vol3issue51

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Vol. 3/Issue 51

The Columbia

Valley

December 22, 2006

P IONEER

FREE

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

CHURCH SERVICES

Waiting for Santa

5 WE LOVE OUR TOWN

8 GLASS ACT

12

Rachel Kanan, seven-year-old daughter of Richard and Sonia Kanan of Invermere, hangs her stocking by the ďŹ replace.

Photo by Elinor Florence

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 22, 2006

VALLEY NEWS

A safe and happy holiday to all of you, from all of us at…

Seniors enjoy annual Rotary Dinner

C o r n e r o f M a i n a n d 1 2 t h i n I n v e r m e re

Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year! from the staff and management of

Merry Christmas to all valley seniors!

342-6226

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Each year the Invermere Rotary Club provides a free Christmas dinner for seniors in the valley at the Invermere Inn. This year, the 15th annual dinner was the usual big success. The dinner was begun by the late George Deck, who left money in his will and asked that the dinner be continued. Of the 119 people who attended, Toni Scheffer and Darlene Friesen, above, give the photographer a big smile. Below, Joan Shelstrom and George Thierbach also looked like they were in the Christmas spirit.

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Invermere Dental Clinic 342-3811

Warmest Holiday Wishes from EAST KOOTENAY REALTY LTD.

INSURANCE

Olivia, Cindy, Rose Marie, Melissa and Randy

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

December 22, 2006

HAPPY HOLIDAYS – Christmas Bureau volunteers assembled 156 holiday hampers for needy families at the Community Hall on Dec. 20th.

Christmas Bureau does it again!

Dozens of volunteers turned out on Wednesday, Dec. 20th to pack food hampers for the less fortunate in our community.

This year, 156 hampers went to needy families. Organizer Gail Hoffmann said the entire community gets behind the event and there are, literally, too many people to thank.

This is the 11th year for the charitable event, which matches needy families with food and gift donations.

Dairy Queen alone raised more than 300 gifts from its Angel Tree to be included in the hampers.

“We don’t like to use the word poor, because trouble happens. This is an incredible community,” Mrs. Hoffmann said, “and this is an amazing organization.”

The volunteers put in a 13-hour day organizing and distributing the donations.

“There will be some tears shed,” Mrs. Hoffmann commented, before getting a little choked up herself.

ARTIST DIRECT Christmas is here!

Original Oil Paintings by Gabriel

250-342-9074

New Year�s Eve Dance & Silent Auction Franci Sterzer Benet Canal Flats Community Hall December 31st 8:00 pm • Silent Auction • Late Night Buffet • Casino Tables • Door Prizes

Tickets $25 each

Tickets available at Invermere - Home Hardware (Building Supplies Counter) Fairmont - Trims N� Treasures Canal Flats - Home Hardware & Fire Valley Shuttle bus available from Invermere To book call Dana at 421-3838 by Dec. 27th

INVEST • RENT • OWN Toll Free: 877.344.2323 www.bighornmeadows.ca

Let our massage specialist Jan help you relax at this busy time of year.

We’ve got superb gifts!

Come in and browse our selection of salon quality products or give a sassy gift certificate.

Photo by Brian Geis

4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 22, 2006

Valley loses taxi service

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By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

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Happy Holidays

to all of you, from Maria, Dayna & Michelle at

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Hair & Tanning Studio • 342-3227

Wishing you all the best during the Christmas Season! from the staff at Insurance Agencies Invermere 342-3031 Radium 347-9350

This holiday season, don’t expect a ride home from Columbia Valley Taxi. You might end up having to walk home.

Phone calls to Columbia Valley Taxi are going unanswered and messages are not being returned. Although it could not be confimed, all indications appear the taxi service has closed operations.

Valley seniors who no longer drive are particularly missing the service.

One elderly woman who did not wish to be named said she was visiting family members in Calgary when she called the taxi and left a message to pick her up at the Greyound depot.

When she arrived at the depot in Athalmer at 11 p.m., there was no sign of the taxi so she called again but did not receive any response. Fortunately a young woman who was filling up with gas saw her distress and offered to drive her home.

“I don’t know what I would have done without her,” said the passenger, who would like to thank her Good Samaritan but doesn’t remember her name.

Betty Jean Feldmann of Invermere also said the loss of the taxi is a blow.

“We’re really missing it,” she said.

“The taxi used to pick up my mother every day at 4:30 p.m. and take her to Columbia Garden Village for supper.

Now we are taking turns as a family driving her back and forth, but it would

be really nice for my mother to have that service back again.”

District of Invermere Mayor Mark Shmigelsky said he was disappointed by the loss of a local taxi service, especially since it was one of the only forms of public transportation in the valley.

“It’s obviously disappointing. I know that they have struggled in the past,” Mayor Shmigelsky commented.

“It’s frustrating because it’s definitely needed.”

Mr. Shmigelsky said the district will continue to campaign for funding of a regional transportation system. One such attempt in the past, he said, lost out to another community.

“Those people in Victoria think every community has public transportation,” RCMP Staff-Sergeant Doug Pack said the lack of local taxi service is even more reason for people to practise safety and responsibility if they overindulge during the holiday season.

“That doesn’t provide an excuse for people to drink and drive,” he said.

“People will have to make other arrangements and have a designated driver or be the designated driver. It’s nice to have these thoughts beforehand, to make those decisions beforehand and to stick to them.”

Staff-Sgt. Pack said no special enforcement will be in effect over the holiday, but that the RCMP’s East Kootenay Traffic Services out of Cranbrook will be conducting their usual sobriety check points throughout the regional district.

December 22, 2006

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

CHRISTMAS CALENDAR CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, DEC. 24th:

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS POOLS: • Dec. 22nd - 23rd: 12 pm - 10 pm • Dec. 24th: 12 pm - 9 pm • Dec. 25th: 11 am - 6 pm • Dec. 26th - Jan. 4th: 10 am - 10 pm

• 8:30 am. All Saints Church, Edgewater • 10 am. Christmas Devotional Message, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day PANORAMA Saints, Fairmont Hot Springs MOUNTAIN VILLAGE: • 10:30 am. Worship Ser• Dec. 31st - 9 p.m. New vice, Christ Church Trinity, Years Celebrations parade, Invermere followed by fireworks dis• 10:30 am. Morning Serplay, and live entertainment. vice, Lake Windermere Alliance Church, Invermere TOBY THEATRE: • 1:30 pm. Christmas Eve • Closed: Dec. 24th - 26th Service for St. Peter’s Luther• Jan. 3rd, 7:30 pm: Santa an Mission at Christ Church Claus 3 Trinity, Invermere St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Windermere will host a Christmas Eve service at 10 p.m.

• 2 pm. Service on the Summit, INVERMERE top of Summit Ski Lift, PanPUBLIC LIBRARY orama, Lake Windermere Alliance Church • Dec. 23rd - Jan. 1st: Closed THE PIONEER NEWSPAPER: • 4 pm. Christmas Eve Family Service, Christ • Closed Dec. 23rd - 31st.

Church Trinity VALLEY ALLEY • 5:30 pm. Christmas Eve Service, Canadian MarBOWLING CENTRE: EDDIE MOUNTAIN MEMORIAL ARENA tyrs Parish, Invermere.

• Dec. 23rd: 12 pm - 8 pm.

PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE: • 6 pm. Christmas Eve Service, Carols by Candle• Dec. 24th: 12 pm - 4 pm.

• Saturday, Dec. 23rd: 10 am - 12 pm light, Lake Windermere Alliance Church, Invermere • Dec. 25th: Closed.

• Closed Dec. 24th, 25th, 26th • 7:30 pm. Christmas Eve Service, Canadian Mar• Dec. 26th: 12 pm - 4 pm.

• Wednesday, Dec. 27th: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm tyrs Parish, Invermere.

• Dec. 27th - 31st: 12 pm - 8 pm.

• Thursday, Dec. 28th: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm • 8 pm. Christmas Eve Service, Panorama Resort • Jan. 1st: Closed.

• Friday, Dec. 29th: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Great Hall, Lake Windermere Alliance Church • Saturday, Dec. 30th: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm • 8 pm. Christmas Eve Service, All Saints Church, VILLAGE OF RADIUM HOT SPRINGS: • Sunday, Dec. 31st: 10 am - 11 am Edgewater • Dec. 31st: Village Birthday Party! 16 years old.

• Closed Jan. 1st, 2007 • 10 pm. Christmas Eve Service, St Peter’s Anglican 3:30 pm - 6 pm at the park on Stanley Street, (Helmets are recommended; skaters participate at Church, Windermere Radium. Tobogganing, skating, free hot dogs, hot their own risk).

• 10:30 pm. Christmas Eve Service, Canadian Marchocolate, birthday cake, chili, bonfire. Fireworks, tyrs Parish, Radium.

6:30 pm at the driving range, The Springs Golf BOXING DAY BIRD COUNT: • 11:30 pm. Christmas Eve Service, Christ Church Course. Parking at the clubhouse.

• Dec. 26th: Contact Larry Halverson at 342-3305 Trinity, Invermere. if you wish to participate.

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS POOLS: CHRISTMAS DAY CHURCH SERVICES • Dec. 24th: 8 am - 6 pm FOR MONDAY, DEC. 25th: • Dec. 25th: 10 am - 6 pm COLUMBIA VALLEY ROCKIES HOME GAME: • 10 am. Christmas Service, Valley Christian Assem• Dec. 26th - 31st: 8 am - 10 pm • 7:30 pm Jan. 2: Rockies vs. Fernie Ghostriders bly, Windermere • Jan. 1st: 10 am - 10 pm • 10 am. Christmas Day Service, Canadian Martyrs BANK HOURS: Parish, Invermere.

GROCERY STORE HOURS: • Noon: Christmas Day Service, Canadian Martyrs AG VALLEY FOODS: BANK OF MONTREAL Parish, Canal Flats.

• Dec. 24th: 7 am - 6 pm • Closed Dec. 23 - 26 • 1:30 p.m. St. Peter’s Lutheran Mission Service, • Dec. 25th: Closed • Closed Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 Christ Church Trinity.

• Dec. 26th: 10 am - 6 pm CIBC • Dec. 31st: 7 am - 9 am • Closed Dec. 23 - 26 POST OFFICE HOURS: • Jan. 1st: 10 am - 6 pm • Closed Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 • Saturday Dec. 23: 8:30 - 12 noon SOBEYS: KOOTENAY SAVINGS CREDIT UNION • Dec. 24 - 26: Closed • Dec. 24th: 8 am - 6 pm • Closed Dec. 23 - 26 • Saturday Dec. 30: 8:30 - 12 noon • Dec. 25th: Closed • Closed Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 • Monday Jan. 1: Closed

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Christian example

December 22, 2006

Historical Lens

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher Two valley congregations are setting an example of what it means to be Christian.

Back in the 1970s, the Anglican and United churches of Canada discussed amalgamation. Talks broke down at the highest levels, but in the meantime, the local Anglican and United churchgoers decided to go ahead and pool their resources. They hired one minister and took turns attending the United Church (now the location of the downtown Interior World) and the Anglican Church, a log building where the new church now stands on 7th Avenue.

Several years ago they went one step farther and built a new shared church. This decision was not made without a wrench to both congregations - the Anglicans because they were losing their historic log church altogether, and the Uniteds because they were seeing their historic church converted to a furniture store. To do them credit, both congregations made the leap.

The Windermere Valley Shared Ministry is now under one roof. One Sunday there is an Anglican service, the following Sunday is a United service.

The Windermere Valley Shared Ministry also rotates its ministers - an Anglican minister serves the congregation for four years, and is then replaced by a United minister for the following four years.

Even more embracing is that the new church is also used for a third denomination. Pastor Fraser Coltman drives from Cranbrook to conduct Lutheran services every Sunday afternoon in Christ Church Trinity.

In these days of religious strife, it’s wonderful to see how folks of different faiths are prepared to respect and honour each other’s beliefs.

All of our community’s churches are healthy and active, and even if you don’t call yourself a Christian you might enjoy visiting one of their beautiful and moving services this Christmas season.

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men.

The log church called Christ Church Anglican stood in Invermere until just a few years ago, on the site of the new Christ Church Trinity, owned by both the Anglican and United Churches who operate here as the Windermere Valley Shared Ministry. This photo was taken in 1924.

Photo courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Our 2006 Gift Guide Our staff put their heads together to come up with our annual Gift Guide for well-known valley residents. Merry Christmas!

• Greg Deck, owner of new broadband venture - a diet rich in fibre • Brian Nickurak, District of Invermere Public Works Administrator - a wand for witching water • Ron Mason, general manager of Copper Point Golf Course - new golf clubs and some time off so he can actually use them • Hank Swartout, entrepreneur and second homeowner - more time to spend in the valley • Mark Shmigelsky, Mayor of Invermere - a horse for his new acreage so he can play rancher • Gerry Taft, Invermere councillor - spurs and a cowboy hat so he can get along with the ranchers • Sarah Bennett, Invermere councillor - a pair of

Groucho Marx glasses and moustache so she can get along with the old boys’ club • Bob Campsall, Invermere councillor - a set of scuba gear so he can survive when global warming puts the valley under water • Don Palmer, Invermere businessman - a copy of the B.C. Building Code • Garry Hamilton, Invermere businessman - a copy of War and Peace to fill all his spare time while awaiting his trial • Christine Keshen, Olympic bronze medallist and model - a 24-month curling calendar • Harrison McKay, entrepreneur - staff housing for all his new minions • Rose Bard, head of Invermere hospital - a lifetime supply of Vitamin C • Dee Conklin, Chamber of Commerce president - the title of Miss Print 2007

The Columbia Valley

P IONEER is independently owned and operated and is published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc. Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 341-6299 · Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net · www.columbiavalleypioneer.com The material, written or artistic, may not be reprinted or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of The Columbia Valley Pioneer. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the newspaper’s responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind is limited to the amount paid for by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

Elinor Florence Publisher

Brian Geis Reporter

Dave Sutherland Advertising Sales

Bob Friesen Advertising Sales

Zephyr Rawbon

Sarah Turk

Graphic Designer

Office Manager

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

December 22, 2006

LETTERS

Charity about more than just money Dear Editor: What is the measure of a charitable person? Is charity simply about money and business, or is it much simpler?

Christmas is a time of the year when we feel warmed by the outpouring around us and truly long to get on board and give.

Of course, one cannot watch the television without seeing all of the humanitarian commercials displaying the sad faces of starvation or the horrible realities of violence, disease, and the awful plight of many nations.

I wonder if my grandmother saw these same faces as I have. Did my grandparents feel the longing to win a million just to be able to help all those causes around the world?

Unlikely. Of course, they gave to the church, the food bank, and offered their smiles and love to anyone who happened to cross their path. Is that type of charity long gone? Is the simple, blissfully ignorant charity of those days no longer enough in our global neighbourhood?

If we give when we can, both by serving our community and through donating money or goods, is it enough?

If we pray for those who hunger in far away places, is it enough? If, when we hear through the grapevine of someone who needs a sofa, baby clothes, or just a cup of coffee with a friend, and we act, is that enough?

Is the definition of charity so completely altered, that these kindnesses are no longer adequate types of goodness in our crazy world? A kind word is just as powerful as a grocery bag of food, a warm hug is as loving as a cure for cancer, and a helping hand is as kind as a fat cheque.

Let us make this year’s season of giving truly that, without feeling that we haven’t given enough, because we likely have given more than we know.

Charity in its truest sense is supposedly the key to heaven, and, if we remember its basic truth, certainly it is the key to heaven on earth.

M. Stetsko Radium

Ray Crook recalls rare bird shooting Dear Editor: I would like to congratulate the Thorntons for the Rufous-sided Towhee photo.

It was of interest to me as sometime in May 1953, collectors from the National Museum of Canada shot one of these beautiful birds on property I owned in Kootenay Park.

At the time a Mrs. Sadie Briars, wife of the park warden at Kootenay Crossing, was helping my mother to get our rental cabins ready for the summer season when we heard the sharp crack of a .22-calibre gun.

Just a bit south of our camp, a car was parked, a coming out of the bush

towards it were two men, one with a rifle.

This was unusual to see in a National Park, but was soon explained when they drove up and told us who they were.

They showed us the little bird they had shot and told us it was a rare specimen.

Now, to the three of us, the killing of a songbird was a shocking act and Sadie said to them: If it’s so rare, why did you shoot it?”

A fair question, but they were collectors just doing their job, and quite elated at bagging a species that was not seen very often.

Ray Crook Invermere

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

Architectural items for home & garden.

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

We will be open December 24th until 5 p.m.

Here We Grow Again!

Regular Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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

We will be open between Christmas and New Year’s.

Come and enjoy some holiday baking and refreshments, meet with NCC staff, and learn more about our work in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Drop in anytime between 3:00pm and 7:00pm. We’re located on the second floor of Frater Landing (next to Interior World)

Invermere Industrial Park (just offandthe road towho Panorama) Special thanks to all the local individuals businesses helped with supplies, equipment, labour including:

Tel. 342-0707

Kicking Horse Coffee Quasar Western Electric Interior World Invermere Home Hardware Email: klein@nucleus.com CXL Construction Warwick Interiors

www.tepapanui.com

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

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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Small towns shine at Christmas time

By Shannon Pearson Special to The Pioneer

Almost five years ago, my family and I moved to the valley. I admit I was a little nervous. I’d heard small towns could sometimes be closed and off-putting to newcomers. But I clung to my preconceived idea of a close-knit community, all friendly and happy. A bit too ‘Norman Rockwell’ maybe, but it fed my excitement and took the edge off my uncertainty.

My concerns proved groundless.

With arms as wide as the valley and hearts as big as the mountains, we became members of a wonderful community.

The feeling of unity and belonging is seldom as strong as during the holidays.

At this time of year, the sense of community that prevails all year long suddenly swells to enormous proportions. Everyone works to make the lives of others richer, more rewarding, and joyful. Volunteer numbers grow as everyone jumps in to make the season richer. The halls, churches, and school gymnasiums light up and ring with music and laughter.

I’ve come to realize that traditions mean a lot to those who chose to live and raise their families here. Light Up, Santa’s arrival in the fire truck, and Super Sunday kick off the festive season.

Everyone, from families to teenagers, gather on the streets to watch the Santa Parade and then happily wander from shop to shop with smiles and greetings to everyone they meet. The first year I participated in Light Up and Super Sunday was amazing. Most people used the shopping as an excuse to hang out and visit with friends and acquaintances. More time was spent socializing and visiting than buying and selling! What a wonderfully relaxing way to shop. The

rush, stress and panic so tangible in the big city, was non-existent.

Community leaders, employers, employees, and volunteers work tirelessly to make the Christmas season memorable.

Light Up, Super Sunday, the various craft fairs, the Santa Skate, and the wonderful entertainers. All this is organized, not by faceless drones we never see, but by people I have come to know and call my friends.

The pleasure of walking down the street and knowing the people I meet is something I seldom experienced where I came from. Even within the community I lived, I didn’t know more than a handful of people. Sad. Nor do I remember the last time I walked through a crowded shopping mall and was happy or relaxed enough to even notice a friendly face in the crush of people – let alone greet them. I just wanted to get out!

Now, I look forward to the relaxed socializing that comes with small-town shopping. The friendly, close feeling makes me glad to be a part of this community. The graciousness of the populace draws people into its arms and accepts them.

During the holidays, the spirit of the valley communities fills my heart with an overwhelming sense of generosity, and amazement. The feeling radiates from every direction. It comes from the shop windows, the street-light ornaments, the person that lets you go in front of them at the grocery store. It is in the air . . . and only in a small town.

I feel a bond with the valley residents - a fortunate member of a select group who live where they want to be. We are content because we call this small slice of paradise home. This is what makes our communities and the season special.

And my family and I are thankful to be a part of it.

Happy Holidays!

Please remember the Pioneer office is CLOSED until January 1st.

Merry Christmas!

> >>>

Encore

Page 9

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

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

Talented artist Leslie Rowe-Israelson creates sculptures from molten glass.

See Page 12.

THREE TENORS

PAGE 14 WELCOME 2007

NEW YEAR

Tickets $15

Sunday,

PAGE 10

• Great Spe • Mid

Located in The Best Western I

Out & About

Ceramic artist

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

Romanza Three Canadian Tenors · Christ Church Trinity Wednesday January 10th at 7:30 pm.

342-4423 columbiavalleyarts.com

Happy New Year · from the Columbia Valley Arts Council Pynelogs Cultural Centre Office will be closed from December 23 to January 2nd.

What does ART mean to you?

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 22, 2006

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

Movie Review: Little Miss Sunshine

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

TOY OF

THE

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Skullduggery A swashbucklingly good game!

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NEW YEAR’S MARDI GRAS Tickets $15 (before 10:00 p.m.)

Sunday, December 31st • Great Specials • Party Favours • Midnight Snacks Located in The Best Western Invermere Inn

Warmest wishes and a big thank you to you, our customers, neighbours and friends. Your support means the world to us and we hope you enjoy a truly memorable holiday season and all the best in the new year. from the

team!

Gone

HOLLYWOOD V

I D E O

Little Miss Sunshine is funny. It is rare for me to laugh out loud during movies, but Little Miss Sunshine had lots of laugh-out-loud moments.

I loaded the disc expecting to not like it.

On the surface, it’s a dysfunctional family film with a road trip twist, but, just below the surface each character is struggling with a personal demon.

The husband is struggling financially, hoping to cash in as a fad motivational speaker. The Nietzsche-obsessed son has taken a vow of silence.

The plain-jane daughter aspires to win a beauty pageant. The potty-mouthed, live-in grandfather has taken up casual drug use. The suicidal uncle was just released from the mental ward and the wife and mother is struggling to keep the ship afloat.

When the daughter wins entry into a pre-teen beauty pageant in California, the entire crew sets out from Arizona in an old Volkswagen bus to support her.

Things are pretty bad when the movie begins, but along the way things go from bad to worse for each of them.

The ensemble cast delivers a robust, en-

RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5 HEADS

Food bank concert a success The annual Lakeside Pub's benefit concert was held last Sunday afternoon and raised $1,575 and three boxes of food for the local food bank.

"It was a full house and everybody was happy," said owner Guido Hochheiden.

It was the sixth year for the popular concert which featured perfor-

Gone Hollywood’s

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

New Releases Dec. 19

New Releases Dec. 26

1. Talladega Nights 2. The Devil Wears Prada 3. World Trade Center 4. The Da Vinci Code 5. Little Man

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Little Miss Sunshine My Super Ex-Girlfriend All the King’s Men Wicker Man Jet Li’s - Fearless

tirely believable performance, especially Alan Arkin in the grandfather role.

There is no weak link in the bunch.

Funny man Steve Carell, of NBC's The Office and The 40-Year-Old Virgin, is great in this mostly unfunny role of the suicidal uncle, with baggy, bloodshot eyes and wrists wrapped in bandages.

I love movies with a visual theme and this movie has it in spades. Little Miss Sunshine is, well, sunny. The bright, canary yellow colour of the family Volkswagen is bathed in warm oranges and reds and plays out everywhere from sunbeams to interiors and cosumes to the DVD packaging. The sad story lines juxtapose nicely against the brightly coloured backdrops. It look like the American Southwest.

Anyone who has had to push start a vehicle through the duration of a road trip, myself included, will have plenty to laugh about.

This DVD is rated R and, as a bonus, contains four alternate endings in the special features section.

Jackass #2 The Black Dahlia The Descent (unrated) The Last Kiss The OH in Ohio

mances by local musicians, among them John Cronin, Bruce Childs and Fraser Smith. The master of ceremonies was Bill Cropper.

The food bank is located behind the public library and is open from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please remember that the food bank needs donations all year. To donate, call 342-0850.

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

342-0057

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

December 22 , 2006

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS January 2nd

Out & About

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

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

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

January 6th

Student News Toby Theatre • December 20 - 23: Prestige • December 27 - 30: Flushed Away

MARTIN MORIGEAU: • Friday, December 22: Last day of classes for 2006!

• Monday, January 8: First day of classes for 2007.

Hot Springs Hours of Operation

December 24th Please see our Christmas Calendar on page 5 for a list of Christmas Eve services.

• 2:30 pm: Service on the Summit, Panorama Mountain Village.

• 8 pm: Christmas Eve service, Great Hall, Panorama Mountain Village.

December 25th • Christmas Day • Please see our Christmas Calendar on page 5 for a list of Christmas services.

December 31st • 5 pm - 9 pm: Prime Rib or New York Steak and Prawns Dinner, Station Pub & Eatery. For info and reservations: 342-8346.

• 8 pm: New Year’s Eve & Silent Auction, Franci Sterzer Benefit, Canal Flats Community Hall. Tickets $25/each. For info: 342-1249 or 341-1723.

• 9 pm: New Year’s Eve party, Sportsman’s Lounge, DJ Doc. For info: 345-6346.

• 9 pm: Parade, fireworks display, Panorama Mountain Village.

• New Year’s 2007, Bud’s Bar & Lounge. DJ’s “Meow Mix”, tickets $20 at the door. For info: 341-7333.

• New Year’s Eve Mardi Gras, Copper City Saloon.

Tickets $15, before 10 pm.

• New Year’s Extravaganza, music by “Blue Dog”.

Tickets available, for info call 346-3294.

• Annual Village Birthday and New Year’s Family Fun Party, hosted by the Radium Chamber of Commerce, Radium Hot Springs. For info: 347-6455.

• Radium Hot Springs Holiday Hours Hot Pool: December 22, 23, 12 pm - 10 pm; December 24, 12 pm - 9 pm; December 25, 11 am - 6 pm; December 26 - January 4, 10 am - 10 pm.

Cold Pool: December 22, 6 pm - 9 pm; December 23, 24, 12 pm - 9 pm; December 25, Closed; December 26 - January 4, 12 pm - 9 pm.

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

For info: 345-6311.

New Video Releases This Tuesday • The Black Dahlia • The Descent • Haven • Jackass 2 • The Last Kiss • The OH in Ohio

Invermere Thrift Store Thrift Shop closed for renovations for two weeks.

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

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

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

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

SATURDAYS: • 5 pm - 8 pm: Public indoor rock climbing, JA Laird School gym, $5 drop in. For info: 342-9413 or 3426232.

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

SUNDAYS: • 7 pm: Community Hymn Sing at the Alliance Church, second Sunday of the month. For info: 3429580.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THURSDAYS: • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Pioneer Clubs, Alliance Church. Ages 4 & 5, Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 - $60/child.

For info: 342-8948, or pioneerclubs06@shaw.ca.

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

• Jam nights, The Sportsman’s Lounge. For info: 3456346.

• 7 pm: Every 2nd & 4th Thursday: Bingo, Seniors’ Hall, 1309 14th Street. Welcome over 18. For info: 342-6478.

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

• 7 pm: Dart Tournaments, Sportman’s Lounge. For info: 345-6346.

This week: “What is web hosting?”

The web host is the computer system called a server that stores all the files for a website. When you have your own website, you must have your site hosted if you want other people to

the direct address of the computer be able to see it.

When you type in a website address, storing the files for that particular your browser (a program such as website. Your browser then…

Continued at Internet Explorer or Safari) sends www.harrisonmckay.com/faq3 your request to a “name server”. The name server gives your browser

Visit harrisonmckay.com/faq for more answers to frequently asked questions about marketing, advertising, and website design.

Ask Harrison your own question!

E-mail askharrison@harrisonmckay.com.

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Got the winter blah’s?

Check out our great tanning packages.

December 22, 2006

Leslie and her twin MERRY CHRISTMAS create sculptures Valley Hair Styling from molten glass from the management and staff of

342-6355

(phone for appointment)

1313 7th Ave., Invermere, BC

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Lots of drink specials and giveaways Tickets at Door $2000 or call Shelly at 341-7333

By Sandra Kelly Special to The Pioneer

It’s a funny thing.

This past year I have been privileged to interview many local artists for The Pioneer.

And yet it was only last week that I realized just how much talent resides in the Columbia Valley.

It hit home when I was Christmas shopping at the Village Arts Coop. In no rush, I took the time to read the tag attached to each item in the shop. So many artists, so much good work.

The valley is a gold mine Glass artist Leslie Rowe-Israelson of gifted people.

One of those people is Leslie Rowe-Israelson. and Melanie now lives in Chilliwack.

Both Leslie and her identical twin sister But they still share an inspired moniker: Melanie Rowe-Prosser have earned in- Twin Vision Glass. ternational acclaim. Their breathtaking Older sister Megan Parks, of Surrey, sculptures (made of kiln-cast glass) have is also a glass artist—a talented bead been exhibited in Canada, the U.S. and worker. “She calls herself The Other Europe, and they have won numerous One,” Leslie says with a smile. awards.

Last spring, the trio had a window Originally from Victoria, the twins show at Village Arts called Three Sisters studied glass art together, fell in love Journey in Glass. with the Rockies together, and actually worked together for 15 years, in Jasper.

Continued on Page 13 Leslie moved to Invermere in 1998,

All the very best to you and yours during the Holiday Season!

342-9268

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

December 22, 2006

Village Arts provides venue for local talent Continued from Page 12 All three will attest that glass isn’t the easiest of materials to work with. It takes patience to become adept at kiln casting, fusing and lampwork. There are mishaps, and experiments that fail.

Leslie’s studio contains three kilns and countless sheets of glass. Her techniques include fusing, casting, cutting, polishing, engraving and painting. She sculpts her three-dimensional glass works in a medium such as clay or wax, and then moulds them with polyurethane. The empty mould is filled with pieces of glass and fired in a kiln for ten days. Each piece is unique.

Leslie and Melanie got most of their training at the renowned Pilchuck Glass School near Seattle.

They are invited back every spring, to teach.

The sisters will further attest that technical knowhow is useless without artistic vision.

Much of Leslie’s work venerates the mountains and forests she loves. But some of her most interesting pieces—the kind that get you thinking—are inspired by the complex and ever-changing lives of women.

Last summer the sculpture titled Inside Myself took first prize at the B.C. Glass Art Association juried glass show in Vancouver.

“It’s about the journey we women take through life,” Leslie says of the stunning sculpture. “It’s about

the roads we travel and the need we all have to look inward.”

Another non-functional sculpture (an ornamental as opposed to practical work) took second prize at the international juried glass show in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Leslie is so prolific she can’t recall the sculpture’s title.

Twins and trios are a recurring theme in her work—a deeply personal metaphor. The fused glass panel titled Three Sisters, which hangs proudly in her house, pays homage both to the mountains of the same name and to her beloved sisters.

Summer 2007 is shaping up to be a heady time for Leslie. She and potter Alice Hale, mixed-media artist Lynne Grillmair and bronze sculptor Pat Luders are set to mount an ambitious four-woman show at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

“We have submitted our concept,” says Leslie, referring to the recent call for entries.

“We hope it will be accepted. I am thrilled by the prospect of working with these talented women. We’re all well traveled. We’ve all got things to share. It will be great.”

The show, called Integration Collaboration, will be “all about textures.” Leslie anticipates contributing 15 pieces to the show. That’s a busy year.

And, she and Melanie have been invited to teach

next August at the world-renowned Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. “It was such an honour to be asked. It’s exciting for both of us.”

In the meantime, she is completing a commissioned work and helping, as always, to arrange the displays at Village Arts. She is one of 57 artists in the co-op. “It’s an amazing group of people, and we’re always looking for new local artists.”

Village Arts was founded in 1983 by a group of local artists and crafts people, as a permanent marketplace for high-quality work.

It is a non-profit organization supported through a commission structure. It relies on volunteers, including a board of directors and the folks who staff the store.

Which brings me to a suggestion. I’ve had a lifelong policy of buying from local artists. It’s a good policy. If you’re still Christmas shopping, drop by Village Arts this holiday season.

Visit all the galleries and shops that sell the work of valley artists, and take some of that work away with you.

Artists show us the beauty of our surroundings in ways we couldn’t have imagined. They give form to our cherished customs and traditions. The work they leave behind tells future generations not only what we did but what it meant to us.

Estate Lots For Sale

2.5 Acres + Starting at $330,000 Only 3 left in phase one The sunny side of the Valley’s new prestigious gated community near Windermere.

ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR PHASE TWO

Inquiries Welcome

ELKHORN RANCH

(250) 342-0617

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 22, 2006

When the going gets tough.

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Thank you for the great support and a special thanks to Jennifer for her hard work!

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December 27th - 30th

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A Safe & Happy Holiday to all of you from all of us here at Essentials 729 - 12TH ST. INVERMERE 342-9313

Romanza will entertain the valley here on January 10th.

Three tenors to perform Submitted by Ken Mallett Columbia Valley Arts Council If you have heard and enjoyed The Three Tenors (Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras), and the wildly popular Il Divo, among others in the fashionable tenor-performer genre, then you’ll love Romanza: L’Arte del Tenore - The Art of the Tenor.

This popular trio of young Canadian tenors will be in the valley at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 10 at Christ Church Trinity as part of their current Western Canadian tour.

Singing of love, conquest, betrayal and heartache, from a melting serenade to a spine tingling ‘high C’, the tenor voice romances. Romance is the art of the tenor.

Romanza is Philip Grant, Ken Lavigne and Frederik Robert, three classically trained young tenors charged with vitality and talent and born to entertain on the international stage. Individually they have enjoyed rave reviews performing as soloists across North America and Europe; together they are undeniable, joining in harmonies that swell and subside masterfully, charming you along the way.

The three real life friends infuse their performances with their offstage cama-

raderie warming the audience with their intimacy and humour. Ever since their official “Grand Debut” concert sold out to a packed house of 1,500 screaming fans, both critics and audience alike have described Romanza as expressive, accessible, and fun. Fun? Yes, by re-invigorating opera hits, Italian favorites, popular folk songs and well-loved ballads with their own tailor-made irresistible arrangements for the contemporary audience. These are songs that Romanza is passionate about singing. Romanza is the real deal. Authentic. Talented. Genuine. Read more about them at www. romanzamusic.com.

Following this concert will be the Symphonie of the Kootenays at 2 p.m.

Sunday, January 28, at Christ Church Trinity. This annual concert will feature the Principal Players of the orchestra in “Miniature Classics,” a series of gems of the ensemble repertoire.

Tickets for these concerts are available at the usual outlets - Dave’s Book Bar, Essentials, Pynelogs Cultural Centre, and Trims and Treasures in Fairmont. To these outlets, Columbia Valley Arts expresses its sincere appreciation for their wonderful support, their patience and understanding, and their donation of valuable employee time and effort!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

December 22, 2006

My best Christmas was in Mexico, 1994

By Melinda Drews Special to The Pioneer Twelve years ago my family was living in Chihuahua, a large city in northern Mexico.

It was dry, hot, and far away from home, but nevertheless, it managed to become one of my favorite Christmases, overflowing with great memories.

On Christmas Eve my mother, father, two sisters, and brother sat around our miniature synthetic Christmas tree, along with my Nana and Grandpa, who had flown in from Canada to join us.

Glasses were topped up with eggnog, German chocolates (sent each year from my Oma and Opa) decorated the table, and classical music filled the background.

Everything was just as it should have been, except for the fact that dried grass and sand covered the ground outside (snow was nowhere in sight,) and the only decoration we had was a nativity scene which included two Barbie dolls (one with her hair chopped off to look like Joseph), a unicorn, and a baby doll (constructed by yours truly.)

That night Dan, Janine, Katie, and I all slept in the same room, and being the youngest, I was forced to make my bed on the floor. I don’t believe I shut

my eyes for more than ten minutes the entire night, because right in front of my makeshift bed was a giant window and it was the perfect position which would enable me to see Santa as he flew his sleigh across the sky.

On Christmas morning I raced downstairs (after waking up the entire house) to find Santa had visited without my knowledge. As upsetting as the idea was, my mindset quickly changed the moment I spotted the Santa Claus piñata I had been hoping for. How he got that thing into our chimneyless house without making so much as a peep, still puzzles me.

We hung it up on the clothesline in the back yard and I had a great time whacking that thing to pieces with a baseball bat and scooping up all the candy on the hard, dry ground.

My mother’s recollection of that Christmas year is not very similar to mine. In fact, she says it’s the worst Christmas she ever had because she missed the snow and the real tree.

I guess that’s the difference between the mind of a child and an adult.

Whatever the truth, I am happy that I remember only what I wanted to, because that’s what made that Christmas so special!

Thank you, Columbia Valley!

Dear Editor: On behalf of the Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association, I would like to thank everyone for supporting the annual Purdy’s Chocolates fundraiser.

The fundraiser was a huge success again this year and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication of all of our players, team parents, team managers, our association executive, and “Santa” (you know who you are!) for giving us our Christmas miracle in getting our delivery here before the holidays.

A special thank you also goes out to all of those awesome folks who came

out to help with the pick ‘n’ pack of the orders - we got 265 orders done in less than three hours and I’m certain that’s got to be some sort of record!

Woohoo!!!

I would also like to thank Diana McDonald for keeping our association running like a clock again this year and Golden Transport for delivering on the weekend and specifically the driver who was nice enough to load all those boxes into my truck!

Happy Holidays, Columbia Valley, and all the best to you in 2007!

Leslie Barker Invermere

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 22, 2006

is proud to present

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Mountain Fresh, Locally Crafted Christmas decorations!

Wreaths Cedar Garlands Christmas baskets Fir & Balsam Christmas Trees much, much, more . . .

Fresh Pow! Fresh powder at Panorama Mountain Village has skiers and snowboarders delighted. The season opened early Friday, December 8 and everyone is raving about the quantities of fresh snow on the local hills. Here Ryan Stimming plows a path through the deep stuff.

Photo courtesy of Kirk Pitaoulis

Located directly across from Pharmasave Perry Horning 342-9811

Merry Christmas

and all the Best in the New Year!

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342-6901

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

December 22, 2006

Invermere man guilty of uttering threats

By Pioneer Staff Invermere resident Kaspar Heiz has been found guilty of uttering death threats against his wife.

“This is an issue of credibility, and I don’t believe anything Mr. Heiz has said here today,” Adult Criminal Court Judge Ron Webb said at the Invermere Court House on December 19th.

He deferred sentencing until January 16, 2007. In the meantime, Mr. Heiz will remain in custody.

Judge Webb said he wants to avoid a repeat of past situations in which Mr. Heiz has been released from jail, only to reappear in the area and violate the court order which says he must remain away from his wife.

“This whole matter is troublesome,” Judge Webb told the courtroom. “No one can assess the risk. He will get out of jail. You will just have to accept that as a way of life.”

Throughout more than three hours of testimony during his trial, the court heard that on September 9th Mr. Heiz made a telephone call from a pay phone in Radium Hot Springs to family friend Margaret Zimmermann.

Mrs. Zimmerman testified that Mr. Heiz told her to tell his wife, Analise Heiz, that if she refused to meet him in two or three days, he would kill her.

Mrs. Zimmerman testified that she called to warn Analise. Her son Reito Heiz, who was present at the time, said they immediately called the police.

“Me and my mom went to police and told them about the call, “ he said.

After statements were taken, Reito said he and his mother took a drive up to Radium Hot Springs hoping to find Mr. Heiz. “I basically wanted to talk to him before he got to her,” he said.

Responding to cross-examination

by Mr. Heiz’s lawyer, Reito said the best place for his mother to be was by his side, but when they found his father in Radium Hot Springs, he said he dialed 911. He then told his mother to drive away while he went to confront his father.

“I asked him, ‘Why are you doing this?’ ” Reito said. “He said he didn’t do anything wrong.”

Reito went on to explain that his father said he was going to kill his mother

and then kill himself, that he was going to do it his way or no way. He said it over and over, nine or ten times, Reito said.

Mr. Heiz also threatened to “flatten” the family farm at 4383 Toby Creek Road. “He said he would burn it down or flatten the farm so no one can have it.”

“I was angry,” Reito Heiz said. “I raised my voice at times. I told him if he wanted to get to her to do this he would have to get through me.”

By then, the court heard, RCMP Constable David Gareau arrived on the scene. When confronted by police, Mr. Heiz ran, Constable Gareau told the court. The officer gave chase during which Mr. Heiz took a swing at the officer, he said. The chase ended in the bushes at the bottom of an embankment a few hundred feet from where it began.

After being pepper-sprayed, Cst. Gareau testified, Mr. Heiz submitted to being handcuffed and led away.

Mr. Heiz’s defense attorney, Barnim Kluge, zeroed in on discrepancies such as Reito’s statement in court that Mr. Heiz threatened to “burn” the family farm as opposed to his police statement that Mr. Heiz threatened to “flatten” the family farm.

Taking the stand in his own defense, Mr. Heiz said he called Mrs. Zimmermann, but said he sought only to walk the family’s dogs. Mr. Heiz denied making the threats against his wife.

A German-Swiss translator employed to help Mr. Heiz often made questioning difficult, appearing himself to have difficulty undertanding and asking for questions to be rephrased.

Although Mr. Heiz said he did not understand enough English to make sense of the testimony, many witnesses testified otherwise. Cst. Gareau testified that he once had an hour-long conversation with Mr. Heiz in English while the two were alone in a hospital waiting room.

The case is another in a string of cases involving Mr. Heiz assaulting his wife, uttering threats against her or their common property. The judge asked that defense counsel prepare a pre-sentencing report on possible German-Swiss language counselling opportunities for Mr. Heiz.

achievement

Announcing a

new educational opportunity for children in the Columbia Valley.

Elkhorn Ranch Ltd. is pleased to announce that

Elkhorn College is now accepting applications of interest for school placement beginning in September 2007.

The program will begin at the Primary level and it is anticipated that a full k-12 program will eventually be available preparing students for world-wide post secondary opportunities.

discipline

This independent school will focus on high standards of achievement and discipline emphasizing respect and character development.

Based on a traditional private school model, the schools goals and objectives will be enhanced by:

• Small class sizes • Quality teachers

• A code of conduct • School uniforms

Elkhorn College will be operated as a non-profit society by an independent Board of Directors who will be elected by members of the society.

Persons interested in the longer term development of the school or in teaching opportunities should contact the organizers in writing at:

Elkhorn Ranch Ltd.

respect

Box 128, Windermere, BC V0B2L0 Persons interested in school placement for grades 1, 2 or 3 should also contact the organizers at Elkhorn Ranch.

character

Elkhorn C O L L E G E

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

December 22, 2006

Merry Christmas to all our advertisers!

Merry Christmas!

And warmest holiday wishes to all of our customers and friends from all of us here at Lake Auto We will be closed from Sunday, December 24th, 2006 through Monday, January 1st, 2007.

342-9310

Dan on top of Mt. Elbrus, Russia

BEER CAN TREE - Some wag decided to get into the spirit of things by decorating this tree with beer cans on the approach to Invermere leading down the hill.

A Day in Court The following individuals were found guilty and sentenced during Adult Criminal Court at the Invermere Court House on Monday, Dec. 18, with Judge Ron Webb presiding.

• Trevor M. Brown was given a suspended sentence, nine months probation and ordered to pay $300 restitution and a victim impact surcharge of $50 on a charge of breach of probation.

• David W. Wolfe was sentenced to a six-month restraining order and fined $100 on charges of assault.

The following individuals were

found guilty and sentenced during Adult Criminal Court at the Invermere Court House on Tuesday, Dec. 12, with Judge D.C. Carlgren presiding.

• Matthew R. Brough was fined $25 each on two counts of breach of probation.

• Casey L. Fitzpatrick was sentenced to six months probation and fined $50 on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

• Erin L. Meehan was fined $500 and issued a six-month restraining order on a charge of assault.

There is no more appropriate time than during the Holiday Season to say…

Thank You! to our many valley customers and to express warm

Seven Summits 2006 (Carstensz version)

Mt Everest, Nepal May 24, Mt McKinley, Alaska June 15, Mt Elbrus, Russia July 4, Carstensz Pyramid, Irian Jaya Sept. 24, Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Oct 3, Mt Aconcagua, Argentina Oct 20, Mt Vinson, Antarctica Nov. 27

Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays! from all of us at

The staff at the Bank of Montreal congratulates

Daniel Grifth

on climbing the seven highest summits on each continent and breaking a world record!

“Where you would send your friends” DL #8298 • 1924 Cranbrook St. N (on the strip) Cranbrook, BC 489-4010 • Toll Free: 1-888-489-4010

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

December 22, 2006

The Old Zone Once a year we play A game that’s for pure fun The refs make sure that Each game ends all square So that no one says “I lost my game tonight.”

By Harold Hazelaar Invermere By popular request, this is a reprise of an Old Zone from a couple seasons ago!

Shoot the puck, shoot the puck Shoot the puck on net With a forward in the crease Goals are Christmas gifts indeed.

(OK, I agree, I am STILL not a song writer! ) Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Shoot the puck, shoot the puck, Shoot the puck on net With a forward in the crease Goals are Christmas gifts indeed.

The Christmas Game! (to be sung to the tune of Jingle Bells) Striding up the ice With one hand on my stick O’re the line I go Huffing all the way . . .

The guys are on my back Making panic rise For a goalie playing out Is terror on the ice.

Once the game is done All teams join for fun To share a tale or two And eat and drink all night The greatest fear we have Is standing on the scale When we come back to play For every pound we gain Will cost us cash and shame.

Shoot the puck, shoot the puck, Shoot the puck on net With a forward in the crease Goals are Christmas gifts indeed

This column is sponsored by

Team

Wins Losses Ties Points

Hi-Heat Batters Lake Auto Mustangs Radium PetroCan Killer Tomatoes Dale Christian Mudders Inside Edge Black Smoke Valley Vision Vultures Warwick Wolves Huckleberry Hawks

13 10 7

1 3 6

0 1 1

26 21 15

4

5

5

13

4

8

2

10

5 5 3

7 8 11

2 1 0

12 11 6

Your Local COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Professionals INVERMERE

Invermere

Rockies West Realty

Independently Owned and Operated

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braven@cyberlink.bc.ca

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 22, 2006

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Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday and every Happiness in the New Year. �������������������������� ��

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Invermere men charged with drug smuggling

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Two Invermere men were arrested and $5.2 million in drugs were seized in a recent cross-border drug bust.

According to Calgary Police, 52year-old Garry Hamilton and 51-yearold Terry Holt of Invermere were arrested, along with another B.C. man and two Calgarians, on charges of conspiracy to import marijuana to the United States and conspiracy to export cocaine into Canada.

The arrests were the result of a ninemonth investigation, dubbed Project IDEA, staffed by members of Alberta’s Integrated Response to Organized Crime unit, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Invermere RCMP Detachment Staff-Sergeant Doug Pack said his department was involved only on the periphery of the case. Inspector Joan McCallum, the officer in charge of Alberta’s organized crime unit, said the local RCMP performed local cooordination and surveillance on the case.

Investigators targeted the organized network they allege was using small airplanes to ferry marijuana and cocaine between Montana and Calgary.

Inspector McCallum said this network was not typical of the kind of organized crime that the organized crime unit usually investigates.

“We work in the upper echelons of organized crime,” she said. “This wasn’t one of those Asian gangs.”

Inspector McCallum said this network was organized and very effective, as it was still able to operate nine months into the investigation.

She also noted that Mr. Holt, who was arrested in February and sentenced

2007 JEEP WRANGLER

to 11 years and three months in jail, was not the key to cracking the case.

The operation was under surveillance for months as investigators followed the drugs, money and players as they moved in and out of the country.

“When the drugs went down to the states, we followed them to Utah,” she said. “That’s when the DEA got involved.” Vancouver resident Christopher Carew, 26, was arrested in Utah during part of the investigation.

When investigators discovered that Mr. Hamilton would be flying from Vancouver to Los Angeles in November, she said, they decided to make their move. With the help of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Gary Hamilton of Invermere; Graham Owen, 48, of Calgary; and Daniel Tican, 24, of Calgary, were arrested upon arrival.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials seized about 500 kilograms of marijuana ($4.4 million street value), 30 kilograms of cocaine ($750,000 street value), 9,000 tablets of diazepam, a sedative marketed as Valium, and 210 vials of ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic. A Smith Aerostar 601 twin-engine airplane valued at $200,000 was also seized.

The investigation in ongoing, Inspector McCallum said. The investigation was limited to activities at small airports in southern Alberta, but that information was provided to the RCMP in B.C. for widening the investigation.

“Our investigation is continuing,” she said. “We’re looking for a couple of more people. We got $5.4 million of their money, but we know there is more invested somewhere. There’s always someone out there who thinks he’s smarter than the last guy. Greed will overcome anything and that’s all it is greed.”

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

December 22, 2006

My holiday includes CHRISTmas

By Jim Abbott, Member of Parliament Kootenay -Columbia Canada is a deeply religious country but those who make and shape its politics and culture not only refuse to acknowledge this but, in many cases, genuinely have no idea that it is true.

So-called opinion leaders promote a “secular fundamentalist approach” that attempts to eliminate faith-based opinion from public comments, unless of course the particular opinion is judged to be politically accommodating.

For example, if a church expresses profound reservations about Third World debt and the war in Iraq, it is welcomed as a pure voice of moderation and balance. However, if it refuses to accept same-sex marriage and rejects euthanasia it is told by the same people to keep quiet because of the necessity to separate church and state.

While it’s important to practise separation between church and state, we must remember that this

separation exists not to silence the views of religious people, but to instead protect religious followers and institutions from the oppressive powers of the state.

Therefore, Canadian society must be a place where individual Canadians are free to express their most closely held personal beliefs; otherwise they are being coerced by prejudice within the arena of public comment.

The last acceptable prejudice in polite North American society is a display of uneasiness toward Christians - unless they’ve eliminated Christ from their vocabulary.

Currently, I have the privilege of working on an Indo-Canadian historic recognition program. With Christmas approaching, we have had casual conversations about the season. There have been many questions, from within the Sikh community, asking why some Canadians want to wish each other “happy holidays” or “season’s greetings.”

I have assured them that as for me, my winter holiday season includes CHRISTmas.

There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.

For more, please refer to Bill McKibben, the author of Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case For a More Joyful Christmas.

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22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 22, 2006

HERE TO SERVE YOU RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO

NEW

Automotive Repairs

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

7 days a week

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL

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Hauling Rock, Gravel, Sand & Fill

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Bennett Construction Growing with the Tradition of Quality

• Framing • Renovations • Decks • Exterior Finishing

Kristoffer Bennett (250) 341-5030

krisbennettconstruction@hotmail.com

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Invermere Electrical Services • • • • •

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Mustard Seed Health Foods

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Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Fridays 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Please phone (250) 342-2552 for an appointment

250-341-1545

the

Jacob Watchel Construction

located in the ‘Little Big Mall’

Renovations • Additions • Finishing • References

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Sunflower Café Downtown Canal Flats

• Road Building • Land Clearing • Logging • General Excavating

Soup•Fresh Deli Sandwiches•Baked Goods Fresh Ground Coffee•Teas•Hot Chocolate

Karlene LePan, Owner/Operator

250•270•0401

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

December 22, 2006

HERE TO SERVE YOU �������������������������������������� Residential and Commercial Lighting

Dan Emms General Manager

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P.O. Box 1079 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

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Ph: 250.342.1666 dan@valleylighting.ca www.valleylighting.ca

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•

Bus: (250) 342-6336 Fax: (250) 342-3578 Email: isr@telus.net Website: www.is-r.ca

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Rug Cleaners •

Jason Roe

RR #4, 2117 -13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4 jtroe@telus.net

INVERMERE GLASS LTD.

“See you there!” shapeupinvermere.com .com

Valley Fitness Centre • 722 14th Street, Invermere

Bus: (250)342-9692 Res: (250) 342-7327 Fax: (250) 342-9644 Cell: (250) 342-5241

Avion

SERVICE AND REPAIR ALL COMPUTER SYSTEMS

(250) 341-1779 NEW COMPUTER SYSTEMS HARDWARE AVAILABLE COMP TIA CERTIFIED COMPUTER TECHNICIAN CERTIFIED SOFTWARE SUPPORT SPECIALIST CERTIFIED MCP (MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL) MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Telephone: 342-3659

Serving the Valley for over 11 years • #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere

Hi - Heat

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VFC

(250) 342-2131

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

RUSS SALBERG

•Auto • Home • Commercial • Mirrors • Shower Doors • 27 years glass experience

valley valleyfitness valleyfitnesscentre centre

Season’s Greetings

Residential & Commercial • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Flood Restoration • Window Tinting

403 - 7th Avenue Invermere, BC

Jeff Watson

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������������������������������ ��������������������������� �������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������� ��������������������������������� ���������������������������������

READY MIX CONCRETE Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

342-3268 (plant) 342-6767 (office)

Construction Ltd. CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS - GENERAL CONTRACTORS

DESIGN/BUILD CUSTOM HOMES • MULTI-FAMILY & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

INVERMERE

STEVE GUTSCHE, Project Manager

HEAD OFFICE Columbia Valley District Phone: (250) 342-9866 Phone: (403) 287-0144 Fax: (250) 342-9869 Fax: (403) 287-2193 Email: sgutsche@avionconstruction.com #200, 6125 - 11 Street S.E. www.avionconstruction.com Calgary, AB T2H 2L6

Fine Homeservices

VACUFLO (250) 342-9207

THIS SPACE IS AVAILABLE! Call 341-6299

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 22, 2006

HERE TO SERVE YOU Great Selection of:

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

Tamara Osborne Brenda McEachern.

For all your interior decorating needs.

Phone /Fax

345-6422

Good advice, clearly explained

Pierre E. Trudel

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

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

        

Lambert  

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THE CENTER OF REAL ESTATE ACTION IN THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

HOME • GARDEN • PAINT

SECURITY CHECKS QUALITY PAINTING SNOW SHOVELLING CERTIFIED HORTICULTURIST

Elizabeth Shopland

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WE WELCOME YOU IN STYLE

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Homefront Essentials

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7553 MAIN STREET INVERMERE, BC. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1K0 V0A 1M0 PHONE: 342-3031 PHONE: 347-9350 FAX: 342-6945 FAX: 347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

LAMBERT-KIPP

Kane Co.

We will heat your home before you arrive for your winter holiday, start your fireplace, and tidy up!

Experienced housesitter and home security while you are away.

Weekly or monthly cleaning services.

Call for price list and appointment.

Phone: 250-342-0847 • Cell: 250-270-0495

A.R.K. Concrete Ltd.

PHARMACY LTD. J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

4966 Fairmont Frontage, Fairmont Hot Springs

Come in and browse our giftware

Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

345-6600

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

342-6612

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

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

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

No Appointment Necessary

Residential • Decorative Concrete Floors, Decks, Patios & Sidewalks

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

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

WINDERMERE 342-6805

We’re Complete Automotive Repairs

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

December 22, 2006

Wanted: new fire truck

By Sandra Kelly Special to The Pioneer The Invermere Volunteer Firefighters’ Society has applied to the federal government for status as a charity. If the application is approved, the society will be able to undertake major fund-raising initiatives and issue charitable tax donation receipts.

It’s a move whose time has come, says Tom McNeil, president of the society and a volunteer firefighter since 2002. The fire/rescue department needs a new road rescue vehicle priced at $300,000, and updated rescue equipment costing $45,000 in total.

“You need major donations to raise that kind of cash,” says Tom. The department’s current road rescue vehicle is a customized 1991 F-150 model Ford truck. It seats only two people and has limited access capability on rugged terrain.

“We live in a mountainous area,” says Tom. “We are dealing with steep grades, especially near the B.C./ Alberta border.”

The rescue equipment onboard the truck is inefficient by today’s standards, he says. “It’s dated and it takes too much time to set up. When it comes to road rescue, an hour can make the difference between life and death.”

The firefighters respond immediately to all 911 calls, he says. What’s at issue is the time needed to complete the rescue operation on-site: to set up safety gear, to access the vehicle if it has plummeted into a gully, and to set up the rescue equipment.

If the victims are trapped inside the vehicle, the Jaws of Life must be used. If the vehicle is on fire, a water pump and hoses must be activated. A power generator also may be required. Most situations call for fast, efficient multitasking.

The department’s current Jaws of Life tool is calibrated to cut through metal at the rate of 9,000 lbs. per square inch. Vehicles are built more solidly now than in 1991, says Tom. For today’s metal, you must be able to cut at the rate of 13,000 lbs. per square inch.

The portable power generator on the F-150 has to

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342-3160

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WATER CO. LTD.

N EO G V SA NIN A CLE OSTS C Tom McNeil, president of the Firefighters’ Society. be removed from its storage compartment and set up, and the water pump and hoses are old and cumbersome. “Again, it’s about time,” Tom stresses. “It’s about saving precious minutes.”

The department wants to buy an M-2 Chassis model truck manufactured by Hub, a B.C. company based in Burnaby. The truck will be custom-built and outfitted to meet the department’s specific needs. Tom says that one of its many advantages over the F-150 will be a fire-dousing foam induction system that uses less water. “You want to carry as little water as possible.

Again, the extra weight adds time.”

The Hub truck also will have a six-person seating capacity, state-of-the-art hydraulics, a built-in generator, four access points for water, bigger and better storage space, and superior off-road capability.

Tom says that if its application for charitable status is approved, the fire-rescue department will commence with fund-raising immediately. It is already “in discussions” to acquire a residential building lot that will be raffled off.

“That’s not confirmed,” he says. “But it would be a great place to start.”

Dr. Mark Moneo, Optometrist 342-6223 HOLIDAY HOURS: Closed: December 25th, 26th & January 1st

Thanks to all of our friends and customers for their generous support this year!

• Drinking Water Systems • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration

Save on water softener system maintenance with our $ 00 January Service Special: plus parts

99

Call (250) 342-5089

385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC

New s r� Yea Eve

Dinner 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

8 or 12 oz, or

Prime Rib Dinner 8 oz. New York Steak with Garlic Prawns

Reservations please • 342-8346 Open New Years Day 12 to 7 p.m.

Station Pub

The

1701 – 6th Avenue

May your Holidays be lled with Joy! from the staff at 342-6978 Invermere

December 22, 2006

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Need Blinds? Best Quality Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

Jeff does door-to-door delivery dium Resort, who has been Need some last-minworking in the ute supplies for your restaurant inChristmas party but you dustry for 20don’t want to drive? plus years, said Jeff Gelinas of he sees a need Invermere is starting a for his service delivery service called here in the valKnight Rider Delivery. ley.

He will pick up and He plans to Jeff Gelinas deliver from Brisco to deliver takeout Fairmont Hot Springs, food, groceries, plus Wilmer and Panorama, be- bottle returns, prescription drugs, tween 9 a.m. and 2 a.m. daily. alcohol, cigarettes, convenience The part-time waiter at Ra- items, legal documents and packBy Pioneer Staff

Merry Christmas from The Pioneer to all our loyal readers!

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships Are you a post secondary school student intending to study at a university abroad next year or a professional furthering your training abroad?

Pioneer in Dominican Republic

The Rotary Club of Invermere is seeking applicants for Ambassadorial scholarships.

For more information call 342-9223 and ask for Guy Twigg or visit Rotary International’s web site at www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/

Jenny Hochheiden of Invermere sent us this photo of herself with a recent copy of The Pioneer while she was vacationing in the Dominican Republic. Jenny’s father Guido Hochheiden owns the Lakeside Pub in Invermere.

SMITH GREEN ANDRUSCHUK LLP CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Effective January 1, 2007 our firm is introducing two changes to our practice as chartered accountants in the Columbia Valley. Firstly we will become a limited liability partnership as permitted by recent amendments to the British Columbia Partnership Act. The new amendments introduce to our practice a degree of limited liability and are consistent with other jurisdictions where limited liability partnerships are recognized. At the same time we will be leaving behind our existing business name of Smith & Andruschuk to adopt the name Smith Green Andruschuk LLP. This name change is to ensure that all of the partners of Smith Green Andruschuk LLP are identified in our business name.

Smith Green Andruschuk LLP will continue to be liable for the professional negligence of its personnel, and the firm’s assets and insurance still stand behind the firm’s obligations and liabilities. The partners in a limited liability partnership are not individually liable for the negligent acts or omissions of another partner or an employee unless the partner knew of the negligent act or omission and did not take reasonable steps to prevent it. Each partner is liable for his own actions, and the partnership continues to be liable for the negligence of its partners and employees. Accordingly, there is no reduction or limitation on the liability of the partnership.

The registration of the firm as a limited liability partnership does not affect our business practices or approach to the practice of chartered accountancy.

We will continue to serve our clients throughout the East Kootenays with the highest quality of taxation , accounting, auditing, payroll and business advisory services as we enter our forty-fifth year of service.

We can be contacted at our office at 1229 – 7th Avenue, Invermere BC V0A 1K0 or by telephone at (250) 342-9271 or 1-888-433-3777.

Brendan Donahue Investment Advisor Phone: 342-2112

Get the edge on savings now and throughout Boxing Week with our inventory reduction sale. Markdowns happening daily.

20%–40% off Jeans (Colcci, Guess, Dish)

20%–40% off Winterwear 20%–60% off Active Wear 20%–50% off Footwear Whether you are buying or selling, the classifieds are a great medium to sell or purchase the home of your dreams.

Call today!

341-6299

ages. He adds that picking up and dropping off supplies at construction sites will also be part of his schedule.

But Jeff said he thinks food will be the most popular item. “You’re sitting in Brisco, and you’ve got kids, and it’s cold outside, and you want Chinese food - just give me a call and I’ll be there,” he said.

Charges will depend on time and distance. For complete costs, see the Knight Rider Delivery flyer in this week’s Pioneer. Call 3415513 or Email his Blackberry at knightrider@telus.blackberry.net.

Hockey Equipment Specials.

New Swimwear and Clothing arriving daily.

Don’t forget about our skate and snowshoe rentals.

Main Street Invermere 342-0402

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

as of Dec. 18th 3.85% 4.06% 4.05% 4.05% 4.05% 4.05% 4.10%

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

Rates subject to change without notice.

Subject to availability.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 22, 2006

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS OBITUARY Hubert Alexander Statham 1918 - 2006

Hube was born in Vidora, Saskatchewan, on February 10, 1918.

His parents, Archibald George (Alec) and Gladys Statham, arrived in Saskatchewan from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England in 1917. Hube was the oldest of four children.

In 1936, when Hube was 18, he headed west with his friend Tony Staberg. He said “Tony wanted to see some country, and I wanted to go with him.”

They brought with them a team of horses, some machinery, and some potatoes to use for seed.

When they go to the Columbia Valley, they leased the Hurst Ranch north of Wilmer (Hidden Valley Ranch). They farmed and grew hay on this property for 3 years, always bringing a third of the hay into Wilmer for Mrs. Knudson. This paid the rent.

Hube’s parents moved to the Valley in 1937 and bought the Rayson Place in Wilmer.

In 1940 Hube joined up for WWII and went overseas. When he returned to the Valley in 1945 he bought the farm next to his parents land which was the Beaver Turnor Place.

On October 26, 1946, Hube married Eleanor Ede from Windermere.

They lived in Athalmer until their home on the Wilmer property could be built. Here they raised two sons and began a lifetime pasison of cattle ranching.

Hube took over the brand inspectors job in 1960 and did this job, as well as ranching, until he retired in 1983. He was a member of the Wilmer Water Works for many years, and was president of the Farmers Institute. Hube and Eleanor raised Hereford and Hereford-cross cattle in the Columbia Valley for 70 years.

Hube was a proud family man who always had a witty remark and a smile on his face. He leaves to mourn his wife of 60 years, Eleanor, two sons David (sue), Wayne (Sandy); seven grandchildren, Cody, Sheri, Dawson, Julie, Jason, LynnAnn, and Nathan; seven great-grandchildren, Vanessa, Brayson, Kenda, Kellan, Carter, Ava, and Naomi.

Hube passed away in Invermere, BC, December 13, 2006 with his family at his side.

A service was held Saturday, December 16, 2006, at the Invermere Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Columbia House.

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

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

in Invermere. Large view office with negotiable services. Please call 342-9450 for more info.

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

cabins by the week or month, 250-345-6365, Fairmont Bungalows.

1 bedroom and 2 bedroom, N/S, N/P, Stein Apartments, 1 block from downtown. Available immediately, 342-6912.

2 bedroom basement suite in Invermere, Wilder subdivision.

W/D, available December 1st.

342-6842.

Available February 15th or March 1st. Fairmont, bright, 2 bedroom, 1 bath walkout basement suite w/laundry, LR w/fireplace, kitchen, separate dining/den area. $1000/month + utilities and DD. N/S, pets negotiable. Call Teresa, 3454595.

Athalmer 1 bedroom upper level of home, includes W/D. Available immediately, $750/ month plus utilities. Long-term, call 342-8933.

Invermere, Wilder subdivision.

3 bedroom, 2 bath, available immediately to June 30th. N/S, N/P, references required. $1200/ month, DD, + utilities. 3428848.

2 bedroom new condo in Invermere with storage behind garage. 5 appliances included. $1100/month, + utilities.

Availbale immediately. 3423826.

HOMES FOR SALE

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Available February 1st. Fairmont executive home, 3 bedroom + den, 2.5 baths, LR w/fireplace, FR, DR, beautiful kitchen, hardwood and slate throughout. $1500/month + utilities and DD. N/S, pets negotiable. Call Teresa, 345-4595.

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Looking for an affordable home?

This one won’t last! Located in

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

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

2000 Ford Explorer Limited. 8 cylinder, all leather interior, power everything, loaded, backup sensor, universal trailer hitch & electrical. 8 tires including new set of Toya Snow tires, roof rack.

Exceptional condition, Dealer serviced. 128,000km, asking $15,000. Phone 250-342-9436.

$10,000,000

in vehicle inventory.

Go to www.cranbrookdodge.com

to view complete inventory.

RECREATIONAL FOR SALE ‘04 900 King Cat snowmobile, $8,000 OBO; ‘01 800 RMK snowmobile, $3,500 OBO. Phone 347-0035 or 342-1377.

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

25  925 MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS,

100% Quality – High Standard of maintenance free living with recreation facilities & private beach. Fully finished 3 bdrm/2bath, wood & slate flooring. Furnishings incl. Amazing mountain views.

MLS#151803

599,000

$

For more information or to view call....

342-5935 or toll free 1-866-501-8326 Your Listing or Purchase will support the Childrens Miracle Network.

DK Rice - 342-5935 dkrice@remax.net

OFFICE SPACE

LAND FOR SALE

CONDO FOR RENT

2 bedroom basement suite, $400/month. Share huge kitchen, clean, comfortable, internet, TV’s. Female only, 3425845.

HOMES FOR RENT

central Canal Flats, 3 bedroom mobile home with 25x28 shop/ garage on large landscaped lot. Complete with F/S, W/D, woodstove. Take possession immediately, asking $199, 000.

Phone 342-3481, or 342-1017.

Rob Rice - 341-5935 robrice@remax.net

www.TeamRice.ca

RE/MAX Invermere Independently Owned and Operated

We supply part and service FOR ALL MAKES of: • snowmobiles • motorcycles • quads

December 22, 2006

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

Looks like Christmas

By Lisa M. Rohrick Special to The Pioneer This morning I was at the market stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables. As I was deciding how many carrots I needed, I was distracted by the ring of a nearby cell phone. Its song was a poor quality, synthetic version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”! I smiled as I looked over at a sharply dressed man in an African robe answering his phone.

I’m sure the song meant nothing at all to him, other than it possibly being a melody he likes. But it brought a lot of thoughts rushing into my head.

I carried on through the market realizing that Christmas is only a few days away. I saw no evidence of Christmas in the hustle and bustle of the market.

I live in a country where Christmas isn’t celebrated. Yes, it is a national holiday, but I’m pretty sure that’s just a leftover from the days when Niger was a colony of France.

This will be my seventh Christmas in Africa. Celebrating without all the trappings of Christmas is growing on me. No turkey. No decorated shopping malls featuring visits with Santa (no shopping malls at all for that matter, with or without decorations!). No snow. No Christmas lights. No Christmas banquets. No manger scene at the local church. will be Christmas Day.” I was going to say that there is noth-

ing here that is the least bit Christmaslike. But I had to delete that line. Because there’s a lot here that I’m sure was like the first Christmas 2000 years ago.

Last week I was visiting in a rural village. Women coming from the well, balancing buckets of water on their heads (and rarely spilling a drop). Men taking a break from repairing their mud brick walls to share a pot of strong, sweet tea. Girls pounding millet into flour with which to prepare the evening meal. Babies crying. Little boys running around with cars made from sticks.

Sheep and goats lazed in the shade of a big tree. Chickens strutted across sandy paths between huts. A donkey brayed. If we were to add a bunch of visitors coming for a census, I think the village would closely resemble the scene in Bethlehem that first Christmas.

As I sat enjoying my friends’ company, a young woman with a newborn baby on her back came over to join us.

She sat down beside me and handed me the wee tyke, wrapped in a thin cotton cloth. Is that what the old King James Version of the Bible meant by the “swaddling clothes” in which the virgin Mary wrapped the infant Jesus?

I held that precious little one in my arms, swishing flies away from his face.

Yes, that tiny child was nice and clean, but the same sure couldn’t be said for the older children running by. There

was sand and dirt and squalor and poverty. Soon enough that little baby will be playing in the same sand where sheep and goats relieve themselves. Soon enough his little tummy will be losing battles to worms and infections.

Jesus was born into similar poverty.

He was God himself, and he left a home so beautiful that we can’t even imagine it. And he was born in a stable into a poor family. Why did he do it? To show us how to live a life that pleases God,

Kootenay Savings Kootenay Savings, the region’s leading credit union with 13 branches in the West and East Kootenays, $597 million in assets and more than 39,000 members, is seeking a qualified and flexible candidate to provide part-time coverage as a service representative in our Invermere/ Edgewater Branches.

Resumes

By January 5, 2007 Paul Kendall Branch Manager PO Box 2580 1028 7th Avenue Invermere BC V0A 1K0 Fax 250 342 6963

because none of us can do it on our own. And to make the way available for us to get to God, because none of us can get there on our own. That’s what Christmas is all about.

And that’s why I’m in Niger, to share the good news of God’s Christmas gift to the world. And as I look around me on the dusty streets and hear a donkey braying next door, I have to conclude that it really is looking “a lot like Christmas” around here!

Part-Time Service Representatives Invermere/Edgewater Branches At Kootenay Savings, we pride ourselves on building successful relationships with our members - success that results from our employees’ genuine interest in helping people to meet their financial needs and goals.

We have the same genuine interest in providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in meaningful careers.

We currently have an opportunity to hire a part-time service representative to work in our Invermere/Edgewater Branches.

If you are a team-oriented individual interested in growing with an organization where you can demonstrate your talent for building strong member relationships, we’d like to hear from you!

Your qualifications will include: • Successful completion of Grade 12 • A strong commitment to continued learning & education • Superior sales and service skills gained through training and experience in a sales environment • Effective communication and interpersonal skills • Keyboarding and computer skills • Cash handling experience • Ability to work varied hours, sometimes on short notice For more information on Kootenay Savings, check out www.kscu.com

paul.kendall@kscu.com

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS MISC. FOR SALE

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

342-6908.

Premium Christmas trees to your door, $25 to $35. Call to confirm size and delivery date.

Deliveries until December 23.

Call Dale at 342-3569.

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

room table and six chairs, $500.

342-0665, pjpank@telus.net.

CAREERS We are looking for lumber yard and store staff who are energetic,

outgoing, self-motivated, fast learners and work well with others. Bring resume to Ace Hardware.

Employment opportunity for male or female to apprentice

Sales Associates Full-time & Part-time

Please call Cathy at 342-7359 or stop by the store

stone mason. $13-18/hr depending on learning curve and experience. 342-5845.

SERVICES Residential/Vacation Properties Maintenance & Repairs Dependable - Fully Insured

JIM ROBERTSON Windermere 342-9022 Simes Painting: interior and exterior, woodwork finished, stain, laquering, and

clearcoating. Valley resident, call Barry 342-0572, Windermere.

THANK YOU Dear Santa, Thank you so much for your wonderful Christmas present you left us in our post office box. You made our Christmas. We love you Santa. Love Dave, Kath, Jenn & Sarah

FOUND Black male neutered cat found, white spots on front paws, very friendly. Phone 347-9093.

EVENTS Spread the word! All DTSS grads of 1997, it’s time to plan our 10 year reunion. Please e-mail your contact information to dtssgrad97@hotmail.com.

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: Tuesdays at noon Phone: 341-6299 Fax: 341-6229 Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

All classified ads must be prepaid by cash or cheque.

December 22, 2006

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 1 - 31, 2006 $

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*Models not exactly as shown. See Scratch & Save Event card or your sales associate for details.

One card per customer while supplies last. Some restrictions apply. † While supplies last. Ice scraper may not be exactly as shown.®

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

December 22, 2006

Valley Churches

FAITH

God gave the greatest gift Jared Enns, Pastor Lake Windermere Alliance Church When asked the question, “What is Christmas?” what comes to your mind?

Holidays, trees, presents, family, turkey dinner, shopping, Santa Claus, singing, parties, bonuses, and the list goes on and on and on. Or perhaps in another direction: Mary and Joseph, an inn keeper, angels singing, some shepherds, a star, the wise men, a stable, a manger, a baby, Jesus.

Tiny Tim summed up Christmas best, when he said, “God bless us, everyone!” That is exactly what God did. The reason for the season is to honor God for the blessing that he gave when he sent his Son, Jesus, to be born in a stable. Every gift you give this Christmas is a symbol of the great gift that God gave for us.

The story of the first Christmas as has been told unchanged for over 2000 years is a wonderful story.

Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem only to find no room at the local inn, but with good fortune there was room in the stable and among the blissful bleating, on the hay baby Jesus was born.

This moment followed by angels singing gloriously to a group of shepherds, who hurried off to find Jesus lying in a manger. And the story continues . . . to announce the birth of Jesus a star appeared in the sky and marked the way for the “three” wise men to come and pay tribute to Jesus, with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It is a beautiful story and bears retelling over and over again, because it is the expression of the love of God for us.

Christmas is about a gift of love. A gift of love that stretches as far as the East is from the West and as far as the right hand stretches from the left when nailed to a cross. We celebrate Jesus’ birth, without which there would be no means for salvation. Jesus had to be born so that he could die.

We all live our lives marked with the scar of Adam and Eve’s sin stamped upon our hearts, but “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish (die in sin), but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Jesus had to live a clean, sin-free life as one of us, a human being, yet being fully God, and only he could be the sacrifice for us to break the curse that sin had upon us, that curse being death. The gift of Christmas, the gift of God’s Son, Jesus, was the gift of life to a dying world.

This Christmas, like so many that have gone before, there is a choice to be made. You can celebrate Christmas with the world and end up with a pile of empty boxes and crumpled wrapping paper, or you can celebrate the life that God has given as a free gift to everyone; and with each piece of tape you remove from a present in anticipation of what’s inside, you can receive the joyful expectation of a life lived in the love of God. For Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.”

Every gift that you ever receive requires an action on your part. The giver has provided it for you, but you must take it, reaching out and grabbing hold of it. God’s gift of life through Jesus Christ is held out to you, and He wants you to take it this Christmas.

There is no magical formula or special incantation required to accept God’s gift; there is only recognizing who you are, and the need that you have for the gift of life and love that God is offering to you.

Your prayer this Christmas could be something like this: Dear God, thank you for Christmas. Thank you that you love me and you sent your son Jesus as a gift for me.

I know that I am a sinner and do not deserve this gift. I believe that Jesus paid the price for my sin and I accept the gift of life that you are giving to me. Thank you for the best gift of all this Christmas, and I look forward to eternal life with you. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer with a sincere heart before God then you have just accepted the most wonderful gift of your life. Take a moment and tell a friend about the gift you received or give me a call, 342-9535.

YOUR PRIVATE CONNECTION Darryl Stettler

Great rates, products and service www.meridianmortgagesolutions.com

Step by step, professional mortgage support.

Bill Rainbow Mortgage Broker (250) 342-3453

Owner Professional Window Cleaning Lawn Maintenance Carpet Cleaning • Janitorial Services Staining & Painting • Gutter Cleaning Condo and Residential Cleaning Fax 250-342-0488 • www.invermere.com/ypc Email: yourprivateconnection@yahoo.com

Tel. 342-7622

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH 10:30 a.m., Sunday, December 24– Worship and Life Instruction, “Celebrating Hope When Life Is Hard”

Sunday School, for ages 3 to grade 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 10:30 a.m. - Invermere - Christ Church Trinity, Worship & Sunday School.

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

Children’s church during the message part of the service.

Children 4 - 12 years.

Sunday, 7:00 pm Prayer Meeting Senior Pastor Rev. John Cuyler • www.vcassembly.com Highway 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere • 342-9511 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere Saturday, 7:0 0 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, 3:00 p.m. Mass Father Jose Joaquin • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Regular weekly worship services every Sunday at 1:30 pm at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Every Sunday 10:00 am Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • Radium Seniors’ Hall • 342-6633 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Sunday, 10:00 am President Grant Watkins • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 345-0079

* Please see the Christmas Calendar on page 5 for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services *

Invermere Christian Supplies Invermere Christian Supplies

www.invermerechristiansupplies.com

1229-7th Ave., Invermere

342-6415

WE SELL REAL ESTATE Call

341-6151

• Radium • Invermere • Panorama • Windermere • Fairmont

or

18883416155 rayfergusonrealty.ca HERITAGE HOME Classic 1920’s Kootenay Park home relocated to Invermere & updated structural details. 2 storey with basement suite. Super buy and location. Large,private treed lot MLS# K NEW

$419,900

December 22, 2006

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

www.ReMaxInvermere.com

Invermere

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

Independently Owned and Operated

250-342-6505

Wende Brash 342-1300

Bernie Raven 342-7415

Daniel Zurgilgen 342-1612

Riverstone Villas

Ed English 342-1194

Jan Klimek 342-1195

John McCarthy 342-1758

Lynda Kirkpatrick 341-1907

Scott Wallace 342-5309

Location is Key

Andy Smith 342-1709

Bryan Hookenson 341-1266

Rob Rice 341-5935

Deborah-Kim Rice 342-5935

Columere Park

Katie Wallace 342-5785

Renovated enovated and tastefully decorated and furnished, 2 Bedroom - 2 plus ½ Bath townhome. Fully finished basement for extra living/sleeping space. Ready revenue producer. Or … What a great starter home in the Radium recreational market.

MLS#K151856

A one bedroom unit at Horsethief Lodge Panorama with an unobstructed view of Paradise Ridge. Easy access to the ski lifts and the upper village. Hot tubs, pools, golf, mountain biking are all here at an unbelievably affordable price. New appliances. New Vision paid in full. MLS#new

Fully renovated inside and out. This Columere Park home has a fully finished basement, just a stoneʼs throw from Coyʼs Par 3 and a short walk to the private beach park and marina. This property can be put on Santaʼs List!! MLS#K151893

Palliser Ridge

$124,500 + GST

Ready and Waiting

$549,500

Incredible Views

This project is designed for the high end recreation buyers that want to be close to it all. The design wood and slate flooring, vaulted master bedroom ceiling, garage, patio and deck to take in your very own unobstructed Rocky Mountain Range views. MLS#151536

Roomy condo on the Radium Springs Golf Course. Three bedrooms. Newly renovated.

Comes with everything, just bring food and clothes. Short term rental income potential. Quiet location and expansive backyard area of this strata. MLS#151469

This 3 bedroom and 3 bathroom pent house is luxurious condo living in the mountains, and the vaulted ceilings enhance the views! MLS#150576

Views Plus

Only Steps to the Beach

Great Opportunity As Is

Over half acre lot in Invermereʼs newest subdivision. Serviced and perfect for walkout basement. Come see the views! MLS#118050

Property with private lake access. 3 bedroom sleeping cabin with potential to upgrade or you can build new, the choice is yours. This corner lot has no building commitment and is only a block to the beach, boat launch and marina. MLS#K117884

$255,000

$395,000 + GST

$319,000

40 Acres Minutes from Invermere

Quiet, private mountain setting. Comfort fills you in this large, hand crafted log home, surrounded by crown land. Outdoor recreation from your door step. Come home to a crackling fire and views of the mountains. Workshop is insulated, heated and has electricity. Only 10 minutes to Invermere and 15 minutes to Panorama. Access trails to Lake Enid and down the road from Lake Lillian. MLS#116502

$900,000

$335,000

$319,000

$769,000

Located on the highway in Radium Hot Springs. Potential for residential expansion or other commercial development or combinations of both. Come experience the fantastic views and incredible location for your next business venture. MLS#118507

Your Own Castle

Wonderful Lakeview Meadows opportunity. This home shows true craftsmanship in itʼs finest form.

Everything youʼve ever wanted and just a short stroll to the lake. MLS#118143

$1,250,000

$992,000