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The Columbia

March 7, 2008

Valley

P IONEER

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

TEACHERS TALK

3 CUTTING LOOSE

15 ON THE ROAD

REMEMBERING RICHARD Scott White, lead guitarist in Solitary Vice, will provide the live music for a skateboarding competition organized by local student Kelsey Prichard, in memory of Richard Benn. See Page 4 for more info.

Photo by Rachel Pinder

16

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

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O B J E C T I V E , C R E AT I V E ,

I N F O R M AT I V E !

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6,000 copies from Cranbrook to Golden.

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VALLEY NEWS

E-mail: upioneer@telus.net Phone: (250) 341-6299

Call 341-6299 to place your classified.

SPADES AT THE READY—From left to right: Darren Danyluk, principal at David Thompson Secondary School; Jim Jenkinson, board of education trustee; Maureen Thorpe, chair of Columbia Valley Botanical Gardens; Bendina Miller, superintendent of Rocky Mountain School District Six, and Jackie Anderson, Panorama Foundation.

Photo by Rachel Pinder

Greenhouse project digs in

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff The spades were out in force last week for a ceremonial dig and sign unveiling to mark the start of construction of the Community Greenhouse Project.

Building is expected to start later this month, and help is wanted from anyone who can donate their expertise, materials or financial support.

The Community Greenhouse is the brainchild of the Columbia Valley Botanical Gardens and Centre for Sustainable Living, in partnership with David Thompson Secondary School and School District No. Six. All valley citizens including students, seniors, service club members, mentally and physically handicapped, arts and cultural groups will find a place to enjoy, learn, interact and contribute their energy at the Community Greenhouse.

Project leader Bill Swan explained that building materials and services are the project’s biggest need.

“No contribution is too small, and any new or used materials or time that people are able to offer the project would be appreciated. Naturally, financial contributions are also appreciated and provide another option for people to support this project and tax receipts can be issued,” he said.

Materials needed include concrete, lumber and plywood, framing materials, nails, screws, steel, insulation, roofing membrane, gutter and drains, fans, insulated ducting, air ducting, aggregate and soil, recycled concrete or tires for retaining walls, piping, plumbing fittings and supplies, solar panels, conduit,

wire and electrical supplies, metal flashings, doors and windows, paint and caulking, furniture, horticultural supplies, tools, and greenhouse equipment.

Service and skills required include concrete forming and finishers, framers, insulators, electricians, heating trades, plumbers, roofers, painters, greenhouse operators, and general labourers.

Contributions made to the project so far include provision of land under a License of Occupation and staff time from the school district; staff time, meeting space and events supporting the greenhouse from David Thompson Secondary School; funding from the Panorama Foundation, Interior Health Authority, and Union of BC Municipalities; contributions of design expertise from Dale Wilker, who is the designer and volunteer construction manager; final conceptual and construction drawings from architect Mark Hendrickson; site drawing and surveys from Focus Intec, Land Survey Services; building permits, development cost charges and staff time from the District of Invermere; framing time and expertise from Doug Charlton at D. J. Charlton Construction; machine time, excavation and site preparation from Phil Ruault at Westside Construction; machine time and labour from Peter Pankovitch; innovative funding support from Eagle Ranch Golf Resort; design and operations expertise from Jack Steedman and Glenda Wah at Winderberry Nursery; labour for installation of living roof plants from Steve Doyle, Solstice Developments; and a fiberglass water tank from Edmund Kluczny.

For more information, contact Bill Swan at 3422838 or email ospreyco@telus.net.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

March 7, 2008

VALLEY NEWS

Teachers voice concern about workload

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff

Jinny Sims, president of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation.

Teachers from across the Columbia Valley voiced their concerns about a lack of resources, too much testing and not enough time to teach, at a forum in Invermere on Tuesday night.

The forum entitled Let’s Talk About Teaching and Learning at Pynelogs Cultural Centre was organized by the Windermere Teachers’ Association.

Jinny Sims, president of the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation, was also on hand as part of a province-wide tour, designed to gather views from teachers, parents and the general public.

Despite a good turn-out of about 50 teachers, only one parent showed up—John Perdue from Radium, who said he thinks structure and support are an important part of optimal learning for students.

Darren Danyluk, principal of David Thompson Secondary School, told the forum he has six new teachers being inducted; while David Gee, principal at J. A. Laird School, has one new inductee.

Jinny Sims said the majority of teachers are frustrated because they don’t have the tools they need.

“Teachers are putting in more and more time and some of them feel they’re putting in an inordinate number of hours to do their job. They feel a sense of helplessness at times, as they’re not providing pupils

with what they need as they don’t have the resources, and things are getting worse. We’re living in a time where the government has a surplus, and yet we have students whose basic needs are not being met.

“It makes me sad to hear teachers talk about bureaucracy and all the hoops they have to go through, especially when it’s young teachers just coming in to the profession,” she said.

She explained the school board and the provincial government should support public education by giving teachers the tools they need to do their job, including more materials, working technology, and digital projectors in every classroom.

Ms. Sims said teachers around the province feel the expectations on them are unrealistic, and they’re not getting any commitment from the government.

“We want to keep teachers’ enthusiasm and make teaching more do-able, so young teachers don’t leave the profession. I’ve never seen teachers looking as tired as they are now, but despite this adversity they still walk into the classroom full of hope,” she added.

Anne Jardine, president of the Windermere Teachers’ Association, said more needs to be done to get more parents interested. “We need to do lots more work to try to connect with parents. They send their children off to school every day in good faith, but if they came into the classroom and saw some of the complexities, it might prompt a bit more discussion,” she said.

Bus passengers picked up at Syndicate Boardshop Bus passengers have a temporary stop to jump on and off the Greyhound in Invermere — thanks to the Syndicate Boardshop, which has offered the use of its parking lot.

Syndicate stepped in after Invermere Petro Canada stopped running the Greyhound Agency as of February 29th.

Syndicate will not be running the parcel service, so customers wanting to drop off or pick up parcels will have to travel to Fairmont or Radium.

Jeremy Donald, co-owner of Syndicate Boardshop with Eric Lange, said buses will use their parking lot to drop off and pick up passengers until a new

business is found to operate the complete service.

Last month, Petro Can owner J.C. Alacoque said the Greyhound did not fit into his plans any more, due to the labour shortage and renovations which are taking place inside the gas station. He said running the Greyhound agency is very labour-intensive, and takes one to two staff per day to organize.

“The staff have to get the parcels off the bus, sort them, and phone everyone who has one to pick it up. Each parcel has to be entered into a system, so it is a lot of detailed work,” Mr Alacoque said.

The Greyhound Agency has been based at Petro Canada for the past 10 years, and agency manager

Alex Mishchenko is looking into finding someone else to take over the contract.

Any location in Invermere, even downtown, could be suitable. The bus can pull in anywhere as it only needs to stop for five or ten minutes. Passengers jumping on or off the bus would bring in extra business with snacks and magazine sales, along with people who are shipping or receiving parcels.

Dave Hickie, director of passenger services at Greyhound, confirmed that buses will still be stopping in Invermere until they find another agent to run the services.

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March 7, 2008

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Memorial competition planned for local skater a chance to reunite and share the fond memories of Richard that we all have. It will also be a positive incentive to get the contestants thinking about their fuA 15-year-old boy is the inspiration behind a tures,” Kelsey said.

She has already received support from the leaderskateboarding competition due to be held in July in ship class, Syndicate Boardshop and Panorama, who his memory.

In 2002, Richard Benn, well-known by his nick- are willing to help with planning and donation of name CrisQo, drowned in Lake Windermere, and his prizes.

And the District of Invermere is seeking advice friend Kelsey Prichard wants to do something to comfrom insurers before making any memorate him. commitment to the event.

Kelsey is a Grade “Most importantly, this event will be Chief administrative officer 12 student at David Thompson Secondary in memoriam of Richard Benn, giving his Chris Prosser said the only way School, and is planning friends and family a chance to reunite and the District can afford the insurto hold the skateboard- share the fond memories of Richard that ance is if they host the event and Kelsey works as a town voluning and biking compe- we all have.”

—Kelsey Prichard teer. tition at Mount Nelson “We had a delegation about Athletic Park from July it at last Tuesday’s council meet11th until 13th. ing and that was the only way All proceeds from the event will be put in a scholarship fund that local we could afford it,” he said.

Kelsey has organized several events before as part students could apply for towards a post-secondary inof her leadership class at David Thompson Secondary stitution of their choice.

“We’ll have pro-riders from Calgary and Kelowna, School, but nothing quite on this scale before.

“I helped with the hockey tournament last month as well as live bands and a gaming tent for playing Xto raise money for a school in Sierra Leone, as well as a box,” she said.

“There will also be information booths, and stu- gala dinner and a talent show, but I’m confident I can dent counselling groups available, such as the Youth make this skateboarding competition a huge success,” Kelsey said.

Action Team.

Anyone who would like to help should contact “Most importantly, this event will be in memoriam of Richard Benn, giving his friends and family Kelsey by email at kelseyprichard@hotmail.com.

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff

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RCMP Report Doug Pack, Staff Sergeant, RCMP Columbia Valley Detachment • On February 29, at 10 p.m., a member of the RCMP observed a blue Ford Bronco with loosely-attached Nova Scotia licence plates parked on Highway 93/95, about three kilometres north of Wilmer Loop Road.

When police checked the plate, they learned that it belonged to a 1998 GMC Jimmy from Sackville, Nova Scotia. The officer then checked the Vehicle Identification Number and it showed that the Bronco was unlicensed as of 2003 and the last address for the owner was in Prince George, B.C. There are no reports of it having been stolen.

As there was nobody around the vehicle when it was checked, it was treated as an abandoned vehicle and towed. The licence plates were recovered and will be returned to Nova Scotia.

• On March 3, around 2:35 a.m., while the RCMP

were monitoring the downtown Invermere bars empty, one of the officers radioed that his vehicle was being hit by rocks. A second car was in the area and the officer observed a male among the crowd make a “throwing motion.” Seconds later, a loud “thump” was heard and the first officer confirmed that his marked police car was struck again.

The second officer exited his car, and arrested the man for mischief. Damage to the police car was confined to the roof area, and is repairable. The man was later released from custody and charges are expected.

• On March 3, RCMP were called to a report of theft from at vehicle at the construction site at 4840 Ridge Road, Radium Hot Springs.

The complainant stated that a Chevrolet pickup, parked in front of the site manager’s office, had the passenger side window smashed with a rock. Two tool belts were stolen from inside (approximate value: $500) and a quarter tank of gas was siphoned from the tank.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

March 7, 2008

Comic to entertain at annual awards dinner

Economic report ready for release A 34-page economic report about the Columbia Valley will be available soon for local residents or people wishing to relocate to this area.

The report, as well as a sixpage condensed version, can be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre at the crossroads.

The chamber has received many inquiries for statistical information about the demographics of the valley, including population, transportation, housing, schools, health care, climate, etc.

In order to collect this type of information, numerous organizations needed to be contacted. This process was not only time-consuming, but also frustrating to individuals wishing to invest here.

The chamber asked the Columbia Basin Trust for funding for the project, and the request was accepted in June 2007.

The chamber thanks Columbia Basin Trust for this donation.

A project coordinator was contracted in August 2007 to compile this information. Interspersed within the document are full-colour historical and present-day photographs, as well as detailed graphs.

The documentation will be formatted by Harrison McKay Communications for inclusion on the chamber website at www.cvchamber.ca.

This project was a major undertaking and will continue to be a work in progress, as statistical information fluctuates over time and revisions are made to update the document.

Point and Canadian Pacific You can now vote on-line made it possible to get Robertfor businesses and individuals son, Ms. Overy said. you believe deserve recognition “We do have two great at the Chamber’s 10th Annual sponsors in Copper Point and Business Excellence Awards.

CP Rail,” she said.

Simply go to the Columbia “Mr. Robertson came Valley Chamber of Commerce within our budget and he website, www.cvchamber.ca, wanted to come.” and don’t forget to reserve your Mr. Robertson, she said, tickets for the Business Excelwill arrive a day early to collect lence Awards gala. local material for his presentaChamber of Commerce Extion. ecutive Director Heather OvBob Robertson Mrs. Overy said you do ery said tickets for the event— not have to be a chamber which will feature the comedy stylings of Bob Robertson—are selling briskly. member to vote, but you must be a chamber Award-winning political satirist and comedian member to win.

Simply clip the nomination form on Page Bob Robertson is the co-creator of CTV and 13 and return it to the visitor centres, grocery CBC’s Double Exposure.

The Business Excellence Awards gala stores or banks. You can also fax the form takes place at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to 342-3261 or e-mail your nominations to on Wednesday, April 9th, with cocktails and info@cvchamber.ca.

Nomination ballots must be received no networking at 6 p.m. and dinner and awards later than 4 p.m. Monday, March 31. Call at 6:45 p.m.

Funding from corporate sponsors Copper Heather at 342-2844 for more information.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE Historical Lens

Silicon Valley of the north

By Brian Geis Pioneer Editor At the recommendation of Columbia RiverRevelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald, I watched Bryan Smith’s 30-minute documentary 49 Megawatts (Google it), which explores B.C.’s big push for private, run-of-the-river power projects like the one that has transformed the Ashlu River and endangers hundreds more across the province.

The arguments made and events depicted in 49 Megawatts are eerily similar to those that have resulted from the application for Jumbo Glacier Resort.

It occurred to me that as long as government focuses on developing the industries that consume the vast wilds of British Columbia, the environmentalists, grizzlies, mountain caribou, old-growth forests and free-running rivers don’t stand a chance. In a conversation with Area F Director Lillian Rose last week, she said the promise of the Regional District’s high-speed, fibre-optic network is the incentive it represents to industries that aren’t “land-altering.”

High-tech infrastructure is a great start, but I think government should do more to attract industries that aren’t land-altering. The Regional District government and the Chamber of Commerce should appoint a blue-ribbon commission charged with attracting high-tech companies, software developers, fund managers, professional consultants, engineers, inventors and light manufacturing firms. A recent article in the New York Times (Off to Resorts, and Carrying Their Careers) describes a trend toward hybrid communities high in the Colorado Rockies fueled by the relocation of high-tech companies that are “location-neutral.”

The natural amenities are a tantalizing perk for prospective employees that might fill our schools with children again, schools that should shift their focus away from training young people for careers in the land-altering industries and begin preparing workers for the more diverse economy that high-tech infrastructure like fibre-optic broadband will surely bring.

March 7, 2008

Columbia Valley Irrigated Fruit Lands

A card attached to this photo noted that the offices of the Columbia Valley Irrigated Fruit Lands stood at the corner of 7th Avenue and 13th Street, where the Bank of Montreal now stands.

The Columbia Valley Irrigated Fruit Lands company was established in 1911 by Randolph Bruce, in part to feed the workers at his other business, Paradise Mine.

Snapped in 1912, this photo shows a bicycle leaning against a picket fence and a man and a dog on the porch.

If you have any clues about the photograph, you may email the historical society at wvmuseum@cyberlink.bc.ca.

Photo A7 courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Update on the Godlien benefit Dear Editor: The response has been overwhelming. We would like to first say thank you to the ones who have already contacted us with donations and/or volunteered their time. Everyone’s generosity is greatly appreciated. The general thesis is that there are a lot of people who want to help.

Thanks, thanks, and more thanks.

Anyone who would like to make

a donation, can do so at the Kootenay Savings Credit Union.

Cheques should be made payable to “Lawrence Godlien Benefit.”

If someone wishes to send a donation by mail, please send to Kootenay Savings Credit Union, P.O. Box 2580, Invermere, V0A 1K0. The dinner and dance benefit will be held on April 26th at the Invermere Curling Club.

There will be dinner, dance, live music, auctions, as well as other

fundraising events. Tickets can be picked up at Kidz Outlet (below Lambert & Kipp Pharmacy) or through any of the following people: Rose Gottinger 3429092, Terri Lightfoot 342-9541, Janice McGregor 342-0835, Kristin Olsen 342-8661, Trish Raven 347-2122, Trish Pike 342-0642, Athena Hunt 342-3569. Cost is $25 per person.

Rose Gottinger, Wilmer

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.

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Brian Geis Editor

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

March 7, 2008

Disappointed: camping fees are going up Dear Editor: In 1967 I was posted to the Canadian Embassy in Berne, Switzerland.

Previously we lived in Vienna, Austria; and Tel Aviv, Israel. As Berne was centrally located in Europe, we purchased a Sprite Muskateer trailer and began our international camping. The trailer was designed by British Aeonautical engineers and manufactured in Holland. It was very air-stream and light to tow.

We have four children—Heidi, born in Vienna; David, born in Tel Aviv; Tammie, in Berne; and Jonathan, born in Halifax. So we had an international family to match our international camping. Our first trip was to Nice, France with stops in Monaco, Liechtenstein and other French villages. As I spoke English, German, and French, we had no trouble communicating with the local people, which really was a big asset.

We also winter camped at Lenk, Switzerland (approximately one hour from Berne), where we could ski down to our trailer. I can still smell the coffee and bacon as we prepared breakfast during a brisk summer morning.

The next year we camped on the Italian Riviera and so it continued into Germany, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, and Austria. One thing I enjoyed about camping in Europe was the camping passport, which entitled you to camp in certain campgrounds that were well controlled with no vandalism or rowdiness.

In 1969 we were posted back to Halifax, Nova Scotia so we took our trailer with us and so began our camping in North America. We sailed from Liverpool, England so I had to drive through London on the left side of the road to get to our destination (a bit tricky but without accident).

We landed in Montreal and visited our relatives in Ontario and Manitoba, and then returned to Nova Scotia and began our Maritime camping in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. There are many beautiful campsites in this area.

In 1974 we moved to Ottawa and continued our camping, and in 1975 we moved to Red Deer, Alberta and began our Western Canadian camping trips to such places as Shuswap, Vancouver Island and Radium Hot Springs.

We enjoyed camping in our compact trailer in 12 countries. Our trailer is now 41 years old and used by our grandchildren as a playhouse. Our motto is “the family that camps together stays together” – our family has proven this motto.

I am disappointed that the cost of camping has escalated in both the national, provincial and private parks and is not affordable to some families in Canada. I believe it is one of the best family recreational activities and should be encouraged at all levels.

John and Dawn Ginter Radium Hot Springs

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

Arts council wasn’t treated ‘honourably’ Submitted by Cameron Berry, Past President Columbia Valley Arts Council Gerry Taft, The District of Invemere Councillor, certainly has the right to oppose the proposed Performing Arts Centre—but Mr. Taft, as an aspiring municipal politician, also has the obligation to state the facts honestly and truthfully.

His letter of February 29th attempts to belittle the Columbia Valley Arts community initiative and to misstate the actual facts.

We need to remind Councillor Taft that the arts council’s momentum on this project commenced in earnest in 2004 with the blessing and full support of the District of Invermere Council.

The District of Invermere and senior members of the administration were totally on side with the arts council, and supported the adjacent Pynelogs location and our active financing initiatives with various levels of government.

We were totally open with the administration and they provided us with encouragement and suggestions. This is on the record! Is it then appropriate to accuse Columbia Valley Arts of being “too aggressive’ and “demanding” public land?

With the project underway for two years and gaining momentum, The District of Invermere came

to the arts council in August 2006 and asked that we consider relocating the project to the David Thompson site and build a joint facility with the library. We demanded nothing!

Almost four years of momentum has now been truly lost as we agreed to shift direction and proceed with the library on the Joint facility at your council’s request.

Rather than try to cloud this issue with misinformation, it would be more suitable if the District of Invermere and councillors would be up front with the public and the large Columbia Valley Arts constituency and admit that they, in fact did not treat us in an appropriate and honourable manner, considering the cooperation we demonstrated and the volunteer effort we had expended to date.

To imply that local musicians and theatre groups would be “overshadowed and booted out” in favour of outside groups is absolutely ludicrous.

We simply pointed out that a performing art centre would enable this community to attract all genres of performances, local and travelling.

Performing arts centres are revenue generators and are not overly dependent on the public purse. Perhaps if you looked closer at Columbia Valley Arts you would see our unfailing dedication to promoting local art and music in this regional community. Columbia

Valley Arts serves a wide spectrum of citizens in this community and is volunteer driven.

Council has denied Columbia Valley Arts the opportunity to demonstrate the economic viability of this project.

You have withdrawn the promised funding approved and allocated for the planning and information process.

Many of Columbia Valley Arts active volunteer base have sound business experience and it was our intention to ensure that this facility would be on a sound economic footing from inception.

We planned an economic analysis followed by public forums in concert with the District of Invermere and Regional District of East Kootenay to bring all the facts before the public in anticipation of a public referendum.

We are deeply appreciative to the district and the regional district’s Area F for their new annual contributions to our core funding and for the capital contributions for the Pynelogs renovation in 2005.

Columbia Valley Arts efficiently and effectively manages a $250,000 annual community operation through innovation and creativity. Please give us the respect we deserve!

We are not lying down quietly or going away. We are continuing to pursue the dream!

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Page 9

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

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

PAGE 10

AT THE LIBRARY

PAGE 10

Out & About Daniel Catt, naturalist and photographer, has explored the people , landscapes and wildlife of more than 50 nations around the world. Hear him speak at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11th.

On Cue Concert• Christ Church Trinity

On Cue concert at Christ Church Sunday March 9th at 2 pm. Call 342-4423 for tickets.

Business of Art · College of the Rockies

Artist Marketing and Self Promotion Course. Saturday March 8th from 9 am to 5 pm.

Call the College of the Rockies 342-3210.

What does ART mean to you?

Stephen Fearing Concert · Pynelogs Cultural Centre

Stephen Fearing Concert by On Top Productions at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

Friday March 14th at 7 pm. Call 342-5873 for tickets.

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 342-4423.

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

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

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

Review: Into the Wild Reviewed by Rachel Pinder

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

Architectural items for home and garden.

We are open Wednesday to Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm

Ph: (250)

342-0707

e-mail: klein@nucleus.com • www.tepapanui.com Invermere Industrial Park (just off the road to Panorama)

I actually missed seeing Into The Wild at the Toby Theatre when it was shown for Cinefest, so I was itching to watch it after hearing everyone rave about how fantastic it was.

And they certainly weren’t wrong. It was one of those amazing must-see movies which make you think about life, and how you can change it quite drastically just by setting out on the road with no real plan of where you’re going to go or what you’re going to do next.

Travelling is a life-changing experience. After living, working and volunteering in almost 50 countries over the past five years I can definitely vouch for that. So I knew that a movie about a man who abandons his life of comfort to pursue the freedom of life on the road would be right up my street.

Into The Wild is actually based on a true story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who satisfies his parents' dreams of seeing him graduate,

then packs up his things and heads off into the unknown.

The people he meets and his experiences of complete freedom of life on the road shape a quest which leads him to the wilderness of Alaska. Alaska becomes his mission, his destination, and when he eventually gets there, he faces the ultimate challenge of his life.

Sean Penn wrote the screenplay and directed Into The Wild, and he has done an amazing job. Despite never seeing Emile Hirsch in a film before, he surpassed all my expectations. And he performed alongside an all-star cast including William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener and Hal Holbrook.

This is a film that will really make you think. About life. About what’s important. And about what you can do to change it.

RATING: 9 OUT OF 10 HEADS

At The Library At Some Disputed Barricade,

by Anne Perry

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Reviewed by Sheila Bonny Some Disputed Barricade is a historical murder mystery set among the muddy trenches of World War I, at the Battle of Passchendaele. Perry describes the misery, exhaustion and carnage that drive patriotic British soldiers close to mutiny.

When an incompetent commanding officer is shot, almost certainly by his own men, Chaplain Joseph Reavley is charged with investigating the murder. He proceeds reluctantly, knowing that an execution will further demoralize the soldiers. Later, when 12 people suspected of plot-

Gone Hollywood’s

TOP FIVE OF THE WEEK Last Week’s Top 5 Rentals 1 2 3 4 5

Beowolf 30 Days of Night American Gangster Darjelling Ltd. Michael Clayton

New Releases March 4 1 Into the Wild 2 Things We Lost in the Fire 3 Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 4 Dr. Doolittle: Tail to the Chief 5 Awake

New Releases March 11 1 No Country for Old Men 2 Hitman 3 Bee Movie 4 Dan in Real Life 5 Sleuth

ting the killing escape into the French countryside, Reavley’s task becomes additionally difficult because he suspects his sister Judith, an ambulance driver, may have aided the escapees.

In London, Joseph's brother Matthew, a major with the Intelligence Service, investigates the murder and fraudulent discrediting of influential MPs who support the war effort. Matthew suspects these events to be the work of someone close to him in the police or the government, the sinister Peacemaker, a man who wants to end the war, even at the cost of surrender.

In this book, Perry portrays the anguish of people torn between peace and freedom, patriotism and abhorrence of bloodshed, family loyalty and military justice.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

March 7, 2008

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

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

Toby Theatre • 7:30 pm: March 5-8: 27 Dresses • 7:30 pm: March 12-15: Spiderwick Chronicles

Friday, March 7th: • 2 pm: World Day of Prayer service, United Church, Edgewater, conducted by Wayne Frater.

• 2 pm: World Day of Prayer service, Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere.

• 8 pm: Lake Mist Theatre presents “Flowers For Algernon,” a one-act play at the high school. Cost $5.

Saturday, March 8th: • 10 am-noon: “Easter layout class” at Scrappy-Do’s.

To register: 342-7238.

• Deadline today for advertising in Columbia Valley Homes Magazine, Your Guide to Valley Living. For info, call Dave Sutherland at The Pioneer, 341-6299.

Saturday, March 15th: • 1-4 pm: Cameron Bird present at The Artym Gallery during his solo exhibition, to run until March 28th.

Saturday, March 15th: • 2 - 4 pm: Go Go Sisterhood Bake Sale Fundraiser to assist the survival of the children in Africa orphaned by HIV/AIDS, held at Christ Church Trinity.

• 5 pm-midnight: Crop Night at Scrappy Do’s, space is limited! Call 342-7238 to reserve your spot.

Saturday, March 15th: • 2 - 4 pm: St. Patrick’s Day Tea & Bake Sale, Brisco Community Hall, $5 admission.

March 19th, 20th, 21st, & March 22nd: • Daffodil sales begin for the Canadian Cancer Society, available at AG Foods, Sobeys, Fairmont Mountainside Market, and Radium Mountainside Market.

Friday, March 21st-Sunday, March 23rd: Sunday, March 9th: • 2 pm: Concert Series presents: On Cue, a cappella ensemble, at Christ Church Trinity. Tickets at Dave’s Book Bar, Essentials, Pynelogs, Trims & Treasures in Fairmont, and N’Deco in Radium.

• St. Patrick’s Day Spaghetti Dinner, Edgewater Legion. Cocktails 5:30 pm, dinner 6:30 pm. Adults cost $10, seniors and children six to 12 cost $8, children under six free.

Tuesday, March 11th: • 7-9 pm: Optimal Health During Menopause, presented by Naturopathic Physician Marika Geis of Invermere, College of the Rockies. Cost $5.

• 7:30 pm: Antarctica to the Amazon, by Wild Voices series speaker Daniel Catt, in the high school theatre.

Cost $5; students free.

Friday, March 14th: • 6-9 pm: Opening reception for solo exhibition of Cameron Bird’s work at the Artym Gallery. Exhibit shows until March 28th.

• Paragliding Meet at Panorama. For more info, visit www.flyingmax.com.

Friday, March 28th: • 5 pm-midnight: Crop Night at Scrappy Do’s, space is limited! Call 342-7238 to reserve your spot.

Monday, March 31st: • 4 pm: Deadline for submission of nominations for the annual Business Excellence Awards, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. For info: 342-2844 or vote online at www.cvchamber.ca.

• 7 pm: The Kite Runner, a Cinefest movie presented by the Columbia Valley Arts Council at the Toby Theatre. Tickets $10 at the door.

• New sessions for Red Cross swim lessons including preschool, adult, and the swim club program. To register: columbiavalleyswimclub@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, April 1st-Wednesday, April 30th: • Door-to-door fundraising campaign conducted by the local branch, Canadian Cancer Society.

Wednesday, April 9th: • 6 pm: Columbia Valley’s 10th Annual Business Excellence Awards, held at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with guest speaker Bob Robertson. Tickets $50, dinner and award presentations at 6:45 pm. Call 3422844 or e-mail info@cvchamber.ca to reserve your tickets. Last year’s dinner was sold out, so reserve your seats early.

Saturday, March 22nd: • 10 am-2 pm: Legion Ladies Flea Market, Royal Canadian Legion, Invermere. Lunch $5; table rentals, $10. Call Tammie at 347-9607 or Norma at 342-3990 to book a table.

• Panorama Freeride Team hosts a Beach Party fundraising event at RK-Heli Plex. Proceeds go to a non-profit group with certified coaches teaching kids and teens skiing and snowboarding. For info: Mike & Andrea Meadus, 342-9082, or skibase@telus.net.

New Video Releases Tuesday, March 11th: • August Rush • Bee Movie • Hitman • Sleuth

Invermere Thrift Store Hours: •10 am - 4 pm: Thursdays • 1 - 4 pm: Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday, March 23rd: • Easter Egg Hunt in Radium Hot Springs. Call 3479331 for more info.

Thursday, March 27th: • 5-9 pm: Creative Connections Art Show and Sale opens at Chateau Kimberley until April 30th.

• Bachelor Party 2 • Dan In Real Life • Nancy Drew • No Country For Old Men

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

• 6:30-8:30 pm Tuesdays: Options for Sexual Health, a confidential service offering lower cost birth control methods, counselling, and access to doctors, at the Invermere Health Unit. For info: 342-2362.

Reserve Your Springtime Wedding in this Perfect Setting Love is in the fairways this spring, and Eagle Ranch Resort is the perfect venue to host your event. We provide the services of a wedding coordinator and the added touch of Service Beyond™ to exceed your every expectation. Visit the clubhouse or inquire at info@eagleranchresort.com for availability and more information.

Elevate Your Wedding Experience Call (877) 877-3889 or(250) 342-0562 for tee time reservations or visit www.eagleranchresort.com

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

Cayla craving a little taste of home

By Cayla Gabruck Editor’s Note: Cayla worked for The Pioneer last summer and is now completing her journalism degree in New Zeland before returning to the newspaper full-time in August.

Kia Ora, Columbia Valley! (That means: “Be well” in Maori.)

As a few of you may know, I am spending my last remaining months in sunny New Zealand before I revisit you permanently.

This is one of the youngest geographic areas in the world and I thought, with fears of you forgetting me, that I should enlighten you with some of the highlights of my epic journey.

It is amazing how being cooped up in the centre of a major city can make you long for the quieter streets of home. This is the stage I am in right now, in limbo, staying at a family friend’s eighth floor apartment in the middle of downtown Auckland, waiting for a house to open up in Hamilton, a city of 140,000 people.

That sounds quite large in comparison to my home town of Killam, Alberta; or even Invermere, but compared to what we are living in now, it can only be described as homey.

When I was presented with the idea of culture shock, I completely shrugged it off —until today. Today I had by far one of the most shocking experiences of my adult and apparently very sheltered life.

Yearning for a bit of home-style comfort, as you can imagine after five days of living eight stories above noisy traffic, I am starting to go a bit stir-crazy.

Today, I was craving a little taste of home and decided, what better way to satisfy my craving than to have some good old-fashioned Subway?

So my travelling partner and I stepped inside the Subway, which by the way is not just a restaurant in itself but is adjoined with a 24-hour quickie mart, and got in line to place our orders. What came next quite literally left me dumbfounded for the next 45 minutes, as trivial as it may seem.

We go about placing our orders. I order a BLT, the very standard bacon, lettuce and tomato—apparently only in North American Subways, I later learned. After spending numerous hours longing for a little bit of home, my request was met with none other than . . .

“A BLT, what is that? We don’t have that here—only a BMT.” It was at that moment my heart stopped. This

could not be happening! There are very few of you that can identify the way your heart drops when you are presented with such a statement.

I am sure that many reading this are thinking, “C’mon, Cayla, its not that big of a deal.” I can assure you than when you are longing for home, it is a big deal. Nothing would satisfy me more at the moment than a cup of pink grapefruit gelati from Gerry’s Gelati or the delicious BLT that I normally took for granted at Subway.

Nevertheless, don’t get the impression that I am not enjoying this wonderfully warm country. I have visited the Auckland Museum, which is by far the most spectacular display I have ever seen as far as museums go, and I have been honored to be educated about the native Maori culture and their song and dance.

I have also had the chance to visit the beautiful west coast of New Zealand, complete with a black sand beach and a sapphire blue coastline.

All the same, I do wish to make you aware of the little treasures you have hiding away in the Columbia Valley. This week, I urge you to savor the things, especially the foods that you take for granted, because I can assure you they are unique to the place that you call home!

A BMT, by the way, means “Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest.”

Until next time, take care from New Zealand.

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Call 250-342-0562 for tee times • www.eagleranchresort.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

March 7, 2008

Good Food Co-op available to all

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff

VOLUNTARY EFFORT — (Left to right): Marion Hoover, Wendy Kinsey, Dawn Sommerville and Pat Cope, coordinators of the Columbia Valley Good Food Co-op, preparing food boxes at Invermere Community Hall.

Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce

10th Annual

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE NOMINATION FORM 1. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

6. ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 10. BUSINESS EXCELLENCE Sponsored by: Community Futures – SOUTH AREA

Sponsored by: Palliser Printing Accountants, Law Firms, Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Surveying, Insurance, Financial, Consultant, Social Service or Government Agency.

Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

2. TOURISM - HOSPITALITY

Development Corporation

Individual or Business who has a wellrun operation, 3 or less years in business, reputation for honesty and integrity, involved in the community Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

7. EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: Fairmont Business Association

Overall well-run Business operating in the Windermere, Fairmont, and/or Canal Flats region.

Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

11. BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: 1 – 15 EMPLOYEES Fairmont Mountainside Villas Courses, Any Employee who is personable and respectful, Sponsored by: Eagle Ranch Golf Course

Sponsored by: AG Valley Foods

Resorts, Hotels/Motels, Golf Recreational Facilities, Campgrounds, Bed & strives for excellent customer service and is Overall well-run Business, experts in their field, Breakfasts friendly and courteous to customers and staff. provides staff training, quality customer service, Nominee: ___________________________ and contributes to the community.

Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

3. FOOD AND BEVERAGE Sponsored by: Mr. Bibs

___________________________________

8. BUSINESS EXCELLENCE – CENTRAL AREA

Restaurants, Catering Companies, Coffee Sponsored by: Shops, Lounges and Bars.

Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

4. BUSINESS EXCELLENCE – NORTH AREA

Sponsored by: Walter Pearce – Kootenay Group Insurance Planners

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

5. RETAILER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by: Radium Resort

Excellent Customer Service, markets and advertises well, stands behind its product, good relationship with customers and staff.

Nominee ___________________________ ___________________________________

12. BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 16 OR MORE EMPLOYEES Sponsored by:

Overall well-run Business operating in Smith Green Andruschuk LLP Invermere, Athalmer, Wilmer, and/or Panorama Overall well-run Business, experts in their field, region provides staff training, quality customer service, and contributes to the community.

Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

Overall well-run Business operating in the 9. CONTRACTOR - TRADE - BUILDER OF THE YEAR Radium Hot Springs, Edgewater, Spur Valley, Brisco, and/or Spillimacheen region.

Sponsored by: Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

13. NEWS MAKER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by: The Valley Echo

Invermere Home Hardware

A professional company/contractor and/or tradesperson who takes pride in their work, and is honest and ethical

Has made Headlines throughout the Year, offered opinions, reputation for honesty and integrity, and contributed to the well-being of the community.

Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

Nominee: ___________________________ ___________________________________

MISSION STATEMENT

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is an organization within the community promoting a dynamic business environment through effective communication, networking and education on behalf of its membership.

Kim Collens - Rockies West www.kimcollens.com

More volunteers are needed by the Columbia Valley Good Food Co-op to help prepare food boxes in Windermere and Fairmont.

Every month, coordinators put together boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables from AG Valley Foods at savings over regular retail prices.

The program is available to everyone in the community who would like to join, from Invermere to Edgewater, Radium, Juniper Heights, Brisco and Spillimacheen.

This cost is reduced because the produce is purchased in bulk and repacked by co-op members with the savings being passed on to the members.

The boxes are then taken to each community for pick-up at designated depots. It costs $10 per family or $5 for individuals.

For more information about this service, contact the Family Resource Centre on 342-4242.

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Brendan Donahue Investment Advisor Phone: 342-2112

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

as of March 4th 3.75% 3.91% 4.11% 4.15% 4.35% 4.40% 4.60%

New USD High Interest Savings Accounts No minimum balances 3.25% No fees Interest calculated daily, paid monthly Redeemable at any time RRSP and RRIF eligible

Investments

GICs, Stocks, Bonds, Preferred Shares, Income Trusts, Mutual Funds, High Interest Savings, RRSPs Rates subject to change without notice.

Subject to availability.

Brendan Donahue, BCOMM, CIM, FMA Investment Advisor, Berkshire Securities Inc. 342-2112 Jason Elford, CFP Investment Advisor, Berkshire Investment Group Inc. 342-5052

The Columbia Valley’s Premier Wealth Management Firm Planning

Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Retirement Projections, Income Splitting, Registered Educational Savings Plans

Services

RSP Loans, Mortgage Referrals, Pension Transfers, Group RRSPs.

Ask us about our free consultations and no fee accounts.

March 7, 2008

YOUR MONEY Beware of the “clawback”

By Milton Crawford Financial Consultant, Invermere As a senior, you have access to the Old Age Security program and the age credit once you are 65 years of age and older. But did you know that once your income exceeds a certain level, these two benefits start to diminish, and after a certain point, these benefits are eliminated entirely? This is what is referred to as the “clawback,” and there are strategies to ensure you keep more of these benefits for yourself. ld Ag e Security: The Old Age Security program is a monthly pension available to most Canadians 65 years of age or older, but higher-income pensioners must repay part or all of their benefit. The repayment is equal to 15 percent of the person’s net income that exceeds a “threshold amount” which is increased each year based on increases in the cost of living. Once your net income exceeds the threshold amount, your entire pension will be subject to “clawback.”

Age Cr edit: The age credit is a non-refundable tax credit only available to Canadians 65 years of age and older. You may be eligible for at least a portion of this credit, providing your net income does not exceed a predetermined threshold. If you don’t need all of your age amount to reduce your taxable income to zero, the unused portion can be transferred to your spouse.

For both Old Age Security and the age credit, it is advantageous to report on your tax return only as much income as you require. These steps can assist in keeping your taxable income to a minimum: Pension income splitting You are able to allocate up to 50 percent of your “eligible pension income” to your spouse for taxation purposes. “Eligible pension income” includes payments received from a registered pension plan irrespective of your age, and RRIF payments once you have reached age 65. Taking

advantage of the pension income splitting provisions may reduce your family’s overall tax bill. ther income splitting strategies You should consider strategies such as: gifting or loaning assets to your spouse for investment purposes; spousal RRSPs; and decisions regarding who pays for daily living expenses and who invests. The goal is to move taxable income into the hands of the lower-income spouse.

Withdrawing the minimum from your IF Again, depending on your income needs, given the fact that RRIF withdrawals are fully taxable provides a real incentive to leave as much of your registered assets tax-sheltered for as long as possible. To get the most tax-deferred growth from your RRIF, and keep your reported taxable income as low as possible, consider withdrawing only the minimum each year and if you have a younger spouse, base your withdrawals on their age, as this will produce a smaller minimum withdrawal. Note, however, that at age 65 RRIF income is eligible for pension income-splitting.

Seek out non registered investments that o! er preferential ta treatment The goal is to keep taxable investment income to a minimum. Consider investing in equities rather than fixed income investments, as capital gains are 50-percent taxable versus interest income which is 100-percent taxable. However, keep in mind the balance between equities and fixed income investments over your whole registered and non-registered portfolio. Also, from a tax and “clawback” perspective, you want to ensure you are not investing in investments that produce large amounts of dividends, as the reported taxable income from dividends is the “grossed up” amount before the dividend tax credit.

Another strategy to consider is tax advantaged or switch funds for your non-registered portfolio, as you report capital gains for tax purposes only when you leave the structure.

Market Action S&P/TSX Composite Index Dow Jones Industrial Average Nikkei Oil (New York) Gold (New York) Canadian Dollar (in US dollars)

As of March 3, 2008

13,544 12,259 12,992 $102.45 $984.20 $1.0118

Weekly Gain/Loss

-152.62 -311.10 -921.82 3.62 43.70 0.0070

Year To Date

-2.09% -7.58% -15.12% 6.72% 18.01% 1.63%

Most people review their Investment portfolio regularly!

When was the last time you reviewed your Life Insurance Portfolio?

In our ever changing world it is important that your insurance is reviewed constantly to ensure that it is the best and most appropriate coverage available.

As one of the valley’s only truly independent Life Insurance brokers, I have access to most of the major carriers and can help you to ensure that you have the best products to suit your needs.

For a complimentary review and to see if we can lower your cost or improve the quality of your existing coverage call me at 342-5052 or just stop in to the Berkshire office and ask to see Jason.

Jason Elford has been a wealth management specialist in Calgary for more than 9 years. Now a full time resident of Invermere, Jason recently joined the Berkshire office with Brendan Donahue.

Jason Elford Certified Financial Planner Insurance Advisor 712 - 10th Street, Invermere

Phone: 342-5052

March 7, 2008

Blonde is in, permed is out, according to the experts

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Whether it’s short or long, straight or curly, thick or fine, we’ve all got different hair types. And how you cut it and wear it can dramatically alter your appearance.

That’s something that Brenda Kuffler knows plenty about, as she has been cutting and styling hair for the past 17 years.

Brenda owns the Cutloose salon in Invermere, which she opened in 1999, and says she has been interested in hair for as long as she can remember. “I’ve always had a thing for hair my whole life, and I grew up knowing that was what I wanted to do,” Brenda said.

She did an apprenticeship at a salon in Creston in 1991 and Brenda Kuffler practices a new style on one of her staff members, Meka Jensen. then went on to Selkirk College in Nelson, where important, so Brenda takes the Cutloose team to two she became a qualified cosmetologist — so she can cut, to three shows a year. colour and perm hair, as well as do nails and waxing.

Last year they went to Florida, and they plan to And Brenda has seen some huge changes in styles return to the Premiere Orlando show in June, as well over the years. “When I first started working, hair was as the Calgary Hair Show in March and October. still fairly big, and now it’s really sleeked out. Perms “It’s all about continuing education all the time were huge back then, especially spiral perms, but I and keeping up to date with trends and colours, as rarely do a perm now,” she said. well as new techniques in make-up, nails, esthetics, So what’s the ‘in-look’ these days? And how do we waxing and gel nails,” Brenda said. know what’s an upcoming cool style?

With the graduation and wedding season fast apWell, Brenda says it’s always based on how the ce- proaching, Brenda explained it’s always important to lebrities look, and she’s quite used to clients bringing book ahead about three weeks before the event. in pics of their favourite stars.

“There’s usually a wedding every weekend over the “Whoever’s hot and in the spotlight is always pop- summer, and we get a lot of grads in to have their hair ular. The inverted bob is really big right now, and cli- done,” Brenda said. ents will often come in asking for a Victoria Beckham An ‘up-do’ usually takes between half an hour and or Katie Holmes cut.

45 minutes, and a full head of foils would take be“People bring in pictures from magazines, and we tween 90 minutes minutes and two hours. try to keep our books updated. Razor cuts are very in, “If a client comes in knowing what they want, as they add lots of texture to a style. And peekaboo we can also make suggestions according to their face foils with really bold colours are also popular, with shape and colouring. many people going for lots of coppers and reds.

“We get the Rockies team coming in all the time “But by the summer, people usually start going for for new styles. We’ve given them Mohawks already this lighter colours, usually blondes,” Brenda explained. year, and they usually go for quite funky colours. They Keeping up to date with the latest trends is really keep us on our toes, that’s for sure,” Brenda laughs.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

50% – 75% OFF Select Items

Checkout our NEW Spring Arrivals!

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Valley Hair Styling 1313 7th Ave., Invermere, BC

For Men & Woman Freshen up your look with colours and highlights from our certified stylists.

(250) 342-6355 Diamond Microdermabrasion & Cold Laser Skin Treatment 3 Day Training Course Date: March 12th, 13th & 14th Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: College of the Rockies and Fusion Spa Cost: $650 (includes manual and

complete sample kit of Dr. Belter Skin Care)

Call 342-3210 to register for the course

Clients are needed for the 2 day clinic for student’s practical training.

Discount rate of $125 treatment (regularly $185-250) – 1 hour 15 minutes in duration

Call 342-3210 to book appointment

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

PIONEER ON THE ROAD

ON THE ROAD—Clockwise from upper left: Dave Matheson snapped this photo of Alex and Jayne Matheson in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; the Jones tribe, under the direction of Donna, Verna, Jim and Doran, at Playa Grande Resort in Cabo San Lucas; Jan Clarke and Mark Fellmann in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Bonnie-Lou Ferris and Miko Puskaric in Costa Rica; and Helen Mell in a rain forest along the Amazon in Peru. Entries for the 2008 Pioneer Travel Photo Contest have been pouring in. Don’t forget to pack The Pioneer, take it with you, and send us your travel photos. Anyone who entered last year is eligible to enter again in 2008. All photographs will be published. The conditions for winning are that you must be a valley resident or homeowner, and that you must travel outside Western Canada. We look forward to your entries!

March 7, 2008

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

PIONEER ON THE ROAD

ON THE ROAD—Left column, top to bottom: Gerda and Helmut Kruger of Radium on vacation in Cancun, Mexico; Daniel Watson at Playa del Carman, Mexico; the Ranger family visiting Disneyland—pictured here with Pluto are Lee, Charlyse, Jordyn and Karen Ranger; Kyros Lioy and surfing buddy Quinn in Costa Rica. Top right is Geoff Wolfe and Derek Weismiller at the Superbowl in Arizona; and, above, Ken and Liz Lautrup of Golden and Herb and Betty Seel of Invermere on a visit to Ayers Rock in Central Australia.

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

Old Zone

By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist It sure is strange to be sitting around the house on a Wednesday night, watching American Idol or Poker on TSN, rather than getting ready for the big game all because it’s your team’s bye week.

With the league expanded to nine teams, every week one of the teams gets a bye. Over the course of the season, we each get three of these and have managed to fill our need for a hockey game by travelling to Canal Flats to play the Village OldTimers down there.

Other than freezing your extremities off because they have no heat in the rink, it’s a great evening of fun with the guys.

On our most recent trip, we needed to pick up a few extra players (most of our team is away on winter vacations), so we grabbed Joe Evanoff and a few guys from the Warwick Wolves to fill our roster. It’s hard to imagine why the Wolves are near the top of the standings! Our system must have confused them, because they seemed very disoriented playing with us.

Maybe they were toying with our minds as we have our big tie-breaking re-match coming up next week!

Either way, we won our game and that made the trip home even more pleasant. We even managed to get the Hoodoo Lounge and Grill to stay open for us! We really appreciated that! The pizza and wings were awesome. Thanks, guys.

All in all, the road trips to Canal Flats this year were a big success as we not only got the bye team some ice time each week, but we provided some pretty stiff competition for the boys in the Flats.

This week, we thank Dale and Susan Christian, A L W A Y S

T H E

S M A R T

DALE CHRISTIAN MUDDERS—Back Row, Left to Right: Randy McSteven, Doug Sinclair, Bobby Stewart, Ralph Lauer, Doug Schick, and Robert Francoeur. Front Row: John Newton, Rick Magri, Ian Knuckey and Gerry Israelson. Missing: Alf Riddell, Cy McConnell, Ralph Elliott. owner/operators of Finish Line Drywall and sponsors of our Dale Christian Mudders. We appreciate an outof-town company supporting the community they work in.

Thanks Dale, and your team apologizes for losing a few more games than they win, but they want you to know that they do have fun and can’t wait to get their team hats!

And finally, just in case you care . . . The Playoffs, Week 6!

Feb. 27 results: Petro Can over Kicking Horse, The Vultures inhaled Black Smoke, Warwick shafted the Hustlers and The Mustangs pranced over Da’Mudd.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

March 7, 2008

Exploring Our World WILD Voices Speakers Series 2008

Antarctica to the Amazon Journey to Southern Continents by Daniel Catt

Midgets head to the provincials!

Submitted by Deanna White The Midgets are heading to Beaver Valley from March 15 to 20 to represent East Kootenay in the provincials. They played one of their best games of the year February 29th in Creston. Defenceman Ben Duncan opened the scoring with an offensive rush to the corner. With a crazy angle shot from behind the goal line in the offending zone, he hit the Creston goalie from behind with the puck and it went in the net. Our second goal, the winning goal, was a great short-handed play that had Josh Wall and Keith Wake putting it in.

Goalie Jesse White had one of his best games ever, making some incredible saves that held the Creston score to one. Creston forfeited the next game and our team won the chance to go to the provincials.

Midgets are Shane Moffet-Christy, Dale Wilker, Ted Stringer, Keith Wake, Travis Franceour, Ben Duncan, Tanner Marshall, Ryan Purdy, Johnny Blakley, Ross Bidinger, Travis White, Deb Strome, Scotty Pitman, Taylor Liebel, Brett MacDonald, Josh Wall, Geoff Wolfe, Lou Steele, Blaine Wilker, Matt Bidinger, Patrick Dibb, and Jesse White. Missing from picture Derek Penno, Brody Powell.

7:30 pm Tuesday March 11th

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

Rachel goes snowmobiling

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff I’d never even seen a snowmobile until I came to Canada.

The only time I’d clocked eyes on one was in a James Bond film, and I have to say they looked pretty exciting. So when I got the chance to climb aboard with Toby Creek Adventures, I couldn’t wait to get started.

Based just outside Invermere, on the way to Panorama, it’s a great way to experience the amazing scenery whilst flying by the seat of your pants . . . literally.

Toby Creek Adventures has been operating for more than 11 years, and has more than 32,000 acres of terrain to explore.

It’s a great adventure for the beginner to the more experienced snowmobiler, as you also get a chance to let rip in Paradise Basin, which is a wide-open bowl perfect for powder riding. And it’s actually an 8,000foot abandoned silver mine, which I thought was pretty cool.

First up, we were each given avalanche beacons, which we were told to wear at all times as a safety precaution.

Scott Barsby, who owns Toby Creek Adventures with his wife Nicole, said wearing an avalanche beacon is essential. Everyone who goes on their snowmobiling trips must wear one.

“People should be using them for all recreational activities in the mountains. They are essential because they cover every eventuality, from someone getting separated from the group to any unlikely event which might happen during the trip. We also groom the trails every day to make sure they are safe with no unfore-

Rachel discovers the joys of a new snow sport. seen hazards. It’s always important to proceed on the side of caution.”

So we started off with a demo of how the Arctic Cat 660cc snowmobiles work, from our instructor Cam Clarkson. It all looked pretty straightforward — just turn the key in the ignition and nudge the throttle to make it accelerate. Then the rest of it was plain sailing, just brake as you’re going in to the corner and accelerate out, and of course steering is very important.

So off we went to get accustomed to handling our snowmobiles in the open playing field. I was actually the only female driving, which I thought was a bit disappointing. All the rest of my group were mainly couples and the women chose to ride as passengers on the back. Why go through life riding as a passenger, I thought to myself? Even when riding bumper cars, I always wanted to be in the driving seat.

And nothing’s really changed. It’s so much more fun being the driver, as you have all the control, you take the turns and navigate the corners. And snowmobiling is not just exclusively for men, that’s for sure.

After we’d got a feel for the machines, we were ready to head out onto the trails. We all cruised out in single file into the wilderness. It was truly spectacular.

The hundreds of pine trees which tentatively hugged the side of the mountain snaked back as far as the eye could see, dripping with snow. The sun managed to break through a few gaps in the clouds, and shone down brightly as we zoomed through the powder. To say it was stunning is a huge understatement.

The trails were awesome. We were told to keep a safe distance from the snowmobile in front, and go at a steady pace, always being careful to take corners slowly. You never know what you’re going to find around the other side. We stopped a few times on the way up to take in the views, which were amazing.

Driving the snowmobile was fantastic. It was almost like quad biking but in the snow, you’ve got the same powerful machine to control and every move you make affects the speed — even leaning into the corner helps steer it round.

Eventually we made it up to Paradise Basin, which was an awesome sight. This was our chance to let rip and we had some of our own play time. Now I really felt like something out of James Bond’s Die Another Day, as I hurtled effortlessly across the snow, the wind blowing through my hair. Well, not exactly, as most of my hair was shoved inside my helmet—but you get the picture.

After an adrenalin-pumping number of laps, it was time to head up to the alpine chalet for a barbecue lunch — only in Canada could you cook a feast up a mountain in minus-15 degree temperatures!

Fully re-charged, we were ready for our descent back to Toby Creek. I couldn’t believe it was over already, but I’ve definitely fulfilled my need for speed.

Nordic trails popular with Edgewater skiers

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Lilo and Hans Fuhrer of Edgewater go crosscountry skiing almost every day.

“The trails here are excellent and it’s beautiful being out in nature. It’s a great way to get out in the fresh air and have some fun. We’re so lucky to have this on our doorstep,” Lilo said.

The Columbia Valley Nordic Trails Club is a non-profit organization with track setting and trail maintenance done on a volunteer basis. Annual trail fees are just $25 per adult, $35 for a family, or $4 per person per day.

Paying is voluntary and most people leave their money in the box, said group president Kim Baines.

“Most people are honest and we make enough to pay our expenses. That’s all we want,” he said, adding that Panorama charges $10 daily instead of $4.

“It is not just locals who are using the trail.

There is getting to be more and more people from out of town using them, as well,” Mr. Baines said.

“We do have good-quality trails but we don’t have the equipment that the bigger areas like Nipika and Panorama have, so we can’t maintain it to as high a standard.”

He pointed out the club’s biggest fear is what will happen in the future. The 16 kilometres of ski trails are on land owned by Schickedanz Developments, Kim Baines and Sharon Morgan, Gregg and Dagmar Jopp, and Aaron Nielson.

“We set the tracks on properties between Edgewater and Radium on the east side of the highway from Edgewater south. Schickedanz Developments have 14 to 16 large parcels of land, and we have set our tracks into five or six of them,” he said.

“Our biggest proportion of trails is on land owned by Schickedanz Developments. They have

been very supportive of us, and they’ve been in favour of us track-setting through there. But at the end of the day our future will depend on who purchases the land from them and whether they are supportive of our club.”

Andy Smith from Re/Max Invermere said homes in the new Schickedanz West development would be selling from $1 million and upwards.

The new master-planned community just north of Radium Hot Springs ranges from 36 to 480 acres, and the community’s 17 ranches cover some 3,500 acres.

Track-setter Ben Schnider has been skiing on the Columbia Valley Nordic Trails near Edgewater since the mid 1970s.

“Schickedanz have been very cooperative so far, but if we get the wrong landowner who doesn’t want us to track-set through their land, it will be a very worrying time for the club,” he said.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

March 7, 2008

Mom’s Hockey Moments

By Cheryl Bachinski Pioneer Staff It’s hard to believe that the hockey season is close to ending for the year. It seems like we just got started not too long ago.

A few teams have already finished, a few teams are wrapping up their last couple of games and a few teams are off to provincials, which is so exciting.

Our Bantam B House boys’ team traveLled to Spokane the last weekend of February to compete in an eight-team tournament.

They were the only Canadian team in the tournament and faced some pretty tough opponents throughout the weekend.

Their good old Canadian hockey skills proved to be too much for the opposing teams, securing a firstplace finish for our boys. The host team representative commented on what a respectful group of boys they were and that they were most

deserving of the win.

The team proudly brought home a trophy from the weekend which they will proudly display in the show case at the arena, for anyone who wishes to see it. Congratulations, boys, and thank you for representing Invermere so well.

The Pee Wee house team hosted a “no frills” tournament this past weekend, with teams from Cranbrook and Creston visiting.

This type of tournament consists of run time games, allowing the teams to play more games each day than a usual tournament. The tournament went extremely well, including feeding 66 hungry hockey players pizza and Caesar salad all at the same time.

This would not have been possible without the organizational skills of Kelly Tomalty. I tell you no one can mix a salad like she can. And the cup cakes she made, all 150 of them, would make any baker cry. The visiting teams com-

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mented that they have never seen such great hospitality from any other tournament that they have competed in.

Thank you, Kelly. You are an incredible woman and I meant what I said: “What you lack in height you most certainly make up in charm and personality!”

Results on the ice were not quite as positive for Invermere, with our team being defeated by the Cranbrook Dodge team, but the team had a ton of fun, and really isn’t that what hockey is all about.

I wanted to finish with a bit more good news. I do not have all the details confirmed yet, but our Midget boys team is off to the provincials in Beaver Valley later this month.

They were victorious over Creston this past weekend, and secured a spot in the provincials representing Invermere. I will update you more on this next week.

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22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

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GOVERNMENT MATTERS Municipal council sets agenda for 2008

Green continues to be the theme of the District of Invermere Council’s 2008 agenda. A five-point plan resulted from series of strategy sessions conducted since last September. The plan will establish the municipality’s Short Term Action Chart for tracking progress, will be the criteria by which the municipality measures its success in its Annual Report, and will be used to direct resources and spending throughout the year. For 2008, the council’s top five priorities are: • Creation and adoption of an environmental agenda and action plan • Development and adoption of a community enhancement program • Creation and implementation of an attainable and affordable housing action plan • Development and adoption of a green bylaws package • Continued infrastructure renewal In addition to those five priorities, the council will continue to focus on a host of ongoing projects, including Grizzly Ridge boundary expansion, Civic Centre design and costing, regional governance participation, broadband internet initiatives, resort collaborative initiatives (including the creation of a destination marketing organization), negotiations over District Lot 4616, and sewage treatment plant upgrades.

Value of new construction stalled in 2007 Due to declining numbers of building permits issued, the value of new construction last year in Invermere rose by only 4.9 percent over the year before. The value of new construction jumped by 31.9 percent between 2004 and 2005 and that number doubled between 2005 and 2006, jumping 67.6 percent. However, according to a report released in January by District of Invermere Chief Administrator Chris Prosser, the value of new construction in 2007 barely nudged over the year before. The number of building permits issued dropped for a third year in a row

from 139 in 2005 to 112 last year, and the number of dwelling units generated declined from 254 in 2006 to 228 last year. Despite the declines, the fees generated for city coffers from building permit applications continued to rise, reaching a high of $436,703.

YEAR 2007 2006 2005 2004

PERMITS 112 130 139 84

UNITS 228 254 108 182

VALUE $49m $47m $28m $21m

FEES $436,703 $370,738 $163,286 $68,162

Invermere gets funds to maintain Toby Creek Dike Invermere has received and is busy spending a $95,000 provincial grant aimed at preventing Toby Creek from seeking its historic route to Lake Windermere.

As part of a $10-million first phase of a ten-year, $100-million provincial flood protection program, the District of Invermere will get $95,000 to bolster a dike along Toby Creek that protects the municipal wastewater treatment facility, and keeps the creek from flowing through the Industrial Park and Athalmer on its way to Lake Windermere.

Early last century, the creek was rerouted to flow into the Columbia River Wetlands north of town.

Invermere’s Director of Municipal Works Brian Nickurak, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald and East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett lobbied for the funding after the Ministry of the Environment dropped the project because the dike also serves as the bank of Toby Creek. It was the third try for provincial help.

Mr. Nickurak argued that allowing Toby Creek to change its course not only endangered the wastewater treatment facility and its critical emergency outflow pipe, but a change in direction might require the relocation of the bridge over Toby Creek on the road to Panorama.

The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General John Les granted funding for the project along with funding for projects in 39 other communities across B.C. in February.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

March 7, 2008

GOVERNMENT MATTERS Invermere moves to ban cosmetic pesticides

The Coalition for a Pesticide-Free Columbia Valley got a boost last week when Invermere council joined its cause, initiated a cosmetic pesticide reduction program, and gave first reading to a bylaw stipulating a $100 fine for the use of cosmetic pesticides.

Responding to a push from a broad coalition of supporters including Columbia Valley Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society and Wildsight, Invermere Council officially endorsed the effort and joined as a partner in the cause.

A cosmetic pesticide, Invermere Chief Administrator Chris Prosser explained, is a pesticide that is applied for the purposed of beautification or aesthetic enhancement, regardless of the environmental impact.

“I like my grass green and I don’t like dandelions,” Councillor Ray Brydon commented, “but I guess I will find a new way to get rid of the dandelions.”

Councillor Gerry Taft gave a much more reserved endorsement of the ban, hinting that he expected a lively public debate on the ban.

“I think the consultation process will be interesting and I will leave it at that,” he said.

A stakeholders’ meeting is planned for late spring to garner public opinion of the pesticide ban.

Council unveils environmental agenda Described as a major policy shift and a “defining moment,” for the current council, District of Invermere Chief Administrator Chris Prosser unveiled the municipality’s new environmental agenda and 34-point action plan.

Mr. Prosser said it is time to move the district’s quiet environmental protection activities to the fore, take credit for the work that has been accomplished and adopt an ambitious agenda for the future.

“Everything this council does affects the environment,” he said.

Recently funded with proceeds from a new garbage collection and curbside recycling bylaw, the environmental agenda outlines a three-year plan of action items that fall within the district’s existing capacity and policy context of the Official Community Plan.

Invermere councillor Bob Campsall applauded the effort on its scope.

“I am truly proud we are discussing this tonight,” he said. “This is truly a defining moment.”

The agenda is guided by four principles: (1) Invermere as a green community, (2) development in harmony with our natural environment, (3) creating a friendly walking and cycling community, and (4) ensuring that we have clean air, water and earth.

Future action items include: emissions restriction of wood-burning appliances, restrictions on outdoor burning, a community-wide anti-idling campaign, full cut-off street lighting, a ban on drive-through operations, a grey water recycling program, a community-wide composting program, a “green” building code, and a free shuttle.

Public hearing planned for south-side development A public hearing is planned to garner public input on an amendment to the Official Community Plan that would allow a mixed development of second-storey residential units over a retail commercial ground level.

The variance could bring retail businesses like a child day care centre, business and professional offices, beauty and barber shops or other retail commercial operations to a property on Invermere’s south side, bounded by 13th and 14th Avenues, just north of Westside Park Drive.

District staff support the development proposed by Rocky Mountain Land Company, noting that the district is aware of concerns regarding the impact of this site on the properties directly to the north.

A public hearing on the matter will be held at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, March 18th in council chambers at the offices of the District of Invermere.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OCP and Zoning Bylaw Amendment

NOTICE is given of a Public Hearing to be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 in the Council Chambers at the District of Invermere Office, 914 - 8th Ave., in the District of Invermere, to amend Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1085, 2001 and Zoning Bylaw No. 1145.

Bylaw No. 1355 will change the Official Community Plan as follows: • By amending the Land Use Plan – Residential, as referred to in section 3.2 of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1085 by designating that portion of Lot 2, DL 1092, KD Plan NEP74773 except Plans NEP74967 and NEP76431 from 25m from the easternmost property line to 50m from the easternmost property line and from 40m from the northernmost property line to the southernmost property line as PLANNED RESIDENTIAL • By deleting from the Land Use Plan – Commercial, as referred to in section 3.1 of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1085 that portion of Lot 2, DL 1092, KD Plan NEP74773 except Plans NEP74967 and NEP76431 from 25m from the easternmost property line to 50m from the easternmost property line and from 40m from the northernmost property line to the southernmost property line • By amending the Land Use Plan – Commercial and Industrial, as referred to in section 3.1 of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1085, by designating that portion of Lot 2, DL 1092, KD Plan NEP74773 except Plans NEP74967 and NEP76431 within 25m of the easternmost property line and within 40m of the north property line as NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERCIAL. • By deleting from the Land Use Plan – Residential, as referred to in section 3.2 of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1085 that portion of Lot 2, DL 1092, KD Plan NEP74773 except Plans NEP74967 and NEP76431 within 25m of the easternmost property line and within 40m of the north property line.

Bylaw No. 1356 will amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 1145 by: • By deleting section 5.17 (1) of the C-3, Neighbourhood Commercial Zone in Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002 and amending the following sections by: a. The following uses are added to Section 5.17(1), Permitted Uses: i. Child Care Facility, Major ii. Business and Professional Offices iii. Beauty and Barber Shop iv. Multi-family Dwelling Units v. Retail commercial subject to Section 4(d) of this bylaw b. Section (2)(a) is deleted. c. Section (3)(d) is amended to read: (d) Maximum height for: Principle building Accessory buildings and structures

9.0 m 4.5 m

d. Section (3)(e), maximum parcel coverage, is amended to 40%. e. Section (3)(f) is deleted. f. Section (4)(d) is hereby amended by adding the following: “4(d) Retail commercial uses are limited to a maximum of 185 m2 or 20% of the gross floor area.” g. Section (4)(e) is hereby amended by adding the following: “ (4)(e) Commercial uses are not permitted above the first storey of the building.”

2. That Schedule “A-1” (Zoning Map), as referred to in section 5.2 of Bylaw No. 1145, is hereby amended by designating that portion of Lot 2, DL 1092, KD Plan NEP74773 except Plans NEP74967 and NEP76431 within 25m of the easternmost property line as NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERCIAL, C-3: 3. That Schedule “A-1” (Zoning Map), as referred to in section 5.2 of Bylaw No. 1145, is hereby amended by designating that portion of Lot 2, DL 1092, KD Plan NEP74773 except Plans NEP74967 and NEP76431 the following parcel from 25m from the easternmost property line to the westernmost property line as CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT (MEDIUM DENSITY), R-3, as shown on the attached Schedule “B”: The intent of the proposed bylaw is to allow for development of the site as a phased strata, and to allow for the inclusion of one storey of residential units above the neighbourhood commercial portion of the property.

The subject property is legally described as Lot 2, DL 1092, KD Plan NEP74773 except Plans NEP74967 and NEP76431, and as outlined in black on the map below: The above synopsis is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as the full text and content of the proposed “Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1355, 2007” and “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1356, 2007”. A copy of this proposed bylaws and relevant background documents may be inspected at the District of Invermere municipal office 914 - 8th Ave., Invermere from March 5, 2008 to March 18, 2008. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

All persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed “Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1355, 2007” and “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1356, 2007. may: • Send written briefs to the District of Invermere prior to the hearing • Fax written briefs to the District of Invermere prior to the hearing; or • Present verbal or written briefs at the hearing.

NOTICE is also given that the Council will not accept any written or verbal presentations after the close of the public hearing.

Christopher Prosser

Chief Administrative Officer

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

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We aren’t the cheapest, JUST THE BEST!

Call NOW:

688-0213

Lambert

• Carpets dry in about 1 hour! • 100% guaranteed! • Low Moisture • No Steam • No Sticky Residue • Upholstery • Area Rugs • Wood & Tile Floors • Vehicle Interiors • Free Estimates See more online at www.heavensbest.ca

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7559 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

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO

• POOLS • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • FIREPLACES • BBQ¡S • HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

Need Blinds?

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

INVERMERE GLASS LTD. •Auto • Home • Commercial • Mirrors • Shower Doors • 27 years glass experience

Telephone: 342-3659

Jeff Watson

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

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Truck Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Dean Hubman

CertiďŹ ed Technician

342-3052

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres.

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

SCRUBS

Professional Service Now Taking New Clients

(250) 347-9726

Contact: Paul Aubrecht Invermere (250) 342-0482 Calgary (403) 874-0483

window fashions

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

Specializing in Single Family Homes, Multi-Residential and Additions.

Interior World

Executive Housekeeping Service

Freight & Passenger Depot

Custom Home Design

385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC PO Box 117, Windermere, BC V0B 2L0 Phone: (250) 342-7100 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax: (250) 342-7103 www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Automotive Repairs 7 days a week

Sewer/Drain Cleaning

Call today for your FREE Cleaning Consultation References Available

Elin (250) 342-0050 or John (250) 342-5832 email: scrubgrp@gmail.com

Hauling Rock, Gravel, Sand & Fill

T R U C K I N G RR#4 1700 Canyonview Rd. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4

(250) 342-5654 (250) 341-3636 Shawn & Mel Hollowink

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

March 7, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU Great Selection of:

LIFE’S BRIGHTER under the sun.

•Wood Blinds•Sunscreens •Woven Woods•Pleated Shades•Roller Shades and more!

Pierre E. Trudel Bus 250-270-0363 Fax 250-347-6948

For all your interior decorating needs.

pierre.trudel@sunlife.ca 4798 Selkirk Ave. Box 108 Edgewater BC V0A 1E0

Complete Automotive Repairs

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

Sunday, 12 noon – 10 p.m.

Monday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Thursday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.

TAXI

*/46-"5*/( -5%

4JODF

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1)0/& '"9

250-342-5262

50-- '3&& )&"5

Serving Golden to Cranbrook, Banff and Lake Louise

347-7734

Hi - Heat

COLUMBIA VALLEY Hours:

#1 Kootenay Block Main St., Radium BC

888 )*)&"5*/46-"5*/( $0.

t .BDIJOF #MPXO 8BMMT "UUJDT t 8BMM#BS *OTVMBUJPO 4ZTUFN t 'SJDUJPO 'JU #BUUT t $PNNFSDJBM 3FTJEFOUJBM t 'SFF -PDBM &TUJNBUFT 10 #09 8*/%&3.&3& #$ 7 # - &."*- 4"-&4Ę´)*)&"5*/46-"5*/( $0.

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

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

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

Come in and browse our giftware

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

403 - 7th Avenue Invermere, BC

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

342-6612

Radium Plumbing & Maintenance OPEN 24-7

Specializing in hot water tanks and large variety of plumbing repairs.

Clarke Mousseau Box 115, Radium BC V0A 1M0

(250)

Cell: (250) 688-0572

The only place t’s w he re i 30 minute circuit training for women only.

347-9237

cool to be a loser!

Now Open 24/7 What are you weighting for?

Women’sPACE

Verna Jones • pacegal@ telus.net • Tel: 342-6010

True Edge Renovation • Renovation & New Construction • Concrete to Finishing & Tile • Additions • Basement Development • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Project Management and Consulting

Gary Hogarth

250.342.1657

trueedgerenovation@yahoo.ca REFERENCES AVAILABLE

• Topsoil • Sand • Gravel VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd. Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

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)

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

Need Blinds? Best Quality

Garbage on the ice

Interior World

This photograph taken Sunday, March 2nd shows the remains of a burned-down fishing hut on the west side of Lake Windermere south of Indian Beach.

The previous evening, on Saturday, March 1st, a large fire was spotted by local residents from the east side of the lake, which turned out to be the burning down of a fishing hut. Unfortunately the garbage, if left on the ice, will end up in the lake. All lake users, please remember to ensure your debris is removed from the lake, not left behind to pollute the lake.

Call The Blind Guy! (250) 342 4406

Thank You

On behalf of the Pee Wee Boys Hockey Team, we would like to thank SOBEY’S for donating all the food and supplies for our Annual Spaghetti Dinner that was held in February It was a HUGE SUCCESS! www.daziran.ca

342-8830

A Day in Court

Dr. Marika Geis ND Presents:

Optimal Health During Menopause: Putting naturopathic principles to work for you…

• • • • •

The nuts and bolts of menopause Sources of estrogen during menopause Discussing cross cultural experiences of menopause Factors that contribute to hormonal imbalance How to support yourself during menopause using naturopathic principles.

Date: Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: College of the Rockies Invermere Campus Fee: $500

THIS SPACE IS AVAILABLE! Call 341-6299

The following people were found guilty in Adult Criminal Court in Invermere on Thursday, February 28th. Presiding was Judge Carlgren.

• Cory Mclean was given a probation order, a $150 fine and a $22.50 victim surcharge for failing to appear in court in Invermere.

• Hunter Krasnuik was fined $600 with a $90 victim surcharge for driving while over the legal limit of 80 mg, and was also banned from driving for one year.

The court heard that on March 22nd, 2006, RCMP responded to a call about an impaired driver who had gone through the Tim Hortons driveway.

Mr. Krasnuik was driving a silver Honda which was heading west along Laurier Street in Althamer. Police followed the vehicle, which was seen to swerve across the centre line, and was subsequently pulled over. The court heard evidence from RCMP Cst. Scott Hromadnik that Mr. Krasnuik appeared flustered. There was an odour of liquor on his breath and his speech was slurred. “He was upset, nervous

and jittery,” Cst. Hromadnik told the court.

Mr. Krasnuik asked if he could get out of the vehicle to look for his driver’s licence and he was unsteady on his feet. When he opened the trunk, Cst. Hromadnik saw a 30-pack of beer with five cans remaining. The other person in the vehicle also appeared to be intoxicated. Cst. Hromadnik looked under the seat and found Mr. Krasnuik’s wallet, as well as two half-full cans of beer.

Mr. Krasnuik was breath-tested at the RCMP station in Invermere, and registered 140 mg in both samples, which prosecutor Lianna Swanson said was almost twice over the legal limit.

Buffy Blakley, defending, said there was no evidence of Mr. Krasnuik staggering or having bloodshot eyes, or any quantification of how strong the odour of liquor was. She said Mr. Krasnuik had no problems understanding what was going on and that there was little evidence of impaired driving.

However, Judge Carlgren told Mr. Krasnuik his ability to operate a vehicle was affected by alcohol.

HERE TO SERVE YOU Avion

Construction Ltd. CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS - GENERAL CONTRACTORS

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

INVERMERE

Phone: (250) 342-9866 Fax: (250) 342-9869 www.avionconstruction.com

HEAD OFFICE

Phone: (403) 287-0144 Fax: (403) 287-2193 #200, 6125 - 11 Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 2L6

FOR ALL YOUR RENTAL NEEDS! Tampers ~ Skid Steer ~ Mini Hoe ~ Aerators ~ Material Handler ~ Scaffolding ~ Power Washers ~ and lots more!

HIGHWAY 93/95 WINDERMERE (Next to the Skookum Inn)

Telephone (250) 342-4426

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

WINDERMERE 342-6805

27 • 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

March 7, 2008

Making changes that will last in a country littered with dead development projects Lisa M. Rohrick, formerly of Invermere, is working as a missionary in West Niger, Africa.

In a barren, rocky field sits a small, two-room building, constructed entirely of sticks and grass.

Brittle leaves clinging to the branches which once gave them life lend a deep purple colour to the walls. A door in each windowless room is the only source of light.

In front of the building, on a crooked pole, Niger’s flag snaps briskly in the morning breeze. A large area swept clean behind the building serves as a playing field for soccer and other sports. In a nearby tree hangs an old bent metal wheel. Every morning a child runs to the tree, picks up an iron rod (also bent) and clangs it against the wheel. This is the village school and the child rings the bell to call the other children to study.

Sixty-one children are registered in this tiny school. According to the 2007 UN Human Development Report, only 40 percent of Niger’s elementary age children are in school. That’s not very good, but it gets worse: only eight percent of older children are enrolled in secondary school. The teacher in this village and his assistant are working hard to change these statistics, talking with parents and trying to help them see the value of educating their children.

My colleagues and I recently hosted eight visitors from Alberta. We went to several villages and did some teaching on nutrition and malaria prevention.

One afternoon we visited the school and handed out some basic school supplies. Each child received a pen, two pencils, a pencil sharpener, an eraser and half a pencil crayon. We didn’t have enough pencil crayons to go around, so the teacher suggested we break them in half. He then produced a razor blade with which to accomplish the task. We put erasers on one of the broken ends and sharpened the other, so there were enough coloured pencils for all.

About half the class sat quietly at their desks, four or five children squashed together on a bench designed for two. The other half of the class weren’t fortunate enough to have a desk, and sat on the sandy floor.

They eagerly reached for their gifts, saying thank you and clinging to their new treasures.

It was a sobering experience. What a contrast to Canadian schools, where sharply dressed students complain if they have to wait their turn to use a computer! It’s just not fair! Why must Nigerien children wear the same worn-out clothes seven days a week and

do without pens and pencils?

No, I am not soliciting funds. It’s tempting, though. Part of me would love to raise money and build a cement school for the village, equipping it with desks for all, notebooks, and other necessary supplies.

But that’s not the answer. The West has been dumping billions of dollars into Africa for decades, and it’s done little to ease the poverty on this continent.

So what is the answer? I’m afraid it’s not simple.

But research and experience show that it doesn’t work to arrive on the scene, tell people what they need, and proceed to provide it for them. Such projects make the donors feel good, but that’s sometimes the only benefit. They frequently require expensive upkeep and maintenance, creating an unhealthy dependence on the West and robbing people of dignity. And when the budget runs out, yet another project is left to rot in the African sun. I can’t tell you how many wells are unused because of broken pumps, how many clinics have been taken over by bats and lizards because the Western doctor went home, how many donated vehicles lie rusting in empty lots. On and on the list goes.

There’s a African proverb: “The person who lives in the house knows where the roof leaks.” We may think we have the answers to Africa’s problems, but at best, our solutions are incomplete and uninformed.

Africa is littered with dead development projects, and yet my colleagues and I are daring to attempt a community health education program. How can I be hopeful that this might make a difference? First of all, we’re starting small, in just one village. While we are providing guidance and training, it is the village itself that is running the program. They have chosen a committee who will decide what needs will be addressed, and we will push them to find local solutions.

For example, the first concern they identified is the high rate of child mortality (nearly a quarter of Niger’s children die before the age of five). We have a doctor on our team and could send him to the village every week to treat malaria, diarrhea and the like. That would be easy for us, it would be appreciated, and we would see child mortality drop.

But in the long run, little would change—as soon as the doctor leaves, everything would revert to where it was. Instead, we are helping them to look at the causes of these diseases and things they can do to prevent them. The process will be long and slow, but we are hoping it will bring lasting transformation that will continue to spread long after we are gone.

And so I’m not going to build a school—or any other buildings for that matter. But I do plan on staying here for the long haul, building relationships of trust, and helping my African friends to make changes that will last.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS LOST Lost at Brisco, 2 Jack Russell dogs. 1 tall, smooth-coat female.

1 short, rough-coat male. Both brown and white, 346-3247.

STORAGE

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 342-3637

COMMERCIAL RENTAL For lease 800 sq. ft. 2nd . Floor office space in Radium, 403559-9625.

WANTED TO RENT Young family of four looking for an opportunity to housesit, waiting to move into their new home in Invermere. Mom is former Innkeeper, Dad is contractor together with years of Front Desk, maintenance, kitchen and housekeeping experience.

Bonus for you, Mom is a double Virgo who loves to clean and organize. Willing to help out with household improvements.

Great References. Please call to arrange a meeting 403-6092516.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION Windermere, 1 room for rent in 2 bdrm suite. New kitchen, cable, wireless, laundry, $435.00 plus hydro. Available immediately, 688-0244.

SUITE FOR RENT Furnished rental in Radium, starting at $425.00, utilities included, 341-7022 Brand new 1 bdrm basement suite available immediately, N/ S, N/P, $700.00 inclusive, 3415159.

For rent Downtown Radium, Bachelor suite, N/S, $375/ month. Available May 1st bright apartment $580.00 includes hydro, references required, DD, long-term, 347-6420 (home), 347-2121 (work).

CONDO FOR RENT For rent by week or by month.

3 bdrm condo (sleeps 8), completely furnished, located in Fairmont Hot Springs. Available immediately, reasonable rent, 780-435-8433.

WANTED TO RENT 2 bdrm house or townhouse in Radium, references, N/S. Operate a cleaning business locally, 250-341-1478.

OBITUARY

CONDO FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Radium Fully Furnished Condo for Rent

3 bdrm home with garage on quiet street. Self-contained 1bdrm suite, large lot with nice trees. 1301 – 20th Street, Invermere. $375,000.00. Call 342-7329.

Bobcat for sale, Thomas 103, 1988 great working condition, $10,000.00 OBO, 341-7022.

$10,000,000

This 1 bdrm fully furnished condo located in the luxurious Sable Ridge complex comes complete with king sized bed, Penthouse furnishings and accents, along with everything you will need to make this retreat-like condo home. This is the largest one bdrm condo in the complex which features a spacious living and dining room, large deck overlooking the pool, 2 hot tubs, and full vistas of the Rockies. All this plus heated underground parking, ensuite, laundry, water, heat, and electricity are included. Make this award winning complex home at only $1400 per month.

Min. 6 month lease. For more information please phone 403861-5656.

HOUSE FOR SALE Unlimited water supply from your own Rocky Mountain stream, with 16 acres. 5,200 sq. ft. cedar home plus mobile home, greenhouse and more. Under valued price at $795,000.00, due to health. Call 250-422-3174 or check propertyguys.com, listing # 166018.

Peavey XR500 P.A. system with 4, 12” speakers. $300.00 OBO, call 342-3264.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Beige high-back lawn chairs, 5” Radium Hot Springs 10 Unit Motel on .6 acres, zoned C1. Good starter or crew accommodation.

Redevelopment potential!

Asking $397,500.00. Exclusive.

Call Syd or Larry at 250-8628100, Syber Realty, Kelowna.

MISC. FOR SALE Top soil, call Elkhorn Ranch at 342-0617.

Sealy double bed, spotless mattress, box spring, black metal headboard, footboard, rails. Light brown fabric Lazy Boy recliner. All in excellent condition. $200.00 for all, 3479001, evenings, Edgewater.

Steel Cattleguard, heavy duty 16’ x 8’, $1,800.00, phone Elkhorn Ranch, 342-0617.

Motorized older model “Quickie” brand wheelchair. Easy to use joystick control, 16” wide seat, oxygen tank hold in back, $700.00, 342-9702.

arm rest and matching glass top patio table $55.00, 341-6043.

B grade studs for sale. Call 6880118.

2004 Nissan Murano SE, AWD, one owner, fully loaded, well maintained, $27,900.00. Call 342-5247.

VEHICLE FOR SALE Leaving the country, car needs new home! 1994 Chrysler LeBaron, good condition, turquoise, automatic, electric windows, central locking, air, cd player. $1,500.00 OBO, 3413223.

1999 Nissan Pathfinder, 185,00 km, loaded, great shape, $9,500.00 OBO, call 250-3416905.

SERVICES Phil’s Carpentry – Everything from roofs to decks, completion of basement and bathrooms.

Phone 341-8033 cell or 3428474 home. Not on valley time.

REAL ESTATE

NEW LISTING 4861 RIDGE CLOSE, TIMBER RIDGE PHASE I WINDERMERE Fully remodeled and furnished cottage in prestigious Timber Ridge Phase I. Quiet cul-de-sac location with oversized flat lot. Enjoy all the amenities including large private beach, marina and tennis courts.

For Rent in Radium:

For more info call: Eric Redeker, Licensed Property Manager 250-342-5914 • www.EricRedeker.com

to view complete inventory.

1995 LEXUS LS400, 245k, silver, leather, best car I have ever owned, $9,995.00, call 3425914.

CONDO FOR RENT

• Pinewood Resort: 2 bedroom unfurnished long-term, best rate in town at $950 plus utilities.

• Sable Ridge Resort: 2 bedroom, 2 bath, unfurnished, 930 sq.ft., outdoor pool, hot tub, fireplace, new construction. $1,200 plus utilities.

• The Peaks in Radium, 2 bedroom, furnished, long-term, ground-floor, recreation centre, pool at $1,350 including. electricity.

www.cranbrookdodge.com

Buy factory direct! Selling all stock! Making room for summer retail. Double, Queen, and King mattress sets still in plastic are available at 50% off. Full warranty included, we deliver.

For details contact Christy at Mountain Ridge Distributing, 403-609-8426.

Enid Laura (Hurst) Hansen May 26, 1916 – February 24, 2008 Enid was born in Wilmer to John and Ursula Hurst. She spent her first years on her father’s homestead (Hidden Valley Ranch) and when she was school age, stayed with her grandmother in Wilmer. She left the valley in her late teenage years, married and raised a family, and resided most of her life at the coast. Enid was predeceased by her son Glen. Survived by children Allan (Hazel) Hansen, Dorene Weltens, Ellen (Fern) Michaud, and David Hansen, six grandchildren and her greatgrandchildren. Also survived by sisters Vera Wikman, Elaine Turner, Phyllis Bower, brother Gordon Knudsen, and many nieces and nephews.

in vehicle inventory.

Go to

649,900

$

Rockies West Realty Ross Newhouse

Representative, Recreational Specialist

230 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 Bus: 250.347.2321 • www.newhouseconnect.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

March 7, 2008

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS SERVICES

CAREERS

CAREERS

CAREERS

CAREERS

CAREERS

CLEANING SERVICES: No time to clean? Unable to clean your home? Experienced and very reliable home cleaning and housechecking.DiannePeterson, 342-9702, dtpeterson@shaw.ca

Busy Motel needs housekeeping staff. Call Motel Bavaria in Radium, 347-9915.

Full-timeJourneymanCarpenter/ Apprentice wanted for local construction company. Must have knowledge and experience in all phases of residential construction.

Competitive wages – dependent on experience, possible benefits/ incentive package. Call 3422053 or forward resume to ncmconstruction@telus.net or fax 342-2057.

Local Electrical contractor requires Journeyman Electrician.

Wage $32.00 - $38.00 per hour, benefit package, service van.

Send resume to 1-866-6735175.

Bighorn Meadows Resort: We are currently seeking energetic, service orientated people to join our team. We offer a competitive wage and benefit package and a great work environment. Strong computer skills an asset. Interested applicants please forward your confidential resume to tryder@ bighormmeadows.ca

Skookum Family Restaurant now hiring experienced line cooks.

Positive work environment, flexible schedule, call Lori, 3413336.

Store Clerks needed. Must be enthusiastic and enjoy people. $13/hour, store discounts and advancement opportunities.

Apply in person to Invermere Petro-Canada*.

SKI or BOARD ALL DAY AND SLING PIZZA ALL NIGHT Peppi’s Italian fuel is looking to hire an energetic, customer service-oriented server to work evenings Friday, Saturday and 1 or 2 other nights a week. You must be over 19 years of age.

Contact Laura or Tim at Peppi’s.

Phone 342-3421 or E-mail peppisitalianfuel@yahoo.ca

BIG HORN MEADOWS RESORT requires full-time room attendants to clean rooms, balconies, and stairways.

Experience an asset. Wages $13/ hour, 40 hours/week. Fax resume to 250-347-2311 or email pbusch@bighornmeadows.ca

Full-time labourer for local construction company. Wages dependent on experience: possible benefits/incentive package.

Call 342-2053 or forward resume to ncmconstruction@telus.net or fax 342-2057.

CAREERS

Windermere Valley Golf Course is currently looking for qualified individuals to join their food and beverage team. Positions are seasonal and range from part time to full time starting April 1st . Contact Kari at 342-3004 or submit resumes by fax to 3420119 or email kdawsonwv@ shaw.ca

Qualified hotel cleaning staff, $14.00/hour to start, with $3.00/ hour bonus. Accommodation available, nice boss! Beautiful location, call now, 347-9305.

Helna’s Stube is now accepting applications for the following positions, Service, Hostess, and Bus Person. Please call 3470047 or email mail@helnas.com Hair Stylist wanted for Valley Hair Styling. Full or part–time position. Call Susan at 3429863.

ROCK WORKS LANDSCAPING

Full time/part time qualified line cooks apply in confidence at Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery or Radium Liquor Store.

Fax resumes to 250-347-9987 or email horsethiefcreekpub@ telus.net

is seeking help for the 2008 season starting mid-April. Competitive wages, flexible schedules.

Must have driver’s license.

Experience an asset, willing to train, 3425676 or email resumes to rockworkslandscape.com

Cooks required at the Farside Pub in Fairmont. Fax resume to 342-0341 or apply at Farside, 250-345-6106.

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: Tuesd ays at noon Phone: 341-6299 Fax: 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net

Employment Opportunity

TEMPORARY OPERATIONS LABOURER (CV) We Work At Play!

Voted “Best Conditioned Course in BC” in 2005, Eagle Ranch Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course located in picturesque Invermere, British Columbia. Last season Eagle Ranch proudly unveiled a magnificent clubhouse complete with an expanded Golf Shop, full service dining room, meeting room and lounge.

At Eagle Ranch, our approach to golf operations is simple – we strive to provide the ultimate guest experience - which means hiring and retaining employees who strive for excellence in all that they do. We are looking for team players with a ‘can do’ attitude to contribute positively to our continued growth. Our ideal candidates will possess characteristics that reflect our corporate values of caring, integrity, excellence, team spirit and financial responsibility.

Positions for 2008 Golf Season Eagle Ranch Golf Course is looking to hire individuals in the following departments for the duration of the golf season (April 3 – Oct 13) and beyond:

• • • •

Turf Maintenance Ambassadors Beverage Cart Servers Customer Care

• • • •

Golf Shop Kitchen – Line Cooks and Prep Cooks Restaurant Hostess Restaurant Servers

We offer competitive wages, a complete staff uniform and golf privileges at one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country! Full-time and part-time positions available.

Resumes may be sent confidentially to: Eagle Ranch Golf Course RR #3, M-2, C-11 Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 Email: careers@eagleranchresort.com Fax: 1-250-342-2563

The RDEK is accepting applications for the position of Temporary Operations Labourer. Reporting to the Manager of Engineering & Environmental Services, the person filling this position will perform various operational duties related to the RDEK solid waste and utility systems, primarily within the Columbia Valley region. This position will be based out of the Columbia Valley office.

Essential Qualifications: • Completion of Grade 12.

• Possession of a valid British Columbia Driver’s Licence.

• Working knowledge of the maintenance of water and sewer systems and solid waste facilities.

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

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

The successful applicant will be a team player focused on providing outstanding service to the public.

This is a temporary, full-time (35 hours per week) position with a starting salary of $2,849/month ($18.79/hour). Employment can commence immediately and will be for a minimum of six months.

Submit résumés, with references, in confidence and marked “Operations Labourer”, to Eric Sharpe Manager of Engineering & Environmental Services Regional District of East Kootenay 19 –24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 by 4:30 pm, Tuesday, March 18, 2008 We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS Radium Resort in beautiful Radium Hot Springs, BC is now accepting applications for full-time and part-time positions in all departments. Featuring over 100 guest rooms including condominiums, two eighteen hole golf courses (The Springs and The Resort), wedding, conference, banquet and dining facilities, and fitness centre with indoor pool and hot tubs, Radium Resort continues to be a vacation destination favorite in the Columbia Valley.

If you are looking for a new challenge, searching for fulfilling seasonal employment after retirement or trying to find your first job, Radium Resort offers an enjoyable and progressive work environment. Employees of Radium Resort are team oriented and have a commitment to excellence that translates into creating an outstanding experience for each of our guests.

We are currently accepting applications in the following areas:

Golf Retail Operations •

Golf Shop Personnel, Outside Service Attendants, Starters/Marshalls

Hotel Operations •

Night Auditor, Front Desk Agents, Housekeepers, Guest Service Attendants

Food & Beverage Operations

• Line and Prep Cooks, Server, Dishwashers

Golf Course Maintenance •

Turf Equipment Operators, Irrigation and Repair, Flower Bed and Shrub Maintenance, General Course Maintenance

Experience is considered an asset but is not necessary. Training will be provided for all successful candidates.

We offer competitive wages, staff uniforms, golf privileges at both courses, use of practice facilities, discounts in both pro shops and restaurants, access to our fitness facility and the chance to participate in various team building events throughout the year.

Motel Operator - Radium Hot Springs BC Well established motel located in the town of Radium Hot Springs BC. We are looking for a reliable, long-term operator to run this 58 room motel.

- 2,000 sq.ft. accommodation included - free access to motel amenities - must be available to start immediately

CONTACT MARLENE  403 3135309

Grizzly Mountain Grill in Radium

Requires Experienced Cooks and Servers or send resume to: PO Box 1079, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Employment Opportunity The College of the Rockies is a learner-centered institution. We invite all qualified applicants who value high quality program delivery and educational excellence to apply for ….

COLUMBIA VALLE Y PIONEER

NEW PAYMENT OPTIONS WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING…

• Call our Ofce Manager, Michele at 341-6299 with your Visa or Mastercard number.

• Pay in person at our ofce with credit or debit card at 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere.

• If you have a Paypal Account, you may pay online. Check our website for details at… w w w. c o l u m b i a v a l l e y p i o n e e r. c o m

s looking for an energetic, organized individual to work as a full-time bookkeeper in this busy accounting office. The successful applicant will require a working knowledge of Simply Accounting , Excel and Word and possess the willingness to learn. Catering to our clients’ is our number one priority, so you must have exceptional communication skills and work well with others. Knowledge of Quickbooks, personal taxes and working paper preparation is beneficial.

Please send your resume with wage expectations to Box 879, Invermere, BC or fax it to (250) 342-8305.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE Edgewater Hilltop Par 3 requires outside grounds maintenance person. This is a full-time position starting April 1st to November 1st.

Interested persons can fax resumé to (250) 347-6516 or call (250) 347-9500

Call 342-1666 Fax: 341-3453

Resumes may be sent confidentially to: Radium Resort Box 310 8100 Golf Course Rd Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 Email: frontdesk@radiumresort.com Fax: 1-250-347-6298

I

Barb J. Smith, CGA

Term Residential Construction Framing Instructor Invermere Campus (March 17 to August 22, 2008) Duties: The successful candidate(s) will provide instruction in the Residential Construction Framing Technician program designed to help prepare students for careers in the residential construction industry. The program is taught through regular lectures, demonstrations and practical hands-on training. Emphasis is placed on the development of practical knowledge and skills.

Qualications: Interprovincial Journeyman Carpenter. Experience in teaching adults is preferred as well as a minimum of ten years experience in the residential construction eld.

As an employee of the College of the Rockies the successful candidate is expected to be a lifelong learner who continues to develop his/her skills to help the College meet the needs of our students and our other valued clients.

Salary: Depending on qualications, instructional and related work experience, salary for term employees is in a range from $4,803.17 to $7,610.47 per month (includes 16% in lieu of vacation).

Closing Date: March 11, 2008 Interested persons should submit their resume of qualications and experience to: The Human Resource Development Department, College of the Rockies, Box 8500, Cranbrook BC V1C 5L7 Condential Fax # : (250) 489-8206 Please quote Competition #08 FA 04.

Your covering letter and resume should clearly demonstrate related qualications and experience since selection for future consideration will be based on the information provided.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Phone: 1-877-489-2687 • (250) 489-2751 •

www.cotr.bc.ca

Full-time Administration Assistant Rocky Mountain Realty is a company that provides high quality professional Real Estate Services in the Valley. We are looking for an individual with excellent interpersonal and communications skills who can work within a team atmosphere. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, well organized, have excellent computer skills and a min. of 2 years office experience. Experience in a real estate/marketing atmosphere would be an asset but not required. This position offers a competitive starting wage.

Reply by fax or e-mail to: Audrey Benson, Office Administrator Fax (250) 345-4001 E-mail: info@rockymtnrealty.com

Assisted Living Worker Columbia Garden Village in Invermere has an opening effective immediately for a team oriented Assisted Living Worker.

Join our Team! This exciting and rewarding career opportunity offers a competitive wage and benefits, and a fresh and caring workplace environment as well as opportunity for advancement.

We invite applicants to send a resume stating qualifications and experience along with references to: Golden Life Management 1800 Willowbrook Drive Cranbrook, BC V1C 7H9 Fax 250.489.2673 Or e-mail Careers@goldenlife.ca

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

March 7, 2008

Valley Churches

FAITH

Our family is the church

By Father Jim McHugh Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church I ďŹ nd that, as I get older, I am starting to see things a lot dierently than I did as a young man. The strangest things are making more sense to me as I consider my own mortality; things once vital to me have often become less important, while things that I didn’t get overly worried about are beginning to take on new importance.

As Easter draws steadily nearer, the Sacred Priesthood that I was called to by Christ and His Church takes on renewed signiďŹ cance for me.

Easter is the single most important celebration of the Christian Church; it is preceded by forty days of Lent in which we take serious stock of our lives. That means that all aspects of our life must be looked at from the practice of our faith to the way we shop for groceries. It is a diďŹƒcult thing to do. It may mean that we have to change our way of life in a very real and concrete manner. This call to change struck recently; I didn’t fully understand it then, and I probably still don’t, but it has given me new insight.

Family is the ďŹ rst place that we learn to be “church.â€? It is really quite important to everybody in the development of inter-relationship skills. In this â€œďŹ rst churchâ€? we should learn love and acceptance, as well as cooperation with our siblings and obedience to those in authority (our parents). It is where we also learn the traditions of life, those things that we are going to carry with us for the rest of our life. We may also learn to disagree and at times resent the rules that we have to live by because we don’t like them. Perhaps, we, like some children, will run away because we perceived some hurt – real or imagined. We are still part of the family and maybe we need to come home and let the healing begin.

Just as children need to be held and loved by the family, so, too, do each of us as members of Christ’s Church. Our society today tells us that it is better to be independent and to “stand on your own two feet.�

This is all well and good. So what happens when you are unable to do this, when that independence deserts us? To whom do we turn, then, if we have rejected our family? Sacred Scripture says: “if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.� (2 Timothy 12b-13; NRSV). In truth, our family is the Church, we can reject it if we wish – it doesn’t make it any less true. If we claim to be Christian we are part of Christ’s body (the Church) by baptism as surely as we are part of our own family by birth or adoption.

Lent gives us time to grow in our faith. Are we taking this time and using it well, or are we holding on to our own baggage in order to “punish� someone? Are we afraid of being hurt, or are we ashamed of the way we have lived our life? All of these reasons are falsehoods; they hinder the work of the Holy Spirit and keep us from growing into mature sons and daughters of God. Saint Paul also writes that it is important to grow in our faith: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child; when I became an adult I put an end to childish ways.� (1Cor. 13:11). As Easter draws nearer do we understand the love that God has for us in giving the Church this beautiful time of Lent? If you’re not sure, take a trip to Radium Hot Springs and look up on the mountainside above St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at the lifesized Way of the Cross, that commemorates Christ’s unconditional love for each of you.

EASTER CARDS

$AVE 3UTHERLAND 3ALES !SSOCIATE

TH !VENUE )NVERMERE "#

Reach out to friends and family with inspiring Easter wishes from

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INVERMERE CHRISTIAN SUPPLIES

Call 341-6299 to place your classified.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday: 10 a.m. Sunday Service Children’s Church during the message part of the service.

Highway 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere • 342-9511 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere Saturday 7 p.m. Mass • Sunday 9 a.m. Mass St. Joseph’s Church, Hwy 93/95 Radium Sunday 11 a.m. Mass St. Anthony’s Church, Canal Flats • Sunday 4 p.m.

Father Jim McHugh • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Every Sunday 10 a.m., Sunday School 10 a.m.

7 p.m. Evening service the ďŹ rst and third Sunday of the month, Brisco Community Hall.

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • Radium Seniors’ Hall • 342-6633 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS Worship Service, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

Relief Society, Noon.

President Grant Watkins • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 345-0079

Invermere Christian Supplies Invermere Christian Supplies

www.invermerechristiansupplies.com

1229-7th Ave., Invermere

WE SELL REAL ESTATE

342-6415

Call 341-6151 or 1-888-341-6155

rayfergusonrealty.ca LUXURY LIVING AT LAKEVIEW MEADOWS

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WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY Sunday 8:30 a.m. Communion at All Saints, Edgewater Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Communion Service Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 342-6644 www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com

• Radium • Invermere • Panorama • Windermere • Fairmont

9OUR 7EEKLY 3OURCE FOR .EWS AND %VENTS

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LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday: 10:30 a.m.

Worship and Life Instruction: “Our All in All.�

Pastor Jared Enns ministering.

Sunday School, age 3 to Grade 7, during morning service.

7 p.m. Sing and Celebrate Hymn Sing.

For sermons online: www.sermon.net/lwac Pastor Jared Enns • 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 342-9535

Selkirk TV & Appliances Ltd. “Serving you since 1971�

MAIN STREET • INVERMERE 342-6415

WHAT GOES INTO the MIND TM COMES OUT in a LIFE

Classic single storey open living plan in traditional western ranch design. Fully finished family basement. Community centre and beach.

$1,039,000 MLS# K168187

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 7, 2008

There is a new,

The 2008

EXHILARATING

Mazda CX-7

sports sedan in town!

Everything about the bold, athletic styling of the CX-7 promises an exciting driving experience. And it’s impressive engineering doesn’t disappoint!

• 10 Best Engines Award – Ward’s Auto World Magazine • Best Buy Compact/Mid-sized SUV – Consummer Digest • Best Value Category – Machine Design • Best Popular-Priced CUV Interrior – Ward’s Auto World • 10 Top Concept Cars – Automotive News Magazine Your Kootenay Authorized Mazda Dealer.

TRADES WELCOME DL#11562

Drop in to Cranbrook Mazda today and see for yourself.

Herb Amaral Jorge Garcia Karen Bidder

Travis Butz

Sales Manager Sales Consultant Financial Services Sales Consultant Manager

• www.cranbrookmazda.com • 250-426-3133 • 888-616-1555

2008 Silverado or Sierra Crew 4x4 • V8 Vortec Engine • Deep Tint Rear Glass • Air Conditioning • Cruise Control • 5 year/160,000 km Powertrain Warranty • Plus much more...

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30,999 LEASE FOR:

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399

/month + taxes 30 mth lease at 1.7% APR on approved credit.

*Requires $3,025.00 down or equivalent trade plus taxes. Lease based on capitalized cost of $33,999.00 as $3,000.00 manufacturer to dealer discount is not available on subsidized interest rate offers. Total paid $14,995.00 plus taxes of $1,799.40 = $16,794.40. Purchase option available.

1142 – 304th Street, Kimberley, B.C. V1A 3E1 KIMBERLEY (250) 427-4895 CRANBROOK (250) 489-2525 C H E C K

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