Cinefest.

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Jennifer Woodburn has lived in resort communities both in Canada and in the States, and she knows this for sure: in a small town, it’s important to get involved.

With that in mind, she volunteered her services to the Columbia Valley Arts Council soon after moving to Invermere two years ago. She has no formal training in the arts, and her career background is in sales and marketing at mountain resorts.

But she’s always had both a personal interest in the arts and a strong conviction about their importance in small-town life.

“Anywhere you live, there are ways to get involved,” she says. “In small towns, sports and athletics are prominent, but I think it’s equally important to keep the arts alive. It helps to keep a balance.”

For the second year in a row, Ms. Woodburn is coordinating Cinefest, a film series program mounted annually by the Arts Council, in cooperation with the Toby Theatre. Cinefest is a short series of current Canadian and international films made outside the Hollywood studio system.

Dance!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

February 3, 2006

ENTERTAINMENT This year’s series features: • February 13th: Capote • March 13th: Everything is Illuminated • April 10th: Pride and Prejudice • May 15th: Mrs. Henderson Presents • June 12th: A Simple Curve.

All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Arts Council, to support the Pynelogs Cultural Centre and other arts programs.

As Cinefest’s volunteer coordinator, Ms. Woodburn plays a key role in choosing the films that will be shown. She begins by reviewing a list of 60 or more titles provided by Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival. From that list she culls 10 or 12 films, summarizes their plots, and then presents her recommendations to the council.

The council’s selection criteria are simple, she says.

“We always try to include one or more Canadian films.

We avoid anything that’s too violent, or too risqué.

What’s most important is that the films be of interest to people in the valley.”

A Simple Curve, in particular, should play well here, she says.

“It’s a semi-autobiographical film made by a man from Creston, so there’s a strong local connection.”

Good or bad, tame or controversial, the Cinefest

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

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

Toby Theatre • Feb. 3/4 - Memoirs of a Geisha • Feb. 8/9/10/11 - Cheaper by the Dozen 2

February 5 • 2 pm, Superbowl Party at Copper City.

February 5-11:

February 6 • 7 pm: Town Hall Meeting, Edgewater Legion.

February 7 • 7:30 pm: Columbia Valley Rockies vs. Golden.

• 3-9 pm: Radium Resort. Open House. Information about the Columbia Valley Dragon Boat Race and Festival.

February 11 • 2 p.m. Valentine’s Day Tea, Radium Seniors’ Hall,

line-up is not typical film fare, says Ms. Woodburn.

“It’s a great opportunity for valley residents to see something a little different. These are independent films that wouldn’t necessarily get shown in a small community like ours.”

She stresses that without the generosity of the Toby Theatre, Cinefest simply wouldn’t be possible.

“They are terrific people to work with.”

Ms. Woodburn was born in Dover, New Hampshire, but raised in Saskatoon. Twelve years ago she met her husband Mark Woodburn at Whistler Ski Resort, where they both worked.

Together they went to Copper Mountain, the largest ski resort in Colorado. Five years later, they decided to start a family. A decision was imminent.

“We really wanted to raise our children in Canada,” she says. “Invermere appealed to us because it’s a town first, and a resort community second. The people are great and the scenery is majestic.”

Mark Woodburn is now the general manager at Panorama Mountain Village. As for Jennifer, she’s currently a stay-at-home mom to five-year-old son Max. In addition to working for the Arts Council, she serves as a volunteer member of the board of directors at the Windermere Valley Pre-School, which Max attends. “It’s another way to be involved,” she says.

$4 for tea and homemade goodies, proceeds to the Edgewater-Radium Hospital Auxiliary.

• 7:30 pm: Columbia Valley Rockies vs. Kimberley.

February 13 • 7 pm: Cinefest movie Capote, the life story of writer Truman Capote, tickets $10 each, Toby Theatre, proceeds to the Columbia Valley Arts Council.

February 14 • 6-9:30 p.m. Food, Love and Art at Pynelogs, a romantic meal prepared and enjoyed by couples, organized by Chiziko Purschwitz, $59/couple, call 342-4423.

February 15 • 7 pm: Town Hall Meeting, Brisco Hall.

February 21 • 7 pm: Town Hall Meeting, Windermere Hall.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS Historical Pynelogs Gallery located on the shores of Invermere on the Lake will be re-opening their doors for another successful season on April 15th, 2006. This much improved venue will be host to artist exhibits, special events, workshops and concerts April through October.

To enrich the Gallery’s upcoming 2006 Programs, the Columbia Valley Arts Council is ‘Calling all Artists’ in the Columbia Kootenay area to show us your artwork.

Pynelogs Gallery and the CVAC seek a wide variety of mediums to display at the Gallery. Whether you are an established artist, new to the area, or have a special interest in photography, painting, sculpture, glass, wood or stone carving... or, mixed media, all work will be considered and we’d love to have you give us a call.

For those artists who are interested in offering workshops and classes, we are in the process of organizing our Workshop calendar for 2006. Please let us know if you are interested in teaching a workshop.

Please contact the CVAC through Jami Scheffer, Pynelogs Cultural Centre Administrative Coordinator at 342-4423 by February 15th, 2006.

Come Celebrate Your Art! February 28 • Valdy and Gary Fjellgaard, together in concert.

Two of Canada’s true gentlemen singer/songwriters, storytellers and troubadours teamed together on the concert stage. Visit their website: http://www.quillsquotesandnotes.com/ws-valdy-fjellgaard.htm. Tickets on sale at Pynelogs, Dave’s and Stober’s.

OTHER • 5:45-6:45 pm Sundays, public skating for all ages.

• 7 pm Wednesdays, Archery, Invermere Hall.

• 11 am-noon Fridays, adult skating at the arena.

• Noon-1 pm Fridays, parent/tot skating at the arena.

• Climbing Wall, J.A. Laird School gym. 3-6 pm Fridays; 5-8 pm Saturdays and Sundays; $5 drop-in fee.

Call 342-6232 for info.

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February 25 • Wildlife Banquet, Windermere District Rod and Gun Club, Invermere Community Hall.

February 27 • 7 pm: Town Hall Meeting, Fairmont Resort.

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

The first phase of the proposed Grizzly Ridge development, called WestMount Estates, would see residential housing built with these spectacular lake and mountain views. Photo by Bob Ede

Grizzly Ridge: a developer’s dream

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff Mark Himmelspach isn’t your typical real estate developer.

In fact, real estate was intended as a sideline for the silver-haired 45-yearold former lawyer, who left his Calgary practice in 1986 to enter the world of creating and selling businesses.

“Real estate was supposed to be a reasonably easy game,” he said this week, a little ruefully. “I was somewhat naive about the process.”

He was referring to the process of purchasing 3,280 acres of land and having part of it removed from the Agricultural Land Reserve, having 1,173 acres annexed to the District of Invermere, amending Invermere’s Official Community Plan, rezoning, subdividing, developing and building.

Mr. Himmelspach said it’s taking a lot longer than his past experience led him to expect. “You can negotiate with companies more quickly because both are motivated to conclude a deal,” he said.

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However, he said the process of dealing with local and regional authorities is “a legitimate process” and deserves the time it requires to get things done properly.

If Mr. Himmelspach succeeds in his quest, his company called Grizzly Ridge Properties - of which he is the major shareholder - will increase the size of the town by almost 50 percent. The District of Invermere currently covers 2,684 acres.

Mr. Himmelspach was born and raised in Estevan, Saskatchewan where

his father worked as a construction foreman in the oilfield.

He earned a commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a law degree from Osgoode Hall in Toronto. He moved to Calgary in 1986 when he was employed by a large law firm, Bennett Jones.

He and several partners then formed their own company called North Ridge Canada, a petroleum marketing company. They operated the company for nine years and then sold it to Trans-Canada Pipelines, where Mr. Himmelspach re-

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February 3, 2006 mained as a part-time senior vice-president until 1998.

During the same period, he and six partners started another company called Metronet Communications, a telecommunications company that was ultimately sold to AT&T in 1998.

North Ridge was a significant shareholder and provided senior management to Metronet.

Along the way he and his partners bought and sold petroleum exploration companies, invested heavily in the technology sector and even bought and refurbished Grace Hospital in Calgary.

In 1997 Mr. Himmelspach and his wife Karen Coe purchased a second home in the valley, a Europeanstyle hunting lodge built for Hans Leverkus’s father. Hans is the owner of Elkhorn Ranch near Windermere, and the property was one of several acreages subdivided and sold by him.

The couple has spent their weekends here ever since, although Mr. Himmelspach said he’s been living here about half-time since embarking on his latest real estate venture.

When he can tear himself away from his work, the couple relaxes by exploring the back country, hiking, snowmobiling and quadding.

Mr. Himmelspach’s wife Karen Coe has her own dynamic career. With a doctorate in clinical psychology, she operates an executive search company in Calgary called Coe and Company.

They have one son named Chad, who is finishing high school this year at a private school called Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island.

Several years ago Mr. Himmelspach became determined to purchase and develop property here and spent many

Businessman Mark Himmelspach is the chief shareholder in Grizzly Ridge Properties. hours combing the valley for likely prospects.

The Hofert property - a huge area of some 20,000 acres on the west side of the lake - had been purchased by an American company and mostly chopped up and sold, although one 3,280-parcel remained.

Mr. Himmelspach was told that the property was still in the Agricultural Land Reserve and therefore unable to be developed.

But he made inquiries and discovered that 1,250 acres had been removed from the land reserve - a fact even the vendor didn’t know.

“It was owned by a large U.S. company and I guess nobody had checked on the details,” he said. As a result, he purchased the land for an attractive price in December 2004 and went to work. He has since had another 660 acres removed from the land reserve.

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So far the property has been extensively mapped and fenced and a tentative development plan prepared, beginning with a first phase of residential housing on the lakeshore to be called WestMount Estates.

Mr. Himmelspach hosted an open house at Pynelogs Cultural Centre recently to unveil his plan to the public and ask for feedback. About 120 people attended.

Mr. Himmelspach said he wants to ensure that people know what is taking place and doesn’t want the public to think there are any backroom decisions being made with the District of Invermere, which he said has proven to be a tough negotiator.

Questions from those attending the open house fell into three main categories, he said.

“The biggest issue was keeping the land open for recreational use. People

are very concerned that the district doesn’t have a trail network.” As requested by the district, he has created an interconnected trail network leading between green areas.

Although a developer is legally required to hand over five percent of developable lands for parkland, Mr. Himmelspach is proposing to dedicate 17 percent of the total property to public parkland. The initial reaction from Invermere council was that this is not sufficient. Mr. Himmelspach said he believes the offer is generous.

The second question asked by most people was about water availability.

Mr. Himmelspach said initially Paddy Ryan Lakes plus the existing aquifer in Athalmer should provide enough water, although ultimately the lake might have to be looked at as the source.

The third issue was traffic. Since Westside Road is clearly unable to accommodate that much traffic, the plan allows for a second main connector road to run straight through the CastleRock subdivision and join the existing town limits somewhere behind Pine Ridge.

Mr. Himmelspach said it’s the district’s responsibility to provide for a road through town, but it is his understanding that the Westside Connector will run along Canyon View Road and down into the Athalmer subdivision behind the sewage lagoons, emerging on the Panorama Road on the east side of Toby Creek.

It’s a complex plan, and there are many areas yet to be discussed. For now, Mr. Himmelspach intends to move through the public process and hope for a speedy resolution.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” he said.

“But then, I’m always optimistic.”

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

Helping hands for local RCMP

These volunteers had to receive a face full of pepper spray as part of their training. From left to right: Kent Ervin, Jim Collins, Robin Dupuis and Wendy Brenneman passed their test to become RCMP Auxiliary Constables.

By Sandra Kelly Special to The Pioneer For Kent Ervin, volunteering to serve as an Auxiliary Constable with the Invermere detachment of the RCMP was an easy decision.

“I’ve been a member of Citizens on Patrol for the past 13 years,” says the first-year electrical apprentice.

“I enjoy serving the community, and the Auxiliary Constable Program gave me another way to do that.”

Mr. Ervin is one of four valley residents who signed on last year to assist the RCMP in keeping Invermere safe. In December, he and fellow volunteers Wendy Brenneman, Robin Dupuis and Jim Collins completed their training, and are now ready to serve. In order to maintain their status as Auxiliary Constables, they must serve a minimum of 160 hours this year.

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Canada, but each province coordinates its own version of the program. B.C. has roughly 500 auxiliary constables on voluntary duty now, and is expected to double that number by the end of this year.

Constable Derrick Francis of the Invermere RCMP says the purpose of the program is not to increase staff, but to strengthen community and police partnerships.

“Across this country there is a push on to get citizens more involved in community policing. Auxiliary constables are not extra police officers. Their role in policing is complementary.”

Auxiliary constables are “very helpful” to police, he adds. “Full-time RCMP officers are subject to transfer, but auxiliary constables are grounded in the communities in which they serve. They know the local history and geography, and in many cases they know the people they’re dealing with.”

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Before being accepted to the program, the four local volunteers were subjected to a security clearance, including a criminal record check and a review of character references. Their work history and life experience also were taken into account.

From May to December last year, they completed 140 hours of training, 70 percent of which took place in the classroom. Much of that training was about the role of the RCMP in upholding Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with regard to such matters as the right to privacy, the rights of victims and offenders, illegal search and seizure, and the limits placed on power of arrest. They learned about basic police procedures and about community-based programs that involve the RCMP. Upon graduation, the volunteers became sworn peace officers. They will wear the uniform of the RCMP while performing authorized duties. They will help to deliver programs pertaining mostly to public safety and crime prevention. Off duty, they won’t present themselves as police officers, but they will represent the RCMP at public events such as the Canada Day Parade.

In order to get firsthand experience with law enforcement, they will ride along on patrols, but only in a support role. Auxiliary constables don’t carry firearms or engage in front-line police activities that might put them at risk “An auxiliary constable would never, for example, be sent out alone to approach a parked vehicle,” says Constable Francis.

Robin Dupuis, who manages the pools at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, says the chance to participate in the program couldn’t have come along at a better time.

“I am considering a career in full-time police work, so this hands-on experience will help me to determine if it’s the right job for me. In the meantime, it’s a good way to give back to the community.”

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

February 3, 2006

The

D A O R to

GOLD

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Happy Birthday, Christine! accommodation with an Italian family. The pair will stay the week for 500 As Christine Keshen Euros, or about $700 Caprepares for her trip to nadian. the Olympics in Torino, “Leah’s been great Italy later this month her communicating with the family is beside her all Italians and getting us the way, cheering her on accommodation,” said with their love and supWarren. port.

Warren said he and This week Christine Christine have a close is in Kamloops preparrelationship. The siblings ing for the Olympics at are roommates in Calthe Strauss Canada Cup, gary, since for the past a lucrative tournament few months Christine Christine and the Team has rented a room at her Kleibrink rink won last little brother’s place. year.

Warren said ChrisChristine’s parents tine’s schedule has been Jack and Carol will be hectic since she qualified there, as they have been for the Olympics. “I’ve for many of Christine’s barely seen her,” he said. exciting moments of the Although she isn’t goChristine, who turns 28 on February 6th, is embraced her her proud mother Carol Keshen of Invermere. past two months. ing to the Olympics with Immediately after her daughter, Carol will the Canada Cup, Chrisbe sending a little home at the Olympics are kept separate from competitors. tine will return to Calgary where she’ll spend her 28th cooking with the team.Her granola bars will fuel the Together with the cost, those were the deciding factors birthday on February 6th before leaving for Italy and Kleibrink team while they chase the gold in Italy. that are keeping the Keshens at home. the Olympics the next day. Jack will be there offering The bars were made famous during the Olympic “We might get a bigger TV set,” laughed Carol. last-minute advice and encouragement. Unfortunately trials when CBC TV did a feature on what the team However, Christine will still have family support Carol has to work and will stay behind in Invermere. was eating between ends. in Torino. Her boyfriend Mike DuBois and brother Proud parents Jack and Carol made it to the OlymThe bars caught the attention of the broadcaster Warren will head over to cheer for her. pic trials in Halifax in December and spent much of because they stood out form the packaged food items Warren, who graduated from David Thompson the last week in Calgary as the Kleibrink rink practised that other teams were eating.

Secondary School in 1998, decided to make the trip and attended Olympic send-off galas.

“For the next few days I’ll be making granola for to Italy when his sister was at the Olympic trials in “We’re very, very proud of her,” said Christine’s the Canada Cup and the Olympics,” said Carol proudHalifax. mom Carol. ly. “That was an order from Shannon Kleibrink.”

“I couldn’t get to Halifax so I told Christine ‘I’m Jack, a retired electrician and developer, doesn’t For the record, Carol said the only performance going to save my money and go to the Olympics,’” he have to worry about getting time off. Carol, who enhancers in the bars are granola, craisins, raisins, alsaid. works at Invermere hospital as an X-ray technologist, monds, sunflower seeds, corn syrup, honey and peaWarren, 26, works as a manager at an oilfield serhas been using banked overtime to get out and watch nut butter. vice company in Calgary. He had help organizing the her daughter’s progress. “We’ve followed the team And when Christine and team Kleibrink return to trip from his girlfriend Leah Berti, who is a bilingual around Canada,” said Carol.

Canada after the Olympics her whole family will be Italian-Canadian.

When the Olympic Games begin, Jack and Carol there to meet her.

The Canadian Olympic Committee has arranged will be watching from afar, however. “It may be time “We’ll be there to greet her when she comes back hotels for many of the families going to the Olympics. to sit back and watch for a while,” she said. into the country,” said Carol.

The price per bed is a staggering $235 per night, per Unlike Canadian curling events, family members “This is a very special time for us.” person. With Leah’s help, Warren was able to arrange

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

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Windermere home wins gold award

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The Columbia

Valley

Pioneer

Werner and Mary Ann Rombach

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff For Mary Ann Rombach and her husband Werner, a prize-winning dream home in Lakeview Meadows is the place to unwind after a lifetime of hard work.

“It’s a culmination of Werner’s life’s work in Canada,” said Mary Ann, 58,.

The home won the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Kelowna Gold Award for excellence in a single-family detached home over 4,500 square feet.

Wenrer, a retired mechanic and builder, acquired funds for the 5,000square-foot home by selling 112 acres of land on the east side of the lake that he bought in the 1960s. That property has since become Lakeview Meadows.

The Rombachs, who have been married since 1979, moved into the house in December 2004, “even though there was still tiling and painting done under our noses,” said Mary Ann. The large home is a blend of traditional and modern features. Many windows highlight the building’s stunning 180-degree lake views. “The concept was to feel like you were outside even when you were inside,” said Mary Ann. Werner, aged 73, came to the valley from Germany in 1957. His culture is reflected in the home’s design and construction. Werner’s cousin, an architect from Germany, came to Canada to design the home. “He told me this is the most beautiful house he’s ever built,” said Mary Ann.

No expense was spared in creating the home. “The only way I tried to save money was to shop like a maniac and get the best price,” said Many Ann who was the general contractor on the project. “I didn’t want to spare anything on quality.”

The home allows Mary Ann, a marriage and family therapist, to work out of her home. It also allows Werner, who has suffered two serious strokes, to get around comfortably. Among its features are ramps and widened doors to accommodate Werner. The third floor provides living quarters for Werner’s caregiver.

The home also features environmentally-sound features like partial solar heating and German-made electric blinds which can be programmed to the home’s thermostat. They keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter.

The home’s insulation is even made of recycled newsprint and cardboard.

The triple-paned, gas-filled windows were made in Austria.

The decision to enter the home in the running for an award was Mary Ann’s.

She pressured Canadian Timberframes, a Golden-based company who did the timber frame work, to enter.

“They did such a great job I wanted people to be recognized,” she said.

Wood beams soar above the rooms.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

February 3, 2006

Change is good If you think something seems different

this respect we have been a resounding about this week’s Pioneer, you are cor- success. Our circulation is more than rect. double any other local newspaper, as we Not only has the name changed have become the newspaper of choice from The Upper Cofor readers in the lumbia Pioneer to Columbia Valley.

The Columbia ValPersonally, I ley Pioneer but the have been involved format has also unin newspapers or dergone a face lift. printing and pubThis newspaper lishing most of my is now a standard life. More than 35 tabloid format. What years ago I was busy does that mean for mixing up metal Pioneer readers? At type as my father first glance it may hand-set headlines not seem like much while he published

By Bob Ede, Pioneer Staff has changed. Perthe Lake Windermere haps you may not Valley Echo. have even noticed I have been elthe difference. bow-deep in printThe unique reporter’s ink while frustrated ing and photography with old presses, and I is still at your fingerhave delivered papers tips, as is the large readable type and the up and down the valley. There are few colorful layout. jobs in the newspaper shop I have not For all of us who work at the Pio- done. neer, however, the change has not gone With the new format change comes without a degree of turmoil. For a few a new, or should I say extra assignment months now we have been preparing for for me, as our publisher Elinor Florence the change, reformatting page and ad- has asked me to write a regular column vertisement sizes, consulting with a new for The Pioneer. web printer and recalibrating colour and It is something I am looking forward print settings, among other details. to and hope to have a few laughs along We are confident the extra effort the way while looking over a shoulder will be well worth it to our readers. You at our past, or asking a question or two will notice if you compare this issue about the trail we are travelling. with last week’s paper that we have more While the area continues to grow pages, more colour and the entire issue and we welcome many new citizens and is now printed on a white high-quality businesses to our community it will be paper throughout. This will allow us to important to respect the people that continue to grow and give you more of came before us and protect the beautiwhat you love about your Friday news- ful lakes, rivers and mountains that surpaper. round us.

The Pioneer, from its inception, The Pioneer will endeavour to bring has striven to produce an interesting the issues of importance to our readers, newspaper that is read by all people while honouring the trust that you put who call the Columbia Valley home. In in us.

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The Columbia Valley

P IONEER

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

VALLEY PIONEERS

By Dorothy Isted Special to The Pioneer

Nolan and Frances Rad

In 1946 the doctor told Nolan Rad’s father he had to give up painting due to lead poisoning and move somewhere he could breathe fresh air.

The family of four each pointed out a blind spot on the map and Nolan’s father used a compass to find the place equidistant from each. It was the Columbia Valley.

Nolan’s father listed their home and by chance, a couple had just walked in to the realtor’s Vancouver office to sell their place on Toby Benches. In short order a deal was struck.

For the city boys, it was a culture shock of the best order. Nolan and his brother Darryl quickly had to adjust to no electricity, battling home invasion grizzlies, hunting for their meat, cutting logs for their heat and walking five miles into town to play hockey against the Invermere boys.

One day 12-year-old Nolan woke up “stone deaf.”

The doctor guessed that it was caused by the ‘sudden’ change in altitude and the only cure would be for the family to relocate to a lower elevation.

The boy with a high sense of adventure prayed mighty hard to God that he wouldn’t have to leave the place that had branded itself on his soul. His prayers were answered and the condition gradually disappeared.

Nolan’s teen years were idyllic with horses, camping and hunting trips and close encounters with danger. He and his brother helped their parents build and run their tourist camp at Lake Lillian.

By the time he was 19 he found himself drinking too many beers and decided one day he could do better things with his money. So he purchased the first part of his ranch from Columbia Valley Fruit Irrigation pioneers Gladys and George Watt.

Later he purchased the adjoining property once owned by the Phillips, featured in the book Letters from Windermere.

Nolan married Frances Bartusch in 1953 and the couple had four children: Twila, Anna, Frank and Troy. All live in the valley except Frank who resides in Cranbrook. The Rads have seven grandchildren.

Until as late as the sixties, women with children were not permitted to work outside the home. Fran had to resign her nursing position during her first pregnancy but was able to resume it in 1967. Dad worked days and Mom worked evenings, ensuring there was always someone home for the kids.

Because the courses were not available locally, Nolan took diesel and automotive mechanics, electronic engineering, and mechanical drafting by correspondence while still in high school. He then went on to work in forestry, mining, servicing automobiles, and

Noland Rad and his wife Frances have four childre and seven grandchildren. painting houses.

When Nolan and Fran decided to purchase some horses, Fran reasoned that they should avoid “the fiftydollar horses” and get into a breed to keep the kids interested and off the streets.

They ended up with Paso Finos, descendents of the horses Christopher Columbus brought to America.

These animals are called ‘the Cadillac of horses’ due to their smooth ride. They were a relatively unknown breed at the time, having been smuggled in to the United States on a cargo plane by a U.S. military man in the 1950s.

The Peruvians bred them for a gait which made them ride and show well.

They called the horses their “best-kept secret” since the Americans didn’t discover them for 500 years. The Rads’ in-town acreage was large and accommodated the livestock well, running on the east side of the street north of Eileen Madson school to the sharp corner by the high school.

Nolan then hit what he calls “a low spot” in his life. His house was paid for and it seems he’d run out of goals. That was when Fran suggested he try drilling for water on his Toby Benches property.

It took two years to get good results and coincided with the obvious need to get out of town for safety’s sake. Kids love horses, and now there were more of them visiting since Laird school had been recently built. The Rads began to worry that someone might get hurt, especially if they got on the wrong side of their stallion.

By this time, the whole family had joined Nolan in his hunting and trapping adventures. Living on a ranch suited them all well.

Their reputation as producers of excellent horses has grown and people come from all over North American to view and purchase their champion stock.

The Rads have heard countless stories of injured and disabled people drastically improving their health after riding these horses.

Twila and Anna are running the ranch now, with regular help from the rest of the family. Fran, an accomplished seamstress, makes all the winter coats for her grandchildren and swims regularly with her friends.

Osteoarthritis has slowed Nolan down but he still likes to get out in the woods and remains an active member of area wildlife and conservation groups.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

February 3, 2006

Nolan Rad, left, stands with his brother Darryl, right, and their little sister Valda along with their dog Rum.

Close encounters of the furry kind Copied from Nolan Rad’s unpublished manuscript Tales of a Kootenay Boy and used with permission of the author.

It’s now near the end of March 1949. Ted and Curtis Carlson and my brother Darryl and me were going prospecting. We were going to get rich.

Dad lines us up and says: “You boys be careful now.” We went down into the Toby Creek Canyon and checked out old diggings.

It was slippery at this time of year down there with lots of ice, and besides that the bears weren’t out of hibernation yet.

By about ten o’clock in the morning all of a sudden one of us spotted what was left of a mule deer carcass. We then find what’s left of a mountain goat.

We climbed up about 75 feet and doubled back.

Well, we came to a small fir tree and all remarked how all the limbs were missing as high as you could reach. Three good clues for a detective but none of us were detectives.

When we were looking at the tree my brother spots a hole going into the cliff. We find that it is

an old prospect shaft following a small copper vein.

We dig some of the dirt out of the entrance so it was big enough to get in.

Darryl sits down and starts feet first into the hole. I’m standing directly behind him. Curtis is to his right and Ted to his left. Darryl has a prospector’s pick in his right hand. When he is up to his waist he half turns and says to me: “Give me some matches so I can see when I get in there.”

I said, “You don’t need any matches. Have a look.”

He turns back to go in and dear mother there’s a bear’s head between Darryl’s legs.

He lets out a bellow and hammers that bear right on the nose with the prospector’s pick.

Well, this really gets the bear’s attention: he’s wide awake now. That bear comes right over my brother and straight at me.

I turn and make three jumps down the shale hillside and land, still running, right on the ice in the middle of the creek. (Later we checked it out.

I did about 25 feet to the jump. Probably beat all records that day.)

Anyways, as the bear was flattening out my brother he reached out and slapped Ted in the side of his face.

A few light claw marks, nothing serious. Ted took off running but when he looked over his shoulder the bear was right behind him.

He grabbed some exposed tree roots and over the cliff he went. The bear ran right over his hands.

That bear was Long Gone John in seconds.

After we quit hollering at each other and gathered our wits, we regrouped and decided that the bear had to be as young and as dumb as us.

We went to work and dug the entrance out properly. We went into the tunnel, about 12 or 15 feet long, and looked the place over.

At the very back end the bear had his bed made of the fir boughs off the tree at the entrance. On the right hand side coming out was a toilet area, only a very small amount.

Now an old saying is: The good Lord looks after drunks and fools. Well, he sure was looking after us that day. And as you would know, we sure got raked over the coals when we got home and told dad.”

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

BUSINESS

Pip’s Country Store serves folks in Edgewater

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff

Store owners Mike Hutchinson and Karel Wood.

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“We basically bought Karel a job,” said Michael, laughing.

Karel and Michael purchased the shop in December 2004.

They had already bought a parcel of land and moved to Edgewater 18 months earlier after living in Invermere for many years.

The decision to pursue the store was Karel’s.

“One day I was watching all the people come in and out, and so I asked the owner if he wanted to sell,” said Karel. “He said: ‘Yeah, come talk to me.’”

When the opportunity to buy the shop arose, Michael, who also works as a carpenter the for Rocky Mountain School Division, was easily convinced. “I thought it was a good idea,” he said.

The purchase of Pip’s has put the construction of the couple’s dream home temporarily on hold.

“Money for our dream house bought the store,” said Michael.

“Now we’re hoping our store will build our dream house.”

Karel, 40, and Michael, 53, last summer each time somebody have been together for seven years. bought gas the price at the till They have four children: Andi, 6, would be lower than the price at McKenna, 4, and Josh, 3. The cou- the pump. ple’s other daughter, Kelsey, 16, is The replacement ended the Karel’s from an earlier relationship days of free gas at Pip’s but as soon whom Michael raises as his own. as the machine was replaced, the Karel and Michael are the price of gas fell. “By the time we got shop’s fifth owners. The name - the new one installed gas had gone Pip’s Country Store - was inherited under a dollar,” laughed Karel. when Pip and Dennis Horn sold Karel and Michael say their the business. prices on most items are competiInside the small shop is chock- tive but they are beaten by larger a-block with items. Karel calls the chain stores on some of their shop a convenience store and the items. shop sells everything from takeFuture plans for Pip’s include away pizza that customers can cook building a patio and turning an old at home, to cigarettes, windshield log shed into an ice cream counter. wipers, and dog food.

The couple may also renovate the Pip’s is the only grocery, liquor, building’s facade, currently a faux and gas vendor in Edgewater and brick. it caters to the needs of the small The couple takes pride in optown’s residents. erating the store and being at the “We can’t have 20 different centre of the community. brands of the same item,” said Mi“The store is an information chael, “but if we don’t have it, we’ll centre,” says Karel. “People will usually try to get it.” call from Calgary and say: ‘Do you Since Karel and Michael took know if so-and-so is in town?’” over, they’ve increased the stock, Michael says the learning curve bought new cash registers and rewas during the first year of Call Thesteep Blind Guy! placed the counting machine that ownership and the couple is lookInterior World monitors gas sales inside the shop.

342 4406 ing forward to their second year in “The old machine wouldn’t charge. keep up if gas was over a dollar,” “I’m so glad the first year is said Michael. For about six weeks over,” says Karel.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

February 3, 2006

Local graphic designer founder of ‘The Local View’

By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff

Steve Mantyka, owner and publisher of The Local View.

Your Local

Steve Mantyka, founder and editor of The Local View, is fulfilling a path in journalism he began as student graphic editor at the old David Thompson Secondary School in Invermere.

The small weekly newspaper printed on coloured stock is free and available at many businesses in the valley. Each week during the winter 1,500 copies of the Local View are distributed on Thursdays at businesses from Brisco to Canal Flats. “It goes over 2,000 during the peak season,” said Steve.

“I’ve had a long-term relationship with print,” says Steve, who was born and raised in the valley. However, Steve’s connection to journalism goes deeper than that. In the mid-1980s Steve was a student of broadcast journalism at Columbia College in Calgary.

After finishing his course, Steve came back to the valley and worked at several jobs unrelated to journalism. His first opportunity to earn a paycheque in his chosen field came at The Valley Echo, where Steve landed a job doing graphic design in the late 1990s. “I worked at The Valley Echo in production and thought there was need for another form of communication,” he said.

That job lasted a couple of years, but it had planted a seed in Steve’s mind. “I started thinking about all these little papers that are popping up everywhere,” he said. In July 2003 Steve put his ideas into action and produced the first copy of The Local View.

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Married for the past 10 years to Audrey, Steve has two adult stepsons. His idea was to create an entertainment guide for the Columbia Valley. “It’s the quick and dirty,” he says. “In ten seconds or less, what’s going on.”

Regular features include the Rink Think hockey trivia question, Brisco crib notes, a joke or two and a short column written by Steve. “It’s fun to sit back and dream up sports questions and then find the answers,” said Steve.

Back in 2003 when Steve began The Local View the media landscape in the valley was much different than it is today. Steve was confident there would be a market for his paper. “In my eyes many small businesses couldn’t afford to advertise, and The Echo being small couldn’t cover everything.”

Steve writes much of the copy for the small newspaper and relies on contributors to help fill up the pages. His friends and family have all been recruited to deliver The Local View and to help make the paper work.

For Steve, The Local View is a labour of love. “It basically pays for itself and a little bit more,” he said.

To make ends meet, Steve works at Palliser Printing in his familiar role as a graphic designer. These days the Local View is an evening and weekend job.

Steve takes pride in his creation. “I’m always running into people who say they read it and love it,” said Steve.

“It’s about people in the community. They make it happen.”

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

February 3, 2006

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22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

The Old Zone

8:00pm 9:15pm

Now I’m thinking I should have let Donna proofread last week’s story. Oh, well, I guess she’s not ready for tropical retirement quite yet!

Lying here on the beach, the day before we fly home, has me rethinking the whole idea, too. How can I properly follow the Oilers, the Kootenay Ice, Medicine Hat Tigers, the Rockies, and most importantly, the Warwick Wolves, from South America?

And, who can truly be satisfied by only reading about or watching hockey?

Even if, as an Old-Timer, I will never receive the big paycheque, the Art Ross trophy, or the Stanley Cup, the absolute enjoyment of playing the game and spending time with my teammates each week, is something that would be very difficult for me to give up at this point in my life.

Enough of the sun, the beach, the leisure for now.

I will return to the Wolves lineup this week.

Bring on the playoffs!!

By Harold Hazelaar Foreign Correspondent This is Harold’s last column from Venezuela. Next week he’ll be home in the valley again.

“Are you out of your cotton-pickin’ mind? What about the kids, our friends, our house, our grandkids?

You must have sunstroke!”

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

February 3, 2006

OLD LEGS

YOUNG HEARTS

George Gordon

Old Silvertips hockey team keeps facing off Oldtime hockey, oldtime equipment

Scorekeeper Nev Anderson glares towards the opposing bench.

Photos and text by Bob Ede

There comes a time in most hock-

ey players’ lives when they decide to hang up the skates.

It may be an injury that forces them to make this decision, or perhaps discouragement at not being able to compete at the same level as they did in their prime. Even Mario Lemieux recently decided to retire and call it a career. But what happens to players who never quit? For them there is no tear-filled press conference or amazing highlight reels with enduring accolades from sports writers across the country.

For a group of players who can never give up playing hockey the last stop is the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere, where every Tuesday and Friday morning The Old Silvertips form two teams and play each other.

The Silvertips consist of men 55 years of age or over, with many members well into their 70s. The men’s past playing experience ranges from the highest level of

hockey to some who did not start playing until into their 50s.

Chemistry is a large part of the hockey club, and I’m not referring to the unquestionable use of various medications required to allow these men to compete, but to the camaraderie and friendship that they exhibit at the rink. The guys not only know where one another is on the ice, but finish each others sentences on the bench.

“My wife hates hockey,” stated one grizzled veteran of the team.

“She thinks if it weren’t for the Silvertips we would spend the winter down south in the sun.”

“And it sure makes the winter go quick.”

One trait that does not diminish with age is competitiveness.

Each loose puck is hard-fought, each team wants to win, and each goal seemed to be contested from the bench. “That’s not a goal - it was kicked in!”

The reply from the ice: “How would you know? You can’t even see that far!”

The skating may be slower and the shots not as hard, but the Silvertips make up for it with a love of the game that equals any youth’s.

After the games, the boys head for Huckleberry’s Restaurant to replay the goals and saves, and no doubt continue the good-natured ribbing of fellow teammates.

Gordon Askey prepares for his next shift.

Number 88 Lyle Barsby shakes off a check, while goalie Ray Taft prepares for a poke check.

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS TIME SHARE RENTAL

HOMES FOR RENT

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MEXICO - Book before Feb 28th and save $200/week. Whether it’s one week or five weeks, you can’t beat this! One-bedroom or twobedroom w/luxury accommodation, LR/DR/K, granite counters, private dipping pool on your own balcony. Choose any Grand Mayan Resort $1,150CDN/week.

No Block Outs - Book before Feb 28th and save $200/week. Call today and leave tomorrow. Jill: 250-342-0445. (Reservations are subject to availability).

SUITES FOR RENT Quiet 2-bdrm walk-out basement suite for 2, close to town and Panorama, utilities and W/D included, $750/mth + DD, N/S, N/P, partially furnished if needed, 342-2100.

homes, condos, chalets, lots, 1/4 ownership from $99,000. Kerry Dennehy, Playground Real Estate, 270-0481.

INVERMERE - Must be moved, well-built, good shape, new roof, 26x42, $75,000 or offers, 342-0603.

MOBILE FOR RENT Mobile home on acreage, 10 minutes from Invermere, call 342-9299

New house behind IGA, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, fridge, stove, dishwasher, w/d hookup, gas fireplace, single garage, $1200/ month plus utilities, $600 damage deposit, one-year lease, available March 1. Call 342-7086.

HOMES FOR SALE PANORAMA - New, resales, town-

PETS FOR SALE One-year-old Pomeranian Lhasa Apso Daschund cross, loves kids, full trained, $250, 347-2277.

Mountain Heights ~ 8 units ~

CHEERS

CopperSide

Thank you very much to all our friends and the staff at Eileen Madson school for being so supportive of Kaitlyn while she is

342-2536

~ luxury condos ~ local phone

866-342-2536 toll free

www.lakeviewmeadows.net relax@lakeviewmeadows.net

Custom cut rough lumber, dry fir beams, fence boards, etc. Firewood - fir, birch or pine - split or unsplit.

Top quality hay, grass/alfalfa mix, round or square bales. 346-3247.

PHASE II NOW PRE-SELLING 2 bedroom 1494 sq. ft. including garage

from $182,000 + GST

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Invermere: Roommate wanted to share a new house in Westside Park, 342-3705.

$

Sales Centre - Open 12 - 6 Daily at Crossroads of Invermere

pedro@blackforestvillage.com

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*PHASE I (51 HOMES) SOLD OUT!*

Pedro Cebulka ~ 342-5724 ~

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ROOMMATES WANTED

SHARED ACCOMMODATION Invermere, 2 bedrooms available for rent in new home. Looking for someone quiet and responsible with references. Includes W/D, fully set-up kitchen, semifurnished. N/S please, $425 includes utilities. Call Ali for more info, 250-688-0160.

recovering from her broken leg.

SR

AFFORDABLE TOWNHOMES

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STEIN APARTMENTS - residential and commercial. 342- 6912.

Oak entertainment centre, comes with 6 shelves, 2 drawers, glass

door, fits most TVs up to 32 inches, $345, 345-0049.

MISC. FOR SALE

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FOR RENT

Restaurant equipment. New grill, prep table, one large walk-in fridge, one large walk-in freezer, deep fryer, fountain pop dispenser, matching fridge, stove and oven hood, commercial dishwasher, commercial convection oven, steel bakery racks, 10,000litre Enviro tank, gas pumps, exterior light and gas register, sold as unit. Call 250-349-5571.

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10,000

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FOR YOUR TIMESHARE!

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www.blackforestvillage.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

February 3, 2006

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS OBITUARY

$16,000. Call Dave, 342-8819.

CAREERS

Hoobanoff, Peter Alec Peter passed away at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital on January 24, 2006 at the age of 79 years.

He was born on January 25, 1926 in Verigin, Saskatchewan. Peter was a member of the Lions Club and the Canal Flats Senior’s Club. Known as a hard worker, Peter had many careers including farming, mining, and owning Hoobanoff Logging and in his retirement years, Hobby Farms (an organic greenhouse). He loved to golf, travel, curl, and play cards.

Peter is survived by his wife, Cherill, daughter Sharon (Mickey), sons Dennis (Mary) and Brian (Sylvie), six grandchildren, Shawna, Michael, Shaye, Jamie, Julia and Nicholas, five step-children and their families, brother Harold Hoobanoff, and sister Doris Gynp. He is predeceased by the children’s mother, Helen and by his parents Alexander and Anna Hoobanoff.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2006 in the Canal Flats Civic Centre at 2:00 pm. A private family interment will follow on Monday, January 30, 2006 in the Mountain View Cemetery, Invermere, British Columbia.

Those wishing, may make donations in Peter’s honor to the Canal Flats First Aid Association, Box 292 Canal Flats, BC V0B 1B0.

Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to mcphersonfh@shaw.ca Subject heading: Peter Hoobanoff.

Arrangements are entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service, Cranbrook, British Columbia, 250-426-3132

GARAGE SALES Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., household garage sale, easy chair, picnic table, vacuum cleaner, radio/record player, chest of drawers, garden tools, much more, 1761-9th Avenue.

Saturday, February 4, 9 a.m.: Thomas and Rosie Salzbrenner, Athalmer Highway behind Abbey Carpets, indoor sale.

prize, $5,000 Four Winds Travel voucher, was Naomi Brown-John and Alex Rokus. The prizes for most tickets sold: 1) Stanbury Family - free membership for one session of gymnastics; 2) Shanice Puskaric, - $50 Monkey’s Uncle gift certificate; 3) Sami Schager - CVGA T-shirt. Thanks to all who showed their support. A special thanks to Four Winds Travel, Bob Campsall and Shelley Messerli.

VEHICLES FOR SALE THANK YOU Columbia Valley Gymastics Association: The winner of the grand

1997 Ford F-250 4x4 shortbox, extracab, powerstroke diesel, 230,000 km, 5-speed, alloy rims/BFG tires,

of teaching experience. All styles.

Call Chris at 403-397-4108.

1999 Ford Explorer XLT, low mileage, well-maintained, gently-driven, $11,000 OBO, call 342-0776.

PUBLIC SERVICE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRAINING, B.C Licensed Employment Agency.

Need a job? Need employees?

Apply on-line at www.rockymountaintraining.bc.ca Phone 342-6011 or 1-888-737-5511.

WE ARE RECRUITING FOR 6 linemen, 1 fibre optic splicing tech, 20 labourers, 1 upholsterer, office administration, accountant/bookkeeper, chefs, reservations and housekeeping.

0177 for more information.

EXPERIENCED CONVEYOR required for busy legal firm in Invermere. Permanent, fulltime position. Salary dependent on experience. Submit resume by fax: 250-342-3237.

Experienced foam insulator for Log Buildings. Call: 250-3495571.

SPOT

THE

DEALS

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. If Tuesdays at noon alcohol is causing problems in your life, call 342-2424 for info.

Phone: 341-6299 All meetings at 8pm: Monday; Toll Free: 1-877-341-6299 Invermere Group, Christ Church Looking for a live-in nanny for 3 Fax: 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net Trinity, Wednesday; Winder- young children, please call 345mere Group, Valley Christian Assembly Church, Friday; Radium Group, Radium Catholic Church, Saturday; Invermere We Work At Play!

First Step, Family Resource Centre, 625 4th Street; Sunday; Stone Creek Resorts, an established real estate developer and golf course operator, is looking to Columbia Lake Band Hall, off further bolster its resort operations team. We are seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to Highway 93/95 south of Windjoin our team. Stone Creek’s resorts – SilverTip Resort in Canmore, Alberta and Eagle Ranch Resort ermere. All meetings are open. in Invermere, BC - include world-class golf courses, rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, and highly sought ALCOHOLISM SHATTERS LIVES. after recreational real estate in Western Canada’s hottest markets. These resorts will also encompass premier hotels and state of the art conference facilities.

To help the alcoholic, you must Our approach to resort development and operations is simple – we strive to provide the ultimate help yourself first. Al Anon guest experience - which means hiring and retaining employees who strive for excellence in all that meets 10am Tuesdays at the they do. We are looking for team players with a ‘can do’ attitude to contribute positively to our conCatholic Church, 1210 - 9th tinued growth. Our ideal candidates will possess characteristics that reflect our corporate values of Street, Invermere. For info call caring, integrity, excellence, team spirit and financial responsibility.

Carol, 347-9841.

Executive Chef-Eagle Ranch Golf Resort An experienced Executive Chef with a talent for creativity and artistry, you will work with the Eagle IN MEMORIAM DONATIONS to Ranch team to fulfill the vision of a 5-star dining experience in all areas of the resort. Culinary experthe Canadian Cancer Society tise, strong organizational skills and an aptitude for budgeting and cost controls are required. You can be dropped off at the Pio- display innovation in menu planning and food presentation. Your calm and professional demeanor neer, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, motivates and inspires your team to consistently provide an exceptional product. Through years of Invermere or mail to Box 868, experience, you are able to implement best practices in the kitchen, including proper care and safe Invermere. For info call Chris- use of equipment and impeccable cleanliness and sanitation. A Red Seal certification is required. Wine tine Vidalin, 342-0470. knowledge is considered an asset.

SERVICES BOOKKEEPING SERVICES - Bookkeeping services, payroll, financial statements, GST/PST reporting. Blue Ox Business Services, 341-5421.

GUITAR LESSONS - First lesson free. Invermere-based. Ten years

Pioneer Classifieds

Application Deadline: Friday, March 10 Resumes may be sent confidentially to: Eagle Ranch Golf Resort Attention: Kathy Tyson RR #3, M-2, C-11, Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 Email: ktyson@eagleranchresort.com For detailed information, visit www.stonecreekproperties.com Stone Creek Resorts thanks all applicants for their interest, however only applicants who are considered for the position will be contacted.

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

FINANCIAL Good advice, clearly explained 36-5013G_18x24_RSP_2_Pstr 36-5013G_18x24_RSP_2_Pstr

Pierre E. Trudel

Pierre E. Trudel Bus (250) 347-6938 Fax (250) 347-6948 pierre.trudel@clarica.com

11/30/05

11/30/05

3:23 PM

Page 1

3:23 PM

Page 1

Associated with Clarica Financial Services Inc. and Clarica Investco Inc.

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PROOF #

1

DATE: Nov. 23, 2005 ITEM DESCRIPTOR: 18 x 24 Poster – RSP (Version 2)

Agency: COSSETTE Docket #: 36-5013G Client: Bank of Montreal (BMO) Description: RSP POS (ENGLISH) Ad #/Filename: 36-5013G_18x24_RSP_2_Pstr

File Size: Trim Size: Type Safety: Bleed Size:

# BASE VERSIONS: DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE FROM BASE TO FLOAT:

# FLOAT VERSIONS:

COLOURS:

Production Mgr.: A. Santelli

C

M

K

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PMS 300

Account Exec.: R. King

100% of Final Size 18" W x 24" H 16" W x 22" H 19" W x 25" H

Art Director:

Acct. Per.:

Prod. Mgr.:

Operator:

Proofreader:

Laser output @ 100 %

BOOKED AS 5 COLOUR

Art Director: A. Hunka

Operator: S. Kok

5131176 (12/05)

Rev. Operator:

PLEASE NOTE: Colour lasers do not accurately represent the colours in the finished product. This proof is strictly for layout purposes only.

GRAPHÈME BRANDING & DESIGN 502 King Street W., Toronto, Ontario M5V 1L7 Tel: 416 922-9507 Fax: 416 967- 8887

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PROOF #

1

# BASE VERSIONS: DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE FROM BASE TO FLOAT:

18 x 24 Poster – RSP (Version 2)

COLOURS:

Production Mgr.: A. Santelli

C

M

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Account Exec.: R. King

K

PMS 300

File Size: 100% of Final Size Trim Size: 18" W x 24" H Type Safety: 16" W x 22" H Bleed Size: 19" W x 25" H

Art Director:

Know your deductions

Believe it or not, Canada’s tax system is reasonably simple.

Some U.S. citizens have to fill out four separate returns - federal, state, municipal and city. However, “reasonably simple” is a relative term. Simple or not, it is important to be aware of all the credits and deductions you can use to reduce your personal tax bill.

Knowing every deduction available to you can be time-consuming. But it can be time well-spent if it puts money back in your pocket. Following are a few lesser-known tax provisions that are sometimes overlooked.

• If you relocated to a new city for a job, you are entitled to claim moving expenses. Your travel expenses can be calculated by using the government’s established flat rate for meals and distance travelled, or you can record every individual expense. However, the move must be more than 40 kilometres closer to your work before the government considers it an eligible relocation.

• A child under 18 working at a part-time or fulltime job must have income tax deducted at source.

As long as the child earns less than the basic personal amount, they are entitled to a refund of the taxes paid.

• Every province offers its own tax credits.

• Kindness need not go unrewarded. The first

$200 of charitable donations garners a 16-percent tax credit. Amounts over $200 receive a 29-percent tax credit. Spouses can combine amounts to take full advantage of the credit.

Keep accurate records and copies of all government slips. These are extremely valuable in calculating carry forward amounts and other unused amounts that might prove useful in subsequent years of filing.

As well, if the government questions deductions and they cannot be backed up, the government can disallow the claim and the result could be an unexpected tax bill that could have been avoided.

While this is obviously not of general application, in light of recent news stories, it is important that you report income from all sources on your tax return. If you are living well beyond your means for your reported income, the authorities may investigate.

In addition, there have been cases where a crime is covered in the news media and the government has compounded the criminal charge with tax evasion. All income is taxable - there is no difference between legal and illegal sources. Remember - tax evasion was how the U.S. government finally brought Al Capone to justice.

Financial advice courtesy of Sean Ball, H&R Block, Invermere.

Acct. Per.:

Prod. Mgr.:

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BOOKED AS 5 COLOUR

Art Director: A. Hunka

Operator: S. Kok

Rev. Operator:

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GRAPHÈME BRANDING & DESIGN 502 King Street W., Toronto, Ontario M5V 1L7 Tel: 416 922-9507 Fax: 416 967-8887

& Co. Inc.

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Think of us first for all your tax and accounting needs.

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Maximum Exposure

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

February 3, 2006

FINANCIAL How would your family fare?

When was the last time you took a few minutes to think about how your family’s lifestyle would be affected by losing you?

Not only does your family depend on you for emotional support, but the fact of the matter is, they also rely on your continued earnings to provide for their daily living needs.

This is why it’s critical you maintain sufficient life insurance coverage. In the event of your death, life insurance proceeds can be used to eliminate debt, provide a home free and clear of mortgage payments, guarantee funds for a child’s education and replace the income you generate today that maintains your family’s lifestyle.

How much is enough?

A common rule of thumb suggests you should maintain life insurance coverage equal to ten times your income. Still, you’d be well advised to complete a thorough needs analysis with the assistance of a financial planner.

An estate needs analysis will determine precisely how much money would be needed to produce a steady income for your family’s ongoing needs, and how you’d choose to address mortgage and other debt obligations like post-secondary schooling for your kids, and other goals in the event of your death.

If you’re a stay-at-home parent, don’t assume your lack of income means you have no need for life insurance - replacing your dedication with professional child care and domestic help can be costly.

Going beyond life insurance: At the same time, don’t overlook the financial toll a disability would take on your family.

U.S. figures show 48 percent of all mortgage foreclosures are caused by a disability-induced loss of earning power.

Disability insurance can fill the void in the event you lose your ability to work or you have to accept a lower-paying job.

Critical illness insurance usually pays a lump sum should you be diagnosed as having a specified lifealtering medical condition, such as a heart attack or stroke, or if you are diagnosed with a life-threatening disease like cancer.

Ensure your will is updated regularly, making sure you specify who you’d like to care for your children if you and your spouse die simultaneously.

This should be discussed with your designated guardian before your choice is formalized in your will and provision made to ensure the funds are available to allow your guardian to carry out his or her responsibilities.

Also, make sure you appoint an executor.

This is the person who will act on your behalf to settle your personal affairs, including the financial aspects of your estate.

Financial advice courtesy of financial consultant Milton Crawford, Invermere.

Get your money

NOW! If you’re getting a refund you can file today and have your money in

24 hours or less

with H & R Block’s Cash Back service.

342-3626 #6 Stein Block Invermere *At participating offices. Must quality. See office for details.

wwwhrblock.ca ©2006 H & R Block Canada Inc.

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28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

Hockey Kids Score!

Three players from the Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association went to the recent World Junior Skills Competition in Kelowna. The players were evaluated using a variety of skills taken from the Hockey Canada Skills testing program.

The players sent were Johnny Blakley, right, for male Bantam skaters, Alana Westergaard for female Peewee goaltenders and Jesse White, left, for male Bantam Goaltenders.

Both Alana and Jesse placed first overall in their divisions as goaltenders and Johnny placed second overall for skaters in his division. Good job Alana, Jesse and Johnny!

District of Invermere

SPOT

THE

DEALS

Notice to All Dog Owners All dogs over the age of four months residing in the District of Invermere require a dog licence. If you live within the District of Invermere and own a dog, please drop by the municipal office at your earliest convenience to pick up a dog tag. Fees are as follows: Unspayed Female Dog Unneutered Male Dog Spayed Female Dog Neutered Male Dog Impoundment fees are as follows: 1ST Offence 2ND Offence/year 3RD Offence/year Each subsequent offence/year

Pioneer Classifieds

$30.00 $30.00 $10.00 $10.00 $65.00 $90.00 $140.00 $190.00

For dog control issues within the municipality, please contact our Dog Control Officer, Carol Dobson, at 342-1707.

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

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

Happy New Year to all you Kick Ass coffee drinkers!

Thank you for all your support over the past 10 years.

Kicking Horse Coffee is proud to call Invermere its home!

w w w. k i c k i n g h o r s e co f f e e. co m

$5 off

any 1 lb bag of Kicking Horse Coffee Limit of 2 coupons per customer - 1 coupon per bag.

Expiers Febuary 10, 2006 Available at the following locations... AG Valley Foods, Blue Dog Café, Fairmont Big Way, Gallery Café, Garden Market IGA, Gerry’s Gelati, Mountainside Market, Mustard Seed, Petro Canada, Quality Bakery, Reddi Mart and Smoking Water Café.

$2 off

any package of Tea

Limit of 2 coupons per customer - 1 coupon per package.

Expiers Febuary 10, 2006 Available at the following locations... AG Valley Foods, Fairmont Big Way, Gallery Café, Garden Market IGA, Mountainside Market, Mustard Seed, and Quality Bakery.

$1 off

Kicking Horse Coffee’s Organic Chocolate Bar Limit of 2 coupons per customer - 1 coupon per bar.

Expiers Febuary 10, 2006 Available at the following locations... AG Valley Foods, Fairmont Big Way, Garden Market IGA, Gerry’s Gelati, Mountainside Market, Mustard Seed, Petro Canada, and Reddi Mart.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

February 3, 2006

DOG IN THE SKY - This cloud formation hanging over the mountains on the east side of Lake Windermere resembles a puppy dog lying on his back with his feet in the air.

Our Local Locations ������������������� ������������� ������������� ������������������ ������������������ ������������������� ��������������� ������������

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The Columbia

Valley

Pioneer

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Travelling with the circus

Thank You SHIZU

High Country Properties would like to publically thank SHIZU FUTA for over six years of great contributions to our Company.

Shizo in no small way has helped move our company along.

Thanks and Good Luck!

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February 3, 2006

It’s Better. We’ll Prove It.

By Lisa M. Rohrick, Missionary in Africa As a beat-up African taxi van bounced its way through the dust, I sat in the front seat holding my shirt over my nose to decrease lung damage, and reviewed the events of the week.

The team of missionaries in Niger, West Africa, of which I am a part, hosted eighteen guests for the week, most of them medical professionals from Alberta and Texas.

With four doctors, three dentists, and six nurses, as well as translators, and non-medical people to look after crowd control, meals and other such tasks, we held clinics in five different villages and treated almost 1,000 patients.

Hauling a mobile clinic and supplies for nearly thirty people (who need to eat three times a day!) over dusty African roads to villages without plumbing or electricity was a logistical nightmare. I lost track of how many times our caravan had to stop either to retie a shifting load or to get out and push one of the taxi vans we were renting that was once again stuck in the loose sand. One of these vans provided us with extra entertainment when the driver spent a night in jail for not having a license for as many passengers as his van held!

As we rolled into each village, we were warmly welcomed. You’d think the circus had come to town.

Come to think of it, we did kinda resemble a circus.

After greeting the village chief and elders, we looked at the area we were given in which to work, made a quick plan, and got busy setting up, each one doing his or her part.

Tickets to the circus were available under a large shady tree at the village edge. For a dollar a ticket, villagers became participants in the show.

Ring One featured four doctors and their translators. One day they were set up in a house made of mud bricks, another day in a shelter of millet stalks, and yet another they were simply lined up outside in the shade of a mango tree. So much for patient confidentiality, as people walked through the examining areas. Minor surgery was done with the patient lying on a mat in the sand.

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Ring Two featured three dentists and their assistants, pulling teeth under a tree in the centre of the village. A rope boundary was set up to keep people back, but spectators watched and commented on nearly every move. One elderly woman watched with concern as two dentists patiently extracted the roots of a broken tooth from her adult son’s mouth. She asked me if he would have any teeth left when they were finished!

Ring Three, under yet another tree across the village, attracted the biggest crowd. It was the pharmacy, stocked with thousands of dollars of donated medicines. Even those who didn’t require a prescription were given vitamins and an anti-worm treatment.

We spent three nights camped out under the stars in different villages. When the day’s work was done in the clinic, the show carried on for the villagers. They watched with great interest as we set up cots and mosquito nets, unrolled sleeping bags, brushed our teeth and headed off to the well to wash. I went to bed being watched, stuck in ear plugs to dim the chatter, slept soundly and woke up still being watched. I assume the audience actually did wander off to their own huts for the night, but they didn’t want to miss the exciting morning routine of breakfast and packing.

My job for the week was translating for the three dentists, as well as some sterilizing of instruments. A couple days were pretty slow in the dentistry department (we wondered if having a table full of forceps and other instruments on display scared off perspective patients?!) That’s when I became tour guide, asking the Fulani people to show our guests some of their lives. They happily showed us different grains and how they are stored, and demonstrated how to pound millet with a large mortar and pestle, inviting some of us to give it a try. One woman gave us lessons on cooking corn porridge. Three elderly ladies demonstrated the art of making a “mattress” out of millet stock. Little boys showed off their cars made of sorghum stocks, with rotating wheels cut from dead sandals. We were invited into their homes.

It was an encouraging week for me language-wise.

I felt like I was able to more or less translate everything the dentists needed to say, as well as the general conversation when I was acting as tour guide. I still often stumble and search for words, but it’s coming along.

I was feeling pretty happy with my progress when, at the end of the week, a Fulani man asked me if I am still studying Fulfulde, since I don’t speak it very well yet! Okay, so maybe I’m not doing quite as well as I thought!

Exhausted and filthy, we tumbled out of the vans at the end of the week with a feeling of satisfaction.

Unfortunately many people were turned away, but we made a difference for many others, extending their lives and alleviating their pain. I believe it was a lifechanging experience for our North American guests, opening their eyes to part of the world so different from their own. I, too, thoroughly enjoyed our days together, but one week of travelling with the circus was enough for this year!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

February 3, 2006

FAITH

Valley Churches

The big black door

By John Cuyler, Pastor Valley Christian Assembly A story was once told of a spy captured and sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army.

This general had the strange custom of giving the condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and “the big black door.”

The moment for execution drew near, and guards brought the spy to the Persian general. “What will it be,” asked the general, “the firing squad or ‘the big black door?’ The spy hesitated for a long time. Finally he chose the firing squad. A few minutes later, hearing the shots ring out confirming the spy’s execution, the general turned to his aide and said: “They always prefer the known to the unknown. People fear what they do not know. Yet, we give him a choice.”

“What lies beyond the big door?” asked the aide.

“Freedom,” replied the general. “I’ve only known a few brave enough to take that door.” The best opportunities in our lives stand behind the forbidding door of the great unknown.

This week we Canadians elected a new government. Many Canadians expressed the need for a change in our government, yet quite a number of them obviously were afraid to elect a new majority government fearing the unknown.

One person interviewed on CBC said, “This is the Canadian style of wanting a change.” Just like our little story says: “People fear what they do not know.

Yet, we are given a choice.”

We could say the same thing when it comes to believing in a God that is not out to condemn us, but to save us and set us free from our sins. Many people have wrong conceptions of who God really is and so they are afraid to choose to follow Him and allow Him into their lives. Perhaps they have been told or have it in their minds that God is a kind of cosmic bully with a club in His hand, ready to bop them on the head every time they step of line.

Some feel that giving their lives to the Lord will ruin all their “fun.” Still others feel that they have done too many wrong things and that God could never love them or forgive them for their past.

Therefore, when they are faced with making a choice between choosing to follow God or go it alone, they choose what they know over the unknown. To them, choosing to follow God is just like choosing

“the big black door.” The idea of it is scary, because they fear the unknown.

However, the truth is that God is not angry with us. He loves us. He is not out to get us every time we mess up. He wants to see us enjoy this life to the fullest and then take us home to live with Him forever in heaven. In fact, God cared so much for each one of us that He was willing to send His only Son into this world to die in our place for the sins we have all committed so we could be forgiven for our sins and enjoy a life of freedom.

It is interesting that the Bible uses the analogy of a door to describe Jesus Christ. Jesus said Himself in John 10:9, “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.” In another Scripture Jesus extends this invitation to everyone, “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20) In both cases Jesus presents us with a choice, we can either choose Him, the big door to salvation and a fulfilling life, or we can choose to go our own way and end up missing out on all the wonderful things God has for us for this life and for the life to come.

Can you hear Jesus knocking at your heart’s door right now? I know it’s a scary thing at first to open that door to Him, but remember the story of the condemned prisoner and the general. The prisoner chose to die without ever finding out what lay behind the big black door. Yet, had he chosen that big door, he would have found freedom.

This is exactly what will happen to you if you are willing to open the door of your heart to Jesus Christ.

Once you open your door to Jesus, you will find true freedom from guilt and shame and a peace in your heart like you have never experienced before. Listen to the words of the One who is knocking at the door of your heart right now: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Behind that door, Jesus, lies true freedom and the best opportunities for this life and the life to come.

Why not choose to open that door right now?

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, February 5th, 10:30 a.m.

Worship and Life Instruction.

Stewardship - It’s a Matter of Trust “Can God Trust Me?” Sunday School for ages 3 to Grade 3, and for grades 4 to 7 during the morning service.

Senior Pastor Rev. Dieter Magnus • Associate Pastor Rev. Jared Enns 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 342-9535 WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY Sunday, February 5th 8:30 am - Edgewater - All Saints 10:30 a.m. - Invermere - Christ Church Trinity. Communion & Sunday School.

Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 342-6644 VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday, 10:00 am Children’s church during the message part of the service.

Children 4 - 12 years. • Sunday, 7:00 pm Prayer Meeting Senior Pastor Rev. John Cuyler • www.vcassembly.com Highway 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere • 342-9511 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere Saturday, 7:00 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 Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere 1-866-426-7564 RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Every Sunday 10:00 am Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • Radium Seniors’ Hall • 342-6633 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Sunday, 10:00 am President J.P. Tremblay • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 1-866-349-5772

Invermere Christian Supplies Invermere Christian Supplies

www.invermerechristiansupplies.com

1229-7th Ave., Invermere

342-6415

Congratulations Ashley Peterson and Ryan Barlow May 7, 2005

Photo by Raven Media

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2006

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