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Vol. 5/Issue 51

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The Columbia

Valley

P ioneer

December 19, 2008

Year Round Dining!

Seeeee page 18

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

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Merry Christmas!

Carter Digney, son of Paul and Lynn-Ann Digney of Wilmer, gets some practice dragging Christmas trees this year. Carter is the fifth generation of his family to farm Christmas trees. See Page 8.

5 board sworn in

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Peace, Love & Happiness from…

Selkirk TV & Appliance and Invermere Christian Supplies

Valley NEWS

1229-7th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6415

From the Mayor, Council and staff of Box 159, 8853 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Ph: 250-349-5462 • Fax: 250-349-5460 village@canalflats.ca

La Cabina

Call 250-347-2340 for Reservations

Pioneer Holiday Hours Our office will be closed for the holidays starting Saturday, December 20th, reopening Monday, December 29th.

Email us at upioneer@telus.net.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ROTARY MAKES A GREAT HOST – The Rotary Club of Invermere hosted a Christmas dinner for 125 seniors at Best Western Invermere Inn on Friday, December 12th. Top: Polly Mulhall and George Oglestone get into the Christmas spirit. Bottom: Marjorie Stringer and Anne Keely enjoy their turkey dinner.

Photos by Sally Waddington

Best Rates in the Columbia Valley 350 Laurier St.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

December 19, 2008

Valley NEWS

Community rallies to aid family whose home was destroyed by fire

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff An Edgewater family is overwhelmed by the support they have received from the community after a fire destroyed their new home on Friday, December 12th.

Akie and Pascale Pronk, along with their two children – Kayla Chadmey, 16, and Brandon Pronk, 11 – had been living in their mobile home for no more than a month when the blaze broke out, leaving them with nothing.

“The community has been amazing,” Pascale said. “I’ll never forget in all my life how great everyone has been.”

In the days following the fire, the family received numerous donations including clothing and a place to stay.

Some donations are from people they have never met.

Pascale’s co-worker David Impley and his wife Ivonne have opened their home on Radium Hill Road to the family so they have somewhere to spend Christmas.

Pascale and her husband Akie have lived in the valley since their teens.

Pascale is employed as a plumber with Toby Creek Plumbing and Akie is a logger with M & H Logging.

Kayla is in Grade 11 at David Thompson Secondary School, and Brandon is in Grade 6 at Windermere Elementary.

The family had left for the day when the fire broke out around 10 a.m. on Friday.

Pascale returned home to pick up something she had forgotten. As she came around the corner near the Edge-

water Golf Course, she saw the smoke.

“I just thought: ‘My house is on fire!’”

As she drove closer to her home, Pascale tried to convince herself that the smoke she saw wasn’t coming from her home. “I guess I just didn’t want it to be real,” she said.

On the way, she stopped at the home of her boss, Kyle Barr – who owns the farm where Pascale and her family placed their mobile home – to ask him if he saw the smoke, too.

After agreeing that the smoke was coming from the family’s mobile home, Kyle called the Edgewater Fire Department and the two headed down to the site of the fire.

When she finally reached the house, Pascale untied Sammy, the family’s 10month-old Golden Retriever who was tied up outside, and placed her safely in the car.

“I tried to go into the house to save our bird, but I was just so overwhelmed with heat when I opened the door.”

She was not able to save the lovebird, which was also named Kayla.

The bird was named by her son Brandon, after his sister, who was living at the time with her father, Pascale’s exhusband.

“My son thought it would be humourous to call the bird Kayla because he missed his sister,” Pascale explained with a smile.

The Edgewater Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after Kyle and Pascale, only to find the mobile home fully engulfed in flames.

Continued on Page 22 . . .

A pile of rubble is all that remains of the Pronk family’s newly-finished mobile home.

Photos by Cayla Gabruck

Brandon Pronk, Pascale Pronk and Kayla Chadmey are determined to have a good Christmas, even after losing their family home last week.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

RCMP Report

PROTECT …your property from theft and vandalism

Submitted by Corporal Brent Ayers Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment

www.valleyhawk.com

Licensed & Insured

250-688-HAWK

Invermere & Surrounding Areas

Christmas is just around the corner – Still time to order!

For one-of-a-kind gift baskets call Jayne at

250-342-3160 • www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

A Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year to Everyone.

From Shirley and the staff at Pretty Woman.

OPEN: Tuesday through Saturday 9 am to 5 pm

323 Kootenay Street North, Cranbrook (250) 426-3356

I wish to acknowledge in advance the work done

by Citizens on Patrol as well as Range Patrol and everyone else who will help keep our communities safer over this holiday season. Let’s be careful out there so we have good memories of this holiday season.

Between December 10th and 15th, 46 calls for service were received at this detachment.

Drunk driven home from Panorama

On December 14th at 1:30 a.m. police noted Panorama Mountain Security physically removing an intoxicated male from the T-Bar pub. The male was resistant and had to be escorted out the door. After a minute of standing outside, the male tried to re-enter the bar. Security staff held the doors closed and pushed the male away. The officer spoke with the male outside the bar and told him that he was not allowed back in. This male was moderately intoxicated and agreed to go home and pursue the injustice in the morning.

The male, however, remained outside the bar for about five minutes and then tried to enter again. The officer blocked his path and the male tried to squeeze by.

The male was then arrested for Breach of Peace and handcuffed and taken to the police vehicle. The officer gave the male one final chance to agree to go home, and he accepted. The member removed the handcuffs and gave the male a ride to his rented condo with no further problems.

Accident on Dutch Creek Bridge

On December 13th, RCMP responded to a twovehicle collision on the Dutch Creek Bridge, Fairmont Hot Springs. The driver of a Red 1992 Toyota Corolla had lost control due to icy conditions and collided with the cement barriers of the bridge while travelling southbound on Hwy 93/95. The driver of a green

1996 Chevrolet Astro van attempted to avoid the first car and subsequently collided with a cement barrier on the other side of the bridge, while travelling northbound on the highway. RCMP officers noted that conditions on the bridge were quite icy. Both drivers were uninjured. No charges are expected.

Theft at Radium Ridge

On December 12th at about 2 p.m. police responded to a break-and-enter at the Radium Ridge, in Radium. The culprits broke in through the basement window and stole a 46-inch flat-screen TV, laptop, rum and some miscellaneous tools. No other damage was done to the unit. The incident occurred sometime between December 5th and December 12th.

Drunk arrested at Panorama

On December 12th at 10:38 p.m., police attended the T-Bar pub at Panorama Resort for a disturbance.

Staff at the bar said two males had been squaring off and pushing each other. One of the males was ejected from the bar as he had instigated the fight and was also harassing some females. This male was quite intoxicated when he left the bar, but it was felt at this time that police action was not warranted.

At around midnight, this same male was seen by a member who happened to be back in the area doing bar walks. The male was walking back towards the bar. The male could not remember where he was staying and wanted to go back into the bar. The male was slurring his words and made very little sense when speaking. The male was issued a violation ticket and was advised that he would be escorted to his room by Panorama security. This male then called 911 on his cell phone and started ranting into the phone. The officer arrested the male for breach of peace.

Continued on Page 40 . . .

Wishing our community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

(250) 341-1114 support@moondancetechnology.com

350 Laurier, Invermere 250-342-9933

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

December 19, 2008

Kicking Horse Coffee’s rezoning bid refused

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff Kicking Horse Coffee’s application to rezone a five-acre parcel in Windermere from Rural Residential to Light Industrial was voted down by the new Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors on Friday.

The Invermere-based company, which roasts and ships coffee across the country, proposed a new building on their property at the corner of the highway and the North Street entrance into Windermere that would include storage, administration and a day care centre.

The company currently roasts coffee at its location on Shuswap band lands near the Invermere crossroads.

Owners Leo Johnson and Elana Rosenfeld offered to place a covenant on the land to further restrict the uses permitted by the rezoning, although they did not remove the possibility of coffee roasting on site at some future date.

After a six-month process that involved two public hearings, one in June and one in October, directors at the November meeting asked staff to clarify the zoning options and the restrictive covenant.

That report, submitted by Manager of Planning Andrew McLeod at Friday’s meeting, stated: “The proposal is for a mixed commercial and light industrial land use – food manufacturing (including coffee roasting), with retail, café and child support services.

Neither the Official Community Plan nor the commercial zones in the zoning bylaw explicitly address this scenario.

“The community appears prepared to accept most aspects of the proposal except the coffee roasting. Regardless of the zoning option selected – light industrial with restrictive covenant, commercial, a custom zone, or some other option – unless Kicking Horse Coffee removes coffee roasting from their rezoning application, all of the zoning options would include this possibility.”

Regarding community response to the rezoning application, Mr. McLeod also submitted the follow-

ing official numbers from the second public hearing in October. There were 190 letters received – 134 opposed and 34 in favour. Of the total verbal submissions, 28 were in favour and 12 were opposed.

After the report was received, directors were still split about whether to allow the proposed project to proceed. Among the five Columbia Valley directors, three were in favour of granting the rezoning to Kicking Horse, while two were opposed.

New Area F director Wendy Booth led off the discussion, since the property in question is located in her area of jurisdiction. While she praised Kicking Horse as being a great business for the community, she said she believes the majority of people don’t want it there – and for that reason, she decided to vote against the rezoning.

Speaking in favour of the proposal, Invermere director Gerry Taft said he looked at the issue from the position of the entire Columbia Valley. “We’re limited in what commercial and industrial opportunities we have,” he said. “There are no vacant five-acre sites, and I feel that this site based on its proximity to the highway is suitable. I support the proposal.”

Ute Juras of Canal Flats disagreed. “I work in Windermere and I have had overwhelming non-support from people visiting me at my workplace, and sending me emails,” she said. She pointed out that there are vacant five-acre parcels available in the valley around Canal Flats.

Radium mayor Dee Conklin then spoke in support of the rezoning, pointing out that the valley should be trying to accommodate existing businesses.

“It’s easier to retain businesses in the valley than to attract them,” she said.

Finally, new Area G director Gerry Wilkie said he also supported the rezoning. “I feel very confident that the concept is sound, and if the parties get together around the table and discuss the issues, there will be a positive outcome,” he said.

New board chair Norm Walter then called for a vote, which was registered as four in favour of Kicking Horse’s application, and 11 against.

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The family of Elsie Hemmelgarn invite her friends to tea, to celebrate her 80th Birthday on December 23rd, 2008 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Invermere Seniors Hall.

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Christmas Tree

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

perspective

My very first White Christmas

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Reporter It’s true. I have been dreaming of a white Christmas. But it’s unlike anything I used to know.

No – all the Christmases I’ve known have been hot and/or sticky, punctuated by a thunderstorm in the afternoon and occasionally the smell of bushfires on the air. We eat seafood and cooled ham and turkey, piles of salads, and fruit cake with ice cream as dessert. In the evening, we head to the beach to cool down as the summer sun sets late on another Christmas.

This year, things are a little different. And it rocks my world.

I have been anxiously awaiting the snow since October, looking out the window every morning hoping to see white powder . . . Now that it has finally snowed, I am beside myself. I wade through the deepest drift, I run in

circles on untouched patches – I even get a kick out of shovelling!

I’m not as enthusiastic about the temperature lately. I wish I could walk around in a giant, heated bubble. My eyes just get wider and wider as I watch the temperature drop lower and lower.

But high on my list of anticipation is Christmas dinner. I just can’t wait to sit around a festively decorated table, eating turkey with all the trimmings beside a warm fireplace while it gently snows outside.

I expect that when the day arrives, I will crave the familiar summer holiday I know and love, and the family I won’t be spending it with this year. But the beauty and comfort of a white Christmas just might make up for all that.

As long as you guys still wear silly paper hats. That, I can’t live without.

From all of us at The Pioneer, we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, a happy holiday and a joyful New Year.

December 19, 2008

Festive family Walker Tegart, an early pioneer, is pictured here, with his family members. This is one of the museum’s oldest photographs, taken in the 1890s. It was donated to the museum by Bernice Hathaway. If you have any more information about Photo A872, please email the Windermere Valley Museum at wvmuseum@cyberlink.bc.ca.

Historical Lens

Photo courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

The Pioneer’s Annual Christmas Gift List Each year, The Pioneer comes up with some presents that we’d like to give some people in the valley. And need we remind you again, it’s all in good fun!

• Gerry Taft: Good health, so you won’t have to go to Emergency and be treated by any of the Chisel Peak doctors for at least a year.

• MP Jim Abbott: An ice pick, so you can hold onto the slippery slope that is the Canadian parliament.

• Robert Harvey: Sugar to sweeten your grapes.

• Forestry workers: Cold weather. A cold snap of

minus-40 for two weeks or longer is required to kill off those killer pine beetles.

• Propane dealers: Cold weather, so everyone will have to fill up their tanks again and again.

• Realtors: An upswing in the housing market (which would be a gift to almost everyone in this valley, one way or another.)

• Kicking Horse Coffee owners: Stay full of beans.

• Ute Juras of Canal Flats: All your diplomatic skills, as she defends the actions of the former council.

• Al Miller: A daytimer with eight days a week in it, so you can keep up with your business, Invermere

council, the Chamber of Commerce, your family, and three Rockies hockey players billeted in your house.

• Tow truck operators: People who don’t drink and drive, so you won’t be forced out of your homes over the holidays to haul away mangled vehicles.

• Norm Macdonald: A fast pair of runners to keep ahead of Liberal candidate Mark McKee in May’s provincial election.

• Mark Shmigelsky: A quiet, peaceful holiday with your family, far from the madding political crowds.

• Greg Deck: Ditto.

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer is independently owned and operated and 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 by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item, and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

Elinor Florence

Sally Waddington

Cayla Gabruck

Dave Sutherland

Zephyr Rawbon

Michele McGrogan

Samantha Commons

Publisher

Reporter

Reporter

Advertising Sales

Graphic Design

Office Manager

Project Assistant

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

December 19, 2008

Santa Claus parade welcomes volunteers Dear Editor: Thank you, Mary Holgate, for your partially correct letter. Yes, parades are a community event, and should include businesses, service clubs, schools, the District of Invermere, sports clubs, kid’s groups, and anybody who wants to come out and take part.

It takes a strong organizing committee to make this happen, and this year we didn’t have that. You’ve been disappointed in the parade for the last five years? Does that mean you’re offering to take part in the organizing committee next year? If so, please call me, 250-342-2515.

What are local businesses doing for you? Glad you asked. We employ your friends and neighbours. We provide the goods and services you need with fair prices and superior service.

We support local service club activities. We support local sports clubs. We support fundraiser events for locals in need. We help organize the Canada Day events. We organize Valley Appreciation Day. We organize the Family Halloween Party. We organize the Light Up Christmas celebration.

We organize Super Sunday and the Santa Parade (poorly, this year). And there are businesses out there who do a heck of a lot more than I do.

You are free to shop wherever you like. But if you prefer shopping in the city, then I suggest the next time you’re canvassing for support for a local fundraiser, take your request to the city and see what kind of response you get.

Now that Mr. Bush and company have admitted that the occupation of Afghanistan was a big mistake, should we not get out?

The USA has lost 4000+ casualties and Canada 100, and the occupation is no nearer an end.

We need the money at home. We will bleed ourselves to death and become a third world country. It is well and good to say we are building schools, etc. over there, but half or more of the schools in Canada are in need of repair or replacement.

Let us use the millions that are being

spent over there to upgrade our own infrastructure and health care. Then when the house is in order, go back and help the civilian population, instead of killing them because of our presence there.

Eight Afghan soldiers were killed by friendly fire because the U.S. military did not trust telling their friendly allies their deployments – consequently, friend was killing friend.

Sound like progress to you?

Write Mr. Abbott and tell him to tell his leader you want our men/women home and spend the money in Canada!

Don Thompson Invermere

Thanks for the help, readers The Pioneer has a policy of not publishing photos unless we have the names of the people in them. Usually we can track down names by hitting the phones, but last week we were stumped. Several people said they knew the man’s face but couldn’t remember his name. So we went ahead

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Gala!

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Paul Christy The Monkey’s Uncle Toy Store Invermere Business Committee

Canada should pull out of Afghanistan Dear Editor:

CELEBRATE IN STYLE!

and published his picture, and asked for your help.

Well, we sure got it. At least six people called or emailed to tell us that the subject is Jack Snyder of Indian Beach, holding his grandson Cole Carey of Panorama. Thank you, Pioneer readers!

Jer from

Syndicate in Invermere

says;

We had NanoFibre installed over five months ago and their internet service is always up. We do 99% of our ordering online and being able to download huge PDF and Excel files really quickly makes life a lot easier.

www.nanofibre.ca • (250) 347.2424

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

valley pioneer

Family Christmas tree business welcomes fifth generation

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff For most families, the magic that goes along with tramping out into the wilderness and cutting down their Christmas tree comes only once a year.

But not for the Statham family. They have been raising Christmas trees and sending them all over North America since Ernest Ede started the business in the 1920s.

“It must be in your blood,” said David Statham, who is the grandson of the original founder. “I just love cutting Christmas trees.”

Ernest, known to many in the Columbia Valley as “Dapper” Ede, decided to travel to Canada from Surrey, England in 1912.

Shortly after his arrival, he joined the Canadian army and was shipped back to England to serve in the First World War. While in England, he married Winnifred and in 1923, they returned to Canada, accompanied by their two children, Ron and Heather.

The Edes settled just north of Windermere, raising vegetables and poultry, but Dapper also took up a side job – growing and selling Christmas trees.

And so the legacy began.

Dapper and Winnifred raised six children: Ron, Heather, Joyce, Myrtle, Gordon and Eleanor.

Gordon Ede, Eleanor (now Eleanor Statham), and

Myrtle (now Myrtle Wilder) still reside in the valley.

Heather, now Heather Vaughn, lives in Calgary. Ron and Joyce are deceased.

As the children grew up, they were raised on common family principles of respect and hard work.

But they also learned how to farm Christmas trees. They would prune the trees, which were mainly Douglas Fir, throughout the spring and summer. Then in the fall they cut the trees, dragged them by hand to waiting trucks, and shipped them across Canada and the northern U.S. In 1946, Eleanor Ede married Hubert Statham, son of Archibald and Emily Statham, at St. Peter’s Church in Windermere.

The newlyweds farmed adjacent to Dapper’s homestead outside Windermere, and continued the family tradition. The Stathams held numerous Christmas tree permits on land including areas near Lake Lillian and the Windermere landfill.

Eleanor and Hubert raised two chil-

dren, Wayne and David. Both brothers reside in Wilmer – David with his wife Sue, and Wayne with his wife Sandy.

And David has taken over the family business, raising Christmas trees.

David can still remember his first trip cutting trees with his father Hubert when he was just three or four years old.

“When I went out cutting with Dad, the first thing we did was light a fire, and that’s where we would have our lunch,” he said.

Each year the family went out into the bush together – three generations, all committed to giving someone the perfect Christmas tree.

“Dad was pretty particular,” David remembered.

“You had to cut the perfect tree.”

Sometimes, Hubert and his father-in-law Dapper would cut down more than 300 trees per day, using only a handsaw.

The boys’ job was to drag the trees to the road, where they would be picked up and hauled to the yard. There they were baled and tagged by Eleanor.

“When I used to go out and help Dad drag trees, we had a little black dog named Rex,” David remembered. “Every hour or two we would stop and sit on a stump and Dad would take his jack-knife out and scrape all the pitch off the handsaw, and the little black dog would sit beside us.

“Dad always had a chocolate bar. You’re not supposed to feed dogs chocolate bars, but it never hurt this dog. Dad would eat part of the chocolate bar and the dog would get the other part.”

Continued on Page 9 . . .

LIKE GRANDFATHER, LIKE GRANDSON – David Statham with his little grandson Ryan Digney.

December 19, 2008

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Continued from Page 8 Hubert also had a contract to cut trees for Kirk’s Christmas Trees, a company that grew and distributed Christmas trees near Radium. In 1954, Eleanor also took at job at Kirk’s Christmas Trees, where she was kept busy tagging the trees that the contractors, including her husband Hubert, brought into the yard.

For 35 years, she tagged Christmas trees for Kirk’s, sometimes coming home to do the same thing for Hubert when he was cutting trees in the fall.

When David graduated from high school, he joined his mother at Kirk’s.

“It was supposed to be a part-time job, but I just kept coming back,” he laughed.

In 1969, David met Sue Cavanagh at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere. They were married March 14th, 1970 and 10 months later Sue gave birth to their eldest son Jason, now aged 38. He lives in Cranbrook with his wife Jodi and their two children: Kenda, 4, and Kellan, 2.

David still remembers taking his son Jason out to cut Christmas trees for the first time with his own father in the early 1970s, a memory that he said is etched in his mind forever.

“I can remember Dad and him walking down the road – my son Jason, he was only three or four – pulling a Christmas tree behind them.”

David and Sue went on to raise three other children: Julie, who lives in Kelowna with her husband Chad Schraeder and their two daughters, Ava, 4, and Naomi, 3; Lynn-Ann, who lives in Wilmer with her husband Paul Digney and their two sons Carter, 3, and Ryan, 16 months; and Nathan, who lives in Calgary with his girlfriend Michela Bietz.

Each year the family comes together to cut trees, making some lasting family memories.

“My oldest boy Jason, he always used to like ropes,” David said. “One time when he was about four years old, my wife Sue was yarding trees and he tied the truck to another tree.”

Sue, who was driving, couldn’t understand why the truck wouldn’t move. “She couldn’t go anywhere, and here he had tied the truck to a tree,” David laughed.

David’s daughter Lynn-Ann remembers the thrill of riding on top of the trees as a child when they were being hauled to the yard.

“I remember the smell of fresh air and pine needles,” she said.

Throughout the years, their children grew fond of the family affair that came along with cutting trees.

“It’s about being together and doing something that has been passed down,” said Lynn-Ann. David was employed as a supervisor at Kirk’s Christmas Trees until they closed their Radium office in 1994. During the 60 years they were open, contractors cut more than 200,000 trees per year for Kirk’s, and sent them as far as Mexico.

David now works for Canadian Forest Products in Radium Hot Springs, but – just like his grandfather – he still makes time to continue his family’s legacy.

This season, David took his grandson Carter, aged three, to cut trees for the first time.

Carter represents the fifth generation of the Statham family to head out to the woods to cut Christmas trees.

Together the family cut 4,000 Christmas trees this year.

Together they give thousands of families the special memories that go along with picking up and decorating a fresh Christmas tree.

“It makes me real happy,” he said.

Above: Eleanor Statham with her sons David, left (shown on opposite page), and Wayne.

Left: Jason, Julie, LynnAnn and baby Nathan Statham, children of David and Sue Statham, celebrate Christmas together as children, under one of their father’s homegrown Christmas trees.

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Merry Christmas from The Pioneer!

Wishing our readers the very warmest and happiest of holidays are, from left to right: Pioneer Publisher Elinor Florence, Office Manager Michele McGrogan, Graphic Designer Zephyr Rawbon, Reporter Cayla Gabruck, Project Assistant Samantha Commons, Reporter Sally Waddington and Advertising Sales Associate Dave Sutherland.

Our office will be closed from December 20th to December 28th, reopening on December 29th.

Merry Christmas!

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Encore

Page 11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 12

VISIT THE LIBRARY

PAGE 15

Sarah Downey, left, and Morgan Hoffert performed with the David Thompson Secondary School senior band at the school’s concert on December 11th. The band entertained a packed hall.

Photo by Sally Waddington

Christmas Gift Ideas…

CV Arts Concert Tickets, Gift Certificates, Cinefest Call 250-342-4423 for details.

Public Arts Survey What does ART mean to you?

Speak up about arts and culture in our community!

We want to hear your views on the past, present and future of arts in our region as part of the Columbia Valley Cultural Scan Project.

Complete the survey at www.columbiavalleyarts.com

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

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

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Movie Review: Mamma Mia

Reviewed by Sally Waddington

ABBA, eat your heart out – Meryl Streep steals the show.

Before I begin, I should declare some biases. Number one, I’ve had a soft spot for Meryl Streep ever since she aced a Lindy Chamberlain portrayal in the movie A Cry in the Dark. And let’s not forget The Hours, Angels in America, The Devil Wears Prada . . . the woman can do no wrong, and her talent lends every movie she appears in instant credibility.

Also, I love the Greek islands. True, their portrayal on the silver screen is always a little more magical than the islands themselves, but I am so firmly under their spell that it hardly matters.

So consider this when I say: I loved this movie.

Every melodic, sun-washed, white-teethed, heel-kicking moment of it.

Based on the hit musical which is itself based on the ABBA discography, the film is set entirely on a fictional Greek island. Donna (Streep) welcomes her

two best friends (the equally talented Julie Walters and Christine Baranski) to the island to celebrate the wedding of her daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried).

Unbeknown to Donna, Sophie has been reading her mother’s diary and has discovered that the father she has never known could be one of three men.

In secret, Sophie sends an invitation to the men and they all turn up on the island together. Donna faces a tough choice: her ex-lovers are played by Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard.

The story plays out between one ABBA classic and the next, on and on along a joyful path to the inevitable happy ending.

If only ABBA were this inspired with their video clips 30 years ago!

RATING: 9.5 OUT OF 10 HEADS

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

December 19, 2008

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or Email us at upioneer@telus.net to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Toby Theatre • 7:30 p.m., Dec. 26-27 & 29-30: High School Musical 3 – Senior Year • 7:30 p.m.: Jan. 2 & 3: Beverly Hills Chihuahua

HOLIDAY HOURS

HOLIDAY HOURS

Wednesday, December 31st:

Fairmont Hot Springs Pools Christmas Eve: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dec. 26-30: Regular hours, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

New Year’s Eve: 8-10 p.m.

New Year’s Day: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Jan. 2: Regular hours resume, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Call 250-345-6030 for info.

• Radium Hot Springs’ 18th birthday celebration.

Tobogganing and skating in the park, fireworks at The Springs driving range.

• 6 p.m. Newfie New Year’s at the Legion, Invermere.

• New Year’s Family Dinner, Panorama.

• 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve Frolic at the Brisco & District Community Hall.

• Snow Ball News Year’s Eve Party, T-Bar, Panorama.

• 9 p.m.: Torchlight Parade & Fireworks, Panorama.

• Moulin Rouge New Year’s Eve party at Bud’s.

Radium Hot Springs Pools Dec. 20-23: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 24: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 25: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dec. 26-Jan. 4: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Invermere Public Library Open: Dec. 20, 23, 30 & Jan. 2 Closed: Dec. 21, 22, 24-29 & Jan. 1

Invermere Public Library Open: Dec. 20, 23, 30 & Jan. 2 Closed: Dec. 21, 22, 24-29 & Jan. 1

Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Public skating schedule, $2 per person Dec. 22 & 23: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Dec. 24: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Dec. 27-29: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Dec. 30: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Jan. 2: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Jan. 4: 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Friday, December 19th: • 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Fairmont Ski Hill Opening Day

Saturday, December 20th: • 9:30 p.m. Pre-Christmas party at Hoodoo Grill, Fairmont, with Stand By For The Bomb.

Sunday, December 21st:

Columbia Valley Pioneer Newspaper Office closed Saturday Dec. 20 to Sunday Dec. 28 and New Year’s Day Open Dec. 29-31, Jan. 2 For info 250-341-6299 Invermere Thrift Store Closed: Dec. 20 to Jan. 7 Re-opens: Jan. 8 Invermere Post Office Dec. 24: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Dec. 25 & 26: Closed Dec. 27: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Dec. 31: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Jan. 1: Closed Rotary Club of Invermere Jan. 3: Christmas tree pick-up

• Food Bank benefit at Lakeside Pub. Great music from local musicians. For info: 250-342-6866.

• 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m. Tim Hortons Free Skate at Eddie Mountain Memorial Area.

• 7 p.m. Radium Sunrise Rotary Christmas carolling. Meet at Rotary Park. Call 250-347-9625.

Wednesday, December 24th: • 6 p.m. Fireworks, coffee and treats in Wilmer.

• 5:30 p.m.: Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Thursday, December 25th: • Turkey Dinner at Wildfire Grill, Panorama.

• 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.: Christmas Dinner in the Mountain Flowers Dining Room, Fairmont.

Friday, December 26th: • 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Greywolf Nordic Centre Opening.

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 7 p.m.: Radium Christian Fellowship candlelight service in Brisco.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 2 p.m.: Lake Windermere Alliance Church Service, Panorama Summit.

4 p.m. Windermere Valley Shared Ministry family service at Christ Church Trinity.

5 p.m.: Canadian Martyrs Family Mass, Invermere.

6 p.m.: Lake Windermere Alliance Church Service.

7 p.m.: St Peter’s Lutheran Mission at Christ Church Trinity.

7 p.m.: Radium Christian Fellowship Service.

8 p.m.: Lake Windermere Alliance Church Service, Great Hall, Panorama.

8 p.m.: Canadian Martyrs Parish Mass, Invermere.

8 p.m. Windermere Valley Shared Ministry at All Saints, Edgewater.

10 p.m. Windermere Valley Shared Ministry at St Peter’s, Windermere.

11:30 p.m. Communion at Christ Church Trinity.

11:30 p.m.: Mass, St Joseph’s Church, Radium.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 9 a.m.: Canadian Martyrs Mass in Invermere.

Noon: Mass, St Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 5 p.m.: Mass, St. Athony’s, Canal Flats.

7 p.m.: Canadian Martyrs Parish Mass, Invermere.

9 p.m.: Radium Christian Fellowship.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 9 a.m.: Canadian Martyrs Parish Mass, Invermere 11 a.m.: Mass, St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

“On Course” This month at Eagle Ranch

Casual and Fine Dining – Enhanced

• Spectacular New Years Eve Offering! • Santa’s Naughty or Nice Sale!

Up to 50% off all clothing A 6-course tasting menu, wine and musical guests, Combo and accessories!

Akimbo! $100-$140, • Christmas Spirit Feature Menus Reservations required.

• Jingle Bell Buffet Luncheons

• Dining (250) 342-6560 • Golf (250) 342-0562 • www.eagleranchresort.com • Toll Free (877) 877-3889

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer !

December 19, 2008

HOODOOS PRE-CHRISTMAS PARTY Featuring

Stand By For The Bomb Saturday, December 20th; 9:30 pmish

Come and join us for great music, along with our usual selection of astounding food and drink specials!

AT MIDNIGHT JOIN US IN WISHING RORY AND KHALIF A HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Book your Xmas Party NOW!!

250-345-2166 5388 Hwy. 93/95

Friday, December 19th Bud’s and Red Bull present…

Mat the Alien

Playing on the Red Bull DJ Booth • Red Bull Cocktail on Special all night!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27th

FORREST GRIFFIN vs. “SUGAR” RASHAD EVANS

ANTONIO RODRIGO “MINOTAURO” NOGUEIRA vs. FRANK MIR WANDERLEI SILVA vs. QUINTON “RAMPAGE” JACKSON

MOULIN ROUGE N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E AT B U D ’ S !

Begins 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Comedy Theatre, Burlesque Show, Magician Sideshow antics such as Fire Eating, Broken Glass Walking, Comedy Routines, ending in a dazzling dance martial arts display.

DJ’s Begins 11:30 p.m. – 4 a.m.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT BUD’S • 250-342-2965

Invermere art gallery invites you to enjoy six new artists Submitted by Effusion Art Gallery Fresh new art is adorning Effusion Art Gallery’s walls this festive month!

Eric Waugh, Deryk Houston, Lucie Bause, Moe Taylor, Philip Mix and Kevin Kratz have joined the collaboration of coast-to-coast talent.

• The gallery exterior window gives you a glimpse of Eric Waugh’s exquisite new small work.

Eric is self-taught in every artistic aspect. Originally, as a graphic designer, he acquired a keen sense of balance and design. Since 1988 he has gained experience in acrylics, metallic paints, pens and pencils used to create masterful pieces of colourful art. With themes of music, pets, urban life and romance, his energy shines through each painting.

• Internationally-acclaimed artist, Deryk Houston has joined Effusion’s collaboration of talent.

His abstract and landscapes are rich, happy and colourful in the sense of an artist in love with the land and those who inhabit it. His second trip to Baghdad, as part of a peace delegation after expressing concern for the children there who’d suffered the ravages of war, was followed by an ‘angry’ period in his life and art.

He gradually realized that the messages of love and hope he felt was really about what would necessitate a change of canvas. His visit to Iraq and its lasting effect on him and his art is beautifully documented in the National Film Board’s ‘From Baghdad to Peace Country’.

It follows the artist’s attempt to understand all sides of the conflict, and his subsequent landscape art, first in Iraq; later, in Victoria, and his native Scotland, and finally in Hudson’s Hope.

• Canmore-based, Lucie Bause’s artwork is influenced by both Canadian and Latin American art, literature and culture. Inspired by outdoor adventure and wildlife, Lucie explores the natural environment and her relationship to it in her artwork.

Lucie’s work is intuitive and thoughtful, sharing essence of place and

spirit of landscape, and inspiring a connection with nature. Her emerging new style of mixed media on wood and canvas explores a direction to the way “we might remember a place, not as a single snapshot but as a collective experience through time.”

• Moe Taylor’s unique encaustic, mixed media art will melt your winter chills away. From a prairie girl to the B.C. coast, her art references elemental landscapes in a semi-abstract form. Rescuing a series of tattered century-old sea charts from the fate of the trash became the catalyst for Moe’s interest in merging map imagery with a painted plane.

Working primarily in the medium of encaustic on wood panel, her paintings feature multiple layers of tempered beeswax, oil pigment and collaged elements.

• Want an escape from reality? Then Philip Mix is the artist for you. His travels and experiences of the past are assembled in a kind of surreal dreamlike fashion. His oil paintings on linen reflect this magical exploration in theme paintings.

“My hope to convey that peculiar corner or fold in reality wherein our choices at a particular moment determine tremendous future events,” says Philip.

• Kevin Kratz has been blacksmithing for ten years creating many one-of-a-kind sculptures. His candelabras, door knockers and coat racks are earthy, yet whimsical. While working with Kootenay Forge as a sub-contractor, Kevin honed his production skills by making thousands of metal art products for the home. Prior to setting up Goose Creek Forge in the Slocan Valley, Kevin spent 12 years working as a metal engraver with his father. He lives in the West Kootenays and teaches at Kootenay School of Arts in Nelson.

Don’t miss the chance to view all of these new artists and the gallery’s ‘Small Works’ exhibition over the Christmas season at Effusion Art Gallery.

Heather, Kate and Caren extend their best wishes to everyone throughout the holidays!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

December 19, 2008

Take the time to visit your public library Submitted by Errin Morrison, Executive Director B.C. Library Trustees’ Association When was the last time you stopped by your local library to borrow a book or CD, access the Internet, get some research help, or participate in a book club, a talk by a local author, or a children’s story time?

If your answer is “not lately,” it’s time to re-acquaint yourself with the many free resources, programs and services on offer at the public library.

The Invermere Public Library is located in the old police station, near the museum and at the edge of the main town site. It’s a small space which faces the kinds of challenges inherent to all such re-purposed civic facilities; but it’s also a building with a rich history and lots of character, and the board and staff have done a wonderful job of making the best of a difficult location.

From McDuff (aka “Duffy”) the Library Greeter, to the unique and colourful jail cell story room, to the framed collages of libraries from around the world (sent in by devoted patrons), the Invermere library is a warm and welcoming little library. The atmosphere is also much enhanced by dedicated staff, including long-time librarians Liz Robinson and Ginny Walker, an active Friends of the Library group, and a committed library board.

Duffy the library dog greets patrons at the door.

Within the next five years, the board hopes to relocate the library to a joint City Hall and family recreational facility, which will no doubt better meet the needs of Invermere and surrounding areas. Planning and fundraising for the new building is now underway, and construction can’t come soon enough for area residents.

Development has changed the face of Invermere

over the past few years, and a new library building will go a long way to meeting the needs of the valley’s burgeoning population.

In the meantime, though, why not set aside an afternoon to check out the existing library and all it has to offer? In this time of economic upheaval and uncertainty, the public library is an unsurpassed resource where virtually everything you need (and then some) comes without a price tag and with a smile and a helping hand from your local librarian.

Stop by to read the newspaper, use the computer, borrow a movie, get some help preparing or sending a resume, find that elusive answer to complete the Sunday crossword puzzle . . . the possibilities are endless.

Invermere’s librarians have gone so far as to identify a variety of tick for a curious patron who brought the insect to the library in a jar!

For more information on the Invermere Public Library – including hours, services, programs, upcoming events, etc. – visit http://invermere.bclibrary.ca. The library is open on December 20th, 23rd, 30th and on January 2nd, and closed all other days between.

Or, if you live closer to Radium than Invermere, check out the new Radium Hot Springs Public Library in the Radium Plaza on Main Street West – visit the Village of Radium website (http://radiumhotsprings. ca) and click on “Public Library.”

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

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Federal funding has provided CMHC mortgage money to the market

Attractive property prices throughout the valley Lots of listings to choose from in all categories Buyer incentives on some listings add even more savings

Ozzie Jurock, BC’s best known real estate consultant and investor says:

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On the way up, risk increases every day.

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Ozzie’s final advice:

Work with a sharp Realtor®, do your research and make an offer.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

December 19, 2008

New regional district board takes office

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff The first monthly meeting of the new 15-member Regional District board of directors went off without a hitch last Friday.

New board chair Norm Walter from St. Mary’s Lake, south of Kimberley, took his seat at the head of the table after a secret ballot was held among the 15 directors.

“This is truly an honour,” said Mr. Walter, who is also the director for Electoral Area E. “We live in a dynamic and growing area and I look forward to working with all of the directors to continue to move the region forward.”

He earned 11 votes to four votes for the other nominee, director David Wilks of Sparwood.

Mr. Walter, who has been vice chair for the past two terms, replaced the previous chair, Greg Deck of Radium Hot Springs.

Mr. Deck, who did not seek re-election, was absent from the table for the first time in 18 years.

Electoral Area C Director Rob Gay has been elected as the board’s vice chair for 2009. “It’s a pleasure to serve as vice chair and I am eager to work with chair Walter and the entire board in the coming months.”

After being sworn in by Judge Don Carlgren of Cranbrook, the new board began its three-year term in office governing the vast regional district, an area extending from the U.S. border in the south to the Alberta border in the east, to the Purcells in the west, and as far as Spillimacheen in the north.

It is the board’s responsibility to oversee a multitude of local governance matters, including land use designations, regional parks, water and sewer management, fire protection and allocation of provincial funding.

Their decisions range from minor requests such as a zoning variance to extend a deck, to such contentious community issues as the location of a landfill.

With such a diverse area to cover, directors are faced with the challenge of familiarizing themselves with issues that may take place hundreds of kilometres from their homes. In doing so, they have the guidance and support of the Regional District of East Kootenay staff, working under the capable leadership of Chief Administrative Officer Lee-Ann Crane.

Before their first meeting, the new directors spent two days in Cranbrook being trained in the operations of the Regional District. New Area G director Gerry Wilkie was among those who expressed his thanks publicly to the regional staff for being so helpful. “You made me feel like I won’t be such a dud after all,” he said, to general laughter.

With the exception of Ute Juras of Canal Flats, four of the five Columbia Valley directors are brand

new to the regional board experience. Three directors from other areas were also newly-elected in November’s municipal election, meaning that six of the 15 directors are “newbies,” as they jokingly referred to themselves.

Aside from the noticeable absence of Greg Deck, who has been a strong presence on the board since becoming Radium’s first mayor in 1990, one of the other remarkable changes was the presence of five women directors – the most women ever to hold seats on the 15-member board.

Wendy Booth, Dee Conklin and Ute Juras are from the Columbia Valley, while Liz Schatschneider represents Cranbrook and Cindy Corrigan represents Fernie.

In total, the composition of the board has two directors from Cranbrook; one each from Radium, Kimberley, Invermere, Canal Flats, Fernie, Elkford and Sparwood; and one each from the six rural areas numbered A to G (there is no Area D because it was amalgamated with Areas B and C due to its small size).

The complete board for the next three-year term is as follows: • Mike Sosnowski, re-elected, Electoral Area A – rural Fernie/Sparwood area • Heath Slee, re-elected, Electoral Area B – rural Grasmere/Jaffray area • Rob Gay, re-elected, Electoral Area C – rural Cranbrook • Norman Walter, re-elected, Electoral Area E – Skookumchuck/rural Kimberley • Wendy Booth, new, Electoral Area F – Athalmer to Fairmont • Gerry Wilkie, new, Electoral Area G – Wilmer to Spillimacheen • Ute Juras, re-elected, Village of Canal Flats • Scott Manjak, re-elected, City of Cranbrook • Liz Schatschneider, new, City of Cranbrook • Dean McKerracher, re-elected, District of Elkford • Cindy Corrigan, new, City of Fernie • Gerry Taft, new, District of Invermere • Jim Ogilvie, re-elected, City of Kimberley • Dee Conklin, new, Village of Radium Hot Springs • David Wilks, re-elected, District of Sparwood Meetings generally take place on the first Friday of each month, and are open to the public.

They are held at the regional district’s central office in Cranbrook, located next to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

Because of the holiday, the next meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 9th.

For more information about the regional district, visit www.rdek.bc.ca.

Need Blinds? Best Quality Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

OPEN 7 Days/Week (Tues-Sat. 10-5PM/Sun-Mon 12-4PM)

Great Stocking Stuffers!

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Located next to Bavin Glassworks (Near Home Hardware)

Get down, and Woolly www.sutherlanddecor.ca Gift Certificates that have it all…

• Health • Serenity • The Arts • Animal Rescue For every $100 gift certificate increment, Pamper Yourself Spa will make a donation to either Columbia Valley Arts (CV Arts) or the Invermere Companion network.

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492 Hwy 93/95 (Crossroads), Invermere, BC

Call: (250) 341-6266 (Tuesday to Saturday) Toll Free: 1-877-341-6266

NEWFIE NEW YEARS December 31st at 6:00 pm Royal Canadian Legion Invermere

TRADITIONAL JIGGS DINNER Tickets $20 per person Available at Legion Branch 71 or call Patricia at 250-347-9341

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Copper Point Resort stops construction during project assessment

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Reporter

Ph: (250) 342-0707

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

CLUB HOUSE GOLF SHOP

Open 7 Days a Week! HDTV Spectacular New Years Eve Offering!

Open Friday – Sunday or by appointment.

• Gift Certificates • Men’s & Women’s Apparel • Footwear • Accessories • Golf Clubs • New Arrivals ~ Burberry Scarves! • FREE Gift Wrapping

Experience Service Beyond™

Copper Point Resort has halted construction for about one month, according to the general manager.

The 203-suite development, which will include a swimming pool, restaurant and other amenities, is located on Cooper Road, just south of the Black Forest Restaurant on the east side of the highway near the Invermere crossroads.

The resort was due to open on February 1st, 2009. However, a letter to suppliers dated December 11th states: “. . . there have been challenges with respect to ongoing funding of the Copper Point Resort. These challenges are primarily due to the costs of the project soaring beyond what was originally budgeted.”

General manager Rose-Marie Regitnig explained that Copper Point has engaged a project management firm to assess the construction. “Pivotal Projects will assess what it will take to complete the project. The partners felt it would be prudent to halt construction while the assessment is done,” she said.

According to their website, Copper Point Resort has five partners: Hank Swartout, former Chief Executive Officer of Precision Drilling Income Trust; Keith MacPhail, Chief Executive Officer of Bonavista Energy Trust; Grant Fagerheim, president and Chief Executive Officer of Kereco Energy Ltd.; Dean Forbes, resort developer; and entrepreneur Ron Mason.

SLEEP AND HOT TUBS Did you know that relaxing in a hot tub can help ease your body into a deeper sleep?

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) a non profit organization promoting sleep education and research did a recent poll: Approx. 132 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders more than 1 night a week.

Sleep researchers believe that many cases of insomnia can be traced to hectic, stressful lifestyles lived by basically healthy people. Rather than reaching for over the counter sleeping Wishing everyone a very Merry Christm and healthy, prosperous 2009

Dining 250-342-6560 • Golf 250-342-0562 www.eagleranchresort.com • Toll Free (877) 877-3889

The Resort is a separate entity from Copper Point Golf Club on the west side of the highway. “All we share is the branding,” Ms. Regitnig said.

Copper Point Resort is expecting the halt in construction to last only for about a month. “We expect to recommence in mid-January and we hope to have the same contractors back on the job to finish it,” Ms. Regitnig said. “Our intentions are no different from when we started. We are committed to using local contractors and the project needs local contractors.”

Some permanent employees have been laid off by the resort.

“We have made some temporary lay-offs while we get through the assessment of what it will cost to complete the process,” Ms. Regitnig said.

However, she hopes to hire those same staff back in mid-January.

Of the 203 suites, 86 percent of them have already been sold.

“We are so far along, not just with selling the units but also with the building. That is another good indication that we will complete the project,” Ms. Regitnig said.

Despite the halt in construction, she urged buyers not to be concerned about their investment.

“We are committed to completing the construction,” she said. “It will be furnished and completed as promised.

And we are not taking any shortcuts to complete the process.” Copper Point Resort is now scheduled to be completed in the spring.

503B-7th Ave. Invermere 250-342-3922

aids, a simple solution to this dilemma may be relaxing in a hot tub before bedtime.

Studies suggest that immersion in hot water (such as a hot tub versus a bath tub which does not have a constant temp.) before bedtime can ease the transition into a deeper more restful sleep. This is due to the dilation of the blood vessels which produces endorphins which are a natural relaxent and also due to the temp. shift in the body, which signals the body that it is time to sleep.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

December 19, 2008

• Bedding Sand • Drain Rock • 3/4 Crush Gravel • Landscaping Rock

COMMUNITY COUNSELLING SERVICES • • • •

LITTLE ANGELS – One-year-old Sephira Oddy, daughter of Eric and Luraina Oddy of Brisco, gets some help from her mom hanging an ornament on the tree, while sister Bellavee does the job herself. The two girls, along with their sister Nevaeh, are excited about seeing their presents under the sparkling Christmas tree in just a few more days.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Counselling topics include: Marriage Counselling • Anger Management Personal Growth • Life Transitions Grief Counselling • Work Related Historical Abuse Concerns Issues for Men • Fertility Issues Counselling Fees may apply Family Resource Centre, 625 – 4th Street Invermere, B.C. • 342-4242

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

YOUR MONEY

Use savings to pay off debt, or invest?

Many people get to the point in their lives when they have a little extra money set aside and wonder if they should pay off debt or invest. While this is not an easy question to answer, there are some simple guidelines to help you make that decision.

Don’t forget about an emergency fund!

So you have some extra money from an inheritance or a bonus at work and you are wondering if you should pay down debt or invest it.

Stop right there and ask yourself if you lost your job or ability to earn income how long will you can remain solvent. If the answer is less than three months, then you should consider setting up an emergency account that is put into an investment that is interest bearing and liquid.

Some people will consider room on their lines of credit and credit cards part of their emergency fund and that is OK and long as they are prepared to pay the interest for borrowing the money.

What makes you more comfortable?

wrong with the good old-fashioned strategy of paying off debt. The most important factor when deciding whether to pay off debt or to invest the money should always be what will make you sleep better at night.

How much debt do you already have?

There is an old rule of thumb out there that suggests you should take all of your debt payments such as business loans, mortgages, credit cards and others and double them and ask yourself if you can still make it. This is to account for increases in interest rates. If you can’t then you may want to consider paying down some debt.

Interest rates are historically very low right now and they make paying down debt somewhat easier. However, if you look at the history of interest rates they rarely stay extremely high or extremely low for very long and it would be risky to assume interest rates will stay low for a long time.

How high is the interest?

If having debt makes you uncomfortable and you are the type that hates to owe money, then it’s pretty obvious what you should do with extra money.

Many financial pundits will argue that in certain cases having debt makes sense and might even encourage borrowing money to make money. While these strategies might work some of the time, there is nothing

Obviously the higher the interest on debt like credit cards, lines of credits or mortgages, the quicker you want to pay the balance down. This doesn’t mean that cheap debt is necessarily good debt, as we know what happened with the housing market in the U.S. when too many people were encouraged to take on mortgages because the interest rates were so low.

When analyzing the decision of whether to pay

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Is the debt tax-deductible?

Tax-deductible debt needs to be considered on an after-tax basis when deciding to pay off debt or invest.

Business loans for example may qualify as an expense against your income and therefore have a lower aftertax cost of borrowing then other debt. If this is the case then you may want to consider investing as opposed to paying down tax-deductible debt.

Don’t be fooled by short-term market

Many people consider the short-term markets too much when deciding whether to invest or pay down debt. Unfortunately, when the markets are hot many people tend to lean towards investing more and paying down less debt, and when the markets are tanking may people tend to pay down debt and not invest.

Longer time periods of market performance or investment performance, such as five to 10 years, should be considered when looking to invest versus paying down debt.

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off debt or invest extra money, you need to consider future investment returns with future debt payments.

Paying off a 21-percent credit card is probably smart when the alternative is investing in a mutual fund that has earned eight percent per year over the past 10 years. However, paying off a four-percent mortgage when you could invest in five-percent GICs may not be the best strategy.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

December 19, 2008

would like to wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas Season!

1484 Hwy. 93&95 Windermere

250-342-4426

Sara Worley, Brendan Donahue and Mary Lawrie know the finance biz.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

New recruit at Manulife Submitted by Manulife Securities The Invermere Manulife Securities office is very pleased to announce the hiring of Mary Lawrie as an Associate Investment Advisor. Mary brings a wealth of accounting, financial planning and investment experience to the office. Mary completed the Chartered Accountant designation in 2007 and has worked in accounting roles with firms such as BDO Dunwoody in Calgary and Invermere, PricewaterhouseCoopers in London, England, and Transalta Corporation in Wellington, New Zealand.

In between accounting roles, Mary worked for two years with London-based HSBC Securities Inc. in Calgary. During her tenure with HSBC Securities, Mary worked as a fully licenced financial advisor along with the current owner of the Manulife Securities office, Brendan Donahue.

Mary will spend the first few months in the office undertaking her mandatory 90-day regulatory training period before she becomes fully licenced again.

Once licenced, Mary will begin working with clients in all areas of financial planning.

Mary attended Bishop’s University in Quebec where she majored in Political Science and minored in Business. Her husband Lawrence is employed at CXL Construction and they have two daughters – Megan aged 2; and Emily, 1.

“I’ve been looking for someone who was fully licenced to hire for the past couple of years now,” said Mr. Donahue. “When Mary told me she was keen on getting back into the industry, I was thrilled. To land someone of her qualifications and experience is absolutely great in itself, but to also know her as a personal friend and to have worked with her is an unbelievable opportunity.”

For your FREE Consultation, call Financial Advisor

Wishing you all the best for a joyous Holiday Season! from 205 Laurier Street, Invermere • 250-342-3800

514 13th St. Invermere

342-6901

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

GET YOUR KIDS IN GEAR FOR CHRISTMAS!

Located Across from the Liquor Store – Open until Dec 24th: 11am-6pm (Mon to Sat) & Boxing Day: 11am-5pm

Continued from Page 3 . . .

After trying to pull as many things as they could away from the trailer, all Pascale could do was cry as she watched the fire department work to save what was left of her new home.

The flames took everything the family owned, except a baby photograph of their daughter Kayla that a member of the fire department pulled from the wreckage.

According to Lynn McMane, the Edgewater Fire Chief, they still have no idea what caused the blaze.

The Pronks moved onto the property where their new home was located in June of this year.

They were forced to move from their previous dwelling place after the trailer park they lived in was bought out by a developer in order to build a luxury condo development in Radium Hot Springs.

Following the move, the couple decided to renovate their mobile home into a double-wide unit, instead of a single-wide.

“We put everything we had into our new place,” Pascale said through her tears.

“It took all the money we had, and we worked day and night for months now.”

In spite of what has happened, Pascale remains optimistic about the future and she is determined to make sure her family has a good Christmas.

“I think that the most important thing to me for people to see is that even though I lost most of my possessions in this world, the fact that I have my kids and Akie with me is what is keeping me going,” she said.

“We are going to rebuild and start over.”

If you would like to help out the Pronk family, you can do so in several ways.

Friends of the family have set up the Pascale and Akie Pronk trust at the Kootenay Savings Credit Union.

You can donate your spare cash in jars that have been set up at the Radium Hot Springs Husky service station and Pip’s Country Store in Edgewater.

Friends of the family are trying to organize a benefit dinner to raise funds for Pascale and Akie, and the two children. The details have not been arranged yet but watch The Pioneer for more information.

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

From the team at

Stop by the Lakehouse for a cup of hot chocolate!

The Spirit of Christmas It’s the feeling of home, even if it’s only a memory that takes you there.

It’s the quiet places of the heart you return to year after year.

It’s the comfort of tradition in an ever-widening circle of friends and family.

Wishing you everything beautiful this Christmas.

The Team at Spirits Reach -Dave, Donna, France, Denise, Mary Clare, Don, Sandra

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

December 19, 2008

Looking for that unique gift idea?

• We have a wide variety of art prints starting at $1499 • Gift certificates available in any denomination • Lighting and mirrors up to 20% off

Specializing in custom framing services & complete lighting packages

Showing NEW Artworks from: Jocelyn, Ireland and Richard Brunner are glad they made the move from Calgary.

Brunner family opens Summit Footwear

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff When Richard and Jocelyn Brunner moved to Invermere, their only thoughts were on purchasing a business to support their family.

Now, as people bustle in and out of Summit, the trendy new footwear and apparel store owned by the Brunner’s, Jocelyn said the couple has fallen in love with the valley.

“We cater to everyone, from kids needing shoes to 90-year-old grandmas needing slippers – we love the broad market,” she said. “We get to meet all sorts of people.”

Richard, Jocelyn and their 18month-old daughter Ireland moved to Invermere in August from Calgary. Jocelyn was employed in advertising and marketing for Shaw Communications Inc., while Richard is still employed as a firefighter with the Calgary Fire Department and commutes to Calgary.

Summit Footwear and Apparel, formerly known as Penner’s Footwear and Clothing, officially opened its doors to the public on September 11th. Since it’s opening, the store has undergone a massive exterior renovation with the goal of attracting locals who have not visited the store in ages, as well as tourists.

The staff at Summit pride themselves on providing locals and visitors with quality, name-brand comfort shoes.

“We want to be known for our customer service,” Jocelyn said, adding that the store would be happy to do special orders for local shoppers.

Summit offers popular name brands such as Timberland, Columbia and Naot. The store is also promoting brands that take a more eco-friendly stance, such as El Naturalista.

But that’s not all. Summit also sells athletic and yoga clothing.

The store carries only one brand of yoga gear: Cocymela, a company that produces all of its clothing in Canada and also uses an environmentally friendly process. A large amount of its clothing is made of recycled materials, it uses natural dyes and it also has a line made entirely of bamboo, which is 100 percent sustainable.

Since its opening, Jocelyn said the store has had an excellent response from the community.

“We have had a busy fall and hope it continues through the winter,” she said.

Looking to the future, Jocelyn said she and Richard would like to keep adding unique brands to the store and someday renovate the interior.

The couple would also like to get more involved in the community. “We moved to Invermere so we could feel like part of a community,” she said. “In Calgary you get lost in the shuffle.”

Summit is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kent Shoemaker, Nelli Tobler, Carol Gordon, Heather Kohut Holiday Hours:

December 23 : 10:30 - 5:00, December 24th: 10:30 - 3:00 December 25th & 26th: Closed, December 27th 10:30 - 4:00 rd

733 - 12th St. Invermere 250-342-0012

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Barb, Arlene, Darcel, Doran, Judy, Tanis, Terry and Val

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December 19, 2008

At the Library The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews Reviewed by Sheila Bonny The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews is a novel that operates on two levels, stirring the reader to both hilarity and sorrow.

On the surface, The Flying Troutmans is a humorous tale of a road trip taken by three eccentric Troutmans: 28-year-old Hattie, her 11-year-old niece, Thebes, and her 15-year-old nephew, Logan.

An oil leak, a collision with a deer, the adoption of a pit bull and children who disappear into the night plague a winding trek from Winnipeg to the Mexican border.

A Day in

Court

The journey’s mission, however, is heartbreakingly serious. After weeks of trying to care for their psychotic and suicidal mother, the children are exhausted and insecure. Thebes hides fear of abandonment in a stream of constant chatter and refuses to groom her matted purple hair. Logan comes home drunk, gets expelled from school and withdraws into angry silence.

Overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for two troubled children herself, Hattie sets out to find the children’s father, long since banished and living somewhere in South Dakota.

Toews’ story gives the reader a unique understanding of mental illness’s influence on families and stimulates contemplation of the responsibility we bear for other family members.

The following persons were found guilty on December 15th in Invermere Provincial Court with Judge D.C. Carlgren presiding: • Jackson G. Brown was found guilty of driving while prohibited/license suspended under the Motor Ve-

hicle Act. He was fined $500 with a victim surcharge of $75.

• Trevor L. Miller was found guilty of care or control of a vehicle/vessel with over .08. He was fined $600 with a $90 victim surcharge. He was also given a one-year driving prohibition.

Holiday Greetings

to all of our valued friends and customers from everyone here at

906 – 7th Ave., Invermere Phone: 250-342-3330

Best of the Season to our valued customers from

Christmas Greetings

from our family to yours.

Melissa, Cindy, Deb, Crystal and Rose Marie.

1225B 7th Ave. Invermere

250-342-8604

Invermere 342-3575

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

December 19, 2008

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CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST – Katia Fanderl and Carolyn McCleary braved the cold weather to participate in the Roman Catholic Church’s nativity play last Sunday held at the Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere. The popular annual events always draws a crowd of people to watch the live re-enactment of the nativity.

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20% Discount Open House Friday December 19th, 6 - 8 pm and all day Saturday, December 20th;

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26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Snow Scene: joys of a ski club parent from

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Submitted by Kathleen Wilker Windermere Valley Ski Club Think back to when you moved to the Windermere Valley (or to when you decided you never wanted to leave here).

In weighing out the pros and cons, at the top of the “pro” list was undoubtedly all the outdoor activities you can do.

In the summer, there’s the hiking, swimming, boating; and in the winter there are great outdoor activities such as skating on the lake, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing. And it’s all right in our backyard! We are so rich with choices that sometimes it’s hard to decide what to do next!

For children, there are many extracurricular programs that take advantage of what this beautiful area has to offer.

Downhill skiing is a natural one, since it is so accessible. Both of our local mountains, Panorama and Fairmont, offer fantastic learn-to-ski programs, with equipment rental options.

Once they are comfortable on their skis, it isn’t long before they are racing mom and dad down the slope, going faster and faster. The next step is joining a group of like-minded kids who also enjoy racing down the hill.

Windermere Valley Ski Club, established in 1987, is one of the valley clubs that offers a ski racing program for kids ages six and up. The children enjoy it because they get to ski with their friends with really cool coaches; the parents relax because they know their children are receiving good instruction and improving their skiing skills.

A happy by-product of the ski racing program is the great circle of friends made when the kids get together in a club environment. As parents of ski racers, we get to spend a lot of time at the ski hill (skiing of course!) and meeting

other parents with a similar interest in skiing, making our own new friends. We not only ski together, we also coordinate car-pooling, exchange kids equipment, and cheer on the racers.

A good amount of time is also spent over large amounts of coffee during the early mornings at the hill. We happily help out with the races as they are a fun way to stay in touch with our children’s progress by allowing us to proudly watch our skiers zoom down the hill with confidence and enthusiasm. One parent has his daughter’s first race on video – all seven and a half minutes down the last pitch of Show Off safely recorded!

Parents of young ski racers can enjoy day trips to other ski hills in the area such as Golden or Kimberley for fun ski races. As the racers get older, the twoday events are held over a weekend at places like Fernie, Kimberley, Kicking Horse, Red Mountain, or at Panorama.

I remember unbelievable ski days in deep powder conditions at Red and Fernie; I was happy to volunteer on the race course the next day to give my legs a rest! Windermere Valley Ski Club alumni and their parents can attest to the other wonderful memories they have of those ski race weekends, some of which have included more powder, breakfast bagels, the thrill of the race, consoling the racer who missed a gate, waiting for the awards with hot chocolate in hand, the drive home with happy worn-out kids sleeping in the back seat, with happy memories of those first tracks in the powder.

What a place we skiers live in! Give your children the opportunity to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. For more information about the Windermere Valley Ski Club, contact any member or club president Kathleen Wilker at 250-342-7125.

December 19, 2008

TESTING THE HILL – Peter Harding, Manager of the Family Ski Hill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, tests out the snow in advance of Opening Day in Fairmont today, December 19th, with half-price skiing all day. Every time you buy a lift ticket, you receive a free pass to the Fairmont hot pool. And don’t forget the free Christmas Eve torchlight parade at the Family Ski Hill, and the free entrance to the Fairmont Hot Pool on Christmas Day if you bring an item for the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

Season’s Greetings from Dayna, Maria & Richard at… z l g n A Hair & Tanning Studio • 250-342-3227

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28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Merry Christmas from The Old Zone ders in our league, judging by how well the non-goalies actually play that position. It’s just that most of them are smart enough not to pursue that particular talent.

All nine teams played, as the team from Canal Flats was invited up to participate as well. A grand time was had by everyone.

After an incredibly mild November, the December deep-freeze is difficult to adjust to, so heading to warmer temperatures is my solution.

I want to wish all my readers a very joyous holiday season and all the best for the coming new year. I may write from Costa Rica, but be warned, once I get there I may accidentally forget all about you and the winter chills.

And finally, just in case you care . . . December 10th results: The Hawks chilled Hi Heat, The Wolves

By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist I can’t believe we are already near Christmas.

Our hockey season is more than halfway done.

The playoffs are already in sight and shortly after that it’s golf season. Yippee!!!

The Old Timers celebrated the season by playing the usual Christmasstyle game this week. In this game the goaltenders play a forward position while one of the regular forwards or defensemen plays goal.

I think there is an unbelievable talent for goalten-

NORTH STAR HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our friends in the valley.

trashed Lake Auto, Petro-Can gassed Inside Edge and Da’Mudders beat the Vultures. Plus the surprising results of Dec. 17th: all five games ended in ties. Can you believe that?

Old Timer Hockey League Standings Team W L T Points Warwick Wolves

10

2

2

22

Huckleberry Hawks

10

2

1

21

Inside Edge Black Smoke

9

4

1

19

Radium Petro-Can Killer Tomatoes

7

4

2

16

Lake Auto Mustangs

6

5

2

14

Hi Heat Hustlers

4

9

1

9

Kicking Horse Coffee

4

8

1

9

Dale Christian Mudders

2

9

3

7

Valley Vision Vultures

0

11

2

2

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934 E-mail: info@invermere.net

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

December 19, 2008

Hockey Talk: Better luck in 2009, boys

By John Helm Rockies Hockey The Columbia Valley Rockies finished off their 2008 home schedule with a pair of entertaining games this week.

On December 9th the Golden Rockets came to town for the third meeting of the season.

The teams split the first two contests of the year, oddly enough with both visiting teams picking up two points.

It was a playoff-like atmosphere at Eddie Mountain Memorial: a well-played, tight-checking game with only four minor penalties handed out by the referee.

After a scoreless opening period, the Rockies cracked the goose egg with a goal from Travis Cech.

A quick snap shot from the slot eluded Golden goalie Spencer Wong for the Rocky Mountain House, Alberta product’s first goal as a Rocky. The assists went to Darryl Boldon and Garrett Griffith.

The visitors tied the score when tough guy Zach Baba showed pretty good hands finishing off a pass

from Brian Busenius. The game was tied at one after two.

In the third, the Rockies controlled the action, but a costly giveaway resulted in the winning goal for Golden.

Keith Wake, who played on the Midget squad last year here in Invermere, picked up the loose puck and deked out Rockies goaltender Ty Gullickson. The unassisted marker came with only 2:44 remaining in regulation – another hard luck loss for the Rockies who out-shot the Rockets 31 to 20.

Wong was named the player of the game, stopping 27 of 28. Final score – Golden, 2; Columbia Valley, 1.

The Rockies will have plenty of opportunities for retribution, as the teams will meet five more times in the first two months of 2009.

On Friday, December 12th, Columbia Valley welcomed the Castlegar Rebels for the lone time this season. The Rebels came in a little shaky on the road having lost five of six, and also missing four regulars to injury.

The home side came out flying, but were unable to convert a pair of first period power plays despite having numerous scoring chances. The Rebels opened the scoring on a, let’s say odourous, goal from Bob Pond.

The Rockies were quick to respond as Darryl

Boldon snapped home his second of the season, backing up line-mate Travis Cech who had just fanned on a shot attempt. Mitch Lutz notched the second assist.

From there the game played out in a fashion rather indicative of the Rockies’ last couple of weeks. The Rebels scored four straight goals – whether the product of a bad bounce or a befuddling seeing-eye job, the pucks just kept going in for the visitors. Columbia Valley were down five to one after two periods.

Castlegar had five straight power plays to end the middle frame and looked to run away with it.

The Rockies, to their credit showed plenty of effort in the third, coming out with two quick power play goals of their own to cut the deficit to five-three.

Brandon Anderson spelled Gullickson in the third, but couldn’t handle a shot from Erik Wentzel. Andrew Shaw popped in the rebound, a short-handed goal for the Rebels and a back breaker for the Rockies. Castlegar six; Columbia Valley three. Andrew Walton was outstanding in the Rebels net, turning away 33 shots.

On Wednesday, December 17th, Columbia Valley head to Revelstoke to finish off the calendar year against the Grizzlies.

The Rockies have just two home games in January – Friday, January 9th versus Revelstoke; and Saturday, January 10th against Fernie. The action gets underway at 7:30 p.m.

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30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

LETTERS

December 19, 2008

Harper to blame for federal fracas Dear Editor: So our esteemed MP Jim Abbott is mad at the opposition parties for the political situation in Ottawa?

There is only one person he should really be pointing the finger at and that is his boss, Prime Minister Harper.

It was only a couple of months ago that Harper called an election, ignoring his own set election date, because he said that Parliament was dysfunctional, even though legislation was being passed.

After a $300-million election, we once again found ourselves with another minority government. Abbott and Harper spin this as a strengthened mandate. Our PM Harper tells Canadians that he has heard them and that he will work with the opposition to govern the country.

Yet, 16 days into the new session, in the midst of the greatest economic crisis facing this nation and the world since the great depression. He releases a fiscal update that attacks civil servants, places limits on

women’s rights to seek pay equity, attacks the funding for the opposition and does absolutely nothing for the economy. No help for forestry workers, mine workers, auto workers or the rest of Canada’s working families.

He doesn’t even commit to moving up the budget and then he expects the opposition, that makes up over 60 percent of the House, to just sit there and do nothing.

The opposition has a right and a responsibility to hold the government’s feet to the fire. When they did, Harper not only misleads the nation by saying that they have no right to form a coalition government, which they do, but he also creates a national unity crisis with his over the top attacks on the Bloc, who are the elected representatives of almost 1.5 million Quebecers.

Yet, in 2004, Harper and Abbott proposed a Coalition with the NDP, that also had the support of the Bloc, to replace Mr. Martin’s Liberal minority government. It was OK then but it’s undemocratic now?

What about the shutting down of Parliament?

Avoiding a confidence motion and trampling all over Canada’s constitution? I thought that a prime minister was supposed to uphold Canada’s constitution not side step it, like a tin pot dictator.

If only the PM would have apologized and said that he got the message; after all, he did withdraw his update and move up the budget, which should be better because of the opposition, unless he really does want an election.

Yet, for me it is still the mistruths and the fact that our prime minister has ignored the constitution and set a dangerous precedent for future governments, that has me the most disappointed.

No Jim, the shame belongs to you and your guy, most of all.

Hopefully, by the end of January our PM will accept responsibility for his role in this and there will actually be a budget that will help Canadians and then all of these MPs can get back to work.

Mark Shmigelsky, Invermere

MP Abbott’s comments ‘inflammatory’ Dear Mr. Abbott: Your convincing victory in the last federal election is a testimony to the high respect this community has for the excellent work you do on our behalf.

I know from personal experience that you take pride in keeping your constituents informed and you respond quickly and in a very personal manner to our concerns. I thank you for your fine work.

However, I am very disappointed in your extremely partisan and inflammatory letter published in newspapers across the Kootenay Valley.

In a political climate poisoned by recriminations, distortions of the facts, provocative accusations and scandalous fear-mongering, I was hoping that your voice would be one of balance and reason.

Mr. Abbott, you have chosen to toe the party line. You mention that the Conservatives were returned with a “strengthened mandate.” Let’s be clear about what Canadians decided. You were granted a stronger minority, not an outright majority.

A responsible minority government seeks the middle ground, works diligently to gain the support and cooperation of the opposition in order to give Canadians constructive government, and, above all, does not provoke a non-confidence vote.

Mr. Harper acted in a callous and arrogant manner by presenting an economic vision which ignored

calls for action on the economy and by bullying the opposition by threatening to cut their life-support.

Mr. Harper has never admitted any responsibility in the major role he played in causing this political crisis. He clearly miscalculated the response of the opposition.

You repeat your party’s argument that the coalition is somehow unconstitutional and that the actions of Stephane Dion and Jack Layton were purely motivated by “naked lust for power.”

Contrary to your interpretation of the events, clinging to power by proroguing Parliament, running away from a vote of non-confidence provoked by a monumental political blunder, and blaming the legitimate actions of the opposition are the actions of a party and a leader fighting desperately to hold on to power.

I find your references to the Bloc and the role they would have played in a coalition to be both inflammatory and irresponsible.

As has been stated repeatedly in the media, Mr. Harper refers to the Bloc as a “separatist party” when he wishes to stoke the flames of resentment in the West, but avoids this alarming term when speaking in French.

Your own repeated use of “separatist” and other expressions like “revolutionary conditions”, “unholy alliance”, and “grab for power” aim to describe the

response of the coalition as a blatant coup d’etat.

Any high school student will inform you that in our political system, when a government loses a nonconfidence vote it must relinquish control of the House. There is nothing sinister, underhanded or undemocratic in what transpired after the Conservatives misread the apparent weakness of the opposition.

In your letter you promise to provide the comments of your constituents to the other parties so they can measure the depth of our feelings. Please share my views with your party as well.

Many of us see the danger in Canadian politics not in the threat of an unlawful grab for power but in the inability of our political parties to act in a cooperative, responsible and constructive way. We are tired of politicians who are more focused in scoring political points than in providing strong and visionary leadership.

Mr. Abbott, I encourage you to work diligently to build a government focused on serving the needs of Canadians.

Self-serving political battles divert the attention of the government from the real issues that face our nation.

Julio Esteban Invermere

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

December 19, 2008

Deck’s influence continues Merry Christmas with appointment and Green House to Columbia Basin Trust

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff Greg Deck has stepped down as mayor of Radium and chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors, but his public activity will continue with Columbia Basin Trust.

At their first meeting last Friday, directors of the regional district of East Kootenay agreed to suggest to the province that his appointment as a director on the Columbia Basin Trust be extended for another two-year term, so that the trust could continue to take advantage of his knowledge and experience.

Mr. Deck was one of the founding directors of the trust in 1995 and has served on that board ever since.

With the recent end of Mr. Deck’s political career, the regional district board had to decide whether it wanted to recommend one of its own directors, or whether it wanted to look beyond the current regional board for the position with the basin trust.

“Because of Greg’s outstanding work, we are very comfortable with him continuing his work with the trust for another two years,” said new board chair Norm Walter.

Mr. Deck said he is pleased with the outcome. “I am proud of our work, and I’m glad that the board saw value for the trust in sending me back. I’m also flattered and very appreciative of the vote of confidence that the nomination represents.”

The trust was created in 1995 with a unique mandate, to create a legacy of social, economic, and environmental well-being in the region most affected by the creation of the Columbia River Treaty dams. It was a move considered long overdue by many residents, coming 31 years after the ratification of the original Columbia River Treaty.

Back in 1964, Canada and the United States signed a 60-year treaty to coordinate flood control and optimize electrical energy production on the Columbia River, which flows from its source at Canal Flats to Astoria, Oregon on the Pacific coast.

Canada agreed to build three storage dams in the Canadian Columbia Basin, while a fourth dam was built by the U.S. in Libby, Montana.

Under the terms of the treaty, in return for the storage of water, Canada is entitled to one-half of the additional power generated at the American power plants on the Columbia River, called the “Canadian Entitlement of Downstream Benefits.”

However, the province sold the first 30 years of these benefits, from 1968 to 1998, to a group of U.S.

utilities for $254 million U.S. Although the treaty created a number of advantages for B.C. and the northwest U.S., including an increased source of power, there was a blatant lack of consultation with the residents who were most dramatically affected.

When the dams were built and water started rising behind Keenleyside Dam (built in 1968, 12 kilometres upstream from Castlegar), Duncan Dam (built in 1967, 10 kilometres north of Kootenay Lake), and Mica Dam (built in 1973, 135 kilometres north of Revelstoke), valley bottom-land was flooded, causing permanent environmental effects and displacing thousands of people.

By the early 1990s, an opportunity for public involvement finally arose, since the sale of the first 30 years of the province’s share of the downstream benefits was about to expire in 1998.

The Columbia Basin Trust was formed in 1995 and endowed with $295 million from the province of B.C. (approximately five percent of the total downstream benefits owned by the province), with $2 million per year in operating funds from 1996 to 2010.

The “Basin” is the area drained by the Columbia and all its tributaries, so it includes the Kootenay River, the Elk River, and many others, extending all the way from the Alberta border on the east, to Valemount in the north, to the height of land west of the Arrow Reservoir on the west.

The province is receiving its Canadian Entitlement for the remaining 30 years of the treaty. Although there is no official expiry date, there are provisions for re-negotiation after the 60-year treaty ends in 2024.

Meanwhile, the trust has operated since 1995 with a board of directors drawn from residents of the Columbia basin. Gary Merkel of Kimberley is currently the chair, and Greg Deck is the vice-chair. Mr. Deck is also a director of the Columbia Power Corporation, the basin trust’s partner in the operation of the hdyroelectric projects on the lower Columbia and Kootenay Rivers that create the bulk of the trust’s income.

A staff of 38 under Chief Executive Officer Neil Muth manages its endowment to administer funding for local priorities through programs including Arts, Culture, and Heritage, Business Advocacy, Environment, Scholarships, and Community Development.

The Trust has released its 2008 State of the Basin Report, containing up-to-date local information useful to basin residents and communities in planning and decision-making. For a copy of the report, visit: www.cbt.org/stateofthebasin.

Warm Wishes La Cabina Ristorante

copperpointgolf.com

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Nollaig Chridheil dhuibh (A hearty Christmas to you) from all of us at

December 19, 2008

Ice trails planned for frozen lake

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Reporter

COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES - INVERMERE CAMPUS

Recreation on Lake Windermere could be available all year, thanks to a proposal by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club.

The club is planning a trail system across the frozen lake to be completed in mid-January.

The Lake Windermere Whiteway would be a network of trails touching Kinsmen Beach, James Chabot Provincial Park and Windermere.

Trails for ice skaters, cross-country skiers and skate-skiers would be free to everyone, and operational from December to February each year.

On behalf of the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, Nick Berzins presented the proposal to District of Invermere council on December 9th.

Council agreed to write a letter of support for the Whiteway, to be used by

the club in collecting stakeholders.

Mayor Gerry Taft suggested the municipality would be prepared to share labour services with the ski club.

“The project takes in the elements we want in the community,” Mr. Taft said.

“We’re always saying the lake is important, but it is under-utilized in wintertime. This would provide a strong connection between Chabot and Kinsmen and that’s something I wish we would have in summer, too,” he said.

Mr. Taft also brought up the ban on development on Lake Windermere’s shores, set by the provincial government in September.

Chief Administrative Officer Chris Prosser told the ski club that, should any land act applications need to be filed for the Whiteway, “this project could be strong enough for exemption from the lakeshore moratorium.”

Continued on next page . . .

Where casual fine dining embraces old world Japanese traditions.

no

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

December 19, 2008 Continued from previous page . . .

The proposal includes trash containers and portable restrooms on the ice.

The ski club would maintain the trails, checking ice conditions and grooming the trails every two days.

Following in the footsteps of Loop the Lake, Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club hopes eventually to stage a similar on-ice event in winter.

The cost of establishing the Lake Windermere Whiteway is estimated at $15,000. Annual operation is expected to cost $11,250.

Nick Berzins added that other groups who use the lake during winter will not be cut out of the process.

“The ski club wants to work with the other users of the lake to avoid conflicts and benefit their use where possible,” he said.

“So the ski club seeks input from [representatives of ] the various uses, including snowmobiles, ice fishing sheds, curling, hockey, and snow golf, as well as the independent skiers and skaters not affiliated with the ski club.”

The proposal expresses the ski club’s desire for the Whiteway.

“The Lake Windermere Whiteway will provide utilization of a great but vastly under-utilized winter resource within the Columbia Valley,” the proposal reads. “The Whiteway will benefit residents, tourists and businesses and has the potential to stage events that provide provincial, national and international recognition in the future.”

Invermere Bottle Depot & Recycle Centre

Merry M Christmas Ch i t from all the staff at

Plans for the Whiteway show a curcuit around the north end of Lake Windermere.

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone: 250-342-6614•www.autowyze.com

Warm Wishes to our Valley Clients!

The Best of the Holiday Season to you and yours.

from

No. 3 108 Industrial Rd. 2

Season’s Greetings g

BARE HANDS DAY SPA at the Prestige Inn

amily Din sual F ing Ca

from the staff at

Since 1976

Call 250-342-2074 • Open Tuesday -Sunday Located next to Bavin Glassworks (Near Home Hardware)

Merry M y Christmas Me Chr Ch C hr stt hr S

nn nne ne, S ne,

y

Canterbury Ca t rrbb ry Flowers F o rss 102 10 02 – 7 Ave 021 veen en P e:

ve 03 3

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from

Your Brezel Bakery European Bread Paradise

No. 100, 5211 acleod Trail South Calgary

Invermere’s RUNNING & YOGA STORE

250-342-8331

RR#2 – 20B Wolf Crescent, Invermere Phone: 250-342-6994

COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES - INVERMERE CAMPUS

Seasons Greetings from the staff at College of the Rockies

ere

Phone: 250-342-3210 • www.cotr.bc.ca/Invermere

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Professional Full-time Realtors

www.ReMaxInvermere.com • Toll Free:1-888-258-9911

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

December 19, 2008

Let’s ask MP for lower gas prices Dear Editor: On December 5th, there was an article in The Pioneer about the welcome decline in gas prices in the valley. What wasn’t mentioned was that, as always, we are still paying much more than people in the surrounding communities – in fact, more than virtually anyone else in B.C. In an effort to do something about the inequity, here is a copy of the second of two emails recently sent to Jim Abbott: Dear Mr. Abbott: Thank you for trying to reach me by phone after my previous email. Sorry that I wasn’t available to take the call. However, I really don’t need a call. An email response would be fine. Some positive action would be even more welcome. The problem of gas price gouging in our area continues

as it has for many years. As of this morning the average price of gas in Canada is $0.80. In Invermere, it’s $0.90. In Calgary, it’s $0.70. Even in Cranbrook, it has to be several cents cheaper than here. In fact, I saved over $6.00 by filling up there on Nov. 27th.

Something needs to be done to bring our prices down to at least the same level as surrounding communities.

It’s time for some action.

It would be nice if everyone who drives a vehicle would send Christmas greetings to Mr. Abbott and, even thought he isn’t Santa, ask him for a present of lower gas prices. Maybe he could even make that his New Year’s resolution.

Bob Hahn Invermere

Holiday Greetings from all your friends at Tim Hortons.

Our warmest wishes to everyone in this great community, during this special time of year. Happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year from Donna Chen & family, and the staff at your local Tim Hortons in Invermere.

© Tim Hortons, 2007

Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

(250) 342-7100 (250) 342-7103

Wishing you all the joy and happiness of the season! from the staff at 1201 7th Ave

250-342-2468

Our Warmest Greetings

time than the holidays to say Thank You for your business

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

h s a l s e c i r p 60

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

December 19, 2008

k e e w g n i x o b

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*On approved credit. No minimum purchase required. Financing provided by Citicorp Trust Bank, fsb. No Finance Charges will accrue on the purchase during the credit promotional period, and no minimum payments will be due on the purchase during the credit promotional period. Credit promotional period may be terminated if you default under your account agreement. Standard APR 24.99 %, Default APR 29.99%, minimum FINANCE CHARGE $2.00. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. Some pieces and fabric prints may vary by region. Selection may vary by store. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price and/or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors. Prices valid for a limited time only. Participation times may vary. HomeStores are independently owned and operated. An amount equal to sales taxes and delivery charges must be paid at the time of purchase. Previous purchases excluded. Picture may not represent item exactly as shown, advertised items may not be on display at all locations. ©2008 Ashley HomeStores, Ltd. Expires 01/10/09

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Hi Heat

INSULATING.COM (Since 1988)

Donna Hazelaar

PHONE: 250-342-7260 • FAX: 250-342-8358

4328 TOLL FREE 1-888-650-HEAT • WWW.HIHEATINSULATING.COM

Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!

Christmas Hours: Dec. 24th 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Dec. 25th Closed Dec. 26th 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Join us for that special gift at our ‘Small Works’ exhibition.

1033 7th Ave (Main St), Invermere, BC, 250-341-6877 www.effusionartgallery.com

Wishing you a Merry Holiday Season! from the staff at

’Tis the season for crafts

Invermere Dry Cleaners 507A 7th Ave. Invermere

250-342-6610

Blessings of the Season Gone

D WOOD YWO LY HOLLY V

I D E O

Invermere Barbers would like to wish their friends and customers a

Pat Lynch of Edgewater and her daughter Robin Jones of Invermere show off Pat’s handmade “quillows” – quilts that fold into pillows – at the David Thompson

Wishing all our Customers and Friends a safe and happy Holiday Season! from the staff at

INVERMERE ELECTRIC LTD.

1710 10 Ave. Invermere 25 th

RV • Truck • Car Wash • Open 7 days a week Lube Shop open Monday to Saturday RV Supplies open Monday to Saturday Sani-Dump

Phone 250-342-8774 1361 Industrial Rd. #4 Invermere, BC

Have a Columbia Valley Christmas!

From your friends at…

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

BOXING WEEK

341-3240

250-342-0402

507B 7th Ave. Invermere

Secondary School Craft Fair. Many handmade items will be found under this year’s Christmas tree.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Come visit us during

for HUGE storewide savings!

905 7th Avenue (Main Street), Invermere

MISTER TIRE

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

December 19, 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

from all the staff at 926 7th Avenue (Main St., Invermere • 250-342-4406 • Toll Free: 1-800-433-3606

A Christmas Wish of Peace and Prosperity Lions raise $3,000 for food bank George Elliott of Invermere won the first prize of $500 in the Lake Windermere Lions Club toonie draw, shown here with his wife Anita. He was handed the cheque

by Dave Fassnidge of the Lions.

Thousands of tickets were sold over a month, raising $3,000 for the Food Bank.

Elaine Vandale won second prize, $250, and Donna Jefferson took home third prize of $150.

Prestige Radium Hot Springs 7493 Main Street, W. Radium Hot Springs V0A 1M0 Tel: 250-347-2300 • www.prestigehotelsandresorts.com

Season’s Greetings

Christmas Greetings Wishing Everyone

to all our customers around the Globe Columbia Valley Trading Co. (250) 342-6978 Invermere

Outdoor Clothing & Gear 926 7th Avenue Invermere, BC

250-342-3366

Season’s Greetings

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Wishing You A Happy Holiday Season J

Certified Financial Planner

250-342-5052 • www.jasonelford.com

Happy Holidays to all our customers from

1210 7th Ave Invermere 342-9661

and Happy New Year from the staff at

LAKEVIEW DENTAL CLINIC

1324 – 4th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-9663

Merry Christmas And best wishes for the new year

K-5 Mechanical 250-342-9316

December 19, 2008 Continued from Page 4 . . .

Driver given 24-hour prohibition

On December 12th, the Radium member of the Columbia Valley Detachment was working at a road check at the Radium Resort turnoff, on Highway 93/95, near Radium Hot Springs.

The officer stopped a Mitsubishi Fjero. The driver had bloodshot eyes and his pupils were dilated. An odour of liquor was noted emanating from the male’s breath, and the driver admitted to having consumed four drinks over the course of the night.

The driver, however, was able to recite the alphabet without any problems and did not display further symptoms or impairment.

The driver provided a roadside sample of his breath and subsequently a 24-hour prohibition from driving was issued, as well as a violation ticket for fail to display front plate.

Roadcheck catches drunk drivers

On December 12th at 9:50 p.m., a Columbia Valley Detachment qualified technician to obtain breath samples was requested by South-East District Traffic Services to conduct breath tests on two subjects for the traffic members doing enforcement in the Columbia Valley.

Suitable samples were provided and charges were laid on these subjects pulled over by South-East District Traffic Services. First samples obtained on one subject were 100 mg percent each and the second set of samples on another subject were 240 mg percent.

Report of impaired driver outside store

On December 12th at 7:29 p.m. police attended AG Foods for a complaint of an impaired driver. On scene the complainant said a male in his 30s whose breath smelled of liquor and who was unsteady on his feet had gotten into the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the parking lot and nearly hit one car and hit a second as he was leaving.

This male was gone on police arrival. There are witnesses and evidence to support charges under the Motor Vehicle Act. Investigation is still ongoing.

Christmas trees stolen

On December 11th it was reported that a theft of 25 Christmas trees occurred from Copper Crescent in Windermere sometime between early November and December 10th. The trees appear to have been cut with a saw and removed. There are no suspects and the trees aggregate value is estimated at $1,000.

Blessings g of the Season

LAMBERT-KIPP PHARMACY LTD.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6612

If anyone has any information regarding this incident please contact this detachment on 250-3429292.

Driver runs into ditch

On December 11th, the Radium member of the Columbia Valley Detachment was dispatched to a report of a possible impaired driver on Highway 93/95.

The officer spoke with the complainant who advised that he had stopped to help the male who had asked if the complainant could pull his vehicle out of the ditch. This was not done as the male was intoxicated and the complainant left the scene calling police.

The officer attended the scene and the driver was spoken with. He provided an Alberta driver’s license identifying himself. This male smelled strongly of liquor and admitted to having consumed two beers.

The male advised that an oncoming semi had forced him off the road. The officer noted that the male had slightly slurred speech and at one point put a mint or cough drop in his mouth apparently to mask any odour of liquor.

The man later advised that he had consumed “six beers at the very most”, and acknowledged that he shouldn’t have been driving.

Due to an unknown time frame since this male had driven off the road and a lack of “court” evidence to initiate a criminal investigation, the male was issued a 24-hour suspension and a violation ticket for driving without due care and attention.

The officer noted that the male had gone into the ditch on a straight stretch of road, where the travelled portion of the road was mainly bare with some snow.

The vehicle was towed.

Gas stolen from Rona

On December 10th, Rona Hardware reported a theft of gas to Columbia Valley Detachment. Apparently the theft occurred overnight, between 5 p.m.

December 9th and 7:30 a.m. December 10th.

Unknown culprits unscrewed the hose/valve from an elevated fuel tank. The hose is usually locked; however, this bypassed having to use the hose.

This also spilled all of the fuel that was held in the tank. The owner estimated there were 1,000 litres, as he had just had it filled.

It is believed the same culprits attempted to drag a boat gas tank from the main tank, across the railway tracks, to a road running parallel to the tracks. The tank was left on scene and was recovered. There was no evidence for identification. If anybody has any information regarding this theft, contact this detachment at 250-342-9292.

Dr. Mark Moneo Optometrist

Holiday Hours The clinic will be closed from December 22nd to January 4th.

We will re-open on Monday, January 5th at 1:00 p.m.

1325A 7th Avenue, Invermere Phone: 250-342-6223

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 41

December 19, 2008

LAKE AUTO SERVICE

Propane delivers the power.

We deliver the freedom.

PHONE (1-8 Fax: (

www.superiorpropane.com ww. uperio ww orpro orpr opane pane com om BABY JANE – Too little to skate, baby Jane Beyak still enjoyed getting pushed around the ice in her stroller at the Parents and Tots skating at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena last week.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Judy & Larry at…

7th Ave. Invermere • 250-342-3865

would like to wish everyone

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas

Valley Hair Styling from the management and staff of

2

((phone for appointment)

1313 1 – 7 Ave., Invermere, BC th h

TRI

DEL Automation

Happy Holidays Tri Del Automation 250-341-3138 #9 - 492 Arrow Road

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone in our community from the management and staff at…

INDERMERE WV ALLEY (PMG $PVSTF

1881 Windermere Loop Road, Windermere

250-342-3004

42 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Public Information

SNOW REMOVAL

District of Invermere bylaw number 1142 “Traffic Bylaw” states in Sections:

3.12. Being the owner or occupier of property abutting on a highway, allow or permit any snow, ice, earth, mud, rocks, stones, logs, stumps, branches, garden clippings or other things to be placed on or to cave, fall, crumble, flow, drift, slide or accumulate or to be tracked or carried by a vehicle or vehicles from the property onto a highway; or being there to remain thereon.

11.

Owners or occupiers of real property shall remove snow, ice or rubbish from the sidewalk and footpaths on a road right of way adjacent to the real property owned or occupied by them within 24 hours of the accumulation of such snow, ice or rubbish on such sidewalk.

12.

Owners or occupiers of real property shall immediately remove any snow, ice or rubbish from the roof or other part of any structure situated adjacent to or abutting on any portion of any highway if it constitutes a danger to persons using the highway by imposing a threat of falling upon the highway.

Here’s how you can help...

•

Be a good neighbour. Clear snow and ice from sidewalks as soon as possible after a snowfall to ensure that they are safe for all residents. Lend a hand to those who may not be physically able to shovel.

•

Do not park on the street during a snowstorm or while snow clearing operations are underway. Parked cars make plowing difficult, and sometimes impossible. With your help, winter maintenance crews can plow snow faster and more efficiently and you will reduce the chances of having to dig your car out of a snow drift.

•

Please make sure that your car is parked within your driveway. Please do not let it extend onto the street or sidewalk.

•

Keep children safe - don’t let them play in snow piles, or build snow forts in the snow banks at the side of the road.

•

Snow plows have no place to push the snow except to the curb or shoulder of the road. Sometimes this happens just after you have finished shoveling. We appreciate this can be frustrating; however, we ask your cooperation in clearing this snow without placing it on the roadway. If you hire a private contractor to clear your driveway, make sure the contractor does not push snow into the traveled portion of the roadway, or fill in sidewalks.

•

Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) if possible when shoveling. This helps reduce the amount of snow created by the snowplow at the end of your driveway.

•

Remove snow from around fire hydrants on or near your property to enable quick access by emergency personnel if the need arises.

•

Do not place your garbage cans on top of snow banks. If possible place them on your driveway near the edge of the road.

•

The District thanks you for your co-operation!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS INVERMERE PUBLIC LIBRARY

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE 2009 SCHEDULE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL

The District of Invermere Council meets regularly throughout the year on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Office (914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere)

January 13th & 27th February 10th & 24th March 10th & 24th April 14th& 28th May 12th & 26th June 9th & 23rd

July 14th & 28th August 11th & 25th September 8th & 22nd October 13th & 27th November 10th & 24th December 8th & 22nd

Agendas are posted on out website www.invermere.net prior to the meetings or are available at the Municipal Office

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR GARBAGE & RECYCLING COLLECTION

Please be advised that regularly scheduled garbage collection within the District of Invermere is in effect for the holiday season.

As well, please be advised that the regularly scheduled recycling collection within the District of Invermere for Thursday, December 25th, 2008 has been rescheduled to Monday, December 29th, 2008 and recycling collection for Thursday, January 1st, 2009 has been rescheduled to Monday, January 5th, 2009.

Are you an avid reader?

Are you excited about the library’s expansion?

Would you like to be a part of your library’s future?

“The Invermere Public Library is searching for an enthusiastic individual resident to fill a volunteer Trustee position. The Position will be for a length of 2 years.”

To be considered for a position, the applicant must be a resident or elector of the District of Invermere and cannot be an employee of the District of Invermere or Library Board. Those holding positions at the time of advertisement are welcome to reapply for an additional term.

Interested persons are requested to submit letters of application and brief resumes including reasons for interest and related experience to: Mayor and Council District Of Invermere P.O. Box 339 914 – 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0 or to kdalke@invermere.net Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 9th, 2009

Holiday Schedule for Municipal Office

The Municipal Office will be closed for the Holidays on Wednesday, December 24th to December 26th 2008 and Thursday January 1st, 2009.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 43

December 19, 2008

A Kootenay Park Christmas truck had lots of power.

We ploughed out the road to Kootenay Crossing and Seventy years ago I then back and south to was living with my parNixon Creek, where the ents on the old homewarden service had a line stead, which was 21 miles cabin. We stayed the night east and north of Radium there and next day manin what is now Kootenay aged to get over the SinNational Park. clair Summit to the Kayes’ They had a single warden station, which was pump gasoline station and five miles from Radium. a few log cabins for rental We shut down the opThis old Chevy had enough power to pull a plough. accommodation, but now eration at that point as the the location is a group camping area maintained by road was passable from there on. Len didn’t want to Parks Canada and called Crook’s Meadow after my push his luck too far, as he thought the chief warden parents. would take a dim view about one of his wardens openOur nearest neighbours were Josephine and Leon- ing up a section of highway that was officially closed. ard Cobb five miles north at Kootenay Crossing, where All of this was just before Christmas in 1937, and Len was the park warden. By the end of November the on Christmas Eve my brother Charley and his girlroad had been closed for the winter due to snowfalls friend Fern came from Invermere. On Christmas Day from Vermilion Crossing east over the Vermilion sum- we went to Kootenay Crossing for a turkey dinner mit. Travel was still possible between our place and with the Cobbs.

Kootenay Crossing, but not over to Radium.

Dad had purchased the old 1926 truck from WalIn order to keep the road open between our place ter Hart of Windermere. It originally had a wooden and the warden station, Len and I built a snowplough cab, but by the time he got it, the cab was in such poor and attached it to an old one-tonne Chevrolet truck, shape that it was taken off. It gave good service over owned by my dad. The main part of the plough con- the years and ended up as a skidder for firewood. I sisted of two eight-foot planks, eight inches thick and moved the rear wheels closer to the front and then cut 10 inches wide. These were braced together in a V- off a portion of each frame at the back. shape and shod with used grader blades. The front was then pushed under and chained to the front axle of the Ray Crook, aged 90, still lives in Invermere. His truck. Each wing was chained to the truck’s frame. brother Charley is deceased, but his sister-in-law The outfit worked surprisingly well as the old Fern Crook also lives in Invermere.

By Ray Crook, Invermere

Season’s Greetings to the Citizens, Services and Businesses of the Upper Columbia Valley

One of the real joys of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to say thank you and to wish you the very best for the new year.

Bill, Andrea, Meghan and Christine

#301, 1313 7th Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • Ph: (250) 342-3453 • Fax: (250) 342-3463

Have a holly, jolly Christmas! from everyone at…

1018 8th Avenue Invermere 250-342-3421

Season’s Greetings from

Robert D. Harvey & Co. Inc. CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANT 302 - 1313 7th Ave., Invermere V0A 1K0

250-342-0192

Season’s Greetings Thank you from all the staff at

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

With hopes you have a warm, cheerful Holiday Season filled with love and joy and that you enjoy peace, happiness, good health and good fortune throughout the coming year.

Irene, Anne, Shizu, Jean & Justin Futa

1229 – 7th Avenue • Ph: 250-342-9271 Toll Free: 1-888-433-3777

M A S S AG E

Wishing you and yours all the best during the Holiday Season and the coming New Year!

250-347-2460 • 1-866-458-0919

Check our Christmas calendar on Page 13 for all kinds of free holiday activities.

A balanced approach to health.

For an appointment call 250-342-1412 The management and staff of Skandia Concrete & Kootenay Paving would like to wish all of their friends and neighbours a wonderful holiday season.

Merry

Christmas!

44 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU • Drinking Water Systems • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration NEW Duct Cleaning Service Call (250) 342-5089 385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

FURNITURE QUALITY BY FURNITURE BUILDERS Contact Dale Elliott • 250-341-7098 www.kekulibaycabinetry.com

CLUB TOWING

• Snow Removal & Sanding • Trucking • Piles & Posts

Kari & John Mason

)&"7: "/% -*()5 508*/( "/% 3&$07&3: :FBST 4FSWJOH UIF 7BMMFZ

• All Grading • Under Slab work • Mini Track Hoe

780.970.7040 250.270.0821

Specializing in ALL types of stone!

• Residential • Commercial • Jesse Vader – Ken Johnson Call:

250.349.5564

4999 Eagle Brook Court • Riverside Golf Resort 250-345-9113 • Cell: 250-270-0058

Deep Connective Tissue/Fascia Bodywork Structural Balance

H E L L E R W O RK

Lambert

RV • Truck • Car Wash Open 7 days a week

Jean-Luc Cortat

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

CertiďŹ ed Hellerwork Practitioner @ Renaissance Wellness Centre Box 185 / 505 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • 342-2535

Lube Shop open Monday to Saturday RV Supplies open Monday to Saturday Sani-Dump

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

Phone 250-342-8774 1361 Industrial Rd. #4 Invermere, BC

Radermacher Chiropractic & Massage

Home Renovations and Completions Small Jobs Welcome

Simon Lichty

250.688.8800 www.methodcontracting.com

Dr. Margaret Radermacher, DC Chiropractor Gary Boyd Make Your Day Massage

Adrienne Yeardye, D.I. Hom. Classical Homeopathist

Phone: 250-342-8830

• New Roof • Re-Roof • Service and Inspections • Insured Servicing the Invermere and surrounding areas.

Cell: 250-342-1622 • Fax: 250-342-3799 Email: jrsadler@shaw.ca • Locally Owned and Operated • Guaranteed Workmanship • Free Estimates Our Specialties‌

250.341.5889

• Paving • Patching • Seal Coating • Saw Cutting • Grading • Site Prep • Road Building • Power Sweeping • Consulting • Project Management

250.688.3334

“TEMPORARY WORK AGENCY�

The Columbia Valley’s Manpower Solution Centre #7 – 1008, 8th Avenue, Invermere (right next to the Pioneer)

250-342-3478

“Serving the Columbia Valley�

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL

• Driveways • Parking Lots

CALL 250-341-5895 or 1-888-342-7284

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 45

December 19, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU NEW

Sewer/Drain Cleaning

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals • Complete sewer/drain repair • Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount • Speedy service - 7 days a week • A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 3-5 years • Avoid costly repairs

Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357

Gary Hogarth

DCS Plumbing & Heating • Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks 24 hour emergency service

341-8501

Senior Discount

Renovation Specialist at Large

• POOLS • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • FIREPLACES • BBQ’S • HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmere, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

(250) 342-7100 (250) 342-7103

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basement Development • Additions (Start to Finish) • Excavating also available.

250-342-1657

Fullyy Insured

Need Blinds? www.valleysolutions.ca • valleysolutions@shaw.ca

HOUSE CHECKING

Complete Automotive Repairs

window fashions

• Beverage Re-Stocking • Kitchen Re-Stocking • Clean-up • Handyman Chores • Complications • Details

JZ

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

Call Judy: (250) 341-1903

ng & Ltd. i t n i Pa ting a r o c De

Jay Gebara Co-Owner

Interior World

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

D&D POOLS and SPAS Commercial and Residential Installation - Maintenance - Repairs Duane Huether

250-341-POOL (7665)

Darren Ross

250-341-SPAS (7727)

NEW AND USED ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILES AND ATVS REPAIRS, PARTS, SALES, WARRANTY, FINANCING

8931 Hwy 93/95 RR#2 Invermere, BC V0A 1K2 poolman-911@hotmail.com

TRI

DEL Automation

YOUR HOME AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS Don Steedman Sales

Cell: 250-688-1047 Ofce: 250-341-3138

PO Box 767, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

250-342-5047 1-888-357-4449

• • • • • •

Commercial Residential Renovations Firestop Attic Upgrades Parkade Spray

Rob Smith • 250-342-5011 • 250-341-7272 • 1-866-513-9626 • www.frictioninsulation.com

46 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU NEED IT PAINTED? NO PROBLEM! We Paint it all ~ Residential & Commercial

• FREE Estimates • Locally Owned • Journeyman on every site

• Reasonable Pricing • Seniors Discounts

We aren’t the cheapest, JUST THE BEST!

Specializing in Pedicures & Massage

• 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

Shonese Hogarth Licensed Hairstylist Licensed Esthetician Licensed Massage Therapist Ask about Pedicure Parties 250-347-2244 shonese_hogarth@yahoo.com

Chalet Painting Contractors Call Now! 250-347-9315

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

Telephone: 342-3659

Jeff Watson

HAPPY FEET

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

Call NOW:

688-0213

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

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy Come in and browse our giftware

250.342.4426 Cell: 250.341.7227 Toll Free: 1.877.342.4426 Fax: 250.342.4427 redeye48@shawbiz.ca

Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm 1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

342-6612

next to Skookum Inn

1484 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, BC V0B 2L1

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

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

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

WINDERMERE 342-6805 red

e

ns

e Lic

d&

u Ins

Your Secret Weapon for Quality Construction Construction Supervisor

Maxime Perrin Tel: 250.688.3232 Fax: 250.347.6031

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO Automotive Repairs 7 days a week

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL Freight & Passenger Depot

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

(250) 347-9726

Quality Hand-crafted Steel • Structural Steel • Welding • Fabricating & Machining • Custom railings and ornamental iron #117 Industrial Rd. #2, Invermere, BC Ph: 250-342-9926 • Fax 250-341-3956 e-mail: txn@telus.net

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)

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 47

December 19, 2008

LETTERS Pigeon and Snowpatch pictured in Pioneer

Dear Editor: You could feel the ‘breath of fresh air’ in Kelsey Verboom’s pleasing photo gracing the Pioneer’s December 12th cover – though something seemed to be missing.

The photo was definitely taken amongst the grouping of 25 or so Purcell peaks normally called the Bugaboos, and though I suppose the phrase “Bugaboo Spires” (in the plural) could also be used to name this group, the Bugaboo Spire itself (in the singular) was not in the picture. It would have been off to the right of the two peaks shown on the cover.

Out of interest, the background peak on the left is Pigeon Spire, first climbed in 1930 by E. Cromwell and the guide P. Kaufmann. The lower, more massive-looking peak to the right, called Snowpatch Spire, did not receive its first ascent until after Conrad Kain’s death.

In Conrad’s writings we find: “In the year 1925. . . I made an attempt to reach the summit of (Snowpatch) but the odds were too heavy and I had to record my first defeat. I would not say that this peak is unclimbable because it proved too much for me; some day mountaineers who have more experience and knowledge will conquer this dignified-looking aiguille.”

And further, just a few months before his death (in a letter to a friend regarding a woman with whom he had corresponded) he asked: “And please send her a picture of ‘Snowpatch from the South,’ and write on it ‘The Mountain that Conrad Could NOT Climb’.”

That says more about the man than if he had climbed Snowpatch with ease, which he could not, with the equipment available at the time.

Parkside Place, Invermere BC Phone: 250-342-2543

STATION PUB Wishing you a

Happy New Year

from the management and staff.

1701 170 701 70 01 0 1 6th Avenue, Avenue venue, u Invermere Inverm Invve verrmer r ere re • 250-342-8346 250-342 25 2 50 0 34 34 42-83 2-8346 46

Arnor Larson Wilmer

Classified Deadline noon December 29th for January 2nd issue.

HERE TO SERVE YOU Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

250-342-0450

Excellent Security Measure Make it look like you’re home Kirk & Karen Davis Invermere BC Local and Residential Only. when you’re not!

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

Dean Hubman

Certified Technician

342-3052

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres.

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

Specializing in Custom Drapery, Blinds, Shutters & Flooring Residential & Commercial Interiors Brenda E. Werbisky, C.I.D., Interior Designer For appointment call

(403) 861-8782

brenda@soledecornmore.com

Serving Invermere and the Columbia Valley

HEAT PUMPS Sales and Service

Call today 250.342.1167

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

LICENSED

250-341-5096

48 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 49

December 19, 2008

Fewer visitors this summer, but they stayed longer

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Fewer people visited the Columbia Valley this summer – but they stayed longer, according to the area’s two visitor information centres.

Combined figures from Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and Radium Chamber of Commerce show that in June, July and August of 2008, 28,997 people came into the visitor centres.

For the same period in 2007, that figure was 32,951 visitors; and for the same three months in 2006, there were 32,108 visitors.

The 4,000-person drop, according to the managers of the visitor centres, can be largely attributed to the cost of gas, and the strength of the Canadian dollar.

“Our dollar was high so it wasn’t attractive for Americans this year – there was no incentive for them,” said Marie Birney, manager of the Columbia Valley visitor centre at the Invermere crossroads.

“We had 1,835 visitors from the U.S. this year, as opposed to 2,712 last year.”

She added that the same factors also meant that Canadians travelled south of the border more than usual this year.

Kent Kebe, manager of the Radium visitor centre, pointed out that the drop was most pronounced in August. “It is gas prices and the economy, mainly.

Every time you listen to the radio, it’s hitting someone else. The crunch really hit in August. People were becoming scared,” he said.

In August 2007, the centres had 13,244 visitors.

This year there were just 10,827.

But it’s certainly not all bad news. Both Marie and Kent said people stayed for longer periods this year.

“Camping was a big change this summer because

of gas prices,” Marie said. “People who were pulling trailers were staying longer. Previously they would have split their holiday up – one week here and another week somewhere else. Now, because of the cost of fuel, people have stayed longer. Wherever they decided their destination was, that’s where they stayed.”

The highest number of visitors are still coming from Alberta. This summer 4,612 Albertans visited the information centres.

“Albertan travel is still high, mostly because they have second homes here. They have kept our economy going for many years,” Marie said.

Kent said the drop in visitors is only temporary, and in fact we’ll probably see an increase next year.

“The troubled economy may actually benefit local tourism, because people may not go overseas,” he said.

“With all the turmoil in the east, people aren’t going as far from home.”

Of all the requests staff hears, advice on where to find a hiking trail is the top of the list.

“One of the biggest reasons people come in is to find out where they can go for a hike,” Kent said. “It’s something they don’t need to have hundreds of dollars of equipment for.”

Marie agreed. “It’s what people come to the mountains to do – it always has been,” she said. “In the Columbia Valley we have everything from easy hikes for older people, to two- or three-day hikes.”

By all reports, the great outdoors is the biggest drawing card to our valley.

“Outdoor recreation is the number one reason people come to the Columbia Valley,” Kent said.

“Whether they’re hiking, waterskiing, fishing or whatever. The view is amazing, the air is nice and clean . . . that’s why people come here, to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

Holiday Greetings

to all, and to all a good night.

Hwy. 93/95 • 250-342-2695

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR www.valleyhawk.com

250-688-HAWK

Licensed & Insured Invermere & Surrounding Areas

Season’s Seas Se Season ason’s s s Greetings Greeting ngs gss From the Village of Radium Hot Springs Council and Staff

from the management and staff of the

The Village is holding a birthday party celebration on New Year’s Eve. Festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. at the skating rink and will end with a fireworks display at 6:30 p.m. ments are provided. Donations t department are gratefully accep

Skookum Inn

In the new year, we’ll continue to bring you the friendliest service in the valley.

1470 Highway 93/95 • 250-342-6293

50 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

P ioneer C lassifieds ANNOUNCEMENT

storage

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

SUITE FOR RENT

house FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

Have a Real Tree Christmas!

Attention Contractors, Truckers, Etc. Secure yard with container for rent. Call 250-346-3011 or 250-342-2100.

House to share in Windermere.

Prefer mature woman. Call 250342-3630 or 403-389-9499.

3 bdrm main floor suite on 13th Avenue. All appliances, fireplace, Jacuzzi, $1375.00 inclusive, 250-270-0788, available immediately.

Available immediately 3 bdrm, partly furnished (if required) Fort Point family home.

Spacious, clean, only blocks to beach, park, tennis courts, and downtown. $1400/month + utilities. N/S, N/P, references, long-term available. Call 250342-3066, 250-342-3210, or 250-604-0694 (cell).

3 bdrm, 1 ½ bath, 1600 sq. ft. townhome in downtown Invermere for rent, w/garage, $1350/month. Call 250-3411182.

CHEERS & JEERS CHEERS: to Sabine and the staff at the Quality Bakery for the gingerbread workshops – what a wonderful experience!

CHEERS: to me! I am not sooo old. I only considered , for a moment to call local RCMP on “ZEE” Swiss snowmobile road race & 4X4 ditch drivin’ which took place Friday night around midnight to wee hours of the morning. At LEAST yer were not yodelling – but how does one get a St. Bernard dog out of a hot tub!

JEERS: to the hunters who continuously throw carcasses behind Munn Lake in Wilmer.

JEERS: to the fools who are now throwing their garbage behind Munn Lake in Wilmer. You are ruining it for the rest of us.

JEERS: to the person (you know who are) who stole my camera from my house. You have pictures of my grandchild.

Shame on you! If you need my camera that badly, please at least give me back my disk. MC

DOG OBITUARY Good-bye my Gigi. Thank you for the 10 years of companionship and love you shared with us. We will miss you!!!

storage

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637

Double garage for rent in Windermere, $150/month.

Call 250-342-3630 or 403-3899499.

380 square foot garage available Jan. 1st. Great contractor location. Call Mom’s Upholstery, 250-342-0355.

COMMERCIAL SPACE Prime retail or office space available immediately at Prestige in Radium. Please contact Kelly, 250-347-2300, Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Invermere Fantastic Location!

1000 sq ft up to 3000 sq ft possible! Excellent parking, private decks facing south overlooking Lake Windermere & the Rocky Mountains.

Consultants, therapists, doctors, dentists, accountants, architects, food & bev? Many options. Contact Bonnie-Lou, 250-342-6899 or email escape@ sunsationsdayspa.com or www. sunsationsdayspa.com May consider compatible tenant to share space with Sunsations Day Spa! Very busy intersection, excellent location!!! Great parking! Huge private deck facing south overlooking lake Windermere & the rocky mountains! Newly renovated.

Attention: all therapists, doctors, naturopath or Chinese doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, architects, accountants, business consultants. If you are a happy positive professional & are passionate at what you do, I may be willing to share my space with you. Contact Bonnie-Lou, 250-688-7798 or email escape@ sunsationsdayspa.com or www. sunsationsdayspa.com

SUITE FOR RENT CONTRACTORS: Self-contained cabins by the week or month.

(250) 345-6365 Fairmont Bungalows.

Affordable accommodation in Radium. $425.00 and up. Call 250-341-7022.

WALK TO DOWNTOWN & KINSMEN BEACH. Spacious, clean 2 bdrm basement suite, separate entrance, 4 appliances, backyard amenities, N/P, N/S, references/deposit required. $900/month utilities included.

Available Jan.16th , 250-3427590.

Invermere 2-bdrm walk-out, utilities, hydro, cable TV, W/D included. Bright & very clean!

Available Feb. 1st . N/P or partiers, quiet single or working couple, $1100, long-term! 250688-7798.

Radium, 2 bdrm suite, W/D, fridge, stove and dishwasher included, $800/month + utilities, 250-342-5129 or 250341-3659.

Affordable accommodation in Invermere, $700.00 and up.

Furnished, utilities and some housekeeping/laundry service included. Call 250-342-6618.

Downtown Radium, 3 bdrm upstairs apartment, $950.00 + DD, 5 appliances. Call 250-3476420 or 250-341-1577.

Downtown Radium, unique 2 bdrm apartment, $900.00 + DD, utilities included, smoking outside. Call 250-347-6420 or 250-341-1577. Available Jan. 1st .

house FOR RENT

FOR RENT Contact

250-342-5914 for seasonal or long term rentals or go online at

www.EricRedeker.com “Available Now”

1757 Fort Point Close.

Outstanding 3 bdrm, 3 bath executive home. Beautiful yard, steps to beach, park, downtown.

Suitable for mature, responsible long-term tenants, $1500/ month + utilities, available Feb. 1st . Phone 250-341-7092, please leave message.

Windermere 3 bdrm house, 2 bath, propane heat and woodstove. $1300/month + utilities, 250- 498-6298.

5 bdrm house in Windermere, $1900/month. Call 250-3423630 or 403-389-9499.

Edgewater, 3 bdrm house, partly furnished, $1500/month + utilities, N/P, N/S, references, long-term. Available Feb. 1st , 250-341-8779.

Timber Ridge Phase 3, 1400 sq. ft., 3 bdrm, 2 bath, N/S, N/P, access to private beach, tennis court, $1400/month + util. + DD, references required, available immediately, 403685-3134, 403-615-3134 (cell).

Available immediately, yearround newly renovated 2 bdrm mobile home in Windermere.

4 appliances, large lot, N/P, references, 250-342-5201.

condo FOR RENT Lakeview Meadows 3 bdrm, fully furnished unit with gorgeous mountain view, $1500/month + util. Available February 1st , heidilp2005@gmail.com 2 bdrm, 2 bath + den condo in Radium. Granite countertops, fireplace, hardwood floors, top floor, wrap around balcony, newly furnished, short or longterm. Call 403-861-7754.

2 bdrm, 2 bath condo in Pinewood, Radium. Top floor, corner unit, fireplace. $1000/ month, includes util, avail.

Immediately, 403-560-5603.

Canal Flats, 3 bdrm townhouse.

N/S, N/P, references, longterm, $900/month + utilities.

Available immediately, 250341-8779.

1 bdrm, fully furnished condo for long-term rental in Sable Ridge Resort, Radium. Built in 2007, the condo is fully furnished with Penthouse furniture, fully stocked with all amenities, has gourmet kitchen with 4 appliances, eating bar and dining table. Stone gas fireplace, queen bed, full bath, TV, DVD, 3rd floor patio with BBQ. Full use of hot tub, pool in summer, and club house. Underground parking and storage. To view pictures go to www.ownradium.com). Long term rental. $995/month plus phone and cable. Available in December. Call Karen 403-2836662.

Sable Ridge, 2 bdrm, 2 bath + den, granite, A/C, pool, hot tub, heated underground parking, $1195/month. Call Roger 403256-0694 or 403-650-5503.

2 bdrm Invermere condo, available Jan. 1st , 250-3415534.

house FOR sale HERITAGE RANCH HOUSE, completely renovated house on 2.5 acres located outside of Windermere, in Elkhorn Country Estates, an exclusive private gated community, one of only 11 estates included in phase I. 4 bdrm, 2 bath, security system, working shutters, all services underground, all furniture included, $485,000.00. Phone Elkhorn Ranch at 250-342-0617 or 250-342-1268.

Property Auction. Your personal home, recreation or business venture. 16 acres, mountain stream, 5200 sq, ft, home, second home plus more. Full info and picture propertyguys. com 166018 or call owners, 250-422-3174 for details and viewing. Bidding until December 30, 2008. All realtors welcome.

Beautiful house in Radium. Well suited for investment, vacation, or home, with legal walk-out secondary suite. 3200 sq. ft. finished interior area, 700 sq. ft. with covered deck and patio, 600 sq. ft. double garage/shop.

5 bdrm, 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, reading nook/office, media room, dining nook, open loft and 3 livingrooms. Open concept with high end wood finishing throughout. Far too many details and features to list.

A must see! $595,000.00, 250342-5159.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 51

December 19, 2008

P ioneer C lassifieds house FOR sale

ACREAGES/LOTS FOR SALE

Misc. for Sale

Misc. for Sale

services

CAREERs

Professionally renovated 2 bedroom home in Canal Flats, garage, storage shed, full basement. Perfect starter or recreational home, $202,000.00.

Call 250-345-6591.

Take advantage of highly motivated seller. Lot 14 (The Cabins) Creekside Crescent, Panorama, BC. Must sell, asking $175,000. Submit your offer now! Visit GeoffHill.ca or call Geoff, 250-341-7600. MaxWell Realty Invermere.

Support “Rockies” Hockey. Pine, fir & poplar – dry & split. To order call 250-342-6908.

Sears Nordic Track Elliptical Trainer. 2 years old, barely used, excellent condition. Paid $800.00, will sell for $650.00, 250-347-9093.

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

Phone 250-341-8033 cell or 250-342-8474 home. Not on valley time.

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

Apply in person to Invermere Petro-Canada.

COLUMBIA VALLEY ROCKIES are looking for odd jobs or part-time work.

Call the coach @ 250-688-1515.

Hauling, yard work, no job too big or too small!

Housekeeper required. Fulltime, part-time at Fairmont Bungalows. Call 250-345-6365, fax 250-345-6348, or email bungalows@shaw.ca

CONDO FOR SALE The highest 1 Bdrm available at Panorama. Springs 312 offers quiet mountain views, ski-in/out and best access to pools. Asking $163,900.00.

Visit GeoffHill.ca or call Geoff, 250-341-7600. MaxWell Realty Invermere.

MOBILE HOME FOR SALE

Adjoining C1 lots in Tretheway Beach subdivision, Windermere.

2 @ 60’ x100’, 1 @ 105’ x 100’.

Private beach, park, playground, marina and boat stall. Will sell all or part, 250-342-7111.

RESORT PROPERTIES FOR SALE

2002 mobile home, 2 bdrm, 2 bath. White Tail Manufactured home Park, $125,000.00. Call 250-342-5419.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden www.adlerdevelopment.ca 250-344-8447 billy@adlerdevelopment.ca

ACREAGES/LOTS FOR SALE

PETS

Spectacular Private Gated Acreage One of only 10 prestigious 3 plus acre estate lots in this private community. On a hill with 360 degree mountain views, minutes from Windermere beach. See welist. com Invermere. 250-342-5367.

Golden Retriever/German Shepherd cross puppies require loving home. Call 250-6881157.

Misc. for Sale Have a Real Tree Christmas!

house for sale

FOR SALE BY OWNER

Luxury Alpine Villa at Castle Rock Estates 24 2600 Riverrock Way, Invermere

Top quality Hay, Alfalfa, grass mix, round bales $140/bale. Call Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-0617.

Salon/ Spa Equipment Sale: 3 pedestal pedicure chairs $250 ea. Adjustable aesthetics chair $200, 3 cutting capes (2 black, 1 brown) $10 ea. 3 large poster frames $20 ea. 4 hourglass shaped mirrors 4x2 ½’ $40 ea. 3 bins of perm rods (blue/yellow, orange/peach, purple) $10 ea, round adjustable stool $20. Call 250-342-1143.

Firewood, fir/pine, cut, split, delivered, $250/cord, $150/ half cord, 250-342-5118.

Looking for that special gift for Christmas? How about a hand crafted bamboo fly rod. Comes with 2 tips & hexagon wooden rod case. Or how about a custom built lap steel guitar. Call 250342-6722 for details.

Like new GE washer and dryer, used only 2 years, $500.00 for the pair, 250-342-2274.

Wood/oil combination furnace.

Ideal for home or shop. Asking $500.00 OBO. Also bargain on oil $200.00. Hand pump out or take tank, 250-342-6790.

36” Leclerc 4-harness floor loom with bench, three reeds, shuttles, books and magazines, $600.00. Barb, 250-347-7757.

A Fly in the Microwave…

Priced to sell at

499,000 Call 403- 818-5330

$

Fun on the farm When no ones around Funny stories about the Windermere Valley. $20. soft cover 230 pages 250-342-4400 or www.flamingsteel.com

public notice Vehicle to be sold under the Warehousemen’s Lien Act by D. Clowers, dba Club Towing.

2005 Black Dodge SRT 4 door Vin # 1B3ES66S45D138976.

Date of Sale:

January 2, 2009 Location of Sale: 455 Borden Street, Athalmer, BC (Club Towing Compound) Time of Sale: 5:01 PM Name of Debtor: D. Clowers, dba Club Towing Amount of Debt: $2,479.18

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1994 Ford ¾ ton 4x4, extended cab, diesel, standard, 285,000 km, recent receipts exceeding $5000.00, $8000.00, 250-3425118.

REPAINT MAKES SENSE Experienced, professional.

Quality work guaranteed.

References, 250-342-7352.

Flooring Installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood.

30 years experience. Call 250347-9192 or 250-341-1235.

ASSISTED CARE AID Experienced and compassionate; certified.

Available short or long-term.

Call 250-342-7352.

WANTED on-site handyman to coordinate project/exchange for rent. First phase to upgrade 3 – 2 bdrm cottages in remote setting near Radium. Call 780485-5166, fax 780-485-5140.

Experienced bobcat operator/ labourer required for year-round work. Drivers abstract required.

Call John, 780-970-7040.

Farside Pub in Fairmont accepting applications for experienced cooks and servers.

Fax resume to 250-342-0341.

vehciles for sale

2003 Chevy Venture extended van. 1 owner, excellent condition, low mileage, remote start, 2 sliding doors (1 automatic), seats 7, driver seat automatic, 5 folding seats for large cargo, electric windows, air, extra inside plugs, steering wheel controls. Includes C/D, DVD player. Asking $9000.00 OBO, 250-344-5160.

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

BUSINESS FOR SALE Light & Heavy Auto Towing Business for sale. We have 2 large 30 ton tow & recovery units, 1- 3 ton tow recovery unit, all related towing & recovery equipment. Have served in the Columbia Valley for 13 years.

Interested parties only, please call 250-342-9551

N E W S PA P E R

For all your advertising needs, call Dave at 250-341-6299

52 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Turn off your engines – idling hurts!

Submitted by Natasha Ewing B.C. Ministry of Environment Many of us are already yielding to the urge to warm our vehicles up to the point of being compact mobile saunas! However, extended winter idling is not a necessary component of winter driving. Maybe we need to ask ourselves: am I idling because the vehicle needs to warm up, or because I need to be warm?

Vehicle idling wastes money and gas, causes significant wear and tear on the engine, and emits almost two times the amount of pollution of driving.

The soupy opaque cloud of fumes that comes from the exhaust in temperatures below -20°C is not only unhealthy to breathe, but obscures the driver’s view. It can also contribute to the formation of black ice.

For gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured since 1998, operators should only idle their vehicles in winter for 30 seconds to one minute or until the windows are clear and it is safe to drive. Vehicles manufactured before 1998 may need an extra minute or two of idling.

In order to reduce idling, follow these tips: • Scrape off the windows with a snow scraper before starting the engine.

• Use a block heater 30-60 minutes before you plan to use your vehicle.

• Open your window a crack or keep the heat off until the vehicle is warm to help windows from fogging up.

• Insulate windshields overnight to avoid frosty windows (i.e. a blanket) • Park in a garage or under cover if possible.

• Wear warm clothes (no reason for excessive idling).

• Diesels should be plugged in overnight or at least 30 minutes before use.

• Replace all season tires with certified winter tires.

• Drive 50 km/h or less for the first five to 10 minutes.

• Check tire pressure as weather begins to cool (temperatures reduce tire pressures, which in turn increases fuel consumption).

• Review owner’s manual for specific vehicle needs.

For more information, visit www.idlefreebc.ca, or contact Natasha Ewing at 250-919-4810.

Ktunaxa

FAMILY S

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6

E

Kinbasket

International Student Program

ES

CHILD

ND

IC RV

Come and be part of our dynamic and history making organization.

We continue to build our capacity to assist in the care of Aboriginal children and to respond to the needs of clients of Aboriginal descent (First Nations, Metis and Inuit).

A

P ioneer C lassifieds 2005 Premier’s Award of Excellence Nominee

RECONNECTION WORKERS Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services Society currently seeks the talent and skills of a Reconnection Worker for a full time position who will provide service in the Cranbrook/Creston/Invermere area. This work involves assisting aboriginal children and families to explore their roots and identity in an effort to help them heal. Often these families have been separated through adoption, foster care or family crisis.

Qualifications: • Extensive knowledge and/or experience working with Aboriginal people. Persons with Ktunaxa language and cultural skills will be given preference.

• The ability to work independently but also work in a team setting.

• Preference will be given to a candidate that has two years of post secondary education in a social services/helping field.

• Candidate will need a valid driver’s license, vehicle.

THERAPISTS/COUNSELLORS We are seeking the talents of skilled therapists for contracted hours throughout the East Kootenays. If you have a Master’s degree in a field related to counselling and have a passion for assisting families to be the best they can be, we want to hear from you. Hours of work,office location and pay are all negotiable. Join us and be part of a team that loves what they do.

Closing date for all positions: January 7, 2009

Assistant Sales Manager/ Training Co-ordinator required by a progressive company in the vacation industry.

Our business is expanding and we require an individual with excellent credentials in this position.

Must have: • Minimum 10 years active, ongoing experience in like position in the vacation industry.

• Intimate knowledge of RCI points program and conversion process.

• Significant background experience in fractional real estate sales.

Sales Professionals Are you a sales professional with a high closing ratio and looking for change?

We have a lead list but we need results oriented closers!

Best Product! Best Prices! Best Location!

HOMESTAYS NEEDED

School District No. 6 (Rocky Mt.) requires host families in Invermere to accommodate International students for David Thompson Secondary School immediately and also for January 2009. Placement until June 2009. Host families provide a family environment with a private bedroom, three meals a day, a study area, transportation assistance and high speed internet access.

Remuneration of $600.00 per month per child is paid for hosting a student.We need your support now! Homestays are required to submit a criminal records check.

If interested please contact Lori Sluth (Homestay Coordinator Invermere) at 250-346-3377

Pioneer Deadlines

If you have experience selling fractional/ timeshare real estate or similar type of product and are results oriented we’d like to talk to you.

Our office will be closed for the holidays starting Saturday, December 20th, and reopening Monday, December 29th.

Please send your resume in confidence to Jack@fairmontridge.ca or fax it to 250-345-0078 attn Jack Kilroe.

Our deadline for advertising in the January 2nd issue is noon Monday, December 29th.

•The Pioneer•

Leave a message at 250-341-6299 or email upioneer@telus.net to book your ad space.

For detailed job descriptions, and to learn how to appy, please visit: www.ktunaxa.org/employment

The valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 53

December 19, 2008

Protect your pets from winter’s wrath Submitted by BC SPCA With temperatures expected to drop well below freezing in many parts of the province in the coming days, the BC SPCA urges pet guardians to ensure their animals are safe and warm.

“Cold weather poses serious risks to our pets,” said Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA. “People should take steps to ensure their animals are appropriately cared for by bringing them indoors and if that isn’t possible to make sure they have insulated housing that is protected from winds.”

The SPCA is vehemently opposed to keeping dogs permanently outdoors; however, some pet guardians still favour this practice. In this case, the dog must have shelter that protects him from heat, cold and dampness and is appropriate to his weight and coat. To accomplish this, the shelter should be elevated, insulated, ventilated and regularly cleaned.

It must also allow him to sit, stand, lie down and turn around freely and easily.

Ensure he has ready access to fresh water; since animals burn more calories in cold weather, your dog may also require more food at this time of year.

When walking dogs, special attention should

be paid to cleaning the pads of dogs’ feet as snow and ice can irritate the foot pads. Road salt can also contribute to irritation, and ingesting the salt when pets lick their paws can lead to health issues. The SPCA recommends using pet friendly, non-corrosive de-icing compounds.

Other winter pet tips include ensuring you are using pet-safe, propylene-based antifreeze. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is extremely toxic to pets and wildlife – a mere tablespoon enough to kill a cat or dog.

It is also smart to thump the hood of your vehicle before starting it, in case an animal seeking warmth has crawled into the motor compartment.

To place your Community Classified call The Pioneer at 250-341-6299 or toll free 1-866-669-9222 classifieds@bccommunitynews.com www.communityclassifieds.ca

Automotive

Career Training

Employment Opportunities

For Sale Misc.

Miscellaneous

Start Rebuilding Your Credit! Need a truck, car, SUV or van? Huge selection! All makes and models!

Best rates! Call Bob 1-877-6663673 or visit bobthecreditbuilder. com.

TRAIN FOR A NEW CAREER in medical transcription. Train from home! Work from home!

Contact CanScribe today for a free information package. 1-800-4661535, www.canscribe.com, info@ canscribe.com.

INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC & Controls Ltd. is currently hiring an Instrumentation Manager and Journeyman Instrumentation Mechanic for our oilfield operations at Fort Nelson, British Columbia. For more information send inquiries or resume to careers@iecgroup.ca.

ADD AND SAVE on home phone reconnection. Bad credit - no problem! Up to $30. off for new customers, plus lower monthly rates! Call Tembo 1-877-266-6398 or sign up online www.tembo.ca.

Financial Services

WAREHOUSE JOBS- Morning/ afternoon shifts. Annacis Island.

Hiring Shippers/Receivers.

Competitive wages based on previous experience. Fax resume to 604-540-0266.

WHO IS YOUR TARGET MARKET? Reach 2.5 million readers throughout BC and the Yukon or 11 million readers nationwide.

Community Classifieds. Contact us at classifieds@bccommunitynews. com or 1-866-669-9222. www. bccommunitynews.com

TIMESHARE FORECLOSURES—Save 60-80% off Retail! Best Resorts & Seasons! Call for free catalogue today! 1-800-597-9347. Browse hundreds of worldwide properties online—www.holidaygroup.com/ bcn.

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Good credit, poor credit, divorced, first time buyers, self employed, bankrupt. We finance in-house OAC. Call our credit specialist 1-800-9161723. www.secondchancefinance.ca # #1 IN CREDIT REBUILDING. Need a car, truck, van or SUV? Auto Credit Fast. Bad credit! No credit!

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Free delivery anywhere –www. autocreditfast.ca.

COME TO THE RIGHT place to buy a new/used vehicle. What ever your credit, we finance the future not the past. Delivery B.C./Alberta. www.drivehomenow.com or 1888-501-1148.

Business Opportunities MONEY MAKER - Local route, no selling on your part. For more info call 1-866-821-2569.

WORK AT HOME ONLINE - Start a real home-based business. Work when you want. Apply online and start today! www.wfhbc.com

Education BECOME A VETERINARY ASSISTANT in 24 weeks at Granville Business College. Specializing in veterinary assistant diplomas for 15 years.

Classes every 3 months. www.vetassistant.com, 604-683-8850.

APARTMENT/CONDO Manager Course. Certified home-study training. 40 jobs currently registered! Thousands of grads working. Government registered.

29 years of success. Information: www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

Employment Opportunities

JOIN AN EXCITING, FUN COMPANY!!

One World United is looking for sales people throughout Canada!

Our product is easy to sell and we provide full training! No investment required to earn a six figure income working from home! Looking for dedicated, hard working and honest people to work with us. Part/FullTime, salary plus commission for those selected. Please send resume to: jeff@oneworldunited.com or 110 Longford Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2N 1S9.

$500$ LOAN SERVICE, by phone, no credit refused, quick and easy, payable over 6 or 12 installments.

Toll Free: 1-877-776-1660.

For Sale Misc.

NEW FULLY LOADED COMPUTER $29.99/month! In-house financing everyone’s approved. Right to your doorstep from only $29.99/month: MDG Desktop Intel Processor, 2 GB Memory, 500 GB HD, 22” LCD Flat Panel, Windows Vista or 15.4” Notebook! Bonus 20” LCD TV with DVD! (*Call for conditions) 1-800236-2504.

A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE - Get Your First Month Free. Bad credit, don’t sweat it. No deposits. No credit checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines today toll-free 1-866-8847464.

AT LAST! An iron filter that works.

IronEater! Fully patented Canada/ U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, sulfur, smell, manganese from well water. Since 1957. Phone 1-800-BIG IRON; www.bigirondrilling.com.

Help Wanted

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Loans 0$ ARE YOU SINKING IN DEBT? 1st, 2nd & 3rd Mortgages - Bruised Credit - Bank Turndowns - Debt Consolidation - Refinancing - Power of Sale - Past Bankrupt – Home Renovations. We can lend a Hand. www.canadalend.com. Toll-free 1 (866) i CAN LEND (1-866-4226536) CALL NOW!

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Personals DATING SERVICE. Long-term/ Short-term relationships, free calls! 1-866-512-8367. Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes 1-866-573-0914. Live adult casual conversations -1on1, 1-866-5227131. Meet on chat-lines. Local single ladies 1-866-512-9083 (18+).

Recreational Property For Sale

“BUILDING SALE!”....”Rock bottom prices.” BEAT NEXT INCREASE. 25X40 $6,190. 30X50 $7,295. 35X60 $12,400. 40X60 $15,330. 60x100 $36,800. OTHERS! Pioneer Steel Manufacturers. 1-800-668-5422.

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•The Pioneer• The valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper

54 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FIREW EW WO ORKS ORKS RKS KS Wilmer Wil ilm mer e

Thursday, TThu Th hu urrsd u da ayyy,, December a D Dece De eccce e ember e em ber 244thh Coffee C ffee & Treats: TTrrre reats: eat atts: tss 6:00 6:00 0 p.m.

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December 19, 2008

This year, I’ll be home for Christmas

Submitted by Lisa M. Rohrick, Invermere

After spending eight of the last nine Christmases in Africa, this year I’ll be home for Christmas.

One day last December I went for a swim at the American Rec Centre in Niamey, Niger, where I had a membership. I finished my lengths and headed for the change room, noticing on the way that the staff was preparing for a Christmas party in the large courtyard beside the pool.As I changed, I heard them setting up the sound system and testing the microphones. And then I heard Anne Murray’s unmistakable voice wafting through the air singing, “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” I hadn’t even been thinking about Christmas that day, until I heard this voice from home, a voice I grew up with, singing that song. The tears started as it hit me that, once again, I would be home only in my dreams.

Sometimes I felt a bit sorry for myself over there.

But I still had something to celebrate. And celebrate I did. My first couple of Christmases in Africa were harder. I missed all the traditions of Christmas from my childhood. No turkey. No decorated stores. No Christmas music on the radio. No choirs. No snow.

There’s something not quite right about Christmas in the summer!

I remember well my second Christmas in Africa. I had spent the day with my Canadian teammates and we had a nice time. Before turning in that night, I sat for awhile in front of my wee little tree, listening to Christmas carols and watching the lights try to flicker some joy into my lonely heart. A familiar carol interrupted my pity party: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”

Best wishes to you and yours during the Christmas Season from everyone at

That’s what Christmas is all about. Sure, we can enjoy all the other things—decorating trees, making cookies, eating way too much, exchanging gifts, going to parties, etc. But at the end of the day, those things don’t bring real joy. We go home hollow and empty and wonder what it’s all for.

The Lord is come! One of the names of Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” That’s why we celebrate. If we take Him out of our celebrations, we’re left with some fun, but not a lasting joy.

While I’m thinking of favourite Christmas carols, let me throw in “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” The first verse ends with the line, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

People are carrying around a lot of hopes and fears these days. Between declining stock markets, fears of unemployment, concern of what’s happening in Ottawa and who is going to lead our country into 2009 and beyond, there isn’t much encouragement in the news. These are the things that lead to sleepless nights, which in turn lead to a variety of physical problems. A recent clip on the evening news featured a psychologist who spoke of growing stress and even despair in the population.

So why do I bring this up in the season of good cheer? Because the good news of the season is that the hopes and fears of 2008 were met in the little town of Bethlehem the night Jesus was born. The angels announced to a group of shepherds that night, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” We don’t have to face financial and political worries alone because God is with us.

The Prince of Peace came to give us real hope, a hope that will not disappoint.

That’s worth celebrating, with or without the traditions of a Canadian Christmas. This year I’m happily singing along with Anne as she croons, “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” But next year, back in Africa, I’ll still be able to celebrate because God is with us.

Have a Merry

from the staff at

Invermere Physiotherapy Clinic 1317 - 7th Ave. Invermere

342-0415

Christmas

(250)

342-4400 Cell 342-1700

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 55

December 19, 2008

Valley Churches

FAITH

Accept the Christmas invitation

By Trevor Hagan Lake Windermere Alliance Church I love to receive Christmas cards in the mail, especially when they come with a letter telling me how the year has been.

But I must admit there is something I like even more than receiving Christmas cards, and that is to receive an invitation to a Christmas party! I love to hear those words, “Come and join us as we celebrate.”

This year, as I have been reading the Christmas story, there is an invitation that I have noticed in a fresh way.

The invitation is given to everyday, ordinary shepherds out in the fields.

We are told about the shepherds and their invitation in Luke 2:8-20.

Here are a bunch of guys minding their own business, taking care of their flocks, when all of a sudden an angel appeared to them with some information and an invitation.

“Do not be afraid,” the angel says. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

At this point we assume the Baby Jesus has been

born in the small town of Bethlehem. The only people who would have known to this point were Mary, Joseph and maybe some of the folks within hearing – and the shepherds who have been given a special invitation.

What makes this invitation extraordinary is the fact that within the culture of the day, these people would have been the dirtiest, lowest people of society.

Shepherds were really outcasts in Israel. Their work not only made them ceremonially unclean, but it kept them away from the temple for weeks at a time so that they could not be made clean.

It is to these people that the angel brings news of the birth of the Saviour of the world.

They are invited in a supernatural way to witness Immanuel, God with us, the baby Jesus.

Then a choir of angels appears to confirm the invitation and sing the praises of the Christ Child. What a show!

When the show was over, what did the shepherds decide to do? They chose to go and see this baby that was born. When they arrived, they found a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger! It happened just as the angel said.

My question as I read this story again is: why shepherds? Why not priests or scribes?

By visiting the shepherds, the angel revealed the grace of God toward mankind.

The invitation is given to all, starting with the poor and lowly and extending to the whole world.

Come, come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Christ was born for you, as well.

May you find the Grace of God that is freely given this Christmas season.

FREE

Lake Windermere Alliance Church December 21st: Worship and life instruction.

“Away in a Manger.” Pastor Trevor ministering.

Sunday School, pre-school to Grade 7, during service.

For sermons online: www.sermon.net/lwac Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 -10th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-9535 Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED December 21st: 8:30 a.m. Communion at All Saints, Edgewater 10:30 a.m. Communion at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6644 www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com Valley Christian Assembly Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship and Word.

Children’s Church provided during the message.

7 p.m. Wednesday: Adult and Children’s Programs Pastor T. Scott Peterson • 4814 Highway 93/95, 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday: 5 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Canal Flats 7 p.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere Sunday: 9 a.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium Father Jim McHugh • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6167 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 Worship service Sunday 10 a.m.

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Worship Service, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

• Relief Society, Noon.

President Barry Pratt • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792

Selkirk TV & Appliance • Kitchenaid • Inglis • Whirlpool • Roper

Panasonic Pioneer Cell Phones Electronics & Service Christian Books, Music & Misc.

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For all Christmas services, see Page 13.

Stay organized in the new year with beautiful calendars and planners.

INVERMERE CHRISTIAN SUPPLIES

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56 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 19, 2008

Rediscover the Emotion of Motion.

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